2.  Listen then, O ye children of righteousness, to John’s exhortation when he says, Make straight the way of the Lord.  Take away all obstacles and stumbling-blocks, that ye may walk straight onward to eternal life.  Make ready the vessels So in § 15, the soul is regarded as a vessel for receiving grace. of the soul, cleansed by unfeigned faith, for reception of the Holy Ghost.  Begin at once to wash your robes in repentance, that when called to the bride-chamber ye may be found clean.  For the Bridegroom invites all without distinction, because His grace is bounteous; and the cry of loud-voiced heralds assembles them all:  but the same Bridegroom afterwards separates those who have come in to the figurative marriage.  O may none of those whose names have now been enrolled hear the words, Friend, how camest thou in hither, not having a wedding garment Matt. xxii. 12.?  But may you all hear, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou wast faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many things:  enter thou into the joy of thy lord Matt. xxv. 21..