The Soul's Conflict with Itself

One seasonable truth falling upon a prepared heart, hath oftentimes a sweet and strong operation; Luther confesseth that having heard a grave Divine Staupicius say, that that is kind repentance which begins from the love of God, ever after that time the practise ⟨p. 198⟩of repentance was sweeter to him. This speech of his likewise took well with Luther, that in doubts of predestination, we should begin from the wounds ¹of Christ, that is, from the sense of Gods love to us in Christ, we should arise to the grace given us in election before the world was.²

One seasonable truth falling upon a prepared heart, hath oftentimes a sweet and strong operation; Luther confesseth that having heard a grave Divine Staupicius say, that that is kinde repentance which begins from the love of God, ever after that time the practise ⟨p. 198⟩of repentance was sweeter to him. This speech of his likewise tooke well with Luther, that in doubts of predestination, we should beginne from the wounds ¹of Christ, that is, from the sense of Gods love to us in Christ, wee should arise to the grace given us in election before the world was.²

1. 1Doctrinae praedestinationis incipit a vulneribus Christi.
2. 22. Tim. 1. 9

The putting of lively colours upon common truths hath oft a strong working both upon the fancy, and our will and affections: the spirit is refreshed with fresh things, or old truths refreshed; this made the Preacher seek to