The Institution of Christian Religion

Now if out of fear do spring that carefulness, whereof he had spoken before, then we see with what linking they ⟨image 211⟩hang together. It seemeth to me that he hath used this word Desire •or diligence in our duty and ready cheerfulness to obey, whereunto the acknowledging of our own faults ought chiefly to provoke us. And thereunto also belongeth zeal, which he joineth immediately next unto it. For it signifieth a ferventness, wherewith we be kindled when we be spurred forward with these pricking thoughts: what have I done? whether had I thrown my self headlong, if the mercy of God did not help me? The last of all is punishment, for the more rigorous that we be to our selves, and the streightlier that we examine our own sins, so much the more we ought to trust that God is favourable and merciful unto us. And truly it is not possible, but that the soul being stricken with horror of the judgement of God, must needs do some execution in the punishing of it self. Truly the godly ho••e what punishments are shame, confusion, mourning, loathing of themselves, & other affections that spring out of earnest acknowledging of sins. But let us remember that there is a measure to be kept, that sorrow do not swallow us up, because nothing more readily happeneth to fearful consciences than falling to despair. And also by that crafty mean whom so ever Satan findeth overthrown with dread of God, he more and more drowneth them in the gulf of sorrow, that they may never rise up again. Truly the fear can not be to great which endeth with humility, and departeth not from hope of pardon. But alway (as the Apostle teacheth) the sinner must beware,¹ that while he move himself to the loathing of himself, he despair not, oppressed with to great fear, for so do we flee away from God which calleth us in him by repentance.² Upon which point this lesson of Bernard is very profitable: Sorrow for sins is necessary, if it be no• continual. I counsel you sometime to return your fault from grievous and painful remembrance of your own ways, and to […] up to the plain ground of cheerful remembrance of benefits of God. Let us mingle honey with worm wood, that the wholesome tternesse may bring us health, when it shall be drunk tempered w sweetness. And if ye think of your selves in humility, think also of the Lord in goodness.