Directions and persuasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…Directions and perswasions to a sound conversion for prevention of that deceit and damnation…

I. There is a Preparatory Humiliation that goes before a saving change, which yet is not to be despised, because it is a drawing somewhat nearer unto God, though it be not a faithful closure with him. This Preparatory Humiliation, which many have that perish, doth chiefly consist in these things following. 1o It lieth most in the Fear of being damned: As it is most in the Passions, so most in this of Fear. 2o. It consisteth also in some apprehension of the greatness of our sins, and the wrath of God, that ⟨p. 120⟩hangs over our heads, and the danger that we are in of being damned for ever. 3o. It consisteth also in some apprehensions of the folly, that we are guilty of in sinning, and of some Repentings that ever we did it, and some remorse of Conscience for it. 4o. Hereto may be joined some Passions of Sorrow, and this expressed by groans and tears. 5o. And all this may be accompanied with Confessions of sin to God and man, and Lamentations for our misery, and in some it proceedeth to desperation it self. 6o. And lastly it may proceed to an indignation against our selves, and to the taking of a severe revenge on our selves, yea, more then God would have men take; as Judas did by self-destroying. This desperation, and self-execution are no parts of the Preparatory Humiliation; but the excess, and error of it, and the entrance upon Hell.

I. There is a Preparatory Humiliation that goes before a saving change, which yet is not to be despised, because it is a drawing somewhat neerer unto God, though it be not a faithfull closure with him. This Preparatory Humiliation, which many have that perish, doth chiefly consist in these things following. 1o It lieth most in the Fear of being damned: As it is most in the Passions, so most in this of Feare. 2o. It consisteth also in some apprehension of the greatness of our sinnes, and the wrath of God, that ⟨p. 120⟩hangs over our heads, and the danger that we are in of being damned for ever. 3o. It consisteth also in some apprehensions of the folly, that we are guilty of in sinning, and of some Repentings that ever we did it, and some remorse of Conscience for it. 4o. Hereto may be joyned some Passions of Sorrow, and this expressed by groans and tears. 5o. And all this may be accompanyed with Confessions of sinne to God and man, and Lamentations for our misery, and in some it preceedeth to desperation it self. 6o. And lastly it may proceed to an indignation against our selves, and to the taking of a severe revenge on our selves, yea, more then God would have men take; as Judas did by self-destroying. This desparation, and self-execution are no parts of the Preparatory Humiliation; but the excess, and error of it, and the entrance upon Hell.