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…

6. Another Use of Humiliation is, to fit the Soul for it's approach to God himself, from whom it had revolted. As it beseems not any creature, to approach the God of Heaven, but in Reverential humility: so it beseems not any sinner to approach him, but in Contrite Humility: Who can come out of such wickedness and misery, and not bring along the sense of it on his heart? It beseemeth not a Prodigal to meet his Father as confidently and boldly, as if he had never departed from him: but to say, Father I have sinned against Heaven, and before thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son, Luke 15. 18. It is not ingenious for a guilty Soul, or one that is snatched as a brand out of the fire, to look towards God with a brazen face, ⟨p. 153⟩but with shame and sorrow, to hang down the head, and smite upon the breast, and say, O Lord be merciful to me a sinner. For God resisteth the proud, but giveth Grace to the humble: 1 Pet. 5. 5. Jam. 4. 6. Though the Lord be high, yet he hath regard unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. Psal. 138. 6. For thus saith the High and Holy one, that inhabiteth Eternity, whose Name is Holy; and I dwell in the High and Holy Place, with him also that is of a contrite, and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. Isa. 57. 15. To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit, and that trembles at my Word. Isa 66. 2. The Lord is nigh to them that are of a broken h•art, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psal. 34. 18. The Sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psal. 51. 17. There is no turning to God, unless we loath our selves for all our abominations,