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…

And by this common Light, men have at first but a general glimmering, and confused Knowledge of a Saviour, and of Redemption, and of Mercy to be had by him. And sometime they have a distinct Knowledge of some parts only of the Christian Faith; and sometime a distinct Knowledge, and belief of every Article; but only superficial, and not savingly effectual. 9. By this general, or superficial Knowledge of Christ, and Mercy, a kind of Hope ariseth in the heart, that yet there is a possibility of escape: and a kind of comfort answerable to this Hope. 10. These Hopes are accompanied with some Desires to understand yet more of the Mystery of the Gospel; and to be made partakers of the saving Mercy of which he hath had a confused light. ⟨p. 446⟩11. And hereupon there is further kindled in the will, a Purpose, or Resolution to go further on in learning, and enquiring into the Will of God, and using his means: And 12. This purpose is performed, and means are further used. And thus far the Soul is but in Preparation, and under the common works of Grace, and possibly may fall off and perish. The first degree may be so stifled, that it shall not reach unto the second; or the second so stifled that it shall not reach unto the third: But the most common stop is at the third degree: when men are a little frightened, they will not follow it on to Consideration: And they that follow Consideration diligently, do usually speed well, and get through all the rest.

And by this common Light, men have at first but a general glimmering, and confused Knowledg of a Saviour, and of Redemption, and of Mercy to be had by him. And sometime they have a distinct Knowledg of some parts only of the Christian Faith; and sometime a distinct Knowledg, and belief of every Article; but only superficial, and not savingly effectual. 9. By this general, or superficial Knowledg of Christ, and Mercy, a kind of Hope ariseth in the heart, that yet there is a possibility of escape: and a kind of comfort answerable to this Hope. 10. These Hopes are accompanied with some Desires to understand yet more of the Mistery of the Gospel; and to be made partakers of the saving Mercy of which he hath had a confused light. ⟨p. 446⟩11. And hereupon there is further kindled in the will, a Purpose, or Resolution to go further on in learning, and enquiring into the Will of God, and using his means: And 12. This purpose is performed, and means are further used. And thus far the Soul is but in Preparation, and under the common workes of Grace, and possibly may fall off and perish. The first degree may be so stifled, that it shall not reach unto the second; or the second so stifled that it shall not reach unto the third: But the most common stop is at the third degree: when men are a little frightened, they will not follow it on to Consideration: And they that follow Consideration diligently, do usually speed well, and get through all the rest.