Mr. Shepherd makes Compunction to consist in three things. 11. Fear. 2. Sorrow. 3. Separation from sin. [I conceive Separation from Sin is more properly an effect of Compunction, then a part of it. Fear and Sorrow produce this effect, make the Soul not to resist the Spirit, or not unwilling to have his Sin and Soul parted.] 2So much loosening from sin as makes the Soul willing, or at least not unwilling, that the Lord Jesus should take it away. This severing from Sin he conceives to be a further stroke found in the Elect then in the Reprobate: 3Fears and Sorrows were common to both; but this severing from Sin the Spirit works in the Elect under Compunction. 4He bids us remember for ever that no more sorrow for sin, no more separation from sin is necessary to thy closing with Christ, then so much as makes thee willing, or rather not unwilling, that the Lord should take it away. And know it, if thou seekest for a greater measure of Humiliation, antecedent to thy closing with Christ, then this, thou showest the more pride therein, &c. Yes, blessed Saint, we shall remember well what you bid us remember; for if such a measure of fears and sorrows under the work of Compunction, as works a willingness to be separated from Sin, and so much separation from Sin, as makes us willing, or at least not unwilling, to close with Christ to take it away, if this, I say, be such a true measure of Humiliation, antecedent to our closing with Christ, that it is pride to look for a greater, [and blessed be Grace, we can experience this very well] then I hope our Conversion and Faith in Christ may be sound, though we have not arrived at that pitch to be content to be damned; which is a great part of the next Chapter, treating of Humiliation. Moreover, if this willingness to be separated from Sin, and to take Christ to separate Sin and the Soul, be a distinguishing note between the Elect and Reprobate under Compunction, and this is wrought by the Actual grace of the Spirit of God, and therefore must be a fruit of Gods Love [for certainly all sound Christians look upon their redemption from their lusts, creature, idols, and enmity against God, to be the effects of Gods ⟨p. 89⟩love, as well as redemption from Hell, though this may more affect;
Mr. Shepherd makes Compunction to consist in three things. 11. Fear. 2. Sorrow. 3. Separation from sin. [I conceive Separation from Sin is more properly an effect of Compunction, then a part of it. Fear and Sorrow produce this effect, make the Soul not to resist the Spirit, or not unwilling to have his Sin and Soul parted.] 2So much loosening from sin as makes the Soul willing, or at least not unwilling, that the Lord Jesus should take it away. This severing from Sin he conceives to be a further stroke found in the Elect then in the Reprobate: 3Fears and Sorrows were common to both; but this severing from Sin the Spirit works in the Elect under Compunction. 4He bids us remember for ever that no more sorrow for sin, no more separation from sin is necessary to thy closing with Christ, then so much as makes thee willing, or rather not unwilling, that the Lord should take it away. And know it, if thou seekest for a greater measure of Humiliation, antecedent to thy closing with Christ, then this, thou shewest the more pride therein, &c. Yes, blessed Saint, we shall remember well what you bid us remember; for if such a measure of fears and sorrows under the work of Compunction, as works a willingness to be separated from Sin, and so much separation from Sin, as makes us willing, or at least not unwilling, to close with Christ to take it away, if this, I say, be such a true measure of Humiliation, antecedent to our closing with Christ, that it is pride to look for a greater, [and blessed be Grace, we can experience this very well] then I hope our Conversion and Faith in Christ may be sound, though we have not arrived at that pitch to be content to be damned; which is a great part of the next Chapter, treating of Humiliation. Moreover, if this willingness to be separated from Sin, and to take Christ to separate Sin and the Soul, be a distinguishing note between the Elect and Reprobate under Compunction, and this is wrought by the Actual grace of the Spirit of God, and therefore must be a fruit of Gods Love [for certainly all sound Christians look upon their redemption from their lusts, creature, idols, and enmity against God, to be the effects of Gods ⟨p. 89⟩love, as well as redemption from Hell, though this may more affect;
- 1p. 65.
- 2p. 85.
- 3p 98.
- 4p. 86.
