The world that now is; and the world that is to comeThe vvorld that now is; and the vvorld that is to come

Hereupon the sinful sinner sets upon Reformation; saith to his sinful companions, as David did, Psal. 6.8. Depart from me all ye workers of iniquity: And saith to his Lusts, as Ephraim did to his Idols, Hos. 14.8. What have I to do any more with sinful lusts and pleasures? Now the convinced sinner resolves to leave his sins, that he fears else will damn his soul; and now he begins to perform some holy Duties; he will hear Sermons, and read the holy Scriptures, and good Books, and pray. And it may be the convinced sinner will mourn for his sins, and humble himself, (as Ahab did) and Reform some of his evil courses.

And by this Reformation, Humiliation, mourning for his sins, and performing some holy duties, the sinner may have some calm, and feel some quiet in his conscience for a season, and begin to hope all will be well with him, until the Reigning power of sin, that hath yet the dominion over him, prevail ⟨p. 15⟩against him; and he being yet a servant of sin, and free from Righteousness (as the Apostle speaks, Rom. 6. v. 20.) yieldeth willing and ready obedience to his own lusts, that enticeth him to sin, and when his lust hath conceived and brought forth sin, then his conscience accuseth him, and Satan now begins to suggest, that there is no hope of pardon, nor salvation for him; Now his latter end is worse than his beginning; and therefore the Devil tells him, It is in vain for him to pray any more, or to hear any more, or to perform any holy duties.

And by this Reformation, Humiliation, mourning for his sins, and performing some holy duties, the sinner may have some calm, and feel some quiet in his conscience for a season, and begin to hope all will be well with him, until the Reigning power of sin, that hath yet the dominion over him, prevail ⟨p. 15⟩