The Doctrine of Repentance

But this resolution must be built upon the strength of Christ more than our own; it must be an humble resolution^*. As David when he went against Goliath, he put off his presumptuous confidence, as well as his armour, • Sam. 17. 45. I come to thee in the name of the Lord. So we must go out against our Goliath▪lusts in the strength of Christ. 'Tis usual for a person to join another in the bond with him: So being conscious of our own inability to leave sin, let us get Christ to be bound with us, and engage his strength for the mortifying of corruption.

But this resolution must be built upon the strength of Christ more than our own; it must be an humble resolution^*. As David when he went against Goliah, he put off his presumptuous confidence, as well as his armour, • Sam. 17. 45. I come to thee in the name of the Lord. So we must go out against our Goliah▪lusts in the strength of Christ. 'Tis usual for a person to joyn another in the bond with him: So being conscious of our own inability to leave sin, let us get Christ to be bound with us, and engage his strength for the mortifying of corruption.

1. *Frustra nititur qui non innititur. Bernard.

4. The fourth means is earnest supplication^1*. The Heathens laid one of their hands on the Plough; the other they lifted up to Ceres the goddess of Corn. So when we have used the means, let us look up to God for a blessing; pray to him for a repenting heart