The Doctrine of Repentance

And the truth is, by this self-accusing we prevent Satan's accusing. In our confessions we tax our selves of pride, infidelity, passion; now when Satan (who is called The Accuser of the Brethren) shall •ay these things to our charge, God will say, They have accused themselves already, therefore Satan, thou art non-suited, thy accusations come too late. Nay, the humble sinner doth more than accuse himself; he doth as it were [Greek or Hebrew], sit in Judgement, and pass a sentence upon himself; he confesseth that he hath deserved to be bound over to the wrath of God. And hear what the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 11. 31. If we would judge our selves, we should not be judged^*.

And the truth is, by this self-accusing we prevent Satans accusing. In our confessions we tax our selves of pride, infidelity, passion; now when Satan (who is called The Accuser of the Brethren) shall •ay these things to our charge, God will say, They have accused themselves already, therefore Satan, thou art non-suited, thy accusations come too late. Nay, the humble sinner doth more than accuse himself; he doth as it were 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, sit in Judgement, and pass a sentence upon himself; he confesseth that he hath deserved to be bound over to the wrath of God. And hear what the Apostle saith, 1 Cor. 11. 31. If we would judge our selves, we should not be judged^*.

1. *Neque judicio, quod poenitentiae humanae severitas protulit, aliquid justitia coelestis apponit. Cyprion.