The saints everlasting rest

There is a hope which is a singular grace and duty; and there is a hope which is a notorious, dangerous sin: so consequently there is a despair which is a grievous sin; and there is a despair which is absolutely necessary to thy salvation.

I would not have thee despair of the sufficiency of the blood of Christ to save thee, if thou believe, and heartily obey him; nor of the willingness of GOD to pardon and save thee, if thou be such a one: nor yet absolutely of thy own salvation, because while there is life and time, there is hope of thy conversion, and so of thy salvation; nor would I draw thee to despair of finding Christ, if thou do but heartily seek him: but this is the despair that I would persuade thee to, as thou lovest thy soul; that thou despair of ever being saved, except thou be born again; or of seeing GOD, without holiness; or escaping perishing, except thou suddenly repent; or of ever having part in Christ, except ⟨p. 110⟩thou love him above father, mother, or thy own life; or of ever truly loving GOD, or being his servant, while thou lovest the world, and servest it.

These things I would have thee despair of, and whatever else GOD hath told thee shall never come to pass. And when thou hast sadly searched into thy own heart, and findest thyself in any of these cases, I would have thee despair of ever being saved in that state thou art in. This kind of despair is one of the first steps to heaven.