Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
Seeing therefore that inward contrition for sin is the first step to repentance, and that which killeth the root of sin, and setteth us free from the power and dominion of it, and erecteth in our hearts a throne for Christ Jesus; the use of this point is,
First for reproof of those that persuade themselves, and bear others in hard that they have truly repented, and do continually confess their faults, and ask pardon for them: but what grief and pain have they had in their hearts for their sins? nay, they thank God, they were never terrified nor troubled in their consciences. Do you thank God for this? it is in effect to thank him for that you want the first and principal note of true conversion: if your hearts have never been pricked and slung with the sense of your vileness and wretchedness, it is because you are senseless: for there is cause sufficient why you should be grieved; and the less you have had, the more you are likely to have, if not here, yet in the world to come, and at that day when you shall be most unwilling of it. ...
For more, see John Dod on contrition for sin.
First for reproof of those that persuade themselves, and bear others in hard that they have truly repented, and do continually confess their faults, and ask pardon for them: but what grief and pain have they had in their hearts for their sins? nay, they thank God, they were never terrified nor troubled in their consciences. Do you thank God for this? it is in effect to thank him for that you want the first and principal note of true conversion: if your hearts have never been pricked and slung with the sense of your vileness and wretchedness, it is because you are senseless: for there is cause sufficient why you should be grieved; and the less you have had, the more you are likely to have, if not here, yet in the world to come, and at that day when you shall be most unwilling of it. ...
For more, see John Dod on contrition for sin.
