Convicted of helplessness
Experience shows that together with the conviction of sin remaining in our hearts and clinging to all our words and actions, as well as the guilt which on that account we would incur, were we not continually sprinkled with the atoning blood, one thing more is implied in this repentance: namely a conviction of our helplessness, of our utter inability to think one good thought (2 Corinthians 3:5), or to form one good desire, and much more to speak one word aright or to perform one good action, except through his free, almighty grace first preventing us, and then accompanying us every moment.
1771 text
8. Experience shews, that together with the conviction of sin remaining in our hearts and cleaving to all our words and actions, as well as the guilt which on account thereof we should incur, were we not continually sprinkled with the atoning blood; one thing more is implied in this repentance, namely a conviction of our helplessness, of our utter inability to think one good thought, or to form one good desire; and much more to speak one word aright, or to perform one good action, but thro’ his free, almighty grace first preventing us, and then accompanying us every moment.