The Christians two chief lessons viz. self-denial, and self-trial. As also the privilege of…The Christians tvvo chiefe lessons viz. selfe-deniall, and selfe-tryall. As also the priviledge of…

1 It is the devils policy, when he cannot draw men to a false worship of God, to set up Idols, then he laboureth mainly to detain men in the shell and shadow of an outward worship, to make them quiet themselves in this as all that God requires. Thus were the old Jews exceedingly beguiled, while they placed all religion in outward sacrifices; by this men are kept from the life and power of godliness, while they are so far seduced by ⟨p. 226⟩Satan, as to rest in the Paradise of a formal service of God.

1 It is the divels policy, when he cannot draw men to a false worship of God, to set up Idols, then he laboureth mainly to detaine men in the shell and shadow of an outward worship, to make them quiet themselves in this as all that God requires. Thus were the old Iewes exceedingly beguiled, while they placed all religion in outward sacrifices; by this men are kept from the life and power of godlinesse, while they are so farre seduced by ⟨p. 226⟩Sathan, as to rest in the Paradise of a formall service of God.

2 Man by nature is devoted beyond measure to his natural corruption, so as what he wills, that he wills with his whole strength; so loath are men to part with their corrupt practises, that skin for skin, and all that a man hath, will he give rather then forgo any part of that which he is by natural apprehension bent unto. Hence the Scripture terms the sins that a man is more specially inclined unto, his right eye, his right hand, then which, what is not a man more willing to lose? hereupon the heart of man seeks, and having by seeking found such a righteousness, as wherein it may be something with God, and yet retain his own self-liking sins, by all means embraceth this form of service of God, takes great contentment in this; and such a one is this formal righteousness, which makes a fair show, promising great matters both unto others, and our own seduced hearts; and in this do men willingly rest, as that which gives a dispensation unto some partial sins, and yet carries a goodly appearance amongst men. This formal service of God will bring whole rivers of outward service, even the first borne of his body, for the sin of his soul, so be it he may retain his own will.