The mischiefs of self-ignorance and the benefits of self-acquaintance opened in divers sermons at…

And are those afraid lest Preachers should make ⟨p. 233⟩them mad by showing them their need of mercy, that are no Wiser then to cast away their souls upon such senseless self-contradicting conceits as these?

And are those afraid lest Preachers should make ⟨p. 233⟩them mad by shewing them their need of mercy, that are no Wiser then to cast away their souls upon such senseless self-contradicting conceits as these?

I beseech you tell us whose words are they think you that say, Without holiness none shall see God! Heb. 12.14. and that He that is in Christ, is a new Creature, 2 Cor. 5.17. and such like passages which offend you; Are they ours, or are they Gods? Did we indite the Holy Scriptures, or did the Holy Ghost? Is it long of us, if there be any words there that cross your flesh, and that you call bitter? Can we help it, if God will save none but sanctified believers? If you have any thing to say against it, you must say it to him: We are sure that this is in his word: and we are sure he cannot lye: and therefore we are sure its true: We are sure that he may do with his own as he list, and that he oweth you nothing, and that he may give his pardon and salvation to whom, and upon what terms he please: And therefore we are sure he doth you no wrong. But if you think otherwise, reproach not us that are but messengers: but prepare your charge, and make it good against your maker, if you dare and can: you shall shortly come before him, and be put to it to justify your selves: If ⟨p. 238⟩If you can do it by recrimination, and can prevent your condemnation, by condemning the Law and the Judge, try your strength and do your worst.