Four useful discourses viz. ... /Four usefull discourses viz. ... /

The Gospel doth teach Self-denial, that we must deny our own Excellency, every beloved Lust, and to be nothing in a Mans own Eyes. I, indeed, it is the first Lesson of the Gospel; saith Christ, If any man will follow me, let them deny themselves. Now Men naturally are Proud and Haughty, and what, for them to come and appear before the Lord as vile wretched Caitiffs in themselves, and to have all their Righteousness to be counted as filthy Rags; now to see that they must be Saved by a Righteousness that is above them, and beyond them, and without them: O this is very hard.

The Gospel doth teach Self-denial, that we must deny our own Excellency, every beloved Lust, and to be nothing in a Mans own Eyes. I, indeed, it is the first Lesson of the Gospel; saith Christ, If any man will follow me, let them deny themselves. Now Men naturally are Proud and Haughty, and what, for them to come and appear before the Lord as vile wretched Caitiffs in themselves, and to have all their Righteousness to be counted as filthy Rags; now to see that they must be Sav'd by a Righteousness that is above them, and beyond them, and without them: O this is very hard.

The Gospel requires Conditions that are very hard to Flesh and Blood, that we must be willing to Sell and part with all for Christ, as the wise Merchant did.

And besides, It is a very high Mystery, a thing that is above the reach of any Natural Man living; and People ⟨p. 224⟩Generally are of Slight, Vain, and Proud Spirits. Now being partly Slight and Vain, and partly Proud, they will not bend their Minds to dive into those things that they are not presently able to read. It is that Mystery that the Angels do stoop down to pry into, and it requires a great deal of pains to behold the Glory of God in it. Now the Vain, and Drossy, and Proud hearts of Men and Women, they pass it over lightly, because they see no present need of it: They Thrive and enjoy their Estates, and they are well enough for the Flesh; and all things that are Savoury to them, they have according to their hearts desire; and what need have they to trouble themselves. Many other things might be named, to show that when the Gospel comes to places, why it is not entertained.