An exposition upon the thirteenth chapter of the Revelation by that reverend and eminent…

Look therefore unto this point mainly and principally, that if we come to plead before the Lord our God, he doth require we should examine our selves, and in the end be so surprised (when we have done) as not to have what to answer. Christ could not tell what to answer, and we must not wonder, if we do not find what to answer: For here God magnifieth his love in setting forth himself unto a believer, to be a God justifying him that cannot justify himself: He seeth there is the way of the grace of God, the Lord hath done this in Christ; and the manifestation and declaration of it doth so possess the hearts of Gods children, that it causeth them to cleave unto him for all their righteousness and peace: And this is of great necessity, and of continual practice for the Saints of God to attend unto, that we might not be at a loss in this great question of our souls. Conscience cries out unto us, and we know not in the world what to say, for we are wicked beyond measure in ⟨p. 163⟩the sight of God, our own sincerity will not plead our righteousness before God: But all it will do, will come to this end, that we shall be convinced, we have nothing to say: (Nay an Angel, nay the Son himself could not tell what to say for us) but we look to be justified freely by his grace: And the God of all grace doth so justify Christs cause, that all the world that are justified, shall be justified by his plea, who hath done all things for us that concern our everlasting salvation.

Looke therefore unto this point mainly and principally, that if we come to plead before the Lord our God, hee doth require we should examine our selves, and in the end be so surprized (when we have done) as not to have what to answer. Christ could not tell what to answer, and we must not wonder, if wee doe not finde what to answer: For here God magnifieth his love in setting forth himselfe unto a believer, to be a God justifying him that cannot justifie himselfe: He seeth there is the way of the grace of God, the Lord hath done this in Christ; and the manifestation and declaration of it doth so possesse the hearts of Gods children, that it causeth them to cleave unto him for all their righteousnesse and peace: And this is of great necessity, and of continuall practice for the Saints of God to attend unto, that we might not be at a losse in this great question of our soules. Conscience cryes out unto us, and wee know not in the world what to say, for wee are wicked beyond measure in ⟨p. 163⟩