The real Christian, or, A treatise of effectual calling wherein the work of God…

The Sinner by this time seeth himself in a very ill case: And what is next? A Principle within him tells him, I have sinned, and I must mend; a new leaf I must turn; repent I must; and spares not for Vows, Promises, Engagements, Resolutions, he is full of these: if he can but repent, mourn, pray, cast off his former practises, and do better, then he hopes God will be pleased, and Conscience quiet: That he can do something this way at this time he doth not much doubt it; so that though he be bad, he is not all bad, he hath some good in him; though he hath no money, yet he hath hands, and can work: and as some that once had good means and lived well, if they be fallen into decay, yet if they can by working or other means get a living, though a poor one, they will not be beholding to others: So it is with the Soul, having had once a good stock in Adam, though now fallen into decay, yet if it can by working and labour find any living, that peace and quietness come in, it will not go out to another to find rest: Thou hast found the life of thine hand, Isai. 57.10. which some interpret of the comfort they had by their going to the Assyrians, who promise to strengthen thine hand with help and assistance, and so there was no coming home to God: So it is with this Soul, if it can find life by his hand, his working, reforming, and duties, he will not come to Christ for life.

THe Sinner by this time seeth himself in a very ill case: And what is next? A Principle within him tells him, I have sinned, and I must mend; a new leaf I must turn; repent I must; and spares not for Vows, Promises, Engagements, Resolutions, he is full of these: if he can but repent, mourn, pray, cast off his former practises, and do better, then he hopes God will be pleased, and Conscience quiet: That he can do something this way at this time he doth not much doubt it; so that though he be bad, he is not all bad, he hath some good in him; though he hath no money, yet he hath hands, and can work: and as some that once had good means and lived well, if they be fallen into decay, yet if they can by working or other means get a living, though a poor one, they will not be beholding to others: So it is with the Soul, having had once a good stock in Adam, though now fallen into decay, yet if it can by working and labour find any living, that peace and quietness come in, it will not go out to another to find rest: Thou hast found the life of thine hand,