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

Before I come to the Anascevastick part, let me set down how the Soul under this sense of this misery and sin (the sight of the hell he seeth in himself) carries it self.

Before I come to the Anasceuastick part, let me set down how the Soul under this sense of this misery and sin (the sight of the hell he seeth in himself) carries it self.

First, It looks on it self without a Christ and love of God through him, as the most miserable Creature on the earth; O that I could out change with a Toad, that I were but in a state so good as that is; real groans, no Rhetorical strains.

Secondly, It pleads for nothing with God from it self; it can tell God of nothing but sin and misery; a sink of abomination, that it finds in it self. Mr. Shepherd, both in his Book, and Letter to me, is oft up with this, the Soul seeth it self worthy of no mercy: if that had been all Mr. Shepherd and Mr. Hooker meant, their Books would never have troubled me nor others, as to the point of preparation. Merit is a Monster in the Arms of Mercy: ⟨p. 130⟩how much more will this Soul say, who seeth nothing but a hell in it self? Worthiness of Mercy is a contradiction; worthiness in us destroys the being of mercy.

Secondly, It pleads for nothing with God from it self; it can tell God of nothing but sin and misery; a sink of abomination, that it finds in it self. Mr. Shepherd, both in his Book, and Letter to me, is oft up with this, the Soul seeth it self worthy of no mercy: if that had been all Mr. Shepherd and Mr. Hooker meant, their Books would never have troubled me nor others, as to the point of preparation. Merit is a Monster in the Armes of Mercy: ⟨p. 130⟩