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

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⟩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 destroyes the being of mercy.

Thirdly, Though it cannot bear the least spark of wrath, yet it cannot but judge and condemn it self, and justify God, what he might do with it, if he will deal with it according to justice, under a Covenant of works: while it is about thus to do, sometimes his joints tremble, and coldness, a quivering comes over the heart, afraid to speak out his words in self-condemning, for fear God should take his words out of his mouth, and condemn him accordingly out of his own mouth.