The application of redemption

A third sort who fall short of this saving Work, is, §2your self-conceited Pharisee, who hath such an overweening apprehension of his own worth and excellency, that […] is not able to take shame for […] sin, & therefore cannot endure to be convinced of it, what he will not do, he will not know, loth to confess his course shameful and vile, because then he concludes there is no colour of common sense to continue in it, but he must be forced to reform it, unless he would openly proclaim to all the world, that he is resolved to go against Knowledge and Conscience, which is too loathsome and gross, even to ordinary profaneness; therefore he pretends nothing but the search of the Truth, […] further information of the mind of the Lord, and if that once could appear, how glad would he be to receive it, and more glad to follow it, because this plea is beyond exception, […], carries an appearance of conscientious and judicious watchfulness in a mans course, which cannot […] a Cavil, but is secretly resolved of the Conclusion, the reasons shall never be plain to him that would press and persuade to the practice of that which doth not please his […] heart, which he purposeth to satisfy; let men say what they can, if he may have approbation and allowance from others to follow his own heart, it will be more credit for him, and he shall find more ease; if not, he determines to do what he list without leave and allowance, holds out this in his ordinary and daily profession; it's the way of Truth he ⟨p. 424⟩desires to find, the Rule he would see, the mind of God he endeavours to know and follow; that he pretends, but intends indeed to walk in his own way, and follow his own mind; and therefore if things answer not his intents, suit not his expectation, but Arguments seem strong that persuade to the contrary, and the evidences of Reason look and lead another way: he then keep afoot his old course, confesseth he is yet in the dark, those reasons do not carry him, those arguments do not convince him, he desires further light, and shall be willing to submit and follow, i. e. if men would be willing to submit to his conceit, and follow his humour; thus he holds his sin, and holds his enquiry, keeps off all conviction that he may keep his corruption, and his course in it.

A third sort who fall short of this saving Work, is, §2