Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applied unto unconverted sinners, and saints…Meditations and discourses concerning the glory of Christ applyed unto unconverted sinners, and saints…

2. TAKE heed of being deluded by common Presumptions. Most men have some thoughts in general about what their State is, and what it will be in the issue: But they make no diligent search into this matter, because a number of common presumptions do immediately insinuate themselves into their minds for their relief, and they are such, as all whose force and efficacy unto this end lies in this, that they differ from others, and are better than they; as that they are Christians, that they are in the right way of Religion, that they are partakers of the outward privileges of the Gospel, hearing the Word, and participation of the Sacraments; that they have light and convictions, so as that they abstain from Sin, and perform Duties so as others do not, and the like. All those with whom it is not so, who are behind them in these things, they judge to be in an ill State and Condition, whence they entertain good hopes concerning themselves: and this is all that most trust unto. It is not my present business to discourse the vanity of Presumptions, it hath been done by many; I give only this warning in general unto those who have the least design or purpose to come to Christ, and to be made partakers of him, that they put no trust in them, that they rely not on them; for if they do so, they ⟨p. 4⟩will eternally deceive their Souls. This was a great part of the preparatory Ministry of John the Baptist, Mat. 3. 9. Think not to say within your selves, we have Abraham to our Father. This was their great comprehensive privilege, containing all the outward Church and Covenant Advantages. These they rested in, and trusted to unto their Ruin: Herein he designed to undeceive them.

2. TAKE heed of being deluded by common Presumptions. Most men have some thoughts in general about what their State is, and what it will be in the issue: But they make no diligent search into this matter, because a number of common presumptions do immediately insinuate themselves into their minds for their relief, and they are such, as all whose force and efficacy unto this end lies in this, that they differ from others, and are better than they; as that they are Christians, that they are in the right way of Religion, that they are partakers of the outward priviledges of the Gospel, hearing the Word, and participation of the Sacraments; that they have light and convictions, so as that they abstain from Sin, and perform Duties so as others do not, and the like. All those with whom it is not so, who are behind them in these things, they judge to be in an ill State and Condition, whence they entertain good hopes concerning themselves: and this is all that most trust unto. It is not my present business to discourse the vanity of Presumptions, it hath been done by many; I give only this warning in general unto those who have the least design or purpose to come to Christ, and to be made partakers of him, that they put no trust in them, that they rely not on them; for if they do so, they