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…

UNTO them who are of the second Sort, is this Direction given, in an endeavour for a Recovery from Backsliding, and thriving in Grace, by a redoubled Attendance unto the Duties of Mortification, and New Obedience. Let care be taken, that as unto the matter of them they be of Divine Appointment, and as to the manner of their performance, that it be regulated by the Rules of the Scripture. Such are constant Reading and Hearing of the Word, Prayer with fervency therein, a diligent watch against all Temptations and occasions of Sin; especially an Endeavour by an Holy Earnestness, and vehement Rebukes, of the entrance of any other Frame, to keep the Mind Spiritual and Heavenly in it's Thoughts and Affections.

2. LET them take heed, that they attempt not these things in their own strength. When ⟨p. 67⟩Men have strong Convictions, that such and such things are their own Duty, they are apt to act as if they were to be done in their own strength. They must do them, they will do them, that is as unto the outward work, and therefore they think they can do them, that is in a due manner. The Holy Ghost hath for ever rejected this confidence, none shall prosper in it, 2 Cor. 3. 5. Chap. 9. 8. But hereby many deceive themselves, labouring in the Fire, while all they do doth immediately perish; they have been negligent and careless, whereby things are come to an ill posture with them, and that peace which they had is impaired: But now they will pray, and read, and fast, and be liberal to the poor, and now an Abstinence from Sin. All these things they suppose they can do of themselves, because they can and ought to perform the outward works, wherein the Duties intended do consist. Hereby Christ is left out of the whole Design, who when all is done, is the Lord that healeth us, Exod. 1 5. 26. And there is another evil herein; for whatever Men do in their own Natural Abilities, there is a secret Reserve of some kind of Merit in it. Those who plead for these things, do aver there can be no merit in any thing, but what proceeds from our own Free-will; and what is so done, hath some kind of merit inseparably accompanying of it; And this is enough to render all Endeavours of this kind not only useless and fruitless, but utterly rejected. Faith […] the Assistance of Christ and his