Precious faith considered in its nature, working, and growth

Secondly, There is a denial of a mans will. This is the forbidden fruit, and womb of concupiscence, unless this be renounced, there is no hope of resignation; our own will is a thing of Belial, and unless subdued by grace, will not take Christ's yoke: it is an inward Antichrist, and unless consumed by the divine spirit and brightness, will exalt it self above the will of God. Saul must have a light from heaven, and a fall to the earth, & a fit of trembling, or else he will not resign, and say, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? Act. 9.6. the will must be un-selved, and the man become as a little child, without any will of his own, or else there can be no resignation.

Thirdly, There is a denial of a mans carnal affections. These are the camels which cannot go thorough the needles eye, the weights and plummets which press down the soul from God; unless ⟨p. 77⟩these be cast off, there can be no resignation; our Saviour is positive in it, how can ye believe which receive honour one of another? Joh. 5.44. A soul breathed into vain-glorious air, or drowned in sensual pleasures, or laden with the thick clay of the world, cannot resign; he that will offer up himself to God, must leave the world behind his back, his affections must be gathered in from earth, and Angel-like, ascend in the flame of faith; the veil of time must be put by, and an entry made upon eternity.

Thirdly, There is a denial of a mans carnal affections. These are the camels which cannot go thorough the needles eye, the weights and plummets which press down the soul from God; unless ⟨p. 77⟩these be cast off, there can be no resignation; our Saviour is positive in it, how can ye believe which receive honour one of another? Joh. 5.44