The sound believer, or, A treatise of evangelical conversion discovering the work of Christs…The sound beleever, or, A treatise of evangelicall conversion discovering the work of Christs…

Hence see what is the great hindrance between the mercy of God,¹ and the soul of many a man; if it be not some sin & hardness of heart under it, whereby he cares not for Christ, to deliver him, then tis some pride of spirit arising from some good he hath, whereby he feels no need of Christ, hoping his own duties shall save him, or else is above Christ, and not under him, willing to be disposed of by him. And hence the Lord makes this the high way to mercy, Levit. 26.40. if first they shall confess their sin, secondly, humble themselves, (both which ⟨p. 144⟩I know the Lord must work) then he will remember his Covenant. Look as it is with a vessel before it can be fit for use, it must first pass through fire, and the earth and dross severed from it, then it must be made hollow and empty, which makes it vas capax, a vessel capable of receiving that which shall be poured out into it; if, (O Brethren) the Lord hath some vessels of glory which he prepares before-hand, and makes capable of glory, Rom. 9.21, 22. if the Lord doth doth not sever you from sin in compunction, and empty you of your selves in humiliation, you cannot receive Christ, nor mercy, you cannot hold them; and if ever you miss of Christ by faith, your wound lies here. How many be there at this day, that were once profane and wicked, but now by some terrors and outward restraints upon them, they leave their sins, and say they loathe them, and purpose never to run riot as they have done, and hence because they think themselves very good, or to have some good, they fall short of Christ, and are still in the gall of bitterness, in the midst of all evil? It were the happiness of some men, if they did not think themselves to have some good, because this is their Christ. Oh you that live under precious means, and have many fears, you may perish and be deceived at the last; But why do you fear? I know you ⟨p. 145⟩will answer, Oh some secret unknown sin may be my ruin; It is true, and you do well to have a godly jealousy thereof. But remember this also, not only some sin, but some good thou thinkest thou hast, and restest in without Christ, and lifting thee up above Christ, may as easily prove thy ruin, because a mans own righteousness rested in, doth not only hide mens sins, but strengthens them in some sin by which men perish;