The truly blessed man, or, The way to be happy here, and forever being…

1. Those that hope to be pardoned and saved, but never enquire after the way of it. They have heard of Redemption and Salvation by Christ, and take up with that, and think themselves safe: they never ask the way, nor think how they may come by a title to Christ and his salvation: they never asked that question, Acts 16. 30. What shall I do to be saved? but presume that salvation will come in course, let them live as they list; but know it, Christ's Redemption profiteth none but those to whom it is applied, in which they are made to go in the way of it; with which if you comply not, you will perish.

2. Those that take a great deal of pains to obtain Salvation, but in a wrong way. Some, who have convictions on their consciences, of their misery by sin, are put upon endeavours to get that misery removed, and obtain Gods favour, but never felt their utter impotency to satisfy for sin, or please God by their own righteousness, engage •n legal Repentances, reformations, and operose duties, and take great pains in them, and so think ⟨p. 442⟩all is well, Rom. 10. 3. What multitudes are built on this bottom? but be assured, this way hath been inaccessible since mans Apostasy, none of fallen men ever get to heaven by it: Paul took another course, Phil. 3. 8. 9.

2. Those that take a great deal of pains to obtain Salvation, but in a wrong way. Some, who have convictions on their consciences, of their misery by sin, are put upon endeavours to get that misery removed, and obtain Gods favour, but never felt their utter impotency to satisfy for sin, or please God by their own righteousness, engage •n legal Repentances, reformations, and operose dutes, and take great pains in them, and so think