The branch of the Lord, the beauty of ZionThe branch of the Lord, the beauty of Sion

3. See hence a great mistake of many poor Creatures, who would fain be stones in this House: what course take they? They Hew and square themselves, strive to cut off this and that rubbish, which (as they suppose) alone hinders them from being fitted to this building. They pare themselves with vows, promises, resolutions and engagements, beautify themselves with duties and services: and then with many perplexing fears present themselves to the building: never knowing whether they are admitted or no. All this while, the great Master Builder stands by, scarcely dealt withal. What now is the issue of such Attempts? what they build one day, falls down in another. When they have oftentimes in their own thoughts, brought the Building to such a pass, as that they are ready to think, it will be well with them, now surely they shall have a share & Interest in this living & glorious House, when all on the sudden they fall again to the ground: their Hopes wither, and they suppose themselves in the worlds rubbish again. There is no end of this Alternation. Would now this poor soul see where its ⟨p. 30⟩great defect lies? It hath not applied it self aright to the only Builder. Wouldest thou be a stone in this Fabric, lay thy self before the Lord Jesus: say to him, that thou art in thy self altogether unfit for the great Building he hath in hand, that thou hast often attempted to put thy self upon it, but all in vain: Now Lord Jesus, do thou take me into thine own Hand: if thou castest me away, I cannot complain: I must justify thee in all thy ways: but thou callest things that are not, as though they were. Thou turnest dead stones into Children of Abraham: Oh turn my dead, into a living stone. Fear not, He will in no wise cast thee out.

3. See hence a great mistake of many poor Creatures, who would fain be stones in this House: what course take they? They Hew and square themselves, strive to cut off this and that rubbish, which (as they suppose) alone hinders them from being fitted to this building. They pare themselves with vows, promises, resolutions and engagements, beautifie themselves with duties and services: and then with many perplexing feares present themselves to the building: never knowing whether they are admitted or no. All this while, the great Master Builder stands by, scarsely dealt withal. What now is the issue of such Attempts? what they build one day, fals down in another. When they have oftentimes in their own thoughts, brought the Building to such a passe, as that they are ready to think, it will be well with them, now surely they shal have a share & Interest in this living & glorious House, when all on the suddain they fal again to the ground: their Hopes wither, and they suppose themselves in the worlds rubbish again. There is no end of this Alternation. Would now this poor soul see where its