The unsearchable riches of Christ, and of grace and glory in and through [sic]…The unsearchable riches of Christ, and of grace and glory in and thorow [sic]…

are we from shining, that we are rather like blind lanterns without light. I shall only for whetting an edge on this sad regrate and expostulation, instance in a few of these Particulars touched on before, as to our unsuitableness to the Gospel. 1. Do we live by ⟨p. 97⟩faith? Alas! is there such a life as this known by most of us? we are readily either living securely, carelessly and unconcernedly, without troubling our selves with such matters: or else on the other hand we give way to unbelief and will hardly admit of any thing, that may settle and make us foot a stand: we are found often running from one extremity to another, we are either carnally vain, light and frothy, or we are anxious, heartless and dejected, and are very seldom found steering a straight course betwixt extremes and stemming the port. 2. We may instance it in the exercise of Repentance, which well becomes the Gospel: Our Lord Christ, John the Baptist and the Apostles preached it, and it is commended to all: It is an exercise very suitable and proper for sinners, and more especially for such sinners, as have had many offers of Grace, and have much slighted them: but where is it? Ah! where is it? Converts are rare in these days, and among Converts the kindly exercise of Repentance is rare: we are generally as wholehearted, as if we were living under the Covenant, where there is no promise of pardon to a penitent sinner: I mean not every sort of repentance, for there is a worldly sorrow that works death, there is a legal Repentance arising mainly, if not only from the fear of punishment: But I mean of serious and hearty Gospel-repentance arising from the consideration of Gods holiness, and of his Mercy and grace in Jesus Christ, that is accompanied with holy zeal, fear, indignation and revenge, as it is described, 2 Cor. 7.3. Where is self-denial? Is not that a rare thing? Many of us cannot bear a word reflecting on self, neither can we quit a word once uttered by us (though it may be somewhat rashly and unadvisedly) wherein self is Concerned, but will needs maintain and defend it: O! what reeling and whirling ⟨p. 98⟩about with the time is there among us? What hard pursuing after and even chasing of self-interests and designs? 4. Where is spiritual joy and rejoicing in the Lord? who delight themselves in the Almighty? who bless themselves on earth, in the God of truth?