Morality not to be relied on for life. Or, A brief discourse, discovering the…

IN this Context we have an History▪ which is also recorded in two other, Evangelists, viz. Matthew, and Luke, though variously as to several▪ passages that are inserted in one, and omitted in the other. I may not spend the time in laying open all the particulars in this Narration; every whereof would afford matter of instruction. The Theological Scope of it is to let us see how far a natural man may go in the improvement of his Moral powers, and yet miss of eternal life at last; exemplified in a young and noble man of the Jewish Nation, as he is represented by the other Evangelists. This man, doubtless ⟨p. 4⟩had not only heard of Christ, but had also heard him, and been affected with his Preaching; and, being convinced of a future everlasting state, is concerned how he may obtain eternal Life in it: accordingly he comes running to Christ, expressing much veneration of him, both in words and gestures, and propounds to him the most important question that he could, viz. How he may come to inherit eternal life: though, in the manner of his enquiry, he expressed a legal spirit, and intimated that he hoped to be Saved by doing, What shall I do, &c. Our Saviour treats him courteously, and yet closely; he giveth him good language, but yet searcheth him; and, knowing the deceitfulness of his heart, resolves to discover it to him, and others too. He therefore first puts him upon the duties of the Moral Law, where he knew that his great presumption lay, and in which he determined to discover him; directing him to conformity thereto: the self Conceited man doth plumply and with great confidence assert his constancy in these observations; that he hath observed all these from his youth, and would fain know whether this were not sufficient, or if any thing more were wanting,