The saints everlasting rest

3. But the greatest hinderances are in men's own hearts.

1. Some are so ignorant that they know not what self-examination is, nor what a minister means when he persuadeth them to try themselves; or they know not that there is any necessity of it: but think every man is bound to believe that GOD is his father, and that his sins are pardoned whether it be true or false; and that it were a great fault to make any question of it: or they do not think that assurance can be attained: or that there is any such great difference betwixt one man and another: but that we are all christians, and therefore need not trouble ourselves any further: or at least they know not wherein the difference lies; nor how to set upon this searching of their hearts. They have as gross conceits of that regeneration, which they must search for, as Nicodemus had; they are like those in Acts xix. 2. that know not whether there were a Holy Ghost to be received or no.

2. Some are so possessed with self-love and pride, that they will not so much as suspect any danger to themselves. Like a proud tradesman who scorns the motion when his friends desire him to cast up his books, because they are afraid he will break. As some fond parents that have an over-weaning conceit of their own children, and therefore will not believe ⟨p. 173⟩or hear any evil of them: such a fond self-love doth hinder men from suspecting and trying their states.

2. Some are so possessed with self-love and pride, that they will not so much as suspect any danger to themselves. Like a pround tradesman who scorns the motion when his friends desire him to cast up his books, because they are afraid he will break. As some fond parents that have an over-weaning conceit of their own children, and therefore will not believe