Human nature in its fourfold state ... In several practical discourses

2. The natural man is an enemy to Christ in his priestly office. He is appointed of the Father a Priest for ever: that, by his alone sacrifice and intercession, sinners may have peace with, and access to God; but Christ crucified is a stumbling block, and foolishness to the unrenewed part of mankind, to whom he is preached, 1 Cor. i 23. They are not for him, as the new and living way. Nor is he by the voice of the world, an High Priest over the house of God. Corrupt nature goes quite another way to work.

Evidence 1. None of Adam's children naturally incline to receive the blessing in borrowed robes; but would always, according to the spider's motto, owe all to themselves; and so climb up to heaven on a thread spun out of their own bowels. For they desire to be under the law, Gal. iv. 24. And go about to establish their own righteousness, Rom. x. 3. Man, naturally, looks on GOD as a great Master; and ⟨p. 70⟩himself as his servant, that must work and win heaven as his wages. Hence, when conscience is awakened, he thinks that, to the end he may be saved, he must answer the demands of the law; serve God as well as he can, and pray for mercy wherein he comes short. And thus many come to duties, that never come out of them to Jesus Christ.

Evid. 2. As men, naturally, think highly of their duties, that seem to them, to be well done; so they look for acceptance with God according as their work is done, not according to the share they have in the blood of Christ. Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou se•st not? They'll value themselves on their performances and attainments: yea, their very opinions in religion, (Philip. iii 4, 5, 6, 7.) taking to themselves, what they rob from Christ the great High-priest.