Section
pp. 350–35823 passages
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Objections from the present state and Condition of the Soul: Weakness and imperfection of Duty. Opposition from Indwelling Sin.
13. There is another Head of Objections against the souls receiving Consolation from an interest in forgiveness arising from the consideration of its present state and condition, as to actual Holiness, Duties and sins. Souls complain when in Darkness, and under Temptations that they cannot find that Holiness, nor those fruits of it in themselves, which they suppose an interest in pardoning mercy will produce. Their hearts they find are weak, and all their Duties worthless. If they were weighed in the balance they would be all found too light. In the best of them there is such a mixture of Self, Hypocrisy, Unbelief, vain Glory, that they are even ashamed and confounded with the Remembrance of them. These things fill them with discouragements, so that they refuse to be comforted, or to entertain any refreshing persuasion from the Truth insisted on; but rather conclude that they are utter strangers from that forgiveness that is with God, and so continue helpless in their depths.
13. There is another Head of Objections against the souls receiving Consolation from an interest in forgiveness arising from the consideration of its present state and condition, as to actual Holiness, Duties and sins. Souls complain when in Darkness, and under Temptations that they cannot find that Holiness, nor those fruits of it in themselves, which they suppose an interest in pardoning mercy will produce. Their hearts they find are weak, and all their Duties worthless. If they were weighed in the ballance they would be all found too light. In the best of them there is such a mixture of Self, Hypocrisie, Unbelief, vain Glory, that they are even ashamed and confounded with the Remembrance of them. These things fill them with discouragements, so that they refuse to be comforted, or to entertain any refreshing perswasion from the Truth insisted on; but rather conclude that they are utter strangers from that forgiveness that is with God, and so continue helpless in their depths.