Page:Saint's duty in evil times (5).pdf/15

 substance to their babes.' 'None knoweth love or hated by all that is before him.' Eccl xi.

Fifthly, These come not to Christ, who think all right with them, because they are not challenged in their consciences. O mad fools, whose hearts are sealed with obduration, the saddest place in all the scripture holds forth your case, Hos. iv. 7. 'Ephraim is joined to his idols: Let him alone.' When they drop into hell, the fire thereof will upon burn up that thick skin that is grown upon our consciences.

Sixthly, These come not unto Christ, who rest upon their apprehended sorrow for sin. O, say they, am not such a fool as to think all is well, because  want challenges, but because I have them: Remember Esau, remember Judas, your building upon your sorrows and tears, is like a man that guilds upon a slow-moss.

Seventhly, These come not unto Christ, who fall off the common road of sin unto duty, and rest there: Mind what our Lord says of the conceited Pharisee, Luke xviii. it, 12, 13 and 14. That tho' he was not an extortioner, unjust, nor an adulterer, and fasted twice a week, and paid tithes of all that he had possessed, yet he went not down to his house so justified as the poor publican did; yet, ye will say, I am far from swearing, drinking, &c. and have betaken myself to the society of the of God; and I read and pray, &c. therefore all is well. O poor fool, thy case is now worse ever. O we tremble to think upon the multitude that pray themselves into hell: This is David Indeed, who kills his ten thousands. What shall I liken you to? Ye are like a man that diggeth deep down, and casts out the old earth, brings new of his own mould, but goes not the length of the rock.

Eightly, These come not unto Christ, who even