15
is 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. Hosea iv. 17, 'Ephraim is joined to his idols: Let him alone.' When they drop into hell, the fire thereof will soon burn up that thick skin that is grown upon your consciences.
Sixthly, These come not unto Christ, who rest upon their apprehended sorrow for sin. O, say they, I am not such a fool as to think all is well, because I want challenges, but because I have them: Remember Esau, remember Judas, your building upon your sorrows and tears, is like a man that builds upon a flow-moss.
Seventhly, These come not unto Christ, who fall off the common road of sin into duty, and rest there: Mind what our Lord says of the conceitie Pharisee, Luke xviii. 11, 12, 13, and 14. That though he was not an extortioner, unjust, nor an adulterer and fasted twice a week, and paid tithes of all that he 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 people of God; and I read and pray, &c. Therefore all is well; O poor fool, thy case is now worse than 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 earth of his own mould, but goes not the length of the rock.
Eighthly, These come not unto Christ, who even go that length, as to assent to the spiritual meaning of the law, and rest there. This is much indeed; this is a great length, yea, a greater length than the most part of you, who are hearing me this
