220 Of the Subject der to receiving of Chrift ? Mr. Shepherdfays it is, and proves it thus, That without which a Man would not be in the Lord's Reverence for Mercy, is needful for a right Preparation to Chrift ; But without this humble Frame of Spirit, the quarrelling Sinner would never be in Grace's Reverence for Mercy ; and if it receiv'd, it would think it got but its Due, and that the Lord in ]uffice could not do otherwife And becaufe it apprehends the Lord to take a contrary Courfe, hence frets and murmures, difpr tes againft the Lord: Therefore fueh a Frame of Spirit as takes away this murmuring and Pride, is needful, ere the Soul can come toChrift; and ere-Chrift can bellow hinifelf on the Soul. Many never -found this Contentednefs and Srbmion, may Mr. Firmin fay. I grant all, and filch pofiìbly never found the Pride of their Hearts rifiug againfl the Lord; pofhbly, as I faid, the Lord prevents this proud Humour;, 'tis onlywhere-it rifeth that this Humiliation is nccefizry. What Anf er Mr. irmin gives to Mr. Shepherd's Arguments, I forbear here; beeaufe I judge they are not of filch Weight as any will be flumbled therewith ; and beeaufe elfe- where I have largely contidered thém. The Truth affirmed by Mr. Shepherd in that ex- cellent Bock, his Sound Believer, fhining fo l ar, that no' Clouds of Sophillry, or Duff railed
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