way, how troublesome, how expensive and costly soever it may seem to be,
rather than with this.

7. There are a multitude of false ways, as we did shew above.

All which do clear up this necessity, and should teach us to be very
diligent to win to acquaintance with it, and to make sure that we are in
it, and to hold it fast, and to keep it pure in our practice, without
mixing any thing with it, or corrupting of it.

II. That it is no small difficulty to get this truth believed and
practised, that through Christ alone we come to the Father. Therefore is
the same thing asserted and inculcated again upon the same matter; for,

1. Nature will not teach this way; it is far above nature.

2. Yea, our natural inclinations are much against it, opposing it, and
fighting against it.

3. This way is altogether contrary to that high esteem which naturally
all of us have of ourselves.

4. And is opposite to that pride of heart which naturally we are subject
to.

5. Yea, there is nothing in us by nature that will willingly comply with
this way; but, on the contrary, all is opposite thereunto.

6. And therefore it is the Christian's first lesson to deny himself.

The consideration of which should humble us, and make us very jealous of
our own hearts and inclinations, and of all those courses which they are
inclinable to and bent upon. And it should put us to try if ever we have
overcome this difficulty; and have now all our hopes and comforts
founded on him, and on nothing else; and are up and down in our peace
and joy according as we win in to him, or are shut out from him; and in
all our approaches to God, upon whatsoever account, are leaning to him
and resting upon him alone, expecting access, acceptance, and a hearing,
only in him; and are quieted under all our fears and temptations, with
this,--that Christ is our way to the Father.

III. That even believers have need to have this truth inculcated often:
For,

1. Satan is busy pulling them off this ground by all the wiles and
temptations he can.

2. Their own corruption within, and the evil heart of unbelief, is
always opposing this way, and drawing them off it.

3. Through the sleight of Satan and the power of corruption, they are
oftentimes declining from this pure gospel way.

4. The experience of believers can tell, that when they are at their
best, it is a great work and exercise to them to keep their hearts right
in this matter.

5. Is it not too often