Do not say, I must first do this

III. 1. Whosoever therefore thou art who desirest to be forgiven and reconciled to the favour of God; do not say in thy heart, “I must first do this; I must first conquer every sin; break off every evil word and work, and do all good to all men: or, I must first go to church, receive the Lord’s supper, hear more sermons, and say more prayers.” Alas, my brother, thou art clean gone out of the way, thou art still ignorant of the righteousness of God, and art seeking to establish thy own righteousness, as the ground of thy reconciliation. Knowest thou not, that thou canst do nothing but sin, ’till thou art reconciled to God? Wherefore then dost thou say, I must do this and this first, and then I shall believe. Nay, but first believe. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, the propitiation for thy sins. Let this good foundation first be laid, and then thou shall do all things well.