We have a striking instance of the pride of man in this respect, speaking of the self-righteous Jews: "For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God." What dismal and strange pride is here? Shall a poor naked beggar who has not a rag to cover him, think it submission or humility to accept of a robe? Shall a condemned malefactor reckon it submission to accept of his sovereign's pardon? Or a man mortally wounded to accept of a healing balm? Yet this is the very case with one and all of us, through the natural pride of our hearts, we will not submit to the righteousness of God, but will establish a righteousness of our own, till divine grace give us another turn of mind.

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