3. At the same time we are convinced, that we are not sufficient of ourselves to help ourselves; that without the Spirit of God we can do nothing but add sin to sin: that it is he alone _who worketh in us_ by his almighty power, either _to will or do_ that which is good; it being as impossible for us even to think a good thought, without the supernatural assistance of his Spirit, as to create ourselves, or to renew our whole souls in righteousness and true holiness. 4. A sure effect of our having formed this right judgment, of the sinfulness and helplessness of our nature, is a disregard of that _honour which cometh of man_, which is usually paid to some supposed excellency in us. He who knows himself, neither desires nor values the applause which he knows he deserves not. It is therefore _a very small thing with_ him, _to be judged by man’s judgment_. He has all reason to think, by comparing what it has said either for or against him, with what he feels in his own breast, that the world, as well as the God of this world, was _a liar from the beginning_. And even as to those who are not of the world, though he would chuse, if it were the will of God, that they should account of him as of one desirous to be found a faithful steward of his Lord’s goods, if haply this might be a means of enabling him to be of more use to his fellow-servants, yet as this is the one end of his wishing for their approbation, so he does not at all rest upon it. For he is assured, that whatever God wills, he can never want instruments to perform; since he is able, even of these stones, to raise up servants to do his pleasure. 5. This is that lowliness of mind, which they have learned of _Christ_, who follow his example and tread in his steps. And this knowledge of their disease, whereby they are more and more cleansed from one part of it, pride and vanity, disposes them to embrace, with a willing mind, the second thing implied in _circumcision of heart_, that faith which alone is able to make them whole, which is the one medicine given under heaven to heal their sickness. 6. The best guide of the blind, the surest light of them that are in darkness, the most perfect instructor of the foolish, is faith. But it must be such a faith as is _mighty through God, to the pulling down of strong-holds_, to the overturning all the prejudices of corrupt reason, all the false maxims revered among men; all evil customs and habits; all that _wisdom of the world_ which _is foolishness with God_; as _casteth down imaginations_ (reasonings) _and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringeth into captivity every thought to the obedience of_ Christ.