Thus, _being ignorant of God’s righteousness_; the way of becoming righteous, or justified, which he hath appointed, he went _about to establish_ his _own righteousness_, expecting to be justified _by the works of the law_, and not _by the faith of Jesus Christ_. He became _wearied in the multitude_ of his _counsels_, and seeking not in God’s way it fared with him accordingly. For still, although he sought for rest, he found it not, because he sought it not aright. These were indeed the days of his invincible ignorance, at which therefore the God of love graciously winked. He _knew_ not, because as yet he had no one to _teach_ him. “How (as he says) could I do otherwise? I had not the bible to instruct me; for I never had read it, except a little at school, when I was about eleven years old. Woe to you (he adds) ye blind guides (meaning the _Romish_ clergy) ye have taken away the key of knowledge, that is, the word of God from the people. It is this which unfolds the hidden treasures of his will, and free grace towards mankind. While therefore I remained ignorant of this, no wonder that I went on in error, and fought _as one that beateth the air_.” But now the true teacher began more powerfully to manifest himself to him, although as yet he knew him not. _The spirit of truth proceeding from the Father and the Son_, wrought in him daily, a still deeper solicitude about his salvation. Among others of his reflections in reference thereto, he began to think more seriously than ever, of the doctrine of the church of _Rome_, and of his own connexions with her; resolving that whatever might be the consequence, he would, both do, and avoid, whatever appeared to him, nay in any measure contribute to the true life of his soul. Thus, hitherto “Drawn by a secret power he flew, Nor stay’d to prop the papal throne, The truth determined to pursue, And panting for a God unknown; By works of legal righteousness, He blindly sought the grace t’obtain, But could not find the paths of peace, But labour’d thro’ the fire in vain.” CHAPTER IV. _Of his forsaking the church of_ Rome. A VARIETY of incidents contributed to this part of his conduct. He was first deeply concerned about the weighty affair of his own salvation; and then began to think seriously of the influence which his religious connexions might have thereon, which prepared him for attending to whatever he at any time either read, or had spoken to him on this head. That which outwardly contributed most thereto was the instance of his brother, of whom he had learned _Latin_. “A man (to use his own words) of tolerable learning, and designed for a Popish priest. But seeing many errors among them, he renounced popery.”