Another cause of disquiet is, that men by a natural kind of popery seek for their comfort too much sanctification, neglecting justification, relying too much upon their own performances. St Paul was of another mind, accounting all but dung and dross, compared to the righteousness of Christ, Philippians 3:8, 9. This is that garment, wherewith being clothed, we please our husband, and wherein we get the blessing. This giveth satisfaction to the conscience, as satisfying God himself, being performed by God the Son, and approved therefore by God the Father. Hereupon the soul is quieted, and faith holds out this as a shield against the displeasure of God and temptations of Satan. Why did the apostles in their prefaces join grace and peace together, but that we should seek for our peace in the free grace and favour of God in Christ?
~ Richard Sibbes, The Soul’s Conflict With Itself, and Victory Over Itself By Faith.
Too often, Christians forget that God has done all for them. It is not that they are concerned about their lack of Christlikeness. It is not that they are overly downcast by their sin. That is not the central issue. It is that they have become their own worst pharisee.
You tie up heavy burdens, too hard to bear, and lay them on yourself. You have begun to do your deeds, not in thankfulness of heart to God, but that you might see and be comforted by them rather than by God. You give yourself a low seat that by so working you set yourself high up as the assurance of our own soul. You have started to turn in and truth yourself rather than Christ when it comes to your own comfort in Him. You preach that others should run to Him, but you yourself hold your heart back. Why? Humble yourself truly by not trusting yourself or your humility. Trust only in Christ. Do not let your heart play the pharisee over your heart.
Do not shut your soul out from the kingdom of heaven, and to the enjoyment of forgiveness because you feel your sins so greatly. You make great efforts to grow in grace, only to make your heart hard against toward the God of grace.
Turn and trust. God is not pleased without faith. Let Christ rule your heart afresh as the source of your comfort. Let forgiveness throw up the shutters of your soul, and let thankfulness pour in.
For more on this theme, see Using Both Eyes.
You can read the works of Richard Sibbes for free here: https://standingbeforegodblog.wordpress.com/the-works-of-richard-sibbes-vol-1-7/
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Standing Before God, This We Are and No More 
I also appreciated this one Noah. Again, it goes very well with some of the things I’m reading in this perfectionism book. She calls the extra burdens “add-ons” to God’s commands. The list she gives is very helpful. I don’t have the book with me at the moment, but I can share it with you sometime.
Love, Mom
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