The Method of Grace

Inference 7.

If mortification be the great business, and character of a Christian, then that condition is most eligible and desirable by Christians ¹which is least of all exposed to Temptation. Prov. 30. 8. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with food convenient: that holy judicious man was well aware of the danger lurking in both extremes; and how near they border upon deadly temptations, and approach the very precipice of ruin, that stand upon either ground: few Christians have an head strong ⟨p. 478⟩and steady enough to stand upon the pinnacle of wealth and honour, nor is it every one that can grapple with poverty and contempt. A mediocrity is the Christians best external security, and therefore most desirable, and yet how do the corruptions, the pride and ignorance of our hearts grasp, and covet that condition which only serves to warm and nourish our lusts, and make the work of mortification much more difficult? 'Tis well for us, that our wise Father leaves us not to our own choice, that he frequently dashes our earthly projects, and disappoints our fond expectations. If children were left to carve for themselves, how often would they cut their own fingers?

If mortification be the great business, and character of a Christian, then that condition is most eligible and desirable by Christians ¹which is least of all exposed to Temptation. Prov. 30. 8. Give me neither poverty nor riches, but feed me with food convenient: that holy judicious man was well aware of the danger lurking in both extreams; and how near they border upon deadly temptations, and approach the very precipice of ruine, that stand upon either ground: few Christians have an head strong