Grace: the truth and growth and different degrees thereof. The sum and substance of…Grace: the truth and growth and different degrees thereof. The summe and substance of…

7. Another argument why strong Christians should be humble, is this, that though they may have grace, yet they are subject to fall into that sin, which is most contrary to that grace wherein they are most eminent. ⟨p. 167⟩Abraham was most eminent for faith;¹ he is said to be strong in faith, he is called the father of the faithful. ²They which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham: and yet for all this Abraham fell into distrust of Gods providence and power, when he spake untruly, and denied his wife. ³So Job was renowned for his patience, You have heard of the patience of Job, (saith St. James,)⁴ and yet we read in the story of Jobs trials,⁵ that his impatience did break out in many rash speeches and wishes. So Moses was eminently meek, it was said of him, The man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth. And yet it is said of him,⁶ that his spirit was provoked, ⁷so that he spake unadvisedly with his lips: and you shall find meek Moses thus expostulating with God himself, I am not able to bear all the people alone, because it is too heavy for me, and if thou deal thus with me, kill me I pray thee out of hand; and if I have found favour in thine eyes, ⁸let me not see my wretchedness.

7. Another argument why strong Christians should be humble, is this, that though they may have grace, yet they are subject to fall into that sin, which is most contrary to that grace wherein they are most eminent. ⟨p. 167⟩