The Godly Man's Picture

I confess it is matter of wonder, that grace should not be wholly annihilated, especially if we consider two things.

I confesse it is matter of wonder, that grace should not be wholly annihilated, especially if we consider two things.

1 The malice of Satan, he is a malignant spirit, and lays bars in our way to heaven; the Devil with the wind of temptation, labours to blow out the spark of grace in our hearts; if this will not do, he stirs up wicked ⟨p. 336⟩men, and raiseth the Militia of Hell against us: what a wonder is it, that this bright Star of grace, should not be swept down with the tail of the Dragon?

1 The malice of Satan, he is a malignant spirit, and laies bars in our way to heaven; the Devil with the wind of temptation, labours to blow out the spark of grace in our hearts; if this will not do, he stirs up wicked ⟨p. 336⟩men, and raiseth the Militia of Hell against us: what a wonder is it, that this bright Star of grace, should not be swept down with the tail of the Dragon?

2 It is an amazing thing, that grace should subsist, if we consider the world of corruption in our hearts; sin makes the major part in a Christian; there is in the best heart more dregs than spirits. The heart swarms with sin; what a deal of pride and Atheism is in the soul? now is it not admirable, that this Lilly of grace, should be able to grow among so many thorns? it is as great a wonder, that a little grace, should be preserved in the midst of so much corruption, as to see a Taper burning in the Sea, and not extinguished.