pride, vanity, wrath, and envy, which lurk in the inmost recesses of our
nature, and some of which have such affinities for a genius like that of
Edwards, yield not to such exorcism. Such more powerful kind of demons
go not forth but by prayer and fasting; to their complete mortification,
therefore, Edwards brought incessant watchfulness and devotion; and
seldom, assuredly, have they been more nearly expelled from the bosom of
a depraved intelligence.' We shall be in the best company, both
intellectually and spiritually, if we work out our own salvation among
the sinful passions of our depraved hearts. And then, as life goes on,
and we continue in well-doing, we shall be able to measure and register
our growth in grace best by watching the effect of outward temptations
upon our still sinful and but half-sanctified hearts. And among much to
be humbled for, and much to make us fear and tremble for the issue, we
shall, from time to time, have a good conscience and a holy and humble
joy that this passion and that is at last showing some signs of
crucifixion and mortification. And thus that death to sin shall
gradually set in which shall issue at last in an everlasting life unto
holiness.
'Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from
all your filthiness, and from all your idols will I cleanse you. A new
heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you . . .
Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe
thee with change of raiment. In that day there shall be a fountain
opened to the house of David, and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for
sin and for uncleanness . . . Bring forth the best robe and put it upon
him, for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is
found . . . What are these that are arrayed in white robes, and whence
came they? These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have
washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.'
PATIENCE
'In your patience possess ye your souls.' (Revised Version: 'In your
patience ye shall win your souls.')--Our Lord.
'I saw moreover in my dream that the Interpreter took the pilgrim by the
hand, and had him into a little room, where sate two little children,
each one in his chair. The name of the eldest was Passion and of the
other Patience. Passion seemed to be much discontent, but Patience was
very quiet. Then Christian asked, What is the reason of the discontent
of Passion? The interpreter answered, The governor of them would have
him stay for his best things till the beginning of the next year; but he
will have all now. But Patience is willing to wait.'
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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