Some that are coming to Christ cannot lie persuaded, until the
temptation comes, that they are so vile as the scripture saith they
are. True, they see so much of their wretchedness as to drive them
to Christ. But there is an over and above of wickedness which they
see not. Peter little thought that he had had in his heart cursing
and swearing and lying, and an inclination to deny his Master,
before the temptation came; but when that indeed came upon him, then
he found it there to his sorrow.
It may be that thy graces must be tried in the fire, that that rust
which cleaveth to them may be taken away, and themselves proved,
both before angels and devils, to be far better than gold that
perisheth. It may be also, that thy graces are to receive special
praises and honor and glory, at the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
to judgment, for all the exploits that thou hast acted by them
against hell and its infernal crew, in the day of thy temptation.
But to conclude this, put the worst to the worst, and then things
will be bad enough: suppose that thou art to this day without the
grace of God; yet thou art but a miserable creature, a sinner that
has need of a blessed Saviour; and the text presents thee with one
as good and kind as heart can wish, who also for thy encouragement
saith, "And him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out.
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