Earth is a drossy thing
in this man's account; earthly greatness and splendors are but like
vanishing bubbles in this man's esteem. None but God as the end of
his desires, none but Christ as the means to accomplish this his
end, are things counted great by this man. No company now is
acceptable to this man, but the Spirit of God, Christ, angels and
saints, as fellow-heirs with himself. All other men and things, he
deals with as strangers and pilgrims were wont to do. This man's
mind soars higher than the eagle, or stork of the heavens. He is for
musing about things that are above and their glory, and for thinking
what shall come to pass hereafter.
Is it so, that coming to Christ is by the Father? Then this should
teach us to set a high esteem upon them that are indeed coming to
Jesus Christ, for the sake of him by virtue of whose grace they are
made to come to Jesus Christ.
We see that when men, by the help of human abilities, do arrive at
the knowledge of, and bring to pass that which, when done, is a
wonder to the world, how he that did it is esteemed and commended.
Yea, how are his wits, parts, industry, and unweariedness in all,
admired; and yet the man, as to this, is but of the world; and his
work the effect of natural ability.
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