Wherefore, take heed of being painted fire, wherein is no warmth; of
being painted flowers, which retain no smell; and of being painted
trees, whereon is no fruit. Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift,
is like clouds and wind without rain. Farewell; the Lord be with thy
spirit, that thou mayest profit for time to come.
THEY only have benefit by Christ to eternal life, who die by his
example as well as live by his blood; for in his death was both
merit and example; and they are like to miss in the first, that are
not concerned in the second.
As it is natural for the stranger, so soon as ever he has entered
the gates of a city, to have his feet in the streets of the city, so
it is natural for the sinner, so soon as ever he is entered into the
church of Christ, to have his feet treading in the way and paths of
holiness. Wherefore it is usual in the holy Scripture to call the
transformation of the sinner from Satan to God a holy way, and also
to admonish him that is so transformed to walk in that way, saying,
Walk in the faith, love, spirit, and newness of life, and walk in
the truth, ways, statutes, and judgments of God.
Jacob, when sick, would worship God, though so weak as not able to
do it without leaning upon the top of his staff: a blessed example
for the diligent, and reproof for those that are slothful.
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