XVI. SECURITY OF CHRISTIANS.
Christians, were you awake, here would be matter of wonder to you,
to see a man assaulted with all the power of hell, and yet come off
a conqueror. Is it not a wonder to see a poor creature, who in
himself is weaker than the moth, stand against and overcome all
devils, all the world, all his lusts and corruptions? Or if he fall,
is it not a wonder to see him, when devils and guilt are upon him,
rise again, stand upon his feet again, walk with God again, and
persevere after all this in the faith and holiness of the gospel? He
that knows himself, wonders; he that knows temptation, wonders; he
that knows what falls and guilt mean, wonders: indeed, perseverance
is a wonderful thing and is managed by the power of God; for he only
"is able to keep us from falling, and to present us faultless before
the presence of his glory, with exceeding joy."
He that is saved must, when this world can hold him no longer, have
a safe conduct to heaven; for that is the place where they that are
saved must to the full enjoy their salvation. Here we are saved by
faith and hope of glory; but there we that are saved shall enjoy the
end of our faith, and hope, even the salvation of our souls.
But now for a poor creature to be brought thither, this is the life
of the point.
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