From “The Almost Christian Discovered; or The False Professor Tried & Cast” written by Matthew Mead:
“Many deceive themselves with common grace instead of saving, through that resemblance that is between them. As many take counterfeit money for current coin, so do too many take common grace for true... ...though every saving work of the Spirit be supernatural, yet every supernatural work of the Spirit is not saving; and hence many deceive their own souls, by taking a supernatural work for a saving work.”
“Many mistake a profession of religion for a work of conversion, and outside reformation for a sure sign of inward regeneration. If the outside of the cup be washed, then they think all is clean, though it be never so foul within. This is the common rock that so many souls split upon, to their eternal hazard, taking up a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof.”
“There are some lusts espoused in the heart, that hinder a hearty close with Christ. Though they bid fair yet they come not to God’s terms: “The young man would have eternal life;” and he bid fair for it: a willing obedience to every command but one, but only one; and will not God abate him one? Is he so severe? Will he not come down a little in his terms, when man rises so high? Must man yield all? Will God yield nothing? No, my brethren, he that underbids for heaven, shall as surely lose it, as he that will give nothing for it. He that will not give all he hath—part with all for that “pearl of price”—shall as surely go without it, as he that never once cheapens it. The not coming up to God’s terms is the ruin of thousands of souls; nay, it is that upon which all that perish, do perish. A naked sinner to a naked Christ; a bleeding, broken sinner, to a bleeding, broken Christ—these are God’s terms.”
Considering all that Matthew has shared with us regarding these biblical principles, with Hebrews Chapter 11 in mind, and as each of us realize that despite the fact that it is NOT IN ME to be Christ-like, yet HIS MERCY IS MORE; can we bravely & honestlypray with sincere humility:
“Lord, Take my will, and make it Thine; it shall be no longer mine. Take myself, and I will be, ever, only, all for Thee. (Frances R. Havergal, “Take My Life.”) Break my heart with what breaks yours (Jesus, Friend of Sinners, Casting Crowns ) and bring me anything that brings you glory? (Bring the Rain, Mercy Me)”
If not, then please consider reading the chapter, Comfort in the Wilderness, in the book “Alone with God, Helps to Thought and Prayer, for use of the sick” by Francis Bourdillon
CORAM DEO
Carmine
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