We are to humble ourselves to this,—that we address
ourselves to the performance of the greatest duties, being fully persuaded
that we have no strength for the least. This is that which lies so cross
to flesh and blood, that our souls must be humbled to it if ever we
are brought to it; and yet without this there is no walking with
God.
There are great and mighty duties to be performed in our
walking with God in a way of gospel obedience: there is cutting
off right hands, plucking out right eyes; denying, yea,
comparatively, hating father, mother, and all relations ; dying for
Christ, laying down our lives for the brethren ; crucifying the flesh,
cutting short all earthly desires, keeping the body in subjection, bearing
the cross, self-denial,and the like;—which, when they come to be put in
practice, will be found to be great and mighty duties.
This is required in the law of grace,—that we undertake and go
through with these all our days, with a full assurance and persuasion that
we have not strength of ourselves, or in ourselves, to perform the least
of them.
“We are not sufficient of ourselves,” saith the apostle, 2 Cor. 3:5.
We cannot think a good thought. Without Christ we can do nothing,John 15:5.
I know we want to live that pure in Christ, but does anyone? Oh to be like Jesus Christ alone!
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