Hi guys,
I was reading "A Lifting Up for the Downcast" by William Bridge this morning, and came across a paragraph I felt led to post. Bridge is a rather unknown Puritan writer who wrote thirteen discourses on Psalm 42:11 back in 1648. He wrote about spiritual depression with great insight, and through his deep wisdom of the word of God, he is known today as a true physician of souls. The Banner of Truth Trust used to publish his book; I'm not sure if they still do.
Incidentally, if anyone knows where I can find used, out-of-print Puritan books, I'd be most thankful!
This is what I dug out this morning (I think someone needs to hear this as a confirmation from the Lord):
"The more a man sees and understands his Christian liberty, and yet walks the more strictly, the more he grows in grace. Some think they grow in grace because they have more understanding in their Christian liberty, though they walk more loosely. These are deceived in their spiritual growth. But if I know my Christian liberty the more fully, and now walk the more strictly in life, then do I grow in grace indeed. Now is it thus true with you? Yes! Through grace I am able to say that I see my Christian liberty more than I did heretofore, and yet I am more strict in my life. Though I cannot pray as yet I would, and hear as I would, and perform duty as I would, yet I do perform my duties with more exactness than formerly; and though I have not so much affection as I had in this or that work of God, yet now I find that I am more dilated, and my obedience is more extended and extensive unto God's ways and commandments than before. Then though you are still weak in comparison with others, yet you are grown stronger in comparison with your former self, and therefore certainly you have no just cause or reason to be discouraged in this respect."
Blessings to you on SI, as you cease comparing your walk with other spirtual giants like Wesley and Ravenhill, and instead begin focusing inwardly on God's custom transforming work which is being wrought in you. If you must compare, then compare your present spiritual condition to that of your former. Use your 'inward man' as the only measuring stick to chart your growth in grace. If you remain low and humble and utterly subservient unto His voice and commands, the inner witness shall certainly testify of rapid growth.
Brother Paul