Thus true holiness is that which is derived from Christ, when the soul
sets Christ in his word and Christ in his example before him—as one
would the person whose picture he intends to draw —and labours to draw
every line in his life by these. O this is a sweet way indeed to
maintain the power of holiness. When thou art tempted to any vanity,
set Christ before thy eye in his holy walking; ask thy soul, ‘Am I in
this speech, action, company I consort with, like Christ? Did he, or
would he, if again to live on earth, do as I do? would not he be more
choice of his words than I am? did ever such a vain speech drop from his
lips? would he delight in such company as I do? spend his time upon such
trifles and impertin¬ences as I do? would he bestow so much cost in
pam¬pering of his body, and swallow down his throat at one meal what
would feed many poor creatures ready to starve for want? would he be in
every fashion that comes up, though never so ridiculous and offensive?
should cards and dice ever have been found in his hands to drive time
away? And shall I indulge myself in anything that would make me unlike
Christ? God forbid! We think it enough if we can quote such a good
man, or great professor, to countenance our practice, and so are led
into temptation. But Chris¬tian, if thy conscience tells thee Christ
likes not such doings, away with them, though thou couldst produce the
example of the most eminent saint in the country to favour them.
GURNALL
Thought this was really good thought I'd share it with you all.
Brother Craig
