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It is a curious fact, that there is such a thing as being proud of
grace. A man says, "I have great faith, I shall not fall;
poor little faith may, but I never shall." "I have
fervent love", says another, "I can stand, there is no
danger of my going astray."
He who boasts of grace has little grace to boast of.
Some who do this imagine that their graces can keep them, knowing
not that the stream must flow constantly from the fountain head,
or else the brook will soon be dry.
If a continuous stream of oil comes not to the lamp, though it
burn brightly to-day, it will smoke to-morrow, and noxious will be
its scent.
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Take heed
that thou gloriest not in thy graces, but let all thy glorying
and confidence be in Christ and his strength, for only so
canst thou be kept from falling.
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Be much more
in prayer.
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Spend longer
time in holy adoration.
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Read the
Scriptures more earnestly and constantly.
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Watch your
lives more carefully.
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Live nearer
to God.
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Take the best
examples for your pattern.
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Let your
conversation be redolent of heaven.
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Let your
hearts be perfumed with affection for men's souls.
So live that men
may take knowledge of you that you have been with Jesus, and have
learned of him; and when that happy day shall come, when he whom
you love shall say, "Come up higher," may it be your
happiness to hear him say, "Thou hast fought a good fight,
thou hast finished thy course, and henceforth there is laid up for
thee a crown of righteousness which fadeth not away. "
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On,
Christian, with care and caution!
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On, with holy
fear and trembling!
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On, with
faith and confidence in Jesus alone, and let your constant
petition be, "Uphold me according to thy word".
He is able, and
he alone, To keep you from falling, and to present you faultless
before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.
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