The will of natural man is the worst part about him. The worst thing he has, the greatest enemy he has, is his own heart and will. It is the corrupt will of a man that keeps him under the power of his sins, and keeps him off the power of an ordinance that would procure his everlasting good. I speak it the rather to dash that dream of wicked men, when they do ill, and speak ill, yet (say they), “my heart is good.” No, truly, if thy life be naught, thy heart is worse. It is the worst thing thou hast about thee… The deceitfulness of the heart is above all; the masterfulness of the heart is beyond all that we can conceive. A man may discern a man’s life, “but the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.” The will of man is uncontrollable, it will stand out against all reasons and arguments, and nothing can move the will except God work upon it.
Application of Redemption.
Pride is a vice, which cleaves so fast unto the heart of men, that if we were to strip ourselves off all faults, one by one, we should undoubtedly find it the very last and hardest to put off.
A visitor (seeking to console the dying Thomas Hooker): Sir, you are going to receive the reward of your labour. Thomas Hooker: Brother, I am going to receive mercy!
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 189.
Such we are in the sight of God the Father, as is the very Son of God Himself. Let it be counted folly or frenzy or fury or whatever. It is our wisdom and our comfort; we care for no knowledge in the world but this: that man has sinned and God has suffered; that God has made Himself the sin of men, and that men are made the righteousness of God.
Such are we in the sight of God the Father, as is the very Son of God Himself.