ISo M I G H T Y G O D. affe6ted Gefture, which conftitutes a humble Perfotn, but a deep Acquaintance with the Vilenefs of a fro- ward Heart, and a thorough Senfe of Dependence upon Mercy for all things. Gracious Humility is the Har- binger of Grace ; or rather, is that firft Fruit of Grace received, which gives an Earned of future Glory. For this end, and that theYruit of this precious Kind may abound, the Chriftian meets with many Trials, and Difficulties, and Temptations. They are wifely, and lovingly as well as wifely, defigned to bring him low, and to keep him low. We fhould be always making our Flights of Pride, if the Sun of Righteoufnefs did not melt our waxen and caufe us to remember the Hole of the Pit from whence we are digged. Nor is the grating File more neceffary to the Polifh of Me- tals, than rough Trials are requifite to brighten Grace in the Chriftian's Soul. They difcover the Hypocrite but they improve the Sincere. In the Summer, every Tree of the Field has Abundance ofLeaves but when Winter comes, none but the real and living Branches are likely to remain upon the Stock. So, in the Chriftian Garden, many have a Name to live, and make a fplen- did Appearance for a Time;. nay, appear as much more verdant and fair, as Leaves than the Branches which bear them : But in the ftormy Seafons ofTemp- tation, and when every Breath is a Breath of Incle- mency and Cold ; they fall away from the Stock, and quickly rot upon the Earth from whence they came. On the other Hand, though thefe trying Times purge out the Hypocrites and carnal Profeffors from the Church, they ftrengthen what remain, and confirm and rèally build up theFaithful in Zion. Like the Firtrees, they fhoot ftrait upwards, let the Storms blow from what Quarter they may. Adverfity and Temptation feem intended to try the Strengthof Grace in the Soul ; Profperity and Eafe, to prove its Reality and Truth. When the Chriftian is Rationed above the common Occafions of Care and Solicitude ; when he feels no Wants, and is molefted by no particular Troubles; then
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