Infinite and eternal Majesty! Author
and Fountain of being and blessedness! how little do we poor sinful
creatures know of thee, or the way to serve and please thee! We talk of
religion, and pretend unto it; but, alas! how few are there that know
and consider what it means! How easily do we mistake the affections
of our nature, and issues of self-love, for those divine graces which
alone can render us acceptable in thy sight! It may justly grieve me
to consider, that I should have wandered so long, and contented myself
so often with vain shadows and false images of piety and religion; yet
I cannot but acknowledge and adore thy goodness, who hast been pleased,
in some measure, to open mine eyes, and let me see what it is at which I
ought to aim. I rejoice to consider what mighty improvements my nature is
capable of, and what a divine temper of spirit doth shine in those whom
thou art pleased to choose, and causest to approach unto thee. Blessed
be thine infinite mercy, who sentest thine own Son to dwell among men,
and instruct them by his example as well as his laws, giving them a
perfect pattern of what they ought to be. O that the holy life of
the blessed Jesus may be always in my thoughts, and before mine eyes,
till I receive a deep sense and impression of those excellent graces
that shined so eminently in him! And let me never cease my endeavours,
till that new and divine nature prevail in my soul, and Christ be formed
within me.
- Henry Scougal (The Life of God in the Soul of Man, Part 1)
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