Select Remains of John Mason, with a Preface by J. Mason (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1828. Excerpt: ... of the church of God. But they that are true Christians are like Ruth; they will cleave to her, stay by her, live and die with her, and never depart from her, Ruth i. 14. As it is not putting on a gown that makes a scholar, but the inward habit of the mind; so it is not putting on an outward cloak of profession that makes a Christian, but the inward grace of the heart. As Noah's dove found no footing but in the ark, so a Christian finds no contentment but in Christ. Our hearts are like instruments of music well tuned; they will make no melody in the ear of God, unless they are gently touched by the finger of the spirit. Christian's hearts are as iron; if they be once made hot with the love of God, they will be more easily joined together in love to one another. As the sun ripens and sweetens fruits by shining upon them, without which they would be sour and unsavoury; so it is the sunshine of God's love and favour that sweeten all earthlyblessings, without which they would be but crosses and curses to them that possess them. God's mercies are as cords to draw us to him; but our sins are as sharp swords that cut these cords. Outward comforts are like the rotten twigs of a tree; they may be touched, but if they are trusted to, or rested upon, they will certainly deceive and fail us. As cankers breed in the sweetest roses, so pride may arise out of the sweetest duties. A zealous soul without meekness, is like a ship in a storm, in danger of wrecks. A meek soul without zeal, is like a ship in a calm, that moves not so fast to its port as it ought. Notional knowledge is like the light of a candle, which enlightens, but does not warm; true and saving knowledge is like the sun, which not only enlightens, but enlivens. As God commanded under the law, that the inwa...