SNIPPETS

On one occasion, Philip Henry heard of a christian who was giving his age as being “on the wrong side of fifty.” “That man should not say that”, Philip Henry declared, “for if he is over fifty, then he is on the right side of fifty, for he will be all the sooner in heaven.”

Many choose their opinions — as Samson did his wife — Just because they please him.         William Gurnall

Following a sermon which he preached on the doctrine of human inabilility in the things of salvation, Dr. John Gill was “set upon” by a man who believed that Gill had degraded human nature. “Pray, then,” Said Gill to the offended listener, “What do you think man can contribute to his conversion?” The man listed a whole string of qualities that he thought man could use to meet God half-way in salvaton. “And have you done all these things?” asked the Dr. “Why, no, I haven't,"”said the man, “but I intend to do them soon.” “Well,”said Gill, “If you have all things in your power to do them and have not done them, you deserve to be doubly damned, and are but ill-qualified to be an advocate of that freewill which has done you so little good.”

The bird that soars on highest wing
       Builds on the ground her lowly nest
And she that doth most sweetly sing,
       Sings in the shade when all things rest -
              In lark and nightingale we see
              What honour hath humility.

The saint that wears heaven's brightest crown,
       In deepest adoration bends -
The weight of glory bends him down
       The most, when most his soul ascents:
              Nearest the throne itself must be
              The footstool of humility.