A world of vices hidden in the souls of men

There is no end and no limit to the obstacles of  the man who wants to pursue what is right and at the same time shrinks back from self-denial.
It is an ancient and true observation that there is a world of vices hidden in the soul of a man, but Christian self-denial is the remedy [...]

Read Full Post »

Repentant harlots and publicans, nearer to the kingdom of heaven than pride, presumption or arrogance

All who have not been influenced by the principle of self-denial, have followed virtue merely from the love of praise.
Even those of the philosphers who have contended that virtue is desirable for its own sake, have been puffed up with so much arrogance, that it is evident they desire virtue for no other reason, than [...]

Read Full Post »

Self-denial instead of self-love

A Christian will measure all his deeds by God’s Law, and his secret thoughts he will subject to God’s will.
If a man has learned to regard God in every enterprise, he will be delivered from all vain desires.
The denial of ourselves which Christ has so diligently commanded his disciples from the beginning will at last [...]

Read Full Post »

The Glory of God before self

Let us therefore not seek our own but that which pleases the Lord, and is helpful to the promotion of his glory.
There is a great advantage in almsot forgetting ourselves and in surely neglecting all selfish aspects; for then only can we try faithfully to devote our attention to God and his commandments.
For when Scripture [...]

Read Full Post »

Living for Christ

The service of the Lord does not only include implicit obedience, but also a willingness to put aside our sinful desires, and to surrender completely to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
The transformation of our lives by the Holy Spirit, which Paul calls a renewal of the mind, is the real beginning of life, but [...]

Read Full Post »

Taking leave of ourselves

Oh, how greatly has man advanced who has learned not to be his own, not to be governed by his own reason, but to surrender his mind to God!
The most effective poison to lead men to ruin is to boast in themselves, in their own wisdom and willpower; the only escape to safety is simply [...]

Read Full Post »

We are not our own; We are GOD’s own.

If we are not our own but the Lord’s, it is plain what error we must flee, and to what purpose all our deeds must be directed.
We are not our own, therefore, neither our reason nor our will should guide us in our thoughts and actions.
We are not our own, therefore, we should not seek [...]

Read Full Post »