But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. - 1Co 15:10

     The true Christian is sensible and mindful of indwelling sin. He confesses that in everything he comes exceedingly short, and that his best services are not only defective—but defiled. He accounts himself as an unprofitable servant—and is abased in his own eyes. He knows that all that distinguishes him from the vilest of men—is the free grace of God!

     He derives all his hope and comfort, as well as his strength—from Jesus, whom he has known, received and loved, and to whom he has committed his soul. He renounces all confidence in the flesh, and esteems all things as loss—compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Jesus Christ his Lord, for whose sake he has lost all things—considering them rubbish, that he may gain Christ!