Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
I cannot, saith the Christian, discourse with that fluency, nor pray with that elegancy as others.
Answ. 1. Grace is beyond gifts; Thou comparest thy grace with another’s gifts, there is a vast difference; Grace without gifts is infinitely better then gifts without grace; in Religion, the vitals are better then the intellectuals: Gifts are a more extrinsically and common work of the Spirit, which is incident to reprobates; grace is a more distinguishing work, and is a jewel hung only upon the Elect. Hast thou and seed of God, the holy anointing? be content.
I. Thou sayest, thou canst not discourse with that fluency as others.
Answ. Experiments in Religion are beyond notions, and impressions beyond expressions. Judas no doubt could make a learned discourse of Christ; but welfare the woman in the Gospel, that felt virtue coming out of him. A sanctified heart is better then a silver tongue. There is as much difference between gifts and grace, as between a Tulip painted on the wall, and one growing in the Garden. ...
For more, see Thomas Watson: Grace is better than gifts.
Answ. 1. Grace is beyond gifts; Thou comparest thy grace with another’s gifts, there is a vast difference; Grace without gifts is infinitely better then gifts without grace; in Religion, the vitals are better then the intellectuals: Gifts are a more extrinsically and common work of the Spirit, which is incident to reprobates; grace is a more distinguishing work, and is a jewel hung only upon the Elect. Hast thou and seed of God, the holy anointing? be content.
I. Thou sayest, thou canst not discourse with that fluency as others.
Answ. Experiments in Religion are beyond notions, and impressions beyond expressions. Judas no doubt could make a learned discourse of Christ; but welfare the woman in the Gospel, that felt virtue coming out of him. A sanctified heart is better then a silver tongue. There is as much difference between gifts and grace, as between a Tulip painted on the wall, and one growing in the Garden. ...
For more, see Thomas Watson: Grace is better than gifts.
