Scougal on Sanctification

I've been continuing to work my way through "The Life of God in the Soul of Man" by Henry Scougal. Today I came upon two quotes dealing with sanctification and the struggle against sin that I found helpful.

First, he provides insight into the relationship between God's work and our work in changing our hearts.

All the art and industry of man cannot form the smallest herb, or make a stalk of corn to grow in the field; it is the energy of nature, and the influences of Heaven, which produce this effect. It is God "who causeth the grass to grow, and herb for the service of man;" and yet nobody will say, that the labours of the husbandman are useless or unnecessary.

Then Scougal provides some perspective on the intensity of the struggle with sin:

But now, that I may detain you no longer, if we desire to have our souls moulded to this holy frame, to become partakers of the divine nature, and have Christ formed in our hearts, we must seriously resolve, and carefully endeavour, to avoid and abandon all vicious and sinful practices. There can be no treaty of peace, till once we lay down these weapons of rebellion wherewith we fight against heaven; nor can we expect to have our distempers cured, if we be daily feeding on poison. Every wilful sin gives a mortal wound to the soul, and puts it at a greater distance from God and goodness; and we can never hope to have our hearts purified from corrupt affections, unless we cleanse our hands from vicious actions.

I found these words a helpful reminder that God is the one that changes us but we are called to strive and fight hard against our sin.

Also, on a non-related note, check out my guest post on gratitude over on my community group's blog today.