Re-post from 05-02-2011 great devotions from a great Puritan

James Smith (Puritan)

We forget that evil human nature is essentially the same in all. We forget that education, circumstance, providence and the Grace of God - make the only difference between us and the vilest of men that ever lived!
My nature is the same as in the harlot, drunkard, the murderer; and if left to myself -- I would have been as depraved as they are! Humbling consideration this!
"For who makes you different than anyone else? What do you have - that you did not receive?"
1 Cor 4:7
Am I vile? Let me take the blame and shame to myself.
Am I saved and holy? Let Sovereign Grace have all the glory and praise!

from the Power of Penitence 1856