If we were left to ourselves

(William Secker, "The Consistent Christian" 1660)

"What makes you better than anyone else?"
    1 Corinthians 4:7

Reader, are there not the same lusts lodging in your
heart—which are reigning in wicked men's lives? The
reason why there is so little self-condemnation, is
because there is so little self-examination.

If we were left to ourselves but for a moment—we
would destroy ourselves in that moment! We can defile
ourselves—but we cannot cleanse ourselves. The sheep
can go astray alone—but can never return to the fold,
without the assistance of the shepherd.

"Hold me up—and I shall be safe!" Psalm 119:117