Monster & monument!

("Gleanings from the Inner Life of Ruth Bryan" — her diary)

December 3rd, 1838.
I arose this morning soul-heavy and sin-burdened — but was favored at family worship with near access to God, wrestling faith, and a sense of His pardoning love. Wonderful! wonderful! Who is a pardoning God like You? Truly, to the Lord our God belong forgivenesses, though I have sinned against Him!

My naughty, carnal nature is very active today! What a monster of iniquity — and a monument of mercy I am!

Surely I am, as the apostle says, am "example" — that none may despair! "This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — and I am the worst of them! But I received mercy because of this, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate the utmost patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life!" 1 Timothy 1:15-16