24 CHRISTIAN PARADOXES. 



things by their means, and yet he neither prays for 

 their assistance, nor offers them thanks, which he 

 doth not disdain to do to the meanest Christian. 



14. He believes himself to be a king, how mean 

 soever he be : and how great soever he be, yet he 

 thinks himself not too good to be a servant to the 

 poorest saint. 



15. He is often in prison, yet always at liberty ; 

 a freeman, though a servant. He loves not honour 

 amongst men, yet highly prizeth a good name. 



16. He believes that God hath bidden every 

 man that doth him good to do so ; he yet of any 

 man is the most thankful to them that do aught for 

 him. He would lay down his life to save the soul of 

 his enemy, yet will not adventure upon one sin to 

 save the life of him who saved his. 



17. He swears to his own hindrance, and changeth 

 not ; yet knoweth that his oath cannot tie him to 

 sin. 



18. He believes Christ to have no need of any 

 thing he doth, yet maketh account that he doth 

 relieve Christ in all his acts of charity. He knoweth 

 he can do nothing of himself, yet labours to work 

 out his own salvation. He professeth he can do 

 nothing, yet as truly professeth he can do all things : 

 he knoweth that flesh and blood cannot inherit the 

 kingdom of God, yet believeth he shall go to heaven 

 both body and soul. 



19. He trembles at God s word, yet counts it 

 sweeter to him than honey and the honey-comb, 

 and dearer than thousands of gold and silver. 



