Double Benefit

“A 77ialef actor that hath a leprosy on him needs not only a pardon, but a medicine; and in a broken leg, not only ease of the fain is desirable, but that the bone be set right. So we need both justification and sanctificationy Justification saves the malefactor, and sanctification cures him of his spiritual disease: are they not equally desirable? Who would wish to miss the one or the other if in need of them? Pardon removes the pain of our broken bones, but spiritual renewal reduces the fracture. Let us not be content with half a gospel, but obtain a whole Christ for our broken hearts. Renewal of life is every way as desirable as forgiveness of sin. As well be full of guilt as full of guile. If a child has eaten imhealthy food it is well to cure the disease which is occasioned by it, but it is equally desirable to break him of the habit which led him to such foul feeding.

Lord, thy poor servant is by nature both malefactor and leper; and nothing will serve my turn but a double-handed blessing. I pray thee absolve me, and cure me too. Let me know of a surety that both these blessings are mine beyond all question, mine in immediate and experienced possession.