The Russet Coat

Man is a proud creattcre, and would fain establish his own righteousness and have somewhat wherein to glory in hi?nself. Rom. X. 3. Our proud heart takes up the old proverb and thi7iketh — A russet coat of our own is better thaft a silke?i garment that is borrowed of another Man would sooner wear his own rags than Christ’s fine white linen. Pride, however, is too expensive a luxury when a man must give up all hope of heaven in order to indulge it. Such is the case. There can be no feasting with the King unless we wear the wedding-garment which he supplies. Our own silk and satin would not suit his courts, much less our russet and our corduroy. We must accept the righteousness of God, or be unrighteous for ever. Surely we shall be worse than madmen if we insist upon going naked rather than put on the royal apparel of free grace.

Lord, I cannot longer err in this fashion, for I perceive my righteousnesses to be filthy rags, and I am heartily glad to be rid of them. Clothe me, I pray thee, with the righteousness divine.