The choicest saints – Thomas Brooks

Such is the universal corruption of human nature, that the souls of the best, of the purest, and of the holiest men in the world do from day to day, yes, from moment to moment, contract some filth and uncleanness. The choicest saints can never acquit themselves from sins of infirmity which do inevitably and inseparably cleave unto the best of men, who still carry with about them, corrupt flesh and blood.

Godly men may fall again and again into the same sin; and no wonder, for though their repentance be ever so sincere and sound yet their graces are but weak, and their mortification but imperfect in this life, and therefore it is possible for a gracious soul to fall again and again into the same sin.

Grace may be prevailed against by Satan’s temptations, and by the strong, secret, and subtle workings of sin in our hearts.