Mozley: A Treatise on the Augustinian Doctrine of

4Q Examination of the CHAP. n.
we are here, with an unknown future before us, of good or
evil, and possessed by nature of the strongest self-love and
desire for our own ultimate is it to
good,
be said for a
moment, that we ought not to think of ourselves, our pro
spects, the object of our existence, and our amount of re
sources, the degree of our strength and ability to achieve
it ? Certainly, such a consideration is highly befitting our
state, and suitable to a Christian man. And accordingly
the New, as distinguished from the Old Testament, appears
specially to encourage this peculiar tone of mind, and to
direct men more to reflection upon themselves it recom
;
mends a grave foresight, a prudential regard to our own
ultimate it happiness; promotes a deep moral self-interestedness
and spirit of calculation. The eye of the soul is turned
inward upon itself to think of its own value, and estimate
its own capacities, and prospects. Which of you intending
to build a tower, sitteth not down first and counteth the
cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it ? Or what king
going to war with another king, sitteth not down first and
consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet
him that cometh against him, with twenty thousand. l
But if a man makes the estimate which is here recom
mended to him, and if he conscientiously finds it a favour
able one i.e. if he feels himself possessed of strong moral
purpose and will, what is to prevent him from thinking
that he is destined to the end, with a view to which the
estimate is made? That he is marked out by Providence
to build this tower and conquer this foe ? History and
experience show, that the human mind is so constituted as
to receive this impression.
Accordingly, Christians are addressed in the New Tes
tament upon this supposition. It is one of the first lessons
which the Gospel teaches us, that the ends which earthly
greatness proposes to itself, are but shadows of those to
which Christians are called ; that the conquest of sin is the
true glory of man, and the heavenly his true crown. The
Christian, therefore, is addressed as one predestined to
eternal glory. He is encouraged to regard himself as a
1 Lukexiv. 28, 31.