The Ant's Nest

The ant's nest

(Thomas Boston, "Human Nature in its Fourfold State")

Never did any sin appear in the life of the vilest wretch 
who ever lived; but look into your own corrupt nature, 
and there you may see the seed and root that sin—and 
every other sin. There is atheism, idolatry, blasphemy, 
murder, adultery, and whatever is vile—in your heart! 
Possibly none of these are apparent to you; but there 
is more in that unfathomable depth of wickedness than 
you know. 

Your corrupt heart is like an ant's nest, which, while 
the stone lies on it, none of them appear. But take off 
the stone, and stir them up but with a straw—and you 
will see what a swarm is there—and how lively they are! 
Just such a sight would your heart afford you—did the 
Lord but withdraw the restraint He has upon it—and 
allow Satan to stir it up by temptation!

"For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil
thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery,
greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander,
arrogance and folly." Mark 7:21, 22


Christian! the remembrance of what you are by 
nature, should keep you humble.

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