John Owen ( 10 of 70 )
Let no man think to kill sin with few, easy, or gentle strokes. He who hath once smitten a serpent, read more
Let no man think to kill sin with few, easy, or gentle strokes. He who hath once smitten a serpent, if he follow not on his blow until he be slain, may repent that ever he began the quarrel. And so will he who undertakes to deal with sin, and pursues it not constantly to the death.
Poor souls are apt to think that all those whom they read of or hear of to be gone to read more
Poor souls are apt to think that all those whom they read of or hear of to be gone to heaven, went thither because they were so good and so holy... Yet not one of them, not any man that is now in heaven (Jesus Christ alone excepted), did ever come thither any other way but by forgiveness of sins. And that will also bring us higher, though we come short of many of them in holiness and grace...
It is the "terror of the Lord" that causes us to "persuade" others, but it is the love of Christ read more
It is the "terror of the Lord" that causes us to "persuade" others, but it is the love of Christ that constraineth us to live to Him.
Temptations and occasions put nothing into a man, but only draw out what was in him before.
Temptations and occasions put nothing into a man, but only draw out what was in him before.
Men love to trust God (as they profess) for what they have in their hands, in possession, or what lies read more
Men love to trust God (as they profess) for what they have in their hands, in possession, or what lies in an easy view; place their desires afar off, carry their accomplishment behind the clouds out of their sight, interpose difficulties and perplexities -- their hearts are instantly sick. They cannot wait for God; they do not trust Him, nor ever did. Would you have the presence of God with you? Learn to wait quietly for the salvation you expect from Him.
That faith alone will never forsake Christ which springs out of or is built upon a conviction of the need read more
That faith alone will never forsake Christ which springs out of or is built upon a conviction of the need for Him.
I do not know a warning that I judge more necessary to be given to those who are called this read more
I do not know a warning that I judge more necessary to be given to those who are called this day, than to charge them not to trade too much with their natural gifts, and abilities, and learning. These are talents in their kind; but it is the Spirit that must manage all that learning they have, or it will prejudice them, and you also. I have known some good men who have been so addicted to their study, that they have thought the last day of the week sufficient to prepare for their ministry, though they employ all the rest of the week in other studies. But you business is to trade with your spiritual abilities... A man may preach a very good sermon, who is otherwise himself; but he will never make a good minister of Jesus Christ, whose mind and heart [are] not always in the work. Spiritual gifts will require continual ruminating on the things of the Gospel in our minds.
See in the meantime that your faith bringeth forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring read more
See in the meantime that your faith bringeth forth obedience, and God in due time will cause it to bring forth peace.
Feast of Charles Simeon, Pastor, Teacher, 1836 You have your season, and you have but your season; neither read more
Feast of Charles Simeon, Pastor, Teacher, 1836 You have your season, and you have but your season; neither can you lie down in peace, until you have some persuasion that your work as well as your life is at an end.
Commemoration of Gladys Aylward, Missionary in China, 1970 Religion is the same that ever it was, only it suffers read more
Commemoration of Gladys Aylward, Missionary in China, 1970 Religion is the same that ever it was, only it suffers by them that make profession of it. Never was there less regard for the Person and offices of Christ, of His grace, and of the benefits of His mediation, among them that are called Christians, than is found among many at this day.