Now, for God to bestow the mercy of mercies, the most
precious thing in heaven or earth, upon poor sinners;
and, as great, as lovely, as excellent as His Son was -- what kind of love is this!
John FlavelLive soberly, righteously, and godly in your day and generation. In the midst of trials and difficulties, trust in the Lord, and put your confidence in Him; and there is no fear of an outgate, in the Lord's due time and way.
Samuel RutherfordWe all profess that we are bound for heaven, immortality, and glory: but is it any evidence that we really design it if all our thoughts are consumed about the trifles of this world, which we must leave behind us, and have only occasional thoughts of things above?
John OwenLove Him in all His offices. See the goodness of God in providing such a sacrifice for thee. Meat, drink, and air are not more necessary to maintain thy natural life than the death of Christ is to give and maintain thy spiritual life. Oh, then, with a deep sense of gratitude in thy heart, let thy lips say, 'Blessed be God for Jesus Christ.'
John FlavelGod loves a hungry child . . . Nay, I say it is more glory to God, to knock a while at a locked door, than if the door were open to us night and day. We see not that hunger is often better for us than a full stomach.
Samuel RutherfordIf I have observed anything by experience, it is this: a man may take the measure of his growth and decay in grace according to his thoughts and meditations upon the person of Christ, and the glory of Christ's Kingdom, and of His love.
John OwenWhen God intends to fill a soul, he first makes it empty. When he intends to enrich a soul, he first makes it poor. When he intends to exalt a soul, he first makes it sensible to its own miseries, wants, and nothingness.
John FlavelOnly a sight of His glory . . . will truly satisfy God's people. The hearts of believers are like a magnetized needle which cannot rest until it is pointing north. So also, a believer . . . . will always be restless until he or she comes to Christ and beholds his glory.
John OwenO for the pen of a ready writer, to set forth the matchless glory, and unparalleled excellency of the King -- The King of Kings -- the King of saints, even King Jesus: your King and mine, ye once stout-hearted rebels against His crown and government! But, O the love of His royal heart!
William MasonWhen God intends to fill a soul, he first makes it empty. When he intends to enrich a soul, he first makes it poor. When he intends to exalt a soul, he first makes it sensible to its own miseries, wants, and nothingness.
John FlavelWhen the race is ended, and the play is either won or lost, and ye are in the utmost circle and border of time, and shall put your foot within the march of eternity, all the good things of your short nightdream shall seem to you like ashes of a blaze of thorns or straw.
Samuel RutherfordThe love of Christians unto Christ is a grace wrought in their hearts by the Spirit. It is a flower most sweet and fragrant . . . Love to Christ is a divine spark that comes down from above, a fire which is kindled by the breath of the Lord, whose essence is love.
Thomas VincentWhatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
John FlavelOnly a sight of his glory . . . will truly satisfy God's people. The hearts of believers are like a magnetized needle which cannot rest until it is pointing north. So also, a believer . . . . will always be restless until he or she comes to Christ and beholds his glory.
John OwenLet 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 it be slain, may repent that ever he began the quarrel. And so he who undertakes to deal with sin, and pursues it not . . . to the death.
John OwenCome and press His love, and get heaven and glory out of it. Live on His love, and you are wholly fed. Lie on His love, and that is a sweet bed. Ride on His love, and it shall carry you through hell and death, and every evil way.
Samuel RutherfordChrist is the very essence of all delights and pleasures, the very soul and substance of them. As all the rivers are gathered into the ocean, which is the meeting-place of all the waters in the worlds, so Christ is that ocean in which all true delights and pleasures meet.
John FlavelO dear Jesus, how lovely art Thou in Thyself! The darling of Heaven! The delight of the Father! The admiration of angels! O what brightness of glory, what shining luster are Thou arrayed with! Thou art clothed wiht most excellent majesty and honor! Thou art girded with infinite might and power!
Thomas VincentCome and press His love, and get heaven and glory out of it. Live on His love, and you are wholly fed. Lie on His love, and that is a sweet bed. Ride on His love, and it shall carry you through hell and death, and every evil way.
Samuel Rutherford