The Secret of Successful Work - Andrew Murray

The secret of successful work is to give away daily what we ourselves are receiving from God.

Taken from the book The Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray 1828-1917

There is no danger so terrible - William Perkins

The consideration of God's special providence should teach you to think of the presence of God as all-seeing and all-knowing, to seek his help, and also to believe that you are helped in all things, and finally that there is no danger so terrible but he is able and willing to deliver you from it, when it is fit.

 

Taken from the book The Art of Prophesying by William Perkins 1592

 

Scripture Reading Is Our Spiritual Mealtime - Charles Spurgeon

Scripture reading is our spiritual mealtime. Sound the gong and call in every faculty to the Lord's own table to feast upon the precious meat which is now to be partaken of; or, rather, ring the church bell as for worship, for the studying of the Holy Scripture ought to be as solemn a deed as when we sing the hymns upon the Sabbath day in the courts of Lord's house.

 

Taken from the book Council for Christian Workers by Charles Spurgeon  1834-1892

 

 

 

Our Faith Would Faint Were It Not - Ralph Venning

We would faint, or falter, if we did not believe (Psa. 27:13), and faltering would prove our strength of faith to be very small (Prov. 24:10). But our faith would faint were it not upheld and quickened by the Word of God.

Taken from the book Learning in Christ's School by Ralph Venning 1675

 

The Holy Spirit Brings Clear Evident Conviction - Richard Sibbes

Where the Spirit of Christ is it also convinces (John 16:8). That is, it brings clear evident conviction with it, that the truth of God is the truth of God.

 

Taken from the book Glorious Freedom by Richard Sibbes 1639

I believe Jesus of Nazareth sooner than - DL Moody

I believe Jesus of Nazareth sooner than those unbelievers who say you do not need to be born again.

 

Taken from the book The Way to God by DL Moody 1837-1899

Read the scripture as - Thomas Watson

Read the scripture, not only as history, but as a love letter from God.

 

Thomas Watson 1620-1686

No one can live without delight - Thomas Aquinas

No one can live without delight, and that is why a man deprived of spiritual joy goes over to carnal pleasure.

 

Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274

Heaven Is Won or Lost On Earth - Richard Baxter

The life to come depends upon this present life. As the life of adult age depends upon infancy, or the reward upon work; or the prize of racers or soldiers upon their running or fighting; or the merchant's gain upon his voyage. Heaven is won or lost on earth; the possession is there, but the preparation is here.

Taken from the book Dying Thoughts by Richard Baxter 1683

 

 

How Different It Would Be - Andrew Murray

How many have given only what they could never miss and what costs them little or no sacrifice. How different it would be if the full blessing of Pentecost began to flow in. How the hearts of men would burn with love for Jesus and, out of sheer joy, be impelled to give everything that He might be known as Savior and all might know His love.

Taken from the book Experiencing the Holy Spirit by Andrew Murray 1828-1917

 

 

The Hymn Is Not Going Through - Charles Spurgeon

The very posture of some people indicates that they are going through the hymn, but the hymn is not going through their hearts.

 

Taken from the book Spurgeon on Praise Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

 

 

Let Those Be Thy Choicest Companions - Thomas Brooks

Let those be thy choicest companions who have made Christ their chief companion.

 

Taken from the book Smooth Stones taken from Ancient Brooks: Selections from the Writings of Thomas Brooks - Thomas Brooks 1608-1680

 

 

This is Amazing - John Bunyan

What we have under consideration, is so much the more to be taken of; namely that a person so great, so high, so glorious, as this Jesus Christ was, should have love for us, that passes knowledge. It is common for equals to love, and for superiors to be beloved; but for the King of princes, for the Son of God, for Jesus Christ to love man thus: this is amazing, and that so much the more, for that man the object of this love, is so low, so mean, so vile, so undeserving, and so inconsiderable, as by the Scriptures, everywhere he is described to be.

 

Taken from the book All Loves Excelling by John Bunyan 1692

 

 

If We Desire Our Faith to Be Strengthened - George Müller

If we, indeed, desire our faith to be strengthened, we should not shrink from opportunities where our faith may be tried, and, therefore, through the trial, be strengthened.

 

Taken from the book  Answers to Prayer by George Müller 1805-1898

Especially When We Ask For The Sake Of Others - Andrew Murray

 He that has once learned to know the Father in prayer learns to pray confidently for others too. The Father gives the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him, especially when we ask for the sake of others.

 

Taken from the book Teach Me to Pray by Andrew Murray 1828-1917

 

 

When We Are Wrong - Peter Marshall

When we are wrong, make us willing to change. And when we are right, make us easy to live with.

Peter Marshall 1902-1949

It Is No Advantage To - Augustine

It is no advantage to be near the light if the eyes are closed.

 

Augustine,  Bishop of Hippo 354-430

 

 

You Might As Well Try To - Dwight L. Moody

You might as well try to hear without ears, or breathe without lungs, as try to live a Christian life without the Spirit of God in your heart.

 

Dwight L. Moody 1837-1899

 

 

Thanksgiving Is Good But - Matthew Henry

Thanksgiving is good but thanks-living is better.

 

Matthew Henry 1662-1714

Christ Hath Told Us He Will Come - William Gurnall

Christ hath told us He will come, but not when, that we might never put off our clothes, or put out the candle.

 

William Gurnall 1617-1679

 

 

A Godly Man Spiritualizes Duty - Thomas Watson

A godly man spiritualizes duty; he is not only for the doing of holy things but for the holy doing of things.

 

Taken from the book The Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson 1666

 

No Wonder Satan Tries To - Oswald Chambers

The very powers of darkness are paralyzed by prayer. No wonder Satan tries to keep our minds fussy in active work till we cannot think to pray.

 

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

Let Us Hold to Christ More Closely- JC Ryle

Let us hold to Christ more closely, love him more heartily, live for him more thoroughly, copy him more exactly, confess him more boldly, follow him more fully. Religion like this will always bring its own reward. Worldly people may laugh at it. Weak brethren may think it extreme. But it will wear well. In sickness it will bring peace. In the world to come it will give us a crown of glory that fades not away.

Taken from the book Sickness by JC Ryle 1816-1900

Thus the Food of Faith is Lost - George Muller

Do but stand still in the hour of trial, and you will see the help of God, if you trust in Him. But there is so often a forsaking the ways of the Lord in the hour of trial, and thus the food of faith, the means whereby our faith may be increased, is lost.

Taken from the book Answers to Prayer by George Muller 1805-1898

When thou prayest - John Bunyan

When thou prayest, rather let thy heart be without words, than thy words without a heart.

 

John Bunyan

The Matter of Conversation - Oswald Chambers

When Paul mentions the matter of conversation, he says, "See that your speech is edifying"— good building-up stuff, not sanctimonious talk, but real solid stuff that makes people stronger in the Word of God, stronger in character, stronger in practical life.

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

We Must Pray Daily For - J.C. Ryle

We must pray daily for the teaching of the Holy Ghost, if we would make progress in the knowledge of divine things. Without Him, the mightiest intellect and the strongest reasoning powers will carry us but a little way.        

Taken from the book Expository Thoughts on the Gospels by J.C. Ryle 1856

Never Leave Your Meditations of God Until - Thomas Watson

I will conclude with that excellent saying of Bernard: "Lord, I will never come away from Thee without Thee." Let this be a Christian's resolution, not to leave off his meditations of God till he find something of God in him.

Thomas Watson 1620-1686

 

Many Blush To Confess Their Faults - William Secker

Many blush to confess their faults, who never blush to commit them.

William Secker

 

 

Hope Fills the Afflicted Soul With - William Gurnall

Hope fills the afflicted soul with such inward joy and consolation, that it can laugh while tears are in the eye, sigh and sing all in a breath; it is called "the rejoicing of hope" (Hebrews 3:6).

William Gurnall 1617 -1679

Neither Will He Cast Us Off - John Cotton

It may be that we are sinful; but God did not love us for our goodness, neither will He cast us off for our wickedness. Yet this is no encouragement to licentiousness, for God knows how to put us to anguishes and straits and crosses, and yet to reserve everlasting life for us.

John Cotton 1585 – 1652

Sanctification Is Always - JC Ryle

Sanctification is always a progressive work. Some men's graces are in the blade, some in the ear, and some are like full corn in the ear. All must have a beginning. We must never despise "the day of small things".

Taken from the book Faithfulness and Holiness, The Witness of JC Ryle

by JI Packer 2002  JC Ryle 1816-1900

Humility Imports - Henry Scougal

Humility imports a deep sense of our own meanness, with a hearty and affectionate acknowledgement of our owing all that we are to the Divine bounty; which is always accompanied with a profound submission to the will of God, and great deadness toward the glory of the world, and applause of men.

 

Taken from the book The Life of God in the Soul of Man

by Henry Scougal 1650-1678

 

 

Everything a Believer Does - Martin Luther

 Here is a saying ascribed to St. Jerome that everything a believer does is prayer and a proverb, "He who works faithfully prays twice." This can be said because a believer fears and honors God in his work and remembers the commandment not to wrong anyone, or to try to steal, defraud, or cheat. Such thoughts and such faith undoubtedly transform his work into prayer and a sacrifice of praise.

 

Taken from the book A Simple Way to Pray by Martin Luther 1483 - 1546

 

 

 

The Lord Himself Was Led Up Into Wilderness - F.B. Meyer

We all need to go to Arabia to learn lessons like these. The Lord Himself was led up into the wilderness. And in one form or another, every soul who has done a great work in the world has passed through similar periods of obscurity, suffering, disappointment or solitude.

F.B. Meyer 1847-1929       

 

 

 

 

Faith Is - William Guthrie

Faith is the very shaping out of a man's heart according to God's device of salvation by Christ Jesus.

Taken from the book The Christians Great Interest by William Guthrie 1658

 

 

We Think Of Prayer As - Oswald Chambers

We think of prayer as a preparation for work, or a calm after having done work, whereas prayer is the essential work. It is the supreme activity of everything that is noblest in our personality.            

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

The measure of our love for others - A. W Pink

The measure of our love for others can largely be determined by the frequency and earnestness of our  prayers for them.

 

A. W Pink (1886-1952),

God Is So Powerful - St Thomas Aquinas

God is so powerful that he can direct any evil to a good end.

St Thomas Aquinas 1225-1274  

If The Sword Did Not Destroy You - John Flavel

Beza, being in France in the first Civil War and there tossed up and down for two and twenty months, recorded six hundred deliverances from dangers in that space, for which he solemnly gave God thanks in his last testament. If the sword did not destroy you, it was because God did not give it I commission to do so.

Taken from the book The Mystery of Providence by John Flavel 1678

 

 

Two Unequivocal Signs of Grace - Robert Candlish

Two unequivocal signs of grace; a desire to be thoroughly washed and cleansed,—"Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin," (Psalm 51:2)—and a willingness to appear before God for that end, without concealment and without guile,—"I acknowledge my transgressions; and my sin is ever before me." (Psalms 51:3)

Taken from the book The Prayer of a Broken Heart: Expository Discourses on Psalm 51

by Robert Candlish 1873

 

 

 

Godly Sorrow Is - Thomas Watson

Godly sorrow is ingenuous. It is sorrow for the offence rather than for the punishment. God's law has been infringed, his love abused. This melts the soul in tears. A man may be sorry, yet not repent, as a thief is sorry when he is taken, not because he stole, but because he has to pay the penalty. …'My sin is ever before me' (Ps. 51:3); David does not say, 'The sword threatened is ever before me, but 'my sin'. O that I should offend so good a God, that I should grieve my Comforter! This breaks my heart!

 

Taken from the book The Doctrine of Repentance by Thomas Watson 1668

A Godly Man's Heart Is - Thomas Watson

A godly man's heart is the library to hold the Word of God; it dwells richly in him (Col 3:16).

 

Taken from the book The Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson 1666

Every New Act of Sin Requires - William Perkins

Every new act of sin requires a new act of faith and repentance (Isa. 1:4, 16, 18).

Taken from the book The Art of Prophesying by William Perkins

I Want My Spirit to Be - Andrew Murray

I want my spirit to be a listening spirit waiting to hear what God says.

 

Andrew Murray 1828-1917

Taken from the book 199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking with God: Compiled from the Writings of Andrew Murray

Worldliness - JC Ryle

Open transgression of God's law slays its thousands, but worldliness its tens of thousands.

Taken from the book Expository Thoughts on the Gospels by J.C. Ryle 1856

The Reason So Few of Us Intercede - Oswald Chambers

Intercession does not develop the one who intercedes; it blesses the lives of those for whom he intercedes. The reason so few of us intercede is because we don't understand this.

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

Forgiveness Is - Martin Luther King Jr.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a permanent attitude.

 

Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968

All Backsliding From God Originates In - Andrew Fuller

All backsliding from God originates in a departure of heart from him: herein consists the essence and the evil of it. "Thine own wickedness shall correct thee, and thy backslidings shall reprove thee: know, therefore, and see, that it is an evil thing and bitter, that thou hast forsaken THE LORD THY GOD, and that my fear is not in thee, saith the Lord of hosts." Jer 2:19

Taken from the book The Backslider: His Nature, Symptoms, and Recovery by Andrew Fuller 1754-1815

Our gifts and talents should be - A W Tozer

Our gifts and talents should also be turned over to Him. They should be recognized for what they are, God's loan to us, and should never be considered in any sense our own. We have no more right to claim credit for special abilities than for blue eyes or strong muscles. "For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive?" (1 Cor 4:17)

 

Taken from the book The Pursuit of God by AW Tozer 1918–1963

Perfect Love Brings In the Fear of Sin - Hugh Binning

Perfect love casts out the fear of hell, but perfect love brings in the fear of sin: "Ye that love the Lord, hate evil" Psalm 97:10; and if you hate it, you will fear it, in this state of infirmity and weakness wherein we are.

 

Taken from the book Christian Love by Hugh Binning 1627-1653

Live as if - Martin Luther

Live as if Christ died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back again tomorrow.

Martin Luther 1483-1546

Taken from the book 1001Unforgetable Quotes about God, Faith and the Bible

One Way to Recollect the Mind Easily In the Time of Prayer - Brother Lawrence

One way to recollect the mind easily in the time of prayer, and preserve it more in tranquility, is not to let it wander too far at other times. You should keep it strictly in the presence of God; and being accustomed to think of Him often, you will find it easy to keep your mind calm in the time of prayer, or at least to recall it from its wanderings.

Taken from the book The Practice of the Presence of God

by Brother Lawrence 1614-1691

The Christian Church Should Be - Oswald Chambers

The Christian Church should not be a secret society of specialists, but a public manifestation of believers in Jesus.

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

Men Pray As They Live - Andrew Murray

Men pray as they live, because it is the life that prays. The life that, with wholehearted devotion gives up everything for God and to God can claim everything from God.      

Taken from the book The Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray 1828-1917

 

 

When We Were Fighting - Thomas Watson

 It was wonderful love that Christ should die for such as we are. What are we? Not only vanity, but enmity. When we were fighting, he was dying; when we had the weapons in our hands, then he had the spear in his side (Rom. 5:8).       

 

Taken from the book The Lords Supper by Thomas Watson 1665

 

 

Our Obedience to the Law Is - Samuel Bolton

 Our obedience to the law is nothing else but the expression of our thankfulness to God who has freely justified us, that 'being redeemed, we might serve Him without fear' (Luke 1:74).

 

Taken from the book The True Bounds of Christian Freedom 

by Samuel Bolton 1645

 

 

thur 9.26

Men pray as they live, because it is the life that prays. The life that, with wholehearted devotion gives up everything for God and to God can claim everything from God.      

Taken from the book The Ministry of Intercession by Andrew Murray 1828-1917

 

Men Pray As They Live - Andrew Murray

The More the Diamond Is Cut - Thomas Watson

Afflictions add to the saints' glory. The more the diamond is cut, the more it sparkles; the heavier the saints' cross is, the heavier shall be their crown.

Taken from the book Extracts from the Writings of Thomas Watson

Thomas Watson 1620-1686

The Spirit of a Christian - Jeremiah Burroughs

Oh, the Lord who is our Father loves to see his Spirit in us. Great men love to see great spirits in their children, and the great God loves to see a great spirit in his children. We are one spirit with God and with Christ, and one spirit with the Holy Ghost; therefore, we should have a spirit that might manifest the glory of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost in our spirits: that is the spirit of a Christian.

 

Taken from the book The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment

By Jeremiah Burroughs 1648       

 

 

A Prayer Without the Heart is Like - Thomas Brooks

The Jews at this day write upon the walls of their synagogues these words, Tophillah belo cavannah ceguph belo neshamah; that is, a prayer without the heart, or without the intention of the affection, is like a body without a soul.   

Taken from the book The Secret Key To Heaven by Thomas Brooks 1665

 

 

Such a Strong Love for Perishing Sinners - Charles Spurgeon

 Oh that you might have such a strong love for perishing sinners that you will put up with their rebuffs and rebukes, and say to them, "Strike me if you will, but hear me; ridicule me, but still I will plead with you; cast me under your feet as though I were the offscouring of all things, but at any rate, I will not let you perish, if it be in my power to warn you of your danger."

 

Taken from the book Council for Christian Workers

by Charles Spurgeon  1834-1892

 

 

They Shall Not Seek In Vain - Ralph Venning

And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

(Hebrews 11:6 ESV)

 

He is a rewarder of them that seek him; they shall not seek in vain, if they seek in truth.  

Taken from the book Learning in Christ's School by Ralph Venning 1675

 

 

Grace Is Not Glorious If We - Richard Sibbes

If, as the Psalmist says, 'he made us, and not we ourselves' (Psa. 100:3), shall we think that we have a hand in making ourselves again? Will God allow his glory to be encroached upon by intercessions of saints' merits, and satisfaction, and free will? Grace is not glorious if we add the least thing of our own to it.

Taken from the book Glorious Freedom by Richard Sibbes 1639

 

 

To Take Him at His Word - DL Moody

I believe that a ship will carry me across the ocean, because I have tried it. But, this will not help another man who wants to go, unless he acts on my knowledge. So knowledge of Christ does not help us unless we act on it. That is what it is to believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is to act on what we believe.

 

As a man steps on board ship to cross the Atlantic, so we must take Christ and make a commitment of our souls to Him. He has promised to keep all who put their trust in Him. To believe on the Lord Jesus Christ is simply to take Him at His word.            

Taken from the book The Way to God by DL Moody 1837-1899

 

 

Christ Comforts the Souls of His People - Thomas Watson

Myrrh is of an exhilarating nature. Its smell comforts and refreshes the spirits. So Christ comforts the souls of his people, when they are fainting under their sins and suffering.      

Taken from the book The Godly Man's Picture by Thomas Watson 1666

 

 

Every time we pray - Oswald Chambers

Every time we pray our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don't pray more.

 

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

Preaching Is - William Perkins

Preaching is the flexanima, the allurer of the soul, by which our self-willed minds are subdued and changed from an ungodly and pagan life-style to a life of Christian faith and repentance.

Taken from the book The Art of Prophesying by William Perkins 1592

 

 

(Flexanima is Latin for: moving, affecting, touching)

Knowledge and love - Thomas Brooks

Knowledge and love, like water and ice, beget each other. Man loves Christ by knowing, and knows Christ by loving.

 

Thomas Brooks 1608-1680

Never Think Little of Praise - Charles Spurgeon

Never think little of praise, since holy angels and saints made perfect count it their lifelong joy. Even the Lord Himself said, "Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me" (Psalms 50:23)

Taken from the book Spurgeon on Praise Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

Will You Say That Godliness Is Unpleasant - Richard Baxter

Will you say that godliness is unpleasant, because it makes a man sorry for his ungodliness?.... Would you wish a man that hath lived so long in sin and misery, to have no sorrow for it in his return—especially when it is but a healing sorrow, preparing for remission, and not a sorrow joined with despair, as theirs will be that die impenitently?

Richard Baxter 1615-1691

The End of All Learning - John Milton

The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.

John Milton 1608 - 1674

You must - Eleazar Mather

You must live religion as well as talk religion.

 

Eleazar Mather 1637-1699

I Want My Spirit to Be - Andrew Murray

I want my spirit to be a listening spirit waiting to hear what God says.

Taken from the book 199 Treasures of Wisdom on Talking with God: Compiled from the Writings of Andrew Murray -Andrew Murray 1828-1917

The Purest and Most Exhilarating Joy - Charles Spurgeon

The purest and most exhilarating joy is the delight of glorifying God and anticipating the time when we will enjoy Him forever.

Taken from the book Spurgeon on Praise Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

The Highest and Holiest Work - Andrew Murray

Though in its beginnings prayer is so simple that even a small child can pray, it is at the same time the highest and holiest work to which anyone can rise. It is fellowship with the unseen and most holy One. The powers of the eternal world have been placed at its disposal. It is the very essence of true religion. It is the channel of all blessings and the secret of power and life. Through prayer, God has given to everyone the right to take hold of Him and His strength. It is on prayer that promises wait for their fulfillment, the kingdom for its coming, and glory of God for its full revelation.

Taken from the book Teach Me to Pray by Andrew Murray 1828-1917

It Is Our Joy to Have a Living Christ - Charles Spurgeon

It is a pity when men only think of a dead Savior or of a baby Savior, carried in the Virgin's arms, as the church of Rome does. It is our joy to have a living Christ, for while He lives we cannot die, and while He pleads we cannot be condemned. Thus, we are led to remember Him as a living Savior and to give Him honor.       

Taken from the book God Loves You by Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

Keep the soul open - Richard Sibbs

Keep the soul open to entertain the Holy Ghost, for he will bring in continually fresh forces to subdue corruption.

Taken from The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbs 1630

It Is Only the Preaching Of Christ That - Thomas Brooks

The teaching of this and that opinion may please a man's fancy, but it is only the preaching of Christ that changes the heart, that conquers the heart, that turns the heart. Peter, by preaching a crucified Christ, converts three thousand souls at once.

Taken from the book Smooth Stones taken from Ancient Brooks: Selections from the Writings of Thomas Brooks - Thomas Brooks 1608-1680

Even Reeds Need Bruising - Richard Sibbes

After conversion we need bruising so that reeds may know themselves to be reeds, and not oaks. Even reeds need bruising, by reason of the remainder of pride in our nature, and to let us see that we live by mercy.

Taken from the book The Bruised Reed by Richard Sibbes 1630

He Must Leave Something Behind - Oswald Chambers

²⁴ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me". Matthew 16:24 KJV                       

"If any man will come after Me," said Jesus, "the condition is that he must leave something behind," viz., his right to himself. Is Jesus Christ worth it, or am I one of those who accept His salvation but thoroughly object to giving up my right to myself to Him?                            

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers

Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

Let Us Contemplate - Clement

Let us discern what is good and pleasing and acceptable in the sight of the one who created us. Let us contemplate the blood of Christ and note how precious it is to his Father, because its outpouring for our salvation has brought the grace of repentance to all the world.

Clement circa 99           

Taken from the book The Wisdom of the Apostolic Fathers

Oh What Bitterness Do I Now Find - Thomas Brooks

Oh what bitterness do I now find in that which Satan, the world, and my own deluded heart told me I should find sweetness in.

Taken from the book Heaven on Earth: A Treatise on Christian Assurance

by Thomas Brooks 1654

Is Not He Who Made Our Souls Able To - Henry Scougal

Is not he who made our souls able to rectify and mend them again? Shall we not be able, by his assistance, to anguish and expel those violent intruders, 'and turn unto flight the armies of the aliens' (Hebrews 11:34)?

Taken from the book The Life of God in the Soul of Man

by Henry Scougal 1650-1678

The Most Ordinary Way - William Guthrie

The most ordinary way by which many are brought to Christ, is by a clear and discernible work of the law, and humiliation; which we generally call the spirit of bondage... But there is a conviction of sin, an awakening of conscience, and work of humiliation, which as we shall point out, rarely miscarries, or fails of a gracious issue, but ordinarily doth resolve into the Spirit of adoption, and a gracious work of God's Spirit.

Taken from the book The Christians Great Interest by William Guthrie 1658

Live For Him - C.H. Spurgeon

Be earnest, be prayerful, be united. Study the Word, and practice it. Live on Christ, and live for Him.

Taken from the book Letters of Charles Haddon Spurgeon

Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

The World Damps Zeal As - Thomas Watson

Let us beware of having our hearts too much linked to the world. The world damps zeal as earth chokes the fire.

Taken from the book The Great Gain of Godliness by Thomas Watson 1682

We Cannot Have Flowers Without Roots - J.C. Ryle

We cannot have flowers without roots, or fruit without trees. We cannot have the fruit of the Spirit, without vital union with Christ, and a new creation within.

Taken from the book Expository Thoughts on the Gospels by J.C. Ryle 1856

Vol 2 Luke 6:27-38 Page 187

The Sinfulness of My Sin Truly Realized

Against you, you only, have I sinned

                        and done what is evil in your sight,

            so that you may be justified in your words

                        and blameless in your judgment.

Psalm 51:4 ESV

 

Against thee, thee only have I sinned.  In fact, it is only thus that the sinfulness of my sin, as against my fellows can be truly realized. If I look upon it merely as a wrong done to my neighbor, I am but too ready to apologize for it. I can explain it away, or offer some sort of restitution and satisfaction. I can palliate my conduct, or I can make amends for it. But any sin is against thee! "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" (Acts 22:7)

Taken from the book The Prayer of a Broken Heart: Expository Discourses on Psalm 51

by Robert Candlish 1873

Those That Would Be Cured - Matthew Henry

On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. Luke 6:6 ESV

A man whose right hand was withered came to learn from Christ. Whether he had any expectation to be healed by him does not appear. But those that would be cured by the grace of Christ must be willing to learn the doctrine of Christ. 

Taken from the book Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible

by Matthew Henry 1662-1714

 

 

Love Not - John Calvin

Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1 John 2:15 KJV

Love not.  He had said before that the only rule for living religiously, is to love God; but as, when we are occupied with the vain love of the world, we turn away all our thoughts and affections another way, this vanity must first be torn away from us, in order that the love of God may reign within us. Until our minds are cleansed, the former doctrine may be iterated a hundred times, but with no effect:  it would be like pouring water on a ball; you can gather, no, not a drop, because there is no empty place to retain water.

Taken from the book Calvin's Commentaries by John Calvin 1509-1564

The Great Means of Preserving Comfort in Religion - Rev Ashbel Green

Remember that secret prayer, reading the word of God, watchfulness, and self-examination are the great means of preserving comfort in religion, and of growing in grace. In proportion as you are exact and faithful in these, such usually will be your inward peace, and the safety of your state. Unite them all together, and never cease to practice them while you live.

Rev Ashbel Green 1762 –1848

Taken from the book A Pastor's Counsel: Wise Words for Weary, Wounded, and Wandering Sheep

Say Rather - Rev Legh Richmond

"Did you then feel for your relatives at home?"

"Yes, that I did indeed, Sir; they were never out of my thoughts. I prayed continually for them, and had a longing desire to do them good. In particular I felt for my father and mother, as they were getting into years, and were very ignorant and dark in matters of religion."

"Ay," interrupted her mother, sobbing, "ignorant and dark, sinful and miserable we were, till this dear Betsy- this dear Betsy- this dear child, Sir, brought Christ Jesus home to her poor father and mother's house."

"No, dearest mother, say rather, Christ Jesus brought your poor daughter home to tell you what he had done for her soul, and I hope, to do the same for yours."

Rev Legh Richmond

Taken from the book The Publications of the American Tract Society  

Tracts are from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries

Ye Who Love God - C.H. Sprugeon

Ye who love God, of every place and every denomination, wrestle for your ministers; pray for them; for why should not God even now pour out his Spirit? What is the reason why we are to be denied Pentecostal seasons? Why not this hour, as one mighty band, fall down before him and entreat him, for his Sons' sake, to revive his drooping church? Then would all men discern that we are verily the disciples of Christ.

Taken from the book Spurgeon's Sermons by Charles Spurgeon 1834-1892

The Cause of Our Joylessness in Prayer - Austin Phelps

Even a doubtful principle of life, harbored in the heart, is perilous to the peacefulness of devotion. May not many of us find the cause of our joylessness in prayer, in the fact that we are living upon some unsettled principles of conduct?

Taken from the book The Still Hour: Communion with God in Prayer

by Austen Phelps 1859

May It Be Always In My Thoughts - Henry Scougal

Oh! that the holy life of the blessed Jesus may be always in my thoughts, and before mine eyes, till I receive a deep sense and impression of those excellent graces that shined so eminently in him; and let me never cease my endeavours, till that new and divine nature prevail in my soul, and Christ be formed within me. 

Taken from the book The Life of God in the Soul of Man

by Henry Scougal 1650-1678

Pray Without Ceasing - EM Bounds

Pray without ceasing.  Thes 5:17

Are you praying in everything without ceasing, in the closet, hidden from men, and praying always and everywhere? That is the personal, pertinent, and all-important question for every person.

Taken from the book The Best of EM Bounds EM Bounds 1835-1913

Grant That I May - William Law

"Grant that I may worship and pray unto Thee with as much reverence and godly fear, as if I saw the heavens open and all the angels that stand around Thy throne. Amen."

 

Form the book A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life

by William Law 1686-1761

Let "Deserved" Be Written On the Door - Richard Baxter

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

(Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

 

Let "deserved" be written on the door of hell, but on the door of heaven and life, - "The free gift".

Richard Baxter 1615-1691

As The Sails of a Ship - Augustus Toplady

As the sails of a ship carry it into the harbor, so prayer carries us to the throne and bosom of God.

Augustus Toplady 1740-1778

 

The Remaining Moments of Life - William Jay

We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.  (John 9:4 ESV)

As in a letter, if the paper is small, and we have much to write, we write closer, so let us learn to economize and improve the remaining moments of life.

William Jay 1769 -1853

True Piety – Matthew Henry

True piety hath true pleasure in it.

 

Taken from the book The Pleasantness of a Religious Life by Matthew Henry 1714

 

 

 

The Stumbling Of Such Persons - Andrew Fuller

In others a departure of heart from God is followed by falling into some gross immorality. - There are instances in which a sudden misconduct of this sort has been overruled for the awakening of the mind from its stupor, and divesting it of its self-confidence. It was manifestly thus with the apostle Peter. The stumbling of such persons is not that they should fall; but rather that they should stand with greater care and firmness.

Taken from the book The Backslider: His Nature, Symptoms, and Recovery by Andrew Fuller 1754-1815

The great need for the saint - Oswald Chambers

The great need for the saint is to get his brains at work on the Word of God; otherwise he will stagnate, no matter how much he may name the Name of God.

 

Taken from the book The Quotable Oswald Chambers Oswald Chambers 1874-1917

The Lord himself was led up into the wilderness - F B Meyer

The Lord himself was led up into the wilderness. And in one form or another, every soul who has done a great work in the world has passed through similar periods of obscurity, suffering, disappointment, or solitude.

 

F.B. Meyer 1847-1929

Let Prayer Be the First and Last Business - Martin Luther

It is a good thing to let prayer be the first business of the morning and the last at night. Guard yourself carefully against those false, deluding ideas which tell you, "Wait a little while. I will pray in an hour; first I must attend to this or that." Such thoughts get you away from prayer into other affairs which so hold your attention and involve you that nothing comes of prayer that day.

Taken from the book A Simple Way to Pray by Martin Luther 1483 - 1546

How Great Is the Duty of That Child - Rev Legh Richmond

I soon discovered how eager and successful also she had been in her endeavors to bring her father and mother to the knowledge and experience of the truth. This is a lovely circumstance in the character of a young Christian. If it hath pleased God, in the free dispensation of his mercy, to call the child by his grace, while the parents remain still in ignorance and sin, how great is the duty of that child to do what is possible for the conversion of those to whom it owes its birth! Happy is it when the ties of grace sanctify those of nature!

Rev Legh Richmond

Taken from the book The Publications of the American Tract Society

Tracts are from the sixteenth to the nineteenth centuries