Saturday, October 25, 2014

Choice Puritan Quotes

(Choice Puritan quotes from John Flavel, 1627-1691)

Herein the sovereign grace of GOD appears--
that JESUS CHRIST passed by millions 
of creatures of more excellent gifts 
and temperaments, and never makes 
them one offer of salvation--
never turns aside to give one 
knock at the door of their hearts. 

But HE comes to you, the vilest and 
basest of creatures, and will not be 
gone from your heart's door without 
HIS errand's end!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

It is true, some wicked men die 
in apparent peace, and some 
godly men die in turmoil--
but both are mistaken. A few 
moments will clear up 
the mistake of both!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

The life of a believer in this world 
is a life of labor and expectation. 
He must expect no rest or satisfaction 
on this side of Heaven, and the full 
enjoyment of GOD. As the rivers 
cannot rest until they pour themselves 
into the bosom of the sea--
so neither can renewed souls 
find rest until they come 
into the bosom of GOD!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

O when you go to GOD in any duty, 
take your heart aside, and say, 
"O my soul, I am now addressing 
myself to the greatest work that 
ever a creature was employed about--
I am going into the solemn presence of GOD 
about business of everlasting importance!"

   ~  ~  ~  ~

We should call our hearts to account 
every evening, and say, "O my heart! 
Where have you been today? Where 
have your thoughts been wandering? 
naughty heart! O vain heart! 
Could you not abide by the fountain 
of delights? Is there better pleasure with 
the creature, than with your redeemer GOD?"

   ~  ~  ~  ~

Repentance will cost you more 
than a few cheap words against sin!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

The candle of your life is almost burnt down--
the hour-glass of time almost run out. Yet  
a few, a very few days and nights more--
and then time, nights and days 
shall be no more!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

The whole world is not a theater large 
enough to display the glory of CHRIST upon--
or unfold the one half of the unsearchable 
riches which lie hidden in HIM! 

What shall I say of CHRIST?  HIS 
excelling glory dazzles apprehension, 
and swallows up all expression!

   ~  ~  ~  ~

GOD'S divine care thus engaged 
for you, is your convoy to accompany 
and secure you, until it sees you safe 
into your harbor of eternal rest!


   ~  ~  ~  ~
GraceGems has published Anne Dutton's comforting short letter, 

No comments: