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? O 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!


~ ~ ~ ~