We ought not to criticize, explain, or judge the Scriptures by our mere reason, but diligently, with prayer, meditate thereon, and seek their meaning.
~Martin Luther~
Table Talk (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Christian Classics Ethereal Library; 2004) http://www.ccel.org. eBook. p.18
Trials, we must distinctly understand, are a part of the diet which all true Christians must expect. It is one of the means by which their grace is proved, and by which they find out what there is in themselves. Winter as well as summer–cold as well as heat–clouds as well as sunshine–are all necessary to bring the fruit of the Spirit to ripeness and maturity. We do not naturally like this. We would rather cross the lake with calm weather and favorable winds, with Christ always by our side, and the sun shining down on our faces. But it may not be. It is not in this way that God’s children are made “partakers of His holiness.” (Heb. 12:10). Abraham, and Jacob, and Moses, and David, and Job were all men of many trials. Let us be content to walk in their footsteps, and to drink of their cup. In our darkest hours we may seem to be left–but we are never really alone.
~J.C. Ryle~
Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: John, Volume 1 (Carlisle, Pennsylvania; Banner of Truth Trust; 1987) p. 338-339. HT: www.jcrylequotes.com
When we have done our best, we must vanish away in our own thoughts, and transfer the glory of all to God. The apostle Paul said, “I labored more abundantly than them all” (1 Cor. 15:10). One would think this speech savored of pride; but the apostle pulls off the crown from his own head, and sets it upon the head of free grace, “Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me!” Constantine used to write the name of Christ over the door, so should we over our duties.
~Thomas Watson~
All Things for Good (Edinburgh, Scotland; The Banner of Truth Trust; 1986) p. 65.
In case of discouragement, we must consider ourselves as Christ does, who looks on us as those he intends to fit for himself. Christ values us by what we shall be, and by what we are elected unto. We call a little plant a tree, because it is growing up to be so. ‘Who has despised the day of small things?’ (Zech. 4:10). Christ would not have us despise little things
~Richard Sibbes~
The Bruised Reed (Edinburgh, Scotland; The Banner of Truth Trust; 1998) p. 17.
When I find myself assailed by temptation, I forthwith lay hold of some text of the Bible, which Jesus extends to me; as this: that he died for me, whence I derive infinite comfort.
~Martin Luther~
Table Talk (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Christian Classics Ethereal Library; 2004) http://www.ccel.org. eBook. p.18
Thus let us endeavor to make the name of God glorious and renowned. If God seeks our good, let us seek His glory. If He makes all things tend to our edification, let us make all things tend to His exaltation.
~Thomas Watson~
All Things for Good (Edinburgh, Scotland; The Banner of Truth Trust; 1986) p. 65.
It has been said by someone that “the proper study of mankind is man.” I will not oppose the idea, but I believe it is equally true that the proper study of God’s elect is God. The proper study of a Christian is the Godhead. The highest science, the loftiest speculation, the mightiest philosophy which can ever engage the attention of a child of God is the name, the nature, the Person, the work, the doings and the existence of the great God whom he calls his Father. There is something exceedingly improving to the mind in a contemplation of the Divinity. It is a subject so vast, that all our thoughts are lost in its immensity—so deep that our pride is drowned in its infinity. Other subjects we can compass and grapple with—in them we feel a kind of self-content and go our way with the thought, “Behold I am wise.” But when we come to this master science, finding that our plumb line cannot sound its depth and that our eagle eye cannot see its height, we turn away with the thoughts that vain man would be wise, but he is like a wild ass’ colt and with the solemn exclamation, “I am but of yesterday and know nothing.” No subject of contemplation will tend more to humble the mind, than thoughts of God.
~Charles Spurgeon~
Spurgeon’s Sermons Vol. 1 – From a Sermon Delivered on January 7, 1855 titled: The Immutability of God. http://grace-ebooks.com. ebook. p. 1.
He who has made himself master of the principles and text of the word runs little risk of committing errors. A theologian should be thoroughly in possession of the basis and source of faith—that is to say, the Holy Scriptures. Armed with this knowledge it was that I confounded and silenced all my adversaries; for they seek not to fathom and understand the Scriptures; they run them over negligently and drowsily; they speak, they write, they teach, according to the suggestion of their heedless imaginations. My counsel is, that we draw water from the true source and fountain, that is, that we diligently search the Scriptures. He who wholly possesses the text of the Bible, is a consummate divine. One single verse, one sentence of the text, is of far more instruction than a whole host of glosses and commentaries, which are neither strongly penetrating nor armor of proof.
~Martin Luther~
Table Talk (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Christian Classics Ethereal Library; 2004) http://www.ccel.org. eBook. p.18
Let him slay thee, but do thou still trust in him. If he had meant to destroy thee, he would not have showed thee such things as these: love is in his heart when chiding is on his lips; yea, his very words of reproof are so many “tokens for good.” A father will not lift his hand against another man’s child, but he exercises discipline upon his own; even so the Lord your God chastens his own, but reserveth retribution for the children of wrath in another state of being. Bethink thee, also, that it is no small mercy to feel thy sin; this proves that there is no mortification in thy frame, but life is there. To feel is an evidence of life; and spiritual sorrow is a clear proof of life in the soul.
~Charles Spurgeon~
The Saint and His Savior – http://grace-ebooks.com. ebook. p. 27.
A human being is all the more religious and all the more deeply conformed to the image of God to the degree that someone realizes and acknowledges his dependence on God more deeply. While all virtues can therefore be overdone in relation to creatures, no such exaggeration is possible with respect to God. One can never believe him, trust in him, or love him too much; faith can never expect too much.
~Herman Bavinck~
Reformed Dogmatics Vol. 1: Prolegomena (Grand Rapids, Michigan; Baker Academic; 2003) p. 243.
The Old Guys 