Christianity never diminishes human sympathies. It makes them more wise, more judicious and tender; it sanctifies them, but it never represses them. The inspired Apostle himself poured forth the comforts of Christianity on the bleeding hearts of his smitten brothers.
– Ichabod Spencer –
Thoughtlessness is the common origin of unconcern. We do a far better office for men when we lead them to think, than when we think for them. A man’s own thoughts are the most powerful of all preaching. The Holy Spirit operates very much by leading men to reflection—to employ their own mind. I should hesitate to interrupt the religious reflections of any man in the world, by the most important thing I could say to him. If I am sure he will think, I will consent to be still. But men are prone to be thoughtless, and we must speak to them to lead them to reflection.
– Ichabod Spencer –
from A Pastor’s Sketches
Man can avoid conviction by truth, just as he can avoid burning by fire — getting out of its way, refusing contact with it — and no other way. So of the frost, so of the light of the sun, so of the thunder. These may be shunned, but not directly resisted. The truth is just like them.
– Ichabod Spencer –
from the sermon The Truth Held in Unrighteousness: Romans 1:18
Some of our sweetest solaces never could have been known but for the afflictions which bring them. What tender friendships gather around us when we are sick! What hearts beat for us and sympathize with us, and would, if they could, take themselves the pain that racks us! We should never know what tenderness and pity and kindness there is in the world, if our trials did not bring them out. Many of our calamities attach us more to our fellow-men, and make us think better of the world than we did before.
– Ichabod Spencer –
No man can continue in any sin without losing more and more of the powers of self-control.
– Ichabod Spencer –
The plan, as I now saw it, seemed so infinitely more glorious, that I could only rejoice in it. Not only had he paid our debt, but he had clothed us also in his own robe of righteousness: so that we need not depend on ourselves, or look for righteousness in ourselves, but find all in Christ. That was truly a glorious redemption.
– Ichabod Spencer –
from A Pastor’s Sketches
1798-1854
We are unable to penetrate God’s designs; and the things which seem to us most severe are often to be numbered among our most remarkable mercies. Let us take them submissively at his hand. If there is goodness anywhere, it is to be found in God. Let us trust him. Let us trust him in the dark.
– Ichabod Spencer –
from Practical Sermons