Christian Life

Nothing But Thee – Richard Baxter

My Lord, I have nothing to do in this World, but to seek and serve thee; I have nothing to do with a Heart and its affections, but to breathe after thee. I have nothing to do with my Tongue and Pen, but to speak to thee, and for thee, and to publish thy Glory and thy Will. What have I to do with all my Reputation, and Interest in my Friends, but to increase thy Church, and propagate thy holy Truth and Service? What have I to do with my remaining Time, even these last and languishing hours, but to look up unto thee, and wait for thy Grace, and thy Salvation?

– Richard Baxter –
dying thoughts on Philippians 1:23

Not Much Difference Before God – Jonathan Edwards

There is not so much difference before God, between children and grown persons, as we are ready to imagine; we are all poor, ignorant, foolish babes in his sight. Our adult age does not bring us so much nearer to God as we are apt to think. God in this work has shown a remarkable regard to little children; never was there such a glorious work amongst persons in their childhood, as has been of late in New England.

– Jonathan Edwards –
from A Narrative of the Revival of Religion in New England

The Martyrdom of Polycarp

But the proconsul urged him and said, “Swear, and I will release thee; curse the Christ.” And Polycarp said, “Eighty and six years have I served him, and he hath done me no wrong; how then can I blaspheme my king who saved me?”

– The Martyrdom of Polycarp (in 155 AD) –

Won Not By Ease or Quiet – Hudson Taylor

China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease—loving men and women. … The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, souls, first and foremost in everything and at every time—even life itself must be secondary.

– Hudson Taylor –
missionary to China (1832-1905)

Co-Workers with Jesus Christ – Lottie Moon

Should we not press it home upon our consciences that the sole object of our conversion was not the salvation of our own souls, but that we might become co-workers with our Lord and Master in the conversion of the world?

– Lottie Moon –
missionary to China (1840-1912)