It was wonderful love that Christ should die for such as we are. What are we? Not only vanity, but enmity. When we were fighting, he was dying; when we had the weapons in our hands, then he had the spear in his side (Romans 5:8).
– Thomas Watson –
from The Lords Supper, 1665
Though the love that is in Him is essential to His nature, and can vary no more than God himself: yet we see not this love but by the fruits of it, nor can it otherwise be discerned. “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us” (1 John 3:16). We must then betake ourselves to the discoveries of this love.
– John Bunyan –
from All Loves Excelling, 1692
Is there any privilege so precious as this, to be the sons of God (1 John 3:2)? What are all the relations, or states, or conditions to this one, to be the children of the Highest? It was David’s question, “Should I be the king’s son-in-law?” Alas! What a petty and poor dignity compared with this, to be the sons of God, partakers of a divine nature!
– Hugh Binning –
from the book Christian Love
1627-1653
Let “deserved” be written on the door of hell, but on the door of heaven and life [write]: “The free gift.”
– Richard Baxter –
Is he the God of the hills, and not of the valleys? Did he love me in my youth and health, and will he not also in my age and pain and sickness?
– Richard Baxter –
from Dying Thoughts, 1683
Rose early to seek God and found Him whom my soul loveth. Who would not rise early to meet such company?
– Robert Murray M’Cheyne –
Journal Entry: February 23, 1834
Take notice not only of the mercies of God, but of God in the mercies. Mercies are never so savory as when they savor of a savior.
– Ralph Venning –
1621-1673 AD
Acquaint yourself with Christ’s love, and ye shall not miss to find new goldmines and treasures in Christ.
– Samuel Rutherford –
from The Loveliness of Christ