"Sin"

Sin is worse than suffering; it is better to suffer than to sin. Every sin is an attempt to dethrone God in your heart. Sin never goes alone but leaves a stain wherever it touches.

[Richard Baxter]

Sin is the dare of God's justice, the rape of His mercy, the jeer of His patience, and the contempt of His love. Sin turns the soul into a dungeon of darkness.

[John Bunyan] 

Sin is infinitely worse than any affliction. One sin allowed, is enough to damn the soul. Sin is the soul's only sickness, and Christ is the soul's only Physician.

[Jeremiah Burroughs]

Sin in the heart is like Jonah in the ship it turns the soul into a tempest. Sin will usher in the greatest and saddest losses imaginable. Sin is Satan's firstborn.

[Thomas Brooks]

Sin is an offense against infinite holiness and deserves infinite punishment. Sin is a deicide every sin would kill God if it could.

[Stephen Charnock]

Be killing sin, or it will be killing you. The seed of every sin is in every heart. 

[John Owen]

The smallest sin is an infinite evil, because it is committed against an infinite God. Sin is the foulest evil it pollutes everything it touches. 

[Samuel Rutherford]

Sin is the cause of all suffering and the root of all sorrow. Sin is the disturber of Heaven, earth, and Hell. One of the greatest sins, is not to see sin as the greatest evil. Sin is the soul's enemy, the heart's wound, and the thief of eternal joy.

[Ralph Venning]

Till sin is bitter, Christ will not be sweet. Sin has the devil for its father, shame for its companion, and death for its wages. Sin is a spiritual poison that would murder the soul. Sin is worse than Hell, because sin brought Hell into being.

[Thomas Watson]

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Mystery, Wonder and Love of Christ's Incarnation

He who was eternally in the bosom of His Father, chose to be born in a foul stable. He who hung the stars in the sky, chose to be nailed and die upon the accursed tree. This is love immeasurable, love incomprehensible!

[William Gurnall]

Consider Christ's condescension: He who made man, was made man. He who is the eternal Word, was pleased to be an infant who could not speak. Oh, the depth of this mystery! 

[Isaac Ambrose]

The Eternal God was pleased to wrap Himself in flesh, in order to come down from the height of His glory to the depths of our misery. Here is a love that surpasses comprehension. Here is the greatest wonder that heaven and earth have ever seen!

[John Flavel]

He came not as a fierce lion to devour, but as a spotless lamb to be sacrificed, that we might be reconciled to God. Marvel at this: the King of glory chose a cradle over a crown, and a cross over a throne.

[John Bunyan]

The Son of God left His glorious throne, to become a servant; in order that we who were rebels, might become children of God. The incarnation is the key to all our hope and joy.

[John Cotton]

The Creator became the creature. The infinite was clothed in flesh. The Son of God, became the Son of Man. Such is the divine wisdom and love that it staggers the comprehension of angels and men alike.

[William Perkins] 

What greater wonder is there, than that the infinite God should clothe Himself in finite flesh in order to save wretched and rebellious men? This is the bottomless ocean of mercy.

[Jeremiah Burroughs]

Behold the marvelous mystery! He who was rich, became poor; that we who were poor, might become rich. The Son of God entered the misery of the world that we might enter the glory of Heaven.

[Christopher Love]

The infinite became an infant. Incomprehensibility was made man. Eternal, and yet born of a woman. Almighty, and yet hanging on a woman's bosom. Supporting the universe and yet needing to be carried in a mother's arms. Oh the wonder of wonders. Oh, the mystery of mercy. Oh, the profoundness of His matchless grace.

[Charles Spurgeon]

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

"Providential Care"

In every trial and tribulation, let us find comfort in the knowledge that God, in His infinite wisdom, orchestrates all for the good of His chosen people. God's hand is behind every event, crafting our lives for His glory. 

[John Owen] 

The providence of God is a tapestry of grace, where every thread, even the darkest, contributes to the glorious picture of our salvation. His providence is a rich treasure; He knows how to turn our trials into triumphs, our sorrows into songs. [Thomas Watson] 

The heart that loves God finds peace in knowing that even the most confusing paths are ordered by Him for our benefit. [Richard Sibbes] 

To love God is to rest in His sovereign will, trusting that even the most perplexing circumstances are shaped for our ultimate good. In every situation, whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to trust that God is orchestrating the events of our lives for His glory. 

[Jonathan Edwards] 

Though the winds may howl and the storms rage, we are assured that God's hand is upon us, guiding every event to our benefit and His glory. 

[Richard Baxter] 

God's providence is a divine compass, guiding our lives through every storm, always pointing us toward our true good and His eternal glory. In the tapestry of life, every thread of sorrow is skillfully woven by God, contributing to the beauty of our salvation. 

[Matthew Henry] 

God's providence is like a skilled artisan who, though unseen, is weaving our lives into a masterpiece, with every thread serving His holy purpose! 

[John Bunyan] 

All that befalls us, whether sweet or bitter, is ordained by God, who works all things in concert for the good of those who are called according to His purpose. 

[William Perkins]

Trust in the Lord, for He has a wise design in every affliction, transforming our pain into a pathway of grace. Trust the divine Designer; He weaves even our pain into His purpose. 

[Samuel Rutherford] 

We may often walk through the valley of shadows, but remember, dear believer, that God is sovereignly guiding our steps toward a glorious end! We may rest assured that even the harshest providences are part of God's plan, working towards a good that we may not yet see. 

[John Flavel]

Romans 8:28 ... And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

The Infernal Dungeon of Hell!

Those in the infernal dungeon of Hell, will undergo a VARIETY of torments. Those who are most afflicted upon earth, have seldom any more than one malady at a time. But should they have the plague, the gout, the stone, and fever all at one time  how miserable would they think themselves! Yet all that is but like the biting of a flea compared to those intolerable, pungent pains which those in Hell endure! There, they have all the loathed variety of Hell to grapple with: the unquenchable fire to burn them; a lake of burning brimstone ever choking them; eternal chains to bind them; utter darkness to affright them, and a worm of conscience which gnaws upon them eternally! Any one of these is worse to bear than all the torments which mankind ever felt on earth! But the torments in Hell are also UNIVERSAL, afflicting each part of the body and soul which renders what they suffer, most insufferable! In those illnesses which men are seized with on earth, though some parts are afflicted other parts are free. But in Hell, each member of the soul and body is continually tormented:

The eye is tormented with the sight of the devils, who appear in all the horrid and black shapes which sin can give them! The ear is tormented with the loud yellings and continual outcries of the damned. The nostrils are smothered with sulphurous flames.  The tongue is covered with burning blisters.  The the whole body is rolled in flames of liquid fire! The imagination is tormented with the thoughts of what a Heaven has been lost.  The memory is tormented with reflecting on those opportunities they had of being saved.  The mind is tormented with considering how vainly precious time has been wasted. The understanding is tormented with the thoughts of of present pains, and future sorrows which are to last forever!  The conscience is tormented with a continual gnawing worm.

Another thing which makes the misery of Hell so dreadful, is the EXTREMITY of the torments. The fire which burns is so violent that all the water in the sea can never quench it! The pains suffered are so extreme, that it is impossible they should be known by any, but those who feel them! Another part of Hell's misery is the CEASELESSNESS of the torments. As various, as universal, and as extremely violent as they are they are continual, also. Nor have they the least rest from them. If there were any relaxation it might be some allay. But what makes this condition so deplorable is that there is no easing of the torments! "They will go away into eternal punishment!" (Matthew 25:46)

The COMPANY they have there, is another element of their misery. Tormenting devils and tormented souls are all the company! Dreadful shrieks and howlings, under the fierceness of pain, and fearful blasphemies, is all the conversation! The PLACE in which they suffer is another thing which increases the sufferings. Hell is the epitome of all misery, a prison, a dungeon, a bottomless pit,  a lake of fire and brimstone, a furnace of fire which burns to eternity, the blackness of darkness forever!

The cruelty of our TORMENTORS is another thing which adds to the torments. The tormentors are devils, in whom there is no pity. Being tormented themselves, they take pleasure in tormenting others.  But that which makes these sufferings most grievous is that they shall ALWAYS be so these most intolerable sufferings shall last to all eternity. 'Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire!" will perpetually sound in the ears of the damned! The miserable situation they are in, shall be forever!!

[John Bunyan]

Matthew 25:41 … Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Of Repentance ...

The end of affliction is the discovery of sin, and of that to bring us to the Savior. Let us therefore, with the prodigal, return unto him, and we shall find ease and rest. A repenting penitent, though formerly as bad as the worst of men, may, by grace, become as good as the best.

To be truly sensible of sin, is to sorrow for displeasing of God; to be afflicted that he is displeased by us, more than that he is displeased with us. Your intentions to repentance, and the neglect of that soul-saving duty, will rise up in judgment against you. Repentance carries with it a divine rhetoric, and persuades Christ to forgive multitudes of sins committed against him.

Say not with yourself, "Tomorrow I will repent!" for it is your duty to do it daily.

The gospel of grace and salvation is above all doctrines the most dangerous, if it be received in word only by graceless men if it be not attended with a sensible need of a Savior, and bring them to him. For such men as have only the notion of it, are of all men most miserable for by reason of their knowing more than heathens, this only shall be their final portion, that they shall have greater stripes.

[John Bunyan]

Acts 2:38 … Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Luke 5:32 … I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.

Matthew 4:17 … From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.❤

Of Affliction ...

Nothing can render affliction so insupportable as the load of sin; would you, therefore, be fitted for afflictions, be sure to get the burden of your sins laid aside; and then what afflictions so ever you may meet with will be very easy to you.

If you can hear and bear the rod of affliction which God shall lay upon you, remember this lesson, you are beaten that you may be better.  The Lord uses his flail of tribulation to separate the chaff from the wheat.

The school of the cross is the school of light, it discovers the world's vanity, baseness, and wickedness, and lets us see more of God's mind. Out of dark affliction, comes a spiritual light.  In times of affliction, we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God.

Did we heartily renounce the pleasures of this world, we would be very little troubled for our afflictions; that which renders an afflicted state so insupportable to many, is because they are too much addicted to the pleasures of this life, and so cannot endure that which makes a separation between them.

[John Bunyan]

2 Corinthians 4:17 … For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;❤

Of Suffering ...

It is not every suffering that makes a martyr, but suffering for the word of God after a right manner. That is, not only for righteousness, but for righteousness' sake; not only for truth, but out of love to truth; not only for God's word, but according to it; to wit, in that holy, humble, meek manner, as the Word of God requires.

It is a rare thing to suffer aright, and to have my spirit in suffering bent only against God's enemy, sin:  sin in doctrine, sin in worship, sin in life, and sin in conversation.

The devil nor men of the world can kill your righteousness or, love to it, but by your own hand; or separate that and you asunder, without your own act. Nor will he who does indeed suffer for the sake of it, or out of love he bears thereto, be tempted to exchange it for the good will of all the world.

I have often thought that the best of Christians are found in the worst of times. And I have thought again that one reason why we are no better, is because God purges us no more. Noah and Lot who so holy as they in the time of their afflictions? And yet who so idle as they in the time of their prosperity?

[John Bunyan]

1 Peter 3:14 … But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;❤

Of Prayer ...

Before you enter into prayer, ask your soul these questions: To what end, O my soul, are you retired into this place? Are you not come to discourse the Lord in prayer? Is he present, will he hear you? Is he merciful, will he help you? Is your business slight is it not concerning the welfare of your soul? What words will you use to move him to compassion? To make your preparation complete, consider: that you are but dust and ashes and he the great God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who clothes himself with light as with a garment; that you are a vile sinner and he a holy God; that you are but a poor crawling worm and he the omnipotent Creator.

In all your prayers, forget not to thank the Lord for his mercies. When you pray, rather let your heart be without words than your words without heart. Prayer will make a man cease from sin or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer. The spirit of prayer is more precious than treasures of gold and silver.

Pray often, for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.

[John Bunyan]

1 Thessalonians 1:17 … Pray without ceasing.

James 5:16 … Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

Philippians 4:6 … Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.❤

Of Sin ...

Sin is the great block and bar to our happiness, the procurer of all miseries to man, both here and hereafter. Take away sin, and nothing can hurt us for death, temporal, spiritual, and eternal, is the wages of it. Sin, and man for sin, is the object of the wrath of God. How dreadful, therefore, must his case be who continues in sin! For who can bear or grapple with the wrath of God?

No sin against God can be little, because it is against the great God of Heaven and earth; but if the sinner can find out a little god, it may be easy to find out little sins.

Sin turns all God's grace into wantonness, it is the dare of his justice, the rape of his mercy, the jeer of his patience, the slight of his power, and the contempt of his love. Take heed of giving yourself liberty of committing one sin, for that will lead you to another; until, by an ill custom, it becomes natural. To begin a sin, is to lay a foundation for a continuance; this continuance is the mother of custom, and impudence at last the outcome.

The death of Christ gives us the best discovery of ourselves in what condition we were, in that nothing could help us but that; and the most clear discovery of the dreadful nature of our sins. For if sin be so dreadful a thing as to wring the heart of the Son of God, how shall a poor wretched sinner be able to bear it?

[John Bunyan]

✞ ✞ ✞

Romans 5:8 … But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 6:23 … 23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:6 … For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.❤

Ah, Poor Soul

If we would judge men according to outward appearances, we shall oftentimes judge amiss. Here is a rich man who, to outward appearances, appears as the blessed man better by far than the beggar, inasmuch as he is rich and the beggar poor; he is well-clothed but the beggar is nearly naked; he feasts sumptuously  but the beggar would be glad for dog's food.

Oh, who would not rather be in the rich man's state!

A wealthy man, with all sorts of new suits and dainty dishes every day, has enough to make one who minds nothing but his belly, his back, and his lusts to say, "Oh, that I were in that man's condition! Oh, that I had as much as that man has! Then I would live indeed; then I would live pleasantly, and would say to my soul: Soul, be of good cheer you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy, eat, drink and be merry! You are in a most blessed condition!"

This is the conclusion with those who judge according to outward appearances. But if the whole parable is well considered, you will see that that which is held in high estimation with men is an abomination in the sight of God.

We see that the saddest condition, according to outward appearances, is oftentimes the most excellent one; for the beggar had ten thousand times the best of it, though, to outward appearances, his state was the saddest.

Those who judge according to outward appearances, for the most part, judge amiss. For here in the parable, a man of wealth, and a child of the devil may be the same person! A man may have an abundance of outward enjoyments and yet be carried by the devils into eternal burnings!

This is the trap in which the devil has caught many thousands of poor souls, namely by getting them to judge according to God's outward blessings. Ask a poor, carnal, covetous wretch, how we would know a man to be in a happy state, and he will answer, "Those whom God blesses and gives an abundance of this world to."

Yet, for the most part, these are the cursed men. Alas! Poor men, they are so ignorant as to think that because a man is increased in outward things therefore God loves that man with a special love. Ah! Poor soul, it is the rich man who goes to hell! "The rich man died, and in hell (mark it, "in hell") he lifted up his eyes, being in torment!"

[John Bunyan]

Luke 16:19-23 … There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫

Windy Profession and Airy Talk

O soul, consider this deeply: it is the life of a Christian which carries more conviction and persuasion than his words. Though, like an angel, you talk of Christ, of the gospel, of the doctrines of grace, and of Heaven, yet, if you indulge devilish tempers, and live under the power of any sinful lusts and passions, you will hereby harden others against the things of God and prevent their setting out in the ways of God.

Study and pray to be a consistent walker in the ways of holiness; else, all is but windy profession and airy talk.  O how much harm is done to Christ's cause by the unholy walk of many professors!

 

[John Bunyan]

 

 

  ✞✞✞

Matthew 5:16 ... Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

 

 

1 Thessalonians 4:7 ... For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.

 

 

 

Colossians 2:6-7 ... As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:  Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
 

 

 

Romans 6:4 ... Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.❤