|
PAYSON, Edward Quotes
(1783-1827), American divine
If there is any one fact or doctrine, or command, or promise in the Bible which has produced no practical effect on your temper, or heart, or conduct, be assured you do not truly believe it.
Disguise yourself as you may to your fellowmen, if you are honest with yourself conscience will make known your real character, and the heart-searching one always knows it.
The growth of grace is like the polishing of metals. There is first an opaque surface; by and by you see a spark darting out, then a strong light; till at length it sends back a perfect image of the sun that shines upon it.
If we acknowledge God in all our ways, he has promised safely to direct our steps, and in our experience we shall find the promise fulfilled.
Luxury is the first, second, and third jause of the ruin of republics. It is the vampire which soothes us into a fatal slumber while it sucks the life-blood of our veins.
If sorrow could enter heaven, if a sigh could be heard there, or a tear roll down the cheek of a saint in light, it would be for lost opportunities, for the time spent in neglect of God which might have been spent for his glory.
There is a greater depravity in not repenting of sin when it has been committed, than in committing it at first. To deny, as Peter did, is bad; but not to weep bitterly, as he did, when we have denied, is worse.
I never was fit to say a word to a sinner, except when I had a broken heart myself; when I was subdued and melted into penitence, and felt as though I had just received pardon for my own soul, and when my heart was full of tenderness and pity.
Since I began to ask God's blessing on my studies, I have done more in one week than I have done in a whole year before.
In the many adversities and trials of life it is often hard to say "Thy will be done." But why not say it? God ever does only what is right and wise and best; what is prompted by a father's love, and what to his children will work out their highest good.
|
