I would neither have you be idle in duties – nor make an idol of duties.
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
A believer does not perform good works to live – but he lives to perform good works.
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
It was the saying of a heathen though no heathenish saying, “That he who would be good, must either have a faithful friend to instruct him, or a watchful enemy to correct him.”
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 115.
Ah, how would natural men soar to heaven – upon the pinions of their own merit! The sunbeams of Divine justice – will soon melt such weak and wax wings!
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
A true Christian stands at as great distance from trusting in the best of his services as in the worst of his sins! He knows that the greatest part of his holiness will not make the least part of his justifying righteousness.
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
By fasting, the body learns to obey the soul; by praying the soul learns to command the body.
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 79.
“I hate pride and arrogance!” (Pr. 8:13). God abhors those people worst who adore themselves most. Pride is not a Bethel – that is, a house where God dwells; but a Babel – that is, a stinking dungeon in which Satan abides. Pride is not only a most hateful evil – but it is a radical evil. As all other lusts are found lodging in it – so they are found springing from it. Pride is a foul leprosy, in the face of morality; and a hurtful worm, gnawing at the root of humility. Pride is a cancer within, and a spreading plague without!
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
Until we taste the bitterness of our own misery we will never relish the sweetness of God’s mercy. Until we see how foul our sins have made us we will never pay our tribute of praise to Christ for washing us… If you would know the heart of your sin then you must know the sins of your heart!
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
Many blush to confess their faults, who never blush to commit them.
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 59.
Many have passed the rocks of gross sins – who have suffered shipwreck upon the sands of self-righteousness.
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
The righteousness of Christ is to be magnified – when the righteousness of a Christian is not to be mentioned.
The Consistent Christian, 1660.
Though Christians be not kept altogether from falling, yet they are kept from falling altogether.
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 91.
The law by which God rules us is as dear to Him as the Gospel by which He saves us.
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 165.
There are some things good but not pleasant, as sorrow and affliction. Sin is pleasant, but unprofitable; and sorrow is profitable, but unpleasant. As waters are purest when they are in motion, so saints are generally holiest when in affliction.
A Puritan Golden Treasury, compiled by I.D.E. Thomas, by permission of Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA. 2000, p. 285.