Numberless marks does man bear in his soul, that he is fallen and estranged from God; but nothing gives a greater proof thereof, than that backwardness, which every one finds within himself, to the duty of praise and thanksgiving.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on humanity's inherent struggle with spirituality and gratitude towards God.
George Whitefield suggests that the internal struggles and reluctance individuals feel towards expressing gratitude and praise toward God serve as a profound indication of their fallen state and estrangement from the divine. This introspection highlights the human condition, grappling with a disconnection from spiritual duties, emphasizing the need for recognition of one’s faults and the pursuit of a deeper connection with God.
In practice
During a church sermon on thankfulness, this quote can emphasize the importance of recognizing our spiritual struggles.
And now let me address all of you, high and low, rich and poor, one with another, to accept of mercy and grace while it is offered to you; Now is the accepted time, now is the day of salvation; and will you not accept it, now it is offered unto you?
God is well pleased when all our actions proceed from love, love to Himself, and love to immortal souls.
If your souls were not immortal, and you in danger of losing them, I would not thus speak unto you; but the love of your souls constrains me to speak: methinks this would constrain me to speak unto you forever.
Whoever reads the gospel with a single eye, and sincere intentions, will find, that our blessed Lord took all opportunities of reminding his disciples that His Kingdom was not of this world; that His doctrine was a doctrine of the Cross; and that their professing themselves to be His followers, would call them to a constant state of voluntary suffering and self-denial.
The Christian world is in a deep sleep; nothing but a loud shout can awaken them out of it!
What could the Lord Jesus Christ have done for you more than he has? Then do not abuse his mercy, but let your time be spent in thinking and talking of the love of Jesus, who was incarnate for us, who was born of a woman, and made under the law, to redeem us from the wrath to come.
I think it can be shown that the law makes ten criminals where it restrains one.
The Apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans said that those who pass judgment on others are 'inexcusable.' The moment we judge someone else, he explained, we condemn ourselves, for none is without sin. Refusing to forgive is a grievous sin-one the Savior warned against.
Oh, God said to Abraham, "Kill me a son"_x000D_ Abe said, "Man, you must be puttin' me on"_x000D_ God said, "No" Abe say, "What?"_x000D_ God say, "You can do what you want, Abe, but_x000D_ The next time you see me comin', you better run"_x000D_ Well, Abe said, "Where d'you want this killin' done?"_x000D_ God said, "Out on Highway 61".
Nothing ever gets settled in this town. a seething debating society in which the debate never stops, in which people never give up, including me. And so that's the atmosphere in which you administer.
Everything is full and pure at its source and precisely there, not outside.
We've been playing games since humanity had civilization - there is something primal about our desire and our ability to play games. It's so deep-seated that it can bypass latter-day cultural norms and biases.
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