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.
When his highness sends a ship to Egypt, does he trouble his head whether the mice on board are at their ease or not?
People who get nostalgic about childhood were obviously never children.
The most important problems we face are complex, and require sustained attention. But we don't speak in terms of nuance or complexity. Is that by accident? It's because our minds have been entrained to expect shorter and shorter bite-sized bits.
Astonishment is the root of philosophy.
The truly great man is he who would master no one, and who would be mastered by none.
Capital punishment, like the rest of the criminal justice system, is a government program, so skepticism is in order.
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