All the dark, intricate, puzzling providences at which we were sometimes so offended...we shall [one day] see to be to us, as the difficult passage through the wilderness was to Israel, "the right way to the city of habitation".
John FlavelRead
All the tears of a penitent sinner, should he shed as many as there have fallen drops of rain, since the creation, to this day, cannot wash away one sin. The everLasting burnings in hell, cannot purify the flaming conscience, from the least sin.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the idea that human efforts cannot atone for sin, highlighting the futility of seeking redemption through sorrow alone.
John Flavel's quote conveys a profound message about the nature of sin and the limitations of human contrition. It suggests that no amount of remorse or suffering can truly cleanse a person of sin; rather, it points to the idea that true purification comes from a higher power or divine grace, rather than from human attempts to atone through sorrowful expressions alone. This perspective encourages a deeper understanding of redemption and the need for spiritual intervention in the face of moral failures.
Themes
SinRedemptionSorrowConscienceForgiveness
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about the nature of sin and repentance, one might use this quote to illustrate the idea that mere emotional regret is insufficient for true forgiveness.
More from John Flavel
All quotes βProvidence is like a curious piece of tapestry made of a thousand shreds, which, single, appear useless, but put together, they represent a beautiful history to the eye.
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The carnal person fears man, not God. The strong Christian fears God, not man. The weak Christian fears man too much, and God too little.
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Whatsoever we have over-loved, idolized, and leaned upon, God has from time to time broken it, and made us to see the vanity of it; so that we find the readiest course to be rid of our comforts is to set our hearts inordinately upon them.
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It is the duty of the saints, especially in times of straights, to reflect upon the performances of Providence for them in all the states and through all the stages of their lives.
John FlavelRead
Providence so orders the case, that faith and prayer come between our wants and supplies, and the goodness of God may be the more magnified in our eyes thereby.
John FlavelRead
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