Reformed Archeology | Ron Metheny

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Reformed
Archeology

Excavating and updating the works of great Reformers and other Preachers from the past!

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"There and Back Again" by Lee Davis

A practical guide and devotional resource designed to spiritually prepare short-term missionaries for the challenges of both the mission field and also the return home.

Pew Benches

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“Satan loves to fish in the troubled waters of a discontented heart.”
— THOMAS WATSON (1620–1686)

“Satan loves to fish in the troubled waters of a discontented heart.”
— THOMAS WATSON (1620–1686)

Precious Direction No. 4: “Make Holiness Your Main Business, and Not a Side Business”

“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

Oh, why is so much attention paid to the glory of this world? Is it not because so little attention is given to the glory of heaven? Oh, what is an earthly kingdom in comparison with the heavenly kingdom? The angels themselves, even though they are glorious spirits, yet they are ministering spirits.
Is it not true that most people of the world make light of God, and of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, and of heaven, and of their precious souls?
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast. But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.” (Matthew 22:2-6).
Miserable worldlings make religion a side business; they will hear, read, and pray when they have nothing else to do. Oh, if only such people knew what everlasting glory and everlasting torments are! Would they then do just as they do now? Oh, that they only knew the worth of their souls, and their need for a Savior; the shortness of their time, and the greatness of their work! Would they then neglect God and their own souls like they do?
Oh, friends, let me ask you to whom I write to make holiness your main business. Make hearing, reading, praying, believing, and doing your main business. “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal” (John 6:27).

— WILLIAM DYER (1632–1696), “The Strait Way to Heaven”

#aneko #williamdyer #angel #ministry #holiness

Precious Direction No. 4: “Make Holiness Your Main Business, and Not a Side Business”

“Therefore, brothers, be all the more diligent to confirm your calling and election, for if you practice these qualities you will never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).

Oh, why is so much attention paid to the glory of this world? Is it not because so little attention is given to the glory of heaven? Oh, what is an earthly kingdom in comparison with the heavenly kingdom? The angels themselves, even though they are glorious spirits, yet they are ministering spirits.
Is it not true that most people of the world make light of God, and of Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, and of heaven, and of their precious souls?
“The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son, and sent his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they would not come. Again he sent other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “See, I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fat calves have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast. But they paid no attention and went off, one to his farm, another to his business, while the rest seized his servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them.” (Matthew 22:2-6).
Miserable worldlings make religion a side business; they will hear, read, and pray when they have nothing else to do. Oh, if only such people knew what everlasting glory and everlasting torments are! Would they then do just as they do now? Oh, that they only knew the worth of their souls, and their need for a Savior; the shortness of their time, and the greatness of their work! Would they then neglect God and their own souls like they do?
Oh, friends, let me ask you to whom I write to make holiness your main business. Make hearing, reading, praying, believing, and doing your main business. “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For on him God the Father has set his seal” (John 6:27).

— WILLIAM DYER (1632–1696), “The Strait Way to Heaven”

#aneko #williamdyer #angel #ministry #holiness

Philip Henry (1631–1696), once talking about a wicked, neighborhood boy who was very disrespectful to his mother, told some of his children to pay close attention to the providence of God concerning him. He said, “I may not live to see it, but you take note, whether or not God brings some astonishing judgment upon him in this lifetime—according to the implied counter-threat in the promise attached to the fifth commandment (see Exodus 20:5). Nevertheless, Philip himself lived to see it fulfilled by a very noteworthy act of God soon thereafter.

— JOHN WHITECROSS, “The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism” (Updated)

Philip Henry (1631–1696), once talking about a wicked, neighborhood boy who was very disrespectful to his mother, told some of his children to pay close attention to the providence of God concerning him. He said, “I may not live to see it, but you take note, whether or not God brings some astonishing judgment upon him in this lifetime—according to the implied counter-threat in the promise attached to the fifth commandment (see Exodus 20:5). Nevertheless, Philip himself lived to see it fulfilled by a very noteworthy act of God soon thereafter.

— JOHN WHITECROSS, “The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism” (Updated)

“God forgives, then He gives; until He is merciful to pardon our sins through Christ, He cannot bless or look kindly on us sinners.”

WILLIAM GURNALL
(1617–1679) #forgiveness #blessed

“God forgives, then He gives; until He is merciful to pardon our sins through Christ, He cannot bless or look kindly on us sinners.”

WILLIAM GURNALL
(1617–1679) #forgiveness #blessed

Precious Direction No. 3: “Make Your Peace with the Prince of Peace”

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬).

Oh, do not lift your hands against God’s Son; but “kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬). Let:

His will be your rule;
His Spirit be your guide;
His precepts be your practices;
His decrees be your delights;
His chosen ones be your best companions.

Submit to His gospel and government. Oh, everyone, make your peace with God! There is a fourfold peace:

First, there is an external peace — that is, peace with humankind.
Secondly, there is a supernal peace — that is, peace with God.
Thirdly, there is an internal peace — that is, peace with your conscience.
Fourthly, there is an eternal peace — and that is, peace in heaven.

“Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭37‬). If you have peace with God, then the world and the devil cannot hurt you. Believers have God for their guide and gain. He who messes with the saints of God, assaults God himself! “He who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬). He who lifts up his hand against them, lifts up his hand against God! Though they have many enemies, yet they have one Friend who has more strength than all their enemies. A ragged Christian is dearer to God, than a glittering emperor who lacks grace. Oh, make your peace with the Prince of Peace, so that in this life you will have the assurance of eternal life, and in the next life eternal death will not be your inheritance! [see link in bio: William Dyer, “The Strait Way to Heaven” (Updated); Aneko Press]

#peace #princeofpeace #straitwaytoheaven #williamdyer

Precious Direction No. 3: “Make Your Peace with the Prince of Peace”

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭9‬:‭6‬).

Oh, do not lift your hands against God’s Son; but “kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭2‬:‭12‬). Let:

His will be your rule;
His Spirit be your guide;
His precepts be your practices;
His decrees be your delights;
His chosen ones be your best companions.

Submit to His gospel and government. Oh, everyone, make your peace with God! There is a fourfold peace:

First, there is an external peace — that is, peace with humankind.
Secondly, there is a supernal peace — that is, peace with God.
Thirdly, there is an internal peace — that is, peace with your conscience.
Fourthly, there is an eternal peace — and that is, peace in heaven.

“Mark the blameless and behold the upright, for there is a future for the man of peace” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭37‬:‭37‬). If you have peace with God, then the world and the devil cannot hurt you. Believers have God for their guide and gain. He who messes with the saints of God, assaults God himself! “He who touches you touches the apple of His eye” (‭‭Zechariah‬ ‭2‬:‭8‬). He who lifts up his hand against them, lifts up his hand against God! Though they have many enemies, yet they have one Friend who has more strength than all their enemies. A ragged Christian is dearer to God, than a glittering emperor who lacks grace. Oh, make your peace with the Prince of Peace, so that in this life you will have the assurance of eternal life, and in the next life eternal death will not be your inheritance! [see link in bio: William Dyer, “The Strait Way to Heaven” (Updated); Aneko Press]

#peace #princeofpeace #straitwaytoheaven #williamdyer

“Pray and read, read and pray; since a little from God is better than a whole lot from people.”

JOHN BUNYAN
(1628–1688) #prayer #read #meditation #johnbunyan

“Pray and read, read and pray; since a little from God is better than a whole lot from people.”

JOHN BUNYAN
(1628–1688) #prayer #read #meditation #johnbunyan

“Although our sins go up to Heaven like smoke from a furnace, Christ’s prayers go up like incense.”

THOMAS WATSON
(1620–1686) #intercession #atonement #prayer

“Although our sins go up to Heaven like smoke from a furnace, Christ’s prayers go up like incense.”

THOMAS WATSON
(1620–1686) #intercession #atonement #prayer

“Truth is the most potent ingredient for curing the nation and the church.”

CHRISTOPHER LOVE (1618–1651) #truth #puritanquotes #christopherlove #truthquotes

“Truth is the most potent ingredient for curing the nation and the church.”

CHRISTOPHER LOVE (1618–1651) #truth #puritanquotes #christopherlove #truthquotes

Precious Direction No. 2: “Put Off the Old Self, and Put On the New Self”

“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:9–10).

The new self is not what he was before; he has a new understanding, a new will, new desires, new love, new entertainments, new thoughts, new words, new company, and a new life.
Oh, dear friends, be new creatures so that you may be glorious creatures. We can call nothing ours in heaven until Christ is ours. Without regeneration, there is no salvation. “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). You have heard a lot of God, Christ, and heaven with your ears, but this will not bring you to heaven unless you have a lot of God, Christ, and heaven in your hearts!
You must be able to say, “I was once a slave of Satan, but now I am a son of God! I was once dead, but now I am alive! I was once darkness, but now I am light in the Lord! I was once a child of wrath, an heir of hell, but now I am an heir of heaven! I was once under the spirit of bondage, but now I am under the spirit of adoption.” A true believer lives in the Lord (see 1 Thessalonians 1:1), by the Lord (see Romans 1:17 and Luke 20:8), on the Lord (see John 6:57), to the Lord (see Romans 14:8), and with the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 13:4).

#regeneration #newbirth #bornagain #puritanbook

Precious Direction No. 2: “Put Off the Old Self, and Put On the New Self”

“Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator” (Colossians 3:9–10).

The new self is not what he was before; he has a new understanding, a new will, new desires, new love, new entertainments, new thoughts, new words, new company, and a new life.
Oh, dear friends, be new creatures so that you may be glorious creatures. We can call nothing ours in heaven until Christ is ours. Without regeneration, there is no salvation. “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). You have heard a lot of God, Christ, and heaven with your ears, but this will not bring you to heaven unless you have a lot of God, Christ, and heaven in your hearts!
You must be able to say, “I was once a slave of Satan, but now I am a son of God! I was once dead, but now I am alive! I was once darkness, but now I am light in the Lord! I was once a child of wrath, an heir of hell, but now I am an heir of heaven! I was once under the spirit of bondage, but now I am under the spirit of adoption.” A true believer lives in the Lord (see 1 Thessalonians 1:1), by the Lord (see Romans 1:17 and Luke 20:8), on the Lord (see John 6:57), to the Lord (see Romans 14:8), and with the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 13:4).

#regeneration #newbirth #bornagain #puritanbook

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” — Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A friend of that powerful preacher John Ball (1585–1640) once told him about how he survived a dangerous fall from his horse, totally unscathed. He concluded his story by saying, “Never before have I experienced such a great deliverance.”
“Yes you have,” replied Ball, “a hundred times; every time that you have ridden and not fallen.”

— Joseph Alden, “Anecdotes of the Puritans” (Updated)

“He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler.” — Psalm‬ ‭91‬:‭4‬ ‭ESV‬‬

A friend of that powerful preacher John Ball (1585–1640) once told him about how he survived a dangerous fall from his horse, totally unscathed. He concluded his story by saying, “Never before have I experienced such a great deliverance.”
“Yes you have,” replied Ball, “a hundred times; every time that you have ridden and not fallen.”

— Joseph Alden, “Anecdotes of the Puritans” (Updated)

#thomasbrooks #zeal #zealquotes

#thomasbrooks #zeal #zealquotes

#lordsday #worship #sunday #stephencharnock

#lordsday #worship #sunday #stephencharnock

Precious Direction No. 1: “Loathe Sin, And Leave Sin”

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Before there can be a falling off from our sins, there must first be a falling out with our sins. There must be a loathing of sin in our devotions. Oh, is it not a thousand times better to part with sin — though ever so sweet — than to part with God, and Christ, and heaven? You must part with one of them! One sin will condemn a soul that is out of Christ, but no sin can condemn a soul that is in Christ. Sin is the evil of evils! Sin is worse than the devil, since it was sin that made the devil to be a devil.
Oh! The love of sin, and the lack of grace will ruin and destroy our souls forever. It is better not to be, than to be an unrepentant sinner! Oh, therefore kill sin so that sin does not kill you. Mourn for sin, and flee from sin. Do not commit new sins, but repent of old sins. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations (Ezekiel 36:31).
Oh, poor soul, have you not served the flesh and the devil long enough? Yes! Have you not had enough of sin? Is sin so good to you, or is it so beneficial for you? Oh, what type of place will you soon be in — one of joy or torment? Oh, what sights will you soon see — in heaven or hell? Oh, what thoughts will soon fill your hearts — with unspeakable delight or horror? In what work will you be employed — to praise the Lord with Christians and angels, or to cry out in unquenchable fire with demons?
Oh, therefore die unto sin, confess it, mourn over it, and be ashamed of it; hate and loathe it, and flee from it just as you would from a venomous snake; and though your sins are more than you can count, yet they are not more than God can pardon. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
#puritan #puritans #puritansquotes #reformedquotescalvinism #sin

Precious Direction No. 1: “Loathe Sin, And Leave Sin”

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

Before there can be a falling off from our sins, there must first be a falling out with our sins. There must be a loathing of sin in our devotions. Oh, is it not a thousand times better to part with sin — though ever so sweet — than to part with God, and Christ, and heaven? You must part with one of them! One sin will condemn a soul that is out of Christ, but no sin can condemn a soul that is in Christ. Sin is the evil of evils! Sin is worse than the devil, since it was sin that made the devil to be a devil.
Oh! The love of sin, and the lack of grace will ruin and destroy our souls forever. It is better not to be, than to be an unrepentant sinner! Oh, therefore kill sin so that sin does not kill you. Mourn for sin, and flee from sin. Do not commit new sins, but repent of old sins. Then you will remember your evil ways, and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and your abominations (Ezekiel 36:31).
Oh, poor soul, have you not served the flesh and the devil long enough? Yes! Have you not had enough of sin? Is sin so good to you, or is it so beneficial for you? Oh, what type of place will you soon be in — one of joy or torment? Oh, what sights will you soon see — in heaven or hell? Oh, what thoughts will soon fill your hearts — with unspeakable delight or horror? In what work will you be employed — to praise the Lord with Christians and angels, or to cry out in unquenchable fire with demons?
Oh, therefore die unto sin, confess it, mourn over it, and be ashamed of it; hate and loathe it, and flee from it just as you would from a venomous snake; and though your sins are more than you can count, yet they are not more than God can pardon. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
#puritan #puritans #puritansquotes #reformedquotescalvinism #sin

#johnbunyan #prayer

#johnbunyan #prayer

“God is most clearly revealed in Christ, just as the sun is seen by its own light.”

WILLIAM BRIDGE (1600–1671)

“God is most clearly revealed in Christ, just as the sun is seen by its own light.”

WILLIAM BRIDGE (1600–1671)

#spurgeonquotes

#spurgeonquotes

Dr. Benjamin Grosvenor’s first wife was a greatly devout and charming woman. The Sunday after her death, the doctor addressed his congregation from the pulpit in the following manner: “I have suffered an irreparable loss—one that no man could feel more deeply than I do; but the cross of the dying Christ is my refuge; I flee from one death to find shelter in another.”

— John Whitecross, “The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism” (Updated Language)

Dr. Benjamin Grosvenor’s first wife was a greatly devout and charming woman. The Sunday after her death, the doctor addressed his congregation from the pulpit in the following manner: “I have suffered an irreparable loss—one that no man could feel more deeply than I do; but the cross of the dying Christ is my refuge; I flee from one death to find shelter in another.”

— John Whitecross, “The Assembly’s Shorter Catechism” (Updated Language)

“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners’” (Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

“And when Jesus heard it, he said to them, ‘Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners’” (Mark‬ ‭2‬:‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬).

Remember, God does not respect the arithmetic of our prayers—how many they are, nor the rhetoric of our prayers—how long they are, nor the music of our prayers—how orchestrated they are, but the divinity of our prayers—how heart-felt they are. Graces, not gifts, prevail in prayer. — JOHN TRAPP

#prayer #johntrapp #prevailingprayer #prayerquotes

Remember, God does not respect the arithmetic of our prayers—how many they are, nor the rhetoric of our prayers—how long they are, nor the music of our prayers—how orchestrated they are, but the divinity of our prayers—how heart-felt they are. Graces, not gifts, prevail in prayer. — JOHN TRAPP

#prayer #johntrapp #prevailingprayer #prayerquotes

“To be IN Christ is Heaven below, and to be WITH Christ is Heaven above. “

WILLIAM DYER (1632–1696) #puritanquotes #heavenquotes #heaven #inchrist #withchrist

“To be IN Christ is Heaven below, and to be WITH Christ is Heaven above. “

WILLIAM DYER (1632–1696) #puritanquotes #heavenquotes #heaven #inchrist #withchrist

Short biography of the English Puritan pastor and author, William Dyer (1632–1696)—not to be confused with “the” William Dyer (1609–1677) who was married to the American Quaker martyr, Mary [Barrett] Dyer (1611–1660).

#puritan #biography #history #17thcentury #englishhistory

Short biography of the English Puritan pastor and author, William Dyer (1632–1696)—not to be confused with “the” William Dyer (1609–1677) who was married to the American Quaker martyr, Mary [Barrett] Dyer (1611–1660).

#puritan #biography #history #17thcentury #englishhistory

“A person deeply in love cannot keep his thoughts from the object he loves. The reason why we neglect to think about God is because we neglect to love Him.” — THOMAS WATSON (1620–1686)
#loveforgod #devotion #thomaswatson

“A person deeply in love cannot keep his thoughts from the object he loves. The reason why we neglect to think about God is because we neglect to love Him.” — THOMAS WATSON (1620–1686)
#loveforgod #devotion #thomaswatson

Self-abasement is the lifting up of Christ. — JOHN MAYNARD #humility

Self-abasement is the lifting up of Christ. — JOHN MAYNARD #humility

“Before there can be a falling OFF of our sins, there must first be a falling OUT with our sins. There must be a loathing of sin in our devotions. Oh, is it not a thousand times better to part with sin — though ever so sweet — than to part with God, and Christ, and heaven? You must part with one of them! One sin will damn a soul that is out of Christ, but no sin can damn a soul that is in Christ. Sin is the evil of evils! Sin is worse than the devil, since it was sin that made the devil to be a devil.”

— WILLIAM DYER, “The Strait Way to Heaven” (Aneko Press, 2025)

#repentance #newbookrelease #williamdyer #ronmetheny

“Before there can be a falling OFF of our sins, there must first be a falling OUT with our sins. There must be a loathing of sin in our devotions. Oh, is it not a thousand times better to part with sin — though ever so sweet — than to part with God, and Christ, and heaven? You must part with one of them! One sin will damn a soul that is out of Christ, but no sin can damn a soul that is in Christ. Sin is the evil of evils! Sin is worse than the devil, since it was sin that made the devil to be a devil.”

— WILLIAM DYER, “The Strait Way to Heaven” (Aneko Press, 2025)

#repentance #newbookrelease #williamdyer #ronmetheny

“Those who will give God a new tongue will feel His old hand.”

THOMAS ADAMS
(1583–1652) #puritanquotes

“Those who will give God a new tongue will feel His old hand.”

THOMAS ADAMS
(1583–1652) #puritanquotes

“When God lays people on their backs, then they look up to heaven.” — THOMAS WATSON #affliction #adversity #glorytogod

“When God lays people on their backs, then they look up to heaven.” — THOMAS WATSON #affliction #adversity #glorytogod

“Extinguish Hell and burn Heaven, yet I will love and fear my God.”

JOHN DOD
(1549–1645) #loveofgod #fearofgod #johndod #heavenandhell

“Extinguish Hell and burn Heaven, yet I will love and fear my God.”

JOHN DOD
(1549–1645) #loveofgod #fearofgod #johndod #heavenandhell

“If we do not have love, then we are not Christians. Love is the great duty of Christians.” — GEORGE WHITEFIELD (1714–1770)

#georgewhitefield #christians #christianlove

“If we do not have love, then we are not Christians. Love is the great duty of Christians.” — GEORGE WHITEFIELD (1714–1770)

#georgewhitefield #christians #christianlove

“When people truly see that Christ has removed the fear of punishment from them by putting it on Himself, they won’t do whatever they want, they’ll do whatever He wants.” — JOHN BUNYAN (1628–1688)

#johnbunyan #obedience #christianquotes

“When people truly see that Christ has removed the fear of punishment from them by putting it on Himself, they won’t do whatever they want, they’ll do whatever He wants.” — JOHN BUNYAN (1628–1688)

#johnbunyan #obedience #christianquotes

“I am always best when alone; no place like my own study; no company like good books, and especially the book of God.” — MATTHEW HENRY (1662–1714) #matthewhenry

“I am always best when alone; no place like my own study; no company like good books, and especially the book of God.” — MATTHEW HENRY (1662–1714) #matthewhenry

“Pride cannot live under the cross.” — CHARLES SPURGEON (1834–1892)

#pride #spurgeonquotes

“Pride cannot live under the cross.” — CHARLES SPURGEON (1834–1892)

#pride #spurgeonquotes

“The end of all learning is to know God, and showing that knowledge is to love and imitate Him.” — JOHN MILTON (1608–1674)
#johnmilton #learning

“The end of all learning is to know God, and showing that knowledge is to love and imitate Him.” — JOHN MILTON (1608–1674)
#johnmilton #learning

#jonathanedwards #john316

#jonathanedwards #john316

What Jonah learned in the depthless ocean, let me learn this morning in my closet: “Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

CHARLES SPURGEON, Morning and Evening 2/26 (Updated) #salvation #jesussaves #jonah #morningprayer

What Jonah learned in the depthless ocean, let me learn this morning in my closet: “Salvation belongs to the Lord!”

CHARLES SPURGEON, Morning and Evening 2/26 (Updated) #salvation #jesussaves #jonah #morningprayer

#ebenezererskine #goodadvice #exodus

#ebenezererskine #goodadvice #exodus

#johnflavel #children #discipleship #christianteaching

#johnflavel #children #discipleship #christianteaching

“The way of the majority is neither the best, the wisest nor the safest way to go; better to follow the eight in the ark than the eight millions drowned in the flood and damned to hell.” — MATTHEW HENRY (1662–1714; updated) #matthewhenry #theark #majority

“The way of the majority is neither the best, the wisest nor the safest way to go; better to follow the eight in the ark than the eight millions drowned in the flood and damned to hell.” — MATTHEW HENRY (1662–1714; updated) #matthewhenry #theark #majority

Many pray, “Let this cup pass from me,” but few, “As you will” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬). —THOMAS WATSON (1620–1686; updated) #thomaswatson #notmywill #thywillbedone #matthew26

Many pray, “Let this cup pass from me,” but few, “As you will” (‭‭Matthew‬ ‭26‬:‭39‬ ‭ESV‬‬). —THOMAS WATSON (1620–1686; updated) #thomaswatson #notmywill #thywillbedone #matthew26

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 11: Billy Bray (1794–1868)

“We now introduce a few notes on William Trewartha Bray, of Cornwall, for several years a local preacher among the Bible Christians. We beg his pardon for calling him by a name that he never used, and introduce him a second time, with due accuracy, as Billy Bray. This honorable man was once a drunken and lascivious miner, but grace made him an intensely earnest and unwavering follower of the Lord Jesus. His conversion was very remarkable, and was accompanied with those violent struggles of conscience that frequently accompany that great change in strong-minded and passionate personalities.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 136 #billybray #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 11: Billy Bray (1794–1868)

“We now introduce a few notes on William Trewartha Bray, of Cornwall, for several years a local preacher among the Bible Christians. We beg his pardon for calling him by a name that he never used, and introduce him a second time, with due accuracy, as Billy Bray. This honorable man was once a drunken and lascivious miner, but grace made him an intensely earnest and unwavering follower of the Lord Jesus. His conversion was very remarkable, and was accompanied with those violent struggles of conscience that frequently accompany that great change in strong-minded and passionate personalities.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 136 #billybray #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 10: Edward Brooke (1799–1871)

“Our Wesleyan brothers have recently lost from their ministry an eminently useful preacher, who was the last survivor of a little band of simple-hearted and downright sincere men, who in their day were mighty soul-winners, but had the reputation of being somewhat eccentric. William Dawson and Samuel Hick were worthily perpetuated in Squire Edward Brooke, who entered into rest in January, 1871. Do not suppose that we endorse all his theology, nor do we applaud all his modes of procedure; we have no patience with those who imagine that you cannot admire a man’s character unless you agree with him in every doctrinal sentiment. Mr. Brooke was soundly abused in his day, and certain libelous papers attributed the most outrageous conduct to him; but, in truth, he was just a plain and somewhat quaint preacher of the old, old gospel, and his Master clothed him with great power.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 125 #edwardbrooke #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeonquotes #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 10: Edward Brooke (1799–1871)

“Our Wesleyan brothers have recently lost from their ministry an eminently useful preacher, who was the last survivor of a little band of simple-hearted and downright sincere men, who in their day were mighty soul-winners, but had the reputation of being somewhat eccentric. William Dawson and Samuel Hick were worthily perpetuated in Squire Edward Brooke, who entered into rest in January, 1871. Do not suppose that we endorse all his theology, nor do we applaud all his modes of procedure; we have no patience with those who imagine that you cannot admire a man’s character unless you agree with him in every doctrinal sentiment. Mr. Brooke was soundly abused in his day, and certain libelous papers attributed the most outrageous conduct to him; but, in truth, he was just a plain and somewhat quaint preacher of the old, old gospel, and his Master clothed him with great power.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 125 #edwardbrooke #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeonquotes #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 9: Edward Taylor (1793–1821)

“Let us now introduce “Father Taylor,” the Sailor Preacher of Boston.…It was not at all amazing that sailors especially, and other classes of the community in tow, would flock to hear Mr. Taylor, since he was a man of great human sympathies, masculine, bold, honest, childlike and outspoken; and, at the same time, a man on fire with love for Christ and lost souls. His preaching could never be dull—the intense white heat of his nature prevented that. He was extraordinarily earnest, and commanded the attention of all around him for that very reason.
No ideas of propriety, or notions of delicacy, hung around him like chains: he spoke to sailors, not to squeamish aristocrats, and to “the sons of Zebulon” (Genesis 49:13 ESV) he poured out his great heart in a plain eloquence, that was completely on fire.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 117, 120–121 #edwardtaylor #eccentricpreachers #spurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 9: Edward Taylor (1793–1821)

“Let us now introduce “Father Taylor,” the Sailor Preacher of Boston.…It was not at all amazing that sailors especially, and other classes of the community in tow, would flock to hear Mr. Taylor, since he was a man of great human sympathies, masculine, bold, honest, childlike and outspoken; and, at the same time, a man on fire with love for Christ and lost souls. His preaching could never be dull—the intense white heat of his nature prevented that. He was extraordinarily earnest, and commanded the attention of all around him for that very reason.
No ideas of propriety, or notions of delicacy, hung around him like chains: he spoke to sailors, not to squeamish aristocrats, and to “the sons of Zebulon” (Genesis 49:13 ESV) he poured out his great heart in a plain eloquence, that was completely on fire.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 117, 120–121 #edwardtaylor #eccentricpreachers #spurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 8: Jacob Gruber (1778–1850)

“If any judge too severely the personal peculiarities of such a man [as Jacob Gruber], we would urge them to do better; but to us it seems most probable that if preachers were more in earnest we would see more of what are called eccentricities, that are often only the ensigns of real zeal, and the tokens that a man is both natural and intense. If a fisherman can catch fish with silk lines and artificial bait, let him be thankful; but if with a superior tackle he is unsuccessful, it shows a very proud spirit if he indulges in harsh criticisms of the style and manner of brothers who succeed better than himself in the gospel fishery. ‘Every man in his own order’ (1 Corinthians 15:23 KJV) is a good rule. Apollos may be polished and Cephas blunt, but so long as they are honest, prayerful, and true to the Gospel, God will bless them both, and it does no good for them to pick holes in each other’s coats. We would never say to a man, ‘Be eccentric;’ but if he cannot help being so, we would not have him otherwise. The leaning tower of Pisa owes much of its celebrity to its leaning, and although it certainly is not a safe model for architects, we would by no means advise its demolition. Ten to one any builder who tried to erect another would create a huge ruin, and therefore it would not be a safe precedent; but there it is, and who wishes it was other than it is? Serve the Lord, brother, with your very best, and seek to do even better, and whatever your peculiarities, the grace of God will be glorified in you.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 115–116 #jacobgruber #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 8: Jacob Gruber (1778–1850)

“If any judge too severely the personal peculiarities of such a man [as Jacob Gruber], we would urge them to do better; but to us it seems most probable that if preachers were more in earnest we would see more of what are called eccentricities, that are often only the ensigns of real zeal, and the tokens that a man is both natural and intense. If a fisherman can catch fish with silk lines and artificial bait, let him be thankful; but if with a superior tackle he is unsuccessful, it shows a very proud spirit if he indulges in harsh criticisms of the style and manner of brothers who succeed better than himself in the gospel fishery. ‘Every man in his own order’ (1 Corinthians 15:23 KJV) is a good rule. Apollos may be polished and Cephas blunt, but so long as they are honest, prayerful, and true to the Gospel, God will bless them both, and it does no good for them to pick holes in each other’s coats. We would never say to a man, ‘Be eccentric;’ but if he cannot help being so, we would not have him otherwise. The leaning tower of Pisa owes much of its celebrity to its leaning, and although it certainly is not a safe model for architects, we would by no means advise its demolition. Ten to one any builder who tried to erect another would create a huge ruin, and therefore it would not be a safe precedent; but there it is, and who wishes it was other than it is? Serve the Lord, brother, with your very best, and seek to do even better, and whatever your peculiarities, the grace of God will be glorified in you.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 115–116 #jacobgruber #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 7: William Dawson (1773–1841)

“William Dawson, the Yorkshire farmer and Methodist preacher, should be mentioned among the eccentrics, but not on account of any great use of humor in his preaching. Barefaced lies were fabricated concerning him, and he was made out to look like a mere comedic actor by the secular world, but there was nothing about his preaching to deserve it. He was gifted at repartee, and there was a slight mixture of whimsy in his sermons, but he was mainly distinguished for his wonderful dramatic power, by which he made everything stand out before the people’s eyes, and created the most profound impressions.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 95 #williamdawson #eccentricpreachers #spurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 7: William Dawson (1773–1841)

“William Dawson, the Yorkshire farmer and Methodist preacher, should be mentioned among the eccentrics, but not on account of any great use of humor in his preaching. Barefaced lies were fabricated concerning him, and he was made out to look like a mere comedic actor by the secular world, but there was nothing about his preaching to deserve it. He was gifted at repartee, and there was a slight mixture of whimsy in his sermons, but he was mainly distinguished for his wonderful dramatic power, by which he made everything stand out before the people’s eyes, and created the most profound impressions.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 95 #williamdawson #eccentricpreachers #spurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 6: Matthew Wilks (1746–1829)

“What Rowland Hill was on one side of the River Thames Matthew Wilks was on the other. He came to London in 1775, and John Berridge took part in his ordination over the Tabernacle churches that had been unified by George Whitefield. He was a person of commanding appearance, of great shrewdness, and unique individuality, and, like other worthy men, he has been much besmirched because a vein of humor was evident in him. This matters little, since the good man led multitudes to Jesus, and was a faithful pastor to the flock that he led. He was one of the fathers of the London Missionary Society, the Evangelical Magazine, the Irish Evangelical Society, the Bible Society, and the Religious Tract Society; in fact, from his great practical wisdom, he was called on to be a leader in all kinds of Christian work.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 89 #matthewwilks #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 6: Matthew Wilks (1746–1829)

“What Rowland Hill was on one side of the River Thames Matthew Wilks was on the other. He came to London in 1775, and John Berridge took part in his ordination over the Tabernacle churches that had been unified by George Whitefield. He was a person of commanding appearance, of great shrewdness, and unique individuality, and, like other worthy men, he has been much besmirched because a vein of humor was evident in him. This matters little, since the good man led multitudes to Jesus, and was a faithful pastor to the flock that he led. He was one of the fathers of the London Missionary Society, the Evangelical Magazine, the Irish Evangelical Society, the Bible Society, and the Religious Tract Society; in fact, from his great practical wisdom, he was called on to be a leader in all kinds of Christian work.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 89 #matthewwilks #eccentricpreachers #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 5: Rowland Hill (1744–1833)

“It is not our intention to write a life of Rowland Hill, but only to sketch an outline portrait from the “eccentric” point of view. As a preacher Mr. Hill was the child of John Berridge, whose church he attended while he was a student at Cambridge, riding over to Everton every Sunday to hear him. From that veteran he no doubt learned that freedom and simplicity of language that always distinguished him.…His set places of ministry were Surrey Chapel, and Wotton-under-Edge. He facetiously styled himself ‘Rector of Surrey Chapel, Vicar of Wotton, and Curate of all the fields and lanes throughout England and Wales.’ Surrey Chapel was called by many ‘The Round-house,’ and it was reported that its shape was chosen by Mr. Hill so that the devil might not have a corner to hide in. The neighborhood is described by John Berridge ‘as one of the worst spots in London, the very paradise of demons.’ It was right by the assembling ground of Lord George Gordon’s Protestant rowdies and was in many respects an unsavory spot, and therefore so much the more in need of the gospel. The spacious structure was the center of philanthropic, educational, and religious work of all kinds, and it would be difficult to find a building from which more beneficial influences have emanated.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 83, 85 #rowlandhill #eccentricpreachers #aneko #charleshspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 5: Rowland Hill (1744–1833)

“It is not our intention to write a life of Rowland Hill, but only to sketch an outline portrait from the “eccentric” point of view. As a preacher Mr. Hill was the child of John Berridge, whose church he attended while he was a student at Cambridge, riding over to Everton every Sunday to hear him. From that veteran he no doubt learned that freedom and simplicity of language that always distinguished him.…His set places of ministry were Surrey Chapel, and Wotton-under-Edge. He facetiously styled himself ‘Rector of Surrey Chapel, Vicar of Wotton, and Curate of all the fields and lanes throughout England and Wales.’ Surrey Chapel was called by many ‘The Round-house,’ and it was reported that its shape was chosen by Mr. Hill so that the devil might not have a corner to hide in. The neighborhood is described by John Berridge ‘as one of the worst spots in London, the very paradise of demons.’ It was right by the assembling ground of Lord George Gordon’s Protestant rowdies and was in many respects an unsavory spot, and therefore so much the more in need of the gospel. The spacious structure was the center of philanthropic, educational, and religious work of all kinds, and it would be difficult to find a building from which more beneficial influences have emanated.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 83, 85 #rowlandhill #eccentricpreachers #aneko #charleshspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 4: John Berridge (1716–1793)

“John Berridge, the vicar of Everton, was commended by John Wesley as one of the most simple as well as most sensible of all whom it pleased God to employ in reviving primitive Christianity. He was a man of remarkable learning, being as familiar in the learned languages as in his native tongue, and well instructed in theology, logic, mathematics, and metaphysics: he was not, therefore, eccentric because he was ignorant. He possessed a strength of understanding, quickness of perception, depth of incisiveness, and brilliancy of imagination beyond most men, while a vein of innocent humor ran through all his public and private discussions. His biographer tells us that this softened what some might call the austerity of religion, and rendered his company pleasant to people of a less serious habit; and yet he adds, ‘It is very peculiar that it never overcame his own solemnity; he remained serious himself while others were laughing hysterically.’”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 77 #johnberridge #spurgeon #eccentricpreachers #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 4: John Berridge (1716–1793)

“John Berridge, the vicar of Everton, was commended by John Wesley as one of the most simple as well as most sensible of all whom it pleased God to employ in reviving primitive Christianity. He was a man of remarkable learning, being as familiar in the learned languages as in his native tongue, and well instructed in theology, logic, mathematics, and metaphysics: he was not, therefore, eccentric because he was ignorant. He possessed a strength of understanding, quickness of perception, depth of incisiveness, and brilliancy of imagination beyond most men, while a vein of innocent humor ran through all his public and private discussions. His biographer tells us that this softened what some might call the austerity of religion, and rendered his company pleasant to people of a less serious habit; and yet he adds, ‘It is very peculiar that it never overcame his own solemnity; he remained serious himself while others were laughing hysterically.’”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 77 #johnberridge #spurgeon #eccentricpreachers #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 3: Daniel Burgess (1645–1713)

“The name of Daniel Burgess is usually associated with joking, but this is another instance of the way in which honorable men have been held up to ridicule. He was a Dissenter, and a man of great courage and boldness of speech; he was also a charming and attractive preacher, and so the word was dispatched from the evil one that he should be denounced as a joker. In those days there was no law to protect the Dissenter, or at least no officer who cared to put it in force, and so Mr. Burgess and his congregation were shamefully harassed by people of the meanest sort; but when he was urged to prosecute these troublemakers he only replied, ‘No, I have freely forgiven them, and will never meditate on revenge.’ These are not the words of a joker.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 73 #danielburgess #forgiveness #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 3: Daniel Burgess (1645–1713)

“The name of Daniel Burgess is usually associated with joking, but this is another instance of the way in which honorable men have been held up to ridicule. He was a Dissenter, and a man of great courage and boldness of speech; he was also a charming and attractive preacher, and so the word was dispatched from the evil one that he should be denounced as a joker. In those days there was no law to protect the Dissenter, or at least no officer who cared to put it in force, and so Mr. Burgess and his congregation were shamefully harassed by people of the meanest sort; but when he was urged to prosecute these troublemakers he only replied, ‘No, I have freely forgiven them, and will never meditate on revenge.’ These are not the words of a joker.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” p. 73 #danielburgess #forgiveness #charlesspurgeon #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 2: Hugh Peters (1598–1660)

“The most slandered man of his times was Hugh Peters, who was executed at the Restoration as a ringleader in the so-called Great Rebellion. He is widely put down as a crude joker, and maligned as a charlatan, although far more evidence indicates that he was a zealous preacher of the gospel. We give him a place here, not because we wholeheartedly admire him, but as a matter of justice to one who has been falsely accused…A respectable biographer writes of him, ‘Peters was not a wise man in all things; he spoke in a blunt and impetuous manner, but he was a true and sincere man—a man of unblemished reputation in circles where nothing foul or mean was tolerated, and a man who in every respect was immensely the superior of those who maligned him.’”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 69–70 #hughpeters #eccentricpreachers #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 2: Hugh Peters (1598–1660)

“The most slandered man of his times was Hugh Peters, who was executed at the Restoration as a ringleader in the so-called Great Rebellion. He is widely put down as a crude joker, and maligned as a charlatan, although far more evidence indicates that he was a zealous preacher of the gospel. We give him a place here, not because we wholeheartedly admire him, but as a matter of justice to one who has been falsely accused…A respectable biographer writes of him, ‘Peters was not a wise man in all things; he spoke in a blunt and impetuous manner, but he was a true and sincere man—a man of unblemished reputation in circles where nothing foul or mean was tolerated, and a man who in every respect was immensely the superior of those who maligned him.’”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 69–70 #hughpeters #eccentricpreachers #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 1: Hugh Latimer (1487–1555)

“Is there any Reformer whose name strikes with such a familiar sound on the English ear as that of Latimer? We admire Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, John Hooper, and the rest of them, but we love Latimer.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 33–34 #hughlatimer #spurgeonbooks #ronmetheny

SPURGEON’S “ECCENTRIC PREACHERS”
No. 1: Hugh Latimer (1487–1555)

“Is there any Reformer whose name strikes with such a familiar sound on the English ear as that of Latimer? We admire Thomas Cranmer, Nicholas Ridley, John Hooper, and the rest of them, but we love Latimer.”

—Charles Spurgeon, “Eccentric Preachers (Updated Edition),” pp. 33–34 #hughlatimer #spurgeonbooks #ronmetheny

“There is no real bondage, except that which is either from, or for sin.”

VAVASOR POWELL
(1617–1670) #vavasorpowell #puritanquotes #sin

“There is no real bondage, except that which is either from, or for sin.”

VAVASOR POWELL
(1617–1670) #vavasorpowell #puritanquotes #sin

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@reformedarcheology

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