A young man trained in the art of glass-painting, Bernard Palissy was once shown an enamel cup of such exquisite beauty that he was forever captivated. He set about trying to learn the art behind the creation, seeking to discover the secrets of Chinese porcelain. He was like a man “groping in the dark.” He ...
Henry Scudder, The Christian‘s Daily Walk, pp. 142-143: When you read any part of the word of God, you must put a difference between it and the best writings of men, preferring it far before them. To this end, (1.) Consider it in its properties and excellencies. No word is of like absolute authority, holiness, ...
London Provincial Assembly, A Vindication of the Presbyterial Government and Ministry Together (1650), pp. 24-25: In the Presbyterial Government every Congregation hath a voyce, by the Pastors and Elders thereof, and so is governed by a power intrinsicall to itself, which cannot in its own nature be tyrannicall. Though there is no power in the ...
Will-worship in song was one of the errors highlighted by Thomas Edwards in his Gangraena (1646). In Part I, he lists 176 errors of the Sectaries, including (p. 27): 138. That all singing of Psalmes, as Davids, or any other holy songs of Scripture, is unlawfull, and not to be joyned with. 139. That the ...
Ralph Erskine, Gospel Sonnets, Preface, p. x: …the main Scope of the Gospel itself [is] to exclude all Self-Confidence, and stain the Pride of Man, to bring in Self-Denial, and exalt the Glory of Christ, to extol his Righteousness, by which he has magnify’d the Law, and made it honourable, to exhibit such a Way ...
Blaise Pascal, The Art of Persuasion: I do not here speak of divine truths, which I shall take care not to comprise under the art of persuasion, because they are infinitely superior to nature: God alone can place them into the soul and in such a way as it pleases him. I know that he ...
Who can look upwards at the heavens and not give glory to God for his celestial works? Edward Young (1683-1765), The Complaint, or Night Thoughts on Life, Time, Friendship, Death, and Immortality: I.176: By night an Atheist half-believes a God. IX.772-773: Devotion! daughter of Astronomy!An undevout astronomer is mad. IX.1266-1278: The brute, indeed,Sees naught but ...
Edwin D. White (1817-1877) was one of America’s most gifted historical painters. He took up painting as a boy and, after studying abroad in Paris, Rome, Florence and Dusseldorf, returned home to achieve great success, notably in painting the iconic Signing of the Mayflower Compact (which later inspired the 5 cent 1920 Pilgrim Tercentenary stamp, ...
Two Puritan poems remind us that God is sovereign and we may cast our cares upon his gracious providence. Diuina Prouidentia by Andrew Willet Jacob did see a ladder hie,As he was laid asleepe;The angels come and go thereby,Which doe him safely keepe. We learne hereby in euery wayThat God must be our guide,Or else ...
Jesus said to his disciples, “Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you” (John 15.15). Jonathan Edwards, in a sermon entitled “The Lord’s Supper is a ...