For if [a Christian] cannot thank and praise God as well in calamities and sufferings as in prosperity and happiness, he is as far from the piety of a Christian as he that only loves them that love him is from the charity of a Christian. For to thank God only for such things as you like is no more a proper act of piety than to believe only what you see is an act of faith. Resignation and thanksgiving to God are only acts of piety when they are acts of faith, trust and confidence in the divine goodness.

— William Law (1686–1761), Theologe

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Faith & Trust

Occasions: For Reflection

William Law

William Law (1686–1761) war ein englischer Geistlicher und theologischer Schriftsteller, der nach der Verweigerung des Treueeids auf Georg I. vor allem in King’s Cliffe lebte und wirkte. Er forderte in einflussreichen Erbauungswerken wie „A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life“ eine radikale, praktische Nachfolge Christi, während seine spätere Hinwendung zur theosophischen Mystik Jakob Böhmes theologische Kritik von Zeitgenossen wie John Wesley auslöste. Für heutige Bibelleser bietet sein Werk pointierte Impulse zu einer Frömmigkeit, die Gebet, persönliche Disziplin und tätige Nächstenliebe im Alltag zusammenführt.

All quotes by William Law (21)

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When you see a child, you catch God in the act.

Martin Luther

I asked God for many things so that I could enjoy life. God gave me life, so that I could enjoy all things.

Gertrud von le Fort

Man is unhappy because he doesn't know he's happy. It's only that.

Fyodor Dostoevsky

Go forth, my heart, and seek joy in this lovely summertime, in the gifts of your God. Behold the beauty of the gardens' adornment, and see how they have decked themselves for me and for you.

Paul Gerhardt

Great are you, Lord, and highly to be praised. Man, this tiny part of your creation, wants to praise you. You yourself stir him to delight in praising you, for you have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.

Augustine of Hippo

For all that has been - Thanks. For all that will be - Yes.

Dag Hammarskjöld

The world is more than its burden, and life is more than the sum of its gray days.

Alfred Delp

A good sleep is grace and so are good dreams. Most tears are grace. The smell of rain is grace. Somebody loving you is grace. Loving somebody is grace.

Frederick Buechner

All quotes · lumen.bible