The night dews of affliction and disappointment may fall thickly upon it – the storms of sorrow may beat heavily against it – the winds of adversity may howl fearfully around it – but, like those fabled lamps of which we read, that, century after century, illumined the sepulchers of the east – burning with calm and steady light, amid the desolation of all earthly things – unchanged and unextinguishable; so does this joy – this living spark struck off from the great source of light and life – outlive all deaths, all changes, until it accompanies the freed spirit of the believer in whom it dwells, back to those abodes of joy from whence it came.

John MacDuff (1818–1895), Pfarrer, Hymnendichter und Autor christlicher Erbauungsliteratur

Topics: Joy & Gratitude, Grief & Comfort, Eternity & Hope Beyond Death

Occasions: Comfort, Encouragement

John MacDuff

John Ross Macduff (1818–1895) war ein schottischer presbyterianischer Pfarrer und Autor, der unter anderem in Glasgow und später in England wirkte. Im 19. Jahrhundert wurde er durch weit verbreitete Andachtsbücher, Gebetssammlungen und Kirchenlieder bekannt, die seelsorglichen Zuspruch und biblische Verheißungen in den Mittelpunkt stellten. Heutigen Bibellesern begegnen seine Schriften als Beispiele protestantischer Erbauungsliteratur, die biblische Texte auf persönliche Lebensfragen und Erfahrungen von Leid beziehen.

All quotes by John MacDuff (11)

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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

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