That there are no random events with respect to God. To us it is true that time and chance influence all things. Things come to pass in unseen ways, and by unknown means, but with respect to God it is not so. Nothing can happen either outside His knowledge or intention, for it is His decree that gives being to all events. The things that are, would never be if He had not intended them.
— Samuel Willard (1640–1707), Puritanischer Prediger
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Guidance & God's Will, Faith & Trust
Occasions: For Reflection
Samuel Willard
Samuel Willard (1640–1707) war ein puritanischer Geistlicher in Neuengland, Pfarrer an der Old South Church in Boston und amtierender Leiter des Harvard College. Bekanntheit erlangte er durch sein postum veröffentlichtes Monumentalwerk *A Compleat Body of Divinity* sowie durch seine Kritik an den Hexenprozessen von Salem, bei denen er gegen die Zulassung sogenannter Geisterbeweise auftrat. Heutigen Bibellesern vermittelt sein Werk eine systematische Auslegung der reformierten Bundestheologie und zeigt das Ringen um Besonnenheit in Zeiten religiöser Spannungen.
All quotes by Samuel Willard (8)
You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.
Augustine of Hippo
Jesus calls us not to a new religion, but to life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I would not be able to seek you if you had not already found me.
Augustine of Hippo
When you see a child, you catch God in the act.
Martin Luther
God does not love us because we are lovable, but because his nature is love.
Oswald Chambers
God seeks you more than your offering.
Augustine of Hippo
God has his ear at your heart.
Augustine of Hippo
God is closer to us than we are to ourselves.
Augustine of Hippo