The pure, mere love of God is that alone from which sinners are justly to expect that no sin will pass unpunished, but that His love will visit them with every calamity and distress that can help to break and purify the bestial heart of man and awaken in him true repentance and conversion to God. It is love alone in the holy Deity that will allow no peace to the wicked, nor ever cease its judgments till every sinner is forced to confess that it is good for him that he has been in trouble, and thankfully own that not the wrath but the love of God has plucked out that right eye, cut off that right band, which he ought to have done but would not do for himself and his own salvation.
— William Law (1686–1761), Theologe
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Suffering & the Question of God, Growth & Character
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)
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