Wisdom and power are the ground of the respect we give to men; they being both infinite in God, are the foundation of a solemn honor to be returned to Him by His creatures. If a man make a curious engine, we honor him for his skill; if another vanquish a vigorous enemy, we admire him for his strength; and shall not the efficacy of God’s power in creation, government, redemption, inflame us with a sense of the honor of His name and perfections! We admire those princes that have vast empires, numerous armies, that have a power to conquer their enemies, and preserve their own people in peace; how much more ground have we to pay a mighty reverence to God, who, without trouble and weariness, made and manages this vast empire of the world by a word and beck! What sensible thoughts have we of the noise of thunder, the power of the sun, the storms of the sea! These things, that have no understanding, have struck men with such a reverence that many have adored them as gods. What reverence and adoration does this mighty power, joined with an infinite wisdom in God, demand at our hands.
— Stephen Charnock (1628–1680), Puritanischer Theologe
Topics: God, Jesus & the Holy Spirit, Joy & Gratitude, Humility & Pride
Occasions: For Reflection
Stephen Charnock
Stephen Charnock (1628–1680) war ein englischer puritanischer Geistlicher und Theologe, der nach dem Verlust seiner Kanzelberechtigung in der Restaurationszeit als nonkonformistischer Pastor in London wirkte. Bekannt wurde er vor allem durch seine posthum veröffentlichten Abhandlungen über das Wesen und die Eigenschaften Gottes, die den reformierten Gottesbegriff mit hoher analytischer Genauigkeit entfalten. Bibellesern vermitteln seine Texte eine systematische Auslegung zentraler göttlicher Attribute wie Souveränität, Weisheit und Vorsehung, die theologische Präzision mit persönlicher Frömmigkeit verbindet.
All quotes by Stephen Charnock (29)
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