116 Quotes by John Flavel

We must not think that faith itself is the soul’s rest; it is only the means of it. We cannot find rest in any work or duty of our own, but we may find it in Christ, whom faith apprehends for justification and salvation.

I look upon every good man, as a good book, lent by its owner for another to read, and transcribe the excellent notions and golden passages that are in it for his own benefit, that they may return with him when the owner shall call for the book again: but in case this excellent book shall be thrown into a corner and no use made of it, it justly provokes the owner to take it away in displeasure. – Funeral of John Upton, Esq.

O my soul, I am now addressing myself to the greatest work that ever a creature was employed about – I am going into the solemn presence of God about business of everlasting importance!

When our needs are permitted to grow to an extremity, and all visible hopes fail, then to have relief given wonderfully enhances the price of such a mercy.

Whatever be the ground of one’s distress, it should drive him to, not from God.

In short, forbidden fear is merely concerned with self-preservation. It does not take God’s glory into account. On the contrary, it actually desires the removal of what it perceives as dangerous, meaning it desires the removal of God.

It is a good sign that our troubles are sanctified to us when they turn our hearts against sin, and not against God.

Man's extremity is God's opportunity.