No amount of scholastic attainment, of able and profound exposition of brilliant and stirring eloquence can atone for the absence of a deep impassioned sympathetic love for human souls.
God enabled me to so agonize in prayer that I was quite wet with perspiration, though in the shade and the cool wind. My soul was drawn out very much from the world, for multitudes of souls.
When you cease from labour, fill up your time in reading, meditation, and prayer: and while your hands are labouring, let your heart be employed, as much as possible, in divine thoughts.
My disorder has been attended with several symptoms of a consumption; and I have been at times apprehensive that my great change was at hand: yet blessed be God, I have never been affrighted; but, on the contrary, at times much delighted with a view of its approach.
God plans all perfect combinations.
Whatever else you fail of, do not fail of the influence of the Holy Spirit; that is the only way you can handle the consciences of men.
Be careful to make a good improvement of precious time.
As to my success here I cannot say much as yet: the Indians seem generally kind, and well-disposed towards me, and are mostly very attentive to my instructions, and seem willing to be taught further.
I bless God for this retirement: I never was more thankful for any thing than I have been of late for the necessity I am under of self-denial in many respects.
A few of the sublimest geniuses of Rome and Athens had some faint discoveries of the spiritual nature of the human soul, and formed some probable conjectures, that man was designed for a future state of existence.
I hoped that my weary pilgrimage in the world would be short; and that it would not be long before I should be brought to my heavenly home and Father’s house.
I am more weary of life, I think, than ever I was.
Worldly pleasures, such as flow from greatness, riches, honours, and sensual gratifications, are infinitely worse than none.
I have withstood the power of convictions a long time; and therefore I fear I shall be finally left of God.
I board with a poor Scotchman: his wife can talk scarce any English.
I fear God never showed mercy to one so vile as I.
It is remarkable that God began this work among the Indians at a time when I had the least hope, and to my apprehension the least rational prospect of success.
Oh that I may never loiter on my heavenly journey.
Could not but think, as I have often remarked to others, that much more of true religion consists in deep humility, brokenness of heart, and an abasing sense of barrenness and want of grace and holiness than most who are called Christians imagine.
Oh, if ever I get to heaven, it will be because God will, and nothing else; for I never did any thing of myself, but get away from God!
Oh, how sweet it is to be spent and worn out for God!