Stephen Charnock's quotes

A man may be theologically knowing and spiritually ignorant.

Not all the vials of judgements, that have or shall be poured out upon the wicked world, nor the flaming furnace of a sinners conscience, nor the irreversible sentence pronounced against the rebellious devils, nor the groans of the damned creatures, give such a demonstration of God's hatred of sin, as the wrath of God let loose upon His Son.

Unbelief was the first sin, and pride was the first-born of it.

Without faith we are not fit to desire mercy, without humility we are not fit to receive it, without affection we are not fit to value it, without sincerity we are not fit to improve it.

It is a sad thing to be Christians at a supper, heathens in our shops, and devils in our closets."

Worship is an act of the understanding, applying itself to the knowledge of the excellency of God, and actual thoughts of his majesty.

We often learn more of God under the rod that strikes us, than under the staff that comforts us.

Assurance is the fruit that grows out of the root of faith.

Satan is God's ape.

The word Father is personal, the word God essential.

Works make not the heart good, but a good heart makes the works good.

A proud faith is as much a contradiction as a humble devil.

When God takes vengeance upon the ungodly, he will smite in such a manner as to make them feel his almightiness in every stroke. All his power shall be exercised in punishing and none in pitying. O, that every obstinate sinner would think of this, and consider his unmeasurable boldness in thinking himself able to grapple with Omnipotence!

God, apart from Christ, is an angry, offended sovereign. Unless we behold him in and through Christ, the mediator, the terrors of his majesty would overwhelm us. We dare not approach the father except in Christ because of our sins, we first fasten our eyes upon Christ, then upon the father. If Christ does not bear our guilt and reconcile us unto God, we perish! Before any man can think to stand before the face of God's justice or be admitted to the secret chamber of God's mercy or partake of the riches of his grace, he must look to the mediator, Christ Jesus.

All worship is shot wrong that is not directed to, and conducted by, the thoughts of the power of God, whose assistance we need.