In All the Annals

“In looking back over the history of the Christian Church, and thinking of the great men who have from time to time appeared on her stage, I cannot recall any man who so brilliantly combined so many qualities of greatness as Thomas Chalmers.  We may find some men as distinguished in certain properties, natural or acquired: in learning—of both classical and theological erudition—in precise reasoning, in ready powers of discussion and debate, in eloquence, in holiness of life, in regularity of purpose, in determined leadership, in steadfastness even in adversity, in energy of character, in sagacity and humor, in attainment in science, in depth of artistry, and in influence upon the widest array in society—equally at home with princes and with paupers, with devout and with doubters, with the thoughtful and with the thoughtless.  Where however, shall we find a case in which so much original genius is blended and concentrated in one individual?  Where shall we find a case in which all these rare elements combined with loftiest Christian principle and devotedness, and the exercise of the most humble, gentle, generous, cheerful Christian virtues?  Surely, such graces are precious few in all the annals of the world.” John Gordon Lorimer (1808-68), Pastor of Free St. David's, Glasgow

In His Time

“Christians often have occasion to remark that God’s ways are not as man’s ways, nor His thoughts as man’s thoughts.  Likewise, His measure of time oft far varies from our own estimations. This holds true in a vast variety of respects—but it holds especially true in connection with the removal of the righteous from this scene of things by the hand of death.  If the affairs of the church or the world were entrusted to the management of man, he would protract the life of the faithful to the extremest limit of human existence, and while the life was prolonged he would take care that the mind should retain all its vigor, and that the experience and public usefulness should ever enlarge.  Widely different sometimes is the Divine method of procedure. The servants of God are often unexpectedly taken away, not when enfeebled in gifts, or graces, or influence, but when their powers are most matured, their minds most thoroughly disciplined for future service, having successfully weathered trials and temptations readied by more favorable circumstances for exerting propitious influences upon men and nations.”  John Gordon Lorimer (1808-68), Pastor of Free St. David's, Glasgow

Slow Down and Rest

"I have often felt that the bustle of too active and varied sphere of exertion is adverse to the growth of one's personal and spiritual Christianity." Thomas Chalmers

Half-Hearted Ruts

“Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition, when infinite joy is offered to us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in the slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” C.S. Lewis

Schaeffer 100 Conference