Jul
21
2012
“When my heart has been cold and dead”
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched,
and one who waters will himself be watered. Proverbs 11:25
“How often, when my heart has been cold and dead — when I could not pray or meditate, for days together — have I been quickened, by the lovingkindness of the Lord, upon doing something kind and loving for a fellow-creature, and more especially for a fellow-Christian! This is highly necessary to be noted and frequently dwelt upon in Christian conversation, because of the gross selfishness that is interwoven in our fallen souls. We are very prone to turn the doctrines of grace into poison; not only predestination and election, final perseverance and particular redemption, but no less justification by faith only, and pardon of all our sins by the blood of the Lamb. It is therefore a great comfort when I see and hear of my Christian friends, that they are glad to distribute and willing to [share].”
Letter of Henry Venn, to Thomas Atkinson, 3 January 1792, in The Life of the Late Rev. Henry Venn (London, 1834), pages 494-495.