The life of those who dwell in the secret place of the Most High may be called a Hidden Life, because the animating principle, the vital or operative element, is not so much in itself as in another. It is a life grafted into another life. It is the life of the soul, incorporated into the life of Christ; and in such a way, that, while it has a distinct vitality, it has so very much in the sense, in which the branch of a tree may be said to have a distinct vitality from the root.
Showing posts with label religious action. Show all posts
Showing posts with label religious action. Show all posts

Thursday, July 21, 2016

Without Action, Yet Always Acting


Again, it is sometimes said by experimental writers, in relation to the eminently devoted Christian, that he is without action, and yet always acting.  That is to say, he has no action which comes from himself, — no action originated on worldly principles, none which he can call his own, — but he is always acting in harmony with Providence; moving as he is moved upon; instructed and actuated by  the outward occasions as they are laid hold of and interpreted by the inward principle; retreating, going forward, or standing still, just as the voice of God in the soul directs: so that it is not more true that he never acts than it is that he always acts. Action is as essential to him as life; but still it is action in God and for God.

— edited from A Treatise on Divine Union (1851) Part 8, Chapter 8.

Monday, April 4, 2016

God Will Find Us Our Appropriate Work

When God has fully prepared the heart for religious action, we need not fear that he will fail to find for us our appropriate work.  He knows the work, which is to be done, and the time of its being done, as well as the dispositions, which are fitted for doing it. Be watchful, therefore, but wait also. A good soldier, in the spirit of watchfulness, is always ready for action; but he never anticipates, by a restless and unwise hurry of spirits, the orders of his commander.

Religious Maxims (1846) CLXVII.