The sum of the whole matter is this: He who is one in will and heart with God is a Christian. He who loves God is one in will and heart with Him. He who trusts Christ loves God. That is Christianity in its ultimate purpose and result. That is Christianity in its means and working forces. That is Christianity in its starting point and foundation.
Alexander MacLarenHe that has no present Christ has a future, dark, chaotic, heaving with its destructive ocean; and over it there goes forever--black-pinioned winging its solitary and hopeless flight, the raven of his anxious thoughts, and finds no place to rest, and comes back again to the desolate ark with its foreboding croak of evil in the present and evil in the future.
Alexander MacLarenDeath is but a passage. It is not a house, it is only a vestibule. The grave has a door on its inner side.
Alexander MacLarenOnly he who can say, 'The Lord is the strength of my life' can go on to say, 'Of whom shall I be afraid?'
Alexander MacLarenTrue peace comes not from the absence of trouble, but from the presence of God and will be deep and passing all understanding in the exact measure in which we live in and partake of the love of God.
Alexander MacLaren