Infidelity and faith look both through the perspective glass, but at contrary ends. Infidelity looks through the wrong end of the glass; and, therefore, sees those objects near which are afar off, and makes great things little,-diminishing the greatest spiritual blessings, and removing far from us threatened evils. Faith looks at the right end, and brings the blessings that are far off in time close to our eye, and multiplies God's mercies, which, in a distance, lost their greatness.
Joseph HallWords are as they are taken, and things are as they are used. There are even cursed blessings.
Joseph HallHeaven hath many tongues to talk of it, more eyes to behold it, but few hearts that rightly affect it.
Joseph HallEven the best things ill used become evils; and, contrarily, the worst things used well prove good.
Joseph HallVirtues go ever in troops; they go so thick, that sometimes some are hid in the crowd; which yet are, but appear not.
Joseph HallSatan would seem to be mannerly and reasonable; making as if he would be content with one-half of the heart, whereas God challengeth all or none: as, indeed, He hath most reason to claim all that made all. But this is nothing but a crafty fetch of Satan; for he knows that if he have any part, God will have none: so the whole falleth to his share alone.
Joseph Hall