This collection of quotations is primarily designed for preachers, but we believe will be of benefit to new Christians, those involved in personal evangelism and all servants of our Lord Jesus Christ who need the help and encouragement which such tools can bring.

Some quotes or illustrations are great statements (even one-liners) from the Puritan fathers; others are up-to-date stories with a message.

Francis Dixon often used quotes and illustrations in his preaching, but was careful only to do so if they helped to press home a point, rather than over-stretching a spiritual application.

New quotes will appear regularly. We have tried to give credit where the source is known. We trust you will find them a blessing and a help.

David and Mary Tucker

WORRY

Let us turn our fears into faith, and quit worrying over the thing that has not and never will happen.
(John Bunyan Smith)

WORRY

While we let ourselves worry, we are not trusting. But still it is a habit of ours to worry. Bishop Quayle had a sense of humour concerning himself. So he tells of a time when he sat in his study worrying over many things. He relates that finally the Lord came to him and said, ‘Quayle, you go to bed; I’ll sit up the rest of the night.’
(Streams in the Desert)

WORRY

(Philippians 4:6-7)
Ruth Graham says that by including the words “with thanksgiving”, she learned that worship and worry cannot live in the same heart: they are mutually exclusive.
(from “Prodigals and Those who Love Them”)

WORRY

Anxious? Transmit and commit! Hand over and then hands off!
(F. B. Meyer)

WORSHIP

In prayer we are occupied with our needs; in thanksgiving we are occupied with our blessings; in worship we are occupied with Himself.
(Anon)

ZEAL

(John 9:4)
W. E. Sangster, one-time Pastor of Westminster Central Hall, London, was on the panel responsible for interviewing applicants for the ministry. A nervous young man presented himself. The candidate said he ought to explain that he was rather shy and not the sort of person who would ever set the River Thames on fire.

“My dear young brother,” responded Sangster with wit and wisdom, “I am not interested to know if you can set the Thames on fire. What I want to know is this: if I picked you up by the scruff of your neck and dropped you into the Thames, would it sizzle?” God’s first concern is not whether you can set the world on fire, but whether you are on fire for God.