Mark in what order: first, our calling; then, our election; not beginning with our election first. By our calling, arguing our election. Joseph Hall More Quotes by Joseph Hall More Quotes From Joseph Hall Not to be afflicted is a sign of weakness; for, therefore God imposeth no more on me, because He sees I can bear no more. Joseph Hall thanksgiving religious christian And, if I were so low that I accounted myself the worst of all, yet some would account themselves in worse case. Joseph Hall worst cases lows Good prayers never come creeping home. I am sure I shall receive either what I ask, or what I should ask. Joseph Hall should prayer home A reputation once broken may possibly be repaired, but the world will always keep their eyes on the spot where the crack was. Joseph Hall eye positive character I have seldom seen much ostentation and much learning met together. Joseph Hall mets vanity together The idle man is the devil's cushion. Joseph Hall devil laziness men Earthly greatness is a nice thing, and requires so much chariness in the managing, as the contentment of it cannot requite. Joseph Hall contentment greatness nice God loves to see his creatures happy; our lawful delight is His; they know not God that think to please Him with making themselves miserable. The idolaters thought it a fit service for Baal to cut and lance themselves; never any holy man looked for thanks from the true God by wronging himself. Joseph Hall cutting happiness men This field is so spacious that it were easy for a man to lose himself in it; and if I should spend all my pilgrimage in this walk, my time would sooner end than my way. Joseph Hall fields men way Rich people should consider that they are only trustees for what they posses, and should show their wealth to be more in doing good than merely in having it. Joseph Hall rich wealth people There would not be so many open mouths if there were not so many open ears. Joseph Hall slander mouths ears I will rather suffer a thousand wrongs than offer one. I have always found that to strive with a superior is injurious; with an equal, doubtful; with an inferior, sordid and base; with any, full of unquietness. Joseph Hall strive suffering found Virtues go ever in troops; they go so thick, that sometimes some are hid in the crowd; which yet are, but appear not. Joseph Hall troops crowds sometimes Recreation is intended to the mind as whetting is to the scythe, to sharpen the edge of it, which otherwise would grow dull and blunt,--as good no scythe as no edge. Joseph Hall scythes mind dull That which the French proverb hath of sickness is true of all evils, that they come on horseback, and go away on foot; we have often seen a sudden fall or one meal's surfeit hath stuck by many to their graves; whereas pleasures come like oxen, slow, and heavily, and go away like post-horses, upon the spur. Joseph Hall oxen horse fall He that taketh his own cares upon himself loads himself in vain with an uneasy burden. I will cast all my cares on God; He hath bidden me; they cannot burden Him. Joseph Hall burden vain care Surely the mischief of hypocrisy can never be enough inveighed against. When religion is in request, it is the chief malady of the church, and numbers die of it; though because it is a subtle and inward evil, it be little perceived. It is to be feared there are many sick of it, that look well and comely in God's outward worship, and they may pass well in good weather, in times of peace; but days of adversity are days of trial. Joseph Hall adversity numbers weather For whom he means to make an often guest, One dish shall serve; and welcome make the rest. Joseph Hall welcome guests mean It is of no small commendation to manage a little well. To live well in abundance is the praise of the estate, not of the person. I will study more how to give a good account of my little, than how to make it more. Joseph Hall study littles giving How endless is that volume which God hath written of the world! Every creature is a letter, every day a new page. Joseph Hall environmental letters world