A man may read the figure on the dial, but he cannot tell…
““A man may read the figure on the dial, but he cannot tell how the day goes, unless the sun shines upon the dial: we may read the Bible over, but we can not learn the purpose, till the Spirit of God shines into our hearts. O implore this blessed Spirit! It is God's prerogative-royal to teach: "I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit." Is. 48. 17. Ministers may tell us our lesson, God only can teach us; we have lost both our hearing and eye-sight, therefore are very unfit to learn. Ever since Eve listened to the serpent, we have been deaf; and since she looked on the tree of knowledge we have been blind; but when God comes to teach, he removes these impediments.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Spiritual insight requires the Holy Spirit’s illumination; mere intellectual study cannot reveal divine purpose without divine illumination.
In simple terms: Understanding God’s purpose needs the Spirit, not just reading.
Key Takeaway
Seek the Spirit’s guidance when studying Scripture.
Themes
faith
spiritual insight
illumination
scripture study
Mood
contemplative
reverent
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal devotion
- Bible study groups
- preaching
- spiritual formation
Key Concepts
divine revelation
inner transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- What steps can you take to invite the Spirit into your study?
- How does spiritual blindness affect daily decisions?
A Different Perspective
Relying solely on human effort leaves one spiritually blind.