Blessing Quote by William Gurnall
“God, to prevent all escape, hath sown the seeds of death in our very constitution and nature, so that we can as soon run from ourselves, as run from death. We need no feller to come with a hand of violence and hew us down; there is in the tree a worm, which grows out of its own substance, that will destroy it; so in us, those infirmities of nature that will bring us down to the dust.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Christian's Duty, 1650
Human nature contains inherent decay that leads us to self-destruction, making divine intervention unnecessary for our downfall.
In simple terms: Our nature is self‑destructive, so we fall without external violence.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and guard against inner corruption.
Themes
theology
human nature
sin
mortality
spirituality
Mood
somber
thoughtful
Type
didactic
reflective
When to use this quote
- personal repentance
- spiritual counseling
- ethical decision making
- health and wellness
Key Concepts
original sin
self‑destruction
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner habits lead to self‑harm?
- How can community support mitigate these tendencies?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on internal decay may ignore external societal influences.
