Alexander Maclaren Quotes

A collection of quotes by Alexander Maclaren.

Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) was a renowned Scottish preacher and Biblical scholar. Born in Glasgow, Scotland on February 11, 1826, he displayed an early aptitude for learning and a deep love for literature. Following his studies at the University of Glasgow, he pursued theology at both the United Presbyterian Divinity Hall and the University of Edinburgh.

Maclaren's career as a theologian and preacher began in earnest when he accepted a pastorate at Portland Chapel in Southampton, England in 1858. His sermons garnered widespread acclaim for their depth of insight and eloquence, attracting a large and devoted following. Throughout his 45-year career, Maclaren preached to congregations in various cities including Manchester, Liverpool, London, and Edinburgh.

Frequently known as the "Prince of Expositors," Maclaren possessed a distinctive gift for biblical interpretation and exposition. His sermons were characterized by meticulous research, keen observation, and a heartfelt devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ. His ability to explain and apply biblical truths with remarkable clarity and relevance made him a highly influential figure among both clergy and laypeople.

In addition to his preaching talents, Maclaren was widely respected for his humility, sincerity, and gentleness of spirit. Amidst the challenges of his time, he tirelessly championed the values of faith, compassion, and social justice. His legacy lives on through his published sermons, which continue to inspire and guide countless individuals in their faith journeys.

Alexander Maclaren passed away on May 5, 1910, leaving behind a rich literary and theological heritage that remains highly regarded to this day.

The tears of Christ are the pity of God. The gentleness of J

The tears of Christ are the pity of God. The gentleness of Jesus is the long-suffering of God. The tenderness of Jesus is the love of God. He that hath seen me hath seen the Father.

Alexander Maclaren

No man loveth God except the man who has first learned that

No man loveth God except the man who has first learned that God loves him.

Alexander Maclaren

The message of love can never come into a human soul, and pa

The message of love can never come into a human soul, and pass away from it unreceived, without leaving that spirit worse, with all its lowest characteristics strengthened, and all its best ones depressed, by the fact of rejection.

Alexander Maclaren

Given a man full of faith, you will have a man tenacious in

Given a man full of faith, you will have a man tenacious in purpose, absorbed in one grand object, simple in his motives, in whom selfishness has been driven out by the power of a mightier love, and indolence stirred into unwearied energy.

Alexander Maclaren

Power Love Faith Man Purpose

Death is but a passage. It is not a house, it is only a vest

Death is but a passage. It is not a house, it is only a vestibule. The grave has a door on its inner side.

Alexander Maclaren

If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.

If you would win the world, melt it, do not hammer it.

Alexander Maclaren

In heaven after ages of ages of growing glory, we shall have

In heaven after ages of ages of growing glory, we shall have to say, as each new wave of the shoreless, sunlit sea bears us onward, It doth not yet appear what we shall be.

Alexander Maclaren

We believe that the history of the world is but the history

We believe that the history of the world is but the history of His influence and that the center of the whole universe is the cross of Calvary.

Alexander Maclaren

Man's course begins in a garden, but it ends in a city.

Man's course begins in a garden, but it ends in a city.

Alexander Maclaren

All that this world knows of living lies in giving -- and mo

All that this world knows of living lies in giving -- and more giving; He that keeps, be sure he loses -Friendship grows by what it uses.

Alexander Maclaren

The grace of God, says Luther, is like a flying summer showe

The grace of God, says Luther, is like a flying summer shower. It has fallen upon more than one land, and passed on. Judea had it, and lies barren and dry. These Asiatic coasts had it, and flung it away.

Alexander Maclaren

Only he who can say, The Lord is my strength, can say, Of wh

Only he who can say, The Lord is my strength, can say, Of whom shall I be afraid?

Alexander Maclaren

In making our decisions, we must use the brains that God has

In making our decisions, we must use the brains that God has given us. But we must also use our hearts which He also gave us. A man who has not learned to say, No --who is not resolved that he will take God's way, in spite of every dog that can bay or bark at him, in spite of every silvery choice that woos him aside--will be a weak and a wretched man till he dies.

Alexander Maclaren

Every life has dark tracts and long stretches of somber tint

Every life has dark tracts and long stretches of somber tint, and no representation is true to fact which dips its pencil only in light, and flings no shadows on the canvas.

Alexander Maclaren

Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kin

Seek to cultivate a buoyant, joyous sense of the crowded kindnesses of God in your daily life.

Alexander Maclaren