Henry Martyn Quotes & Sayings

Since I have known God in a saving manner, painting, poetry, and music have had charms unknown to me before. I have received what I suppose is a taste for them, or religion has refined my mind and made it susceptible of impressions from the sublime and beautiful. O, how religion secures the heightened enjoyment of those pleasures which keep so many from God, by their becoming a source of pride! — Henry Martyn

Now let me burn out for God. — Henry Martyn

The impious man, who sells his country's freedom
Makes all the guilt of tyranny his own.
His are her slaughters, her oppressions his;
Just heav'n! reserve your choicest plagues for him,
And blast the venal wretch. — Henry Martyn

The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become. — Henry Martyn

I have rightfully no other business each day but to do God's work as a servant, constantly regarding His pleasure. May I have grace to live above every human motive, simply with God and to God. — Henry Martyn

If [God] has work for me to do, I cannot die. — Henry Martyn

God and eternal things are my only pleasure. — Henry Martyn

It has always happened hitherto that whenever I have begun to feel an attachment to places, persons, or things, of a merely temporary nature, I have been carried away from them. Amen! May I live as a stranger and pilgrim upon the earth. May we be brought to that better country where painful changes are known no more. — Henry Martyn

Do not suppose, dearest Sir, that I am so short-sighted as to destroy my life by English preaching, or any other preaching. St. Paul did much good by his preaching, but how much more by his writings. — Henry Martyn

The power of gentleness is irresistible. — Henry Martyn

The man who pauses in his honesty wants little of a villain. — Henry Martyn

My soul, alas, needs these uneasinesses in outward things, to be driven to take refuge in God. — Henry Martyn

I see no business in life but the work of Christ. — Henry Martyn

Let me burn out for God. After all,
whatever God may appoint, prayer
is the great thing. Oh, that I might
be a man of prayer! — Henry Martyn

I am born for God only. Christ is nearer to me than father, or mother, or sister - a near relation, a more affectionate Friend; and I rejoice to follow Him, and to love Him. Blessed Jesus! Thou art all I want - a forerunner to me in all I ever shall go through as a Christian, a minister, or a missionary ... — Henry Martyn

Even if I should never see a native converted, God may design by my patience and continuance in the Word to encourage future missionaries. — Henry Martyn

How or by what magic is it, that we convey our thoughts to one another with such case and accuracy? — Henry Martyn

I am immortal until God's work for me to do is done. The Lord reigns. — Henry Martyn