Meaning: The quote "During my solitude, conflicting thoughts increased; but much exercise of soul had the effect of causing the scriptures to gain complete ascendancy over me" by John Darby, a clergyman, reflects a profound inner struggle and the transformative power of spiritual contemplation. This quote encapsulates Darby's experience of grappling with conflicting thoughts and emotions during a period of solitude, ultimately leading to a profound spiritual awakening through the scriptures.

John Darby was a prominent figure in the 19th-century Christian movement known as the Plymouth Brethren. He was known for his theological contributions, particularly in the development of dispensationalism and his translation of the Bible into English from the original languages. Darby's quote serves as a poignant reflection of the internal struggles and spiritual growth that many individuals encounter during periods of introspection and contemplation.

The phrase "During my solitude" suggests that Darby experienced a period of seclusion or isolation, during which he was confronted with conflicting thoughts and emotions. This introspective phase likely involved deep introspection and self-examination, leading to an internal conflict that Darby found challenging to reconcile.

The mention of "conflicting thoughts increased" highlights the intensity of Darby's inner turmoil. It conveys the idea that his solitude allowed conflicting thoughts and emotions to intensify, creating a sense of inner discord and struggle. This phase of heightened inner conflict may have been a pivotal stage in Darby's spiritual journey, prompting him to delve deeper into his faith and seek resolution.

The phrase "much exercise of soul" suggests that Darby engaged in profound spiritual contemplation and introspection. This exercise of the soul likely involved deep reflection, prayer, and meditation on spiritual matters, as Darby sought to navigate and resolve the conflicting thoughts that troubled him during his solitude.

The quote further states that this exercise of the soul had the effect of causing the scriptures to gain complete ascendancy over Darby. This indicates that through his spiritual contemplation and introspection, Darby experienced a profound transformation in which the scriptures, likely referring to the Bible, came to hold supreme authority and influence over his thoughts, beliefs, and actions.

The term "complete ascendancy" suggests that the scriptures became the dominant and guiding force in Darby's life, exerting a transformative influence that transcended his previous conflicting thoughts and emotions. This shift likely represented a fundamental turning point in Darby's spiritual journey, leading to a deepened faith and a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.

In summary, John Darby's quote conveys the profound inner struggle and transformative power of spiritual contemplation. It reflects his experience of grappling with conflicting thoughts during a period of solitude, ultimately leading to a profound spiritual awakening through the scriptures. This quote serves as a reminder of the profound personal and spiritual growth that can emerge from periods of introspection and contemplation, as individuals navigate their inner conflicts and seek deeper understanding and connection with their faith.