Meaning: This quote by William Gurnall, a 17th-century English author and minister, reflects a profound observation about the relationship between comfort and grace. Gurnall suggests that while great comforts may serve as evidence of divine grace, they do not necessarily indicate the full extent or depth of that grace. To illustrate this point, Gurnall uses the metaphor of a weak child being more frequently held in a parent's lap than a strong child. This comparison conveys the idea that those who are weak or struggling often receive more immediate and tangible comfort, but it does not diminish the grace available to those who may appear to be stronger or more self-sufficient.

In interpreting this quote, it's essential to understand the historical and religious context in which Gurnall wrote. William Gurnall was a Puritan theologian known for his influential work, "The Christian in Complete Armor," which expounds on spiritual warfare and the Christian's reliance on God's grace. Within this context, the quote can be understood as a reflection of the Puritan belief in the sovereignty of God and the insufficiency of human strength and merit in the face of divine grace.

The first part of the quote, "Great comforts do, indeed, bear witness to the truth of thy grace," acknowledges the significance of experiencing comfort and blessings as evidence of God's grace. Comforts, in this sense, can encompass various forms of support, relief, and blessings that individuals receive in their lives. These may include material provisions, emotional solace, relational support, or spiritual reassurance. Gurnall acknowledges that these comforts can serve as a testimony to the reality of God's grace at work in the lives of believers.

However, Gurnall's statement, "but not to the degree of it," introduces a crucial distinction. He suggests that while comforts may bear witness to the truth of God's grace, they do not fully measure or define the extent of that grace. This distinction is significant because it challenges the assumption that the abundance of comforts or blessings directly correlates to the level of one's spiritual grace or favor in the eyes of God. Instead, Gurnall points to a deeper and more nuanced understanding of grace that transcends visible manifestations of comfort or ease.

The metaphor of the weak child and the strong child further elucidates Gurnall's point. By highlighting the disparity in the frequency of being held in a parent's lap, Gurnall emphasizes that those who are weak or vulnerable require and receive more immediate care and comfort. This imagery underscores the idea that the need for comfort is often more apparent and pronounced in the lives of those who are struggling or fragile, while those who appear strong or self-sufficient may not exhibit the same outward signs of need.

In the religious and spiritual context, Gurnall's quote invites contemplation on the nature of grace and the ways in which it operates in the lives of individuals. It challenges the notion that outward markers of success, comfort, or well-being are definitive indicators of one's spiritual standing or the depth of God's grace. Instead, it encourages a deeper understanding of grace as encompassing God's unmerited favor, love, and provision, which may not always align with conventional measures of success or prosperity.

In conclusion, William Gurnall's quote offers a thought-provoking reflection on the relationship between comforts, grace, and the inscrutable ways of divine providence. It prompts individuals to consider the limitations of relying solely on visible comforts as a gauge of God's grace and to cultivate a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted nature of grace in the midst of life's challenges and blessings.