John Durant

"Christ's Compassion in Our Trials" is a weighty exploration of the struggles and discouragements that Christians may face when approaching Christ for help, as illustrated through the historical narrative of the Canaanite woman. Authored by Puritan John Durant (1620-1686), this work offers a deeply rooted theological perspective grounded in Scripture, particularly focusing on the interaction between Christ and the Canaanite woman found in Matthew 15:21-28. In this historical narrative, Durant emphasizes that, much like the Canaanite woman, Christians often encounter feelings of inadequacy and discouragement as they seek help from Christ. The woman approaches Jesus, fully aware of her unworthiness as a Gentile, yet her desperation for her daughter's healing drives her to persist in faith. Durant illustrates that despite her initial rejection and the seemingly harsh words of Christ-who initially does not respond to her pleas-her unwavering faith ultimately prevails. He captures the essence of her faith as she boldly claims her need for mercy, which serves as a model for believers facing their own challenges and obstacles. Durant further expounds on several key themes drawn from the Scriptures, including the idea that the prayers and faith of believing parents hold significant weight in seeking mercy for their children. He highlights the truth found in 1 Timothy 4:8, where godliness is said to have promise for the present life and that which is to come, encouraging readers to persist in their petitions to God. By relating the woman's experience to their own lives, Durant reassures believers that their struggles and feelings of discouragement are not uncommon, and he encourages them to press on in faith. Throughout the text, Durant provides practical guidance on how to navigate these discouragements. He urges believers to examine the lawfulness of their requests, the condition of their hearts, and their motives when approaching Christ. He posits that faith is not merely about the outcome but about the relationship established through prayer and supplication. Durant's insights invite readers to understand that even when circumstances appear dire or when prayers seem unanswered, God's compassion and mercy remain ever-present. In sum, "Christ's Compassion in Our Trials" serves as both a theological treatise and a source of encouragement for believers. By studying the interaction between Christ and the Canaanite woman, Durant masterfully illustrates the perseverance of faith amid discouragement. He provides a compelling reminder that, regardless of the challenges faced, coming to Christ with sincerity and faith can lead to spiritual and physical blessings. The narrative not only comforts those who are struggling but also reaffirms the enduring promise that Christ is accessible to all who earnestly seek Him, a message that resonates powerfully through the ages.

Christ is such an inexhaustible fountain that sinners cannot ever out desire His mercies. He is an overflowing fountain of infinite mercy and comfort. All other temporal mercies find their eternal significance in him. Nothing will delight the sincere believer, or be enjoyed, if such believers do not in some way partake of His comfort, and His tenderness. They must tap into Christ's virtue. How will they do this? Durant's discourse explores the sweetness of Christ's relationship with weak believers, addressing various aspects of this theme. He shows the fallacy of Satan to keep souls from Christ; and the sweetness of Christ to those in His service. His work is taken from Isaiah 40:11, "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." The structure of the discourse includes the dependence of the words, their division, and the doctrines derived from them. His main doctrine, is that central teaching presented, emphasizes Christ's sweetness in His dealings with weak members. Most Christians will not admit they are weak. And the idea of the word "weak" seems to be negative. But Durant's work reaches to all Christians. He shows that Christ's carriage, and the sweetness of that carriage, is demonstrated in not casting off weak believers, but that He preserves their weak graces, strengthens them, bears with their infirmities, not burdening them with tasks they can't handle, and accepts their efforts despite failings. These reasons are drawn from God the Father's commission to Christ, the truth of the inherent weakness in believers, and Christ's intention to build them up as his lambs. The discourse concludes with applications for information, lamentation, reproof, comfort, encouragement, imitation, and exhortation.

John Durant (1620-1686) was a popular independent puritan minister, and was described by Edmund Calamy as an excellent practical preacher of the word of God.C. Matthew McMahon, Ph.D., Th.D., is a Reformed theologian, and pastor of Grace Chapel in Crossville, TN. He is the founder and chairman of A Puritan's Mind, the largest Reformed website on the internet for students of the Bible concerning Reformed Theology, the Puritans and Covenant Theology. He is the founder of Puritan Publications which publishes rare Reformed and Puritan works from the 17th century, specializing in the Westminster Assembly. He is also a managing partner at Reformed.org, and the Center for Reformed Theology and Apologetics.Durant, in this wonderful work on making a discovery of Christ's love to his people, plumbs the depths of Christ's transcendent love from Ephesians 3:19, "And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God." He will explain what it means that this love is transcendent. It is a preeminent and supreme love, lying beyond the ordinary range of perception. Can such a study be accomplished adequately in light of Christ's infinite benevolence to his people? Durant will take a course to outline and explain four main parts to his overall subject demonstrating how the love of Christ passes knowledge as it, 1. includes the truth and reality of Christ's love to the saints. 2. As it concludes the height and royalty, or transcendency of that love. 3. As it holds out the apostle's desire that the Ephesians might know both. And, 4. As it contains the grounds of keeping up the Ephesian's hearts from fainting at Paul's tribulations, which is the drift and scope that Paul strives for in them. In exploring this transcendent love of Christ to the soul, he affirms that it is so high there is no reaching of it, so deep that there is no sounding of it, so long that it exceeds measuring, and so broad that there is no comprehending it. Yet, believers are beckoned to strive to understand, to apprehend it, in its communication to their heart, soul and mind. In fact, when they have finished reading this work by Durant, if they have soaked in even a measure of what he explains, they will come away with being lovesick for the Savior.

The first comprehensive history of MIT's Center for Advanced Visual Studies (CAVS), told through personal accounts and groundbreaking artwork.In 1967, in a time of student unrest, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology did the unexpected: it established the first academic center for research and collaboration in art, science, and technology. The Center for Advanced Visual Studies (CAVS) brought artists to the MIT campus with radical expressions of a rapidly evolving technological era.The brainchild of founding director Gyorgy Kepes, CAVS sought to repair the distance between practitioners of art and engineering within the halls of MIT. "The scientist may be an extra brain to the artist, and the engineer may be an extra arm to the artist, whereas the artist can be an extra eye to the scientist and engineer," said long-time director Otto Piene in Centerbeam, a 1978 film about a CAVS collaboration. As a breeder of new art forms and future-oriented artistic education, CAVS became a pioneering model for the art, technology and media labs that proliferated worldwide.This first comprehensive history of CAVS presents an inside view, told through personal accounts, exhibit documentation, and groundbreaking artwork, and and includes a new text on the genome of art and technology by Peter Weibel. The book chronicles, in vivid visual narrative and testimony by those who were there, the birth and flowering of a unique research node dedicated to multiple interactions of art, science, technology and environment.Copublished with ZKM | Center for Art and Media, Karlsruhe

In The Paleo Manifesto: Ancient Wisdom for Lifelong Health, John Durant argues for an evolutionary - and revolutionary - approach to health. All animals, human or otherwise, thrive when they mimic key elements of life in their natural habitat. From diet to movement to sleep, this evolutionary perspective sheds light on some of our most pressing health concerns. What is causing the rise of chronic conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, and depression? Is eating red meat going to kill you? Is avoiding the sun actually the best way to avoid skin cancer? Durant takes readers on a thrilling ride to the Paleolithic and beyond, unlocking the health secrets of our ancient ancestors. What do obese gorillas teach us about weight loss? How can Paleolithic skulls contain beautiful sets of teeth? Why is the Bible so obsessed with hygiene? What do NASA astronauts teach us about getting a good night's sleep? And how are Silicon Valley techies hacking the human body? Blending science and culture, anthropology and philosophy, John Durant distills the lessons from his adventures and shows how to apply them to day-to-day life, teaching people how to construct their own personal "habitat" that will enable them to thrive. The book doesn't just address what we eat, but why we eat it; not just how to exercise, but the purpose of functional movement; not just being healthy, but leading a purposeful life. Combining the best of ancient wisdom with cutting edge science, Durant crafts a vision of health that is both fresh and futuristic. From the Hardcover edition.

The Heavyweight Champions is a book written by John Durant that chronicles the history of heavyweight boxing champions from the late 19th century to the present day. The book is divided into chapters, each dedicated to a specific champion, and provides a detailed account of their life, career, and achievements. It begins with John L. Sullivan, the first recognized heavyweight champion, and covers legends such as Jack Dempsey, Joe Louis, Muhammad Ali, and Mike Tyson. The book also includes lesser-known champions and their contributions to the sport. The author provides insights into the boxing world, including the politics and controversies surrounding the sport. The Heavyweight Champions is a comprehensive and engaging read for boxing enthusiasts and anyone interested in sports history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

The Pictorial History of American Presidents by John Durant is a comprehensive book that provides a visual and textual account of the lives and legacies of the United States Presidents. The book is divided into chapters, each focusing on a different President, starting from George Washington and ending with Barack Obama.The book includes over 500 photographs, illustrations, and paintings, which are accompanied by informative captions and text that provide a detailed account of each President's life, political career, and achievements. The book also includes rare photographs and documents that offer a unique glimpse into the personal lives of the Presidents.The Pictorial History of American Presidents covers all the major events and issues that shaped the United States, including the Civil War, World War I and II, the Cold War, and the Civil Rights Movement. The book also includes information on the First Ladies, Vice Presidents, and other key figures who played a significant role in shaping American history.Overall, The Pictorial History of American Presidents is an excellent resource for anyone interested in American history, politics, and leadership. It is a beautifully illustrated and well-researched book that provides a fascinating insight into the lives and legacies of the Presidents of the United States.George Washington Thru Dwight D. Eisenhower.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.