Myself, and all the Angelic Host, that stand in the sight of God enthroned, our happy state hold, as you yours, while our obedience hold. On other surety none: freely we serve, because we freely love.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the connection between love and obedience in a relationship with God.
John Milton's quote suggests that true servitude stems from genuine love, emphasizing that both humans and celestial beings find joy in their obedience to God. It illustrates that love is the foundation of commitment and the driving force behind voluntary service, reinforcing the idea that actions born out of love are more sincere and fulfilling.
In practice
In a sermon about devotion, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of loving service.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
The mystery of ministry is that we have been chosen to make our own limited and very conditional love the gateway for the unlimited and unconditional love of God.
And when you get down to it, Lily, that is the only purpose grand enough for a human life. Not just to love but to persist in love.
There are moments of mingled sorrow and tenderness, which hallow the caresses of affection.
Being a disciple means being constantly ready to bring the love of Jesus to others, and this can happen unexpectedly and in any place: on the street, in a city square, during work, on a journey.
Once you're truly happy with yourself alone, that's when you are safe to find the right person to spend the rest of your life with.
Like you and your woman ain't gettin' along and you're in love. You can't sleep at nights. Your mind is on her - on whatever. You know, that's the blues. You can't hug that money at night. You can't kiss it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.