It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the motives, and purify the heart.
William WilberforceRead
O what a blessing is Sunday, interposed between the waves of worldly business like the divine path of the Israelites through the sea! There is nothing in which I would advise you to be more strictly conscientious than in keeping the Sabbath day holy. I can truly declare that to me the Sabbath has been invaluable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of setting aside time for rest and spiritual reflection amidst life's busyness.
William Wilberforce emphasizes the Sabbath as a sacred time to disconnect from the demands of everyday life. He compares it to a divine pathway, suggesting that it serves as a spiritual refuge that nurtures the soul and fosters moral integrity. For him, observing this holiest day is essential for maintaining one's conscience and well-being in a world filled with distractions and worldly concerns.
Themes
SabbathRestReflectionSpiritualityBusinessConscience
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about the importance of rest, one might quote this to encourage observance of the Sabbath.
More from William Wilberforce
All quotes →God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.
William WilberforceRead
The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.
William WilberforceRead
In an age in which infidelity abounds, do we observe parents carefully instructing their children in the principles of faith which they profess? Or do they furnish their children with arguments for the defense of that faith? ...it is not surprising to see them abandon a position which they are unable to defend.
William WilberforceRead
No one expects to attain to the height of learning, or arts, or power, or wealth, or military glory, without vigorous resolution, strenuous diligence, and steady perseverance. Yet we expect to be Christians without labour, study, or inquiry.
William WilberforceRead
I am disturbed when I see the majority of so-called Christians having such little understanding of the real nature of the faith they profess. Faith is a subject of such importance that we should not ignore it because of the distractions or the hectic pace of our lives.
William WilberforceRead
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