What in me is dark Illumine, what is low raise and support, That to the height of this great argument I may assert eternal Providence, And justify the ways of God to men. 1 Paradise Lost. Book i. Line 22.
Interpretation
The speaker seeks enlightenment and support to understand and explain the nature of divine providence and its implications for humanity.
In this quote from 'Paradise Lost' by John Milton, the speaker is calling for illumination of the darker aspects of his soul and requests strength to elevate his understanding. He aims to articulate the concept of eternal divine providence, exploring the relationship between God and human existence, and strives to justify God's ways to mankind amid the complexities of human struggles and suffering.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about overcoming personal struggles.
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 beautiful souls are they that are universal, open, and ready for all things.
When you're at war, you think about a better life; when you're at peace you think about a more comfortable one.
So lonely 'twas that God himself Scarce seemed there to be.
Why does everyone take for granted that we don't learn to grow arms, but rather, are designed to grow arms? Similarly, we should conclude that in the case of the development of moral systems; there's a biological endowment which in effect requires us to develop a system of moral judgment and a theory of justice, if you like, that in fact has detailed applicability over an enormous range.
To lapse in fulness Is sorer than to lie for need, and falsehood Is worse in kings than beggars.
It is his nature, not his standing, that makes the good man.
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