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
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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of understanding one's faith amidst life's distractions.
William Wilberforce highlights a concern that many self-identified Christians lack a deep comprehension of their faith. He advocates for a thoughtful and deliberate engagement with faith, suggesting that the significance of such beliefs should not be overshadowed by the busyness of modern life.
In practice
In a sermon about the significance of active faith.
It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the motives, and purify the heart.
God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.
The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.
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.
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.
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.
I don't think any of us can speak frankly about pain until we are no longer enduring it.
Whenever two particles come together, they are held by a certain attraction; and there will come a time when those particles will separate. This is the eternal law. So, wherever there is a body - either grosser or finer, either in heaven or on earth - death will overcome it.
Every area of trouble gives out a ray of hope; and the one unchangeable certainty is that nothing is certain or unchangeable.
The problem was you had to keep choosing between one evil or another, and no matter what you chose, they sliced a little more off you, until there was nothing left. At the age of 25 most people were finished. A whole goddamned nation of assholes driving automobiles, eating, having babies, doing everything in the worst way possible, like voting for the presidential candidate who reminded them most of themselves.
Any plan conceived in moderation must fail when the circumstances are set in extremes.
Vastly more important than all questions with regard to methods of preaching is the root question as to what it is that shall be preached.
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