Acquire a government over your ideas, that they may come down when they are called, and depart when they are bidden.
Isaac WattsRead
To see the dull indifference, the negligent and thoughtless air that sits upon the faces of a whole assembly, while the psalm is upon their lips, might even tempt a charitable observer to suspect the fervency of their inward religion.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote critiques the disconnect between outward expressions of faith and inner belief.
Isaac Watts observes a contradiction in people's religious expressions, noting that while they may sing psalms with their lips, their indifferent and thoughtless demeanor suggests a lack of true inward conviction. This commentary highlights the importance of authentic faith and the dangers of mere ritual without genuine emotion or commitment.
Themes
FaithIndifferenceExpressionReligionConviction
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon discussing the importance of genuine faith, this quote can illustrate the need for authenticity.
More from Isaac Watts
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Acquaint yourself with your own ignorance.
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To prevent and suppress rising resentment is wise and glorious, is manly and divine.
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Kind words toward those you daily meet, Kind words and actions right, Will make this life of ours most sweet, Turn darkness into night.
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Though reading and conversation may furnish us with many ideas of men and things, yet it is our own meditation must form our judgment.
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