Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the contrast between genuine faith and idolatry.
In this quote, John Milton suggests that even those who have faithfully adhered to truth in the past, when society was engaged in worshipping false idols, have remained steadfast. It highlights the importance of true belief against the backdrop of a world that often chooses materialism and falsehood over spiritual authenticity.
In practice
In a discussion about the importance of valuing authenticity over materialism, this quote can be shared to emphasize genuine beliefs.
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.
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.
Bacchus, that first from out the purple grape_x000D_ _x000D_ Crush'd the sweet poison of misused wine.
I'm not personally obsessed with death. At a certain age, the light that you live in is inhabited by the shades - it 'tis.
By the by, if the English race had done nothing else, yet if they left the world the notion of a gentleman, they would have done a great service to mankind.
America was founded by people who believe that God was their rock of safety. I recognize we must be cautious in claiming that God is on our side, but I think it's all right to keep asking if we're on His side.
Whoever excommunicates me, excommunicates God.
The time has come for people of reason to say: Enough is Enough! Religious faith discourages independent thought, it's divisive and it's dangerous.
Pacifism, the preaching of peace in the abstract, is one of the means of duping the working class.
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