God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.
William WilberforceRead
It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the motives, and purify the heart.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Christianity emphasizes the importance of inner purity and motivation over external appearances.
This quote by William Wilberforce highlights a core tenet of Christianity, which is the focus on the internal state of a person rather than merely their outward behavior. It suggests that true virtue comes from a sincere heart and genuine motives, encouraging individuals to seek deeper moral integrity rather than conforming to superficial standards.
Themes
ChristianityMotivationHeartPuritySuperficiality
In practice
Example use cases
During a sermon discussing moral integrity, one might use this quote to illustrate the importance of inner character.
More from William Wilberforce
All quotes βThe 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
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.
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
Similar quotes
I knew Snoop Dog didn't start misogyny. I knew that Tupac Shakur didn't start sexism, and God knows that Dr. Dre didn't start patriarchy. Yet they extended it in vicious form within their own communities. They made vulnerable people more vulnerable.
Michael Eric DysonRead
The history of philosophy is actually full of people who argue for rather wild and incredible views, and their reputations are based on the skill of arguing for them.
Robert NozickRead
You do not have to utter anything you do not want to utter,β I told her, and she said, βThen I would never utter another word again.β βYou do not have to do anything that you do not want to do.β βThen I would never do anything again.
Jonathan Safran FoerRead
The least strained and most natural ways of the soul are the most beautiful; the best occupations are the least forced.
Michel De MontaigneRead
There is nothing in the dark that isn't there when the lights are on.
Rod SerlingRead
My four sons all knew I was a Jew, but they were allowed to be whatever they wanted to be. The only thing important to me was that they be good people who help other people, because all religion should try to make you a better person and a more caring person. Whenever religion does that for you, it's a good religion.
Kirk DouglasRead