Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility. An able yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.
William PennRead
By liberty of conscience, we understand not only a mere liberty of the mind, in believing or disbelieving this or that principle or doctrine; but the exercise of ourselves in a visible way of worship, upon our believing it to be indispensably required at our hands, that if we neglect it for fear of favor of any mortal man, we sin and incur divine wrath.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the importance of expressing one's beliefs openly and the moral implications of failing to do so.
William Penn's quote highlights the significance of liberty of conscience, which goes beyond merely holding personal beliefs; it involves the obligation to publicly practice one's faith. He argues that neglecting to do so out of fear of human judgment is a sin, suggesting that authentic belief requires visible expression and carries spiritual consequences.
Themes
LibertyConscienceBeliefWorshipSinFaith
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about religious freedom, you might say, 'As William Penn wisely pointed out, neglecting our beliefs out of fear can have serious moral implications.'
More from William Penn
All quotes →Where thou art Obliged to speak, be sure speak the Truth: For Equivocation is half way to Lying, as Lying, the whole way to Hell.
William PennRead
Man, being made reasonable, and so a thinking creature, there is nothing more worthy of his being than the right direction and employment of his thoughts; since upon this depends both his usefulness to the public, and his own present and future benefit in all respects.
William PennRead
Do good with what thou hast, or it will do thee no good.
William PennRead
To be a man's own fool is bad enough, but the vain man is everybody's.
William PennRead
Unless virtue guide us our choice must be wrong.
William PennRead
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