Myself, and all the Angelic Host, that stand in the sight of God enthroned, our happy state hold, as you yours, while our obedience hold. On other surety none: freely we serve, because we freely love.
Interpretation
The quote expresses the connection between love and obedience in a relationship with God.
John Milton's quote suggests that true servitude stems from genuine love, emphasizing that both humans and celestial beings find joy in their obedience to God. It illustrates that love is the foundation of commitment and the driving force behind voluntary service, reinforcing the idea that actions born out of love are more sincere and fulfilling.
In practice
In a sermon about devotion, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of loving service.
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.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
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.
... Chicago divided your heart. Leaving you loving the joint for keeps. Yet knowing it never can love you.
You can't touch love, but you can feel the sweetness that it pours into everything.
Love is beauty, consciousness is trust. One of the deepest feminine pleasures is when a man stands full, present, and unreactive in the midst of his woman's emotional storms. When he stays present with her, and loves her through the layers of wildness and closure, then she feels his trustability, and she can relax.
When you have heartbreak, what's important is that you don't go halfway. Go all the way down. Don't take pills that keep you in limbo. Cry out all the feelings. Then your own energy for life will put you up again. You become stronger.
The sun will stand as your best man_x000D_ _x000D_ And whistle_x000D_ _x000D_ When you have found the courage_x000D_ _x000D_ To marry forgiveness_x000D_ _x000D_ _x000D_ When you have found the courage_x000D_ _x000D_ to marry_x000D_ _x000D_ Love.
Go home and say to yourself, ‘I am a wayward, foolish child. But He loves me! I have disobeyed and grieved Him ten thousand times. But He loves me! I have lost faith in some of my dearest friends and am very desolate. But He loves me! I do not love Him, I am even angry with Him! But He loves me!
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