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For astronomy is not only pleasant, but also very useful to be known: it cannot be denied that this art unfolds the admirable wisdom of God.
John Calvin
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Astronomy reveals the beauty of the universe and reflects the wisdom of God.

In this quote, John Calvin emphasizes the dual nature of astronomy as both an enjoyable pursuit and a valuable one. He suggests that the study of the stars and heavens not only brings delight but also allows us to appreciate the intricate wisdom of God, thus encouraging a deepened understanding of the cosmos and our place within it.

Themes

AstronomyWisdomGodUniverseKnowledge

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on the significance of astronomy in understanding our place in the universe, I quoted John Calvin's perspective.

More from John Calvin

Against the persecution of a tyrant the godly have no remedy but prayer.
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The pastor ought to have two voices: one, for gathering the sheep; and another, for warding off and driving away wolves and thieves. The Scripture supplies him with the means of doing both.
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Man is never sufficiently touched and affected by the awareness of his lowly state until he has compared himself with God's majesty.
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Whomever the Lord has adopted and deemed worthy of His fellowship ought to prepare themselves for a hard, toilsome, and unquiet life, crammed with very many and various kinds of evil.
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For as the aged, or those whose sight is defective, when any book, however fair, is set before them, though they perceive that there is something written, are scarcely able to make out two consecutive words, but, when aided by glasses, begin to read distinctly, so Scripture, gathering together the impressions of Deity, which, till then, lay confused in our minds, dissipates the darkness, and shows us the true God clearly.
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When God wants to judge a nation, He gives them wicked rulers.
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A little wisdom, now and then

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