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.
Money is far more persuasive than logical arguments.
I believe we shall come to care about people less and less, Helen. The more people one knows, the easier it becomes to replace them. It's one of the curses of London. I quite expect to end my life caring most for a place.
There's a schizoid quality to our relationship with animals, in which sentiment and brutality exist side by side. Half the dogs in America will receive Christmas presents this year, yet few of us pause to consider the miserable life of the pig - an animal easily as intelligent as a dog - that becomes the Christmas ham.
But I have to add - and this answers your other question - this catholicity in time and in space is only meaningful for me if there is, at the same time, a concentration on the Gospel.
To be sure I must; and therefore I may assume that your silence gives consent.
There is no perfect virtue-none that bears fruit- unless it is exercised by means of our neighbor.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.