Alas, how easily things go wrong! A sigh too much, a kiss too long And there follows a mist and a weeping rain And life is never the same again
George MacdonaldRead
If there be a God and one has never sought him, it will be small consolation to remember that one could not get proof of his existence.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that merely having the opportunity to seek God without ever doing so offers little comfort in the face of doubt about His existence.
George Macdonald's quote reflects on the relationship between humanity and the divine, emphasizing that acknowledging the possibility of God's existence is not sufficient. It highlights the importance of actively seeking a connection or understanding of God rather than passively relying on the absence of proof as a justification for one's beliefs or lack thereof.
Themes
GodExistenceBeliefPhilosophyDoubtSpirituality
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about faith and doubt during a philosophical seminar.
More from George Macdonald
All quotes →It is not in the nature of politics that the best men should be elected. The best men do not want to govern their fellowmen.
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He may delay because it would not be safe to give us at once what we ask: we are not ready for it. To give ere we could truly receive, would be to destroy the very heart and hope of prayer, to cease to be our Father. The delay itself may work to bring us nearer to our help, to increase the desire, perfect the prayer, and ripen the receptive condition.
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When I can no more stir my soul to move, and life is but the ashes of a fire; when I can but remember that my heart once used to live and love, long and aspire- O, be thou then the first, the one thou art; be thou the calling, before all answering love, and in me wake hope, fear, boundless desire.
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But words are vain; reject them all— They utter but a feeble part: Hear thou the depths from which they call, The voiceless longing of my heart.
George MacdonaldRead
Few delights can equal the presence of one whom we trust utterly.
George MacdonaldRead
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