Laws can discover sin, but not remove it
Interpretation
Laws identify wrongdoing but cannot change a person's heart or intentions.
This quote by John Milton highlights the limitations of law in moral matters. While laws serve to identify and punish sinful behaviors, they do not have the power to change individuals' inner nature or motivate them towards virtue. True moral change must come from within a person, and laws alone cannot instigate that transformation.
In practice
This quote can be shared during a discussion on the limitations of legal systems in addressing moral issues.
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.
Poverty of goods is easily cured; poverty of soul, impossible.
The world is governed by opinion.
Freemasonry is an ancient and respectable institution, embracing individuals of every nation, of every religion, and of every condition in life. Wealth, power and talents are not necessary to the person of a Freemason. An unblemished character and a virtuous conduct are the only qualifications for admission into the Order.
He that hath wife and children hath given hostages to fortune; for they are impediments to great enterprises, either of virtue or mischief.
To a wise and good man the whole earth is his fatherland.
Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.
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