I want to feel my own nothingness, I want to give myself up in absolute resignation to God, to lie prostrate and passive at His feet, with no other disposition in my heart than that of merging my will into His will, and no other language in my mouth than that of prayer for the perfecting of His strength in my weakness.
With the magnificence of eternity before us, let time, with all its fluctuations, dwindle into its own littleness.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that when we consider the vastness of eternity, the troubles and fluctuations of time become insignificant.
Thomas Chalmers' quote reflects a philosophical perspective on the nature of time and existence. By placing the human experience within the context of eternity, it encourages us to view our temporary challenges and uncertainties as small and fleeting, thereby inspiring a sense of calm and perspective. The magnificence of eternity brings forth the idea that our present conflicts and worries are trivial in the grand scheme of life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about resilience during tough times, this quote can remind the audience that challenges are temporary.
More from Thomas Chalmers
All quotes βIt is more blessed to give than to receive, and therefore less blessed to receive than to give.
Every man is a missionary, now and forever, for good or for evil, whether he intends or designs it or not. He may be a blot radiating his dark influence outward to the very circumference of society, or he may be a blessing spreading benediction over the length and breadth of the world. But a blank he cannot be: there are no moral blanks; there are no neutral characters.
Faith is like the hand of the beggar that takes the gift while adding nothing to it.
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All of history misses out on the history of the soul. Human passions are so often not included in history.
He, however, who begins with Metaphysics, will not only become confused in matters of religion, but will fall into complete infidelity.