It is the distinguishing glory of Christianity not to rest satisfied with superficial appearances, but to rectify the motives, and purify the heart.
William WilberforceRead
No one expects to attain to the height of learning, or arts, or power, or wealth, or military glory, without vigorous resolution, strenuous diligence, and steady perseverance. Yet we expect to be Christians without labour, study, or inquiry.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Achieving greatness in any field requires hard work and dedication, yet we often overlook the effort needed in spiritual growth.
In this quote, William Wilberforce reflects on the expectation that one can become a good Christian without the same level of commitment and exertion that is required to succeed in other areas of life, such as learning, wealth, or power. He underscores the importance of diligence and perseverance in both secular and spiritual pursuits, challenging the notion that faith can be achieved passively.
Themes
FaithDiligencePerseveranceLearningSpiritualityCommitment
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about personal development, you can emphasize the importance of effort in spiritual journeys.
More from William Wilberforce
All quotes →God Almighty has set before me two great objects: the suppression of the slave trade and the reformation of manners.
William WilberforceRead
The first years in Parliament I did nothing - nothing to any purpose. My own distinction was my darling object.
William WilberforceRead
In an age in which infidelity abounds, do we observe parents carefully instructing their children in the principles of faith which they profess? Or do they furnish their children with arguments for the defense of that faith? ...it is not surprising to see them abandon a position which they are unable to defend.
William WilberforceRead
O what a blessing is Sunday, interposed between the waves of worldly business like the divine path of the Israelites through the sea! There is nothing in which I would advise you to be more strictly conscientious than in keeping the Sabbath day holy. I can truly declare that to me the Sabbath has been invaluable.
William WilberforceRead
I am disturbed when I see the majority of so-called Christians having such little understanding of the real nature of the faith they profess. Faith is a subject of such importance that we should not ignore it because of the distractions or the hectic pace of our lives.
William WilberforceRead
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