Self is the only oil that makes the chariot-wheels of the hypocrite move in all religious concerns.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that hypocrisy is fueled by self-interest, particularly in matters of religion.
In this quote, Thomas Brooks emphasizes that hypocrisy in religious contexts is driven by an individual's self-serving intentions. He likens self-interest to oil that helps the wheels of a chariot, indicating that without personal motives, hypocritical actions would not function. This illustrates a larger commentary on the nature of faith and the authentic practice of spirituality versus the pretense of belief.
In practice
In a sermon discussing the importance of authenticity in faith, this quote can serve as a caution against hypocrisy.
Remember this-all the sighing, mourning, sobbing, and complaining in the world, does not so undeniably evidence a man to be humble, as his overlooking his own righteousness, and living really and purely upon the righteousness of Christ.
Grace and glory differ very little; the one is the seed, the other is the flower; grace is glory militant, glory is grace triumphant.
He is the best preacher, not that tickles the ear, but that breaks the heart.
Ah! sinner, remember this, there is no way on earth effectually to be rid of the guilt, filth, and power of sin, but by believing in a Saviour. It is not resolving, it is not complaining, it is not mourning, but believing, that will make thee divinely victorious over that body of sin that to this day is too strong for thee, and that will certainly be thy ruin, if it be not ruined by a hand of faith.
Humility can weep over other men's weaknesses, and joy and rejoice over their graces.
A Christian will part with anything rather than his hope; he knows that hope will keep the heart both from aching and breaking, from fainting and sinking; he knows that hope is a beam of God, a spark of glory, and that nothing shall extinguish it till the soul be filled with glory.
Is life worth living? This is a question for an embryo not for a man.
People talk of “social outcasts.” The words apparently denote the miserable losers of the world, the vicious ones, but I feel as though I have been a “social outcast” from the moment I was born. If ever I meet someone society has designated as an outcast, I invariably feel affection for him, an emotion which carries me away in melting tenderness.
If it had not been for the pernicious power of envy, men would not so have exalted vengeance above innocence and profit above justice... in these acts of revenge on others, men take it upon themselves to begin the process of repealing those general laws of humanity which are there to give a hope of salvation to all who are in distress.
People can have the Model T in any color – so long as it’s black.
I'm a liberal, but I'm not biased. Seriously.
We imagined that the mildness of our government and the wishes of the people were so correspondent that we were not as other nations, requiring brutal force to support the laws.
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