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.
The number of guests at dinner should not be less than the number of the Graces nor exceed that of the Muses, i.e., it should begin with three and stop at nine.
Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bonafide spiritual master by the grace of Krishna. By the mercy of both Krishna and the spiritual masters, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
The perfect man uses his mind as a mirror. It grasps nothing. It regrets nothing. It receives but does not keep.
Orlando naturally loved solitary places, vast views, and to feel himself for ever and ever and ever alone.
[Buddhism and Christianity] are in one sense parallel and equal; as a mound and a hollow, as a valley and a hill. There is a sense in which that sublime despair is the only alternative to that divine audacity. It is even true that the truly spiritual and intellectual man sees it as sort of dilemma; a very hard and terrible choice. There is little else on earth that can compare with these for completeness. And he who does not climb the mountain of Christ does indeed fall into the abyss of Buddha.
If you care to see God, be pure. If you will not be pure, you will grow more and more impure.
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