Our torments also may in length of time Become our Elements.
Interpretation
Our struggles can transform us over time into something greater.
This quote suggests that the pain and difficulties we endure might eventually shape our character and essence. Over time, the challenges we face may not only change us but also become an integral part of who we are, influencing our thoughts, actions, and perspectives in profound ways.
In practice
In a motivational speech about resilience, one could say, 'As John Milton wisely noted, 'Our torments also may in length of time become our elements.'
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.
Christian life means sacrifice.
Minds that are ill at ease are agitated by both hope and fear.
An evil deed is not redeemed by an evil deed in retaliation.
Having faith in the plan of salvation includes steadfastly refusing to be diverted from our true identities and responsibilities. In the brief season of our existence on earth we may serve as a plumber, professor, farmer, physician, mechanic, bookkeeper, or teacher. These are useful activities and honorable designations; but a temporary vocation is not reflective of our true identities. Matthew was a tax collector, Luke a physician, and Peter a fisherman. In a salvational sense, 'so what!'
I am not a snob; it is simply that I am not interested with what most people have to say, or what they want to do β mostly with my time.
What draws us into the desert is the search for something intimate in the remote.
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