Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will.
Interpretation
True freedom is the ability to act according to our moral obligations without coercion.
In this quote, Jonathan Edwards posits that true liberty is defined not merely by the absence of restrictions, but by the presence of the capacity to make morally sound choices. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with our true intentions and values, rather than succumbing to external pressures or desires that lead us away from what we know is right.
In practice
During a speech about personal ethics, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of making righteous choices.
Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
So that it must be only by the imagination that Satan has access to the soul, to tempt and delude it, or suggest anything to it. And this seems to be the reason why persons that are under the disease of melancholy are commonly so visibly and remarkably subject to the suggestions and temptations of Satan... Innumerable are the ways by which the mind may be led on to all kind of evil thoughts, by the exciting of external ideas in the imagination.
The deceitfulness of the heart of man appears in no one thing so much as this of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The subtlety of Satan appears in its height, in his managing persons with respect to this sin. And perhaps one reason may be that here he has most experience; he knows the way of its coming in; he is acquainted with the secret springs of it: it was his own sin. Experience gives vast advantage in leading souls, either in good or evil.
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is most oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials; then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is "found to praise and honour and glory.
The poor dog, in life the firmest friend, The first to welcome, foremost to defend, Whose honest heart is still the master's own, Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone, Unhonour'd falls, unnoticed all his worth, Denied in heaven the soul he held on earth, While man, vain insect hopes to be forgiven, And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Tradition is the illusion of permanance.
Beyond doubt, there was a certain splendor in pain, which bore a deep affinity to the splendor that lies hidden within strength.
In each individual the spirit is made flesh, in each one the whole of creation suffers, in each one a Savior is crucified.
Were the offer made true, I would engage to run again, from beginning to end, the same career of life. All I would ask should be the privilege of an author, to correct, in a second edition, certain errors of the first.
The reality of the Eucharistic sacrifice has always been at the heart of Catholic faith; called into question in the 16th century, it was solemnly reaffirmed at the Council of Trent against the backdrop of our justification in Christ.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.