He that is warm for truth, and fearless in its defense, performs one of the duties of a good man; he strenghtens his own conviction, and guards others from delusion; but steadiness of belief, and boldness of profession, are yet only part of the form of godliness.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of defending truth and the moral duty it entails.
Samuel Johnson highlights the significance of being passionate about truth and standing firm in its defense. He suggests that while strong beliefs and courageous expression are vital aspects of moral character, they are only components of a deeper virtue. The quote reflects on the dual responsibility individuals have to uphold truth for themselves and protect others from falsehoods.
In practice
This quote can be used in a speech about integrity and standing up for what is right.
To be of no church is dangerous. Religion, of which the rewards are distant, and which is animated only by faith and hope, will glide by degrees out of the mind unless it be invigorated and reimpressed by external ordinances, by stated calls to worship, and the salutary influence of example.
He that reads and grows no wiser seldom suspects his own deficiency, but complains of hard words and obscure sentences, and asks why books are written which cannot be understood.
To let friendship die away by negligence and silence is certainly not wise. It is voluntarily to throw away one of the greatest comforts of the weary pilgrimage.
Fly-fishing may be a very pleasant amusement; but angling or float fishing I can only compare to a stick and a string, with a worm at one end and a fool at the other.
When any anxiety or gloom of the mind takes hold of you, make it a rule not to publish it by complaining; but exert yourselves to hide it, and by endeavoring to hide it you drive it away.
A fishing rod is a stick with a hook at one end and a fool at the other.
All religions accept that there is something called 'criminality.' And criminality cannot be excused by religious fervour.
Although, I admit, I desire, Occasionally, some backtalk From the mute sky, I can't honestly complain: A certain minor light may still Lean incandescent Out of kitchen table or chair As if a celestial burning took Possession of the most obtuse objects now and then --
Which is it? Is man only a blunder of God? Or is God only a blunder of man?
Loneliness, when accepted, becomes a gift that will lead us to find a purpose in life.
Fanaticism is at its very strongest when it has political or, better still, religious motivation.
You see in Islam, you see in Christianity, you see in Africa, in different religions, in Buddhism and Hinduism, there is a strong commitment to refugee protection.
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