You will come to learn afterward that, once upon a time, there were glaciers in Britain. You will be able with your own eyes to see rocks which have been ground down and scratched by the ice, and big blocks of rock and piles of loose stones which the ice carried upon its surface. So that, in learning about glaciers, you are not merely learning what takes place in other and distant lands, you are gaining knowledge which you will be able by and by to make good use of, even in your own country.
“He that followeth me walketh not in darkness, saith the Lord.” These are the words of Christ, by which we are admonished that we ought to imitate his life and manners, if we would be truly enlightened and delivered from all blindness of heart.
Let therefore our chief endeavor be to meditate upon the life of Jesus Christ.
What will it avail thee to dispute sublimely of the Trinity, if thou be void of humility, and art thereby displeasing to the Trinity?
Truly, sublime words do not make a man holy and just; but a virtuous life maketh him dear to God.
I had rather feel compunction, than know the definition thereof.
If thou didst know the whole Bible, and the sayings of all the philosophers, by heart, what would all that profit thee without the love of God?
Vanity of vanities! all is vanity, but to love God and serve him only.
It is therefore vanity to seek after perishing riches.
It is vanity to follow the desires of the flesh, and to labor for that for which thou must afterward suffer grievous punishment.
It is vanity to wish to live long, and to be careless to live well.
It is vanity to mind this present life, and not those things which are to come.
It is vanity to set thy love on that which speedily passeth away, and not to hasten thither, where everlasting joys remain.
All men naturally desire to know; but what availeth knowledge without the fear of God?
Surely an humble husbandman that serveth God is better than a proud philosopher, that, neglecting himself, studies the course of the heavens.
He that knoweth himself is vile in his own eyes, and is not pleased with the praises of men.
If I understood all things in the world, and had not charity, what would that help me in the sight of God, who will judge me according to my deeds.