Hosea Ballou Quotations | Page 2

It is a glorious occupation, vivifying and self-sustaining in its nature, to struggle with ignorance, and discover to the inquiring minds of the masses the clear cerulean blue of heavenly truth.

Some clergymen make a motto, instead of a theme, of their texts.

How can there be pride in a contrite heart? Humility is the earliest fruit of religion.

Most people who commit a sin count on some personal benefit to be derived therefrom, but profanity has not even this excuse.

Faith, in order to be genuine and of any real value, must be the offspring of that divine love which Jesus manifested when He prayed for His enemies on the cross.

There is no possible excuse for a guarded lie. Enthusiastic and impulsive people will sometimes falsify thoughtlessly, but equivocation is malice prepense.

Envy may justly be called "the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity;" it is the most acid fruit that grows on the stock of sin, a fluid so subtle that nothing but the fire of divine love can purge it from the soul.

There is one court whose findings are incontrovertible, and whose sessions are held in the chambers of our own breast.

All our possessions are as nothing compared to health, strength, and a clear conscience.

Between the humble and contrite heart and the majesty of Heaven there are no barriers; the only password is prayer.