Hosea Ballou Quotes - Page 3

There is no doubt that religious fanatics have done more to prejudice the cause they affect to advocate than have its opponents.

A true religious instinct never deprived man of one single joy; mournful faces and a sombre aspect are the conventional affectations of the weak-minded.

It is very questionable, in my mind, how far we have the right to judge one of another, since there is born within every man the germs of both virtue and vice. The development of one or the other is contingent upon circumstances.

Attempt to teach the young but little at a time; this will be easier to impart, easier to receive, and surer to be retained.

It is vain to trust in wrong; it is like erecting a building upon a frail foundation, and which will directly be sure to topple over.

O sin, how you paint your face! how you flatter us poor mortals on to death! You never appear to the sinner in your true character; you make fair promises, but you never fulfil one; your tongue is smoother than oil, but the poison of asps is under your lip!

Has not God borne with you these many years? Be ye tolerant to others.

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

No outward change need trouble him who is inwardly serene.

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

True repentance also involves reform.

A careless and blasphemous use of the name of the Divine Being is not only sinful, but it is also prima facie evidence of vulgar associations.

Duty itself is supreme delight when love is the inducement and labor. By such a principle the ignorant are enlightened, the hard-hearted softened, the disobedient reformed, and the faithful encouraged.

Of all the ingenious mistakes into which erring man has fallen, perhaps none have been so pernicious in their consequences, or have brought so many evils into the world, as the popular opinion that the way of the transgressor is pleasant and easy.

Obedience and resignation are our personal offerings upon the altar of duty.

We must not only read the Scriptures, but we must make their rules of life our own.

There is no such thing as "best" in the world of individuals.

Obedience sums up our entire duty.

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

Prosperity seems to be scarcely safe, unless it be mixed with a little adversity.

Falsehood is cowardice, the truth courage.

There is no better rule to try a doctrine by than the question, Is it merciful, or is it unmerciful? If its character is that of mercy, it has the image of Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life.

Moderation is the key to lasting enjoyment.

Lenity has almost always wisdom and justice on its side.

Unless we find repose within ourselves, it is vain to seek it elsewhere.