QUOTE (T.S. Eliot)

“So long…as we consider finance, industry, trade, agriculture merely as competing interests to be reconciled from time to time as best they may, so long as we consider “education” as a good in itself of which everyone has a right to the utmost, without any ideal of the good life for society or for the individual, we shall move from one uneasy compromise to another. To the quick and simple organization of society for ends which, being only material and worldly, must be as ephemeral as worldly success, there is only one alternative. As political philosophy derives its sanction from ethics, and ethics from the truth of religion, it is only by returning to the eternal source of truth that we can hope for any social organization which will not, to its ultimate destruction, ignore some essential aspect of reality. The term “democracy,” as I have said again and again, does not contain enough positive content to stand alone against the forces that you dislike––it can easily be transformed by them. If you will not have God (and He is a jealous God) you should pay your respects to Hitler or Stalin.”
~ T.S. Eliot

In honor of Thomas Stearns Eliot, one of the twentieth century’s major poets, who died on this day in 1965.

Resources:

T.S. Eliot, If You Will Not Have God
Today in Christian History

QUOTE (George Herbert) – April 3

Having been tenant long to a rich lord,
Not thriving, I resolvèd to be bold,
And make a suit unto him, to afford
A new small-rented lease, and cancel th’ old.

In heaven at his manor I him sought;
They told me there that he was lately gone
About some land, which he had dearly bought
Long since on earth, to take possessiòn.

I straight returned, and knowing his great birth,
Sought him accordingly in great resorts;
In cities, theaters, gardens, parks, and courts;
At length I heard a ragged noise and mirth
Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied,
Who straight, Your suit is granted, said, and died.
~ George Herbert, Redemption

In honor of George Herbert, a poet and Anglican priest, who was born on this day in 1593.

Resources:
April 3 – Today in Christian History
Redemption by George Herbert
George Herbert Biography
When the Suitor of Our Souls Pays for the Feast: “Redemption” by George Herbert

 

Related articles

• George Herbert: “Having been tenant long to a rich Lord”
• Redemption Song
• Of thieves and murderers; there I him espied !

QUOTE (George Crabbe) – Feb 3

“How often do we sigh for opportunities for doing good, whilst we neglect the openings of Providence in little things, which would frequently lead to the accomplishment of most important usefulness. Good is done by degrees. However small in proportion the benefit which follows individual attempts to do good, a great deal may thus be accomplished by perseverance, even in the midst of discouragements and disappointments.”
~ George Crabbe

In honor of George Crabbe, an English poet, surgeon, and clergyman, who died on this day in 1832.

Resources:
Today in Christian History – February 3 
George Crabbe Quotes