Reflection 62

On “true religion” (i.e., biblical Christianity) as the supreme guide to keeping the heart, living a godly life, and understanding others – in a letter to Lord Muncaster…

O Muncaster, Muncaster, I used often to tell you that you thought too highly of one person’s talents, of whom, both in point of talents and some moral qualities, I also thought, and still think, more highly than of those of almost any other man. But, as I have often said, ‘he that is least in the kingdom of heaven, is greater than he.’ True religion, which makes a man ‘keep his own heart diligently,’ to use the Scripture expression, gives him further insight into the hearts of others, and enables him to anticipate conduct and events far better than many superior to him in natural sagacity and acquired knowledge. ‘Fear God and keep His commandments, that is the whole duty of man.’ I more and more see the truth and force of the proposition.

Date: June 4, 1804

Volume 3: Pages 172-173

Posted: 20260327