Consistency in Christianity   "It is not one or two good actions, but a good conversation, which will speak a man to be a right Christian. A true believer, like the heavenly orbs, is constant and unwearied in his motion and actings. Enoch `walked with God,' it is not taking a step or two in a way which denominates a man a walker, but a continued motion. No man is judged healthy by a flushing color for a particular carriage, but for a general course. A sinner in some few acts may be very good: Judas repents, Cain sacrifices, the Scribes pray and fast; and yet all were very false...A saint in some few acts may be very bad: Noah is drunk, David defiles his neighbour's wife, and Peter denies his best friend; yet these persons were heaven's favourites. The best gold must have some grains of allowance. A Christian may stumble, nay, he may fall, but he gets up and walks on in the way of God's commandments; the bent of his heart is right, and the scope of his life is straight, and thence he is deemed sincere." -- George Swinnock (1627-1673) The Higher Good Father, I will not ask for wealth or fame Though once they would have joyed my carnal sense: I shudder not to bear a hated name, Wanting all wealth, myself my sole defense. But give me, Lord, eyes to behold the truth; A seeing sense that knows the eternal right; A heart with pity filled, and gentlest ruth; A manly faith that makes all darkness light: Give me the power to labor for mankind; Make me the mouth of such as cannot speak; Eyes let me be to groping men and blind; A conscience to the base; and to the weak Let me be hands and feet; and to the foolish, mind, And lead still further on such as Thy kingdom seek.   -- Theodore Parker (1810-1860)