The Power and the Glory

by Graham Greene

Presumably she had an idea—women were appallingly practical: they built new plans at once out of the ruins of the old.

If you are in trouble read Psalm 34. If trade is poor Psalm 37. If very prosperous I Corinthians, x, 2. If overcome and backsliding James I. Hosea xiv, 4–9. If tired of sin Psalm 51. Luke xviii, 9–14.

If you desire peace, power and plenty John 14. If you are lonesome and discouraged Psalms 23 and 27. If you are losing confidence in men I Corinthians, xiii. If you desire peaceful slumbers Psalm 121.

the grass in the paddock, wet with the first rains. It ought to be possible for a man to be happy here, if he were not so tied to fear and suffering—unhappiness too can become a habit like piety.

It’s a mistake one makes—to think just because a thing is difficult or dangerous …’ He made a flapping motion with his hands.