Fifteen Sermons Preached before the University of Oxford Between A.D. 1826 and 1843 Quotes

“Doubtless these desperate and dark struggles are to be called superstition when viewed by the side of true religion ; and it is easy enough to speak of them as superstition, when we have been informed of the gracious and joyful result in which the scheme of Divine Governance issues. But it is man’s truest and best religion, before the Gospel shines on him. If our race be in a fallen and depraved state, what ought our religion to be but anxiety and remorse till God comfort us? Surely to be in gloom— -to view ourselves with horror — to look about to the right hand and to the left for means of safety — to catch at everything, yet trust in nothing— to do all we can, and try to do more than all — and, after all, to wait in miserable suspense, naked and shivering, among the trees of the garden, for the hour of His coming, and meanwhile to fancy sounds of woe in every wind stirring the leaves about us — in a word, to be superstitious — is nature’s best offering, her most acceptable service, her most mature and enlarged wisdom, in the presence of a holy and offended God .”
― John Henry Newman, Fifteen Sermons Preached before the University of Oxford Between A.D. 1826 and 1843