“The only real sadness, the only real failure, the only great tragedy in life, is not to become a saint.”
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“My argument is in outline as follows: that that absolute certitude which we were able to possess, whether as to the truths of natural theology, or as to the fact of a revelation, was the result of an assemblage of concurring and converging probabilities, and that, both according to the constitution of the human mind and the will of its Maker; that certitude was a habit of mind, that certainty was a quality of propositions; that probabilities which did not reach to logical certainty, might suffice for a mental certitude; that the certitude thus brought about might equal in measure and strength the certitude which was created by the strictest scientific demonstration; and that to possess such certitude might in given cases and to given individuals be a plain duty, though not to others in other circumstances:”
― Apologia Pro Vita Sua
― Apologia Pro Vita Sua
“As to the Divine Design, is it not an instance of incomprehensibly and infinitely marvellous Wisdom and Design to have given certain laws to matter millions of ages ago, which have surely and precisely worked out, in the long course of those ages, those effects which He from the first proposed. Mr. Darwin's theory need not then to be atheistical, be it true or not; it may simply be suggesting a larger idea of Divine Prescience and Skill. Perhaps your friend has got a surer clue to guide him than I have, who have never studied the question, and I do not [see] that 'the accidental evolution of organic beings' is inconsistent with divine design—It is accidental to us, not to God.”
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“To obtain the gift of holiness is the work of a life.”
― Parochial and Plain Sermons
― Parochial and Plain Sermons
“One's ideas must be as broad as Nature if they are to interpret Nature," he answered.”
― Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate Collection
― Sherlock Holmes: The Ultimate Collection
Berta’s 2025 Year in Books
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