Aphorisms and Maxims
To follow the truth and find true pleasure, we must simplify our lives, abstain from things, and die to self to live in Christ.
W.R. Inge preaches about the importance of acting according to the truth in simplicity, trusting in God's provision without relying too much on self-effort. He emphasizes the need to turn away from worldly distractions to be of true service to all creatures and to find deeper meaning in life by contemplating the eternal essence of things. Inge highlights the transformation that occurs when one dies to self and begins to live in Christ, experiencing true fulfillment and purpose.
Text
ACT according to the truth in simplicity; and, whatever happens, do not help thyself; for he who helps himself too much will not be helped by the Truth.
God wishes not to deprive us of pleasure; but He wishes to give us pleasure in its totality--that is, all pleasure.
Wilt thou be of use to all creatures? Then turn thyself away from all creatures.
If a man cannot comprehend a thing, let him remain quiet, and it will comprehend him.
Say to the creatures, I will not be to thee what thou art to me.
The power of abstaining from things gives us more power than the possession of them would.
Some men one meets who have been inwardly drawn by God, but have not followed Him. The inner man and the outer man in these cases are widely at variance, and in this way many fail.
He who has attained to the purgation of his senses in God performs all the operations of the senses all the better.
He who finds the inward in the outward goes deeper than he who only finds the inward in the inward.
He is on the right road who contemplates under the forms of things their eternal essence.
It is well with a man who has died to self and begun to live in Christ.
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Simplicity
- The Nature of Pleasure
- The Path to Spiritual Growth
- The Inner and Outer Man
- The inner man and outer man must be in harmony
- Following God requires inner transformation
Key Quotes
“ACT according to the truth in simplicity; and, whatever happens, do not help thyself; for he who helps himself too much will not be helped by the Truth.” — W.R. Inge
“He who finds the inward in the outward goes deeper than he who only finds the inward in the inward.” — W.R. Inge
“It is well with a man who has died to self and begun to live in Christ.” — W.R. Inge
Application Points
- Simplify your life and focus on serving others.
- Abstain from things and focus on the eternal essence of things.
- Die to self and begin to live in Christ for true spiritual growth.