The great and important duty which is incumbent on Christians is to guard against all appearance of evil to watch against the first risings in the heart to evil and to have a guard upon our actions that they may not be sinful or so much as seem to be so.
We only acknowledge small faults in order to make it appear that we are free from great ones.
What might be taken for a precocious genius is the genius of childhood. When the child grows up it disappears without a trace. It may happen that this boy will become a real painter some day or even a great painter. But then he will have to begin everything again from zero.
Instead of comparing our lot with that of those who are more fortunate than we are we should compare it with the lot of the great majority of our fellow men. It then appears that we are among the privileged.
It is unclear exactly how many law enforcement agencies are currently using this capability but it is reasonable to say that while resource limitations used to discourage the government from tracking you without a good reason these constraints have largely disappeared.
When government disappears it's not as if paradise will take its place. When governments are gone other interests will take their place.
We are watching industries crumble Wall Street firms disappear unemployment spike and unprecedented government intervention. And our designated opinion leaders want to know: Is Obama up this week? Is he down? And is his leadership style more like Bill Clinton's or Abraham Lincoln's?
No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs once launched never disappear. Actually a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth!
A good man often appears gauche simply because he does not take advantage of the myriad mean little chances of making himself look stylish. Preferring truth to form he is not constantly at work upon the facade of his appearance.
The mark of a good action is that it appears inevitable in retrospect.
It is the mark of a good action that it appears inevitable in retrospect.
Judgements prevent us from seeing the good that lies beyond appearances.
The way to gain a good reputation is to endeavor to be what you desire to appear.
I object to violence because when it appears to do good the good is only temporary the evil it does is permanent.
Every good relationship especially marriage is based on respect. If it's not based on respect nothing that appears to be good will last very long.
Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth so virtue appears from good deeds and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
If one could conclude as to the nature of the Creator from a study of his creation it would appear that God has a special fondness for stars and beetles.