A master of the English language, Newman gifted us with words that are clear, concise and powerful.
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Blessed John Henry Newman was well known in the 19th century as a talented writer, theologian and preacher. He started his influential career first as an Anglican minister, but then “crossed the Tiber” and was ordained a Catholic priest after extensive research into the origins of Christianity.
Newman would eventually be named a cardinal, and his profound writings continue to impact the Catholic Church today. Here are 10 short maxims derived from his writings that challenge us and provide inspiration in our daily life.
“To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.”
“Learn to do thy part and leave the rest to Heaven.”
“Life passes, riches fly away, popularity is fickle, the senses decay, the world changes. One alone is true to us; One alone can be all things to us; One alone can supply our need.”
“We can believe what we choose. We are answerable for what we choose to believe.”
“Knowledge is one thing, virtue is another.”
“We should ever conduct ourselves towards our enemy as if he were one day to be our friend.”
“Growth is the only evidence of life.”
“If we are intended for great ends, we are called to great hazards.”
“Without self-knowledge you have no root in yourselves personally; you may endure for a time, but under affliction or persecution your faith will not last.”
“Prayer is to the spiritual life what the beating of the pulse and the drawing of the breath are to the life of the body.”
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