
“…since God has appointed one remedy for all the evils in the world and that is a contented spirit.”
"Holy Living" (1650) ch. 2, section 6. "Of Contentedness in all Estates".
Source: When God Weeps: Why Our Sufferings Matter to the Almighty
“…since God has appointed one remedy for all the evils in the world and that is a contented spirit.”
"Holy Living" (1650) ch. 2, section 6. "Of Contentedness in all Estates".
Letter to his brother, Louis of Nassau, as quoted in William the Silent (1897) by Frederic Harrison, p. 93
Context: We must have patience and not lose heart, submitting to the will of God, and striving incessantly, as I have resolved to do, come what may. With God’s help, I am determined to push onward, and by next month I trust to be at our appointed rendezvous. Watch Alva closely, and contrive to join me as arranged.
Source: The Sayings and Teachings of the Great Mystics of Islam (2004), p. 54
“Sweet are the thoughts that savour of content;
The quiet mind is richer than a crown.”
Song, "Sweet are the thoughts that savour of content", line 1, from Farewell to Folly (1591); Dyce p. 309.
“Sweet are the thoughts that savour of content, The quiet mind is richer than a crown…”
Source: Greene's Farewell to Folly (1591)
Context: Sweet are the thoughts that savour of content;
The quiet mind is richer than a crown;
Sweet are the nights in careless slumber spent;
The poor estate scorns fortune’s angry frown;
Such sweet content, such minds, such sleep, such bliss;
Beggars enjoy, when princes oft do miss”
Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh
Context: The purpose underlying the revelation of every heavenly Book, nay, of every divinely-revealed verse, is to endue all men with righteousness and understanding, so that peace and tranquillity may be firmly established amongst them. Whatsoever instilleth assurance into the hearts of men, whatsoever exalteth their station or promoteth their contentment, is acceptable in the sight of God. <!-- p. 206
Where Is God (2009, Thomas Nelson publishers)
“Sometimes my feet are tired and my hands are quiet, but there is no quiet in my heart.”
“National security is becoming the new word of God to which all must submit in blind obedience.”
Pages 236-237.
The Revolution Will Be Digitised: Dispatches From the Information War, 1st Edition
Context: Why, then, are the world's governments intent on controlling and regulating the Internet? Free speech is most threatening to authoritarian systems such as autocracies, militaries, the police and security services. Security services in principle exist for our protection but that is so only when they are accountable to the public for their considerable power. We are seeing a push by these agencies to move beyond the rule of law, to be accountable to no one but themselves. National security is becoming the new word of God to which all must submit in blind obedience. The decisions made, the liberties eroded, the crimes committed in the name of national security cannot be challenged because the information on which they are based remains secret.