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Nothing has a greater tendency to lessen the reverence…

“Nothing has a greater tendency to lessen the reverence which mankind ought to have for the Supreme Being, than a careless repetition of his name upon every trifling occasion . . . . To prevent this profanation, such passages are selected from scripture, as contain some important precepts of…” quote by Noah Webster
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“Nothing has a greater tendency to lessen the reverence which mankind ought to have for the Supreme Being, than a careless repetition of his name upon every trifling occasion . . . . To prevent this profanation, such passages are selected from scripture, as contain some important precepts of morality and religion, in which that sacred name is seldom mentioned. Let sacred things be appropriated to sacred purposes.”

Noah Webster

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overusing sacred names in trivial matters erodes respect for the divine; careful selection preserves reverence.

In simple terms: Careless repetition cheapens reverence.

Key Takeaway

Choose words wisely to honor the sacred.

Themes

respect reverence language religion

Mood

thoughtful serious

Type

ethical educational

When to use this quote

  • religious discourse
  • educational material
  • public speaking
  • rituals

Key Concepts

theology semantic dilution cultural practice

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape reverence?
  • When should sacred terms be omitted?
A Different Perspective

May reduce the impact of sacred concepts if not balanced.

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