Love is the sacrament of life; it sets Virtue where virtue…
““Love is the sacrament of life; it sets Virtue where virtue was not; cleanses men Of all the vile pollutions of this world; It is the fire which purges gold from dross, It is the fan which winnows wheat from chaff, It is the spring which in some wintry soil Makes innocence to blossom like a rose. The days are over when God walked with men, But Love, which is his image, holds his place. When a man loves a woman, then he knows God’s secret, and the secret of the world. There is no house so lowly or so mean, Which, if their hearts be pure who live in it, Love will not enter; but if bloody murder Knock at the Palace gate and is let in, Love like a wounded thing creeps out and dies. This is the punishment God sets on sin. The wicked cannot love.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Love transforms and purifies, but can be corrupted by sin and violence.
In simple terms: Love cleanses but can be destroyed.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate pure love.
Themes
love
spirituality
morality
Mood
melancholy
hopeful
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- marriage
- ethical dilemmas
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
redemptive power
corruption
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- How can love stay pure?
- What protects love from harm?
A Different Perspective
Ideal love may be unattainable.