Lord Quote by Augustus Toplady
““Now, should a man attempt to go to court, clothed in filthy rags, and endeavor to gain admission to the royal presence in such raiment as that, would not he be refused entrance, and driven with indignation from the palace gate?--certainly he would; and can we expect to stand in the hour of death and day of judgment, undaunted before the holy Lord God, arrayed in no better robe, and defended with no better armour than that imperfect righteousness of ours, which the Scripture calls filthy rags?””
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Perils of Pride, 1760
Appealing to divine judgment while clothed in moral “rags” underscores hypocrisy and spiritual unpreparedness.
In simple terms: Calling out hypocrisy in religious appearances.
Key Takeaway
Seek genuine righteousness, not superficial displays.
Themes
religion
hypocrisy
spirituality
Mood
solemn
serious
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church services
- public debates
- personal meditation
Key Concepts
theology
morality
ritual dress
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “filthy rags” symbolize in modern faith?
- How can one align inner virtue with outward conduct?
A Different Perspective
Rituals can hide inner flaws.
