Frederick William Robertson Quotes

Powerful Frederick William Robertson for Daily Growth

About Frederick William Robertson

Frederick William Robertson (1829-1894), a Victorian-era Anglican clergyman and writer, was born on February 26, 1829, in Norfolk, England. His upbringing greatly influenced his later work, as he was educated at home by his mother and later attended King's College London. Robertson's spiritual journey began when he was a young man. He experienced a profound conversion that led him to enter the Church of England ministry. In 1854, he was ordained and served as a curate at St. Matthew's Church in Northampton Square, London, where he gained a reputation for his powerful preaching style. His first major work, "The Christ of the Old Testament," published in 1850, established him as a significant voice in Christian theology. This book explored the connections between the Old and New Testaments, drawing parallels that resonated with readers. In 1863, Robertson moved to St. Jude's Church in Kensington, London, where he remained for the rest of his life. During this time, he wrote some of his most influential works, including "The Ministry of Healing" (1877), which explored the role of Christianity in addressing societal ills, and "Fiction and Truth" (1880), a critique of contemporary novelists for their lack of moral depth. Robertson's sermons were also widely published and read, reflecting his deep understanding of Scripture and his ability to communicate complex theological ideas in a way that was accessible to a broad audience. He died on March 27, 1894. Today, Frederick William Robertson is remembered as a significant figure in Victorian religious thought. His works continue to be read and studied for their insights into Christianity, theology, and societal issues of the time.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'"

This quote by Frederick William Robertson emphasizes the importance of living life to its fullest rather than focusing solely on preservation. The imagery of "skidding in broadside in a cloud of smoke" suggests an exhilarating, action-packed journey, one that is lived passionately and intensely. The phrase "thoroughly used up, totally worn out" indicates that the value of life isn't measured by longevity but by the experiences gained and the impact made. The final exclamation, "Wow! What a Ride!" encapsulates a sense of fulfillment and joy from the journey itself, rather than merely reaching a destination safely. In essence, this quote encourages us to embrace life's adventures wholeheartedly, cherishing every moment along the way.

"There are no little people. There are only little tasks."

This quote emphasizes that every individual, regardless of their perceived status or role in society, has important tasks to fulfill. It suggests that everyone's contributions matter equally, as the value of a person is not determined by their position or responsibilities but rather by the impact they make through their actions. Essentially, it encourages us to recognize and appreciate the significance of every task, no matter how small, in the grand scheme of things.

"The great art of life is sensation, to feel that we exist, even across the infinite gulf that separates."

This quote by Frederick William Robertson emphasizes the importance of experiencing life fully and appreciating our existence. He suggests that the greatest achievement in life lies in awareness – feeling and sensing ourselves as part of the universe, despite any perceived distances or boundaries. It's about connecting deeply with the world around us and recognizing our own presence within it.

"God always gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him."

This quote by Frederick William Robertson emphasizes the notion that God grants His greatest blessings and opportunities to individuals who trust in Him and willingly surrender their choices and decisions to His divine will. It signifies that faith and submission can lead to receiving God's best, as one abandons self-reliance and allows God to guide their path.

"To know the will of God, we must seek it in secret, and when found, not our own, but in obedience serve it; that is, let it be not merely a matter of speculation or theory, but of practical, active life."

This quote by Frederick William Robertson emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will for one's life not just through intellectual understanding (speculation or theory), but through obedient action. It suggests that knowing God's will is a process requiring both introspection (seeking it in secret) and active engagement, as finding God's will should lead to practical changes in our behavior (practical, active life). The ultimate goal is not just knowledge for its own sake, but applying that knowledge in service to God.

No one can be great, or good, or happy except through the inward efforts of themselves.

- Frederick William Robertson

Happy, Through, Efforts, Inward

There are three things in the world that deserve no mercy, hypocrisy, fraud, and tyranny.

- Frederick William Robertson

World, Tyranny, Deserve, Mercy

In God's world, for those who are in earnest, there is no failure. No work truly done, no word earnestly spoken, no sacrifice freely made, was ever made in vain.

- Frederick William Robertson

Work, Made, No Work, Earnestly

Men... are bettered and improved by trial, and refined out of broken hopes and blighted expectations.

- Frederick William Robertson

Broken, Men, Improved, Refined

To turn water into wine, and what is common into what is holy, is indeed the glory of Christianity.

- Frederick William Robertson

Common, Holy, Christianity, Wine

The humblest occupation has in it materials of discipline for the highest heaven.

- Frederick William Robertson

Occupation, Materials, Humblest

Pray till prayer makes you forget your own wish, and leave it or merge it in God's will.

- Frederick William Robertson

Own, Will, Till, Merge

The true aim of everyone who aspires to be a teacher should be, not to impart his own opinions, but to kindle minds.

- Frederick William Robertson

Teacher, Aim, Everyone, Impart

The Divine wisdom has given us prayer, not as a means whereby to obtain the good things of earth, but as a means whereby we learn to do without them; not as a means whereby we escape evil, but as a means whereby we become strong to meet it.

- Frederick William Robertson

Obtain, Given, Means, Good Things

Love is not a union merely between two creatures, it is a union between two spirits.

- Frederick William Robertson

Love, Creatures, Spirits, Between

Instruction ends in the schoolroom, but education ends only with life. A child is given to the universe to be educated.

- Frederick William Robertson

Education, Educated, Given, Instruction

The one who will be found in trial capable of great acts of love is ever the one who is always doing considerate small ones.

- Frederick William Robertson

Love, Small, Always, Love Is

The office of poetry is not to make us think accurately, but feel truly.

- Frederick William Robertson

Office, Think, Feel, Accurately

However dark and profitless, however painful and weary, existence may have become, life is not done, and our Christian character is not won, so long as God has anything left for us to suffer, or anything left for us to do.

- Frederick William Robertson

Weary, May, However, Painful

It is not the situation that makes the man, but the man who makes the situation.

- Frederick William Robertson

Man, Makes, Who, Situation

Two thousand years ago there was One here on this earth who lived the grandest life that ever has been lived yet - a life that every thinking man, with deeper or shallower meaning, has agreed to call divine.

- Frederick William Robertson

Here, Been, Divine, Deeper

A silent man is easily reputed wise. A man who suffers none to see him in the common jostle and undress of life, easily gathers round him a mysterious veil of unknown sanctity, and men honor him for a saint. The unknown is always wonderful.

- Frederick William Robertson

Honor, Him, None, Unknown

It is more true to say that our opinions depend upon our lives and habits, than to say that our lives and habits depend on our opinions.

- Frederick William Robertson

Habits, Depend, Lives, Opinions

Only so far as a man believes strongly, mightily, can he act cheerfully, or do anything that is worth doing.

- Frederick William Robertson

Doing, Worth, Anything, Cheerfully

We win by tenderness. We conquer by forgiveness.

- Frederick William Robertson

Forgiveness, Tenderness, Win

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.