In my opinion, this should be required reading for every American...not only because it was one of the works of the time that laid the foundation for the framing of our government, but also because so much of it is still amazingly applicable today! It's not long or difficult to read, and can be found online. I encourage all to read this amazing work.
(spelling and punctuation are Paine's original)
"...a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. But the tumult soon subsides. Time makes more converts than reason." p. 5
"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind." p. 5
"Some writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a punisher." p. 6
"...when we suffer, or are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we furnish the means by which we suffer." p. 6-7
"...the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered." p. 9
One of my favorite principles...by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass. Look for the small and simple way.
"The nearer any government approaches to a republic the less business there is for a king." p. 19
"...when republican virtue fails, slavery ensues." p. 20
"Of more worth is one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians that ever lived." p. 20
"It hath been reported of the late Mr. Pelham (who tho' an able minister was not without his faults) that on his being attacked in the house of commons, on the score, that his measures were only of a temporary kind, replied "they will last my time." Should a thought so fatal and unmanly possess the colonies in the present contest, the name of ancestors will be remembered by future generations with detestation." p. 21
"'Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity are virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected, even to the end of time, by the proceedings now. Now is the seed time of continental union, faith and honor. The least fracture now will be like a name engraved with the point of a pen on the tender rind of a young oak; the wound will enlarge with the tree, and posterity read it in full grown characters." p. 21
"The reformation was preceded by the discovery of America, as if the Almightly graciously meant to open a sanctuary to the persecuted in future years, when home should afford neither friendship nor safety." p. 23
"As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may bequeath to posterity: And by a plain method of argument, as we are running the next generation into debt, we ought to do the work of it, otherwise we use them meanly and pitifully. In order to discover the line of our duty rightly, we should take our children in our hand, and fix our station a few years farther into life; that eminence will present a prospect, which a few present fears and prejudices conceal from our sight." p. 25
Each time I think about this issue, I think of the bumper stickers that are sometimes seen which say, "I'm spending my children's inheritance"...indeed generations for a number of years now have been spending not only their children's inheritance, but their children's and grandchildren's...and great-grandchildren's salaries and incomes! The share of debt for each American child born is incomprehensible...truly...incomprehensible! Compare this to attitudes in our fore fathers who thought it a travesty to saddle their children with their own debt...and even further, tried to leave some inheritance to them. Aged parents and children alike are farmed out to day cares and welfare states. We no longer "take care of our own" in America...let alone provide for those yet unborn.
"Interested men, who are not to be trusted; weak men, who cannot see; prejudiced men, who will not see; and a certain set of moderate men, who think better of the European world than it deserves; and this last class, by an ill-judged deliberation, will be the cause of more calamities to this continent, than all the other three." p. 25-26
Thomas Paine was speaking of those who espoused reconciliation with England. A good description of men and motives not to be trusted today.
"It is not in the power of Britain or of Europe to conquer America, if she do not conquer herself by delay and timidity." p. 27
As always...if America is to be conquered, it will be from within...not without. De Tocqueville said that "when America ceases to be good, she will cease to be great." If America ceases to be great, it will be only as she rots from the inside out.
"...a government that cannot preserve the peace, is no government at all..." p. 31
"The science...of the politician consists in fixing the true point of happiness and freedom. Those men would deserve the gratitude of ages, who should discover a mode of government that contained the greatest sum of individual happiness, with the least national expense." p.34
"...where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns above..." p.34
"...it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance." p. 34
"It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies..." p. 36
"Common sense will tell us, that the power which hath endeavoured to subdue, is of all others, the most improper to defend us." p. 41
"...the patience of a coward. The more men have to lose, the less willing they are to venture." p. 42
"Youth is the seed time of good habits, as well in nations as in individuals." p. 42
"As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensible duty of government, to protect all conscientious professors thereof, and I know of no other business which government hath to do therewith." p. 43
"Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society. For myself, I fully and conscientiously believe, that it is the will of the Almighty, that there should be diversity of religious opinions among us: It affords a larger field for our Christian kindness. Were we all of one way of thinking, our religious dispositions would want matter for probation; and on this liberal principle, I look on the various denominations among us, to be like children of the same family, differing only, in what is called, their Christian names." p. 43
"...ought to warn the people at large, how they trust power out of their own hands." p. 44
"Immediate necessity makes many things convenient, which if continued would grow into oppressions." p. 44
"When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember, that virtue is not hereditary." p. 44
"...no nation in a state of foreign dependance, limited in its commerce, and cramped and fettered in its legislative powers, can ever arrive at any material eminence. America doth not yet know what opulence is; and although the progress which she hath made stands unparalleled in the history of other nations, it is but childhood, compared with what she would be capable of arriving at, had she, as she ought to have, the legislative powers in her own hands." p. 48
"...the longer it is delayed the harder it will be to accomplish." p. 49
"Let the name of Whig and Tory be extinct; and let none other be heard among us, than those of a good citizen, an open and resolute friend, and a virtuous supporter of the RIGHTS of MANKIND and of the FREE AND INDEPENDANT STATES OF AMERICA." p.54
"When men have departed from the right way, it is no wonder that they stumble and fall." p. 55
"...for the sake of introducing an endless and uninterupted peace, do we bear the evils and burthens of the present day." p. 55
"We fight neither for revenge nor conquest; neither from pride nor passion; we are not insulting the world with our fleets and armies, not ravaging the globe for plunder. Beneath the shade of our own vines we are attacked; in our own houses, and on our own lands, is the violence committed. against us." p. 55
(compare Alma 44 and 46 in the Book of Mormon)
"Kings are not taken away by miracles, neither are changes in governments brought about by any other means than such as are common and human..." p. 58
"...the Almighty who hath created and placed this new world, at the greatest distance it could possibly stand, east and west, from every part of the old..." p. 58
"And here without anger or resentment I bid you farewell. Sincerely wishing, that as men and christians, ye may always fully and uninterruptedly enjoy every civil and religious right; and be, in your turn, the means of securing it to others..." p. 59
A fitting ending...will we each do our part?
Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen
by H. Verlan Anderson
I picked up this book to read because it was recommended by President Ezra Taft Benson in the Ensign article "Civic Standards for Faithful Saints". This book does an amazing job of pointing out how much information the Lord has given us on the proper role of government. There is so much in the Book of Mormon on this topic (as well as the D&C). This week, my children and I were reading Alma 30...the account of Korihor, the antichrist. We have also been reading the 5000 Yr. Leap and had recently finished learning about and discussing natural law...which is the only sound basis for good government. It was wonderful to be able to recognize and point out to my children that the Nephite government was based on natural law (verses 7-11). Then here comes Korihor who wants to change this law to "survival of the fittest". (v. 17). This is only one example where principles of government are discussed and shown to us in this inspired book. One of the things the Book of Mormon teaches about is two great civilizations and their fall...and the cause of these falls. One of those civilizations had a form of government very similar to our own...which I think was also instituted by God as was our own government today (D&C 101:77,80). We see not only the causes of the fall of this nation...which are very instructive to us, but also the efforts of good men to save their nation. H. Verlan Anderson also give a warning to those of us who have this book (Book of Mormon) as to how great our responsibility must be. Knowing truth and having access to such great truths...we, of all people, must not be complacent. We must be up and doing (Alma 60:24). We must do what we can to educate others and to direct our government to its proper role. Quite a task today! Prophets have been warning us for at least decades! I believe we are at a crucial hour. This was an amazing book. It was first published in 1967. It is still...if not more...applicable today! Here are a few annotations from it...
"Thus, the central problem of government is a religious one, and anyone who assumes that he can form his political beliefs without consulting his ethics, which have their basis in religious conviction, is deceiving himself either about the true nature of government, or his moral responsibility for its actions. (p.2)
"We are easily deceived about government, because we are inclined to accept the following fallacies:
(a) Anything legal is also moral.
(b) We are not individually responsible for government action.
(c) A different moral law applies when men act in concert than it does when they act alone." (p. 2-3)
"To enable the Church to continue to exist, and to permit men to exercise their agency in this land, it is essential that this government of freedom be preserved." (p. 2)
"Next to being one in worshipping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States." (quote from President David O. McKay) (p.3)
"...one of the most approved and righteous of all callings is to increase freedom by disseminating truth, thereby increasing men's ability to reach their goals." (p. 10)
"But in a republic where government action is subject to control by the voting citizen, there is no other place to rest the credit or blame. If the citizen is not accountable, then who is? We are the ones who pass judgment upon candidates, platforms, and issues. The power to elect or defeat rests entirely in our hands." (p.26)
"...the greatest threat to freedom on earth is man acting through the agency of his government." (p.28)
"...those Nephite prophets who tried vainly to prevent the destruction of their nation were commanded by the Lord to warn us (italics added by Roxane). Not only did they prophesy that we would face the same threat, but they supplied us with a rather detailed history of how this criminal conspiracy operates to destroy a nation whose government is subject to the voice of the people as is ours." (p.71)
(speaking of the Nephites) "Of particular significance is the fact that They had altered and corrupted the laws God had given them and this was done with the consent of the majority of the people..." (p. 71)
"Before we can obey God's commandments regarding the laws of the land we must know what those commandments are. This means we must "search the scriptures." We must read them with the desire of finding the correct answers. We must test the philosophies of men by the revealed word of God or, according to Nephi, we will be "cursed"." (p. 79)
"One of the clearest and most recent admonitions of our prophet was given to the Priesthood of the Church at General Conference on April 9, 1966. In his "Statement concerning the position of the Church on Communism" president McKay was quite specific about our failings and responsibilities. He told us that we are "a sleeping and apathetic people"; he spoke of the "alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us"; he encouraged us to study the Constitution and to become informed on the subject of Communism so that we "could better appreciate what is happening and know what (we) can do about it"; he described Communism as the greatest satanical threat on earth and told us that if we, as church members and American citizens, lent "aid, encouragement, or sympathy to any of these false philosophies" they would prove snares to our feet." (p.79)
"Every Latter-day Saint should thoroughly understand the fact that Satan's great weapon today is political in nature." (p. 82)
"Thus, the central problem of government is a religious one, and anyone who assumes that he can form his political beliefs without consulting his ethics, which have their basis in religious conviction, is deceiving himself either about the true nature of government, or his moral responsibility for its actions. (p.2)
"We are easily deceived about government, because we are inclined to accept the following fallacies:
(a) Anything legal is also moral.
(b) We are not individually responsible for government action.
(c) A different moral law applies when men act in concert than it does when they act alone." (p. 2-3)
"To enable the Church to continue to exist, and to permit men to exercise their agency in this land, it is essential that this government of freedom be preserved." (p. 2)
"Next to being one in worshipping God, there is nothing in this world upon which this Church should be more united than upholding and defending the Constitution of the United States." (quote from President David O. McKay) (p.3)
"...one of the most approved and righteous of all callings is to increase freedom by disseminating truth, thereby increasing men's ability to reach their goals." (p. 10)
"But in a republic where government action is subject to control by the voting citizen, there is no other place to rest the credit or blame. If the citizen is not accountable, then who is? We are the ones who pass judgment upon candidates, platforms, and issues. The power to elect or defeat rests entirely in our hands." (p.26)
"...the greatest threat to freedom on earth is man acting through the agency of his government." (p.28)
"...those Nephite prophets who tried vainly to prevent the destruction of their nation were commanded by the Lord to warn us (italics added by Roxane). Not only did they prophesy that we would face the same threat, but they supplied us with a rather detailed history of how this criminal conspiracy operates to destroy a nation whose government is subject to the voice of the people as is ours." (p.71)
(speaking of the Nephites) "Of particular significance is the fact that They had altered and corrupted the laws God had given them and this was done with the consent of the majority of the people..." (p. 71)
"Before we can obey God's commandments regarding the laws of the land we must know what those commandments are. This means we must "search the scriptures." We must read them with the desire of finding the correct answers. We must test the philosophies of men by the revealed word of God or, according to Nephi, we will be "cursed"." (p. 79)
"One of the clearest and most recent admonitions of our prophet was given to the Priesthood of the Church at General Conference on April 9, 1966. In his "Statement concerning the position of the Church on Communism" president McKay was quite specific about our failings and responsibilities. He told us that we are "a sleeping and apathetic people"; he spoke of the "alarming conditions that are rapidly advancing about us"; he encouraged us to study the Constitution and to become informed on the subject of Communism so that we "could better appreciate what is happening and know what (we) can do about it"; he described Communism as the greatest satanical threat on earth and told us that if we, as church members and American citizens, lent "aid, encouragement, or sympathy to any of these false philosophies" they would prove snares to our feet." (p.79)
"Every Latter-day Saint should thoroughly understand the fact that Satan's great weapon today is political in nature." (p. 82)
Northanger Abbey by Jane Austin
"...you may in time come to love a rose." "The mere habit of learning to love is the thing; and a teachableness of disposition in a young lady is a great blessing." p.146
"...would agree with me in thinking it expedient to give every young man some employment. The money is nothing; it is not an object; but employment is the thing."
"she did not learn either to forget or defend the past..."
"her resolution formed of always judging and acting in the future with the greatest good sense, she had nothing to do but forgive herself and be happier than ever; and the lenient hand of time did much for her insensible gradations in the course of another day."
I could really relate to this one. How many mistakes I have made where I keep kicking myself. The best thing to do is to learn from it, resolve to do better, forgive yourself, and move on. Time will ease the pain.
"...there are some situations in the human mind in which good sense has very little power." p. 203
...or as Littlefoot's mom said..."Some things you see with your eyes, others you see with your heart."
"Wherever you are, you should always be contented; but especially at home, because that is where you spend most of your time." p. 204
"...would agree with me in thinking it expedient to give every young man some employment. The money is nothing; it is not an object; but employment is the thing."
"she did not learn either to forget or defend the past..."
"her resolution formed of always judging and acting in the future with the greatest good sense, she had nothing to do but forgive herself and be happier than ever; and the lenient hand of time did much for her insensible gradations in the course of another day."
I could really relate to this one. How many mistakes I have made where I keep kicking myself. The best thing to do is to learn from it, resolve to do better, forgive yourself, and move on. Time will ease the pain.
"...there are some situations in the human mind in which good sense has very little power." p. 203
...or as Littlefoot's mom said..."Some things you see with your eyes, others you see with your heart."
"Wherever you are, you should always be contented; but especially at home, because that is where you spend most of your time." p. 204
My Homeschool "Rule of Eight"
(not for homeschool families only)
(not for homeschool families only)
Good Books
Family Time
Meaningful Work
Meaningful Work
Encounters with Beauty
Gratitude
Service
Service
Ideas to Ponder and Discuss
Prayer
Questions to ask at the end of each day...
1. What good books did we read today?
2. What did we do as a family today?
2. What did we do as a family today?
3. Where did we meet with beauty today?
4. What things are we grateful for today?
5. Who did we serve today?
5. Who did we serve today?
6. Did we do meaningful and quality work today?
7. What new ideas did we discover and ponder today?
8. Did we go about today with prayerful hearts?
7. What new ideas did we discover and ponder today?
8. Did we go about today with prayerful hearts?
Lessons and Truths I found in "The Lord of the Rings" - Annotations and Reflections (in progress)
The Fellowship of the Ring
(My comments are in the italic print...after the annotation from the book.)
"They forgot or ignored what little they had ever known of the Guardians, and of the labours of those that made possible the long peace of the Shire. They were, in fact, sheltered, but they had ceased to remember it." (from the prologue) p. 5
How important it is to understand all we can from those who have lived and gone before...it is only wise to learn from the past rather than making the same mistakes that have been made in the past...a lot less painful way to learn! I fear that we are losing the freedoms our fore-fathers gained for us because of our ignorance of what they knew and have tried to pass on to us. History may be the most important thing we study!
"His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it..." (Gandalf speaking of Saruman.) p. 47
"The more I know, the more I know that I don't know." The less we know, the more we think we know!" "Oh the foolishness of men. When they are learned, they think they are wise. (2 Nephi 9:28...a scripture mastery scripture)
"'I wish it need not have happened in my time,' said Frodo. 'So do I,' said Gandalf, 'and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'" p.50
How easy it is to wish we lived in another time...or had some other job to do. Even Nephi wished that he had lived in the days of his fathers when he thought men were "easy to be entreated" to follow the Lord. (Helaman 7:7) He forgets competely about the challenges of that day and time. ...just another example of the grass is always greener syndrome. It is enough for us to manage what is given us to do. But...how human it is to sometimes have this thought. Usually, we are comparing apples to oranges when we do this though.
"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." p. 58
"The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out." (Gandalf speaking to Frodo.) p. 82
"Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise..." p. 83
"Courage is found in unlikely places." p.83
"I seem to see ahead in a kind of way. I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back...I have something to do before the end and it lies ahead...I must see it through..." p. 85
"There need not be, there would not be any real change in our designs, only in our means." (Saruman) p. 253
Evil designers use this all the time...the ends justify the means they say. A little evil for an end of good they say. Compare that to "choose the right and let the consequences follow."
"It is not our part here to take thought only for a season, or for a few lives of Men, or for a passing age of the world. We should seek a final end to this menace, even if we do not hope to make one." (Gandalf) p. 260
How selfish to be concerned only for our time and day and not for those that follow. What of our grandchildren and great grandchildren and posterity we will not live on earth with...what of them? Shall we not live lives such that we bring blessings to them as our forefathers have done for us?
"...despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt." "It is wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope." (Gandalf) p. 262
"The road must be trod, but it will be hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. The quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." (Elrond) p. 262
My little place and responsibility in the world may carry as much...and possibly even more weight in the great grand scheme of things as someone who is great and well known in the world. It most certainly will be so for my own family.
"...only a small part is played in great deeds by any hero." (Gandalf to Bilbo) p. 263
"I think that this task is appointed for you , Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?" (Elrond to Frodo) p. 264
We MUST do what only we can do. Who knows who is depending on us? How thankful I am for the many people who have done what only they could do.
"Books ought to have good endings." (Bilbo) p. 266
This seems like such a simple statement, but there is much truth here. A good book may have evil in it, but if it correctly shows evil as evil and good as good, then it is a good or whole book. But some books show evil as good and good as evil...those are not good books. And some books correctly depict good and evil, but evil wins in the end...those books are always disturbing to the person who knows right from wrong. I have been counseled to 'read good books'. Good books are good for the soul!
"'The further you go, the less easy will it be to withdraw; yet no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your own hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet upon the road.'
'Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens,' said Gimli.
'Maybe,' said Elrond, 'but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.'
'Yet sworn word may strengthen quaking heart,'said Gimli.
'Or break it,' said Elrond. 'Look not too far ahead! But go now with good hearts!" (Parting words...Elrond and Gimli) p. 274
"The further you go, the less easy it will be to withdraw." True words no matter which road you choose to travel. So we must choose wisely. I love Gimli's passsion and also Elrond's caution. I think we need both...or each at separate times along the road.
"Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him." (Haldir) p. 339
United we stand...divided we fall.
"...your Quest stands upon he edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true."
Hold to the rod...others are depending on you.
"...whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet if may not. Seeing is both good and perilous." (Galadriel speaking of Galadriel's mirror) p. 354
If we could see all that lay before, would we have courage to go on? Each step strengthens us for the next step. Yet we have been allowed to see that which matters most...in the end good WILL win out...that is enough for me.
The Two Towers
"'How shall a man judge what to do at such time?' 'As he has ever judged,' said Aragorn. 'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.'" (Eomer's question, Aragorn's answer) p. 427-428
"'...Elrond was against their coming.'
'But Gandalf was not,' said Legolas.
'But Gandalf chose to come himself, and he was the first to be lost,' answered Gimli. 'His foresight failed him.'
'The counsel of Gandalf was not founded on foreknowledge of safety, for himself or for others,' said Aragorn. 'There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark." p.430
"Few can foresee whither the road will lead them, till they come to its end." p.481
While this is technically true, there is much that can be foreseen if we will only choose to look.
"I have forgotten much that I thought I knew, and learned again much that I had forgotten." p.484
"A treacherous weapon is ever a danger to the hands." p.486
"A king will have his way in his own hall, be it folly or wisdom." p.499
"The laughter of Mordor will be our only reward if we quarrel." p. 500
"Every man has something too dear to trust to another." p.500
"For behold, the storm has come and now all friends should gather together lest each be singly destroyed." p.501
Importance of "gathering". ...or "United we stand, divided we fall."
"News from afar is seldom sooth." p. 501
"'Why indeed should we welcome you, Master Stormcrow? Lathspell I name you, Ill-news; and ill news is an ill guest they say.'
'You are held wise, my friend Wormtongue, and are doubtless a great support to your master,' answered Gandalf in a soft voice. 'Yet in two ways may a man come with evil tidings. He may be a worker of evil; or he may be such as leaves well alone, and comes only to bring aid in time of need.'
'That is so,' said Wormtongue; 'but there is a third kind: pickers of bones, meddlers in other men's sorrows, carrion-fowl that grow fat on war." p. 502
"The wise speak only of what they know." p. 503
"If we fail, we fall. If we succeed-then we will face the next task." p. 507
"But for long now he has plotted your ruin, wearing the mask of friendship, until he was ready. In those years, Wormtongue's task was easy, and all that you did was swiftly known in Isengard; for your land was open, and strangers came and went. And ever Wormtongue's whispering was in your ears, poisoning your thought, chilling your heart, weakening your limbs, while others watched and could do nothing, for your will was in his keeping.'
'But when I came and warned you, then the mask was torn, for those who would see. After that Wormtongue played dangerously, always seeking to delay you, to prevent your full strength being gathered. He was crafty: dulling men's wariness, or working on their fears, as served the occasion." p. 510
This is one of the most accurate descriptions of how Satan works in mens' lives that I have seen. The analogy in scripture of Satan binding with flaxen cord at first is shown. He comes when we are not wary and aware...when we are trusting and allow strangers to come and go. Ever whispering in our ears...the subtle suggestion, the indirect temptations. Others may see what is happening, but as long as our will is in Satan's grasp, they can do little...until someone can help us see behind the mask...and then he will work on our already weakened state to keep us weak and in his grasp...dulling our wariness (or awareness) and working on our fears...because of course fear and faith cannot coexist.
"One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters." p. 550
"The treacherous are ever distrustful." p.568
"The guest who escapes by the roof will think twice before he comes back in by the door." p. 568
"He cannot be both tyrant and counsellor." p. 570
"Great service he could have rendered. But he has chosen to withhold it, and keep the power of Orthanc. He will not serve, only command. He lives now in terror of the shadow of Mordor, and yet he still dreams of riding the storm. Unhappy fool!" p. 570
How ironic that those who only wish to command and will not serve...in the end only end up serving purposes not truly their own.
"Often does hatred hurt itself." p. 571
"Things will go as they will and there is no need to hurry to meet them." p. 571
"War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only what they defend."(Faramir) p. 656
This may be one of my all time favorite quotes from LOTR! It makes me think of a favorite warrior/hero from the Book of Mormon! Captain Moroni might well have said these words, they are certainly descriptive of his character! For illustration, see Alma 43 and 44 and Alma 48:11-13 and 17! A man who did not delight in bloodshed, but nevertheless did not shrink from what needed to be done to protect freedoms. A man who didn't let the blood of battle blur his vision or compassion! A warrior in the truest sense! Someone said that a good definition for meekness is "absolute power under absolute control"! This quality was surely demonstrated by Captain Moroni in these chapters of the Book of Mormon!
"'Yes, that's so,' said Sam. 'And we shouldn't be here at all, if we'd known more about it before we started. But I suppose it's often that way. The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were the things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for , because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually - their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on - and not at all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same - like old Mr. Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?" p.696
Sam is my favorite character, I think! I love his loyalty to Frodo. I love how he continues on with the journey as a supporter when he would rather be at home. Sam is a "home body" much like me. I really relate to his character. He loves his hearth at home with a good fire in it and a good story. He loves the simple life. He's not sure he wants to be part of the adventure, but he doesn't turn back! He is a most loyal and complete friend to Frodo...in fact, Frodo couldn't have completed his task without this loyal friend.
"He looked on the bright point of the sword. He thought of the places behind where there was a black brink and an empty fall into nothingness. There was no way to escape that way. That was to do nothing, not even to grieve. That was not what he had set out to do. 'What am I to do then?' he cried again, and now he seemed plainly to know the hard answer: see it through." p. 715
"'You fool, he isn't dead, and your heart knew it. Don't trust you head, Samwise, it is not the best part of you." p. 723
The Return of the King
"The mightiest man may be slain by one arrow." p. 739
...or by one stone...think David slays Goliath.
"' Unless the king should come again?' said Gandalf. 'Well, my lord Steward, it is your task to keep some kingdom still against that event, which few now look to see. In that task you shall have all the aid that you are pleased to ask for. But I will say this: the rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward." p. 741-742
"'No my heart will not yet despair...We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees." (Pippin) p. 749
...and if we are left upon our knees (as in prayer), we will stand yet...
"But things may change when Faramir returns. he is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field . But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than Boromir, but not less resolute." p. 750
Faramir: A Learned Warrior! I think Faramir is my other favorite character hero from LOTR!
"'Nay, nay,' Beregond laughted, 'I am no captain. Neither office nor rank nor lordship have I, being but a plain man of arms of the Third Company of the Citadel. Yet, Master Peregrin, to be only a man of arms of the Guard of the Tower of Gondor is held worthy in the City, and such men have honour in the land." p. 750
"The hasty stroke goes oft astray." p. 763
"May I not spend my life as I will?" "Few may do that with honor." (Eowyn's question...Aragorn's answer.) p. 767
When we live our lives "as we will", we usually end up serving our own selfish ends...indeed few may do that with honor.
"A time may come soon,' said he, 'when none will return. Then there will be need of valour without renown, for none shall remember the deeds that are done in the last defence of your homes. Yet the deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised." (Aragorn to Eowyn) p. 767
This is one of my favorite passages in the book. It still brings tears to my eyes. Eowyn wants to go to battle. She doesn't want to stay "caged" at home. She wants the renown of valor and victory on the battlefields. Wise Aragorn tries to help her see that her duty and best efforts are with her people whom she has been given charge. Still true in the world today! Many foolish women sacrifice their families and children so that they can have the sort of renown (or things) that the world values...yet the home is where the last defense lies. The hand that rocks the cradle does indeed rule the world.
"...he saw nonetheless only those things which that Power permitted him to see. The knowledge which he obtained was, doubtless, often of service to him; yet the vision of the great might of Mordor that was shown to him fed the despair of his heart until it overthrew his mind." (Gandalf speaking of the cause of Denothor's madness) p. 838
Just how Satan works. He would have us see only half truths...only those things that serve his purposes. He would blind us from the whole truth. Seeing only half truths does indeed lead to despair. How great the need to search diligently for truth.
"His grief he will not forget; but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom." p. 851
"Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule." p. 861
"No gate will endure against our enemy if men desert it." p. 863
"Not all tears are evil." p. 1007
(My comments are in the italic print...after the annotation from the book.)
"They forgot or ignored what little they had ever known of the Guardians, and of the labours of those that made possible the long peace of the Shire. They were, in fact, sheltered, but they had ceased to remember it." (from the prologue) p. 5
How important it is to understand all we can from those who have lived and gone before...it is only wise to learn from the past rather than making the same mistakes that have been made in the past...a lot less painful way to learn! I fear that we are losing the freedoms our fore-fathers gained for us because of our ignorance of what they knew and have tried to pass on to us. History may be the most important thing we study!
"His knowledge is deep, but his pride has grown with it..." (Gandalf speaking of Saruman.) p. 47
"The more I know, the more I know that I don't know." The less we know, the more we think we know!" "Oh the foolishness of men. When they are learned, they think they are wise. (2 Nephi 9:28...a scripture mastery scripture)
"'I wish it need not have happened in my time,' said Frodo. 'So do I,' said Gandalf, 'and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.'" p.50
How easy it is to wish we lived in another time...or had some other job to do. Even Nephi wished that he had lived in the days of his fathers when he thought men were "easy to be entreated" to follow the Lord. (Helaman 7:7) He forgets competely about the challenges of that day and time. ...just another example of the grass is always greener syndrome. It is enough for us to manage what is given us to do. But...how human it is to sometimes have this thought. Usually, we are comparing apples to oranges when we do this though.
"Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." p. 58
"The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out." (Gandalf speaking to Frodo.) p. 82
"Elves seldom give unguarded advice, for advice is a dangerous gift, even from the wise to the wise..." p. 83
"Courage is found in unlikely places." p.83
"I seem to see ahead in a kind of way. I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back...I have something to do before the end and it lies ahead...I must see it through..." p. 85
"There need not be, there would not be any real change in our designs, only in our means." (Saruman) p. 253
Evil designers use this all the time...the ends justify the means they say. A little evil for an end of good they say. Compare that to "choose the right and let the consequences follow."
"It is not our part here to take thought only for a season, or for a few lives of Men, or for a passing age of the world. We should seek a final end to this menace, even if we do not hope to make one." (Gandalf) p. 260
How selfish to be concerned only for our time and day and not for those that follow. What of our grandchildren and great grandchildren and posterity we will not live on earth with...what of them? Shall we not live lives such that we bring blessings to them as our forefathers have done for us?
"...despair is only for those who see the end beyond all doubt." "It is wisdom to recognize necessity, when all other courses have been weighed, though as folly it may appear to those who cling to false hope." (Gandalf) p. 262
"The road must be trod, but it will be hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. The quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." (Elrond) p. 262
My little place and responsibility in the world may carry as much...and possibly even more weight in the great grand scheme of things as someone who is great and well known in the world. It most certainly will be so for my own family.
"...only a small part is played in great deeds by any hero." (Gandalf to Bilbo) p. 263
"I think that this task is appointed for you , Frodo; and that if you do not find a way, no one will. This is the hour of the Shire-folk, when they arise from their quiet fields to shake the towers and counsels of the Great. Who of all the Wise could have foreseen it? Or, if they are wise, why should they expect to know it, until the hour has struck?" (Elrond to Frodo) p. 264
We MUST do what only we can do. Who knows who is depending on us? How thankful I am for the many people who have done what only they could do.
"Books ought to have good endings." (Bilbo) p. 266
This seems like such a simple statement, but there is much truth here. A good book may have evil in it, but if it correctly shows evil as evil and good as good, then it is a good or whole book. But some books show evil as good and good as evil...those are not good books. And some books correctly depict good and evil, but evil wins in the end...those books are always disturbing to the person who knows right from wrong. I have been counseled to 'read good books'. Good books are good for the soul!
"'The further you go, the less easy will it be to withdraw; yet no oath or bond is laid on you to go further than you will. For you do not yet know the strength of your own hearts, and you cannot foresee what each may meet upon the road.'
'Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens,' said Gimli.
'Maybe,' said Elrond, 'but let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.'
'Yet sworn word may strengthen quaking heart,'said Gimli.
'Or break it,' said Elrond. 'Look not too far ahead! But go now with good hearts!" (Parting words...Elrond and Gimli) p. 274
"The further you go, the less easy it will be to withdraw." True words no matter which road you choose to travel. So we must choose wisely. I love Gimli's passsion and also Elrond's caution. I think we need both...or each at separate times along the road.
"Indeed in nothing is the power of the Dark Lord more clearly shown than in the estrangement that divides all those who still oppose him." (Haldir) p. 339
United we stand...divided we fall.
"...your Quest stands upon he edge of a knife. Stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all. Yet hope remains while all the Company is true."
Hold to the rod...others are depending on you.
"...whether what you see be fair or evil, that may be profitable, and yet if may not. Seeing is both good and perilous." (Galadriel speaking of Galadriel's mirror) p. 354
If we could see all that lay before, would we have courage to go on? Each step strengthens us for the next step. Yet we have been allowed to see that which matters most...in the end good WILL win out...that is enough for me.
The Two Towers
"'How shall a man judge what to do at such time?' 'As he has ever judged,' said Aragorn. 'Good and ill have not changed since yesteryear; nor are they one thing among Elves and Dwarves and another among Men. It is a man's part to discern them, as much in the Golden Wood as in his own house.'" (Eomer's question, Aragorn's answer) p. 427-428
"'...Elrond was against their coming.'
'But Gandalf was not,' said Legolas.
'But Gandalf chose to come himself, and he was the first to be lost,' answered Gimli. 'His foresight failed him.'
'The counsel of Gandalf was not founded on foreknowledge of safety, for himself or for others,' said Aragorn. 'There are some things that it is better to begin than to refuse, even though the end may be dark." p.430
"Few can foresee whither the road will lead them, till they come to its end." p.481
While this is technically true, there is much that can be foreseen if we will only choose to look.
"I have forgotten much that I thought I knew, and learned again much that I had forgotten." p.484
"A treacherous weapon is ever a danger to the hands." p.486
"A king will have his way in his own hall, be it folly or wisdom." p.499
"The laughter of Mordor will be our only reward if we quarrel." p. 500
"Every man has something too dear to trust to another." p.500
"For behold, the storm has come and now all friends should gather together lest each be singly destroyed." p.501
Importance of "gathering". ...or "United we stand, divided we fall."
"News from afar is seldom sooth." p. 501
"'Why indeed should we welcome you, Master Stormcrow? Lathspell I name you, Ill-news; and ill news is an ill guest they say.'
'You are held wise, my friend Wormtongue, and are doubtless a great support to your master,' answered Gandalf in a soft voice. 'Yet in two ways may a man come with evil tidings. He may be a worker of evil; or he may be such as leaves well alone, and comes only to bring aid in time of need.'
'That is so,' said Wormtongue; 'but there is a third kind: pickers of bones, meddlers in other men's sorrows, carrion-fowl that grow fat on war." p. 502
"The wise speak only of what they know." p. 503
"If we fail, we fall. If we succeed-then we will face the next task." p. 507
"But for long now he has plotted your ruin, wearing the mask of friendship, until he was ready. In those years, Wormtongue's task was easy, and all that you did was swiftly known in Isengard; for your land was open, and strangers came and went. And ever Wormtongue's whispering was in your ears, poisoning your thought, chilling your heart, weakening your limbs, while others watched and could do nothing, for your will was in his keeping.'
'But when I came and warned you, then the mask was torn, for those who would see. After that Wormtongue played dangerously, always seeking to delay you, to prevent your full strength being gathered. He was crafty: dulling men's wariness, or working on their fears, as served the occasion." p. 510
This is one of the most accurate descriptions of how Satan works in mens' lives that I have seen. The analogy in scripture of Satan binding with flaxen cord at first is shown. He comes when we are not wary and aware...when we are trusting and allow strangers to come and go. Ever whispering in our ears...the subtle suggestion, the indirect temptations. Others may see what is happening, but as long as our will is in Satan's grasp, they can do little...until someone can help us see behind the mask...and then he will work on our already weakened state to keep us weak and in his grasp...dulling our wariness (or awareness) and working on our fears...because of course fear and faith cannot coexist.
"One who cannot cast away a treasure at need is in fetters." p. 550
"The treacherous are ever distrustful." p.568
"The guest who escapes by the roof will think twice before he comes back in by the door." p. 568
"He cannot be both tyrant and counsellor." p. 570
"Great service he could have rendered. But he has chosen to withhold it, and keep the power of Orthanc. He will not serve, only command. He lives now in terror of the shadow of Mordor, and yet he still dreams of riding the storm. Unhappy fool!" p. 570
How ironic that those who only wish to command and will not serve...in the end only end up serving purposes not truly their own.
"Often does hatred hurt itself." p. 571
"Things will go as they will and there is no need to hurry to meet them." p. 571
"War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only what they defend."(Faramir) p. 656
This may be one of my all time favorite quotes from LOTR! It makes me think of a favorite warrior/hero from the Book of Mormon! Captain Moroni might well have said these words, they are certainly descriptive of his character! For illustration, see Alma 43 and 44 and Alma 48:11-13 and 17! A man who did not delight in bloodshed, but nevertheless did not shrink from what needed to be done to protect freedoms. A man who didn't let the blood of battle blur his vision or compassion! A warrior in the truest sense! Someone said that a good definition for meekness is "absolute power under absolute control"! This quality was surely demonstrated by Captain Moroni in these chapters of the Book of Mormon!
"'Yes, that's so,' said Sam. 'And we shouldn't be here at all, if we'd known more about it before we started. But I suppose it's often that way. The brave things in the old tales and songs, Mr. Frodo: adventures, as I used to call them. I used to think that they were the things the wonderful folk of the stories went out and looked for , because they wanted them, because they were exciting and life was a bit dull, a kind of sport, as you might say. But that's not the way of it with the tales that really mattered, or the ones that stay in the mind. Folk seem to have been just landed in them, usually - their paths were laid that way, as you put it. But I expect they had lots of chances, like us, of turning back, only they didn't. And if they had, we shouldn't know, because they'd have been forgotten. We hear about those as just went on - and not at all to a good end, mind you; at least not to what folk inside a story and not outside it call a good end. You know, coming home, and finding things all right, though not quite the same - like old Mr. Bilbo. But those aren't always the best tales to hear, though they may be the best tales to get landed in! I wonder what sort of a tale we've fallen into?" p.696
Sam is my favorite character, I think! I love his loyalty to Frodo. I love how he continues on with the journey as a supporter when he would rather be at home. Sam is a "home body" much like me. I really relate to his character. He loves his hearth at home with a good fire in it and a good story. He loves the simple life. He's not sure he wants to be part of the adventure, but he doesn't turn back! He is a most loyal and complete friend to Frodo...in fact, Frodo couldn't have completed his task without this loyal friend.
"He looked on the bright point of the sword. He thought of the places behind where there was a black brink and an empty fall into nothingness. There was no way to escape that way. That was to do nothing, not even to grieve. That was not what he had set out to do. 'What am I to do then?' he cried again, and now he seemed plainly to know the hard answer: see it through." p. 715
"'You fool, he isn't dead, and your heart knew it. Don't trust you head, Samwise, it is not the best part of you." p. 723
The Return of the King
"The mightiest man may be slain by one arrow." p. 739
...or by one stone...think David slays Goliath.
"' Unless the king should come again?' said Gandalf. 'Well, my lord Steward, it is your task to keep some kingdom still against that event, which few now look to see. In that task you shall have all the aid that you are pleased to ask for. But I will say this: the rule of no realm is mine, neither of Gondor nor any other, great or small. But all worthy things that are in peril as the world now stands, those are my care. And for my part, I shall not wholly fail of my task, though Gondor should perish, if anything passes through this night that can still grow fair or bear fruit and flower again in days to come. For I also am a steward." p. 741-742
"'No my heart will not yet despair...We may stand, if only on one leg, or at least be left still upon our knees." (Pippin) p. 749
...and if we are left upon our knees (as in prayer), we will stand yet...
"But things may change when Faramir returns. he is bold, more bold than many deem; for in these days men are slow to believe that a captain can be wise and learned in the scrolls of lore and song, as he is, and yet a man of hardihood and swift judgement in the field . But such is Faramir. Less reckless and eager than Boromir, but not less resolute." p. 750
Faramir: A Learned Warrior! I think Faramir is my other favorite character hero from LOTR!
"'Nay, nay,' Beregond laughted, 'I am no captain. Neither office nor rank nor lordship have I, being but a plain man of arms of the Third Company of the Citadel. Yet, Master Peregrin, to be only a man of arms of the Guard of the Tower of Gondor is held worthy in the City, and such men have honour in the land." p. 750
"The hasty stroke goes oft astray." p. 763
"May I not spend my life as I will?" "Few may do that with honor." (Eowyn's question...Aragorn's answer.) p. 767
When we live our lives "as we will", we usually end up serving our own selfish ends...indeed few may do that with honor.
"A time may come soon,' said he, 'when none will return. Then there will be need of valour without renown, for none shall remember the deeds that are done in the last defence of your homes. Yet the deeds will not be less valiant because they are unpraised." (Aragorn to Eowyn) p. 767
This is one of my favorite passages in the book. It still brings tears to my eyes. Eowyn wants to go to battle. She doesn't want to stay "caged" at home. She wants the renown of valor and victory on the battlefields. Wise Aragorn tries to help her see that her duty and best efforts are with her people whom she has been given charge. Still true in the world today! Many foolish women sacrifice their families and children so that they can have the sort of renown (or things) that the world values...yet the home is where the last defense lies. The hand that rocks the cradle does indeed rule the world.
"...he saw nonetheless only those things which that Power permitted him to see. The knowledge which he obtained was, doubtless, often of service to him; yet the vision of the great might of Mordor that was shown to him fed the despair of his heart until it overthrew his mind." (Gandalf speaking of the cause of Denothor's madness) p. 838
Just how Satan works. He would have us see only half truths...only those things that serve his purposes. He would blind us from the whole truth. Seeing only half truths does indeed lead to despair. How great the need to search diligently for truth.
"His grief he will not forget; but it will not darken his heart, it will teach him wisdom." p. 851
"Yet it is not our part to master all the tides of the world, but to do what is in us for the succour of those years wherein we are set, uprooting the evil in the fields that we know, so that those who live after may have clean earth to till. What weather they shall have is not ours to rule." p. 861
"No gate will endure against our enemy if men desert it." p. 863
"Not all tears are evil." p. 1007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)