Meaning of the quote

Having patience and keeping your goals in sight, even when things are difficult, is like keeping a lamp lit. The light from the lamp helps you see your way and not get lost in the darkness, just like having hope can help you stay focused and keep going, even when the path ahead is unclear.

About Tertullian

Tertullian was a prolific early Christian author from Carthage who made significant contributions to the development of Western theology. He was the first writer to use the term “trinity” in Latin and is considered the “father of Latin Christianity.” However, some of his teachings were later rejected by the Church.

More about the author

More quotes from Tertullian

Hope is patience with the lamp lit.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The more you mow us down, the more numerous we grow; the blood of Christians is seed.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The pleasure of those who injure you lies in your pain. Therefore they will suffer if you take away their pleasure by not feeling pain.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The entire fruit is already present in the seed.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Indeed heresies are themselves instigated by philosophy.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Prevention of birth is a precipitation of murder.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Nature soaks every evil with either fear or shame.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Christians are made, not born.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Arguments about Scripture achieve nothing but a stomachache and a headache.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

See how these Christians love one another.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The usual complaint is, ‘I have no other way of earning a living.’ The harsh reply can be, ‘Do you have to live?’

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

It is certain because it is impossible.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Out of the frying pan, into the fire.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Nothing that is God’s is obtainable by money.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

He who flees will fight again.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

You can judge the quality of their faith from the way they behave. Discipline is an index to doctrine.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Two kinds of blindness are easily combined so that those who do not see really appear to see what is not.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

You cannot parcel out freedom in pieces because freedom is all or nothing.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

It is certain because it is possible.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Fear is the foundation of safety.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The first reaction to truth is hatred.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Indeed it is better to postpone, lest either we complete too little by hurrying, or wander too long in completing it.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Truth engenders hatred of truth. As soon as it appears, it is the enemy.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

Divorce these days is a religious vow, as if the proper offspring of marriage.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The nature of rumor is known to all.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

Tertullian

Roman Christian theologian and writer (c. 155 - c. 220)