In this quote by Richard Baxter, he emphasizes the importance of studying diligently, as the well of knowledge is deep and our understanding is limited. This quote suggests that there is always more to learn and discover, and that we must put in the effort to deepen our understanding of the world around us. Baxter's words serve as a reminder to continuously strive for knowledge and growth.
The quote by Richard Baxter emphasizes the importance of never stopping our pursuit of knowledge. In today's fast-paced world, the amount of information available is vast, and our understanding may only scratch the surface. Continuous learning is essential to keep up with new developments, expand our minds, and deepen our understanding of the world around us. By studying hard and continuously seeking knowledge, we can ensure that our minds never remain shallow, but instead grow deeper with wisdom and understanding.
One of Richard Baxter's most famous quotes is, "Study hard, for the well is deep, and our brains are shallow." This quote encourages individuals to put in the effort to learn and explore because the depth of knowledge is vast compared to the limitations of our own comprehension.
Richard Baxter's quote reminds us of the vast amount of knowledge that exists in the world and how limited our own mental capacities can be. To reflect on this idea, consider the following questions:
“Nothing can be rightly known, if God be not known; nor is any study well managed, nor to any great purpose, if God is not studied. We know little of the creature, till we know it as it stands related to the Creator: single letters, and syllables uncomposed, are no better than nonsense. He who overlooketh him who is the 'Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,' and seeth not him in all who is the All of all, doth see nothing at all. All creatures, as such, are broken syllables; they signify nothing as separated from God. Were they separated actually, they would cease to be, and the separation would be annhiliation; and when we separate them in our fancies, we make nothing of them to ourselves. It is one thing to know the creatures as Aristotle, and another thing to know them as a Christian. None but a Christian can read one line of his Physics so as to understand it rightly. It is a high and excellent study, and of greater use than many apprehend; but it is the smallest part of it that Aristotle can teach us.”
“To live among such excellent helps as our libraries afford, to have so many silent wise companions whenever we please.”
“Make careful choice of the books which you read: let the holy Scriptures ever have the preeminence. Let Scripture be first and most in your hearts and hands and other books be used as subservient to it. While reading ask yourself: 1. Could I spend this time no better? 2. Are there better books that would edify me more? 3. Are the lovers of such a book as this the greatest lovers of the Book of God and of a holy life? 4. Does this book increase my love to the Word of God, kill my sin, and prepare me for the life to come? "The words of the wise are like goads, their collected sayings like firmly embedded nails—given by one Shepherd. Be warned, my son, of anything in addition to them. Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body." Ecclesiastes 12:11-12”
“Surely love is both work and wages.”
“Remember the perfections of that God whom you worship, that he is a Spirit, and therefore to be worshipped in spirit and truth; and that he is most great and terrible, and therefore to be worshipped with seriousness and reverence, and not to be dallied with, or served with toys or lifeless lip-service; and that he is most holy, pure, and jealous, and therefore to be purely worshipped; and that he is still present with you, and all things are naked and open to him with whom we have to do. The knowledge of God, and the remembrance of his all-seeing presence, are the most powerful means against hypocrisy.”
“I preached as never sure to preach again, and as a dying man to dying men.”