Political Quotes

Edmund Burke: Then did Religion in a lazy cell, In empty, airy contemplations, dwell; And like the block, unmovèd lay: but ours, As…

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Then did Religion in a lazy cell, In empty, airy contemplations, dwell; And like the block, unmovèd lay: but ours, As much too active, like the stork devours.
Said by
Edmund Burke

Editor's note · Context

Burke contrasts the passive nature of religion in the past with a more active, consuming approach in his time.

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