Wilfred Grenfell Quotes

“The service we render others is the rent we pay for our room on earth.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“Courage is always the surest wisdom.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men but from doing something worthwhile.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“The best definition of faith that I know is that it is reason grown courageous. Moreover, that is all that Christ ever asked us for, and the reason he asked us for that was because he wants to use us. He needs our help. It is almost impossible to believe it. But God Almighty wants our help, so Christ tells us.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“The service we render to others is really the rent we pay for our room on this earth. It is obvious that man is himself a traveler; that the purpose of this world is not 'to have and to hold' but "to give and serve."”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“The word of God is the Christian soul's best weapon, and it is essential to have it with him always. In doubt it decides, in consultation it directs; in anxiety it reassures; in sorrow it comforts; in failure it encourages; in defense it protects; in offense it is mightier than the mighty.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“I have found more inspiration in the cottages of fishermen than in the palaces of the rich.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“No one can write their real religious life with pen or pencil. It is written only in actions, and its seal is our character, not our orthodoxy. Whether we, our neighbor, or God is the judge, absolutely the only value of our religious life to ourselves or to anyone is what it fits us for and enables us to do.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

“The privilege of prayer to me is one of the most cherished possessions, because faith and experience alike convince me that God himself sees and answers, and His answers I never venture to criticize. It is only my part to ask. If it were otherwise, I would not dare to pray at all.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

The knowledge of this marvelous period has made faith far easier from an intellectual standpoint, and has enabled us to be more patient in waiting to see the truth, not as now

— Wilfred Grenfell

“I have always believed that the Good Samaritan went across the road to the wounded man just because he wanted to.”

— Wilfred Grenfell

Beware as you get the octopus on board. Suddenly he relaxes his grasp, and shhots out a jet of ink, which smarts considerably.

— Wilfred Grenfell