"A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a comedy written by William Shakespeare in the late 16th century. The play follows the misadventures of four young lovers, a group of amateur actors, and a fairy king and queen as they navigate the complexities of love and the supernatural.
At the center of the play is the relationship between the four young lovers: Hermia, Lysander, Demetrius, and Helena. Hermia is betrothed to Demetrius, but she is in love with Lysander. Helena, who is in love with Demetrius, is rejected by him in favor of Hermia. This love quadrangle is further complicated by the interference of the fairy king and queen, Oberon and Titania, who use magic to manipulate the emotions and actions of the humans.
One of the main themes of the play is the power of love and its ability to bring about both joy and suffering. The love between the four young lovers is intense and all-consuming, leading them to act irrationally and make poor decisions. The fairy magic only exacerbates this, as it causes the characters to fall in and out of love with each other at the whims of Oberon and Titania.
Another theme is the idea of illusion and the dangers of being too easily swayed by appearances. The fairy magic causes the characters to see things that are not really there, leading them to make mistaken assumptions about each other. This is exemplified by the character of Bottom, who is transformed into an ass and is not recognized by his fellow actors.
In addition to the themes of love and illusion, the play also explores the concept of social hierarchy and the expectations placed on individuals based on their class and status. Hermia, for example, is pressured by her father and the Duke of Athens to marry Demetrius, even though she does not love him. The fairy characters also have their own hierarchy, with Titania and Oberon constantly vying for power and control.
Overall, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" is a delightful and humorous exploration of love, illusion, and social expectations. Its timeless themes and well-developed characters make it a classic work of literature that continues to be enjoyed by readers and audiences today.
REVELATION CHAPTER 1 KJV
We do not: our light does not shine before God, as his lights shine before us. Many say that they are Christ's own, yet do not receive him, because they will not part with their sins, nor have him to reign over them. The man who has a slandering tongue, cannot have a truly humble, gracious heart. He baptized the people with water as a profession of repentance, and as an outward sign of the spiritual blessings to be conferred on them by the Messiah, who was in the midst of them, though they knew him not, and to whom he was unworthy to render the meanest service. Now sinners live at ease, and set sorrow at defiance; but their calamity will come.
The day and time when he had this vision was the Lord's day, the Christian sabbath, the first day of the week, observed in remembrance of the resurrection of Christ. And let us remember, that nothing avails in Christ Jesus, but faith that worketh by love, purifies the heart, subdues carnal lusts, and obeys God's commands. Whatever communion there is between our souls and Christ, it is he who begins the discourse. Flesh and spirit, heaven and earth, must be put together in him. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.
Men discover their weaknesses to those most familiar with them, but it was not so with Christ; those most intimate with him saw most of his glory. By his Spirit and grace he enlightens all that are enlightened to salvation; and those that are not enlightened by him, perish in darkness. Christ will become more precious to the believer's soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, 1:26b As in Syriac version; Hebrew reads all the earth. Through Christ we commune with, and benefit by the holy angels; and things in heaven and things on earth are reconciled and united together.
Without him was not any thing made that was made, from the highest angel to the meanest worm. Let us desire to know him. Joseph is told that Mary should bring forth the Saviour of the world. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. He asserts, His existence in the beginning; His coexistence with the Father.
These, doubtless, had reference to the state of the respective churches, as they then existed, but contain excellent precepts and exhortations, commendations and reproofs, promises and threatenings, suitable to instruct the Christian church at all times. Alas, that there should be many, who would wish never to die, and that there should not be a day of judgment! John was not that Prophet whom Moses said the Lord would raise up to them of their brethren, like unto him. Jesus is the same name with Joshua. Contains a prophecy of "the things which shall be hereafter," and describes the future state of the church, from the time when the apostle beheld the visions here recorded. Chapter1 This epistle of James is one of the most instructive writings in the New Testament. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind.
As every good gift is from God, so particularly our being born again, and all its holy, happy consequences come from him. Darkness would have been always upon fallen man, if the Son of God had not come and given us understanding, 1Jo 5:20. They said unto him, Rabbi, which is to say, being interpreted, Master, where dwellest thou? God forbid that by indulging the body, and the desires of it, we should make ourselves like the beasts that perish! The mystery of Christ's becoming man is to be adored, not curiously inquired into. Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. Yet the world knew him not.
Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. An unspotted life must go with unfeigned love and charity. The law of God is holy, just, and good; and we should make the proper use of it. It agrees with God's glory to pardon all who depend on the atoning sacrifice of Christ. The earth, at his command, brings forth grass, herbs, and fruits.
All materials contained on this site, whether written, audible or visual are the exclusive property of Catholic Online and are protected under U. Oh, what high thoughts should there be in our minds, of that great God whom we worship, and of that great Mediator in whose name we pray! The promises are very encouraging. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, 6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. If you have already donated, we sincerely thank you. What sayest thou of thyself? They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions.
