If, then, knowledge be power, how much more power to we gain

Matthew Simpson, the great Methodist bishop of the 19th century, spoke with a voice both spiritual and commanding when he declared: “If, then, knowledge be power, how much more power do we gain through the agency of faith, and what elevation must it give to human character.” These words remind us that though the mind is a mighty tool, the heart’s trust and devotion raise humanity even higher. Knowledge strengthens the hands, but faith strengthens the soul. Together they form the pillars of greatness.

The meaning of this saying is deep. Men and women have long said that knowledge is power—the power to shape nature, to master tools, to govern societies. Yet Simpson, preacher and teacher, saw further. He knew that knowledge without faith can grow cold, proud, and even dangerous. But when faith adds its fire, knowledge is lifted beyond mere control into the service of good. Faith is the compass that directs the strength of knowledge toward the higher purposes of justice, compassion, and divine order.

The origin of Simpson’s thought lies in his own age. He lived in a century of discovery—railroads, telegraphs, electricity, and the birth of the modern sciences. Humanity was learning to harness the natural world in ways once unimagined. But at the same time, Simpson ministered to a people searching for moral and spiritual anchoring. He saw that knowledge gave men new dominion, yet he feared that without faith, this dominion might corrupt rather than uplift. His quote is a call to balance: to wed the power of learning with the power of trust in God and the moral law.

History gives us vivid testimony. Consider the abolitionists of America. Many were highly educated, with the knowledge of law, politics, and economics. Yet it was their faith—their belief in the dignity of every soul before God—that gave them courage to face mobs, courts, and even death. Knowledge gave them arguments; faith gave them fire. And in that fire, their character was elevated, not only shaping their lives but altering the destiny of a nation.

We see the same pattern in Mahatma Gandhi. He studied law in London, gaining the knowledge of the courts and the wisdom of Western philosophy. But it was his faith—his unwavering belief in truth (satyagraha) and nonviolence—that transformed knowledge into a weapon more powerful than any sword. The world followed him not because of his learning alone, but because his character, forged by faith, lifted nations upward. Here Simpson’s words shine as prophecy: the true elevation of humanity comes when faith empowers knowledge.

The lesson for us is clear. Do not despise knowledge, for it gives us the strength to work, to solve, to build. But do not trust in knowledge alone, for without faith, it can enslave as easily as it liberates. Let faith—whether in God, in justice, or in the worth of every soul—be the force that directs your power. For when knowledge and faith walk hand in hand, the result is greatness of character, and character is the seed of civilization itself.

So what must you do, child of the future? Seek knowledge diligently—study, inquire, question, and learn. But also cultivate faith—faith in the unseen, faith in principles higher than self, faith that gives courage when facts alone cannot comfort. In your work, unite reason with reverence. In your struggles, let faith magnify the power of your mind. And in your victories, let character, not pride, be the crown you wear.

Thus remember the words of Matthew Simpson: “If, then, knowledge be power, how much more power do we gain through the agency of faith …” Let them echo in your heart. For knowledge sharpens the mind, but faith elevates the soul—and together they raise humanity toward its highest calling.