I never was deeply interested in any object; I never prayed sincerely and earnestly for anything, but it came at some time - no matter how distant, in some way, in some shape, probably the last I should have devised, it came. And yet, I have always had so little faith. God forgive me.

Meaning: The saying uses St. Bartholomew as a calendar marker for the arrival of cold dew. It associates an observance with a seasonal condition.

Meaning: Generosity is imagined as receiving an unexpected return through divine care. The door-and-window image expresses trust that giving need not mean simple loss, without guaranteeing repayment or material reward.

Meaning: A place dedicated to good can still face an opposing influence. The paired church and chapel give that tension a religious image.

Meaning: Being physically close to a place of worship does not ensure spiritual sincerity. The saying challenges reliance on outward religious association when conduct does not reflect the values being professed.