Book review: “Loss and Gain” by John Henry Newman

John Henry Newman was one of the intellectual giants of the Victorian era. Born in London in 1801, he led a long life filled with intellectual curiosity and deep concern with matters of faith. Originally an Anglican priest and theologian based in Oxford, he famously converted to Roman Catholicism in 1845, continuing his ministry as a …

“Some Questions for Saint Valentine’s Day” by Amos Russel Wells

Amos Russel Wells (1862โ€“1933) was an American scholar and Christian activist. He authored numerous works, including poetry, essays, young adult fiction and devotional writings.  In this post weโ€™ll read his poem โ€œSome Questions for Saint Valentineโ€™s Day.โ€ You can tell that Wells was a classicist: addressing Cupid rather than the venerable Christian saint and martyr, …

Contronyms

At one point or another English learners start noticing words that are unusual in that they have two completely opposite meanings. For example, to bolt something can mean to fasten or to secure, but in a different context the same verb can mean to move suddenly and quickly. Words that convey two contradictory notions are …