Quote by William Gilmore Simms
The proverb answers where the sermon fails, as a well-charged pistol will do more execution than a whole barrel of gunpowder idly exploded in the air.
Summary
This quote signifies the power of actions over mere words. While a sermon might attempt to convey a message or inspire change, it often falls short of achieving the intended impact. Conversely, the proverb suggests that actions speak louder than words by comparing the effectiveness of a single pistol shot to that of a whole barrel of gunpowder aimlessly exploding. It implies that taking decisive actions can bring about significant results, while empty words yield little or no effect.