"His faith perhaps in some nice tenets might be wrong; his life, I'm sure, was always in the right"

This quote by Abraham Cowley assesses the dichotomy in between belief and habits, suggesting that while one's specific beliefs or doctrinal understandings might be flawed, their actions or lifestyle can still be commendably virtuous. Cowley provides an intriguing philosophical stance that separates the idea of faith from the essence of principles and individual character.

To better understand Cowley's point of view, think about the word "faith", which generally refers to one's religions or doctrines. Cowley posits that somebody may hold certain doctrinal or philosophical beliefs ("great tenets") that are not entirely appropriate or universally accepted. "Nice" here could indicate subtle or complex, recommending that these beliefs are perhaps abnormally detailed or refined. However, these inaccurate beliefs do not necessarily determine the moral quality or conduct of the person.

On the other hand, Cowley remarks on the certainty of the individual's life being "always in the right". This part of the quotation highlights the significance of ethical habits and the inherent goodness apparent in one's actions. It indicates that actions speak louder than beliefs, and a life lived appropriately has its own validation, regardless of intellectual or doctrinal inaccuracies.

This idea results in a broader conversation on the nature of morality and its self-reliance from structured dogma. It recommends that ethical stability and good character might transcend the limits of specific spiritual or ideological structures. Therefore, an individual can keep a life of virtue and righteousness without sticking to mainstream or proper doctrinal positions.

In essence, Cowley's observation encourages a concentrate on useful ethics and the real-world impact of our actions as more conclusive measures of one's character than mere adherence to specific doctrines. This difference likewise welcomes a wider tolerance and understanding, enabling the gratitude of people whose lives line up with ethical concepts, even if their beliefs diverge from traditional realities.