Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True happiness comes from a divine connection, surpassing earthly pleasures.
This quote by Jonathan Edwards emphasizes the idea that the ultimate joy and fulfillment in life is found in a close relationship with God, which he argues is far superior to any earthly comfort or pleasure one might experience. It invites reflection on the nature of happiness and the eternal versus temporal pleasures, suggesting that spiritual fulfillment offers a deeper and more lasting satisfaction than the best that this world can offer.
Themes
HeavenEnjoymentGodHappinessPleasure
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a sermon to emphasize the value of spiritual joy over material wealth.
More from Jonathan Edwards
All quotes βResolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
So that it must be only by the imagination that Satan has access to the soul, to tempt and delude it, or suggest anything to it. And this seems to be the reason why persons that are under the disease of melancholy are commonly so visibly and remarkably subject to the suggestions and temptations of Satan... Innumerable are the ways by which the mind may be led on to all kind of evil thoughts, by the exciting of external ideas in the imagination.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
The deceitfulness of the heart of man appears in no one thing so much as this of spiritual pride and self-righteousness. The subtlety of Satan appears in its height, in his managing persons with respect to this sin. And perhaps one reason may be that here he has most experience; he knows the way of its coming in; he is acquainted with the secret springs of it: it was his own sin. Experience gives vast advantage in leading souls, either in good or evil.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
True virtue never appears so lovely as when it is most oppressed; and the divine excellency of real Christianity is never exhibited with such advantage as when under the greatest trials; then it is that true faith appears much more precious than gold, and upon this account is "found to praise and honour and glory.
Jonathan EdwardsRead
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Unless a man gives himself entirely to the Cross, in a spirit of humility and self-abasement; unless he casts himself down to be trampled underfoot by all and despised, accepting injustice, contempt and mockery; unless he undergoes all these things with joy for the sake of the Lord, not claiming any kind of human reward whatsoever - glory or honor or earthly pleasures - he cannot become a true Christian.
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...by and by a change came: I started to muse about the shape of my nose. I put my trivial surroundings aside and mused more and more about myself, and I found this to be a bewitching occupation. I stopped asking and longed instead to speak of my thoughts and feelings. Alas, there was no one besides myself who found me interesting.
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