Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
Resolved, 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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of diligent study of Scriptures for personal growth and understanding.
Jonathan Edwards expresses a commitment to regularly and persistently study the Scriptures, highlighting that such dedication leads to a deeper understanding of spiritual truths. This pursuit of knowledge is not just academic; it is intended to foster personal growth and a closer relationship with one's beliefs.
In practice
A speaker at a church gathering might use this quote to inspire members to engage with their faith more deeply.
Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
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.
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.
Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
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.
Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.
Laugh at a bad reputation. Fear a good one that you could not sustain.
The pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, an almost fanatical love of justice and the desire for personal independence -- these are the features of the Jewish tradition which make me thank my stars that I belong to it.
For to speak the truth, there are but few that care thus to spend their time, but choose rather to be speaking of things to no profit.
Instead of a dedicated room, my best trigger is the actual habit of reading over the texts from the day before. Marking. Changing. Fussing. This ritual amounts to a habit of trust. Trust that I can make it better. That if I keep trying, I will come closer to something true.
Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.
People with the best intentions will often give you advice on why you shouldnβt take a risk because of what could happen. While some of what they say may be true, you should never allow them to get their negative anchors into your mind because, like them, you too will begin to sink. Next time this happens, throw them a life-line, and ask them what is good about their situation.
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