Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
Jonathan EdwardsRead
True liberty consists only in the power of doing what we ought to will, and in not being constrained to do what we ought not to will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
True freedom is the ability to act according to our moral obligations without coercion.
In this quote, Jonathan Edwards posits that true liberty is defined not merely by the absence of restrictions, but by the presence of the capacity to make morally sound choices. It emphasizes the importance of aligning our actions with our true intentions and values, rather than succumbing to external pressures or desires that lead us away from what we know is right.
Themes
LibertyFreedomMoralityChoiceConstraint
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech about personal ethics, one might reference this quote to highlight the importance of making righteous choices.
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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The gods confound the man who first found out How to distinguish hours! Confound him, too, Who in this place set up a sun-dial, To cut and hack my days so wretchedly Into small portions.
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Diabolical error decks itself out with ease in lying colors with some appearance of truth, so that the force of pronouncement is corrupted by a very brief addition or change, and the confession of faith which should have resulted in salvation, by a subtle transition leads to death!
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When all other rights are taken away, the right of rebellion is made perfect.
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