The surest way to know our gold, is to look upon it and examine it in God's furnace, where he tries it that we may see what it is. If we have a mind to know whether a building stands strong or not, we must look upon it when the wind blows. If we would know whether a staff be strong, or a rotten, broken reed, we must observe it when it is leaned on and weight is borne upon it. If we would weigh ourselves justly we must weigh ourselves in God's scales that he makes use of to weigh us.
Jonathan EdwardsThe view of the misery of the damned will double the ardour of the love and gratitude of the saints of heaven.
Jonathan EdwardsTemples have their images; and we see what influence they have always had over a great part of mankind. But, in truth, the ideas and images in men's minds are the invisible powers that constantly govern them; and to these they all pay universally a ready submission.
Jonathan EdwardsResolved, that I will do whatsoever I think to be most to Godโs glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration, without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriadโs of ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my duty and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever.
Jonathan EdwardsResolved, never henceforward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's.
Jonathan EdwardsAlmost all men, and those that seem to be very miserable, love life, because they cannot bear to lose sight of such a beautiful and lovely world. The ideas, that every moment whilst we live have a beauty that we take not distinct notice of, brings a pleasure that, when we come to the trial, we had rather live in much pain and misery than lose.
Jonathan Edwards