Godliness is more easily feigned in words than in actions
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote suggests that imagination plays a crucial role in allowing negative influences to affect the soul, particularly under the burden of melancholy.
Jonathan Edwards posits that it is through the imagination that Satan is able to reach the human soul, leading individuals towards temptation and delusion. He argues that those suffering from melancholy are especially vulnerable to such influences, as their imagination can readily conjure harmful thoughts and ideas, indicating that the mind can be swayed towards negativity through external stimuli and internal struggles.
Themes
ImaginationSoulTemptationMelancholyThoughtsInfluence
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on mental health, one might reference this quote to highlight the impact of negative thought patterns.
More from Jonathan Edwards
All quotes →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.
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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.
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Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected.
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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.
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Lord, stamp eternity on my eyeballs.
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