Skip to content
quotesby

The soul of a true christian, as I then wrote my meditations, appeared like such a little white flower as we see in the spring of the year; low and humble on the ground, opening its bosom to receive the pleasant beams of the sun's glory; rejoicing, as it were, in a calm rapture; diffusing around a sweet fragrancy; standing peacefully and lovingly, in the midst of other flowers round about; all in like manner opening their bosoms to drink in the light of the sun.

Jonathan Edwards#10

FaithSpiritualityGraceGrowthHumility

About this quote

What does it mean?
Edwards describes a sincere believer as humble and receptive to divine grace like a flower to sunlight.
In plain terms
A true believer is humble and open to grace.
What can you take from it?
Stay humble to receive growth and help.

Where it applies

  • meditation
  • spiritual growth
  • prayer

Putting it to work

  • practice humility
  • cultivate openness

Questions to consider

  • What makes you feel humble?
  • How do you receive guidance?

Another view

The metaphor relies on religious imagery that may not resonate universally.

More from Jonathan Edwards

  1. I often used to sit and view the moon for a long time; and in the day spent much time in viewing the clouds and sky, to behold the sweet glory of God in these …

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. The wrath of God burns against them, their damnation does not slumber; the pit is prepared, the fire is made ready, the furnace is now hot, ready to receive th…

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. A little, wretched, despicable creature; a worm, a mere nothing, and less than nothing; a vile insect that has risen up in contempt against the majesty of Heav…

    Permalink to quote #8

Related quotes

  1. My soul has grown over the years, and some of my views have changed. As long as I am alive, I will continue to try to understand more because the work of the h…

    Muhammad AliMuhammad Ali quote #26
  2. Regeneration is the fountain; sanctification is the river (in deeper or shallower degree). 'Entire sanctification' is the river in fullest flow.

    J. Sidlow BaxterJ. Sidlow Baxter quote #1
  3. He is your friend who pushes you nearer to God.

    Abraham KuyperAbraham Kuyper quote #1