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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 things: in the mean time, singing forth, with a low voice, my contemplations of the Creator and Redeemer. And scarce any thing, among all the works of nature, was so sweet to me as thunder and lightning; formerly nothing had been so terrible to me. Before, I used to be uncommonly terrified with thunder, and to be struck with terror when I saw a thunder-storm rising; but now, on the contrary, it rejoiced me. I felt God, if I may so speak, at the first appearance of a thunderstorm; and used to take the opportunity, at such times, to fix myself in order to view the clouds, and see the lightnings play, and hear the majestic and awful voice of God's thunder, which oftentimes was exceedingly entertaining, leading me to sweet contemplations of my great and glorious God. While thus engaged, it always seemed natural for me to sing, or chant forth my meditations; or to speak my thoughts in soliloquies with a singing voice.

Jonathan Edwards#9

FaithGodAweNature

About this quote

What does it mean?
The author describes finding beauty in nature like storms after overcoming fear, seeing God's presence in natural phenomena.
In plain terms
He learned to love nature instead of fearing it by seeing God in it.
What can you take from it?
Fear of nature can turn to awe through spiritual perspective.

Where it applies

  • personal reflection
  • nature observation
  • spiritual growth

Putting it to work

  • contemplative walking
  • nature journaling
  • spiritual reflection

Questions to consider

  • How does perspective change how we see nature?
  • Can fear turn into awe?

Another view

Seeing divine presence in nature is subjective and not universally shared.

More from Jonathan Edwards

  1. 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…

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  2. 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 t…

    Permalink to quote #10
  3. Almost 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, th…

    Permalink to quote #7

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