"Dieu se glorifie lui-même envers les créatures aussi de deux manières: 1. En apparaissant à leur compréhension. 2. En se communiquant à leurs cœurs et en leur faisant se réjouir, prendre plaisir et jouir des manifestations qu'il fait de lui-même."
— Jonathan Edwards
Simplified Meaning:
This quote is saying that there are two main ways people can experience and understand God. First, people can come to understand God by thinking about Him or learning about Him through their minds. It’s like how students learn about history by reading books; they gain knowledge through study and reflection. Second, people can feel and enjoy God’s presence in their hearts. This is a more emotional experience where people feel joy and happiness because of their relationship with God. Imagine how a musician feels when playing a beautiful song—they feel connected, uplifted, and filled with joy, which is similar to how some people feel spiritually connected to God. To apply this in everyday life, one could spend time learning and thinking deeper about their beliefs, similar to studying a subject in school. At the same time, they should also allow themselves to feel and express their emotions related to their faith, much like enjoying a favorite pastime that brings them joy. Balancing both can help a person feel more connected and fulfilled.