If the heart be chiefly and directly fixed on God, and the…
“If the heart be chiefly and directly fixed on God, and the soul engaged to glorify him, some degree of religious affection will be the effect and attendant of it. But to seek after affection directly and chiefly; to have the heart principally set upon that; is to place it in the room of God and his glory. If it be sought, that others may take notice of it, and admire us for our spirituality and forwardness in religion, it is then damnable pride; if for the sake of feeling the pleasure of being affected, it is then idolatry and self-gratification.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True devotion to God must be selfless, not driven by desire for praise or personal pleasure; otherwise it becomes pride or idolatry.
In simple terms: Selfless worship avoids pride and self‑gratification.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate humility in faith.
Themes
faith
humility
pride
idolatry
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
spiritual
When to use this quote
- personal prayer
- public preaching
- spiritual counseling
Key Concepts
theology
spiritual psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your devotion is genuine?
- What signs indicate worship has become self‑centered?
A Different Perspective
Pride can masquerade as devotion, making pure worship hard to discern.