Think it not enough, that you can bear the denial of…
““Think it not enough, that you can bear the denial of sinful desires; but presently destroy the desires themselves. For if you let alone the desires, they may at last lay hold upon their prey, before you are aware: or if you should be guilty of nothing but the desires themselves, it is no small iniquity; being the corruption of the heart, and the rebellion and adultery of the principal faculty, which should be kept loyal and chaste to God. The crossness of thy will to the will of God, is the sum of all the evil and impiety of the soul; and the subjection and conformity of thy will to his, is the heart of the new creature, and of thy rectitude and sanctification.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Desires must be destroyed, not merely denied, to keep the heart pure and aligned with God.
In simple terms: Destroy desires, don’t just deny them.
Key Takeaway
Purge harmful cravings for spiritual integrity.
Themes
spirituality
self‑control
morality
religion
Mood
solemn
determined
Type
religious
ethical
When to use this quote
- prayer
- confession
- ethical decision‑making
- personal discipline
Key Concepts
theology
asceticism
willpower
Questions to Reflect On
- What desires undermine your spiritual goals?
- Is total destruction feasible?
A Different Perspective
Complete eradication may be unrealistic; moderation can be a step.