Abstain Quote by Jonathan Edwards
“When I am giving the relation of a thing, remember to abstain from altering either in the matter or manner of speaking, so much, as that, if every one, afterwards, should alter as much, it would at last come to be properly false.”
About This Quote
Source Sermon: The Nature of True Religion, 1745
When describing something, avoid changing its content or tone, because repeated alterations will eventually distort the truth.
In simple terms: Keep descriptions accurate and consistent.
Key Takeaway
Preserve original meaning.
Themes
accuracy
integrity
communication
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
advisory
ethical
When to use this quote
- legal testimony
- academic citation
- news reporting
- historical documentation
Key Concepts
philosophy
truth
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure fidelity when paraphrasing?
- What risks arise from subtle shifts in wording?
A Different Perspective
Minor changes can still mislead if context is ignored.
![“But it is doubtless true, and evident from [the] Scriptures, that the essence of all true religion lies in holy love; and that in this divine affection, and an habitual disposition to it, and that light which is the foundation of it, and those things which are the fruits of it, consists the whole…” quote by Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2fd/jonathan-edwards-770_affection_but-it-is-doubtless-true-and-evident-fro_82879.jpg)
