--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: It is experience of ourselves, and…" description: "\"“It is experience of ourselves, and finding what we are, that God commonly makes use of as the means of bringing us off from all dependence on ourselve..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b22/jonathan-edwards-770_freedom_it-is-experience-of-ourselves-and-findin_3208458.jpg" --- # It is experience of ourselves, and finding what we are… ![“It is experience of ourselves, and finding what we are, that God commonly makes use of as the means of bringing us off from all dependence on ourselves. But men never get acquaintance with themselves so fast, as in the most earnest way of seeking [salvation]. They that are in this way have more to…” quote by Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b22/jonathan-edwards-770_freedom_it-is-experience-of-ourselves-and-findin_3208458.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b22/jonathan-edwards-770_freedom_it-is-experience-of-ourselves-and-findin_3208458.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b22/jonathan-edwards-770_freedom_it-is-experience-of-ourselves-and-findin_3208458.jpg) > ““It is experience of ourselves, and finding what we are, that God commonly makes use of as the means of bringing us off from all dependence on ourselves. But men never get acquaintance with themselves so fast, as in the most earnest way of seeking \[salvation\]. They that are in this way have more to engage them to think of their sins, and strictly to observe themselves, and have much more to do with their own hearts, than others. Such a one has much more experience of his own weakness, than another that does not put forth and try his strength; and will therefore sooner see himself dead in sin. Such a one, though he hath a disposition continually to be flying to his own righteousness, yet finds rest in nothing; he wanders about from one thing to another, seeking something to ease his disquieted conscience; he is driven from one refuge to another, goes from mountain to hill, seeking rest and finding none; and therefore will the sooner prove that there is no rest to be found, nor trust to be put, in any creature whatsoever. "It is therefore quite a wrong notion that some entertain, that the more they do, the more they shall depend on it. Whereas the reverse is true; the more they do, or the more thorough they are in seeking, the less will they be likely to rest in their doings, and the sooner will they see the vanity of all that they do. \[from "Pressing into the Kingdom of God"\]”” [Jonathan Edwards](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jonathan-edwards/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Understanding oneself deeply reveals dependence on God, not on personal effort, leading to true spiritual rest. **In simple terms:** Self‑knowledge shows we need God, not our own works. Key Takeaway Seek humility and reliance on God. Themes spirituality humility self‑knowledge Mood reflective serene Type theological inspirational When to use this quote - personal prayer - confession - spiritual direction - quiet contemplation Key Concepts theology self‑reflection Questions to Reflect On - How does self‑knowledge change your view of effort? - What does true rest look like for you? 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Such a one has much more experience of his own weakness, than another that does not put forth and try his strength; and will therefore sooner see himself dead in sin. Such a one, though he hath a disposition continually to be flying to his own righteousness, yet finds rest in nothing; he wanders about from one thing to another, seeking something to ease his disquieted conscience; he is driven from one refuge to another, goes from mountain to hill, seeking rest and finding none; and therefore will the sooner prove that there is no rest to be found, nor trust to be put, in any creature whatsoever. \"It is therefore quite a wrong notion that some entertain, that the more they do, the more they shall depend on it. Whereas the reverse is true; the more they do, or the more thorough they are in seeking, the less will they be likely to rest in their doings, and the sooner will they see the vanity of all that they do. 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