Sometimes it’s best simply to quote a much more expressive and gifted writer, than it is to paraphrase and butcher that writer’s eloquence. Here, then, is Jonathan Edwards in “A Narrative of Surprising Conversions,” from Jonathan Edwards on Revival:

Some, when in [the circumstances of a movement of revival by God], have felt that sense of the excellency of God’s justice, appearing in the vindictive exercises of it, against such sinfulness as theirs was; and have had such a submission of mind in their idea of this attribute, and of those exercises of it–together with an exceeding loathing of their own unworthiness, and a kind of indignation against themselves–that they have sometimes almost called it a willingness to be damned; though it must  be owned they had not clear and distinct ideas of damnation, nor does any word in the Bible require such self-denial as this.

This may sound horrible to you; can this be both a working and God and a state in which we’d desire our hearers to be? I think the answer is yes, given Edwards’ further explanation:

But the truth is, as some have more clearly expressed it, that salvation has appeared too good for them, that they were worthy of nothing but condemnation, and they could not tell how to think of salvation being bestowed upon them, fearing it was inconsistent with the glory of God’s majesty, that they had so much contemned and affronted.

This is a stunning recognition of the holiness of God and the depravity of man. Here is one more perspective on the matter:

Sometimes as the discovery of [God's justice], they can scarcely forbear crying out, IT IS JUST! IT IS JUST! Some express themselves that they see the glory of God would shine bright in their own condemnation; and they are ready to think that if they are damned, they could take part with God against themselves, and would glorify his justice therein.

The question is simple: what is of more value to you? Your salvation, or God’s glory? Can you imagine coming to the point where we would count ourselves condemned if that would most ratify and illuminate God’s glory? These are strong, difficult words. Praise be to our good God that we are not condemned, for and to His glory.