"O that our hearts were enlarged in love to God, that we might turn inward, to the blessed comforter, that the blessed Jesus said the Father would send"

Elias Hicks, a popular Quake preacher in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, articulated thoughts that showed the Quaker focus on individual, inward spiritual experience over formalized religious practice. In the provided quote, Hicks expresses a desire for an expansion of the heart in love toward God, recommending that such an enhancement makes it possible for a much deeper, more intimate spiritual journey.

The phrase "O that our hearts were bigger in love to God" conveys a yearning for a higher capability to like and connect with the divine. In the context of Quaker beliefs, which emphasize an inner Light or direct experience of God, this bigger love isn't just a passive sensation but an active, transformative force. By broadening one's heart in love, a person becomes more efficient in perceiving and experiencing God's presence within.

The subsequent expression, "that we might turn inward, to the blessed comforter", highlights the Quaker practice of introspection and consideration. The "comforter" describes the Holy Spirit, typically called the Comforter in Christian faith. Hicks is advocating for an inward journey where people look for solace and assistance from the divine existence within themselves. This inward turn is essential for spiritual development and understanding, as it aligns with the concept that God stays within everyone, all set to use comfort and wisdom.

Lastly, Hicks referrals "the blessed Jesus said the Father would send", pointing to the Biblical guarantee of the Holy Spirit as a guide and helper. In John 14:26, Jesus speaks of the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send out in Jesus' name, to teach and remind believers of Jesus' teachings. Hicks is motivating a reliance on this magnificent presence as a source of reality and peace.

In essence, Hicks' quote resonates with the core Quaker belief in an available, personal experience of God. By expanding our love for God and turning inward, we can discover comfort, assistance, and a more extensive connection with the divine, allowing a more spiritually enriched life.