True grace, distinguished from the experience of devils; in a sermon, preached before the…

(1.) They are of a Tendency and Influence very contrary to that, which was especially the Devil's Sin, even Pride. That Pride was in a peculiar Manner the Devil's Sin, is manifest from 1 Tim. iii. 6. Not a Novice left, being lifted up with Pride, he fell into the Condemnation of the Devil. False and delusive Experiences evermore tend to this; tho' oftentimes under the Disguise of great and extraordinary Humility. Spiritual Pride, is the prevailing Temper, and general Character of Hypocrites, deluded with false Discoveries and Affections. They are in general, of a Disposition directly contrary to those two Things belonging to the Christian Temper, directed to by the Apostle; the One in Rom. xii. 16. Be not wise in your own Conceit; and the other in Philip. ii. 3. Let each esteem others better than themselves. False Experience is conceited of itself, and affected with itself. Thus he that has false Humility, is much affected to think, how he is abased before GOD: He that has false Love, is affected, when he thinks of the Greatness of his Love. The very Food and Nourishment of false Experience, is to view itself, and take much Notice of itself; and it's very Breath and Life is to talk much of itself, or some Way to be showing it self. Whereas truly gracious Views and Affections, are of a quite contrary Tendency: They nourish no Self-Conceit; no exalting Conceit of the Man's own Righteousness, Experience, or Privileges; no high Conceit of his Humiliations. They incline to no Ostentation, nor Self-Exaltation, under any Disguise whatsoever. But that Sense of the supreme, holy Beauty and Glory of GOD and CHRIST, which is the Foundation of them, and that only, mortifies Pride, and truly humbles the Soul. It not only cuts off some of the outermost Branches (causing many Branches to grow out, where but one was before) but it strikes at the very Root of Pride; it alters the very Nature ⟨p. 39⟩and Disposition of the Heart. The Light of GOD's Beauty, and that alone truly shows the Soul its own Deformity, and effectually inclines it to exalt GOD, and abase itself.

(1.) They are of a Tendency and Influence very contrary to that, which was especially the Devil's Sin, even Pride. That Pride was in a peculiar Manner the Devil's Sin, is manifest from