N05520:104
True grace, distinguished from the experience of devils; in a sermon, preached before the…
True grace, distinguished from the experience of devils; in a sermon, preached before the Synod of New-York, convened at New-Ark, in New-Jersey, on September 28. N.S. 1752. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Stockbridge in New-England. ; (Printed by the desire of the synod.) : [Four lines from II. Corinthians]
New-York: printed by James Parker, 1753
Title page typeset from the transcription.
TRUE GRACE, Distinguished from the EXPERIENCE OF DEVILS. › IMPROVEMENT.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
(2.) These gracious Exercises and Affections, differ from the other in their Tendency, to destroy Satan's Interest. 1st In the Person himself, in their Tendency, to cause the Soul to hate every Evil, and false Way, and to produce universal Holiness of Heart and Life; disposing him to make the Service of GOD, and the promoting his Glory, and the Good of Mankind, the very Business of his Life. Whereas those false Discoveries and Affections, have not this Effect. There may indeed, be great Zeal, and a great deal of what is called Religion; but it is not a truly Christian Zeal; 'tis not a being zealous of good Works: Their Religion is not the Service of GOD; 'tis not a seeking and serving GOD; but indeed, a seeking and serving themselves. Tho' there may be a Change of Life, 'tis not a Change from every wicked Way, to a uniform Christian Life and Practice; but only a turning the Stream of Corruption from one Channel to another. Thus the Apostle James distinguishes, in our Context, a true Faith, from the Faith of Devils: James ii. 19, 20. Thou believest there is one GOD. The Devils also believe and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain Man, that Faith without Works is dead? And thus the Apostle John distinguishes true Communion with GOD. 1 John, i. 6, 7. If we say that we have Fellowship with Him, and walk in Darkness, we lie, and do not the Truth. But if we walk in the Light, or he is in the Light, we have Fellowship one with another, and the Blood of CHRIST cleanseth us from all Sin. By this he distinguishes true spiritual Knowledge, Chap. ii. 3, 4. Hereby we do know, that we know Him, that we keep his Commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his Commandments, is a Liar, and the Truth is not in him. And hereby the same Apostle distinguishes true Love. Chap. iii. 18, 19. Let us not love in Word and in Tongue, but in Deed, [in Work, as the Word signifies] and in Truth. And hereby we know that we are of the Truth, and shall assure our Hearts before him.
2. Truly gracious Experiences, have a Tendency to destroy Satan's Interest in the World.