N05520:110
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.
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.
This Qualification must render the Person that has it, excellent and happy indeed; and doubtless, is the highest Dignity, and Blessedness of any Creature. This is the peculiar Gift of GOD, which he bestows only on his special Favourites. As to Silver, Gold, and Diamonds, earthly Crowns and Kingdoms, He often throws 'em out to those that he esteems as Dogs and Swine; but this is the peculiar Blessing of his dear Children: This is what Flesh and Blood can't impart, and what all the Devils in Hell, can't work the least Degree of in any Heart; 'tis GOD alone can bestow it. This was the special Benefit, which CHRIST died to procure for his Elect, the most excellent Token of his everlasting Love; the chief Fruit of his great Labours, and the most precious Purchase of his Blood.
By this, above all other Things, do Men glorify GOD. By this, above all other Things, do the Saints shine as Lights in the World, and are Blessings to Mankind. And this, above all Things, tends to their own Comfort; from hence arises that Peace with passeth all Understanding, and ⟨p. 42⟩that Joy, which is unspeakable, and full of Glory. And this is that which will most certainly issue in the eternal Salvation of those that have it: 'Tis impossible, that the Soul, wherein it is, should sink and perish: 'Tis an immortal Seed; 'tis eternal Life begun; and therefore, they that have it, can never die. 'Tis the Dawning of the Light of Glory. 'Tis the Day-Star risen in the Heart, that is a sure Fore-runner of that Suns rising, which will bring on an everlasting Day. This is that Water, which CHRIST gives, which is in him that drink's it, a Well of Water, springing up into everlasting Life: John iv. 14. 'Tis something from Heaven, is of a heavenly Nature, and tends to Heaven. And those that have it, however they may now Wander in a Wilderness, or be tossed to and fro, on a tempestuous Ocean, shall certainly arrive in Heaven at last, where this heavenly Spark shall be increased, and perfected, and the Souls of the Saints, all be transformed into a bright and pure Flame, and they shall shine forth as the Sun, in the Kingdom of their Father.