N05520:26
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.
And if those Qualities and Experiences, which the Devils are the Subjects of, have Nothing of the Nature of Holiness in them; then they can be no certain Signs, that Persons which have them, are holy or gracious. There is no certain Sign of true Grace, but those Things which are spiritual and gracious. 'Tis GOD's Image that is his Seal and Mark, the Stamp, by which those that are his, are known. But that, which has Nothing of the Nature of Holiness, has Nothing of this Image. That, which is a sure Sign of Grace, must either be something, which has the Nature and Essence of Grace; or is flowing from, or some-way belonging to its Essence: For that, which distinguishes Things one from another, is their Essence, or something appertaining to their Essence. And therefore, that which is sometimes found wholly without the Essence of Holiness or Grace, can be no essential, sure, or distinguishing Mark of Grace.
II. The Devils are not only absolutely without all true Holiness, but they are not so much as the Subjects of any common Grace.
If any should imagine, that some Things may be Signs of Grace, which are not Grace itself, or which have nothing of the Nature and Essence of Grace and Holiness in them; yet, certainly they will allow, that the Qualifications, which are sure Evidences of Grace, must be Things that are near akin to Grace, or having some remarkable Affinity with it. But the Devils are not only wholly destitute of any true Holiness; but they are at the greatest Distance from it, and have nothing in them, in any wise akin to it.