N05520:99
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.
so begetting Confidence and Joy, and a seeming Love to CHRIST, because he loves Him: By which sort of Faith and Conversion, (demonstrably vain and counterfeit) Multitudes have been deluded. The Sight of the Glory of GOD, in the Face of JESUS CHRIST, works true supreme Love to GOD: This is a Sight of the proper Foundation of supreme Love to GOD, viz. The supreme Loveliness of his Nature; and a Love to him on this Ground, is truly above any Thing that can come from a mere Principle of Self-love, which is in the Hearts of Devils, as well as Men. And this begets true spiritual and holy Joy in the Soul, which is indeed Joy in GOD, and glorying in him, and not rejoicing in ourselves.
so begetting Confidence and Joy, and a seeming Love to CHRIST, because he loves Him: By which sort of Faith and Conversion, (demonstrably vain and counterfeit) Multitudes have been deluded. The Sight of the Glory of GOD, in the Face of JESUS CHRIST, works true supreme Love to GOD: This is a Sight of the proper Foundation of supreme Love to GOD, viz. The supreme Loveliness of his Nature; and a Love to him on this Ground, is truly above any Thing that can come from a meer Principle of Self-love, which is in the Hearts of Devils, as well as Men. And this begets true spiritual and holy Joy in the Soul, which is indeed Joy in GOD, and glorying in him, and not rejoycing in ourselves.
This Sight of the Beauty of divine Things, will excite true Desires and Longings of Soul, after those Things; not like the Longings of Devils, or any such forced Desires, as those of a Man in great Danger of Death, after some bitter Medicine, that he hopes will save his Life; but natural free Desires, the Desires of Appetite; the Thirstings of a new Nature; as a new-born Babe desires the Mother's Breast; and as a hungry Man longs for some pleasant Food he thinks of; or as the thirsty Hart pants after the cool and clear Stream.