RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS
JONATHAN EDWARDS
PART
II. SHOWING WHAT ARE NO CERTAIN SIGNS THAT RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS ARE GRACIOUS,
OR THAT THEY ARE NOT.
IF
anyone, on the reading of what has been just now said, is ready to acquit
himself, and say, "I am not one of those who have no religious
affections; I am often greatly moved with the consideration of the great
things of religion:" let him not content himself with this, that he has
religious affections: for as we observed before, as we ought not to reject and
condemn all affections, as though true religion did not at all consist in
affection; so on the other hand, we ought not to approve of all, as though
everyone that was religiously affected had true grace, and was therein the
subject of the saving influences of the Spirit of God; and that therefore the
right way is to distinguish among religious affections, between one sort and
another. Therefore let us now endeavour to do this; and in order to do it, I
would do two things.
I.
I would mention some things, which are no signs one way or the other, either
that affections are such as true religion consists in, or that they are
otherwise; that we may be guarded against judging of affections by false
signs.
II.
I would observe some things, wherein those affections which are spiritual and
gracious, differ from those which are not so, and may be distinguished and
known.
First,
I would take notice of some things, which are no signs that affections are
gracious, or that they are not.
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