Religious Affections in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - XI - Part 3 continued

Required readingReligious affections in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Part 3 by reading Section 7 and 8.

My summary.

This week Edwards presents another three characteristics of gracious affections.

Gracious affections:

(i) soften the heart and are attended with a Christian tenderness of spirit;

(ii) have beautiful symmetry and proportion;

(iii) increase spiritual appetite and longing of soul after spiritual attainments.

What grabbed me

I appreciated the point about the symmetry of religious affections. For instance: 'And as there is a strange unevenness and disproportion in false affections, at different times; so there often is in different places. Some are greatly affected when in company; but have nothing that bears any manner of proportion to it in secret, in close meditation, prayer and conversing with God when alone, and separated from all the world. A true Christian doubtless delights in religious fellowship and christian conversation, and finds much to affect his heart in it; but he also delights at times to retire from all mankind, to converse with God in solitude. And this also has its peculiar advantages for fixing his heart, and engaging his affections. True religion disposes persons to be much alone in solitary places, for holy meditation and prayer. So it wrought in Isaac, Gen. xxiv. 63. And which is much more, so it wrought in Jesus Christ. How often do we read of his retiring into mountains and solitary places, for holy converse with his Father! It is difficult to conceal great affections, but yet gracious affections are of a much more silent and secret nature, than those that are counterfeit.'

For the Christian, there is a time for everything.

Next week's reading

Continue Part 3 by reading Section 12.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.