Thoughts on Revival in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - VI - Part IV commenced

Required readingThoughts on Revival in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Commence Part IV by reading Section I.

My summary.

This week Edwards begins to discuss some of the errors that have attended the great revival of religion.

Today's error is spiritual pride.  

Edwards teaches us that pride is dangerous because:

(i) it is difficult to discern;

(ii) the temptations that many have to this sin are exceedingly great.

Edwards alerts us to the manifestations of spiritual pride, including:

(i) speaking of other people's sins;

(ii) taking great notice of opposition and injuries received;

(iii) unsuitable and self-confident boldness before God and men;

(iv) assuming respect paid;

(v) treating others with neglect.

What grabbed me

A very humbling reading.

I appreciated this description of the humble Christian: 'But the eminently humble Christian has so much to do at home, and sees so much evil in his own heart, and is so concerned about it, that he is not apt to be very busy with other hearts; he complains most of himself, and complains of his own coldness and lowness in grace. He is apt to esteem others better than himself, and is ready to hope that there is nobody but what has more love and thankfulness to God than he, and cannot bear to think that others should bring forth no more fruit to God's honour than he. Some who have spiritual pride mixed with high discoveries and great transports of joy, disposing them in an earnest manner to talk to others, are apt, in such frames, to be calling upon other Christians about them, and sharply reproving them for their being so cold and lifeless. There are others, who in their raptures are overwhelmed with a sense of their own vileness; and, when they have extraordinary discoveries of God's glory, are all taken up about their own sinfulness; and though they also are disposed to speak much and very earnestly, yet it is very much in blaming themselves, and exhorting fellow-Christians, but in a charitable and humble manner. Pure Christian humility disposes a person to take notice of every thing that is good in others, and to make the best of it, and to diminish their failings; but to gave his eye chiefly on those things that are bad in himself, and to take much notice of every thing that aggravates them.'

Next week's reading

Continue Part IV by reading Section II.

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