Required reading
The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read the Preface.
My summary
Today we begin a new work on the distinguishing marks of a work of the Spirit of God by reading the preface from Mr Cooper.
After outlining briefly the works of grace in the past, he begins to speak of the work of grace under Edwards. We hear about:
(i) its preachers;
(ii) its extent;
(iii) its recipients;
(iv) its uniformity;
(v) its fruits;
(vi) the opposition to it.
What grabbed me
I enjoyed the description of the preachers: 'The doctrine they insist on, are the doctrine of the reformation, under the influence whereof the power of godliness so flourished in the last century. The points on which their preaching mainly turns, are those important ones of man’s guilt, corruption, and impotence; supernatural regeneration by the Spirit of God, and free justification by faith in the righteousness of Christ; and the marks of the new birth.—The manner of their preaching is not with the enticing words of man’s wisdom; howbeit, they speak wisdom among them that are perfect. An ardent love to Christ and souls, warms their breasts, and animates their labours. God has made those his ministers active spirits, a flame of fire in his service; and his word in their mouths has been “as a fire, and as a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces.” In most places where they have laboured, God has evidently wrought with them, and “confirmed the word by signs following.” Such a power and presence of God in religious assemblies, has not been known since God set up his sanctuary amongst us. He has indeed “glorified the house of his glory.”'
May the Lord raise up such preachers again!
Next week's reading
Read Section I.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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