Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God in Vol II of the Works - Edwards - IV - Section III

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 Section III.

My summary

This weeks Edwards gives us some practical inferences:

I. That the extraordinary influence that has lately appeared, causing an uncommon concern and engagedness of mind about the things of religion, is undoubtedly, in the general, from the Spirit of God

II. Let us all be hence warned, by no means to oppose, or do any thing in the least to clog or hinder, the work; but, on the contrary, do our utmost to promote it.

III. To apply myself to those who are the friends of this work, who have been partakers of it, and are zealous to promote it. Let me earnestly exhort such to give diligent heed to themselves to avoid all errors and misconduct, and whatever may darken and obscure the work; and to give no occasion to those who stand ready to reproach it.

What grabbed me

I really appreciated Edwards' honesty: 'I am less charitable, and less uncharitable than once I was. I find more things in wicked men that may counterfeit, and make a fair show of, piety; and more ways that the remaining corruption of the godly may make them appear like carnal men, formalists, and dead hypocrites, than once I knew of. The longer I live, the less I wonder that God challenges it as his prerogative to try the hearts of the children of men, and directs that this business should be let alone till harvest. I desire to adore the wisdom of God, and his goodness to me and my fellow-creatures, that he has not committed this great business into the hands of such a poor, weak, and dim-sighted creature—one of so much blindness, pride, partiality, prejudice, and deceitfulness of heart—but has committed it into the hands of one infinitely fitter for it, and has made it his prerogative.'

It is good to admit our prejudices, and the way the Lord has challenged them.

Next week's reading

Read Part I of 'A Call to United Extraordinary Prayer' in Vol 2 of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here).

Now it's your turn

Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.