A Treatise Concerning Religious AffectionsHow do we discern between true religion, and false? In this classic treatise on the nature of authentic faith, enormously influential American preacher and theologian JONATHAN EDWARDS (1703-1758) explores the difference between true and counterfeit religious experiences, and how deep and sincere emotion can accentuate a real connection to God. This profound 1746 text examines both the genuine signs of an instance of God's interaction with the faithful-such as the potential "beautiful symmetry and proportion" of a revelation-as well as "signs" that offer no evidence: the "appearance of love" in a possible communication with God, for instance, is not enough to cement its divinity. Passionate and contentious, this exploration of the place of emotion in religious experience continues to confound and enlighten seekers of spiritual succor centuries after it was written. |
Contents
21 | |
54 | |
79 | |
They are founded on the moral Excel | 179 |
They arise from Divine Illumination | 192 |
They beget and promote the Temper | 272 |
Religious Affections have their fruit | 308 |
2 Christian Practice is the chief Sign | 347 |
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Common terms and phrases
amiable apostle Apostle Paul appears arise Balaam beauty behaviour behold body brought called chap children of God children of Israel Christian practice conscience consists conviction degree devil divine things ephod evil excellency exer exercises of grace experiences external eyes faith false fear fruit give glorious glory God's godliness gospel gracious affections hath heart heaven high affections holy affections holy practice humble humility hypocrites ideas imagination infinite Jesus Christ John John iv judge kind light ligion lively Lord manifest manner Matt men's mercy mind moral motion nature ness perfect persons Pharisees principle profession proper evidence Psal reason rejoice religious affections revealed righteousness Satan Scripture sense sincerity sins soul speaks Spirit Spirit of God spoken sweet taste taste of honey Ten Virgins thee things of religion thou tions trial true Christian true religion true saints truth unto verse wherein words