ALONE WITH GOD------

RELIGIOUS AFFECTIONS
IN THREE PARTS.
by J. EDWARDS  

Table of Contents

Introduction

Part I---Concerning the nature of the affections and their importance in religion.  (101K)

            I. What the affections of the mind are
           II. Evidence that true religion in great part consists in the affections
           III. Inferences

Part II---Showing what are no certain signs that religious affections are gracious, or that they are not. (185K)

I. That religious affections are very great, or raised very high, is no sign

II. That they have great effects on the body, is no sign

III.That they cause those who have them to be fluent, fervent, and abundant, in talking of the things of
     religion, is no sign

IV.That persons did not excite them of their own contrivance and by their own strength, is no sign

V. That they come with texts of Scripture, remarkably brought to the mind, is no sign

VI.That there is an appearance of love in them, is no sign

VII. Persons having religious affections of many kinds, accompanying one another, is no sign

VIII.That comforts and joys seem to follow awakenings and convictions of conscience, in a certain order,
       is no sign

IX. That they dispose persons to spend much time in religion, and to be zealously engaged in the external
      duties of worship, is no sign

X. That they much dispose persons with their mouths to praise and glorify God, is no sign

XI.That they make persons that have them exceeding confident that what they experience is divine, and
    that they are in a good estate, is no sign

XII. That the outward manifestations of them, and the relation persons give of them, are very affecting
     and pleasing to the godly, is no sign

Part III---Showing what are the distinguishing signs of   truly gracious and holy affections. (735K)

 I. Truly gracious affections arise from divine influences and operations on the heart

II. Their ground is the excellent nature of divine things, not self-interest

III. They are founded on the loveliness of the moral excellency of divine things.

IV. They arise from the mind's being enlightened to understand or apprehend divine things.

 V. They are attended with a conviction of the reality and certainty of divine things.

VI. They are attended with evangelical humiliation.

VII. They are attended with a change of nature.

VIII. They are attended with the lamblike, dovelike spirit and temper of Jesus Christ

IX. They are attended with a Christian tenderness of spirit.

X. They have beautiful symmetry and proportion.

XI. The higher they are raised, the more is a longing of soul after spiritual attainments increased.

XII. They have their exercise and fruit in Christian practice
       1. Christian practice and holy life is a sign of sincerity to others
       2. Christian practice is the chief evidence to ourselves, much to be preferred to the method of the first convictions, enlightenings, comforts, or any immanent discoveries or exercises of grace whatsoever.