The Jonathan Edwards Center at Yale University

Psalms 97:12, "Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous." So Psalms 33:1, "Rejoice in the Lord, O ye righteous." Matthew 5:12, "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad." Philippians 3:1, "Finally brethren, rejoice in the Lord." And ch. 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice." I Thessalonians 5:16, "Rejoice evermore." Psalms 149:2, "Let Israel rejoice in him that made him; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King." This is mentioned among the principal fruits of the spirit of grace, Galatians 5:22. "The fruit of the spirit is love, joy," etc. The Psalmist mentions his holy joy, as an evidence of his sincerity, Psalms 119:14, "I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches."

Religious sorrow, mourning, and brokenness of heart, are also frequently spoken of as a great part of true religion. These things are often mentioned as distinguishing qualities of the true saints, and a great part of their character; Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted." Psalms 34:18, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart, and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit." Isaiah 61:1–2, "The Lord hath anointed me . . . to bind up the broken-hearted, . . . to comfort all that mourn." This godly sorrow, and brokenness of heart is often spoken of, not only, as a great thing in the distinguishing character of the saints, but that in them, which is peculiarly acceptable and pleasing to God; Psalms 51:17, "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise." Isaiah 57:15, "Thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy: I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a humble and contrite spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones." Ch. 66:2, "To this man will I look, even to him that is poor, and of a contrite spirit."

Another affection often mentioned, as that in the exercise of which much of true religion appears, is gratitude; especially as exercised in thankfulness and praise to God. This being so much spoken of in the Book of Psalms and other parts of the Holy Scriptures, I need not mention particular texts.

Again, the Holy Scriptures do frequently speak of compassion or mercy, as a very great and essential thing in true religion; insomuch that good men are in Scripture denominated from hence; and a merciful man, and a good man, are equivalent terms in Scripture; Isaiah 57:1, "The righteous perisheth, and no man layeth it to heart; and merciful