This section may be the clearest and best of the book so far. When a Christian man is brought to a test, as was Abraham, and he passes that test, then floods into the heart the assurance that he truly is a child of God. All doubt evaporates.

Not sure if you are saved? Look at your actions. It will become obvious. John put it this way: "Hereby we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments."

Edwards realizes that he may be leaving the wrong impression about the "talking" side of religion. He in no way is against people talking about their faith, but insists that the true child of God has a walk that matches his talk.

Let the theologians debate about what is the true initial sign of salvation. The true ultimate sign is, "By their fruit you shall know them." If you are only talking about Jesus, and not doing for Him, you are most likely not a saved person.

For most men, an act of kindness produces the response of gratitude and love. God's kindness to us by freely saving us by His grace, does the same thing.

If God freely justifies a man, will that man therefore sin more, or does free grace break his heart?

His story is so moving that you are in tears. You just know Heaven has come down to this dear new brother. And then... Jonathan Edwards offers this final bit of discernment about professing Christians.

You know them. Always reading their Bible, praying, in church. Busy, busy. Some are truly God's choicest saints. But not all, says Jonathan Edwards. These messages help us sharpen our discernment.

Though there seems to be a pattern with true conversions, namely horror followed by joy, can anyone know exactly how God will work in an individual? So the precise outward workings in an individual case of conversion are not proof, alone, for or against one being saved.

Did you have a horrible terrified experience with God when you first knew of His glory and your lack of it? Then were you calmed by His Spirit and made to laugh for joy? Edwards says this is quite probably a good thing, but... the enemy knows how to terrify also...