Jonathan Edwards's The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God is one of the great classics of revival literature. In it Edwards examines the true and false signs of a revival based on the exhortations found in 1 John 4. Now a complete version of his work is made more accessible through the modernization of the text and addition of explanatory footnotes from editor Archie Parrish. A historical introduction by R.C. Sproul, as well as William Cooper's original Preface, is also included. This work provides more than just insight into the Great Awakening of Edwards's day. It is a guide for all revivals in all times.

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A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God Preface Sect. I. A general introductory statement. Sect. II. The manner of conversion various, yet bearing a great analogy. Sect. III. This work further illustrated in particular instances. The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God Mr. Cooper’s Preface to the Reader Sect. I. Negative Signs; or, What are no signs by which we are to judge of a work and especially, What are no evidences that a work is not from the Spirit of God. Sect. II. What are distinguishing scripture evidences of a work of the Spirit of God. Sect. III. Practical inferences. Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion in New England The Preface Part I. Showing the Extraordinary Work Which Has Oflate Been Going on in This Land, Is a Glorious Work of God Sect. I. We should not judge of this work by the supposed causes, but by the effects. Sect. II. We should judge by the rule of Scripture. Sect. III. We should distinguish the good from the bad, and not judge of the whole by a part. Sect. IV. The nature of the work in general. Sect. V. The nature of the work in a particular instance. Sect. VI. This work is very glorious. Part II. Showing the Obligations That All Are Under to Acknowledge, Rejoice in, and Promote This Work; And the Great Danger of the Contrary. Sect. I. The danger of lying still, and keeping long silence, respecting any remarkable work of God. Sect. II. The latter-day glory, is probably to begin in America. Sect. III. The danger of not acknowledging and encouraging, and especially of deriding, this work. Sect. IV. The obligations of rulers, ministers, and all sorts to promote this work. Part III. Showing, in Many Instances, Wherein the Subjects, or Zealous Promoters, of This Work Have Been Injuriously Blamed. Part IV. Showing What Things Are to Be Corrected or Avoided, in Promoting This Work, or in Our Behaviour Under It. Sect. I. One cause of errors attending a great revival of religion, is undiscerned spiritual pride. Sect. II. Another cause of errors in conduct attending a religious revival, is the adoption of wrong principles. Sect. III. A third cause of errors in conduct, is, being ignorant or unobservant of some things, by which the devil has special advantage. Sect. IV. Some particular errors that have risen from several of the preceding causes—Censuring others. Sect. V. Of errors connected with lay-exhorting. Sect. VI. Of errors connected with singing praises to God. Part V. Showing Positively, What Ought to Be Done to Promote This Work. Sect. I. We should endeavour to remove stumbling-blocks. Sect. II. What must be done more directly to advance this work. Sect. III. Of some particulars that concern all in general.

A key figure during the Great Awakening, Jonathan Edwards wrote this important discourse, The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, in 1741, just after the revival had reached its peak. In his thorough exploration of the true and false signs of revival, drawn from 1 John 4, Edwards concludes that while a movement may be accompanied by excesses and questionable actions, these signs do not necessarily disqualify it as authentic. In a refreshing way Edwards embraces a genuine enthusiasm in these manifestations while stressing the need for biblical discernment. His critique is kind and gentle as he points to the true marks of revival: love and humility. In The Spirit of Revival, Parrish makes Edwards's entire work more accessible by modernizing the text and adding explanatory notes. R. C. Sproul's extended introduction compares the great theologian's time to our own, and the preface by Edwards's contemporary William Cooper rings resoundingly to the people of God today. Edwards's message provides more than just insight into the Great Awakening. It is a map to follow for all revivals in all times.