Grace, 1828-Style

The current version of the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary gives the following as the first definition of grace: “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”

Merriam-Webster lists definition in historical order, else we might find a more secular definition listed first. For example, 2d: “disposition to or an act or instance of kindness, courtesy, or clemency.” Or 3c: “ease and suppleness of movement or bearing.” Perhaps even 5: “a short prayer at a meal asking a blessing or giving thanks.”

So, what about 200 years ago? (Give or take.) What did the 1828 Webster’s dictionary have to say about grace? “Favor; good will; kindness; disposition to oblige another; as a grant made as an act of grace.”

Closer to 2d, above, than any (strictly) theological usage. For that, we must venture along to definition 2:

“Appropriately, the free unmerited love and favor of God, the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.”

Ah, there it is.

Call me old-fashioned, archaic, or simply traditionalist, but there is a lot to be said for the 1828 definition. While the contemporary definition is true, it lacks love, literally. It does not name God in His glory, but instead coldly refers to “divine assistance.” And the current definition certainly doesn’t have the poetry of “the spring and source of all the benefits men receive from him.”

One other thing the 1828 definition has going for it… Webster, when he composed his dictionary, used Scripture for many of the example usages. So while Merriam-Webster quotes Kipling, John Buchan (?), and Calvin Trillin, Noah Webster quotes Paul:

“And if by grace, then it is no more of works. Rom.11.”
“My grace is sufficient for thee. 2 Cor.12.”
“Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound. Rom.5.”

(Additional references are also found for Romans 5:2, Ephesians 4:29, Ephesians 3:8, and 1 Peter 1:13.)

Simpler times, perhaps. But far more, well, graceful, don’t you think?