N03467:332
Discourses on various important subjects, nearly concerning the great affair of the soul's eternal…
Discourses on various important subjects, nearly concerning the great affair of the soul's eternal salvation, viz. I. Justification by faith alone. II. Pressing into the Kingdom of God. III. Ruth's resolution. IV. The justice of God in the damnation of sinners. V. The excellency of Jesus Christ. : Delivered at Northampton, chiefly at the time of the late wonderful pouring out of the spirit of God there. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the Church of Christ in Northampton. ; [Three lines from Deuteronomy]
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland and T. Green, 1738
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4th Direction. Improve the present Season of the pouring out of the Spirit of God on this Town. Prudence in any Affair whatsoever consists very much in •inding and improving our Opportunities. If you would have spiritual Prosperity, you must exercise Prudence •n the Concerns of your Souls, as well as in outward Concerns, when you seek outward Prosperity. The ⟨p. 154⟩prudent Husbandman will observe his Opportunities; he will improve Seed-time and Harvest; he will make his Advantage of the Showers and Shines of Heaven. The prudent Merchant will discern his Opportunities; he won't be idle in a Market Day; he is careful not to let slip his Seasons for enriching himself: So will those that prudently seek the Fruits of Righteousness, and the Merchandise of Wisdom, improve their Opportunities for their eternal Wealth and Happiness.
4th Direction. Improve the present Season of the pouring out of the Spirit of God on this Town. Prudence in any Affair whatsoever consists very much in •inding and improving our Opportunities. If you would have spiritual Prosperity, you must exercise Prudence •n the Concerns of your Souls, as well as in outward Concerns, when you seek outward Prosperity. The ⟨p. 154⟩prudent H•sbandman will observe his Opportunities; he will improve Seed-time and Harvest; he will make his Advantage of the Showers and Shines of Heaven. The prudent Merchant will discern his Opportunities; he won't be idle in a Market Day; he is careful not to let slip his Seasons for inriching himself: So will those that prudently seek the Fruits of Righteousness, and the Merchandize of Wisdom, improve their Opportunities for their eternal Wealth and Happiness.
God is pleased at this Time, in a very remarkable Manner, to be pouring out his Spirit amongst us; (Glory be to his Name therefore!) You that have a Mind to obtain converting Grace, and to go to Heaven when you die, now is your Season! Now, if you have any Sort of Prudence for your own Salvation, and have not a Mind to go to Hell, improve this Time! Now is the accepted Time! Now is the Day of Salvation! You that in Time past have been called upon, and have turned a deaf Ear to God's Voice, and long stood out and resisted his Commands and Counsels, hear God's Voice to Day, while it is called to Day! Don't harden your Hearts at such a Day as this is! Now you have a special and remarkable price put into your Hands to get Wisdom, if you have but a Heart to improve it.