N03467:733
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.
The Work of God's Spirit seemed to be at its greatest Height in this Town, in the former part of the Spring, in March and April; at which time God's Work in the Conversion of Souls was carried on amongst us in so wonderful a manner, that so far as I, by looking back, can judge from the particular Acquaintance I have had with Souls in this Work, it appears to me probable, to have been at the Rate, at least, of four Persons in a Day, or near thirty in a Week, take one with another, for five or six Weeks together: When God in so remarkable a manner took the Work into his own Hands, there was as much done in a Day or two, as at ordinary Times, with all Endeavours that Men can use, and with such a Blessing as we commonly have, is done in a Year.
I am very sensible how apt many would be, if they should see the Account I have here given, presently to think with themselves that I am very fond of making a great many Converts, and of magnifying and aggrandi•ing the matter; and to think that, for want of Judgment, I take every religious Pang, and enthusiastic Conceit, for saving Conversion; and I don't much wonder if they should be apt to think so▪ and for this reason […] have forborne to publish an Account of this great Work of God, tho' I have often been put upon it; but having now as I thought a special Call to give an account of it, upon mature Consideration, I thought it ⟨p. 19⟩might not be beside my Duty to declare this amazing Work, as it appeared to me, to be indeed Divine, and to conceal no part of the Glory of it, leaving it with God to take care of the Credit of his own Work, and running the venture of any censorious Thoughts, which might be entertained of me to my disadvantage: But that distant Persons may be under as great Advantage as may be, to judge for themselves of this Matter, I would be a little more large, and particular.
I am very sensible how apt many would be, if they should see the Account I have here given, presently to think with themselves that I am very fond of making a great many Converts, and of magnifying and aggrandiing the matter; and to think that, for want of Judgment, I take every religious Pang, and enthusiastick Conceit, for saving Conversion; and I don't much wonder if they should be apt to think so and for this reason have forborn to publish an Account of this great Work of God, tho' I have often been put upon it; but having now as I thought a special Call to give an account of it, upon mature Consideration, I thought it