N04004:152
Some thoughts concerning the present revival of religion in New-England, and the way in…
Some thoughts concerning the present revival of religion in New-England, and the way in which it ought to be acknowledged and promoted, humbly offered to the public, in a treatise on that subject. : In five parts; Part I. Showing that the work that has of late been going on in this land, is a glorious work of God. Part II. Showing the obligations that all are under, to acknowledge [sic], rejoice in and promote this work, and the great danger of the contrary. 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. Part V. showing positively what ought to be done to promote this work. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the Church of Christ at Northampton. ; [Two lines from Isaiah]Some thoughts concerning the present revival of religion in New-England, and the way in which it ought to be acknowledged and promoted, humbly offered to the publick, in a treatise on that subject. : In five parts; Part I. Shewing that the work that has of late been going on in this land, is a glorious work of God. Part II. Shewing the obligations that all are under, to acknowlege [sic], rejoice in and promote this work, and the great danger of the contrary. Part III. Shewing in many instances, wherein the subjects, or zealous promoters, of this work have been injuriously blamed. Part IV. Shewing what things are to be corrected or avoided, in promoting this work, or in our behaviour under it. Part V. shewing positively what ought to be done to promote this work. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the Church of Christ at Northampton. ; [Two lines from Isaiah]
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland and T. Green, 1742
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.
It was another glorious Work of GOD that he wrought for Israel, in the Victory that was obtained by Gideon over the Midianites and Amalekites, and the Children of the East, when they came up against Israel like Grasshoppers, a Multitude that could not be numbered. This also was a remarkable Type of the Victory of CHRIST and his Church over his Enemies, by the pouring out of the SPIRIT with the preached Gospel, as is evident by the Manner of it, which Gideon was immediately directed to of GOD; which was not by human Sword or Bow, but only by blowing of Trumpets, and by Lights in earthen Vessels. We read that on this Occasion, Gideon called the People together to help in this great Affair; and that accordingly, great Numbers resorted to him, and came to the Help of the LORD, Judg. 7. 23, 24. But there were some also at that Time, that were unbelieving, and would not acknowledge the Hand of GOD in that Work, tho' it was so great and wonderful, nor would they join to promote it; and they were the Inhabitants of Succoth and Penuel: Gideon desired their Help, when he was pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna; but they despised his Pretences, and his Confidence of the LORD's being on his Side, to deliver those two great Princes into the Hands of such a despicable Company, as he and his three Hundred Men, and would not own ⟨p. 116⟩the Work of GOD, nor afford Gideon any Assistance: GOD proceeded in this Work in a Way that was exceeding cross to their Pride. And they also refused to own the Work, because they argued a Priori; they could not believe that GOD would do such great Things by such a despicable Instrument; one of such a poor, mean Family in Manasseh, and he the least in his Father's House; and the Company that was with him appeared very wretched, being but three Hundred Men, and they weak & faint: But we see how they suffered for their Folly, in not acknowledging, and appearing to promote this Work of GOD. Gideon when he returned from the Victory, took them, and taught them with the Briers and Thorns of the Wilderness, and beat down the Tower of Penuel, (he brought down their Pride, and their false Confidence,) and slew the Men of the City, Judg. Chap. 8. This in all probability Gideon did, as moved & directed by the Angel of the LORD, that is CHRIST, that first called him, and sent him forth in this Battle, and instructed & directed him, in the whole Affair.
It was another glorious Work of GOD that he wro't for Israel, in the Victory that was obtained by Gideon over the Midianites and Amalekites, and the Children of the East, when they came up against Israel like Grashoppers, a Multitude that could not be numbered. This also was a remarkable Type of the Victory of CHRIST and his Church over his Enemies, by the pouring out of the SPIRIT with the preached Gospel, as is evident by the Manner of it, which Gideon was immediately directed to of GOD; which was not by human Sword or Bow, but only by blowing of Trumpets, and by Lights in earthen Vessels. We read that on this Occasion, Gideon called the People together to help in this great Affair; and that accordingly, great Numbers resorted to him, and came to the Help of the LORD,