N04004:166
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.
And I humbly desire that it may be considered, Whether we han't Reason to fear that GOD is provoked with this Land, that no more Notice has been taken of this glorious Work of the Lord, that has been lately carried on, by the civil Authority; that there has no more been done by them, as a public Acknowledgement of GOD in this Work, and no more Improvement of their Authority to promote it, either by appointing a Day of public Thanksgiving to GOD, for so unspeakable a Mercy, or a Day of Fasting and Prayer, to humble ourselves before GOD, for our past Deadness and Unprofitableness under the Means of Grace, and to seek the Continuance and Increase of the Tokens of his Presence; or so much as to enter upon any public Consultation, what should be done to advance the present Revival of Religion, and great Reformation that is begun in the Land. Is there not Danger that such a Behaviour, at such a Time, will be interpreted by GOD, as a Denial of Christ? If but a new Governor comes into a Province, how much is there done, especially by those that are in Authority, to put Honour upon him, to arise, and appear publicly, and go forth to meet him, to address and congratulate him, and with great Expense to attend upon him, and aid him? If the Authority of the Province, on such an Occasion, should all set still, and say & do nothing, and take no Notice of the Arrival of their new Governor, would there not be Danger of its being interpreted by him, and his Prince that sent him, as a Denial of his Authority, or a refusing to receive him, and honour him as their Governor? ⟨p. 130⟩And shall the Head of the Angels, and Lord of the Universe, come down from Heaven, in so wonderful a Manner, into the Land, and shall all stand at a Distance, and be silent and unactive on such an Occasion? I would humbly recommend it to our Rulers, to consider whether GOD don't now say to them, Be wise now ye Rulers, be instructed ye Judges of New-England; Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the Way.
And I humbly desire that it may be considered, Whether we han't Reason to fear that GOD is provoked with this Land, that no more Notice has been taken of this glorious Work of the Lord, that has been lately carried on, by the civil Authority; that there has no more been done by them, as a public Acknowledgment of GOD in this Work, and no more Improvement of their Authority to promote it, either by appointing a Day of public Thanksgiving to GOD, for so unspeakable a Mercy, or a Day of Fasting and Prayer, to humble ourselves before GOD, for our past Deadness and Unprofitableness under the Means of Grace, and to seek the Continuance and Increase of the Tokens of his Presence; or so much as to enter upon any public Consultation, what should be done to advance the present Revival of Religion, and great Reformation that is begun in the Land. Is there not Danger that such a Behaviour, at such a Time, will be interpreted by GOD, as a Denial of Christ? If but a new Governour comes into a Province, how much is there done, especially by those that are in Authority, to put Honour upon him, to arise, and appear publicly, and go forth to meet him, to address and congratulate him, and with great Expence to attend upon him, and aid him? If the Authority of the Province, on such an Occasion, should all set still, and say & do nothing, and take no Notice of the Arrival of their new Governour, would there not be Danger of its being interpreted by him, and his Prince that sent him, as a Denial of his Authority, or a refusing to receive him, and honour him as their Governour?