N04004:198
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.
Another Thing that some Ministers have been greatly blamed for, and I think unjustly, is speaking Terror to them, that are already under great Terrors, instead of comforting them. Indeed, if Ministers in such a Case, go about to terrify Persons with that which is not true, or to affright 'em by representing their Case worse than it is, or in any respect otherwise than it is, they are to be condemned; but if they terrify 'em only by still holding forth more Light to them, and giving them to understand more of the Truth of their Case, they are altogether to be justified. When Sinners Consciences are greatly awakened by the Spirit of GOD, it is by Light imparted to the Conscience, enabling them to see their Case to be, in some Measure, as it is; and if more Light be let in, it will terrify 'em still more: but Ministers are not therefore to be blamed that they endeavour to hold forth more Light to the Conscience, and don't rather alleviate the Pain they are under, by intercepting and obstructing that Light ⟨p. 157⟩that shines already. To say any Thing to those who have never believed in the LORD JESUS CHRIST, to represent their Case any otherwise than exceeding terrible, is not to preach the Word of GOD to 'em; for the Word of GOD reveals nothing but Truth, but this is to delude them. Why should we be afraid to let Persons, that are in an infinitely miserable Condition, know the Truth, or bring 'em into the Light, for fear it should terrify them? 'Tis Light that must convert them, if ever they are converted. The more we bring Sinners into the Light, while they are miserable, and the Light is terrible to them, the more likely it is, that by and by, the Light will be joyful to them. The Ease, Peace & Comfort, that natural Men enjoy, have their Foundation in Darkness and Blindness; therefore as that Darkness vanishes, and Light comes in, their Peace vanishes, and they are terrified: but that is no good Argument, why we should endeavour to hold their Darkness, that we may be hold their Comfort. The Truth is, that as long as Men, reject CHRIST, and don't savingly believe in him, however they may be awakened, and however strict, and conscientious, and laborious they may be in Religion, they have the Wrath of GOD abiding on them, they are his Enemies, and the Children of the Devil so (as the Scripture calls all that ben't savingly converted, Mat. 13. 38. 1 Joh. 3. 10.)