N04004:203
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.
If Sinners are in any Distress, from any Error that they embrace, or Mistake they are under, that is to be removed: For Instance, if they are in Terror, from an Apprehension that they have committed the unpardonable Sin, or that those Things have happened to 'em that are certain Signs of Reprobation, or any other Delusion, such Terrors have no Tendency to do them any Good; for these Terrors are from Temptation, and not from Conviction: But that Terror which arises from Conviction: But that Terror which arises from Conviction, or a Sight of Truth, is to be increased; for those that are most awakened, have great remaining Stupidity, they have a Sense of but little of that which is; and 'tis from remaining Blindness and Darkness, that they see no more; and that remaining Blindness is a Disease, that we ought to endeavour to remove. I am not afraid to tell Sinners, that are most sensible of their Misery, that their Case is indeed as miserable as they think it to be, and a thousand Times more so; for this is the Truth. Some may be ready to say that tho' it be the Truth; yet the Truth is not to be spoken at all Times, and seems not to be seasonable then: But it seems to me, such Truth is never more seasonable than at such a Time, when Christ is beginning to open the Eyes of Conscience. Ministers ought to act as Co-Workers with him; ⟨p. 161⟩to take that Opportunity, and to the utmost to improve that Advantage, and strike while the Iron is hot, and when the Light has begun to shine then to remove all Obstacles, and use all proper Means, that it may come in more silly, and the Work be done thoroughly then. And Experience abundantly shows, that to take this Course, is not of an hurtful Tender […], but very much the contrary: I have seen, in very many Instances, the happy Effects of a, and oftentimes a very speedy happy Issue, and never knew any ill Consequence, in Case of real Conviction, and when Distress has been only from thence.
If Sinners are in any Distress, from any Error that they embrace, or Mistake they are under, that is to be removed: For Instance, if they are in Terror, from an Apprehension that they have committed the unpardonable Sin, or that those Things have happen'd to 'em that are certain Signs of Reprobation, or any other Delusion, such Terrors have no Tendency to do them any Good; for these Terrors are from Temptation, and not from Conviction: But that Terror which arises from Conviction: But that Terror which arises from Conviction, or a Sight of Truth, is to be increased; for those that are most awakened, have great remaining Stupidity, they have a Sense of but little of that which is; and 'tis from remaining Blindness and Darkness, that they see no more; and that remaining Blindness is a Disease, that we ought to endeavour to remove. I am not afraid to tell Sinners, that are most sensible of their Misery, that their Case is indeed as miserable as they think it to be, and a thousand Times more so; for this is the Truth. Some may be ready to say that tho' it be the Truth; yet the Truth is not to be spoken at all Times, and seems not to be seasonable then: But it seems to me, such Truth is never more seasonable than at such a Time, when Christ is beginning to open the Eyes of Conscience. Ministers ought to act as Co-Workers with him;