N04004:217
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 as to Ministers aiming at such Effects, and striving by all Means to bring a Congregation to that Pass, that there should be such an Uproar among them; I suppose none aim at it any otherwise, than as they strive to raise the Affections of their Hearers to such an Height, as very often appears in these Effects; and if it be so, that those Affections are commonly good, and it be found by Experience that such a Degree of them commonly has a good Effect, I think they are to be justified in so doing.
Again, some Ministers have been blamed for keeping Persons together, that have been under great Affections, which have appeared in such extraordinary outward Manifestations. Many think this promotes Confusion, that Persons in such Circumstances do but discompose each others Minds, and disturb the Minds of others; and that therefore 'tis best they should be dispersed, and that when any in a Congregation are strongly seized, […]. ⟨p. 174⟩they can't forbear outward Manifestations of it, they should be removed that others Minds may not be diverted.
Again, some Ministers have been blam'd for keeping Persons together, that have been under great Affections, which have appeared in such extraordinary outward Manifestations. Many think this promotes Confusion, that Persons in such Circumstances do but discompose each others Minds, and disturb the Minds of others; and that therefore 'tis best they should be dispersed, and that when any in a Congregation are strongly seized, 〈…〉. ⟨p. 174⟩they can't forbear outward Manifestations of it, they should be removed that others Minds may not be diverted.