N04004:228
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 have found Fault with, is abounding so much in singing, in religious Meetings. Objecting against such a Thing as this, seems to arise from a Suspicion already established of this Work: They doubt of the pretended extraordinary Love and Joys that attend this Work, and so find Fault with the Manifestations of them. If they thought Persons were truly the Subjects of an extraordinary Degree of divine Love, and heavenly rejoicing in GOD, I suppose they would not wonder at their having a Disposition to be much in Praise. They won't object against the Saints & Angels in Heaven singing Praises and Hallelujahs to GOD, without ceasing, Day or Night; and therefore doubtless will allow that the more the Saints on Earth are like 'em in their ⟨p. 183⟩Dispositions, the more they will he disposed to do like 'em. They will readily own that the generality of Christians have great Reason to be ashamed that they have so little Thankfulness, and are no more in praising GOD, whom they have such infinite Cause to Praise. And why therefore, should Christians be found Fault with, for showing a Disposition to be much in praising GOD, and manifesting a Delight in that heavenly Exercise? To complain of this, is to be too much like the Pharisees, who were disgusted when the Multitude of the Disciples began to rejoice, and, with loud Voices, to praise GOD, and cry Hosanna, when CHRIST was entering into Jerusalem.
Another Thing that some have found Fault with, is abounding so much in singing, in religious Meetings. Objecting against such a Thing as this, seems to arise from a Suspicion already established of this Work: They doubt of the pretended extraordinary Love and Joys that attend this Work, and so find Fault with the Manifestations of them. If they thought Persons were truly the Subjects of an extraordinary Degree of divine Love, and heavenly rejoycing in GOD, I suppose they would not wonder at their having a Disposition to be much in Praise. They won't object against the Saints & Angels in Heaven singing Praises and Hallelujahs to GOD, without ceasing, Day or Night; and therefore doubtless will allow that the more the Saints on Earth are like 'em in their ⟨p. 183⟩Dispositions, the more they will he disposed to do like 'em. They will readily own that the generality of Christians have great Reason to be ashamed that they have so little Thankfulness, and are no more in praising GOD, whom they have such infinite Cause to Praise. And why therefore, should Christians be found Fault with, for shewing a Disposition to be much in praising GOD, and manifesting a Delight in that heavenly Exercise? To complain of this, is to be too much like the Pharisees, who were disgusted when the Multitude of the Disciples began to rejoyce, and, with loud Voices, to praise GOD, and cry Hosanna, when CHRIST was entring into Jerusalem.