N04004:244
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.
'Tis a Mistake, I have observed in some, by which they have been greatly exposed, to their Wounding, that they think they are in no Danger of going astray, or being misled by the Devil, because they are near to GOD; and so have no jealous Eye upon themselves, and neglect Vigilance and Circumspection, as needless in their Case. They say, they don't think that GOD will leave them to dishonour him, and wound Religion, as long as they keep near to him: And I believe so too, as long as they keep near to GOD in that Respect, that they maintain an universal & diligent Watch, and Care to do their Duty, and avoid Sin and Snares, with Diffidence in themselves, and humble Dependence and Prayerfulness: but not merely because they are near to GOD, in that Respect, that they now are receiving blessed Communications from GOD, in refreshing Views of him; if at the same Time they let down their Watch, and are not jealous over their own Hearts, by Reason of it's remaining Blindness and Corruption, and a subtle Adversary. 'Tis a grand Error, for Persons to think they are out of Danger of the Devil, and a corrupt, deceitful Heart, even in their highest Flights, and most raised Frames of spiritual Joy. For Persons in such a Confidence, to cease to be jealous of themselves, and to neglect Watchfulness and Care, is a Presumption by which I have ⟨p. 194⟩known many woefully ensnared. However highly we may be favoured with divine Discoveries and Comforts, yet as long as we are in the World, we are in the Enemies Country; and therefore that Direction of CHRIST to his Disciples is never out of Date in this World, Luke 21. 36. Watch and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these Things, and to stand before the Son of Man. It was not out of Date with the Disciples, to whom it was given, after they came to be filled so full of the Holy Ghost and out of their Bellies flowed Rivers of living Water, by that great Effusion of the Spirit upon them, that began on the Day of Pentecost. And tho' GOD stands ready to protect his People, especially those that are near to him, yet he expects great Care and Labour of all; and that we should put on the whole Armour of GOD, that we may stand in the evil Day: and whatever spiritual Privileges we are raised to, we have no Warrant to expect Protection in any other Way;
'Tis a Mistake, I have observed in some, by which they have been greatly exposed, to their Wounding, that they think they are in no Danger of going astray, or being misled by the Devil, because they are near to GOD; and so have no jealous Eye upon themselves, and neglect Vigilance and Circumspection, as needless in their Case. They say, they don't think that GOD will leave them to dishonour him, and wound Religion, as long as they keep near to him: And I believe so too, as long as they keep near to GOD in that Respect, that they maintain an universal & diligent Watch, and Care to do their Duty, and avoid Sin and Snares, with Diffidence in themselves, and humble Dependence and Prayerfulness: but not meerly because they are near to GOD, in that Respect, that they now are receiving blessed Communications from GOD, in refreshing Views of him; if at the same Time they let down their Watch, and are not jealous over their own Hearts, by Reason of it's remaining Blindness and Corruption, and a subtil Adversary. 'Tis a grand Error, for Persons to think they are out of Danger of the Devil, and a corrupt, deceitful Heart, even in their highest Flights, and most raised Frames of spiritual Joy. For Persons in such a Confidence, to cease to be jealous of themselves, and to neglect Watchfulness and Care, is a Presumption by which I have