N04004:283
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.
Some have been bold in some Things that have really been Errors; and have gloried in their Boldness in practising them, tho' cried out of as odd and irregular. And those that have gone the greatest Lengths in these Things, have been by some most highly esteemed, as those that come out, and appear bold for the Lord Jesus Christ, and fully on his Side; and others that have professed to be godly, that have condemned such Things, have been spoken of as Enemies of the Cross of CHRIST, or at least very cold and dead; and many that of themselves, were not inclined to such Practices, have by this Means been driven on, being ashamed to be behind, and accounted poor Soldiers for CHRIST.
Some have been bold in some Things that have really been Errors; and have gloried in their Boldness in practising them, tho' cried out of as odd and irregular. And those that have gone the greatest Lengths in these Things, have been by some most highly esteemed, as those that come out, and appear bold for the Lord Jesus Christ, and fully on his Side; and others that have profess'd to be godly, that have condemned such Things, have been spoken of as Enemies of the Cross of CHRIST, or at least very cold and dead; and many that of themselves, were not inclined to such Practices, have by this Means been driven on, being asham'd to be behind, and accounted poor Soldiers for CHRIST.
Another Effect of spiritual Pride is Assuming: It oftentimes makes it natural to Persons so to act and speak, as tho' it in a special Manner belonged to them to be taken Notice of and much regarded. It is very natural to a Person that is much under the Influence of spiritual Pride, to take all that Respect that is paid him: If others show a Disposition to submit to him, and yield him the Deference of a Preceptor, he is open to it, and freely admits it; yea, 'tis natural for him ⟨p. 219⟩to expect such Treatment, and to take much Notice of it if he fails of it, and to have an ill Opinion of others that don't pay him that which he looks upon as his Prerogative: He is apt to think that it belongs to him to speak, and to clothe himself with a judicial and dogmatical Air in Conversation, and to take it upon him as what belongs to him, to give forth his Sentence, and to determine and decide: Whereas pure Christian Humility vaunteth not it self, doth not behave it self unseemly, and is apt to prefer others in Honour. One under the Influence of spiritual Pride is more apt to instruct others, than to enquire for himself, and naturally puts on the Airs of a Master: Whereas one that is full of pure Humility, naturally has on the Air of a Disciple; his Voice is, What shall I do? What shall I do that I may live more to GOD's Honour? What shall I do with this wicked Heart? He is ready to receive Instruction from my Body, agreeable to