N04004:39
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.
But, say some, The Operations of the Spirit of GOD are of a benign Nature; nothing is of a more kind Influence on human Nature than the merciful Breathings of GOD's own Spirit. But it has been a Thing generally supposed and allowed in the Church of GOD, till now, that there is such a Thing as being sick of Love to CHRIST, or having the bodily Strength weakened by strong and vigorous Exercises of Love to him. And however kind to human Nature the Influences of the Spirit of GOD are, yet no Body doubts but that divine and eternal Things, as they may be discovered, would overpower the Nature of Man in its present weak State; and that therefore the Body in its present Weakness, is not fitted for the Views and Pleasures and Employments of Heaven: and that if GOD did discover ⟨p. 16⟩but a little of that which is seen by the Saints and Angels in Heaven, our frail Natures would sink under it. Indeed I know not what Persons may deny now, to defend themselves in a Cause they have had their Spirits long engaged in; but I know these Things don't use to be denied, or doubted of.—Let us rationally consider what we profess to believe of the infinite Greatness of the Things of GOD, the divine Wrath, the divine Glory, and the divine infinite Love and Grace in JESUS CHRIST, and the Vastness and infinite Importance of the Things of Eternity; and how reasonable is it to suppose that if it pleases GOD a little to withdraw the Veil, and let in Light into the Soul, and give something of a View of the great Things of another World in their transcendent and infinite Greatness, That human Nature, that is as the Grass, a shaking Leaf, a weak withering Flower, should totter under such a Discovery? Such a Bubble is too weak to bear the Weight of a View of Things that are so vast. Alas! What is such Dust and Ashes, that it should support it self under the View of the awful Wrath or infinite Glory and Love of JEHOVAH! No Wonder therefore that it is said, No Man can see me and live, and Flesh and Blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of GOD. That external Glory & Majesty of CHRIST which Daniel saw, when there remained no Strength in him, and his Comeliness was turned in him into Corruption, Dan. 10. 6, 7, 8. And which the Apostle John saw, when he fell at his Feet as dead;
But, say some, The Operations of the Spirit of GOD are of a benign Nature; nothing is of a more kind Influence on human Nature than the merciful Breathings of GOD's own Spirit. But it has been a Thing generally supposed and allowed in the Church of GOD, till now, that there is such a Thing as being sick of Love to CHRIST, or having the bodily Strength weak'ned by strong and vigorous Exercises of Love to him. And however kind to human Nature the Influences of the Spirit of GOD are, yet no Body doubts but that divine and eternal Things, as they may be discovered, would overpower the Nature of Man in its present weak State; and that therefore the Body in its present Weakness, is not fitted for the Views and Pleasures and Employments of Heaven: and that if GOD did discover