N04004:40
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.
was but an Image or Shadow ⟨p. 17⟩of that spiritual Glory and Majesty of CHRIST, which will be manifested in the Souls of the Saints in another World, and which is sometimes, in some Degree, manifested to the Soul in this World, by the Influences of the Spirit of GOD. And if the beholding the Image, and external Representation of this spiritual Majesty and Glory, did so overpower human Nature, is it unreasonable to suppose that a Sight of the spiritual Glory it self, which is the Substance, of which that was but the Shadow, should have as powerful an Effect? The Prophet Habakkuk, speaking of the awful Manifestations GOD made of his Majesty and Wrath, at the Red Sea, and in the Wilderness, and at Mount Sinai, where he gave the Law; and of the merciful Influence, and strong Impression GOD caused it to have upon him, to the End that he might be saved from that Wrath, and rest in the Day of Trouble; says, Hab. 3. 16. When I heard my Belly trembled, my Lips quivered at the Voice, Rottenness entered into my Bones, I trembled in my self, that I might rest in the Day of Trouble. Which is much such an Effect as the Discovery of the same Majesty and Wrath, in the same awful Voice from Mount Sinai, has had upon many in these Days; and to the same Purposes, viz. to give 'em Rest in the Day of Trouble, and save 'em from that Wrath. The Psalmist also speaks of very much such an Effect as I have often seen on Persons under religious Affections of late, Psal. 119. 131. I opened my Mouth and panted, for I longed for thy Commandments.
GOD is pleased sometimes in dealing forth spiritual Blessings to his People, in some Respect to exceed the Capacity of the Vessel, in its present Scantiness, so that he don't only fill it full, but he makes their Cup to run over; agreeable to Psal. 23. 5. And pours out a Blessing, sometimes, in such a Manner and Measure that there is not Room enough to receive it,