N04004:433
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.
And that which I think we ought to set our selves about in the first Place, is to remove Stumbling-blocks. When GOD is revealed, as about to come, gloriously to set up his Kingdom in the World, this is proclaimed, Prepare ye the Way of ⟨p. 328⟩the Lord, make strait in the Desert an high Way for our God, Isai. 40. 3. And again, Isai. 57. 14. Cast ye up, Cast ye up; prepare the Way; take up the Stumbling-block out of the Way of my People. And Chap. 62. 10. Go through, go through the Gates; prepare you the Way of the People; Cast up, Cast up the High-way; gather out the Stones.
And in order to this, there must be a great deal done at confessing of Faults, on both Sides: For undoubtedly many and great are the Faults that have been committed, in the Jangling and Confusions, and Mixtures of Light and Darkness, that have been of late. There is hardly any Duty more contrary to our corrupt Dispositions, and mortifying to the Pride of Man; but it must be done. Repentance of Faults is, in a peculiar Manner, a proper Duty, when the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand, or when we especially expect or desire that it should come; as appears by John the Baptist's Preaching. And if GOD does now loudly call upon us to repent, then he also calls upon us to make proper Manifestations of our Repentance. I am persuaded that those that have openly opposed this Work, or have from Time to Time spoken lightly of it, cannot be excused in the Sight of GOD, without openly confessing their Fault therein; especially if they be Ministers. If they have any Way, either directly or indirectly, opposed the Work, or have so behaved, in their public Performances or private Conversation, as has prejudiced the Minds of their People against the Work, if hereafter they shall be convinced of the Goodness and Divinity of what they have opposed, they ought ⟨p. 329⟩by no Means to palliate the Matter, and excuse themselves, and pretend that they always thought so, and that it was only such & such Imprudences that they objected against, but they ought openly to declare their Conviction, and condemn themselves for what they have done; for 'tis CHRIST that they have spoken against, in speaking lightly of, and prejudicing others against this Work; yea, worse than that, 'tis the Holy Ghost. And tho' they have done it ignorantly, and in Unbelief, yet when they find out who it is that they have opposed, undoubtedly GOD will hold them bound publicly to confess it.