N04004:79
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 'tis very analogous to the Manner of GOD dealing with his People, to permit a great deal of Error, and suffer the Infirmity of his People much to appear, in the beginning of a glorious Work of his Grace for their Felicity, to teach them what they be, to humble them, and fit them for that glorious Prosperity he is about to advance them to, and the more to secure to himself the Honour of such a glorious Work: For by Man's exceeding Weakness appearing in the beginning of it, 'tis evident that GOD don't lay the Foundation of it in Man's Strength or Wisdom.
And as we need not wonder at the Errors that attend this Work, if we look at the Hand of Men that are guilty of them, and the Hand of GOD in permitting them, so neither shall we see Cause to wonder at them, if we consider them with Regard to the Hand that Satan has in them. ⟨p. 51⟩For as the Work is much greater than any other Out-pouring of the Spirit that ever has been in New-England, so no Wonder that the Devil is more alarmed and enraged, and exerts himself more vigorously against it, and does more powerfully endeavour to tempt and mislead those that are the Subjects of it, or are its Promoters.
Whatever Imprudences there have been, and whatever sinful Irregularities; whatever Vehemence of the Passions, and Heats of the Imaginations, Transports and Extacies; and whatever Error in Judgment, and indiscreet Zeal; and whatever Out-cries, and Faintings, and Agitations of Body; yet it is manifest and notorious, that there has been of late a very uncommon Influence upon the Minds of a very great Part of the Inhabitants of New-England, from one End of the Land to the other, that has been attended with the following Effects; viz. a great Increase of a Spirit of Seriousness, and sober Consideration of the Things of the eternal World; a Disposition to hearken to any Thing that is said of Things of this Nature, with Attention and Affection; a Disposition to treat Matters of Religion with Solemnity, and as Matters of great Importance; a Disposition to make these Things the Subject of Conversation; and a great Disposition to hear the Word of GOD preached, and to take all Opportunities in order to it; and to attend on the public Worship of GOD, and all external Duties of Religion in a more solemn and decent Manner; so that there is a remarkable and general Alteration in the Face of New-England