N04004:81
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.
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 ⟨p. 52⟩in these Respects: Multitudes in all Parts of the Land, of vain, thoughtless, regardless Persons are quite changed, and become serious and considerate: There is a vast Increase of Concern for the Salvation of the precious Soul, and of that Inquiry, What shall I do to be saved? The Hearts of Multitudes have been greatly taken off from the Things of the World, its Profits, Pleasures and Honours; and there has been a great Increase of Sensibleness and Tenderness of Conscience: Multitudes in all Parts have had their Consciences awakened, and have been made sensible of the pernicious Nature and Consequences of Sin, and what a dreadful Thing it is to lie under Guilt and the Displeasure of GOD, and to live without Peace and Reconciliation with him: They have also been awakened to a Sense of the Shortness and Uncertainty of Life, and the Reality of another World and future Judgment, and of the Necessity of an Interest in CHRIST: They are more afraid of Sin, more careful and inquisitive that they may know what is contrary to the Mind and Will of GOD, that they may avoid it, and what he requires of them, that they may do it;
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 publick 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