N04757:271
An humble attempt to promote explicit agreement and visible union of God's people in…
An humble attempt to promote explicit agreement and visible union of God's people in extraordinary prayer for the revival of religion and the advancement of Christ's Kingdom on earth, pursuant to Scripture-promises and prophecies concerning the last time. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Minister of the Gospel at Northampton. ; With a preface by several ministers.
printed for D. Henchman, 1748
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.
If we are indeed called of God to comply with the Proposal now made to us, then let me beseech all that do sincerely love the Interest of real Christianity, notwithstanding any Diversity of Opinion, and former Disputes, now to unite in this Affair, with one Heart and Voice: And let us go speedily to pray before the Lord. There is no Need that one should wait for another. If we can get others, that are our Neighbours, to join with us, and so can conveniently spend the quarterly Seasons with praying Societies, this is desirable; but if not, why should we wholly neglect the Duty proposed? Why should not we perform it by ourselves, uniting in Heart and Practice, as far as we are able, with those who in distant Places are engaged in that Duty at that Time?
If it be agreeable to the Mind and Will of God, that we should comply with the Memorial, by praying for the coming of Christ's Kingdom, in the Manner therein proposed, then doubtless 'tis the Duty of all to comply with the Memorial, in that Respect also, viz. in endeavouring, as far as in us lies, to promote others joining in such Prayer, and to render this Union and Agreement as extensive as may be. Private Christians may have many Advantages and Opportunities for this; but ⟨p. 186⟩especially Ministers, inasmuch as they not only are by Office Overseers of whole Congregations of God's People, and their Guides in Matters of Religion, but ordinarily have a far more extensive Acquaintance and Influence abroad, than private Christians in common have.
If it be agreable to the Mind and Will of God, that we should comply with the Memorial, by praying for the coming of Christ's Kingdom, in the Manner therein proposed, then doubtless 'tis the Duty of all to comply with the Memorial, in that Respect also, viz. in endeavouring, as far as in us lies, to promote others joining in such Prayer, and to render this Union and Agreement as extensive as may be. Private Christians may have many Advantages and Opportunities for this; but ⟨p. 186⟩especially Ministers, inasmuch as they not only are by Office Overseers of whole Congregations of God's People, and their Guides in Matters of Religion, but ordinarily have a far more extensive Acquaintance and Influence abroad, than private Christians in common have.