True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord. A sermon…
True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord. A sermon preached on the day of the funeral of the Rev. Mr. David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians, from the Honourable Society in Scotland for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, and Pastor of a church of Christian Indians in New-Jersey; who died at Northampton, in New-England, Octob. 9th. 1747, in the 30th year of his age, and was interred on the 12th following. : Containing some account of his character, and manner of life, and remarkable speeches and behaviour at death. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; [Five lines from Psalms]True saints, when absent from the body, are present with the Lord. A sermon preached on the day of the funeral of the Rev. Mr. David Brainerd, Missionary to the Indians, from the Honourable Society in Scotland for the Propagation of Christian Knowledge, and Pastor of a church of Christian Indians in New-Jersey; who died at Northampton, in New-England, Octob. 9th. 1747, in the 30th year of his age, and was interred on the 12th following. : Containing some account of his character, and manner of life, and remarkable speeches and behavior at death. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; [Five lines from Psalms]
Jonathan Edwards 1703–1758printed by Rogers and Fowle for D. Henchman, 1747
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.
The USE that I would make of what has been said on this Subject, is of Exhortation. Let us all be exhorted hence earnestly to seek after that great Privilege that has been spoken of; that when we are absent from the Body, we may be present with the LORD. We can't continue always in these earthly Tabernacles: They are very frail, and will soon decay, and fall; and are continually liable to be overthrown, by innumerable Means: Our Souls must soon leave them, and go into the eternal World. O how infinitely great will the Privilege and Happiness of such be, who at that Time shall go to be with CHRIST in his Glory, in the Manner that has been represented! The Privilege of the twelve Disciples was great, in being so constantly with CHRIST as his Family, in his State of Humiliation. The Privilege of those three Disciples was great, who were with him in the Mount of his Transfiguration; where was exhibited to them some little Semblance of his future Glory in Heaven, such as they might behold in the present frail, feeble and sinful State: They were greatly entertained and delighted with what they saw; and were for making Tabernacles to dwell there, and return no more down the Mount. And great was the Privilege of Moses, when he was with CHRIST in Mount Sinai, and besought him to show him his Glory, and he saw his Back-Parts, as he passed by, and proclaimed his Name. But is not that Privilege infinitely greater, that has now been spoken of, the Privilege of being with CHRIST in Heaven, where he sits on the right Hand of GOD, in the Glory of the KING and GOD of Angels, and of the whole Universe, shining forth as the great Light, the bright Sun of that World of Glory, there to dwell in the full, constant and everlasting View of his Beauty and Brightness, there most freely and intimately to converse with him, and fully to enjoy his Love, as his Friends and Spouse, there to have Fellowship with him in the infinite Pleasure and Joy he has in the Enjoyment of his Father, there to sit with him on his Throne, and reign with him in the Possession of all Things, and partake with him ⟨p. 26⟩in the Joy and Glory of his Victory over his Enemies, and the Advancement of his Kingdom in the World, and to join with him in joyful Songs of Praise to his Father and their Father, to his GOD and their GOD, forever and ever? Is not such a Privilege worth the seeking after?
The USE that I would make of what has been said on this Subject, is of Exhortation. Let us all be exhorted hence earnestly to seek after that great Privilege that has been spoken of; that when we are absent from the Body, we may be present with the LORD. We can't continue always in these earthly Tabernacles: They are very frail, and will soon decay, and fall; and are continually liable to be overthrown, by innumerable Means: Our Souls must soon leave them, and go into the eternal World. O how infinitely great will the Privilege and Happiness of such be, who at that Time shall go to be with CHRIST in his Glory, in the Manner that has been represented! The Privilege of the twelve Disciples was great, in being so constantly with CHRIST as his Family, in his State of Humiliation. The Privilege of those three Disciples was great, who were with him in the Mount of his Transfiguration; where was exhibited to them some little Semblance of his future Glory in Heaven, such as they might behold in the present frail, feeble and sinful State: They were greatly entertained and delighted with what they saw; and were for making Tabernacles to dwell there, and return no more down the Mount. And great was the Privilege of Moses, when he was with CHRIST in Mount Sinai, and besought him to shew him his Glory, and he saw his Back-Parts, as he passed by, and proclaimed his Name. But is not that Privilege infinitely greater, that has now been spoken of, the Privilege of being with CHRIST in Heaven, where he sits on the right Hand of GOD, in the Glory of the KING and GOD of Angels, and of the whole Universe, shining forth as the great Light, the bright Sun of that World of Glory, there to dwell in the full, constant and everlasting View of his Beauty and Brightness, there most freely and intimately to converse with him, and fully to enjoy his Love, as his Friends and Spouse, there to have Fellowship with him in the infinite Pleasure and Joy he has in the Enjoyment of his Father, there to sit with him on his Throne, and reign with him in the Possession of all Things, and partake with him ⟨p. 26⟩in the Joy and Glory of his Victory over his Enemies, and the Advancement of his Kingdom in the World, and to join with him in joyful Songs of Praise to his Father and their Father, to his GOD and their GOD, forever and ever? Is not such a Privilege worth the seeking after?
But here, as a special Enforcement of this Exhortation, I would improve that Dispensation of GOD's holy Providence, that is the sorrowful Occasion of our coming together at this Time; viz. The Death of that eminent Servant of JESUS CHRIST, in the Work of the Gospel-Ministry, whose Funeral is this Day to be attended; together with what was observable in him, living and dying.
In this Dispensation of Providence, GOD puts us in Mind of our MORTALITY, and forewarns us that the Time is approaching, when we must be absent from the Body, and must all appear (as the Apostle observes, in the next Verse but one to my Text) before the Judgment-Seat of CHRIST, that every one of us may receive the Things done in the Body, according to what we have done, whether it be good or bad.
And in him, whose Death we are now called to consider and improve, we have not only an Instance of Mortality; but an Instance of one, that being absent from the Body, is present with the LORD; as we have all imaginable Reason to conclude. And that, whether we consider the Nature of the Operations he was under, about the Time whence he dates his Conversion, or the Nature and Course of his inward Exercises from that Time forward, or his outward Conversation and Practice in Life, or his Frame and Behaviour during the whole of that long Space wherein he looked Death in the Face.
His Convictions of Sin, preceding his first Consolations in CHRIST (as appears by a written Account he has left of his inward Exercises and Experiences) were exceeding deep and thorough: His Trouble and Exercise of Mind, through a Sense of Guilt and Misery, very great and long-continued; but yet sound and solid; consisting in no unsteady, violent, and unaccountable Hurries and Frights, and strange Perturbations of Mind; but arising from the most serious Consideration, and proper Illumination of the Conscience, to discern and consider the true State of Things. And the Light let into his Mind at Conversion, and the Influences and Exercises that his Mind was subject to at that Time, appear very agreeable to Reason, and the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST; the Change very great and remarkable, without any Appearance of strong Impressions ⟨p. 27⟩on the Imagination, sudden Flights and Pangs of the Affections, and vehement Emotions in animal Nature; but attended with proper intellectual Views of the supreme Glory of the divine Being, consisting in the infinite Dignity and Beauty of the Perfections of his Nature; and of the transcendent Excellency of the Way of Salvation by CHRIST.— This was about eight Years ago, when he was about 21 Years of Age.
His Convictions of Sin, preceeding his first Consolations in CHRIST (as appears by a written Account he has left of his inward Exercises and Experiences) were exceeding deep and thorough: His Trouble and Exercise of Mind, through a Sense of Guilt and Misery, very great and long-continued; but yet sound and solid; consisting in no unsteady, violent, and unaccountable Hurries and Frights, and strange Perturbations of Mind; but arising from the most serious Consideration, and proper Illumination of the Conscience, to discern and consider the true State of Things. And the Light let into his Mind at Conversion, and the Influences and Exercises that his Mind was subject to at that Time, appear very agreeable to Reason, and the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST; the Change very great and remarkable, without any Appearance of strong Impressions ⟨p. 27⟩on the Imagination, sudden Flights and Pangs of the Affections, and vehement Emotions in animal Nature; but attended with proper intellectual Views of the supream Glory of the divine Being, consisting in the infinite Dignity and Beauty of the Perfections of his Nature; and of the transcendant Excellency of the Way of Salvation by CHRIST.— This was about eight Years ago, when he was about 21 Years of Age.
Thus GOD sanctified, and made meet for his Use, that Vessel that he intended to make eminently a Vessel of Honour in his House, and which he had made of large Capacity, having endowed him with very uncommon Abilities and Gifts of Nature. He was a singular Instance, of a ready Invention, natural Eloquence, easy flowing Expression, sprightly Apprehension, quick Discerning, and very strong Memory; and yet of a very penetrating Genius, close and clear Thought, and piercing Judgment. He had an exact Taste: His Understanding was (if I may so express it) of a quick, strong and distinguishing Scent.
His Learning was very considerable: He had a great Taste for Learning; and applied himself to his Studies, in so close a Manner when he was at College, that he much injured his Health; and was obliged on that Account, for a while to leave the College, throw by his Studies, and return Home. He was esteemed one that excelled in Learning, in that Society.
He had an extraordinary Knowledge of Men, as well as Things. Had a great Insight into human Nature, and excelled most that ever I knew, in a communicative Faculty: He had a peculiar Talent, at accommodating himself to the Capacities, Tempers and Circumstances of those that he would instruct or counsel.
He had extraordinary Gifts for the Pulpit. I never had Opportunity to hear him preach, but have often heard him pray: And I think his Manner of addressing himself to GOD, and expressing himself before him, in that Duty, almost inimitable; such (so far as I may judge) as I have very rarely known equalled. He expressed himself with that exact Propriety and Pertinency, in such significant, weighty, pungent Expressions; with that decent Appearance of Sincerity, Reverence and Solemnity, and great Distance from all Affectation, as forgetting the Presence of Men, and as being in the immediate Presence of a great and holy GOD, that I have scarcely ever known paralleled. And his Manner of Preaching, by what I have often heard of it from good Judges, was no […] excellent; being clear and instructive ⟨p. 28⟩natural, nervous, forcible and moving, and very searching and convincing. He nauseated an affected Noisiness, and violent Boisterousness in the Pulpit; and yet much disrelished a flat cold Delivery, when the Subject of Discourse, and Matter delivered, required Affection and Earnestness.
He had extraordinary Gifts for the Pulpit. I never had Opportunity to hear him preach, but have often heard him pray: And I think his Manner of addressing himself to GOD, and expressing himself before him, in that Duty, almost inimitable; such (so far as I may judge) as I have very rarely known equalled. He expressed himself with that exact Propriety and Pertinency, in such significant, weighty, pungent Expressions; with that decent Appearance of Sincerity, Reverence and Solemnity, and great Distance from all Affectation, as forgetting the Presence of Men, and as being in the immediate Presence of a great and holy GOD, that I have scarcely ever known parallel'd. And his Manner of Preaching, by what I have often heard of it from good Judges, was no 〈…〉 excellent; being clear and instructive ⟨p. 28⟩natural, nervous, forceable and moving, and very searching and convincing. He nauseated an affected Noisiness, and violent Boisterousness in the Pulpit; and yet much disrelished a flat cold Delivery, when the Subject of Discourse, and Matter deliver'd, required Affection and Earnestness.
Not only had he excellent Talents for the Study and the Pulpit, but also for Conversation. He was of a sociable Disposition; and was remarkably free, entertaining and profitable in his ordinary Discourse: And had much of a Faculty of disputing, defending Truth and confuting Error.
Not only had he excellent Talents for the Study and the Pulpit, but also for Conversation. He was of a sociable Disposition; and was remarkably free, entertaining and profitable in his ordinary D•scourse: And had much of a Faculty of disputing, defending Truth and confuting Error.
As he excelled in his Judgment and Knowledge of Things in general, so especially in Divinity. He was truly, for one of his Standing, an extraordinary Divine. But above all, in Matters relating to experimental Religion. In this, I know I have the concurring Opinion of some that have had a Name for Persons of the best Judgment. And according to what Ability I have to judge of Things of this Nature, and according to my Opportunities, which of late have been very great, I never knew his Equal, of his Age and Standing, for clear, accurate Notions of the Nature and Essence of true Religion, and its Distinctions from its various false Appearances; which I suppose to be owing to these three Things, meeting together in him; the Strength of his natural Genius; and the great Opportunities he had of Observation of others, in various Parts, both white People and Indians; and his own great Experience.
His Experiences of the holy Influences of GOD's Spirit were not only great, at his first Conversion; but they were so, in a continued Course, from that Time forward; as appears by a Record, or private Journal, he kept of his daily inward Exercises, from the Time of his Conversion, 'till he was disabled, by the failing of his Strength, a few Days before his Death. The Change which he looked upon as his Conversion, was not only a great Change of the present Views, Affections, and Frame of his Mind; but was evidently the Beginning of that Work of GOD on his Heart, which GOD carried on, in a very wonderful Manner, from that Time, to his dying Day.*⟨p. 29⟩He greatly abhorred the Way of such, as live on their fi•st Work, as though they had now got through their Work, and are thenceforward, by Degrees, settled in a cold, lifeless, negligent, worldly Frame; he had an ill Opinion of such Person's Religion.
His Experiences of the holy Influences of GOD's Spirit were not only great, at his first Conversion; but they were so, in a continued Course, from that Time forward; as appears by a Record, or private Journal, he kept of his daily inward Exercises, from the Time of his Conversion, 'till he was disabled, by the failing of his Strength, a few Days before his Death. The Change wh•ch he looked upon as his Conversion, was not only a great Change of the present Views, Affections, and Frame of his Mind; but was evidently the Beginning of that Work of GOD on his Heart, which GOD carried on, in a very wonderful Manner, from that Time, to his dying Day.*⟨p. 29⟩He greatly abhor'd the Way of such, as live on their fi•st Work, as though they had now got through their Work, and are thenceforward, by Degrees, settled in a cold, lifeless, negligent, worldly Frame; he had an ill Opinion of such Person's Religion.
*This more abundantly appears by further Opportunity of Acquaintance with his private Journal or Diary, since this Sermon was delivered. Grace in him seems to have been almost continually, with scarcely the Intermission of a Day, in very sensible, and indeed vigorous and powerful Exercise, in one Respect or other. His Heart appears to have been exercised, in a continued Course, in such Things as these that follow: The most ardent and pure Love to GOD; great Weanedness from the World, and Sense of its Vanity; great Humiliation; a most abasing Sense of his own Vileness; a deep Sense of indwelling Sin, which indeed was most evidently, by far, the greatest Burden of his Life, and more than all other Afflictions that he met with, put together; great Brokenness of of Heart before GOD, for his small Attainments in Grace, that he loved GOD so little, &c. mourning that he was so unprofitable; Longings and earnest Reachings of Soul after Holiness; earnest Desires that GOD might be glorified, and that CHRIST'S Kingdom might be advanced in the World; Wrestlings with GOD in Prayer for these Things; Delight in the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, and the Way of Salvation by him; sweet Complacence in those whose Conversation favoured of true Holiness; Compassion to the Souls of Men, and earnest Intercessions in secret for them; great Resignation to the Will of GOD, a very frequent, most sensible, renewed Renunciation of all Things for CHRIST, and giving up himself wholly to GOD, in Soul and Body; great Distrust of his own Heart, and universal Dependence on GOD; Longings after full Deliverance from the Body of Sin and Death, and perfect Conformity to GOD, and perfectly glorifying him in Heaven; clear Views of Eternity, almost as though he were actually out of the Body, and had his Eyes open in another World; constant Watchfulness over his own Heart, and continual Earnestness in his inward Warfare with Sin; together with great Care, to the utmost, to improve Time for GOD, in his Servi•e, and to his Glory.This more abundantly appears by further Opportunity of Acquaintance with his private Journal or Diary, since this Sermon was delivered. Grace in him seems to have been almost continually, with scarcely the Intermission of a Day, in very sensible, and indeed vigorous and powerful Exercise, in one Respect or other. His Heart appears to have been exercised, in a continued Course, in such Things as these that follow: The most ardent and pure Love to GOD; great We•nedness from the World, and Sense of its Vanity; great Humiliation; a most abasing Sense of his own Vileness; a deep Sense of indwelling Sin, which indeed was most evidently, by far, the greatest Burden of his Life, and more than all other Afflictions that he met with, put together; great Brokenness of of Heart before GOD, for his small Attainments in Grace, that he loved GOD so little, &c. mourning that he was so unprofi•able; Longings and earnest Reachings of Soul after Holiness; earnest Desires that GOD might be glorified, and that CHRIST'S Kingdom might be advanced in the World; Wrestlings with GOD in Prayer for these Things; Delight in the Gospel of JESUS CHRIST, and the Way of Salvation by him; sweet Complacence in those whose Conversation favoured of true Holiness; Compassion to the Souls of Men, and earnest Intercessions in secret for them; great Resignation to the Will of GOD, a very frequent, most sensible, renewed Renunciation of all Things for CHRIST, and giving up himself wholly to GOD, in Soul and Body; great Distrust of his own Heart, and universal Dependance on GOD; Longings after full Deliverance from the Body of Sin and Death, and perfect Conformity to GOD, and perfectly glorifying him in Heaven; clear Views of Eternity, almost as though he were actually out of the Body, and had his Eyes open in another World; constant Watchfulness over his own Heart, and continual E•rnestness in his inward Warfare with Sin; together with great Care, to the utmost, to improve Time for GOD, in his Servi•e, and to his Glory.
His Experiences were very diverse from many Things, that have lately obtained the Reputation, with Multitudes, of the very Height of Christian Experience. About the Time that that false Religion, which arises chiefly from Impressions on the Imagination, began first to make a very great Appearance in the Land, he was for a little while deceived with it, so as to think highly of it. And though he knew he never had such Experiences as others told of, he thought it was because others Attainments were beyond his; and so coveted them, and sought after them, but could never obtain them. He told me, that he never had what is called an Impulse, or a strong Impression on his Imagination, in Things of Religion, in his Life. But owned, that during the short Time tha• he thought well ⟨p. 30⟩of these Things, he was tinged with that Spirit of false Zeal that is wont to attend them. But said that, even in this Time, he was not in his Element, but as a Fish out of Water. And when, after a little while, he came clearly to see the Vanity and Perniciousness of such Things, it cost him Abundance of Sorrow and Distress of Mind, and to m• Knowledge he afterwards freely and openly confessed the Errors i• Conduct that he had run into, and laid himself low before them that he had offended. And since his Conviction of his Error in those Respects, he has ever had a peculiar Abhorrence of that Kind of bitter Zeal, and those delusive Experiences that have been the principal Source of it. He detested Enthusiasm in all its Forms and Operations; and abhorred whatever in Opinion or Experience seemed to verge towards Antinomianism; as, the Experiences of those whose first Faith consists in believing that CHRIST died for them in particular; and their first Love, in loving GOD, because they supposed they were the Objects of his Love▪ and their Assurance of their good Estate from some immediate Testimony, or Suggestion, either with, or without Texts of Scripture, that their Sins are forgiven, that GOD loves them, &c. And the Joys of such as rejoiced more in their own supposed Distinction from others, in Honour and Privileges and high Experiences, than in GOD's Excellency and CHRIST'S Beauty; and the spiritual Pride of such Lay-Men, that are for setting up themselves as public Teachers, and cry down human Learning, and a learned Ministry.
His Experiences were very diverse from many Things, that have lately obtained the Reputation, with Multitudes, of the very Height of Christian Experience. About the Time that that false Religion, which arises chiefly from Impressions on the Imagination, began first to make a very great Appearance in the Land, he was for a little while deceived with it, so as to think highly of it. And though he knew he never had such Experiences as others told of, he thought it was because others Attainments were beyond his; and so coveted them, and sought after them, but could never obtain them. He told me, that he never had what is called an Impulse, or a strong Impression on his Imagination, in Things of Religion, in his Life. But owned, that during the short Time tha• he thought well ⟨p. 30⟩of these Things, he was tinged with that Spirit of false Zeal that is wont to attend them. But said that, even in this Time, he was not in his Element, but as a Fish out of Water. And when, after a little while, he came clearly to see the Vanity and Perniciousness of such Things, it cost him Abundance of Sorrow and Distress of Mind, and to m• Knowledge he afterwards freely and openly confess'd the Errors i• Conduct that he had run into, and laid himself low before them that he had offended. And since his Conviction of his Error in those Respects, he has ever had a peculiar Abhorrence of that Kind of bitter Zeal, and those delusive Experiences that have been the principal Source of it. He detested Enthusiasm in all its Forms and Operations; and abhor'd whatever in Opinion or Experience seem'd to verge towards Antinomianism; as, the Experiences of those whose first Faith consists in believing that CHRIST died for them in particular; and their first Love, in loving GOD, because they supposed they were the Objects of his Love▪ and their Assurance of their good Estate from some immediate Testimony, or Suggestion, either with, or without Texts of Scripture, that their Sins are forgiven, that GOD loves them, &c. And the Joys of such as rejoiced more in their own supposed Distinction from others, in Honour and Privileges and high Experiences, than in GOD's Excellency and CHRIST'S Beauty; and the spiritual Pride of such Lay-Men, that are for setting up themselves as publick Teachers, and cry down human Learning, and a learned Ministry.
He greatly nauseated a Disposition in Persons to much Noise and Show in Religion, and affecting to be abundant in publishing and proclaim• their own Experiences. Though he did not condemn, but approved of Christians speaking of their Experiences, on some Occasions, and to some Persons, with Modesty, Discretion and Reserve. He abominated the Spirit and Practice of the Generality of the Separatists in this Land. I heard him say, once and again, that he had been much with this Kind of People, and was acquainted with many of them, in various Parts; and that by this Acquaintance, he knew that what was chiefly and most generally in Repute amongst them, as the Power of Godliness, was entirely a different Thing from that vital Piety recommended in the Scripture, and had nothing in it of that Nature. He never was more full in condemning these Things than in his last Illness, and after he ceased to have any Expectation of Life: And particularly when he had the greatest and nearest Views of approaching Eternity; and several Times, ⟨p. 31⟩when he thought himself actually dying, and expected in a few Minutes to be in the eternal World, as he himself told me.*
He greatly nauseated a Disposition in Persons to much Noise and Show in Religion, and affecting to be abundant in publishing and proclaim• their own Experiences. Though he did not condemn, but approved of Christians speaking of their Experiences, on some Occasions, and to some Persons, with Modesty, Discretion and Reserve. He abominated the Spirit and Practice of the Generality of the Separatists in this Land. I heard him say, once and again, that he had been much with this Kind of People, and was acquainted with many of them, in various Parts; and that by this Acquaintance, he knew that what was chiefly and most generally in Repute amongst them, as the Power of Godliness, was intirely a different Thing from that vital Piety recommended in the Scripture, and had nothing in it of that Nature. He never was more full in condemning these Things than in his last Illness, and after he ceased to have any Expectation of Life: And particularly when he had the greatest and nearest Views of approaching Eternity; and several Times, ⟨p. 31⟩when he thought himself actually dying, and expected in a few Minutes to be in the eternal World, as he himself told me.*
*Since this Sermon was preach'd, I find this that follows, in his Diary for the last Summer. […] 18. I was this Day taken exceeding ill, and bro't to the Gates of Death.— In this extreme weak State I continued for several Weeks; and was frequently reduced so low as to be utterly speechless, and not able so much as to whisper a Word. And even after I had so far reviv'd, as to walk about House, and to step out of Doors, I was exercised, every Day, with a faint Turn, which continued usually four or five Hours. At which Times, though I was not utterly speechless, so but that I could say yes or no: yet, I could not converse at all, nor speak one Sentence without making Stops for Breath. And divers Times, in this Season, my Friends gathered round my Bed, to see me breathe my lest; which they look'd for every Moment, as I myself also did. How I was the first Day or two of my Illness, with Regard to the Exercise of Reason, I scarcely know: But I believe I was something shatter'd, with the Violence of the Fever, at Times. But the third Day of my Illness, and constantly afterwards, for four or five Weeks together, I enjoyed as much Serenity of Mind, and Clearness of Thought, as perhaps I ever did in my Life. And I think my Mind never penetrated with so much Ease and Freedom into divine Things, as at this Time; and I never felt so capable of demonstrating the Truth of many important Doctrines of the Gospel as now. And as I saw clearly the Truth of those great Doctrines, which are justly styled the DOCTRINES of GRACE; so I saw with no less Clearness, that the Essence of true Religion consisted in the Soul's Conformity to GOD, and acting above all selfish Views, for his Glory, longing to be for him, to live to him, and please and honour him in all Things; and that, from a clear View of his infinite Excellency and Worthiness, in himself, to be loved, adored, worshipped and served, by all intelligent Creatures. Thus I saw that when a Soul loves GOD with a supreme Love, he therein acts like the blessed GOD himself, who most justly loves himself in that Manner; so when GOD's Interest and his are become one, and he longs that GOD should be glorified, and rejoices to think that he is unchangeably possess'd of the highest Glory and Blessedness, herein also he acts in Conformity to GOD. In like manner, when the Soul is fully resigned to, and rests satisfied and contented with the divine Will, here he is also conformed to GOD. I saw further that as this divine Temper, whereby the Soul exalts GOD, and treads it self in the Dust, is wrought in the Soul by GOD's discovering his own glorious Perfections, in the Face of JESUS CHRIST, to it, by the special Influences of his HOLY SPIRIT; so he could not but have regard to it, as his own Work: And as it is his Image in the Soul, he could not but take Delight in it. Then I saw again that if GOD should slight and reject his own moral Image, he must needs deny himself; which he cannot do. And thus I saw the Stability and Infallibility of this Religion; and that those who were truly possessed of it, had the most complete and satisfying Evidence of their being interested in all the Benefits of CHRIST'S Redemption, having their Hearts conformed to him; and that these, and these only were qualified for the Employments and Entertainments of GOD's Kingdom of Glory; as none but these would have any Relish of the Business of Heaven, which is to ascribe Glory to GOD, and not to themselves; and that GOD (though I would speak it with great Reverence of his Name and Perfections) could not, without denying himself, finally cast such away. The next Thing I had then to do, was to enquire whether this was my Religion. And here GOD was pleased to help me to the most easy Remembrance, and critical Review of what had passed in Course, of a religious Nature, through several of the latter Years of my Life. And altho' I could discover much Corruption attending my best Duties, many selfish Views and carnal Ends, much spiritual Pride, and Self-Exaltation, and innumerable other Evils which compassed me about; I say, altho' I now discerned the Sins of my holy Things, as well as other Actions; yet GOD was pleased, as I was reviewing, quickly to put this Question out of doubt, by showing me that I had, from Time to Time, acted above the utmost Influence of mere Self-Love; that I had longed to please and glorify him, as my highest Happiness, &c. And this Review was through Grace attended with a present Feeling of the same divine Temper of Mind. I felt now pleas'd to think of the Glory of GOD; and long'd for Heaven, as a State wherein I might glorify GOD perfectly, rather than a Place of Happiness for myself. And this Feeling of the Lo of GOD in my Heart, which I trust the SPIRIT of GOD excited in me afresh, was sufficient to give me full Satisfaction, and make me long, as I had many Times before done, to be with CHRIST. I did not now want any of the — sudden Suggestions, that many are so pleased with, That CHRIST and his Benefits are mine, That GOD loves me, in Order to give me Satisfaction about my State. No, my Soul now abhor'd those Delusions of Satan; which are thought to be the immediate Witness of the Spirit, while there is nothing but an empty Suggestion of a certain Fact, without any gracious Discovery of the divine Glory, or of the Spirit's Work in their own Hearts. I saw the awful Delusion of this Kind of Confidences; as well as of the whole of that Religion, which they usually spring from, or at least, are the Attendants of; the false Religion of the late Day, though a Day of wondrous Grace; the Imaginations and Impressions made only on the animal Affections; together with the sudden Suggestions, made to the Mind by Satan transform'd into an Angel of Light, of certain Facts, not revealed in Scripture: These, I say, and many like Things, I fear have made up the greater Part of the religious Appearances in many Places. These Things I saw with great Clearness, when I was thought to be dying, and GOD gave me great Concern for his Church and Interest in the World at this Time: Not so much because the late remarkable Influence upon the Minds of People was abated, and almost wholly gone, as because of the false Religion, the Heats of Imagination, and wild and selfish Commotions of the animal Affections, which attended the Work of Grace, had prevailed so far. This was that which my Mind dwelt upon, almost Day and Night: And this, to me, was the darkest Appearance, respecting Religion, in the Land. For 'twas this chiefly that had prejudiced the World against inward Religion. And this I saw was the great Misery of all, that so few saw any Manner of Difference between those Exercises that were spiritual and holy, and those which have Self-Love only, for their Beginning, Centre and End.
As his inward Experiences appear to have been of the right Kind, and were very remarkable as to their Degree, so was his ⟨p. 33⟩outward Behaviour and Practice agreeable. He in his whole Course acted as one who had indeed sold all for CHRIST, and had entirely devoted himself to GOD, and made his Glory his highest End, and was fully determined to spend his whole Time and Strength in his Service. He was lively in Religion, in the right Way: Lively, not only, nor chiefly, with his Tongue, in professing and talking; but lively in the Work and Business of Religion. He was not one of those which are for contriving Ways to shun the Cross, and get to Heaven with Ease and Sloth; but was such an Instance of one living a Life of Labour and Self-Denial, and spending his Strength and Substance, in pursuing that great End, the Glory of his REDEEMER, that perhaps is scarcely to be paralleled in this Age, in these Parts of the World. Much of this may be perceived by any one that reads his printed Journal; but much more has been learned by long intimate Acquaintance with him, and by looking into his Diary since his Death, that he purposely concealed in what he published.
As his inward Experiences appear to have been of the right Kind, and were very remarkable as to their Degree, so was his ⟨p. 33⟩outward Behaviour and Practice agreeable. He in his whole Course acted as one who had indeed sold all for CHRIST, and had entirely devoted himself to GOD, and made his Glory his highest End, and was fully determined to spend his whole Time and Strength in his Service. He was lively in Religion, in the right Way: Lively, not only, nor chiefly, with his Tongue, in professing and talking; but lively in the Work and Business of Religion. He was not one of those which are for contriving Ways to shun the Cross, and get to Heaven with Ease and Sloth; but was such an Instance of one living a Life of Labour and Self-Denial, and spending his Strength and Substance, in pursuing that great End, the Glory of his REDEEMER, that perhaps is scarcely to be parallel'd in this Age, in these Parts of the World. Much of this may be perceived by any one that reads his printed Journal; but much more has been learn'd by long intimate Acquaintance with him, and by looking into his Diary since his Death, that he purposely concealed in what he published.
Minister at Northampton; theologian of the Great Awakening.
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Since this Sermon was preach'd, I find this that follows, in his Diary for the last Summer. 〈…〉 18. I was this Day taken exceeding ill, and bro't to the Gates of Death.— In this extreme weak State I continued for several Weeks; and was frequently reduced so low as to be ut•erly speechle•s, and not able so much as to whisper a Word. And even after I had so far reviv'd, as to walk about House, and to step out of Doors, I was exercised, every Day, with a faint Turn, which continued usually four or five Hours. At which Times, though I was not utterly speechless, so but that I could say yes or no: yet, I could not converse at all, nor speak one Sentence without making Stops for Breath. And divers Times, in this Season, my Friends gathered round my Bed, to see me breathe my lest; which they look'd for every Moment, as I myself also did. How I was the first Day or two of my Illness, with Regard to the Exercise of Reason, I scarcely know: But I believe I was something shatter'd, with the Violence of the Fever, at Times. But the third Day of my Illness, and constantly afterwards, for four or five Weeks together, I enjoyed as much Serenity of Mind, and Clearne•s of Thought, as perhaps I ever did in my Life. And I think my Mind never pen••rated with so much Ease and Freedom into divine Things, as at this Time; and I never felt so capable of demonstrating the Truth of many important Doctrines of the Gospel as now. And as I saw clearly the Truth of those great Doctrines, which are justly stiled the DOCTRINES of GRACE; so I saw with no less Clearness, that the Essence of true Religion consisted in the Soul's Conformity to GOD, and acting above all se•fish Views, for his Glory, longing to be for him, to live to him, and please and honour him in all Things; and that, from a clear View of his infinite Excellency and Worthiness, in himself, to be loved, adored, worshiped and served, by all intelligent Creatures. Thus I saw that when a Soul loves GOD with a supreme Love, he therein acts like the blessed GOD himself, who most justly loves himself in that Manner; so when GOD's Interest and his are become one, and he longs that GOD should be glorified, and rejoyces to think that he is unchangeably possess'd of the highest Glory and Blessedness, herein also he acts in Conformity to GOD. In like manner, when the Soul is fully resigned to, and rests satisfied and contented with the divine Will, here he is also conformed to GOD. I saw further that as this divine Temper, whereby the Soul exalts GOD, and treads it self in the Dust, is wrought in the Soul by GOD's discovering his own glorious Perfections, in the Face of JESUS CHRIST, to it, by the special Influences of his HOLY S•IRIT; so he could not but have regard to it, as his own Work: And as it is his Image in the Soul, he could not but take Delight in it. Then I saw again that if GOD should slight and reject his own moral Image, he must needs deny himself; which he cannot do. And thus I saw the Stability and Infallibility of this Religion; and that those who were truly possessed of it, had the most compleat and satisfying Evidence of their being interested in all the Benefits of CHRIST'S Redemption, having their Hearts conformed to him; and that these, and these only were qualified for the Employments and Entertainments of GOD's Kingdom of Glory; as none but these would have any Relish of the Business of Heaven, which is to ascribe Glory to GOD, and not to themselves; and that GOD (though I would speak it with great Reverence of his Name and Perfections) could not, without denying himself, finally cast such away. The next Thing I had then to do, was to enquire whether this was my Religion. And here GOD was pleased to help me to the most easy Remembrance, and critical Review of what had passed in Course, of a religious Nature, through several of the latter Years of my Life. And altho' I could discover much Corruption attending my best Duties, many selfish Views and carnal Ends, much spiritual Pride, and Self-Exaltation, and innumerable other Evils which compassed me about; I say, altho' I now discerned the Sins of my holy Things, as well as other Actions; yet GOD was pleased, as I was reviewing, quickly to put this Question out of doubt, by shewing me that I had, from Time to Time, acted above the utmost Influence of meer Self-Love; that I had longed to please and glorify him, as my highest Happiness, &c. And this Review was through Grace attended with a present Feeling of the same divine Temper of Mind. I felt now pleas'd to think of the Glory of GOD; and long'd for Heaven, as a State wherein I might glorify GOD perfectly, rather than a Place of Happiness for myself. And this Feeling of the Lo•• of GOD in my Heart, which I trust the SPIRIT of GOD excited in me afresh, was sufficient to give me full Satisfaction, and make me long, as I had many Times before done, to be with CHRIST. I did not now want any of the — sudden Suggestions, that many are so pleased with, That CHRIST and his Benefits are mine, That GOD loves me, in Order to give me Satisfaction about my State. No, my Soul now abhor'd those Delusions of Satan; which are thought to be the immediate Witness of the Spirit, while there is nothing but an empty Suggestion of a certain Fact, without any gracious Discovery of the divine Glory, or of the Spirit's Work in their own Hearts. I saw the awful Delusion of this Kind of Confidences; as well as of the whole of that Religion, which they usually spring from, or at least, are the Attendants of; the false Religion of the late Day, though a Day of wondrous Grace; the Imaginations and Impressions made only on the animal Affections; together with the sudden Suggestions, made to the Mind by Satan transform'd into an Angel of Light, of certain Facts, not revealed in Scripture: These, I say, and many like Things, I fear have made up the greater Part of the religious Appearances in many Places. These Things I saw with great Clearness, when I was thought to be dying, and GOD gave me great Concern for his Church and Interest in the World at this Time: Not so much because the late remarkable Influence upon the Minds of People was abated, and almost wholly gone, as because of the false Religion, the Heats of Imagination, and wild and selfish Commotions of the animal Affections, which attended the Work of Grace, had prevailed so far. This was that which my Mind dwelt upon, almost Day and Night: And this, to me, was the darkest Appearance, respecting Religion, in the Land. For 'twas this chiefly that had prejudiced the World against inward Religion. And this I saw was the great Misery of all, that so few saw any Manner of Difference between those Exercises that were spiritual and holy, and those which have Self-Love only, for their Beginning, Center and End.
