N05035:148
An humble inquiry into the rules of the Word of God, concerning the qualifications…
An humble inquiry into the rules of the Word of God, concerning the qualifications requisite to a complete standing and full communion in the visible Christian church. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; With an appendix by Mr. Foxcroft. ; [Ten lines of quotations]An humble inquiry into the rules of the Word of God, concerning the qualifications requisite to a compleat standing and full communion in the visible Christian church. By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. Pastor of the First Church in Northampton. ; With an appendix by Mr. Foxcroft. ; [Ten lines of quotations]
Boston: : Printed & sold by S. Kneeland in Queenstreet, 1749
Title page typeset from the transcription.
An Inquiry into the Qualifications for full Communion in the visibl… › Part 2
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.
Being Converted is in Scripture called a being Saved, because it is so in Effect; They were passed from Death to Life, Joh. v. 24. Tit. 1. 4. According to his Mercy he SAVED us, by the washing of REGENERATION, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 2 Tim. 1. 9. Who hath SAVED us, and called us with an holy Calling. Not that all who were added to the visible Church were indeed regenerated, but they were so in Profession and Repute, and therefore were so in Name. 1 Cor. i. 18. The preaching of the Cross is to them that perish, Foolishness; but unto us [i. e. us Christians] which are SAVED [[Greek or Hebrew]] it is the Power of God. So those that from Time to Time were added to the primitive Church, were all called [Greek or Hebrew] The saved. Before, while under Awakenings, they used to inquire of their Teachers, what they should do to be saved; and the Directions that used to be given them, were to Repent and believe in Christ; and before they were admitted into the Church, they professed that they did so: and thenceforward, having visibly complied with the Terms proposed, they were called THE SAVED; it being supposed, that they now had obtained what they enquired after when they asked what they should do to be saved. Accordingly we find that after that, from Time to Time, Christ's Minister's treated 'em no more as miserable perishing Sinners, but as true Converts; not setting before them their Sin and Misery to awaken them, and to convince them of the Necessity of a Saviour, exhorting them to fly from the Wrath to come, and seek Conversion to God; but exhorting them to hold fast the Profession of their Faith, to continue in the Grace of God, and persevere in Holiness; endeavouring by all Means to confirm, and strengthen them in Grace. Thus when a great Number believed and ⟨p. 54⟩turned to the Lord at Antioch, Barnabas was sent to 'em; who when he came, and had seen the Grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with Purpose of Heart they should cleave to the Lord. Acts xi. 23. See also