N05272:119
A farewell-sermon preached at the first precinct in Northampton, after the people's public rejection…A farewel-sermon preached at the first precinct in Northampton, after the people's publick rejection…
A farewell-sermon preached at the first precinct in Northampton, after the people's public rejection of their minister, and renouncing their relation to him as pastor of the church there, on June 22, 1750. : Occasioned by difference of sentiments, concerning the requisite qualifications of members of the church, in complete standing. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. ; [Twelve lines of Scripture texts]A farewel-sermon preached at the first precinct in Northampton, after the people's publick rejection of their minister, and renouncing their relation to him as pastor of the church there, on June 22, 1750. : Occasion'd by difference of sentiments, concerning the requisite qualifications of members of the church, in compleat standing. / By Jonathan Edwards, A.M. ; [Twelve lines of Scripture texts]
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland over agianst the prison, 1751
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Now I am parting with this Flock, I would once more press upon you the Counsels I have heretofore given, to take heed of being slighty in so great a Concern, to be thorough and in good earnest in the Affair, and to beware of Backsliding, to hold on and hold out to the End. And cry mightily to God that these great Changes that pass over this Church and Congregation don't prove your Overthrow. There is great Temptation in them; and the Devil will undoubtedly seek to make his Advantage of them, if possible to cause your present Convictions and Endeavours to be abortive. You had need to double your Diligence, and watch and pray least you be overcome by Temptation.
Whoever may hereafter stand related to you as your spiritual Guide, my Desire and Prayer is, that the great Shepherd of the Sheep would have a special Respect to you, and be your Guide (for there is none teacheth like him) and that he who is the infinite Fountain of Light, would open your Eyes, and turn you from Darkness unto Light, and from the Power of Satan unto God; that you may receive Forgiveness of Sins, and Inheritance among ⟨p. 28⟩them that are sanctified, through Faith that is in Christ; that so, in that great Day, when I shall meet you again before your Judge and mine, we may meet in joyful and glorious Circumstances, never to be separated any more.
IV. I would apply my self to the young People of the Congregation.