N07809:339
Two dissertations, I. Concerning the end for which God created the world. II. The…
Two dissertations, I. Concerning the end for which God created the world. II. The nature of true virtue. / by the late Reverend, learned and pious Jonathan Edwards, A.M. president of the College in New-Jersey.
Boston: printed by S. Kneeland, 1765
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.
1. A BENEVOLENT propensity of heart is exercised, not only in seeking to promote the happiness of the Being, towards whom it is exercised, but also in rejoicing in his happiness. Even as gratitude for benefits received will not ⟨p. 127⟩only excite endeavours to requite the kindness we receive, by equally benefiting our benefactor, but also if he be above any need of us, or we have nothing to bestow, and are unable to repay his kindness, it will dispose us to rejoice in his prosperity.
2. THOUGH we are not able to give any thing to God, which we have of our own, independently; yet we may be the instruments of promoting his glory, in which he takes a true and proper delight. [As was shown at large in the former treatise, on God's end in creating the world. Chap. 1. sect. 4. Whither I must refer the reader for a more full answer to this objection.]
2. THOUGH we are not able to give any thing to God, which we have of our own, independantly; yet we may be the instruments of promoting his glory, in which he takes a true and proper delight. [As was shewn at large in the former treatise, on God's end in creating the world. Chap. 1. sect. 4. Whither I must refer the reader for a more full answer to this objection.]
WHATEVER influence such an objection may seem to have on the minds of some, yet is there any that owns the Being of a God, who will deny that any love or benevolent affection, is due to God, and proper to be exercised towards him? If no benevolence is to be exercised towards God, because we cannot profit him, then for the same reason, neither is gratitude to be exercised towards him for his benefits to us; because we cannot requite him. But where is the man, who believes a God and a providence, that will say this?