N13259:121
Sermons, on the following subjects
Sermons, on the following subjects; The manner in which salvation is to be sought. The unreasonableness of indetermination in religion. Unbelievers contemn the glory of Christ. The folly of looking back in fleeing out of Sodom. The warnings of Scripture in the best manner adapted to the awakening and conversion of sinners. Hypocrites deficient in the duty of prayer. The future punishment of the wicked unavoidable and intolerable. The eternity of hell-torments. The peace which Christ gives his true followers. The perpetuity & change of the Sabbath. / By the late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, president of the College of New-Jersey.
Hartford: printed by Hudson and Goodwin, 1780
Sermon 2: The unreasonableness of Indetermination in Religion.
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.
WE have great helps to a wise and rational determination ⟨p. 48⟩in our choice; to determine whether it be best for us to choose a life of sin or a life of holiness, the service of GOD or the service of Baal. We have very plainly set before us the advantages of both sides; the loss and gain are particularly stated. CHRIST hath dealt by us faithfully, and hath told us what we shall get, and what we shall lose, by bring his followers. He hath also told us what we shall get, and what we shall lose by a life of sin. He hath not dealt by us deceitfully. He hath not pretended greater advantages in godliness, than there really are, nor greater disadvantages or dangers in sin. Joh. xiv. 2. In my fathers house are many mansions. If it were not so, I would have told you.
HE hath told us plainly that we must take up the cross daily and follow him; that we must hate father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, and our own life also, in order to become his disciples; and that we must cut off our right hands, and pluck out our right eyes, in order to enter into heaven. Thus we have a fair opportunity to count the cost on both sides, and are directed so to do. Luke xiv. 28.—How unreasonable therefore is it, for men who have all these helps and advantages, to remain in suspense, and to come•• no conclusion whether they will be christians or heathens, whether they will be for GOD or the devil; though they have lived under the preaching of the word, and offers of the gospel, for many years.
HE hath told us plainly that we must take up the cross daily and follow him; that we must hate father and mother, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, and our own life also, in order to become his disciples; and that we must cut off our right hands, and pluck out our right eyes, in order to enter into heaven. Thus we have a fair opportunity to count the cost on both sides, and are directed so to do.