N13259:359
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
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.
CHRIST gives this as a distinguishing character of those that are his disciples indeed, and of a true and saving faith, that it is accompanied with perseverance in the obedience of CHRIST'S word. Joh. viii. 31. Then said JESUS to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. This is mentioned as a necessary evidence of an interest in CHRIST, Heb. iii. 14. We are made partakers of CHRIST, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end.
CHRIST gives this as a distinguishing character of those that are his disciples indeed, and of a true and saving faith, that it is accompanied with perseverance in the obedience of CHRIST'S word. Joh. viii. 31. Then said JESUS to those Jews which believed on him, if ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed. This is mentioned as a necessary evidence of an interest in CHRIST, Heb. iii. 14. We are made partakers of CHRIST, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast to the end.
PERSEVERANCE is not only a necessary concomitant and evidence of a title to salvation, but also a necessary prerequisite to the actual possession of eternal life. It is the only way to heaven, the narrow way that leadeth to life. Hence CHRIST exhorts the church of Philadelphia to persevere in holiness from this consideration, that it was necessary in order to her obtaining the crown. Rev. iii. 11. Hold fast that which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. It is necessary not only that persons should once have been walking in the way of duty; but that they should be found so doing, when CHRIST cometh. Luke xii. 43. Blessed is that servant, whom is LORD, when he cometh, shall find so doing.—Holding out to the end is often made the condition of actual salvation.