N13259:42
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.
THERE are many wise ends to be answered by the establishment of such a work or business as pre-requisite to salvation.—The glory of GOD required it. For although GOD stands in no need of any thing that men do, to recommend them to his saving mercy; yet it would reflect much on the glory of GOD'S wisdom and holiness, to bestow salvation on men in such a way as tends to encourage them in sloth and wickedness; or in any other way than that ⟨p. 17⟩which tends to promote diligence and holiness. Man was made capable of action, with many powers of both body and mind fitting him for it. He was made for business and not idleness: and the main business for which he was made, was the business of religion. Therefore it becometh the wisdom of GOD to bestow salvation and happiness on men, in such a way as tends most to promote his answering his end in this respect, and to stir him up to a diligent use of his faculties and talents.
IT becometh the wisdom of GOD so to order it, that things of great value and importance should not be obtained without great labour and diligence. GOD hath wisely so ordered in other things. So much as human learning and great moral accomplishments are not to be obtained, without much care and labour. It is wisely so ordered to maintain in man a due sense of the value of those things which are excellent. If great things were in common easily to be obtained, it would have a tendency to cause men to slight and undervalue them. Men commonly despise those things, which are cheap, and which are obtained without difficulty.
ALTHOUGH the work which hath been spoken of, performed by men, be not necessary in order to merit salvation; yet it is necessary in order to their being prepared for it. This is one reason why GOD appointed it as absolutely […] in order to it. Men cannot be […] salvation, without seeking it in such a way […] hath been described. This is necessary in order that they have a proper sense of their own necessities, and unworthiness; and in order that they be prepared and disposed to prize salvation, when bestowed, and that they be properly thankful to GOD for it. The requisition of so great a work in