N13259:54
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.
THE building of the ark was a work of great difficulty on this account, that Noah's wisdom was not sufficient to direct him, how to make such a building, as should be a sufficient security against such a flood, and which should be a convenient dwelling place for himself, his family and all the various kinds of beasts and birds, and creeping things. Nor could he ever have known how to construct this building, had not GOD directed him.
6. THIS business never ends till life ends. They that undertake this laborious, careful expensive, self denying business must not expect to rest from their labours, till death shall have put an end to them. The long continuance of the work which Noah undertook was what especially made it a great undertaking This also was what made the travel of the children of Israel through the wilderness appear so great to them, that it was continued for so long a time. Their spirits failed they were discouraged, and had not an heart to go through with so great an undertaking.
BUT such is this business that it runs parallel with life, whether it be longer or shorter. Although we ⟨p. 23⟩should live to a great age, our race and warfare will not be finished, till death shall come. We must not expect that an end will be put to our labour, and care, and strife by any hope of a good estate, which we may obtain. Past attainments, and past success will not excuse us from what remains for the future, nor will they make future, constant labour and care not necessary to our salvation.