N13259:592
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.
SO far is undoubtedly true, that if this be the mind and will of GOD, he hath not left the matter to human tradition; but hath so revealed his mind about it, in his word, that there is there to be found good and substantial evidence that it is his mind: and doubtless, the revelation is plain enough for them that have ears to hear; that is, for them that will justly exercise their understandings about what GOD says to them. No christian, therefore, should rest till he has satisfactorily discovered the mind of GOD in this matter. If the christian sabbath be of divine institution, it is doubtless of great importance to religion, that it be well kept; and therefore, that every christian be well acquainted with the institution.
IF men only take it upon trust, and keep the first day of the week only because their parents taught ⟨p. 226⟩them so, or because they see others do so, and so they take it for certain, that it is right; they will never be likely to keep it so conscientiously and strictly, as if they had seen with their own eyes, and had been convinced by seeing for themselves, good grounds in the word of GOD, for their practice▪ and unless they do see thus for themselves, whenever they are negligent in sanctifying the sabbath, or are guilty of profaning it; their consciences will not have that advantage to smite them for it, as otherwise they would.—And those who have a sincere desire to obey GOD in all things, will keep the sabbath more carefully and more cheerfully, if they have seen and been convinced, that therein they do what is according to the will and command of GOD, and what is acceptable to him; and will also have a great deal more comfort in the reflection upon their having carefully and painfully kept the sabbath.
IF men only take it upon trust, and keep the first day of the week only because their parents taught ⟨p. 226⟩them so, or because they see others do so, and so they take it for certain, that it is right; they will never be likely to keep it so conscientiously and strictly, as if they had seen with their own eyes, and had been convinced by seeing for themselves, good grounds in the word of GOD, for their practice and unless they do see thus for themselves, whenever they are negligent in sanctifying the sabbath, or are guilty of profaning it; their consciences will not have that advantage to smite them for it, as otherwise they would.—And those who have a sincere desire to obey GOD in all things, will keep the sabbath more carefully and more chearfully, if they have seen and been convinced, that therein they do what is according to the will and command of GOD, and what is acceptable to him; and will also have a great deal more comfort in the reflection upon their having carefully and painfully kept the sabbath.