N13259:596
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.
WHO can positively say, that if it had been the mind of GOD, that we should keep the first day of the week, he would have commanded it in express terms, as he did the observation of the seventh day of old?—Indeed, if GOD had so made our faculties, that we were not capable of receiving a revelation […] his mind in any other way; then there would have been some reason to say so. But GOD hath given us such understandings, that we are capable of receiving a revelation, when made in another manner. And if GOD deals with us agreeably to our natures, and in a way suitable to our capacities, it is enough. If GOD discovers his mind in any way whatsoever, provided it be according to our faculties, we are obliged to obedience; and GOD may expect our notice and observance of his revelation, in the same manner as if he had revealed it in express terms.
WHO can positively say, that if it had been the mind of GOD, that we should keep the first day of the week, he would have commanded it in express terms, as he did the observation of the seventh day of old?—Indeed, if GOD had so made our faculties, that we were not capable of receiving a revelation 〈…〉 his mind in any other way; then there would have been some reason to say so. But GOD hath given us such understandings, that we are capable of receiving a revelation, when made in another manner. And if GOD deals with us agreeably to our natures, and in a way suitable to our capacities, it is enough. If GOD discovers his mind in any way whatsoever, provided it be according to our faculties, we are obliged to obedience; and GOD may expect our notice and observance of his revelation, in the same manner as if he had revealed it in express terms.
I SHALL speak upon this subject under these two general propositions:
1. IT is sufficiently clear, that it is the mind of GOD, that one day of the week should be devoted to rest, and to religious exercises, throughout all ages and nations.