made of Himself to Abraham in the following words: "After these
bestowed it all upon them. We have an account of this in Gen 14.2124. He was soon rewarded for it, by a blessed revelation that God made of Himself to Abraham in the following words: "After these things, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abraham, I am your shield, and your exceeding great reward." (Gen 15.1) As if to say, I am your shield, to defend you in battle, as I have now done; and though you have charitably refused to take any reward, for exposing your life to rescue this people, fear not, you shall not lose, you shall have a reward. I am your exceeding great reward.
When Christ was on earth he was poor, and an object of charity. During the time of his public ministry, he was supported by the charity of some of his followers, and particularly certain women whom we read about in Luk 8.2-3. These women were rewarded, by being peculiarly favored with gracious manifestations which Christ made of himself to them. He revealed himself first to them after his resurrection, before the twelve disciples. They first saw a vision of glorious angels who spoke comfortably to them; and then Christ appeared to them, and spoke peace to them, saying, Do not be afraid. And they were allowed to come and hold him by the feet, and worship him, Mat 28.9-10. We cannot now be charitable in this way to Christ in person; for in his exalted state he is infinitely above the need of our charity. Yet we may be as charitable to Christ now, as they were then. For though Christ is not here, he has left others in his place to be his receivers, and they are the poor. Christ is still poor in his members; and he who gives to them, lends to the Lord. (Pro 19.17) Christ tells us that he will look at what you have done to them, as done to him. (Mat 25.40)
Rebekah, in her marriage with Isaac, was undoubtedly a remarkable type of the church, in her espousals to the Lord Jesus. But she found her husband in doing deeds of charity. This agreed with the prayer of Abraham's servant, who prayed that this might be the thing that distinguished and marked the virgin who was to be Isaac's wife. So too, Cornelius was brought to the knowledge of Christ in this way. He was a devout man, and one who feared God, with all his house; he
gave alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always. And an angel appeared to him, and said to him, Your prayers and your alms have come up for a memorial before God. Now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter, etc. Act 10.2-5. We have an account in the following parts of the chapter, of how God, by Peter's preaching, revealed Christ to Cornelius and his family, and of the Holy Ghost's descending upon them and filling their hearts with joy, and their mouths with praises.
Some may object that for people to do deeds of charity in the hope of obtaining spiritual blessings and comforts in this way, would seem to show a self-righteous spirit, as though they would offer something to God to purchase these favors. But if this is a good objection, it may be made against every duty whatsoever. All external duties of the first tablet would be excluded by it, as well as those of the second. First tablet duties have as direct a tendency to raise self-righteous people's expectations of receiving something from God on account of them, as second tablet duties do — on some accounts, more so. For those duties are more immediately offered to God; and therefore people are more ready to expect something from God for them. But no duty is to be neglected for fear of making it a righteousness. I have observed that those professors who are most partial in their duty, who are exact and abundant in the external duties of the first tablet, but slack as to those of the second, are the most self-righteous.
If God's people in this land, were brought to abound in such deeds of love, as much as in deeds of praying, hearing, singing, religious meetings, and conference, it would be a most blessed omen. Nothing would have a greater tendency to bring the God of love down from heaven to the earth. So amiable would be the sight in the eyes of our loving and exalted Redeemer, that it would soon, as it were, fetch Him down from his throne in heaven, to set up His tabernacle with men on the earth, and dwell with them. I don't remember ever reading of any remarkable outpouring of the Spirit, that continued for any length of time, that wasn't attended with abounding in this duty. We know it was so with that great effusion of the Spirit that began at Jerusalem in the apostles' days. So too in the recent
remarkable revival of religion in Saxony, which began by the labors of the famous Professor Franck.83 It has now been carried on for over thirty years. It has spread its happy influences into many parts of the world. It was begun, and has been carried on by a wonderful practice of this duty. And the remarkable blessing that God has given Mr. Whitefield, and the great success with which He has crowned him, may well be thought to be very much owing to his laying himself out so abundantly in charitable designs. It is foretold that God's people will abound in this duty in the time of the great outpouring of the Spirit that will be in the latter days. Isa 32.5, 8, "The foolish person will no longer be called generous, nor the miser said to be bountiful. But the generous man devises generous things, and by generosity he shall stand."
A Public Covenant
One proper means to promote a reformation among a professing people, with respect to all sorts of duties recommended by frequent Scripture examples, is the solemn, public renewing of their covenant with God. Doubtless it would greatly tend to promote this work in the land, if the congregations of God's people could generally be brought to this. A draft of a covenant might be made by their ministers, in which express mention is made of those particular duties the people of the respective congregations have observed are most prone to neglect, and those particular sins that they have especially fallen into up to now, or that they are especially in danger of — sins by which they may prevent or resist the motions of God's Spirit. The matter would then be fully proposed and explained to the people, and they would be given sufficient opportunity for consideration. Then all who are capable of understanding should be led particularly to subscribe to the covenant. All would publicly appear together on a day of prayer and fasting, to own it before God in his house, as their vow to the Lord. Hereby congregations of Christians would do that which would be beautiful, and would put honor upon God, and be very profitable to themselves.
Such a thing as this, was attended with a very wonderful blessing in Scotland, and followed with a great increase of the blessed tokens of the presence of God, and remarkable outpourings of his Spirit — as the author of The Fulfilling of the Scripture informs us, p. 186, 5th edition.
The people must be approached when they are in a good mood, and considerable religious impressions are prevailing among them. Otherwise they will hardly be induced to this, and their objections and cavils against it will be innumerable.
One more thing I would mention, which would tend much to promote it, if God still carried on this work. And that is, a HISTORY should be published once a month, or once a fortnight, of its progress, by one of the ministers of Boston who are near the press, and are most conveniently situated to receive accounts from all parts. It has been found by experience, that the tidings of remarkable effects of the power and grace of God in any one place, tend greatly to awaken and engage the minds of people in other places. It would be a great pity, therefore, if some means were not used for the speediest, most extensive, and certain giving of information about such things, and the country were not left only to the slow, partial, and doubtful information, and false representations of a common report.
_______________
Thus I have (I hope, by the help of God) finished what I proposed. I have taken more pains in it, because it appears to me that God is now giving us the happiest season to attempt a universal reformation, that was ever given in New England. It would be a thousand pities, if we failed in that which would be so glorious, for lack of being sensible of our opportunity; or despite being aware of those things that tend to hinder it, we took improper courses to obtain it; or if we were not sensible of which way God expects us to seek it. If it pleased God to bless any means for convincing the country of His hand in this work, and bringing them to fully and freely acknowledge His glorious power and grace in it, and engage with one heart and soul, and endeavor to promote it by due methods — it would be a
dispensation of divine Providence that would have a most glorious aspect. It would happily signify the approach of great and glorious things to the church of God, and it would justly cause us to hope that Christ would speedily come to set up his kingdom of light, holiness, peace, and joy on earth, as foretold in his word. — Amen: even so, come LORD JESUS.
Notes
[←1]
Referring to Edwards' Narrative of Surprising Conversions, Works, vol. 3, pp. 231272.
[←2]
Ill thoughts: to consider something as morally reprehensible or wicked; to think badly of it.
[←3]
a priori: here it means derived by logic, without observed facts, or disregarding observable facts.
[←4]
a posteriori: reasoning from observed facts to general principles, from effects to causes.
[←5]
In 1746, Edwards will write his classic work, Religious Affections, further exploring this topic.
[←6]
Allow: to admit, agree to, or concede a point.
[←7]
Complacence or complacency, is the feeling we have when fully satisfied (content).
[←8]
Flashy: showy; visually impressive, attention-getting.
[←9]
Distraction: mental or emotional turmoil; "He is driving me to distraction!"
[←10]
As it were: as if it were so in some sense, but not literally. See Mat 11.14, "if you can accept it..."
[←11]
Bowels: our innermost emotional parts – our physical gut may feel twisted and on fire, whether it is caused by fear, love, anger, distress, anxiety, compassion, or delight.
[←12]
Robert Fleming (1630-1694), Fulfilling of the Scripture (London, 3rd ed. 1681).
[←13]
Vicious: characterized by vice and sin.
[←14]
William Farel (1489-1565), early reformer in Geneva – known as the Elijah of the Alps. He convinced Calvin that he couldn't remain in the classroom, but had to become active in the Reformation. Pierre Viret (1511-1571), "the unknown reformer," was also active in Geneva. He worked closely with Farel, who had convinced him to dedicate himself to spreading the gospel. See Kirchhofer's The Life of William Farel for more information.
[←15]
Enthusiast: a person exhibiting overly zealous (even irrational) religious fervor.
[←16]
For example, the French Roman Catholic mystic, Madame Guyon (1648-1717).
[←17]
causa sine qua non: without it, the thing could not have occurred. By contrast, two things occurring at about the same time, does not prove that the one caused the other; it may be mere coincidence (what Edwards terms occasional). The original wording was misleading: "when the cause is only causa sine qua non, or an occasional cause."
[←18]
Company-keeping means gathering together for no purpose. Night-walking is wandering streets and alleyways at night, looking for trouble. Tavern haunting is a form of "pub-crawling" or "bar-hopping;" i.e., getting drunk regularly.
[←19]
And people of good understanding and sound mind, of known and experienced probity, have a right to be believed by their neighbors when they speak of things that fall under their observation and experience. – Edwards
[←20]
Affiance: an engagement or betrothal; having a permanent covenantal pledge and bond.
[←21]
Edwards would later describe this transformation, in The Life of David Brainerd, 1749.
[←22]
Montanism – ancient heresy (c. 156-172) with new prophets, new revelation, asceticism, imminent return of Christ, speaking in tongues, future millennial reign — as if Scripture were somehow incomplete or inadequate.
[←23]
Added for clarity. This individual serves as an exemplar of Edwards' general experience with others.
[←24]
Elysium: a place or condition of ideal happiness.
[←25]
The first stirrings of revival were 1734-36; the Great Awakening was 1740-42, taking place as Edwards was writing down these thoughts on that earlier revival, as well as this current "awakening."
[←26]
George Whitefield (1714-1770), and Gilbert Tennent (1703-1764).
[←27]
Originally, "vapors" – general anxiety or nervousness; high-strung; susceptible.
[←28]
Considering Edward's era, these were not epithets or condescending terms. They were ignorant of the Christian faith and its practices. Barbarous means they belonged to a foreign civilization and culture. Act 28.2, "And the barbarous people showed us much kindness." The Greek word is literally, barbaros.
[←29]
What follows are Edwards' musings about America as the locus of this revival. This is not an eschatology per se. He merely draws an analogy with some portions of Scripture, laying out the possibility that this has been the will of God from the beginning. He has the following purpose in mind (see below): "I have insisted on this point at length, because if these things are so, it greatly manifests how much it behooves us to encourage and promote this work, and how dangerous it will be to forbear doing so." His fellow Americans haven't been taking the revival seriously. He therefore gives them an American reason to do so.
[←30]
It is evident that the Holy Spirit, in those expressions in Psa 19.4-6, respects something else besides the natural sun; and that an eye is had to the Sun of Righteousness, that by His light he converts the soul, makes wise the simple, enlightens the eyes, and rejoices the heart. And by his preached gospel, He enlightens and warms the world of mankind. This is by the Psalmist's own application in verse 7, and the apostle's application of verse 4, in Rom 10.18. – Edwards
[←31]
Bishop Ussher, in his 1650 chronology (Annals), calculated the earth was created Oct 23, 4004 B.C.
[←32]
Rev 21:6 And He said to me, "It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. Rev 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.
[←33]
Originally, Isa 64.3, which has nothing to do with rain.
[←34]
"The LORD is my banner."
[←35]
Originally, "pretenses" — here it means importuning; an impassioned summons.
[←36]
Originally, "necks" – the meaning is to make an effort.
[←37]
Publican: tax-collector in ancient Rome.
[←38]
KJV, from an alternate Septuagint Mss., "ἐν ῥάβδῳ διηγήσεως γραμματέως (en rabdoo diegeseoos grammateoos); lit. "in a rod account of a scribe." It could be the rod that his scroll was rolled on, or perhaps the scribe's stick that he wrote it with. The Hebrew could be rendered, "drawn (pulled) from the scribe's rod." Most modern translations have, "those who carry a commander's staff," or the like. John Gill, a contemporary of Edwards, interpreted it to mean the writers dropped their pens and took up their swords to come to the aid of their fellows.
[←39]
Originally, "affectionate" – meaning their speech stimulates the affections; it is intense, inflammatory.
[←40]
Speculative knowledge: theoretical or informational; a sermon may lack any practical import for the hearer, if the preacher fails to bring it down to earth and strike the heart.
[←41]
The Church is the mystical body of Christ.
[←42]
Town crier: an official who made public announcements in the city square with a loud voice.
[←43]
Lancet: a surgical knife with a pointed double-edged blade; used for punctures and small incisions.
[←44]
Stupidity: A poor ability to understand or profit from experience, or to recognize what is true and good.
[←45]
Christendom or the Christian world: nations that embrace Christianity as their religion. It is comprised of believers and unbelievers alike, as in Mat 13.25f. England had a national church. Citizenship, in a sense, included membership in that church. Its cities and townships were divided into parishes, whose residents were overseen by the parish priest, and listed on church rolls. England was thus considered a Christian nation, and part of Christendom.
[←46]
One denarii was a day's wages.
[←47]
The danger is mass hysteria, rather than a shared emotional response by many of the hearers.
[←48]
See Edwards, Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God, in vol. 1 of President Edwards Works.
[←49]
Great antichristian apostasy: presumably the establishment of the Roman Catholic Church in the 4th century. After many centuries of papal abuse, the reformers and Puritans labelled every occupant of that office, the Antichrist.
[←50]
Indiscreet: lacking discretion; injudicious; tossing off restraints.
[←51]
Enthusiasm: exhibiting overly zealous (even irrational) religious fervor.
[←52]
Tit 2:8 ... sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say about you.
[←53]
Diffident: not self-assured or over-confident.
[←54]
That is, his prayer closet – a quiet or private room in the house in which to pray and meditate (Mat 6.6).
[←55]
NKJ Rev 3:10 You have kept My command to persevere.
[←56]
Originally, "It is well if that very fear and meekness which the apostle recommends, has not sometimes been condemned, under the name of a cursed fear of man."
[←57]
1Pet 2:17 Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king.
[←58]
Husbandman: broadly, a farmer; a person who raises crops and/or tends livestock (e.g., sheep and cattle).
[←59]
The person believes that the text of Scripture was written to him directly, not to the author's intended audience when it was first recorded. He removes it from its historical context, and takes it as a personal revelation from God.
[←60]
Principle: A fundamental rule or law of nature that produces certain qualities in us. When we were dead in trespasses and sin, the principle of death ruled us; we obeyed the desires of our flesh in bondage to sin, and were at war with God. When we were made new creatures at conversion, we were given a new principle of life, a new nature to rule in us; we were then enabled to freely believe in and submit to Christ, who reconciled us to God, and brought us peace.
[←61]
That is, grace is given to us by God to act in us as a sovereign agent, independent of our nature. Our nature normally operates by means, such our mental faculties (will, understanding, perception, belief, etc.). Grace may be activated by these means, but it isn't governed by them. Rather, it acts upon them.
[←62]
Consistory: a church tribunal or council; a church court.
[←63]
animal spirits: these refer to instinctual impulses, emotional reactions, or "gut feelings."
[←64]
Lineament: a characteristic property or feature.
[←65]
causa sine qua non: without it, the thing could not have occurred.
[←66]
Job 6:14 "To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
[←67]
Luk 7.11-15. Christ raised the widow's son from the dead.
[←68]
These two things were laid out shortly after the start of Part IV.
[←69]
Joh 16:2 ... the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service.
[←70]
Cashier: discard or do away with; discharge with dishonor.
[←71]
1Tim 2:12 "I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence." Edwards will explain this at length below.
[←72]
These were British citizens, at a time when such class distinctions were prominent in society.
[←73]
The master or president of the assembly is the ordained minister's role in ordering and directing the congregation in worship; for example, giving the invocation, sermon, and benediction.
[←74]
Edwards implies here that the ministry is a full-time calling.
[←75]
George Whitefield (1714-1770) – one of the greatest evangelists of his day; thousands would come to hear him preach in the open fields. He was just 26 when Edwards wrote this. Later in life, Whitefield confessed, "Alas! Alas! In how many things have I judged and acted wrong. I have been too rash and hasty in characterizing both places and people.…"
[←76]
Come to rights: to be restored to the right path.
[←77]
Deist: someone who believes in a Creator who made the universe, but is not actively involved in it.
[←78]
Jer 2:2 Go and cry in the hearing of Jerusalem, saying, "Thus says the LORD: 'I remember you, The kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. Israel was holiness to the LORD, the firstfruits of His increase. All who devour him will offend; disaster will come upon them,' says the LORD."
[←79]
Tuition: the training or instruction provided by a teacher or tutor.
[←80]
In 1837, Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson, seeing this need, worked together to establish a public education system in the newly formed United States, along with teachers colleges to equip those who would serve in them.
[←81]
Gen 32:28 And He said, "Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel; for you have struggled with God and with men, and have prevailed."
[←82]
Originally, "strait-handed."
[←83]
August Hermann Francke (1663-1727) – a German pietist. He began an orphanage, schools for boys and girls, a printing house, and a center for missions to Jews.