glorious work of God (Part V).
Though the devil is strong in such a war as this, he depends more on his craftiness than on his strength. The course he has chiefly taken from time to time to clog, hinder, and overthrow revivals of religion in the church of God, has been by his subtle, deceitful management, to beguile and mislead those who have been engaged in it. And in such a course, God has been pleased in his holy and sovereign providence, to allow him to succeed, often to overthrow in great measure, that which in its beginning appeared most hopeful and glorious. The work that has now begun in New England, as I have shown, is eminently glorious. And if it should go on and prevail, it would make New England a kind of heaven on earth. Therefore, is it not a thousand pities that it should be overthrown through wrong and improper management that we are led into by our subtle adversary, in our endeavors to promote it?
In treating the methods that ought to be taken to promote this work, I would,
1. Take notice of some instances in which fault has been found, without just cause (as I apprehend it), with the conduct of those who have appeared to be its subjects, or who have been zealous to promote it (Part III). 2. Show what things ought to be corrected or avoided (Part IV). 3. Show positively, what ought to be done to promote this glorious work of God (Part V).
1. I would note some things that offence has been taken at, without or beyond just cause.
One thing that has been complained about, is ministers addressing the affections of their hearers, rather than their understandings. Striving to raise their passions to the utmost height by a very emotional39 manner of speaking, and a great appearance of earnestness in voice and gesture, rather than by clear reasoning and informing their judgment. It is objected that by these means, the affections are moved without a proportionate enlightening of the understanding.