The life and character of the late Reverend Mr. Jonathan Edwards, president of the College at New-Jersey. Together with a number of his sermons on various important subjects.

THE LIFE Of the Reverend Mr. JONATHAN EDWARDS.

PART I. Containing the History of his Life, from his BIRTH, to his SETTLEMENT in the Work of the MINISTRY.

_MR. JONATHAN EDWARDS was born October 5. 1703. at Windsor, a Town in Connecticut. His Father was the Rev. Mr. TIMOTHY EDWARDS, Minister of the Gospel on the east Side of Connecticut River in Windsor. He began to reside and preach at Windsor in November 1694 but was not ordained till July, 1698. He died Jan. 27. 1758. in the 89th Year of his Age, not two Months before this his SON. He was in the Work of the Ministry above 59 Years: And from his first beginning to reside and preach there, to his Death, are above 63 Years; and was able to attend on the Work of the Ministry and preach constantly till within a few Years before his Death. He was very universally esteemed & beloved as an upright, pious, exemplary Man, and faithful Minister of the Gospel; and was greatly useful. He was born at Hartford in Con|necticut, May 14. 1669, received the Honours of the Col|lege at Cambridge in New-England, by having the Degrees of Batchelor and Master of Arts given him the same Day, July 4. 1694, one in the Forenoon, and the other in the Afternoon.

On the 6th Day of November 1694, he was married to Mrs. ESTHER STODDARD, in the 23d Year of her Age, the Daughter of the late famous Mr. SOLOMON STODDARD of Northampton; whose great Parts and Zeal for experi|mental Religion are well known in all the Churches in America; and will probably be transmitted to Posterity yet unborn, by his valuable Writings. They lived together in the married State above 63 Years. Mrs. EDWARDS was born June 2. 1672, and is now living in her 89th Year, remarkable for the little decay of her mental Powers at so great an Age.

THEY had eleven Children: All which lived to adult Years, viz ten Daughters, seven of whom are now living, and this their only Son and fifth Child.* 1.1

Mr. EDWARDS entered Yale College in the Year 1716, and received the Degree of Batchelor of Arts in September 1720, a little before he was 17 Years old. He had the Character of a sober Youth, and a good Scholar while he was a Member of the College. In his second Year at College, and thirteenth of his Age, he read Locke on the human Understanding, with great delight and profit. His

uncommon Genius, by which he was, as it were by Na|ture, form'd for closeness of Thought and deep Penetra|tion, now began to exercise and discover it self. Taking that Book into his Hand, upon some Occasion, not long before his Death, he said to some of his select Friends, who were then with him. That he was beyond Expression extertain'd and pleas'd with it, when he read it in his Youth at College; that he was as much engaged, and had more Satisfaction and Pleasure in studying it, than the most greedy Miser in gathering up handfuls of Silver and Gold from some new discovered Treasure.

THO' he made good Proficiency in all the Arts and Sciences, and had an uncommon Taste for natural Philo|sophy, which he cultivated to the end of his Life, with that justness and accuracy of Thought which was almost peculiar to him; yet moral Philosophy or Divinity w•••• his favourite Study. In this he early made great Progress.

HE lived at College near two Years after he took his first Degree, designing and preparing for the Work of the Mini|stry. After which, having passed the pre-requisite Trials, he was licenced to preach the Gospel as a Candidate. And being pitched upon, and applied to by a Number of Mini|sters in New-England, who were intrusted to act in Behalf of the English Presbyterians at New-York, as a fit Person to be sent to them, he complied with their Request, and went to New-York the beginning of August, 1722; and preach'd there to very good Acceptance about eight Months But by Reason of the Smallness of that Society, and some spe|cial Difficulties that attended it, he did not think they were in a Capacity to settle a Minister, with a rational Prospect of answering the good Ends proposed. He therefore left them, the next Spring, and retired to his Father's House; where he spent the Summer in close Study. He was indeed earnestly solicited by the People he had been among at New-York to return to them again; but for the Reason just mentioned, he could not think himself in the way of his Duty to gratify them.

IN September, 1723, he received his Degree of Master of Arts; about which time he had Invitations from s••••cial Congregations to come among them in order to his Set+tlement

in the Work of the Ministry; but being chosen Tutor of Yale-College the next Spring in the Year 1724, being in the twenty first Year of his Age, he retired to the College, and attended the Business of Tutor there above two Years.

WHILE he was in this Place, he was applied to by the People at Northampton, with an Invitation to come and settle in the Work of the Ministry there, with his Grand|father STODDARD, who by Reason of his great Age, stoo•• in need of Assistance. He therefore resigned his Tutor|ship, in September, 1726, and accepted of their Invitation▪ and was ordained in the Work of the Ministry at Northam••|ton, Colleague with his Grand-father STODDARD, February 15. 1727, in the twenty fourth Year of his Age, where he continued in the Work of the Ministry till June 22. 1750, twenty three Years and four Months.

BETWEEN the Time of his going to New-York and his Settlement at Northampton, he formed a Number of Reso|lutions, and committed them to Writing: the particular Time, and special Occasion of his making many of them, he has noted in his Diary which he then kept; as well as many other Observations and Rules, which related to his own Exercises and Conduct. And as these Resolu|tions, together with the Things noted in his Diary, may justly be considered, as the Foundation and Plan of his whole Life, it may be proper here to give the Reader a Taste and Idea of them: which will therefore be done in the following Extracts.

PART II. Containing EXTRACTS from his PRIVATE WRITINGS &c.

SECTION I. His RESOLUTIONS.

"BEING sensible that I am unable to do any thing without God's Help, I do humbly intreat him by his Grace to enable me to keep these Resolutions, so far as they are agreable to his Will, for Christ's Sake.

Remember to read over these Resolutions once a Week.

1. Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's Glory, and my own Good, Profit and Pleasure, in the whole of my Duration, without any Con|sideration of the Time, whether now, or never so many Myriads of Ages hence. Resolved to do whatever I think to be my Duty, and most for the Good and Advantage of Mankind in general. Resolved to do this, whatever Diffi|culties I meet with, how many and how great soever.

2. Resolved, to be continually endeavouring to find out some new Invention and Contrivance to promote the fore-mentioned Things.

4. Resolved, never to do any manner of Thing, whe|ther in Soul or Body, less or more, but what tends to the glory of God; nor be, nor suffer it, if I can avoid it.

5. Resolved, never to loose one Moment of Time; but improve it the most profitable Way I possibly can.

6. Resolved, to live with all my might, while I do live.

7. Resolved, never to do any Thing, which I should be afraid to do, if it were the last Hour of my Life.

9. Resolved, to think much on all Occasions of my own dying, and of the common Circumstances which at|tend Death.

11. Resolved, when I think of my Theorem in Divi|nity to be solved, immediately to do what I can towards solving it, if Circumstances don't hinder.

13. Resolved, to be endeavouring to find out fit Objects of Charity and Liberality.

14. Resolved, never to do any Thing out of Revenge.

15. Resolved, never to suffer the least Motions of An|ger to irrational Beings.

17. Resolved, that I will live so as I shall wish I had done when I come to die.

18. Resolved, to live so at all Times, as I think is best in my devout Frames, and when I have clearest Notions of Things of the Gospel, and another World.

20. Resolved, to maintain the strictest Temperance in eating and drinking.

21. Resolved, never to do any Thing, which if I should see in another, I should count a just Occasion to despise him for, or to think any Way the more meanly of him.

24. Resolved, whenever I do any conspicuously evil Action, to trace it back, till I come to the original Cause; and then both carefully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my Might against the Original of it.

28. Resolved, to study the Scriptures so steadily, con|stantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly per|ceive my self to grow in the Knowledge of the same.

30. Resolved, to strive to my utmost every Week to be brought higher in Religion, and to a higher Exercise of Grace, than I was the Week before.

32. Resolved, to be strictly and firmly faithful to my Trust, that that in Prov. xx. 6. A faithful Man who can find? may not be partly fulfilled in me.

33. Resolved, always to do what I can towards making, maintaining and establishing Peace, when it can be with|out over-balancing Detriment in other Respects.

34. Resolved, in Narrations never to speak any Thing but the pure and simple Verity.

36. Resolved, never to speak Evil of any, except I have some particular good Call for it.

37. Resolved, to enquire every Night, as I am going to Bed, wherein I have been negligent, what Sin I have committed, and wherein I have denied my self: Also at the end of every Week, Month and Year.

38. Resolved, never to speak any Thing that is Ridicu|lous, or Matter of Laughter on the Lord's Day.

39. Resolved, never to do any Thing that I so much question the Lawfulness of, as that I intend, at the same Time, to consider and examine afterwards, whether it be lawful or no: except I as much question the lawfulness of the omission.

41. Resolved, to ask my self at the end of every Day, Week, Month and Year, wherein I could possibly in any Respect have done better.

42. Resolved, frequently to renew the Dedication of my self to God, which was made at my Baptism; which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the Commu|nion of the Church; and which I have solemnly re-made this twelfth Day of January 1722.3.

43. Resolved, never hence-forward, till I die, to act as if I were any way my own, but entirely and altogether God's, agreable to what is to be found in Saturday January 12.

46. Resolved, never to allow the least Measure of any fretting Uneasiness at my Father or Mother. Resolved to suffer no Effects of it, so much as in the least alteration of Speech, or motion of my Eye: And to be especially care|ful of it, with respect to any of our Family.

47. Resolved, to endeavour to my utmost to deny what|ever is not most agreeable to a good, and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented, easy, com|passionate, generous, humble, meek, modest, submissive, obliging, diligent and industrious, charitable, even, patient, moderate, forgiving, sincere Temper; and to do at all Times what such a Temper would lead me to. Examine strictly every Week, whether I have done so.

48. Resolved, constantly, with the utmost Niceness and Diligence, and the strictest Scrutiny, to be looking into the State of my Soul, that I may know whether I have truly an Interest in Christ or no; that when I come to die, I may not have any Negligence respecting this to repent of.

50. Resolved, I will act so as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future World.

52. I frequently hear Persons in old Age say how they would live, if they were to live their Lives over again: Resolved, that I will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old Age.

54. Whenever I hear any thing spoken in Conversation of any Person, if I think it would be praise-worthy in me, Resolved to endeavour to imitate it.

55. Resolved, to endeavour to my utmost to act as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the Happiness of Heaven, and Hell Torments.

56. Resolved, never to give over, nor in the least to slacken my Fight with my Corruptions, however unsuc|cessful I may be.

57. Resolved, when I fear Misfortunes and Adversities, to examine whether I have done my Duty, and resolve to do it; and let it be just as Providence orders it, I will as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my Duty and my Sin.

62. Resolved, never to do any thing but Duty; and then according to Eph. vi. 6, 7, 8. do it willingly and cheerfully as unto the Lord, and not to Man; knowing that whatever good Thing any Man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord.

65. Resolved, very much to exercise my self in this all my Life long, viz. with the greatest openness I am capable of, to declare my Ways to God, and lay open my Soul to Him: all my Sins, Temptations, Difficulties, Sorrows, Fears, Hopes, Desires, and every Thing, and every Cir|cumstance; according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon on the 119 Psalm.

67. Resolved, after Afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them, what Good I have got by them, and what I might have got by them. * 1.2

SECTION II. Extracts from his PRIVATE DIARY.

"SAturday, December 22. 1722. This Day revived by God's Spirit. Affected with the Sense of the excel|lency of Holiness. Felt more exercise of Love to Christ than usual. Have also felt sensible Repentance of Sin, because it was committed against so merciful and good a God. This Night made the 37th Resolution.

Sabbath Day-Night, Dec. 23. Made the 38th Resolution.

Monday, Dec. 24. Higher Thoughts than usual of the Excellency of Jesus Christ and his Kingdom.

Wednesday, January 2 1722, 3. Dull. I find by Experi|ence, that let me make Resolutions, and do what I will, with never so many Inventions, it is all nothing, and to no Purpose at all, without the Motions of the Spirit of God: for if the Spirit of God should be as much with|drawn from me always, as for the Week past, notwith|standing all I do, I should not grow; but should lan|guish, and miserably fade away — There is no Depen|dence upon my self. It is to no Purpose to resolve, ex|cept we depend on the Grace of God; for if it were not for his meer Grace, one might be a very good Man one Day, and a very wicked one the next.

Sabbath-Day, Jan. 6. at Night. Much concerned about the improvement of precious Time. Intend to live in conti|nual Mortification, without ceasing, as long as in this World.

Tuesday, Jan. 8. in the Morning. Higher Thoughts than usual, of the Excellency of Christ, and felt an unusual Re|pentance of Sin therefrom.

Wednesday, Jan. 9. at Night. Decayed. I am sometimes apt to think, I have a great deal more of Holiness than I have. I find now and then, that abominable Corruption which is directly contrary to what I read of eminent Christians.— How deceitful is my Heart! I take up a strong Resolution, but how soon does it weaken!

Thursday, Jan. 10. about Noon. Reviving. 'Tis a great Dishonour to Christ, in whom I hope I have an Interest, to be uneasy at my worldly State and Condition. When I see the Prosperity of others, and that all Things go easy with them; the World is smooth to them, and they are

happy in many Respects, and very prosperous, or are ad|vanced to much Honour &c. to grudge and envy them, or be the least uneasy at it; to wish or long for the same Prosperity, and that it would ever be so with me. Where|fore concluded always to rejoyce in every one's Prosperity, and to expect for my self no Happiness of that Nature as long as I live; but depend upon Afflictions, and betake my self entirely to another Happiness.

I think I find my self much more sprightly and healthy, both in Body and Mind, for my Self-denial in eating, drinking, and sleeping.

I think it would be advantageous every Morning to consider my Business and Temptations; and what Sins I shall be exposed to that Day▪ and to make a Resolution how to improve the Day, and to avoid those Sins. And so at the beginning of every Week, Month and Year.

I never knew before what was meant by not setting our Hearts upon these Things. 'Tis, not to care about them, to depend upon them, to afflict our selves much with Fears of losing them, nor please our selves with Expecta|tion of obtaining them, or hope of the Continuance of them At Night made the 41st Resolution.

Saturday, Jan. 12. in the Morning. I have this Day solemnly renewed my baptismal Covenant and Self-Dedi|cation, which I renewed when I was received into the Communion of the Church. I have been before God; and have given my self, all that I am and have to GOD, so that I am not in any Respect my own: I can challenge no Right in my self, I can challenge no Right in this Un|derstanding, this Will, these Affections that are in me; neither have I any right to this Body, or any of its Members: No Right to this Tongue, these Hands, nor Feet: no Right to these Senses, these Eyes, these Ears, this Smell or Taste. I have given my self clear away, and have not retained any Thing as my own. I have been to GOD this Morning, and told Him that I gave my self wholly to him. I have given every Power to him; so that for the future I will challenge no Right in my self, in any Respect. I have expresly promi|sed Him, and do now promise Almighty God, that by his Grace I will not. I have this Morning told Him, that I did take Him for my whole Portion and Felicity, looking on nothing else as any Part of my Happiness, nor acting as if it were; and his Law for the constant

Rule of my Obedience: and would fight with all my Might against the World, the Flesh, and the Devil, to the End of my Life. And did believe in Jesus Christ, and re|ceive him as a Prince and a Saviour; and would adhere to the Faith and Obedience of the Gospel, how hazar|dous and difficult soever the Profession and Practice of it may be. That I did receive the blessed Spirit as my Tea|cher, Sanctifier and only Comforter; and cherish all his Motions to enlighten, purify, confirm, comfort and assist me. This I have done. And I pray God, for the sake of Christ, to look upon it as a Self-Dedication; and to re|ceive me now as entirely his own, and deal with me in all Respects as such; whether he afflicts me or prospers me, or whatever he pleases to do with me, who am his. Now, henceforth I am not to act in any Respect as my own.— I shall act as my own, if I ever make use of any of my Powers to any thing that is not to the glory of God, and don't make the glorifying Him my whole and entire Business; if I murmur in the least at Afflictions; if I grieve at the Prosperity of others; if I am any way uncharitable; if I am angry because of Injuries; if I revenge: If I do any thing, purely to please my self, or if I avoid any thing for the sake of my Ease: If I omit any thing because it is great Self-denial: If I trust to my self: If I take any of the Praise of any Good that I do, or rather GOD does by me; or if I am any way proud.

This Day made the 42d and 43d Resolutions.

Monday, Jan. 14 — The Dedication I made of my self to my God, on Saturday last, has been exceeding useful to me. I thought I had a more spiritual insight into the Scripture, reading the 8th Chapter to the Romans, than ever in my Life before.

Great Instances of Mortification are deep Wounds given to the Body of Sin, hard Bows that make him stagger and reel: we thereby get great Ground and footing against him.—While we live without great Instances of Morti|fication and Self-denial, the old Man keeps whereabouts he was; for he is sturdy and obstinate, and will not stir for small Blows. After the greatest Mortifications, I always find the greatest Comfort.

Supposing there was never but one compleat Christian, in all Respects of a right Stamp, having Christianity shin|ing in its true Lustre, at a time in the World; Resolved

to act just as I would do, if I strove with all my Might to be that One, that should be in my Time.

Tuesday, Jan. 15. It seemed Yesterday, the Day before and Saturday, that I should always retain the same Reso|lutions to the same Height, but alas, how soon do I decay! O, how weak, how infirm, how unable to do any thing am I! What a poor, inconsistent, what a miserable Wretch, without the assistance of God's Spirit! While I stand, I am ready to think I stand in my own Strength, and upon my own Legs; and I am ready to triumph over my Enemies, as if it were I my self that caused them to flee: when alas! I am but a poor Infant, upheld by Jesus Christ; who holds me up, and gives me Liberty to smile to see my Enemies flee, when he drives them before me; and so I laugh, as tho' I my self did it, when it is only Jesus Christ leads me along, and fights Himself against my Ene|mies. And now the Lord has a little left me, and how weak do I find my self! O, let it teach me to depend less on my self, to be more humble, and to give more of the praise of my Ability to Jesus Christ. The Heart of Man is deceitful above all Things, and desperately wicked, who can know it?

Saturday, Febr. 16 I do certainly know that I love Ho|liness, such as the Gospel requires.

At Night. I have been negligent for the Month past in these three Things; I have not been watchful enough over my Appetite in eating and drinking; in rising too late a Mornings; and in not applying my self with Application enough to the Duty of secret Prayer.

Sabbath Day, Feb. 17. near Sun-set. Renewedly pro|mised, that I will accept of God, for my whole Portion; and that I will be contented, whatever else I am denied. I will not murmur, nor be grieved, whatever Prosperity, upon any Account, I see others enjoy, and I am denied.

Saturday, March 2.—O, how much pleasanter is Humility than Pride! O, that God would fill me with exceeding great Humility, and that he would evermore keep me from all Pride! The Pleasures of Humility are really the most refined, inward and exquisite Delights in the World. How hateful is a proud Man! How hateful is a Worm that lifts up it self with Pride! What a foolish, silly, misera|ble, blind, deceived, poor W••rm am I, when Pride works!

Wednesday, March 6. near Sun set. Felt the Doctrines of Election, Free-Grace, and of our not being able to do any thing without the Grace of God; and that Holiness is entirely, throughout, the Work of God's Spirit, with more Pleasure than before.

Monday Morning, April 1. I think it best not to allow my self to laugh at the Faults, Follies and Infirmities of others.

Saturday Night, April 7. This Week I found my self ••••r gone, that it seem'd to me, that I should never re|c••••e more. Let God of his Mercy return unto me, and no more leave me thus to sink and decay! I know, O Lord, that without thy Help, I shall fall innumerable times, notwithstanding all my Resolutions, how often so ever repeated.

Saturday Night, April 14. I could pray more heartily this Night, for the Forgiveness of my Enemies, than ever before.

Wednesday, May 1. Forenoon. Last Night I came Home, after my melancholy parting from New-York.

I have always, in every different State of Life, I have hitherto been in, thought the Troubles and Difficulties of that State, to be greater than those of any other, that I proposed to be in; and when I have altered with assurance of mending my self, I have still thought the same; yea, that the Difficulties of that State, are greater than those of that I left last. Lord, grant that from hence I may learn to withdraw my Thoughts, Affections, Desires and Expectations, intirely from the World, and may fix them upon the heavenly State; where there is fulness of Joy; where reigns heavenly, sweet, calm and delightful Love without Alloy; where there are continually the dearest Expressions of their Love: where there is the Enjoyment of the Persons loved, without ever parting: where those Persons, who appear so lovely in this World, will really be inexpressibly more lovely, and full of Love to us. How sweetly will the mutual Lovers join together to sing the Praises of God and the Lamb! How full will it fill us with Joy to think, this Enjoyment, these sweet Exercises, will never cease or come to an End, but will last to all Eternity.

Remember, after Journeys, Removes, Overturnings and Alterations in the State of my Life, to reflect and consider,

Whether therein I have managed the best Way possible, respecting my Soul? And before such Alterations, if fore|seen, to resolve how to act.

Thursday, May 2.— I think it a very good Way to ex|amine Dreams every Morning when I awake, what are the Nature, Circumstances, Principles and Ends of my imaginary Actions and Passions in them, to discern what are my chief Inclinations &c.

Saturday Night, May 4. Although I have in some Mea|sure subdued a Disposition to chide and fret, yet I find a certain Inclination, which is not agreeable to Christian sweetness of Temper and Conversation: either by too much Dogmaticalness, too much of the Egotism; a Dis|position to be telling of my own Dislike and Scorn; and freedom from those that are innocent, yea common Infirmities of Men; and many other such like Things. O that God would help me to discern all the Flaws and Defects of my Temper and Conversation, and help me in the difficult Work of amending them: And that he would fill me so full of Christianity, that the Foundation of all these disagreeable Irregularities may be destroyed, and the contrary Sweetnesses and Beauties may of them|selves naturally follow.

Sabbath-Day, May 5. in the Morning. This Day made the 47th Resolution.

Sabbath-Day, May 12. I think I find in my Heart to be glad from the hopes I have that my Eternity is to be spent in spiritual and holy Joys, arising from the manifestation of God's Love, and the exercise of Holiness and a burning Love to Him.

Saturday-Night, May 18. I now plainly perceive what great Obligations I am under to love and honour my Pa|rents. I have great Reason to believe, that their Counsel and Education have been my making; notwithstanding, in the Time of it, it seemed to do me so little good. I have good Reason to hope that their Prayers for me, have been in many Things very powerful and prevalent; that God has in many Things, taken me under his Care and Guidance, Provision and Direction, in answer to their Prayers for me. I was never made so sensible of it as now.

Wednesday, May 2••. in the Morning. Memorandum. To take spe••ial Care of these following Things; Evil Speak|ing,

Fretting, Eating, Drinking and Sleeping, speaking simple Verity, joining in Prayer, slightiness in secret Prayer, Listlesness and Negligence, and Thoughts that cherish Sin.

Saturday, May 25. in the Morning. As I was this Morning reading the 17th Resolution, it was suggested to me, that if I was now to die, I should wish that I had prayed more that God would make me know my State, whether it be good or bad; and that I had taken more Pains to see and narrowly search into this Matter. Where|fore, Mem. For the future most nicely and diligently to look into our old Divines Opinions concerning Conversion. Made the 48th Resolution.

Friday, June 1. Afternoon. I have abundant Cause, O my merciful Father, to love thee ardently, and greatly to bless and praise thee, that thou hast heard me in my ear|nest Request, and hast so answered my Prayer for Mercy to keep from decay and sinking. O, graciously, of thy meer Goodness, still continue to pity my Misery, by reason of my Sinfulness. O my dear Redeemer, I commit my self, together with my Prayer and Thanksgiving into thine Hand.

Monday, July 1. Again confirmed by Experience of the happy Effects of strict Temperance, with respect both to Body and Mind. Resolved for the future to observe rather more of Meekness, Moderation and Temper in Disputes.

Thursday, July 18. near Sun-set. Resolved to endea|vour to make sure of that Sign the Apostle James gives of a perfect Man, Jam. iii. 2. If any Man offend not in Word, the same is a perfect Man, and able also to bridle the whole Body.

Monday, July 22. I see there is danger of my being drawn into Transgression by the Power of such Tempta|tions as a fear of seeming uncivil, and of offending Friends. Watch against it.

Tuesday, July 23. When I find those Groanings which cannot be uttered, the Apostle speaks of; and those Soul|breakings, for the longing it hath, the Psalmist speaks of, Psal. cxix. 20. to humour and promote them to the ut|most of my Power, and be not weary of earnestly endea|vouring to vent my Desires.

To count it all Joy when I have Occasion of great Self-denial, because then I have a glorious Opportunity of giving deadly Wounds to the Body of Sin, and greatly confirm|ing and establishing the new Nature: I seek to mortify Sin, and increase in Holiness: these are the best Opportu|nities, according to January 14.

To improve Afflictions of all Kinds as blessed Oppor|tunities of forcibly bearing on in my Christian Course, notwithstanding that which is so very apt to discourage me, and to damp the vigour of my Mind, and to make me lifeless: Also as Opportunities of trusting and confiding in God, and getting a Habit of that, according to the 57th Resolution. And as an Opportunity of rending m•• Heart off from the World, and setting it upon Heaven alone. To improve them as Opportunities to repent of, and be|wail my Sin, and abhor my self. And as a blessed Op|portunity to exercise Patience; to trust in God, and divert my Mind from the Affliction, by fixing my self in religi|ous Exercises. Also, let me comfort my self, that 'tis the very Nature of Afflictions to make the Heart better; and if I am made better by them, what need I be concerned, however grievous they seem for the present?

Friday Afternoon, July 26. To be particularly careful to keep up inviolable a Trust and Reliance, ease and entire Rest in God in all Conditions, according to 57th Resolu|tion; for this I have found to be wonderfully advantage|ous to me.

Monday, July 29. When I am concerned how I shall perform any thing to publick Acceptance, to be very careful that I have it very clear to me, that I do what is Duty and Prudence in the Matter.

Wednesday, July 31. — Never in the least to seek to hear sarcastical Relations of others Faults. Never to give Credit to any thing said against others, except there is very plain Reason for it; nor to behave in any Respect the otherwise for it.

Wednesday, August 7. To esteem as some Advantag•• that the Duties of Religion are difficult, and that many Difficulties are some times to be gone through in the Way of Duty. Religion is the sweeter, and what is gained by Labour, is abundantly more precious: as a Woman loves her Child the better for having brought it forth with Tra|vail. And even to Christ Jesus himself, his mediatorial

Glory, his Victory and Triumph, his Kingdom which he hath obtained; how much more glorious is it, how much more excellent and precious, for his having wrought it out by such Agonies!

Friday, August 9.—One Thing that may be a good help towards thinking profitably in Time of Vacation is, when I light on a profitable Thought, that I can fix my Mind on, to follow it as far as possibly I can to Advantage.

Sabbath-Day, after meeting, August 11. Resolved always to do that which I shall wish I had done, when I see others do it. As for Instance, sometimes I argue with my self, that such an Act of good Nature, Kindness, Forbearance, or Forgiveness, &c. is not my Duty, because it will have such and such Consequences: yet, when I see others do it, then it appears amiable to me, and I wish I had done it; and I see that none of those fear'd Inconveniencies follow.

Thursday, August 13. I find it would be very much to Advantage, to be thoroughly acquainted with the Scrip|tures. When I am reading doctrinal Books or Books of Controversy, I can proceed with abundantly more Confi|dence; can see upon what Footing & Foundation I stand.

Thursday, August 29 —The Objection my Corruptions make against doing whatever my Hand finds to do with my Might is, that it is a constant Mortification. Let this Objection by no means ever prevail.

Monday, September 2.— There is much Foll••, when I am quite sure I am in the right, and others are positive in contradicting me, to enter into a vehement or long Debate upon it.

Monday, September 23. I observe that old Men seldom have any Advantage of new Discoveries; because they are beside a Way of thinking, they have been so long used to. Resolved, if ever I live to Years, that I will be impartial to hear the Reasons of all pretended Discoveries, and re|ceive them if rational, how long so ever I have been used to another Way of thinking.

Thursday, October 18. To follow the Example of Mr. B— who, tho' he meets with great Difficulties, yet under|takes them with a smiling Countenance, as tho' he thought them but little; and speaks of them as if they were very small.

Thursday, November 26. 'Tis a most evil and pernicious Practice in Meditations on Afflictions, to sit ruminating

on the Aggravations of the Affliction, and reckoning up the evil, dark Circumstances thereof, and dwelling long on the dark Side; it doubles and trebles the Affliction. And so when speaking of them to others, to make them as bad as we can, and use our Eloquence to set forth our own Troubles, and are all the while making new Trouble, and feeding and pampering the old; whereas the contrary Practice would starve our Afflictions. If we dwelt on the light Side of Things in our Thoughts, and extenuated them all that possibly we could, when speaking of them, we should think little of them our selves; and the Afflicti|on would really, in a great Measure, vanish away.

Thursday Night, December 12. If at any Time I am forced to tell others of that wherein I think they are something to blame; for the avoiding the important Evil, that would otherwise ensue, not to tell it to them, so that there shall be a Probability of their taking it as the effect of little, fretting, angry Emotions of Mind.

December 31. at Night. Concluded never to suffer nor express any angry Emotions of Mind more or less, except the Honour of God calls for it, in Zeal for him, or to preserve my self from being trampled on.

Wednesday, January 1. 1723, 4.

NOT to spend too much time in thinking even of important and necessary worldly Business. To allow every Thing it's Proportion of Thought, according to it's Urgency and Importance

Friday, January 10. [After having wrote considerable in a short Hand, which he used when he would have what he wrote effectually concealed from every Body but him|self, he notes the following Words in round Hand] Remember to act according to Prov. xii. 23. A prudent Man concealeth Knowledge.

Monday, Feb. 3. Let every Thing have the Value now, that it will have on a sick Bed: and frequently in my Pursuits of whatever Kind, let this come into my Mind; "How much shall I value this on my Death Bed?

Wednesday, Feb. 5. Have not in Time past in my Pray|ers, enough insisted upon the glorifying God in the World, and the Advancement of the Kingdom of Christ, the Prosperity of the Church, and the good of Men. Deter|mined that this Objection is without Weight, viz. That

'tis not likely that God will make great Alterations in the whole World, and Overturnings in Kingdoms and Nati|ons, only for the Prayers of one obscure Person, seeing such Things used to be done in answer to the united, ear|nest Prayers of the whole Church: And if my Prayers should have some Influence, it would be but impercepti|ble and small.

Thursday, Febr. 6. More convinced than ever of the Usefulness of a free religious Conversation. I find by con|versing on natural Philosophy, I gain Knowledge abun|dance faster, and see the Reasons of Things much clearer, than in private Study. Wherefore earnestly to seek at all times for religious Conversation; for those that I can with Profit and Delight and Freedom so converse with.

Sabbath-Day, Febr. 23 —If I act according to my Reso|lution, I shall desire Riches no otherwise than as they are helpful to Religion. But this I determine, as what is really evident from many Parts of Scripture, that to fallen Man they have a greater Tendency to hurt Religion.

Saturday, May 23. How it comes about I know not; but I have remark'd it hitherto, that at those Times when I have read the Scripture most, I have evermore been most lively, and in the best Frames.

Saturday-Night, June 6. This Week has been a re|markable Week with me with Respect to Despondencies, Fears, Perplexities, Multitudes of Cares and Distraction of Mind; being the Week I came hither to New-Haven, in order to entrance upon the Office of Tutor of the College. I have now abundant Reason to be convinced of the Trou|blesomeness and Vexation of the World, and that it never will be another Kind of World.

Tuesday, July 7. When I am giving the Relation of a Thing, to abstain from altering either in the Matter or Man|ner of speaking, so much, as that if every one afterward should alter as much, it would at last come to be properly false.

Tuesday, Sept. 2. By a Sparingness in Diet, and eating, as much as may be, what is light and easy of Digestion, I shall doubtless be able to think clearer, and shall gain Time. 1st. By lengthening out my Life. 2dly. shall need less Time for Digestion after Meals. 3dly. shall be able to study closer without wrong to my Health. 4thly. shall need less Time to Sleep. 5thly. shall seldomer be trou|bled with the Head-ach.

Sabbath-Day, Novemb. 22. Considering that By-standers always espy some Faults which we don't see our selves, or at least are not so fully sensible of: there are many secret Workings of Corruption which escape our Sight, and others only are sensible of: Resolved therefore, that I will, if I can by any convenient Means, learn what Faults others find in me, or what Things they see in me, that appear any Way blame-worthy, unlovely or unbecoming.

SECTION III. REFLECTION on the foregoing EXTRACTS.

THE foregoing Extracts were wrote by Mr. EDWARDS in the 20th and 21st Years of his Age, as appears by the Dates. This being kept in Mind, the judi|cious Reader will make proper Allowance for some Things, which may appear a little Juvenile, or like a young Christian, as to the Matter, or Manner of Expression; which would not have been found, had it not have been done in early Life. Which, indeed are no Blemishes, the whole being taken together: as by this, it appears more natural, and the Strength of his Resolution, and fervor of Mind; and his Skill and Discerning in divine Things, so seldom found even in old Age, are the more striking. And in this View, we shall be led to admire his consci|entious Strictness, his Zeal and Painfulness, his Experience and Judgment in true Religion, at so early an Age. For here are not only the most convincing Evidences of Sincerity and thorough Religion, of his engaging in a Life devoted to GOD in good earnest, so as to make Religion his only Business; but thro' his great Attention to this Matter, he appears to have the Judgment and Experience of grey Hairs.

THIS is the Beginning of a Life so eminently holy & useful as Mr. EDWARDS's was. He who became one of the great|est Divines in this Age; has had the Applause and Admira|tion of America, Britain, Holland, & Germany, for his Piety, and great Judgment & Skill in Divinity; and has been honored above most others in the Christian World, in this Century;

in his being made the Instrument of doing so much good: HE began his Life thus: He enter'd on a publick Life with such Views, such Exercises, such Resolutions.

THIS may serve as a Direction and Excitement to those who are Young, to devote themselves to GOD in good ear|nest, and enter on the Business of strict and thorough Re|ligion without delay: especially those who are looking to|wards the Work of the Ministry, as they would take the most direct, the only Way to answer the good Ends which they profess to seek.

IT is to be lamented, that there is so much Reason to think, there are so few Instances of such early Piety in our Day. If the protestant World abounded with young Per|sons of this Stamp; with young Men, who were prepar|ing for the Work of the Ministry, with such a Temper, such Exercises, and such Resolutions, what a delightful Prospect would this afford, of the near approach of happier Days, than the Church of GOD has ever yet seen! What pleasing Hopes that the great, the merciful Head of the Church, was about to send forth Labourers, faithful, suc|cessful Labourers into his Harvest; and bless his People with "Pastors which shall teach them with Knowledge and Understanding!"

BUT if our Youth neglect all proper Improvement of the Mind; are shy of Seriousness and strict Piety; choose to live Strangers to it, and keep at a Distance from all Appearance of it; are wanton, and given to carnal Plea|sures; what a gloomy Prospect does this afford! If they who enter into the Work of the Ministry; from a gay, careless, and what may justly be called a vicious Life, be|take themselves to a little superficial study of Divinity, and soon begin to preach; while all the external Seriousness and Zeal they put on, is only from worldly Motives; they being without any inward, experimental Acquaintance with spiritual, divine Things, and even so much as any Taste for true Divinity; no wonder if the Churches "suck dry Breasts"; and there are many ignorant Watchmen

BUT, as the best Comment on the foregoing Resolutions and Diary; and that the Reader may have a more parti|cular, full and instructive View of Mr. EDWARDS's En|trance on a religious Life, and Progress in it, as consisting in the Views and Exercises of his Mind; a brief Account

thereof is here inserted, which was found among his Pa|pers, in his own Hand-writing: and which, it seems, was wrote near twenty Years after, for his own private Advan|tage.

SECTION IV. An Account of his CONVERSION, EXPERIENCES, and RELIGIOUS EXERCICES, given by himself.

I Had a variety of Concerns and Exercises about my Soul from my Childhood; but had two more remarka|ble Seasons of Awakening, before I met with that Change, by which I was brought to those new Dispositions, and that new Sense of Things, that I have since had. The first Time was when I was a Boy, some Years before I went to College, at a Time of remarkable Awakening in my Father's Congregation. I was then very much affected for many Months, and concerned about the Things of Religion, and my Soul's Salvation; and was abundant in Duties. I used to pray five times a Day in secret, and to spend much Time in religious Talk with other Boys; and used to meet with them to pray together. I experienced I know not what Kind of Delight in Religion. My Mind was much engaged in it, and had much self-righteous Plea|sure; and it was my Delight to abound in religious Duties. I, with some of my School-mates joined together, and built a Booth in a Swamp, in a very secret and retired Place, for a place of Prayer. And besides, I had particular secret Pla|ces of my own in the Woods, where I used to retire by my self; and used to be from time to time much affected. My Affections seemed to be lively and easily moved, and I seemed to be in my Element, when engaged in religious Duties. And I am ready to think, many are deceived with such Affections, and such a kind of Delight, as I then had in Religion, and mistake it for Grace.

"BUT in process of Time, my Convictions and Affecti|ons wore off; and I entirely lost all those Affections and Delights, and left off secret Prayer, at least as to any con|stant Performance of it; and returned like a Dog to his Vomit, and went on in Ways of Sin.

"INDEED, I was at some Times very uneasy, especially to|wards the latter Part of the Time of my being at College. 'Till it pleas'd GOD, in my last Year at College, at a Time when I was in the midst of many uneasy Thoughts about the State of my Soul, to seize me with a Pleurisy; in which he brought me nigh to the Grave, and shook me over the Pit of Hell.

"BUT yet, it was not long after my Recovery, before I fell again into my old Ways of Sin. But God would not suffer me to go on with any Quietness; but I had great and violent inward Struggles: 'till after many Conflicts with wicked Inclinations, and repeated Resolutions, and Bonds that I laid my self under by a kind of Vows to God, I was brought wholly to break off all former wicked Ways, and all Ways of known outward Sin; and to apply my self to seek my Salvation, and practise the Duties of Religion: But without that kind of Affection and Delight, that I had formerly experienced. My Concern now wrought more by inward Struggles and Conflicts, and Self-reflections. I made seeking my Salvation the main Business of my Life. But yet it seems to me, I sought after a miserable manner: Which has made me some times since to question, whether ever it issued in that which was saving; being ready to doubt, whether such miserable seeking was ever succeeded. But yet I was brought to seek Salvation, in a manner that I never was before. I felt a Spirit to part with all Things in the World, for an Interest in Christ. My Concern con|tinued and prevailed, with many exercising Things and in|ward Struggles; but yet it never seemed to be proper to express my Concern that I had, by the Name of Terror.

"FROM my Childhood up, my Mind had been wont to be full of Objections against the Doctrine of GOD's So|vereignty, in choosing whom he would to eternal Life, and rejecting whom he pleased; leaving them eternally to perish, and be everlastingly tormented in Hell. It used to appear like a horrible Doctrine to me. But I remember the Time very well, when I seemed to be convinced, and fully satisfied, as to this Sovereignty of God, and his Justice in thus eternally disposing of Men, according to his sovereign Pleasure. But never could give an Acccount, how, or by what Means▪ I was thus convinced; not in the least ima|gining, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Time of it, nor a long Time after, that

there was any extraordinary Influence of God's Spirit in it: but only that now I saw further, and my Reason appre|hended the Justice and Reasonableness of it. However, my Mind rested in it; and it put an end to all those Cavils and Objections, that had 'till then abode with me, all the pre|ceeding part of my Life. And there has been a wonder|ful Alteration in my Mind, with respect to the Doctrine of God's Sovereignty, from that Day to this; so that I scarce ever have found so much as the rising of an Objection a|gainst God's Sovereignty, in the most absolute Sense, in shewing Mercy on whom he will shew Mercy, and har|dening and eternally damning whom he will. God's ab|solute Sovereignty, and Justice, with respect to Salvation and Damnation, is what my Mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of any Thing that I see with my Eyes; at least it is so at Times. But I have often times since that first Conviction, had quite another Kind of Sense of God's So|vereignty, than I had then. I have often since, not only had a Conviction, but a delightful Conviction. The Doct|rine of God's Sovereignty has very often appeared, an ex|ceeding pleasant, bright and sweet Doctrine to me: and absolute Sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God. But my first Conviction was not with this.

"THE first that I remember that ever I found any thing of that Sort of inward, sweet Delight in GOD and di|vine Things, that I have lived much in since, was on reading those Words, 1 Tim. i. 17. "Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise GOD, be Honor and Glory for ever and ever, Amen." As I read the Words, there came into my Soul, and was as it were diffused thro' it, a Sense of the Glory of the Divine Being; a new Sense, quite different from any Thing I ever expe|rienced before. Never any Words of Scripture seemed to me as these Words did. I thought with my self, how ex|cellent a Being that was; and how happy I should be, if I might enjoy that GOD, and be wrapt up to GOD in Heaven, and be as it were swallowed up in Him. I kept saying, and as it were singing over these Words of Scrip|ture to my self; and went to Prayer, to pray to GOD that I might enjoy him; and prayed in a manner quite different from what I used to do; with a new sort of Affection. But it never came into my Thought, that there was any thing spiritual, or of a saving Nature in this.

"FROM about that Time, I began to have a new Kind of Apprehensions and Ideas of Christ, and the Work of Redemption, and the glorious Way of Salvation by him. I had an inward, sweet Sense of these Things, that at times came into my Heart; and my Soul was led away in plea|sant Views and Contemplations of them. And my Mind was greatly engaged, to spend my Time in reading and meditating on Christ; and the Beauty and Excellency of his Person, and the lovely Way of Salvation, by free Grace in him. I found no Books so delightful to me, as those that treated of these Subjects. Those Words Cant. ii. 1. used to be abundantly with me: I am the Rose of Sharon, the Lilly of the Valleys. The Words seemed to me, sweetly to represent, the Loveliness and Beauty of Jesus Christ. And the whole Book of Canticles used to be pleasant to me; and I used to be much in reading it, about that time. And found, from Time to Time, an inward Sweetness, that used, as it were, to carry me away in my Contemplations; in what I know not how to express otherwise, than by a calm, sweet Abstraction of Soul from all the Concerns ••o this World; and a kind of Vision, or fix'd Ideas and Ima|ginations, of being alone in the Mountains, or some soli|tary Wilderness, far from all Mankind, sweetly conversing with Christ, and wrapt and swallowed up in GOD. The Sense I had of divine Things, would often of a sudden as it were, kindle up a sweet burning in my Heart; an ardor of my Soul, that I know not how to express.

"NOT long after I first began to experience these Things, I gave an Account to my Father, of some Things that had pass'd in my Mind. I was pretty much affected by the Discourse we had together. And when the Discourse was ended, I walked abroad alone, in a solitary Place in my Father's Pasture, for Contemplation. And as I was walk|ing there, and looked up on the Sky and Clouds; there came into my Mind, a sweet Sense of the glorious Majesty and Grace of GOD, that I know not how to express. I seemed to see them both in a sweet Conjunction: Majesty and Meekness join'd together: it was a sweet and gentle, and holy Majesty; and also a majestick Meekness; an aw|ful Sweetness; a high, and great, and holy Gentleness.

"AFTER this my Sense of divine Things gradually in|creased, and became more and more lively, and had more of that inward Sweetness. The Appearance of every thing was altered: there seem'd to be, as it were, a calm, sweet Cast, or Appearance of divine Glory, in almost every Thing. God's Excellency, his Wisdom, his Purity and Love, seem|ed to appear in every Thing; in the Sun, Moon and Stars; in the Clouds, and blue Sky; in the Grass, Flowers, Trees; in the Water, and all Nature; which used greatly to fix my Mind. I often used to sit & view the Moon, for a long time; and so in the Day time, spent much time in viewing the Clouds & Sky, to behold the sweet Glory of GOD in these Things: in the mean Time, singing forth with a low Voice, my Contemplations of the Creator & Redeemer. And scarce any Thing, among all the Works of Nature, was so sweet to me as Thunder and Lightning. Formerly, nothing had been so terrible to me. I used to be a Person uncommon|ly terrified with Thunder: and it used to strike me with Terror, when I saw a Thunder-storm rising. But now, on the contrary, it rejoyced me. I felt GOD at the first Appea|rance of a Thunder-storm. And used to take the Oppor|tunity at such Times, to fix my self to view the Clouds, and see the Lightnings play, and hear the majestick & awful Voice of God's Thunder: which often times was exceeding en|tertaining, leading me to sweet Contemplations of my great and glorious GOD. And while I viewed, used to spend my time, as it always seem'd natural to me, to sing or chant forth my Meditations; to speak my Thoughts in Soliloquies, and speak with a singing Voice.

"I felt then a great Satisfaction as to my good Estate. But that did not content me. I had vehement Longings of Soul after GOD and CHRIST, and after more Holiness; wherewith my Heart seemed to be full, and ready to break: which often brought to my Mind, the Words of the Psal|mist, Psal. cxix. 28. My Soul breaketh for the Longing it hath. I often felt a mourning and lamenting in my Heart, that I had not turned to GOD sooner, that I might have had more time to grow in Grace. My Mind was greatly fix'd on divine Things; I was almost perpetually in the Con|templation of them. Spent most of my Time in thinking of divine Things, Year after Year. And used to spend abundance of my Time, in walking alone in the Woods, and solitary Places, for Meditation, Soliloquy and Prayer, and

Converse with GOD. And it was always my Manner, at such times, to sing forth my Contemplations. And was almost constantly in ejaculatory Prayer, wherever I was. Prayer seem'd to be natural to me; as the Breath, by which the inward Burnings of my Heart had vent.

"THE Delights which I now felt in Things of Religion, were of an exceeding different Kind, from those foremen|tioned, that I had when I was a Boy. They were totally of another Kind; and what I then had no more Notion or Idea of, than one born blind has of pleasant and beautiful Colours. They were of a more inward, pure, Soul-anima|ting and refreshing Nature. Those former Delights, never reached the Heart; and did not arise from any Sight of the divine Excellency of the Things of GOD; or any Taste of the Soul-satisfying, and Life-giving Good, there is in them.

"MY sense of divine Things seem'd gradually to in|crease, 'till I went to preach at New-York; which was about a Year and a half after they began. While I was there, I felt them, very sensibly, in a much higher Degree, than I had done before. My Longings after GOD & Holiness, were much increased. Pure and humble, holy and hea|venly Christianity, appeared exceeding amiable to me. I felt in me a burning Desire to be in every Thing a com|pleat Christian; and conformed to the blessed Image of Christ: and that I might live in all Things, according to the pure, sweet and blessed Rules of the Gospel. I had an eager thirsting after Progress in these Things. My Long|ings after it, put me upon pursuing and pressing after them. It was my continual Strife Day and Night, and constant Inquiry, How I should be more holy, and live more holily, and more becoming a Child of God, and Disciple of Christ. I sought an encrease of Grace and Holiness, and that I might live an holy Life, with vastly more Earnestness, than ever I sought Grace, before I had it. I used to be conti|nually examining my self, and studying and contriving for likely Ways and Means, how I should live holily, with far greater diligence and earnestness, than ever I pursued any thing in my Life: But with too great a Dependence on my own Strength; which afterwards proved a great Damage to me. My Experience had not then taught me, as it has

done since, my extream Feebleness and Impotence, every manner of Way; and the innumerable and bottomless Depths of secret Corruption and Deceit, that there was in my Heart. However, I went on with my eager pursuit after more Holiness; and sweet conformity to Christ.

"THE Heaven I desired was a Heaven of Holiness; to be with GOD, and to spend my Eternity in divine Love, and holy Communion with Christ. My Mind was very much taken up with Contemplations on Heaven, and the En|joyments of those there; and living there in perfect Holiness, Humility and Love. And it used at that Time to appear a great Part of the Happiness of Heaven, that there the Saints could express their Love to Christ. It appear'd to me a great Clog and Hindrance and Burden to me, that what I felt within, I could not express to GOD, and give vent to, as I desired. The inward ardor of my Soul, seem'd to be hinder'd and pent up, and could not freely flame out as it would. I used often to think, how in Heaven, this sweet Principle should freely and fully vent and express it self. Heaven appeared to me exceeding delightful as a World of Love. It appear'd to me, that all Happiness consisted in living in pure, humble, heavenly, divine Love.

"I remember the Thoughts I used then to have of Ho|liness. I remember I then said sometimes to my self, I do certainly know that I love Holiness, such as the Gospel prescribes. It appeared to me, there was nothing in it but what was ravishingly lovely. It appeared to me, to be the highest Beauty and Amiableness, above all other Beauties: that it was a divine Beauty; far purer than any thing here upon Earth; and that every thing else, was like Mire, Filth and Defilement, in Comparison of it.

"HOLINESS, as I then wrote down some of my Con|templations on it, appeared to me to be of a sweet, pleasant, charming, serene, calm Nature. It seem'd to me, it brought an inexpressile Purity, Brightness, Peacefulness & Ravishment to the Soul: and that it made the Soul like a Field or Garden of GOD, with all manner of pleasant Flowers; that is all pleasant, delightful & undisturbed; enjoying a sweet Calm, and the gently vivifying Beams of the Sun. The Soul of a true Christian, as I then wrote my Meditations, appear'd like such a little white Flower, as we see in the Spring of the Year;

low and humble on the Ground, opening it's Bosom, to re|ceive the pleasant Beams of the Sun's Glory; rejoycing as it were, in a calm Rapture; diffusing around a sweet Fra|grancy; standing peacefully and lovingly, in the midst of other Flowers round about; all in like Manner opening their Bosoms, to drink in the Light of the Sun.

"THERE was no Part of Creature-Holiness, that I then, and at other Times, had so great a Sense of the Loveliness of, as Humility, Brokenness of Heart and Poverty of Spi|rit: and there was nothing that I had such a Spirit to long for. My Heart as it were panted after this, to lie low be|fore GOD, and in the Dust; that I might be nothing, and that GOD might be all; that I might become as a little Child.

"WHILE I was there at New-York, I sometimes was much affected with Reflections on my past Life, consider|ing how late it was, before I began to be truly religious; and how wickedly I had lived till then: and once so as to weep abundantly, and for a considerable time together.

"ON January 12. 1722, 3. I made a solemn Dedication of my self to GOD, and wrote it down; giving up my self, and all that I had to GOD; to be for the future in no Respect my own; to act as one that had no right to him|self, in any Respect. And solemnly vowed to take GOD for my whole Portion and Felicity; looking on nothing else as any Part of my Happiness, nor acting as if it were: and his Law for the constant Rule of my Obedience: en|gaging to fight with all my Might, against the World, the Flesh and the Devil, to the End of my Life. But have Reason to be infinitely humbled, when I consider, how much I have fail'd of answering my Obligation.

"I had then abundance of sweet religious Conversation in the Family where I lived, with Mr. John Smith, and his pious Mother. My Heart was knit in Affection to those, in whom were Appearances of true Piety; and I could bear the Thoughts of no other Companions, but such as were holy, and the Disciples of the blessed JESUS.

"I had great Longings for the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom in the World. My secret Prayer used to be in great Part taken up in praying for it. If I heard the least hint of any thing that happened in any Part of the World, that appear'd to me, in some Respect or other, to have a favourable Aspect on the Interest of Christ's Kingdom, my Soul eagerly catch'd at it; and it would much animate and refresh me. I used to be earnest to read publick News-Letters, mainly for that End; to see if I could not find some News favourable to the Interest of Religion in the World.

"I very frequently used to retire into a solitary Place, on the Banks of Hudson's River, at some Distance from the City, for Contemplation on Divine Things, and secret Converse with GOD; and had many sweet Hours there. Sometimes Mr. Smith and I walked there together, to converse of the Things of GOD; and our Conversa|tion used much to turn on the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom in the World, and the glorious Things that GOD would accomplish for his Church in the latter Days.

"I had then, and at other Times, the greatest Delight in the holy Scriptures, of any Book whatsoever. Often|times in reading it, every Word seemed to touch my Heart. I felt an Harmony between something in my Heart, and those sweet and powerful Words. I seem'd often to see so much Light, exhibited by every Sentence, and such a refreshing ravishing Food communicated, that I could not get along in reading. Used often-times to dwell long on one Sentence, to see the Wonders contained in it; and yet almost every Sentence seemed to be full of Wonders.

"I came away from New-York in the Month of April, 1723, and had a most bitter parting with Madam Smith and her Son. My Heart seemed to sink within me, at leav|ing the Family and City, where I had enjoyed so many sweet and pleasant Days. I went from New-York to Wea|thersfield by Water. As I sail'd away, I kept Sight of the City as long as I could; and when I was out of Sight of it, it would affect me much to look that Way, with a kind of Melancholly mixed with Sweetness. However, that Night after this sorrowful parting, I was greatly com|forted in GOD at Westchester, where we went ashore to

lodge: and had a pleasant Time of it all the Voyage to Saybrook. It was sweet to me to think of meeting dear Christians in Heaven, where we should never part more. At Saybrook we went ashore to lodge on Saturday, and there kept Sabbath; where I had a sweet and refreshing Season, walking alone in the Fields.

"AFTER I came home to Windsor, remained much in a like Frame of my Mind, as I had been in at New-York; but only some times felt my Heart ready to sink, with the Thoughts of my Friends at New York. And my Refuge and Support was in Contemplations on the heavenly State; as I find in my Diary of May 1. 1723. It was my Com|fort to think of that State, where there is fulness of Joy; where reigns heavenly, sweet, calm and delightful Love, without Alloy; where there are continually the dearest Expressions of this Love; where is the Enjoyment of the Persons loved, without ever parting; where these Persons that appear so lovely in this World, will really be inex|pressibly more lovely, and full of love to us. And how sweetly will the mutual Lovers join together to sing the Praises of GOD and the LAMB! How full will it fill us with Joy, to think, that this Enjoyment, these sweet Exer|cises will never cease or come to an End; but will last to all Eternity!

"CONTINUED much in the same Frame in the general, that I had been in at New-York, till I went to New-Haven, to live there as Tutor of the College; having one special Season of uncommon Swe••tness: particularly once at Bolton, in a Journey from Boston, walking out alone in the Fields. After I went to New-Haven, I sunk in Religion; my Mind being diverted from my eager and violent Pursuits after Holiness, by some Affairs that greatly perplexed and distract|ed my Mind.

"IN September, 1725, was taken ill at New-Haven; and endeavouring to go home to Windsor, was so ill at the North Village, that I could go no further: where I lay sick for about a Quarter of a Year. And in this Sickness, GOD was pleased to visit me again with the sweet Influ|ences of his Spirit. My Mind was greatly engaged there on divine, pleasant Contemplations, and Longings of Soul.

I observed that those who watched with me, would often be looking out for the Morning, and seemed to wish for it. Which brought to my Mind those Words of the Psalmist, which my Soul with Sweetness made it's own Language. My Soul waiteth for the Lord, more than they that watch for the Morning, I say, more than they that watch for the Morning. And when the Light of the Morning came, and the Beams of the Sun came in at the Windows, it refreshed my Soul from one Morning to another. It seemed to me to be some I|mage of the sweet Light of GOD's Glory.

"I remember, about that Time, I used greatly to long for the Conversion of some that I was concerned with. It seem'd to me, I could gladly honor them, and with Delight be a Servant to them, and lie at their Feet, if they were but truly holy.

BUT some Time after this, I was again greatly diverted in my Mind, with some temporal Concerns, that exceed|ingly took up my Thoughts, greatly to the wounding of my Soul: and went on through various Exercises, that it would be tedious to relate, that gave me much more Expe|rience of my own Heart, than ever I had before.

"SINCE I came to this Town, * 1.3 I have often had sweet Complacency in GOD, in Views of his glorious Perfections, and the Excellency of Jesus Christ. GOD has appeared to me, a glorious and lovely Being, chiefly on the account of his Holiness. The Holiness of GOD has always appeared to me the most lovely of all his Attributes. The Doctrines of God's absolute Sovereignty, and free Grace, in shewing Mercy to whom he would shew Mercy; and Man's abso|lute Dependance on the Operations of God's Holy Spirit, have very often appeared to me as sweet and glorious Doct|rines. These Doctrines have been much my Delight. GOD's Sovereignty has ever appeared to me, as great Part of his Glory. It has often been sweet to me to go to GOD, and adore Him as a sovereign GOD, and ask so|vereign Mercy of Him.

"I have loved the Doctrines of the Gospel: They have been to my Soul like green Pastures. The Gospel has seem'd to me to be the richest Treasure; the Treasure

that I have most desired, and longed that it might dwell richly in me. The Way of Salvation by Christ, has ap|peared in a general Way, glorious and excellent, and most pleasant and beautiful. It has often seem'd to me, that it would in a great Measure spoil Heaven, to receive it in any other Way. That Text has often been affecting and de|lightful to me, Isai. xxxii. 2. A Man shall be an hiding Place from the Wind, and a Covert from the Tempest &c.

"IT has often appear'd sweet to me, to be united to CHRIST; to have Him for my Head, and to be a Member of his Body: and also to have CHRIST for my Teacher and Prophet. I very often think with Sweetness and Long|ings and Pantings of Soul, of being a little Child, taking hold of CHRIST, to be led by Him through the Wilder|ness of this World. That Text, Matth. xviii. at the Be|ginning, has often been sweet to me, Except ye be converted, and become as little Children &c. I love to think of coming to CHRIST, to receive Salvation of him, poor in Spirit, and quite empty of Self; humbly exalting Him alone; cut entirely off from my own Root, and to grow into, and out of CHRIST: to have GOD in CHRIST to be all in all; and to live by Faith on the Son of GOD, a Life of humble, un|feigned Confidence in Him. That Scripture has often been sweet to me, Psal. cxv. 1. Not unto us, O LOR••, not unto us, but unto thy Name give Glory, for thy Mercy, and for thy Truth's sake. And those Words of Christ, Luk. x. 21. In that Hour Jesus rejoyced in Spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of Heaven and Earth, that thou hast hid these Things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto Babes: Even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy Sight. That Sovereignty of GOD that Christ rejoyced in, seem|ed to me to be worthy to be rejoyced in; and that rejoyc|ing of CHRIST, seemed to me to shew the Excellency of CHRIST, and the Spirit that he was of.

"SOMETIMES only mentioning a single Word, causes my Heart to burn within me: or only seeing the Name of CHRIST, or the Name of some Attribute of GOD. And GOD has appeared glorious to me, on account of the TRINITY. It has made me have exalting Thoughts of GOD, that he subsists in three Persons; FATHER, SON, and HOLY GHOST.

THE sweetest Joys and Delights I have experienced, have not been those that have arisen from a Hope of my own good Estate; but in a direct View of the glorious Things of the Gospel. When I enjoy this Sweetness, it seems to carry me above the Thoughts of my own safe Estate. It seems at such Times a Loss that I cannot bear, to take off my Eye from the glorious, pleasant Object I behold with|out me, to turn my Eye in upon my self, and my own good Estate.

"My Heart has been much on the Advancement of Christ's Kingdom in the World. The Histories of the past Advancement of Christ's Kingdom, have been sweet to me. When I have read Histories of past Ages, the pleasantest Thing in all my reading has been, to read of the Kingdom of Christ being promoted. And when I hav•• expected in my reading, to come to any such thing, I have lotted upon it all the Way as I read. And my Mind has been much entertained and delighted, with the Scripture Promises and Prophecies, of the future glorious Advance|ment of Christ's Kingdom on Earth.

"I have sometimes had a Sense of the excellent Fulness of Christ, and his Meetness and Suitableness as a Saviour; whereby he has appeared to me, far above all, the chief of ten Thousands. And his Blood and Atonement has ap|peared sweet, and his Righteousness sweet; which is al|ways accompanied with an Ardency of Spirit, and inward Strugglings and Breathings and Groanings, that cannot be uttered, to be emptied of my self, and swallowed up in CHRIST.

"ONCE, as I rid out into the Woods for my Health, Anno 1737; and having lit from my Horse in a retired Place, as my Manner commonly has been, to walk for divine Contemplation and Prayer; I had a View, that for me was extraordinary, of the Glory of the SON OF GOD; as Mediator between GOD and Man; and his wonderful, great, full, pure and sweet Grace and Love, and meek and gentle Condescention. This Grace, that appear'd to me so calm and sweet, appear'd great above the Heavens. The Person of CHRIST appear'd ineffably excellent, with an Excellency great enough to swallow up all Thought and Conception. Which continued, as near as I can judge,

about an Hour; which kept me, the bigger Part of the Time, in a Flood of Tears, and weeping aloud. I felt withal, an Ardency of Soul to be, what I know not other|wise how to express, than to be emptied and annihilated; to lie in the Dust, and to be full of Christ alone; to love him with a holy and pure Love; to trust in him; to live upon him; to serve and follow him, and to be totally wrapt up in the Fullness of Christ; and to be perfectly sanctified and made pure, with a divine and heavenly Purity. I have several other Times, had Views very much of the same Nature, and that have had the same Effects.

"I have many Times had a Sense of the Glory of the third Person in the Trinity, in his Office of Sanctifier; in his holy Operations communicating divine Light and Life to the Soul. GOD in the Communications of his Holy Spirit, has appear'd as an infinite Fountain of Divine Glory and Sweetness; being full and sufficient to fill and satisfy the Soul: pouring forth it self in sweet Communications, like the Sun in its Glory, sweetly and pleasantly diffusing Light and Life.

"I have sometimes had an affecting Sense of the Ex|cellency of the Word of GOD, as a Word of Life; as the Light of Life; a sweet, excellent, Life giving Word: accompanied with a thirsting after that Word, that it might dwell richly in my Heart.

"I have often since I lived in this Town, had very affecting Views of my own Sinfulness and Vileness; very frequently so as to hold me in a kind of loud Weeping, sometimes for a considerable time together: so that I have often been forced to shut my self up. I have had a vastly greater Sense of my own Wickedness, and the Badness of my Heart, since my Conversion, than ever I had before. It has often appeared to me, that if GOD should mark Ini|quity against me, I should appear the very worst of all Man|kind; of all that have been since the beginning of the World to this time: and that I should have by far the lowest Place in Hell. When others that have come to talk with me about their Soul Concerns, have expressed the Sense they have had of their own Wickedness, by saying that it seem'd to them, that they were as bad as the

Devil himself; I thought their Expressions seemed exceed|ing faint and feeble, to represent my Wickedness. I thought I should wonder, that they should content themselves with such Expressions as these, if I had any Reason to imagine, that their Sin bore any Proportion to mine. It seemed to me, I should wonder at my self, if I should express my Wickedness in such feeble Terms as they did.

"MY Wickedness, as I am in my self, has long ap|pear'd to me perfectly ineffable, and infinitely swallowing up all Thought and Imagination; like an infinite Deluge, or infinite Mountains over my Head. I know not how to express better, what my Sins appear to me to be, than by heaping Infinite upon Infinite, and multiplying Infinite by Infinite. I go about very often, for this many Years, with these Expressions in my Mind, and in My Mouth, "Infinite upon Infinite. Infinite upon Infinite!" When I look into my Heart, and take a view of my Wickedness, it looks like an Abyss infinitely deeper than Hell. And it appears to me, that were it not for free Grace, exalted and raised up to the infinite Height of all the fulness and glory of the great JEHOVAH, and the Arm of his Power and Grace stretched forth, in all the Majesty of his Power, and in all the Glory of his Sovereignty; I should appear sunk down in my Sins infinitely below Hell it self, far beyond Sight of every Thing, but the piercing Eye of God's Grace, that can pierce even down to such a Depth, and to the bottom of such an Abyss.

"AND yet, I ben't in the least inclined to think, that I have a greater Conviction of Sin than ordinary. It seems to me, my Conviction of Sin is exceeding small, and faint. It appears to me enough to amaze me, that I have no more Sense of my Sin. I know certainly, that I have very lit|tle Sense of my sinfulness. That my Sins appear to me so great, don't seem to me to be, because I have so much more Conviction of Sin than other Christians, but because I am so much worse, and have so much more Wickedness to be convinced of. When I have had these Turns of weeping and crying for my Sins, I thought I knew in the Time of it, that my Repentance was nothing to my Sin.

"I have greatly longed of late, for a broken Heart, and to lie low before GOD. And when I ask for Humility of

GOD, I can't bear the Thoughts of being no more hum|ble, than other Christians. It seems to me, that tho' their Degrees of Humility may be suitable for them; yet it would be a vile Self-exaltation in me, not to be the lowest in Humility of all Mankind. Others speak of their long|ing to be humbled to the Dust. Tho' that may be a pro|per Expression for them, I always think for my self, that I ought to be humbled down below Hell. 'Tis an Ex|pression that it has long been natural for me to use in Prayer to God. I ought to lie infinitely low before GOD.

"IT is affecting to me to think, how ignorant I was, when I was a young Christian, of the bottomless, infinite Depths of Wickedness, Pride, Hppocrisy and Deceit left in my Heart.

I Have vastly a greater Sense, of my universal, exceed|ing Dependence on God's Grace and Strength, and meer good Pleasure, of late, than I used formerly to have; and have experienced more of an Abhorrence of my own Righ|teousness. The Thought of any Comfort or Joy, arising in me, on any Consideration, or Reflection on my own A|miableness, or any of my Performances or Experiences, or any Goodness of Heart or Life, is nauseous and detestable to me. And yet I am greatly afflicted with a proud and self-righteous Spirit; much more sensibly, than I used to be formerly. I see that Serpent rising and putting forth it's Head, continually, every where, all around me.

"THO' it seems to me, that in some Respects I was a far better Christian, for two or three Years after my first Conversion, than I am now; and lived in a more constant Delight and Pleasure: yet of late Years, I have had a more full and constant Sense of the absolute Sovereignty of GOD, and a delight in that Sovereignty; and have had more of a Sense of the Glory of CHRIST, as a Mediator, as revealed in the Gospel. On one Saturday Night in par|ticular, had a particular Discovery of the Excellency of the Gospel of CHRIST, above all other Doctrines; so that I could not but say to my self; "This is my chosen Light, my chosen Doctrine:" and of Christ, "This is my chosen Prophet." It appear'd to me to be sweet beyond all Ex|pression, to follow Christ, and to be taught and enlighten'd and instructed by him; to learn of him, and live to him.

"ANOTHER Saturday Night, January •••• 38, 9. had such a Sense, how sweet and blessed a Thing it was, to walk in the Way of Duty, to do that which was right and meet to be done, and agreeable to the holy Mind of GOD; that it caused me to break forth into a kind of a loud weeping, which held me some Time; so that I was for|ced to shut my self up, and fasten the Doors. I could not but as it were cry out, "How happy are they which do that which is right in the Sight of GOD! They are blessed indeed, they are the happy ones!" I had at the same time, a very affecting Sense, how meet and suitable it was that GOD should govern the World, and order all Things ac|cording to his own Pleasure; and I rejoyced in it, that GOD reigned, and that his Will was done."

PART III. Containing a History of his Life from his EN|TERING on the Work of the Ministry, unto his DEATH.

SECTION I. His GENERAL MANNER of LIFE.

MR. EDWARDS made a Secret of his private Devo|tion, and therefore it cannot be particularly known: tho' there is much Evidence, that he was punctual, constant and frequent in secret Prayer, and often kept Days of Fasting and Prayer in secret; and set a part Time for serious, devout Meditations on spiritual and eternal things, as part of his religious Exercise in secret. It appears by his Diary that in his Youth he determined to attend secret Prayer more than twice a Day, when Circumstances would allow. He was, so far as it can be known, much on his Knees in secret, and in devout reading God's Word, & Meditation upon it. And his constant, solemn converse with GOD in these Exercises of secret Religion made his Face, as it were, to shine before others. His Appearance, his Countenance, Words and whole Demeanour, (tho' without any thing of

affected Grimace and sour Austerity) w••s attended with a Seriousness, Gravity and Solemnity, which was the na|tural genuine Indications and Expression of a deep, abiding Sense of divine Things on his Mind, and of his living constantly in the fear of God.

AGREEABLE to his Resolutions, he was very careful and abstemious in eating and drinking; as doubtless it was necessary so great a Student, and a Person of so delicate and tender a bodily make 〈◊〉〈◊〉 he was, should be, in order to be comfortable and useful. When he had, by careful Obser|vation, found what kind, and what quantity of Diet, best suited his Constitution, and render'd him most fit to pursue his Work, he was very strict and exact in complying with it; and in this respect lived by Rule; and herein constantly practised great Self-denial: Which he also did in his con|stant early rising, in order to redeem Time for his Study. He used himself to rise by four or between four and five in the Morning.

THO' he was of a tender and delicate Constitution, yet few Students are capable of close Application more Hours in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Day than he. He commonly spent thirteen Hours every Day in his Study. His most usual Diversion in the Summer was riding on Horseback and walking. He would commonly, unless diverted by Company, ride two or three Miles after Dinner to some lonely Grove, where he would dismount and walk a while. At which times he generally carried his Pen and Ink with him, to note any Thought that should be suggested, which he chose to retain and pur|sue, as what promised some Light on any important Subject. In the Winter he was wont almost daily to take an Ax and chop Wood moderately for the space of half an Hour or more.

HE had an uncommon thirst for Knowledge, in the pur|suit of which, he spared no Cost nor Pains. He read all the Books, especially Books of Divinity, that he could come at, from which he could hope to get any help in his pursuit of Knowledge. And in this, he confin'd not himself to Au|thors of any particular Sect or Denomination; yea took much pains to come at the Books of the most noted Wri|ters, who advance a Scheme of Divinity most contrary to his own Principles. But he studied the BIBLE more than all other Books, and more than most other Divines do. His uncommon acquaintance with the Bible appears in his Ser|mons, and in most of his Publications: and his great pains in

studying it are manifest in his Manuscript Notes upon it; of which a more particular Account may be given here|after. He took his religious Principles from the Bible, and not from any human System or Body of Divinity. Tho' his Principles were Calvinistic, yet he called no Man, Father. He thought and judged for himself, and was truly very much of an Original. This is evident by what he pub|lished in his Life-time, and is yet more so by his MSS. Many Volumes of which he has left; ••nd the Reader may expect a more particular Account of them in the Sequel. For reading was not the only Method he took to improve his Mind; but he did this much by Writing; without which, 'tis probable no Student can make Improvements to the best Advantage. Agreable to Resolution 11th, he applied himself with all his Might to find out the Truth: He searched for Understanding and Knowledge, as for Sil|ver, and digged for it, as for hid Treasures. Every thought on any Subject, which appear'd to him worth pursuing and preserving, he pursued, as far as he then could, with his Pen in his Hand. Thus he was all his Days, like the busy Bee, collecting from every opening Flower, and storing up a Stock of Knowledge, which was indeed sweet to him, as the Honey & the Honey-comb. And as he advanced in Years and in Knowledge, his Pen was more and more employed, and his Manuscripts grew much faster on his Hands.

HE was thought by some, who had but a slight Ac|quaintance with him to be stiff & unsociable; but this was owing to want of better Acquaintance. He was not a Man of many Words indeed, and was somewhat reserved among Strangers, and those on whose Candor and Friendship he did not know he could rely. And this was probably owing to two Things. First, the strict Guard he set over his Tongue from his Youth, which appears by his Resolutions, taking great Care never to use it in any way that might prove mischievous to any; never to sin with his Tongue; or to improve it in idle, trivial and impertinent Talk, which generally makes up a great Part of the Conversation of those who are full of Words in all Companies. He was sensible that in the multitude of Words there wanteth not Sin; and therefore refrained his Lips, and habituated himself to think before he spoke, and to propose some good End even in all his Words; which led him to be above many others, ag••eable to St. James's Advice, slow to speak. Secondly,

this was in Part the effect of his bodily Constitution. He possessed but a comparative small Stock of animal Life: his animal Spirits were low, and he had not Strength of Lungs to spare, that would be necessary in order to make him what would be called, an affable, facecious Gentleman, in all Companies. They who have a great flow of animal Spirits, and so can speak with more Ease and less Expence, may doubtless lawfully practice free Conversation in all Companies for a lower End, (e. g. to please and render themselves acceptable) than he, who has not such a Stock to expend upon. It becomes him to reserve what he has, for higher and more important Service. Besides, the want of animal Spirits lays a Man under a natural inability to that freedom of Conversation, at all times, and in what|ever Company he is; which those of more Life naturally go into; and the greatest Degree of a sociable Disposition, Humility and Benevolence, will not remove this Obstacle.

HE was not forward to enter into any Dispute among Strangers, and in Companies where were Persons of diffe|rent Sentiments; as he was sensible that such Disputes are generally unprofitable, and often sinful and of bad Conse|quence; and he tho't he could dispute to the best Advan|tage with his Pen in his Hand: Yet he was always free to give his Sentiments on any Subject proposed to him; and re|move any Difficulties or Objections offered by way of Enqui|ry, as lying in the Way of what he looked upon to be the Truth. But how groundless the imputation of stiff and unsociable was, his known and tried Friends best knew. They always found him easy of access, kind and conde|scending; and tho' not talkative, yet affable and free. Among such whose Candor and Friendship he had experi|enced, he threw off the Reserve, and was most open and free; quite patient of Contradiction, while the utmost Op|position was made to his Sentiments, that could be by any plausible Arguments or Objections. And indeed, he was on all Occasions, quite sociable and free with all, who had any special Business with him.

IN his Conduct in his Family he practised that consci|entious exactness which was perspicuous in all his Ways. He maintained a great esteem and regard for his amiable and excellent Consort. Much of the tender and kind was expressed in his Conversation with her and conduct to|wards

her. He was won't frequently to admit her into his Study, and converse freely with her on Matters of Religion. And he used commonly to pray with her in his Study, at least once a Day, unless something extraordinary prevented. The time in which this used to be commonly attended, was just before going to Bed, after Prayers in the Family. As he rose very early himself, he was wont to have his Family up in season in the Morning; after which, before the Family entered on the Business of the Day, he attended on Family Prayers. When a Chapter in the Bible was read, commonly by Candle-light in the Winter; upon which he asked his Children Questions according to their Age and Capacity; and took Occasion to explain some Passages in it, or enforce any Duty recomended &c. as he thought most proper.

HE was careful and thorough in the Government of his Children; and, as a Consequence of this, they reverenced, esteemed and loved him. He took special care to begin his Government of them in Season. When they first disco|vered any considerable degree of Will and Stubbornness, he would attend to them till he had thoroughly subdued them and brought them to submit. And such prudent thorow Discipline, exercised with the greatest Calmness, and com|monly without striking a Blow, being repeated once or twice, was generally sufficient for that Child; and ef|fectually established his parental Authority, and produced a chearful Obedience ever after.

HE kept a watchful Eye over his Children, that he might admonish them of the first wrong Step, and direct them in the right Way. He took Opportunities to treat with them in his Study, singly and particularly about their own Soul's Concerns; and to give them Warning, Exhortation and Direction, as he saw Occasion. He took much Pains to instruct them in the Principles of Religion; in which he made use of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism: not meerly by taking care that they learned it by Heart; but by lead|ing them into an understanding of the Doctrines therein taught, by asking them Questions on each Answer, and explaining it to them. His usual time to attend this was on the Evening before the Sabbath. And as he believed that the Sabbath or holy Time bgan at Sun-set the Even|ing before the Day, he order'd his Family to finish all their

secular Business by that time or before; when they were all called together, and a Psalm was sung and Prayer at|tended, as an Introduction to the sanctifying the Sabbath. This care and exactness effectually prevented that intruding on holy Time, by attending on secular Business, too com|mon in Families where the Evening before the Sabbath is pretended to be observed.

HE was a great Enemy to young People's unseasonable Company-keeping and Frolicking, as he look'd upon it a great Means of corrupting and ruining Youth. And he thought the Excuse many Parents make for tolerating their Children in it, (viz. that it is the Custom, and others Chil|dren practise it, which renders it difficult, and even impos|sible to restrain theirs) was insufficient and frivolous: and manifested a great Degree of Stupidity, on supposition the practice was hurtful and pernicious to their Souls. And when some of his Children grew up he found no difficulty in restraining them from this pernicious Practice; but they chearfully complied with the will of their Parents herein. He allowed not his Children to be from home after nine o'Clock at Night, when they went abroad to see their Friends and Companions. Neither were they allowed to sit up much after that Time, in his own House, when any came to make them a visit. If any Gentleman desired Acquaintance with his Daughters; after handsomely intro|ducing himself, by properly consulting the Parents, he was allowed all proper Opportunity for it; a Room and Fire, if needed: but must not intrude on the proper Hours of Rest and Sleep, or the Religion and Order of the Family.

HE had a strict and inviolable regard to Justice in all his dealings with his Neighbours, and was very careful to provide for Things honest in the sight of all Men; so that scarcely a Man had any Dealings with him, that was not conscious of his uprightness. He appeared to have a sacred regard to truth in his Words, both in Promises and Narra|tions, agreeable to his Resolutions. This doubtless was one Reason why he was not so full of Words as many are. No Man feared to rely on his Veracity.

HE was cautious in chusing his intimate Friends, and there|fore had not many that might properly be called such. But to them he shewed himself friendly in a peculiar manner.

He was indeed a faithful Friend, and able above most o|thers to keep a Secret. To them he discover'd himself more than to others, led them into his Views and Ends in his Conduct in particular Instances: by which they had abundant Evidence that he well understood human Nature; and that his general Reservedness, and many particular Instances of his Conduct, which a Stranger might impute to ignorance of Men, were really owing to his uncommon Knowledge of Mankind.

HIS Conversation with his Friends was always savory and profitable: In this he was remarkable, and almost singular.—He was not wont to spend his time with them, in Scandal, Evil-speaking and Back-biting, or in foolish Jesting, idle chat, and telling Stories: But his Mouth was that of the Just, which bringeth forth Wisdom, and his Lips dispersed Knowledge. His Tongue was as the Pen of a ready Writer, while he conversed about important, heavenly, divine Things, which his Heart was so full of, in such a natural and free manner, as to be most enter|taining and instructive: so that none of his Friends could enjoy his Company without Instruction and Profit, unless it was by their own fault.

HIS great Benevolence to Mankind discovered it self, among other ways, by the uncommon regard he shewed to Liberality, and Charity to the Poor and Distressed. He was much in recommend••ng this, both in his publick Dis|courses and private Conversation. He often declared it to be his Opinion, that professed Christians, in these Days are greatly deficient in this Duty; and much more so, than in most other Parts of external Christianity. He often ob|served how much this is spoken of, recommended and en|couraged in the holy Scripture, especially in the New-Testament. And it was his Opinion, that every particu|lar Church ought by frequent and liberal Contributions, to maintain a publick Stock, that might be ready for the poor and necessitous Members of that Church: and that the principal Business of Deacons is to take care of the Poor in the faithful and judicious Distribution and Improvement of the Church's temporals, lodged in their Hands. And he did not content himself with only re|commending Charity to others, but practis'd it much him|self: Tho', according to his Master's Advice, he took

great Care to conceal his Deeds of Charity; by which Means doubtless most of his Alms-deeds will be unknown till the Resurrection, which if known, would prove him to be as great an Instance of Charity as any that can be produced in this Age. This is not meer Conjecture, but is evident many ways. He was forward to give on all publick Occa|sions of Charity, tho' when it could properly be done, he always conceal'd the Sum given. And some Instances of his giving more privately have accidentally come to the Knowlede of others, in which his Liberality appeared in a very extraordinary Degree. One of the Instances was this. Upon hearing that a poor obscure Man, whom he never saw, or any of his kindred, was by an extraordinary bodily Disorder, brought to great Straits; he, unasked, gave * 1.4 to a Friend to be delivered to the distressed Person; having first required a Promise of him, that he would let neither the Person, who was the Object of his Charity, nor any one else know by whom it was given. This may serve both as an Instance of his extra|ordinary Charity, and of his great Care to conceal it. † 1.5

Mr. EDWARDS had the most universal Character of a good Preacher of almost any Minister in this Age. There were but few that heard him, who did not call him a good Preacher, however they might dislike his religious Princi|ples, and be much offended at the same Truths when delivered by others: And most admired him above all that ever they heard. His Eminency as a Preacher seems to be owing to the following Things.

First, The great Pains he took in composing his Ser|mons, especially in the first Part of his Life. As by his early rising, and constant attention to his Study, he had more time than most others; so he spent more time in making his Sermons. He wrote most of his Sermons all out, for near twenty Years after he first began to preach; tho' he did not wholly confine himself to his Notes in his delivering them.

Secondly, His great acquaintance with Divinity, his study and knowledge of the Bible. His extensive and universal Knowledge, and great clearness of Thought, enabled him to handle every Subject with great Judgment and Propriety, and to bring out of his Treasury things new and old. Every Subject he handled was instructive, plain, entertain|ing and profitable; which was much owing to his being Master of the Subject, and his great skill to treat it in a most natural, easy, and profitable Manner. None of his Com|posures were dry Speculations, or unmeaning Harangues, or Words without Ideas. When he dwelt on those Truths which are much controverted and opposed by many, which was often the Case, he would set them in such a natural and easy Light, and every Sentiment from Step to Step, would drop from his Lips, attended with such clear and striking Evidence, both from Scripture and Reason, as even to force the assent of every attentive Hearer.

Thirdly, His excellency as a Preacher was very much the Effect of his great Acquaintance with his own Heart, his inward Sense and high Relish of divine Truths, and the high Exercise of true, experimental Religion. This gave him a great insight into human Nature: He knew what was in Man, both the Saint and the Sinner. This helped him to Skill, to lay Truth before the Mind, so as not only to convince the Judgment, but touch the Heart and Conscience; and enabled him to speak out of the abun|dance of his Heart, what he knew, and testify what he had seen and felt. This gave him a taste and discerning, with|out which he could not have been able to fill his Sermons, as he did, with such striking, affecting Sentiments, all suit|ed to solemnize, move, and rectify the Heart of the Hearer. His Sermons were well connected, not usually long, and commonly a large Part taken up in the Improvement; which was closely connected with the Subject, and consist|ed in Sentiments naturally flowing from it.

BUT no Description of his Sermons will give the Rea|der the Idea of them which they have who sat under his Preaching, or have even read some of his Discourses which are in print. There is a great Number now in Manu|script, which are probably as worthy the view of the Pub|lick, and at least tend as much to instruct and quicken Christians, as most that have been published in this Cen|tury.

HIS Appearance in the Desk was with a good Grace, and his delivery easy, natural and very solemn. He had not a strong, loud Voice; but appear'd with such gravity and solemnity, and spake wi••h such distinctness, clearness and precision; his Words were so full of Ideas, set in such a plain and striking Light, that few Speakers have been so able to demand the Attention of an Audience as he. His Words often discover'd a great degree of inward fervor, without much Noise or external Emotion, and fell with great weight on the M••nds of his Hearers. He made but little Motion of his Head or Hands in the Desk, but spake so as to discover the Motion of his own Heart, which tend|ed in the most natural and effectual manner to move and affect others.

AS he wrote his Sermons out at large for many Years, and always wrote a considerable part of most of his pub|lick Discourses; so he carried his Notes into the Desk with him, and read the most that he had wrote; yet he was not so confined to his Notes, when he had wrote at large, but that, if some Thoughts were suggested while he was speaking, which did not occur when writing, and appeared to him pertinent and striking, he would deliver them; and that with as great propriety and fluency, and oftner with greater pathos, and attended with a more sensible good effect on his Hearers, than all he had wrote.

THO', as has been observed, he was wont to read so considerable a part of what he delivered; yet he was for from thinking this the best way of preaching in gene|ral; and look'd upon his using his Notes so much as he did, a Deficiency and Infirmity. And in the latter part of his Life was inclined to think it had been better, if he had never accustomed himself to use his Notes at all. It ap|peared to him that preaching wholly without Notes, agre|eable to the Custom in most Protestant Countries, and what seems evidently to have been the manner of the Apostles and primitive Ministers of the Gospel, was by far the most natural way; and had the greatest tendency on the whole, to answer the End of Preaching: and supposed that none who had Talents equal to the Work of the Ministry, was incapable of speaking Memoriter, if he took suitable Pains for this Attainment from his Youth. He would have the young Preacher write all his Sermons, or at least most of them, out at large; and instead of reading

them to his Hearers, take pains to commit them to Me|mory. Which, tho' it would require a great deal of La|bour at first, yet would soon become easier by use, and help him to speak more correctly and freely, and be of great Service to him all his Days.

HIS Prayers were indeed extempore. He was the farthest from any appearance of a Form, as to his Words & manner of Expression, of almost any Man. He was quite singular and inimitable in this, by any who have not a Spirit of real and undissembled Devotion. Yet he always expressed himself with Decency & Propriety. He appeared to have much of the Grace and Spirit of Prayer; to pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding: and he perform'd this part of Duty much to the acceptance and edification of those who joined with him. He was not wont, in ordinary Cases to be long in his Prayers: an error which he observed wa•• often hurtful to publick and social Prayer, as it tends ra|ther to damp than promote true Devotion.

HE kept himself quite free from worldly Cares. He gave himself wholly to the Work of the Ministry, and entangled not himself with the Affairs of this Life. He left the par|ticular Over-sight and Direction of the temporal Concerns of his Family, almost entirely to Mrs. Edwards; who was better able than most of her Sex to take the whole Care of them on her Hands. He was less acquainted with most of his temporal Affairs than many of his Neighbours; and seldom knew when and by whom his Forrage for Winter was gathered in, or how many milk Kine he had; whence his Table was furnished &c.

HE did not make it his Custom to visit his People in their own Houses, unless he was sent for by the Sick; or he heard that they were under some special Affliction. In stead of visiting from House to House, he used to preach fre|quently at private Meetings in particular Neighbourhoods; and often call the young People and Children to his own House: when he used to pray with them & treat with them in a manner suited to their Years & Circumstances. And he catechized the Children in publick every Sabbath in the Sum|mer. And he used sometimes to propose Questions to particu|lar young Persons in writing, for them to answer after a proper

time given to them to prepare. In putting out these Questions he endeavoured to suit them to the Age, Genius and Abilities of those to whom they were given. His Questions were generally such as required but a short Ans|wer; and yet could not be answered without a particular Knowledge of some historical Part of the Scripture; and therefore led, and even obliged Persons to study the Bible.

HE did not neglect visiting his People from House to House, because he did not look upon it, in ordinary Cases, to be one Part of the Work of the Gospel Minister. But he supposed that Ministers should, with respect to this, consult their own Talents and Circumstances, and visit more or less, according to the degree in which they could hope hereby to promote the great Ends of the Gospel Ministry. He observed, that some Ministers had a talent at entertain|ing and profiting by occasional Visits among their People. They have Words at Will, and a knack at introducing profitable, religious Discourse in a free, natural, and, as it were undesigned way. He supposed such had a call to spend a great deal of their time in visiting their People. But he looked on his Talents to be quite otherwise. He was not able to enter into a free Conversation with every Person he met with, and in an easy manner turn it to what Topick he pleased, without the help of others, and, as it may be, against their Inclination. He therefore found that his visits of this kind must be in a great degree unpro|fitable. And as he was settled in a great Town, it would take up a great part of his Time to visit from House to House; which he thought he could spend in his Study to much more valuable Purposes, and so as much better to promote the great Ends of his Ministry. For it appeared to him, that he could do the greatest good to Souls, and most promote the interest of Christ by preaching and writing, and conversing with Persons under religious Im|pressions in his Study; where he encouraged all such to re|pair; where, they might be sure, in ordinary Cases, to find him: and to be allowed easy access to him, and where they were treated with all desirable tenderness, kindness & familia|rity. In times therefore of the out-pouring of God's Spirit, and the revival of Religion among his People, his Study was throng'd with Persons to lay open their spiritual Concerns to him, and seek his Advice and Direction: whom he received and conversed with, with great freedom and pleasure, and

had the best Opportunity to deal in the most particular man|ner with each one.

HE was a skilful Guide to Souls under spiritual Difficul|ties. And was therefore sought unto not only by his own People, but by many who lived scores of Miles off. He became such an able Guide, partly by his own experimen|tal acquaintance with divine things, and unwearied study of God's Word; and partly by his having so much con|cern with Souls under spiritual Troubles. For he had not been settled in the Work of the Ministry many Years be|fore the Spirit of GOD was wonderfully poured out on his People, by which a great Concern about their Souls became almost universal; and a great Number were hope|fully the Subjects of saving Conversion. This was prin|cipally in the Year 1734. A particular Account of which has been wrote by him, entitled, A faithful Narrative of the surprizing Work of GOD in the Conversion of many hundred Souls in Northampton. Which has been printed in Eng|land, Germany and America; to which the Reader must be refer'd.

AND there was another remarkable Time of the out|pouring of GOD's Spirit in the Years 1740, & 1741. in which Northampton partook largely; tho' not exclusive of most other Parts of the Land. Mr. EDWARDS in this time had to deal not only with his own People, but with Multitudes of others. The hearing that the same things were at Northampton some Years before, and the fame Mr. EDWARDS had for Knowledge, Piety, and a great Acquain|tance with experimental Religion, naturally led both Mi|nisters and People, in almost all Parts of New-England, to look to him for Direction and Assistance, in this extra-ordinary time. Being in this time earnestly sollicited by the Ministers & People of many Places to come and preach among them, he went to many; tho' he was not able to gratify all who desired him. And his preaching was attended with great Success.

AND as many of the Ministers & People in New-England had been unacquainted with such things as then appear|ed, they were greatly exposed to run wild, as it were, and actually did, by the subtle Temptations of the Devil, tak|ing

Advantage of the Ignorance and Wickedness of Men's Hearts, go into great Extreams both as Opposers & Friends to the Work of GOD. Mr. EDWARDS was greatly help|ful by his Direction and Assistance against the two op|posite Extremes, both in Conversation, Preaching and Wri|ting. His Publications on this Occasion were especially of great and extensive Service. Of which it may be proper to give some Account here.

The first is a Sermon preached at New-Haven, Sept. 10. 1741. On the distinguishing Marks of the Spirit of GOD &c.

In the Year 1742, he published a Book of five Parts, intitled, Some Thought•• concerning the present Revival of Reli|gion in New England, and the Way in which it ought to be acknowledged and promoted &c.

In the Year 1746, he published a Treatise on Religious Affections. All which might be justly considered by the Church of Christ as a Voice behind them saying, "This is the Way, walk therein." Especially the last mention•••• Book, which has been esteemed by many the best that has been wrote on that Subject; setting the distinction between true and false Religion in the most clear and striking Light.

To the same Purpose, is The Life of the Rev. Mr. DAVID BRANIERD, with Reflections and Observations thereon; published by Mr. EDWARDS in the Year 1749.

Mr. EDWARDS was what by some is called a rigid Cal|vinist. Those Doctrines of Calvinism, which have been most objected against, and given the greatest Offence, ap|peared to him as scriptural, reasonable and important as any; and he thought that to give them up, was in effect to give up all. And therefore he looked upon those who called themselves Calvinists, that were for palliating the Matter, by, as it were, triming off the Knots of Calvinism, that they might conform it more to the taste of those who are most disposed to object against it, were really giving up and betraying the Cause they pretended to espouse: and were paving the way not only to Arminianism, but to Deism. For if these Doctrines, in the whole length and breadth of them were relinquished, he did not see, where a Man could set his Foot down with consistency and safety, short of Deism, or even Atheism it self; or rather universal Sc••p|ticism.

HE judg'd that nothing was wanting, but to have these Doctrines properly stated and judiciously and well defend|ed, in order to their appearing most agreable to Reason and common Sense, as well as the Doctrines of Revelation; and that this therefore was the only effectual Method to convince, or silence and shame the opposers of them. All will be able to satisfy themselves of the truth of this, by reading his Treatise on Justification, and his two last Books on the Freedom of the Will, and Original Sin.

IN this view of Things, he thought it of Impor|tance that Ministers should be very critical in examining Candidates for the Ministry, with Respect to their Princi|ples, as well as their religious Disposition and Morals. And on this Account he met with considerable Difficu••ty and Opposition in some Instances. His Opinion was, that an erroneous or unfaithful Minister was likely to do 〈◊〉〈◊〉 hurt than good to the Church of Christ; and therefore he could not have any Hand in intro••••cing a Man into the Ministry, unless he appeared sound in the Faith, and mani|fested to a Judgment of Charity, a Disposition to be faithful.

SECTION II. His DISMISSION from Northampton, with the Oc|casion and Circumstances of it.

MR. EDWARDS was very happy in the esteem and love of his People for many Years, and there was the greatest Prospect of his living and dying so. He was the last Minister almost in New-England that would have been pitched upon to be opposed and renounced by his People. But by what has come to pass with respect to this, we have an instructive Lesson on the instability of all human Affairs, and the unreasonableness of trusting in Man.

IN the Year 1744. Mr. EDWARDS was informed that some of the young Persons in Town, who were Members of the Church, had Books in keeping, which they im|proved to promote lascivious and obscene Discourse among

the young Poople. And upon inquiring, a Number of Persons were found to testify, that they had heard one and another from time to time talk obscenely; as what they were led to by reading a Book or Books, which they had among them. Upon which Mr. EDWARDS thought the Brethren of the Church ought to look into the Matter. And in order to introduce it, he preach'd a Sermon from Heb. xii. 15, 16.

Looking diligently, lest any Man fail of the Grace of GOD, lest any Root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled: lest there be any Fornicator, or profane Person as Esau &c.

After Sermon, he desired the Brethren of the Church to stay, and told them what Information he had got; and proposed whether they thought proper to take any Measures to exa|mine into the Matter. They with one consent, and much Zeal, manifested it to be their Opinion, that it ought to be enquired into. And proceeded to chose a Number of Men, to assist their Pastor in examining into the Affair. Upon which Mr. EDWARDS appointed the time for their meeting at his House: and then read a Catalogue of the Names of young Persons, whom he desired to come to his House at the same time. Some were the accused, and some Witnesses; but it was not then declared of which Number any particular Person was.

WHEN the Names were published, it appeared, that there were but few of the considerable Families in Town, to which none of the Persons named did belong, or were nearly related. Whether this was the Occasion of the alteration or not, before the Day appointed came, a great Number of Heads of Families altered their Minds (yea many condemn|ed what they had done, before they got home to their own Houses) and declared, they did not think proper to proceed as they had done; that their Children should not be called to an Account in such a way for such things &c. &c. And the Town was suddenly all on a Blaze. This strengthen'd the Hands of the accused, and some refused to appear, and others that did appear, behaved unmannerly, and with a great Degree of Insolence, and contempt of the Autho|rity of the Church. And little or nothing could be done further in the Affair.

THIS was the Occasion of weakening Mr. EDWARDS's Hands in the Work of the Ministry, especially among the young People; with whom by this Means he greatly lost his Influence! This seemed in a great Measure to put an end to Mr. EDWARDS's Usefulness at Northampton, and doubtless laid a Foundation, and will help to account for the surprizing Events which will by and by be related. To be sure he had no great visible Success after this; but the Influences of God's Spirit were greatly with-held, and se|curity and carnality much increased among them. That great and singular degree of visible religion and good order which had been found among them, soon began gradually to decay: and the youth have since been more wanton and dissolute.

Mr. STODDARD, Mr. EDWARDS's grand-father and pre|decessor in the work of the ministry, was of the opinion, that unconverted persons had a right in the sight of God, or consider'd as such, to the Sacrament of the Lord's Sup|per; that therefore it was their duty to come to that ordi|nance, tho' they knew they had no true goodness, or gospel holiness. He maintain'd, that visible christianity does not consist in a profession or appearance of that wherein true holiness or real christianity consists. That therefore the profession which persons make in order to be re|ceived as visible Members of Christ's Church, ought not to be such as to express or imply a real compliance with, or consent to the terms of the covenant of grace, o•• a ••earty embracing the gospel. So that they who really reject Jesus Christ, and dislike the gospel way of salvation in their hearts, and know that this is true of themselves may make the pro|fession without lying and hypocrisy. Accordingly he en|deavoured to form a short profession for persons to make in order to be admitted into the church and come to the sacrament, answerable to this principle. And it took place and was practised upon in Northampton; and persons were admitted into the church, and to the sacrament, not under the notion of their being true saints, or that they had any real goodness.

Mr. STODDARD's appearing to maintain this principle made a great noise in the country; and he was opposed as introducing something contrary to the principles and

practice of almost all the churches in New-England. And the matter was publickly controverted between him and Dr. INCREASE MATHER of Boston. However, thro' Mr. STODDARD's great influence & ascendance over the People at Northampton, it was introduced there, tho' not without Oppo|sition. And his principles by degrees spread very much a|mong Ministers & People in that county, and in other parts of New England; tho' no church except Northampton publick|ly and professedly acted upon this principle, by altering the profession that those made, who were admitted to the Sa|crament, to suit it to such a notion: but required of all who joined to the church a profession of that wherein true christianity, or real godliness consists. And of late years his opinion that persons who have no real goodness, but are in a christles•• state, and know themselves to be so, may make a christian profession and come to the Sacrament, without lying and hypocrisy; and that they have a right, and 'tis their duty so to do, has greatly spread in the country.

Mr. EDWARDS had some hesitation about this matter when he first settled at Northampton, and afterwards; but did not receive such a degree of conviction, that the ad|mitting persons into the church, who made no pretence to real godliness was wrong, as to prevent his practising upon it with a good conscience, for some years. But at length his doubts about the matter greatly increased, which put him upon examining it more thoroughly than he had ever before done, by searching the Scripture, and reading and examining such books, as were written to defend the ad|mission of persons to sacraments, without a profession of saving faith. And the result was a full conviction that it was wrong, and that he could not practise upon it with a good Conscience. He was fully convinced that to be a visible Christian was to put on the visibility or appearance of a real christian; that the profession o•• christianity was a profession of that, wherein real christianity consists; was therefore a profession of true respect of Christ, and a hearty embracing the gospel &c. That therefore no person who rejected Christ in his heart, could make such a profession consistent with truth. And therefore, as the Ordinance of the Lord's Supper was instituted for none but visible professing christians, none but those who are real christians have a real right in the sight of God to come to that ordi|nance:

and that none ought to be admitted thereto, who do not make a profession of real christianity, and so can|not be received in a judgment of charity as true friends to Jesus Christ, or real saints. ‖ 1.6

WHEN Mr. EDWARDS's sentiments were known, in the spring of the year 1744, it gave great offence, and the town was put into a great ferment: and before he was heard in his own defence, or it was known by many what his principles were, the general cry was to have him dismissed, as what alone would satisfy them. This was evident from the whole tenor of their conduct, as they neg|lected and oppos'd the most proper means of calmly con|sidering, and so understanding the matter in dispute, and persisted in a refusal to attend to what Mr. EDWARDS had to say in defence of his principles. And f••om beginning to end oppos'd the measures which had the best tendency to compromise and heal the difficulty; and with much zeal pursued those, which were calculated to make a sepa|ration certain and speedy.

Mr. EDWARDS thought of preaching on the subject, that they might know what were his sentiments, and what were the grounds of them, (of both which he was sensible the most of them were quite ignorant) before they took any step for a separation between him and his people. But that he might do nothing to increase the tumult, but on the con|trary take all those steps, which he could with a good cons|cience, that tended to peace, he first proposed the thing to the church's standing committee; supposing that if he entered on the subject publickly with their consent, it would prevent the ill consequences which otherwise he fear'd would follow. But the most of them by no means consent to it, but strenuously opposed it. Upon which he gave it over for the present, as what in such circumstances would rather raise a tumult, and blow the fire up to a greater height, than answer the good ends proposed.

Mr. EDWARDS being sensible that his principles were not understood, and much misrepresented thro' the coun|try; and finding that his people were in too much of a heat calmly to attend to the matter in controversy then; and were in a disposition even to refuse to hear him preach upon it, proposed to print what he had to say on the point; as this seemed to be the only way left him to have a fair hearing. Accordingly his people consented to put off the calling a council, till what he should write was published. But they manifested great uneasiness in waiting, before it came out of the press. And when it was published, it was read but by very few of them. Mr. EDWARDS being sensible of this, renewed his proposal to preach upon it, and at a meeting of the brethren of the church asked their consent in the following terms:

I desire that the brethren would manifest their consent, that I should declare the reasons of my opinion relating to full communion in the church, in lectures appointed for that end: Not as an act of authority, or as putting the power of declaring the whole counsel of God out of my hands; but for peace sake, and to prevent occasion of strife.

But it pass'd in the negative.

Mr. EDWARDS then proposed that it should be left to a few of the neighbouring ministers, whether it was not, all things consider'd, reasonable that he should be heard in this matter from the pulpit, before the affair should be brought to an issue. But this also pass'd in the negative.

HOWEVER, he having had the advice of the ministers and messengers of the neighbouring churches, who met at Northampton to advise them under their difficulties, proceed|ed to appoint a lecture, in order to preach on the subject, proposing to do so weekly 'till he had finished what he had to say. On Monday there was a precinct or society meeting, in which a vote was pass'd to choose a committee to go to Mr. EDWARDS, and desire him not to preach lectures on the subject in controversy, according to his declaration and ap|pointment. And accordingly, proceeded to choose a com|mittee of three men for this purpose, who waited on him, and did their errand. However, Mr. EDWARDS thought proper to proceed according to his proposal, and accord|ingly preached a number of Sermons till he had finished

what he had to say on the subject. These lectures were very thinly attended by his own people: but great numbers of strangers from the neighbouring towns attended them, so many as to make above half the congregation. This was in February and March 1750.

THE calling a decisive council to determine the matter of difference between pastor and people, or rather to dis|miss the pastor from his church and people, (for the delay of which a great deal of impatience had been publickly ma|nifested) was now more particularly attended to by Mr. EDWARDS and the church.

Mr. EDWARDS had before this insisted upon it from time to time, that they were by no means ripe for such a pro|ceedure; (as they had not yet given him a fair hearing in defence of his cause: which if they would do, perhaps the need of such a council would be supersceeded. And be|sides, he thought there was abundant publick evidence, that they were not yet in a temper suited to attend on, and be active in such a transaction, as the dissol••ing the rela|tion between them and their pastor; which would, as things then stood, probably be the event. He observed,

That it was exceeding unbecoming churches of the Lamb of God to manage their religious affairs of greatest importance in a ferment and tumult, which ought to be managed with great solemnity, deep humiliation and submission to the awful frowns of heaven, humble de|pendence on God, and with fervent prayer and supplica|tion to him. That therefore for them to go about such an affair, in such a manner as they did, would be most unbecoming the Gospel, greatly to the dishonor of God and religion, and a way in which a people cannot expect a blessing. That such a great affair as this should be gone about with ca••m consideration; but that such a temper as the people were then in, was wholly incon|sistent with this.

BUT having used all means which he could think of within his Power to bring them to a more calm and cha|ritable temper, and to hear and weigh what he had to say in his own defence, with attention and candor; and find|ing that nothing prevailed; but rather the tumult and up|roar

was increased; he consented that a decisive council should be called without any further delay.

BUT a difficulty attended the choice of a council, which was for some time insuperable. It was agreed that the council should be mutually chosen, one half by the pastor, and the other half by the church: but the people insisted upon it that he should be confined to the county in his choice. Mr. EDWARDS thought this an unreasonable re|straint on him, as it was known that the ministers and churches in that county were almost universally against him in the controversy that divided him and his people, and made the two parties. He indeed did not suppose that the business of the proposed council would be to determine whether his opinion which was the occasion of the diffi|culty between him and his people was right or no; or that what they were to judge of, depended upon this. But their business would be — to see and determine whether any possible way could be devised for an accommodation between pastor and people, and to use their wisdom and endeavour in order to this. And if they found this im|practicable, they must determine, whether things were now ripe for a separation; whether what ought in justice to be previous to a separation had already actually been done, so that there was nothing further in justice to be de|manded by either of the parties concerned, before a sepa|ration should take place. And if he was dismissed by them, it would be their business to set forth to the world in what manner and for what cause he was dismissed: how far he was innocent, and whether he might yet be employed in the work of the ministry &c. All which were matters of great importance to him, and required upright and impartial judges. And considering the great influence a difference in religious opinions has to prejudice men one against another; and the close connection of the point, in which most of the ministers and churches in the county differ'd from him, with the matter to be judged of, he did not think they could be reasonably looked upon so impartial judges, as that the matter ought to be wholly left to them. Besides, he thought the case being so new and extraordinary, required the ablest judges in the land. For these, and some other reasons, which he offered, he insisted up••n liberty to go out of the county

for those members of the proposed council, in which he was to have a choice. In this, as was just now said, the people strenuously and obstinately opposed him. They at length agreed to leave the matter to a council consisting of the ministers and messengers of the five neighbouring chur|ches: who, after they had met twice upon it, and had the case largely debated before them, were equally divided, and therefore left the matter undetermined.

HOWEVER, they were all agreed, that Mr. EDWARDS ought to have liberty to go out of the county for some of the council. And at the next church meeting, which was on the 26th of March, Mr. EDWARDS offer'd to join with them in calling a council, if they would consent that he should chuse two of the churches out of the county, in case the council consisted of but ten churches. The church how|ever refused to comply with this at one meeting after ano|ther repeatedly; and proceeded to warn a church meeting and choose a moderator, in order to act without their pastor.

BUT, to pass by many particulars, at lenth at a meeting of the church, warned by their pastor, May 3d. they voted their consent to his proposal of going out of the county for two of the churches, should be applied to. And then they proceeded to make choice of the ten ministers & chur|ches, of which the council should consist. Accordingly, the churches were sent to, and the council convened on the 19th of June. Who, after they had made some fruitless attempts for a composition between the pastor and church, pass'd a resolve, by the majority of one voice † 1.7 only, to the following purpose: "That 'tis expedient that the pasto|ral relation between Mr. EDWARDS and his church be immediately dissolved, if the people still persist in desiring it." And it being publickly put to the people, whether they still insisted on Mr. EDWARDS's dismission from the pastoral office over them? A great majority (above two hundred against twenty) zealously voted for his dismission. And he was accordingly dismissed June 22, 1750.

THE dissenting part of the council, enter'd their pro••est against this proceeding, judging that it was too much in a hurry, as they were by no means ripe for a separation, con|sidering the past conduct, and present temper of the peo|ple. And some of that part of the council that were active, expressed themselves surprized at the uncommon zeal and engagedness of spirit, publickly manifested by the people in their voting for a dismission; which evidenced to them, and all observing spectators, that they were far from a tem|per of mind becoming such a solemn and awful transaction, considered in all its circumstances.

BEING thus dismissed, he preached his farewell Sermon on the first of July, from 2 Cor. i. 14. The doctrine he observed from the words was this,

Ministers and the people that have been under their care, must meet one another before Christ's tribunal, at the day of Judgment.

It was a remarkably solemn and affecting discourse, and was published at the desire of some of the hearers.

AFTER Mr. EDWARDS was dismissed from Northampton, he preached there some times occasionally when they had no other preacher to supply the pulpit; till at length a great uneasiness was manifested by many of the people, at his preaching there at all. Upon which, the committee for supplying the pulpit, call'd the town together, to know their minds with respect to that matter: when they voted that it was not agreeable to their minds, that he should preach among them. Accordingly, when Mr. EDWARDS was in town, and they had no other minister to preach to them, they carried on publick worship among themselves, and without any preaching, rather than to invite Mr. ED|WARDS!

EVERY one must be sensible that this was a great trial to Mr. EDWARDS. He had been near twenty four years among that people; and his labours had been, to all appearance, from time to time greatly blessed among them: and a great number looked on him as their spiritual father, who had been the happy instrument of turning them from darkness to light, and plucking them as brands out of the burning. And they had from time to time professed that they looked upon it as one of their greatest priviledges to have such a

minister, and manifested their great love and esteem of him, to such a degree; that, (as St. Paul says of the Ga|latians) if it had been possible, they would have pluck'd out their own eyes, and given them to him. And they had a great interest in his heart: He had borne them on his heart and carried them in his bosom for many years; exercising a tender concern and love for them: for their good he was always writing, contriving, labouring; for them he had poured out ten thousand fervent prayers; in their good he had rejoyced as one that findeth great spoil; and they were dear to him above any other people under heaven.

NOW to have this people turn against him, and thrust him out from among them, in a great tumult and heat, with haste, and a great degree of violence; like the Jews of old stoping their ears and runing upon him with furi|ous zeal, not allowing him to defend himself by giving him a fair hearing; and even refusing so much as to hear him preach; many of them surmising and publickly speak|ing many ill things as to his ends and designs! To have the tables turned so suddenly and the voice so general and loud against him. This surely must come very near to him, and try his spirit. The words of the psalmist seems applicable to this case,

It was not an enemy that reproach|ed me, then I could have borne it; neither was it he that hated me, that did magnify himself against me, then I would have hid my self from him. But it was THOU— my guide and mine acquaintance. We took sweet coun|sel together, and walked unto the house of God in com|pany.

LET us therefore now behold the man!

THE calm and sedateness of his mind; his meekness and humility in great and violent opposition, and injurious treatment; his resolution and steady conduct thro' all this dark and terrible storm, were truly wonderful, and cannot be set in so beautiful and affecting a light by any descrip|tion, as they appeared in to his friends, who were eye|witnesses.

Mr. EDWARDS had a numerous and chargeable family, and little or no income, exclusive of his salary: and con|sidering how far he was advanced in years; the general

disposition of people who want a minister to prefer a young man who has never been settled, to one who has been dismissed from his people; and what misrepresentations were made of his principles thro' the country, it looked to him not at all probable that he should ever have oppor|tunity to be settled again in the work of the ministry, if he was dismissed from Northampton: And he was not inclined or able to take any other course, or go into any other business to get a living. So that beggery as well as disgrace stared him full in the face, if he persisted in his principles. To be sure, he viewed himself as taking the most direct way to these, according to the natural course of things, by discovering and adhering to his principles, in the situation he then was. For he forsaw all this, before it came upon him; and there|••ore had the opportunity and the temptation to escape it, by concealing his principles. When he was fixed in his prin|cples, and before they were publickly known, he told some of his friends, that if he discovered and persisted in them, it would most likely issue in his dismission and dis|grace; and the ruin of himself and family, as to their temporal interests. He therefore first sat down and counted the cost, and deliberately took up the cross, when it was set before him in its full weight and magnitude; and in direct opposition to all worldly views and motives. And therefore his conduct in these circumstances, was a re|markable exercise and discovery of his conscientiousness; and his readiness to deny himself, and forsake all that he had, to follow Christ.

A man must have a considerable degree of the spirit of a martyr, not to flinch in such a case as this; but go on with the stedfastness & resolution with which he did. He, as it were, put his life in his hand, and ventur'd on where truth and duty appear'd to lead him, unmov'd at the threatning dangers on every side.

HOWEVER, God did not forsake him. As he gave him those inward supports by which he was able in patience to possess his soul, and calmly and couragiously row on in the storm, as it were, in the face of boistrous winds, beat|ing hard upon him, and in the midst of gaping waves threatning to swallow him up: so he soon appear'd for him,

in his providence, even beyond all his expectations. His correspondents and other friends in Scotland, hearing of his dismission, and fearing it might be the means of bringing him into worldly straits, generously contributed a handsome sum, and sent it over to him.

AND God did not leave him without tender, valuable friends at Northampton. For a small number of his people who oppos'd his dismission from the beginning, and some who acted on neither side, who joined with him after his dismission, and adhered to him, under the influence of that great esteem and love of Mr. EDWARDS were willing and thought themselves able to maintain him: and insisted upon it that it was his duty to stay among them, as a distinct and separate congregation from the body of the town, who had rejected him.

Mr. EDWARDS could not see it to be his duty to stay among them, as circumstances were; as this would pro|bably be a means of perpetuating an unhappy division in the town; and there was to him no prospect of doing the good there, which would counterbalance the evil. How|ever, that he might do all he ••ould to satisfy his tender and afflicted friends; and becau••e 〈◊〉〈◊〉 multitude of coun|sellors there is safety, he consent•••• to ask the advice of an ecclesiastical council. Accordingly, a council was called, and convened at Northampton on the 15th of May 1751.

THE town on this occasion was put into great tumult and fire. They who were active in Mr. EDWARDS's dis|mission supposed, tho' without any ground, and contrary to truth, that he was contriving and attempting with his friends, ag••••n to introduce himself at Northampton. They drew up a remonstrance against their proceedings, and laid it before the council (tho' they would not acknowledge them to be an ecclesiastical) containing many heavy, tho' groundless, insinuation•• and charges against Mr. EDWARDS, and bitter accusations of the party who had adhered to him: But refused to appear and support any of their charges, or so much as to give the gentlemen of the council any op|portunity to confer with them, about the affair depending; tho' it was diligently sought.

THE council having heard what Mr. EDWARDS, and they who adher'd to him, and any others who desired to be heard, had to say, advised, agreable to Mr. EDWARDS's judgment and expectation, that he should leave Northamp|ton, and accept of the Mission to which he was invited at Stockbridge; of which a more particular account will be given presently.

MANY other facts relative to this sorrowful, strange, sur|prizing affair (the most so doubtless of any of the kind, that ever happened in New-England; and perhaps, in any part of the christian world) might be related; but as this more general history of it, may be sufficient to answer the ends proposed, viz. to rectify some gross misrepresentati|ons that have been made of the matter, and discover the great trial Mr. EDWARDS had herein, 'tis thought best to suppress other particulars. As a proper close to this melan|choly story; and to confirm, and further illustrate what has been related, the following letter from JOSEPH HAWLEY, Esq (a gentleman who was well acquainted with, and very active in the transactions of this whole affair, and very much a head and leader in it,) to the rev. Mr. Hall of Sutton, published in a weekly News-Paper in Boston, May 19. 1760. is here inserted.

To the Rev. Mr. HALL of Sutton.

Northampton, May 9. 1760.

Rev. Sir.

I Have often wished that every Member of the two ecclesiastical councils (that formerly sat in Northampton upon the unhappy differences between our former most worthy and reverend pastor Mr. Jonathan Edwards and the church here) whereof you was a member; I say Sir, I have often wish'd every of them truly knew my real sense of my own conduct in the affairs that the one and the other of said councils are privy to; and as I have long appre|hended it to be my duty not only to humble my self before God for what was unchristian and sinful, in my conduct before said councils, but also to confess my faults to them, and take shame to my self therefor before them I have often studied with my self in what manner it was practicable for me to do it; and when I understood that you Sir, and Mr Eato•• were to be at Cold Spring at the time of their late council, I resolved to improve the oppor|tunity fully to open my mind there to you and him thereon; and thought that probably some method might be then thought of in which my reflections on my self touching the matters above hinted

at, might be communicated to most if not all the gentlemen a|foresaid, who did not reside in this county: but you know, Sir, how difficult it was for us to converse together by our selves when at Cold-Spring, without giving umbrage to that people; I there|fore proposed writing to you upon the matters which I had then opportunity only most summarily to suggest; which you Sir, sig|nified would be agrea••le to you. I therefore now undertake what I then proposed, in which I humbly ask the divine aid; and that I may be made most freely willing fully to confess my sin and guilt to you and the world in those instances which I have reason to suppose fell under your notice, as they were publick and noto|rious transactions, and on account whereof, therefore, you Sir, and all others who had knowledge thereof, had just cause to be offended at me.

And in the first place Sir, I apprehend that with the Church and People of Northampton, I sinned and erred exceedingly in con|senting and labouring that there should be so early a dism••ssion of Mr. Edwards from his pastoral relation to us, even upon the sup|position that he was really in a mistake in the disputed point: not only because the dispute was upon matters so very disputable in themselves and at the greatest remove from fundamental, but be|cause Mr. Edwards so long had approved himself a most faithful and painful pastor to said church; and also changed his sentiments in that point wholly from a tender regard to what appeared to him to be truth; and had made known his sentiments with great modera|tion and upon great deliberation, against all worldly motives, and from mere fidelity to his great master, and a tender regard to the souls of his flock, as we had the highest reason to judge: which considerations now seem to me sufficient; and would (if we had been of a right spirit) have greatly endeared him to his people, and made us to the last degree, reluctant to parting with him, and dis|posed us to the exercise of the greatest candour, gentleness and moderation▪ how much of the reverse whereof appear••d in us. I need not tell you Sir, who was an eye witness of our temper and conduct.

And altho' it does not become me to pronounce decisively on a point so disputable as what was then in dispute; yet I beg leave to say, that I really apprehend that it is of the highest mo|ment to the body of this church, and to me in particular, most so|licitously to enquire, whether like the Pharisees and Lawyers in John Baptist's time we did not reject the counsel of God against our selves, in rejecting Mr. Edwards and his doctrine: which was the ground of his dismission. And I humbly conceive that it highly imports us all of this church, most seriously and impartially to examine what that most worthy and able divine about that time published in support of the same, whereby he being dead yet speaketh.

But there were three things Sir, especially in my own par|ticular conduct before the first council, which have been justly matter of great grief and much trouble to me almost ever since, to wit.

In the first place I confess Sir, that I acted very immodestly and abusively to you, as well as injuriously to the church and my self, when with much zeal and unbecoming assurance, I moved the council that they would interpose to silence and stop you in an address you was making one morning to the people, wherein you was, if I don't misremember, briefly exhorting them to a tender remembrance of the former affection and harmony that had long subsisted between them and their reverend pastor, and the great comfort and profit which they had apprehended that they had received from his ministry; for which Sir, I heartily ask your forgiveness; and I think, that we ought instead of opposing an exhortation of that nature, to have received it with all thank|fulness.

Another particular of my conduct before that council, which I now apprehend was criminal, and was owing to the want of that tender affection and reverend respect and esteem for Mr. Edwards which he had highly merited of me, was my strenuously opposing the adjournment of the matters submitted to that council, for about two months; for which I declare my self unfeignedly sorry; and I with shame remember, that I did it in a peremptory, deci|sive, vehement and very immodest manner.

But Sir, the most criminal part of my conduct at that time, that I am conscious of, was my exhibiting to that council a set of arguments in writing, the drift whereof was to prove the rea|sonableness and necessity of Mr. Edward's dismission in case no accommodation was then effected with mutual consent; which tract by clear implication contained some severe, uncharitable, and if I don't misremember, groundless and slanderous imputations on Mr. Edwards and expressed in b••tter la••guage; and altho' the o••iginal draft thereof was not done by me, yet I foolishly and sinfully consented to copy it; and as agent for the church, to read it and deliver it to the council, which I could never have done, if I had not had a wicked relish for perverse things: which conduct of mine, I confess was very sinful; am perswaded was highly provoking to God, and for which I am ashamed, confound|ed, and have nothing to answer.

As to the church's remonstrance (as it was called) which their committee preferr'd to the last of said councils, to all which I was consenting, and in the composing whereof I was very active, as also in bringing the church to their vote upon it: I would in the first place only observe, that I don't remember any thing in that small part of it which was plainly discursive of the expediency of Mr. Edwards's re-settlement here as pastor to a part of the

church, which was very exceptionable; but as to all the residue, which was much the greatest part thereof (and I am not certain that any part was wholly free) it was every where laided with un|christian bitterness, sarcastical and unmannerly insinuations con|tained divers direct, grievous and criminal charges and allegations again••t Mr. Edwards; which I have since good reason to suppose were all founded on jealous & uncharitable mistakes and so were really gross slanders, also many heavy and reproachful charges upon divers of Mr. Edwards's adherents, and some severe censures of them all indiscriminately; all of which (if not wholly false and groundless) yet were altogether unnecessary, and therefore highly criminal. Indeed I am fully convinced, that the whole of that composure, excepting the small part thereof abovementioned, was totally unchristian▪ a scandalous, abusive, injurious libel, against Mr. Edwards and his particular friends; especially the former, and highly provoking and detestable in the sight of God; for which I am heartily sorry and ashamed; and pray I may re|member it with deep abasement and penitence all my days. Nor do I now think that the church's cond••ct in refusing to appear and attend before that council to support ••he charges and allegations in said remonstrance against Mr. Edwards and said brethren, which they demanded was ever vindicated by all the subtle answers that were given to said demand; nor do I think that our conduct in that instance was capable of a defence, for it appears to me, that by making charges of scandalous matters against them before said council, we necessarily so far gave that council jurisdiction; and I own with sorrow and regret, that I zealously endeavoured, that the church shou••d perseveringly refuse to appear before said council for the purpose abovesaid; which I humbly pray God to forgive.

Another part of my conduct, Sir, of which I have long repent|ed, and for which I hereby declare my hearty sorrow, was my obstinate opposition to the last council's having any conference with the church; which said council earnestly and rep••atedly moved for, and which the church finally denied (as you know.) I think it discovered a great deal of pride and vain sufficiency in the church, and shewed them to be very opiniative, especially the chief sticklers, one of whom I own I was, and think it was running a most presumptuous risk, and acting the part of proud scorners, for us to refuse hearing and candidly and seriously con|sidering what that council could say or propose to us; among whom the••e were divers justly in great reputation for grace and wisdom.

In these instances▪ Sir, of my conduct, and other•• (to which you was not p••••vy) in the course of that most melancholy contention with Mr. Edwards, wherein I now see that I wa•• very much in|fluenced by vast pride, self-sufficiency, ambition and vanity. I

appear to my self vile, and doubtless much more so to others who are more impartial; and do in the review thereof, ab|hor my self, and repent sorely: and if my own heart condemns me it behoves me solemnly to remember, that God is greater▪ and knoweth all things: and I hereby own, Sir, that such treat|ment of Mr Edward's, as is herein before mentioned, wherein I was so deeply concerned and active, was particularly and very aggravatedly sinful and ungrateful in me, because I was not only under the common obligations of each individual of the society to him, as to a most able, diligent and faithful pastor; but I had also received many instances of his tenderness goodness, and ge|nerosi••y to me, as a young kinsman, whom he was disposed to treat in a most friendly manner.

Indeed, Sir I must own, that by my conduct in consulting and acting against Mr. Edwards within the time of ou•• most unhappy dispu••es with him, and especially in and about that abominable re|monstrance I have so far symbolized with Balaam, Ahitophel and Judas, that I am confounded and filled with terror oftentimes when I attend to the most painful similitude

And I freel•• confess, that on account of my conduct above|mentioned, I have the greatest reason to tremble at those most so|lemn and awful words of our Saviour, Matth. 18.6. and those in Luke 10••h, at the 16••h: and I am most sorely sensible that no|thing but that infinite grace and mercy which saved some of the betrayers and murderers of our blessed Lord and the perse|cutor•• of his martyrs, can pardon me; in which alone I hope for pardon, for the sake of Christ, whose blood (blessed be God) cleanseth from all sin On the whole Sir, I am convinced, that I have the greatest reason to say as David,

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy loving kindness, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgres|sions▪ wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin; for I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is eve•• before me: hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all m••ne iniquities: create in me a clean heart, O God, and ren••w a right spirit within me; cast me not away from thy pre|sence, and take not t••y holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free spirit.

And I humbly apprehend that it greatly concerns the church of Nor••hampton most seriously to examine whether the many hard speeches, spoken by many particular members against their for|mer pastor▪ some of which the church really countenanced, and especially those spoken by the church as a body, in that most vile remonstrance, are not so odious and ungodly, as to be utterly un|capable of defence; and whether said church were not guilty of great sin in being so willing and disposed for so slight a cause, to part with so faithful and godly a minister as Mr. Edwards was.

And whether ever God will hold us guiltless 'till we cry to him for Christ's sake to pardon and save us from that judgment which such ungodly deeds deserve, and publickly humble and take shame to our selves therefor. And I most heartily wish and pray that the town and church of Northampton would seriously and carefully examine whether they have not abundant cause to judge that they are now lying under great guilt in the sight of God; and whether those of us who were concerned in that most awful contention with Mr Edwards, can ever more reasonably expect God's favour and blessing, 'till our eyes are opened, and we become thoroughly convinced that we have greatly provoked the most High, and been injurious to one of the best of men; and until we shall be tho|roughly convinced that we have dreadfully persecuted Christ by per|secuting and vexing that just man and servant of Ch••••••; until we shall be humble as in the dust therefor, and till we openly in full terms, and without baulking the matter, confess the same before the world, and most humbly and earnestly seek forgive|ness of God, and do what we can to honor the memory of Mr. Edwards, and clear it of all the aspersi••ns which we unjustly cast upon him; since God has been pleas'd to put it beyond our power to ask his forgiveness. Such terms I am perswaded the great and righteous God will hold us to, and that it will be in vain for us to hope to escape with impunity in any other way. This I am con|vinced of with regard to my self, and this way I most solemnly propose to take to my self (if God in his mercy shall give me opportunity) that so by making free confession to God & man of my sin and guilt, and publickly taking shame to my self therefor, I may give glory to the God of Israel, and do what in me lies, to clear the memory of that venerable man from the wrongs and injuries I was so active in bringing on his reputation and character, and I thank God that he has been pleased to spare my life and opportunity therefor to this time, and am sorry that I have delayed the affair so long.

Altho' I made the substance of almost all the foregoing re|flections in writing, but not exactly in the same manner to Mr. Edwards and the brethren who adhered to him, in Mr. Edwards's life, and before he removed from Stockbridge, and I have reason to believe that he, from his great candour and charity, heartily forgave me and pray'd for me: yet because that was not gene|rally known, I look on my self obliged to take further steps; for while I kep: silence, my bones waxed old, &c.

For all these my great sins therefore, in the first place, I hum|bly and most earnestly ask forgiveness of God; nextly, of the relatives and near friends of Mr. Edwards. I also ask the for|giveness of all those who were called Mr. Edwards's adherents; and of all the members of the ecclesiastical councils above men|tioned; and lastly, of all christian people, who have had any knowledge of the matters abovesaid, or any of them.

I have no desire, Sir, that you should make any secret of this letter; but desire you would communicate the same to whom you shall judge proper and I purpose (••f God shall give me op|portunity) to procure it to be published in some one of the pub|lic news papers; for I can't devise any other way of making known my sentiments of the fore-going matters to all who ought to be acquainted therewith, and therefore I think I ought to do it, whatever remarks I may foresee will be made thereon.

Probably when it comes out, some of my acquaintance will pronounce me quite over-run with vapours, others will be fur|nished with matter for mirth and pleasantry; others will cursorily pass it over as relating to matters qui••e sta••e; but some I am perswaded will rejoyce to see me brought to a sense of my sin and duty; and I 〈◊〉〈◊〉 self shall be conscious that I have done something of what the nature of the case admits, towards undo|ing what is, and long has been, to my greatest remorse and trou|ble that it was ever done.

Sir, I desire that none would entertain a thought from my hav|ing spoken respectfully of Mr Edwards, that I am disaffected to our present pastor; for ••he very reverse is true; and I have a reverend esteem, real value, and hearty effection for him, and bless God, that he has notwithstanding all our unworthiness, given us one to succced Mr. Edwards, who, (as I have reason to hope) is truly faithful.

I conclude this long letter, by heartily desiring your prayers, that m•• repentance of my sins above-mentioned may be unfeign|ed and genuine, and such as God in infinite mercy so Christ's sake will accept: and I beg leave to subscribe any self,

Sir,

your real, tho' very unworthy friend, and obedient servant, JOSEPH HAWLEY,

SECTION III. His MISSION to the INDIANS at Stockbridge &c.

THE India, Mission at Stockbridge (a Town in the western part of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, sixty Miles from Northampton) being vacant by the death of the late reverend Mr. SERGEANT, the honor|ed and reverend Commissioners for Indian affairs, in Boston, who have the care and direction of it, applied to him, as the most suitable person they could think of to betrust with

that mission. And he was at the same time invited by the inhabitants of Stockbridge; and being advised by the council, above mentioned, to accept of the invitation, he repair'd to Stockbridge, and was introduced and fixed as missionary to the Indians there by an ecclesiastical council call'd for that purpose, August 8 1751.

WHEN Mr. EDWARDS first engaged in the mission, there was a hopeful prospect of it's being extensively serviceable, under his care and influence; not only to that tribe of Indians which was settled at Stockbridge, but among the Six Nations: some of whom were coming to Stockbridge to set|tle, and bring their own, and as many of their neighbours children as they could get; to be educated and instructed there. For this end, a house for a boarding school, which was projected by Mr SERGEANT, was erected on a tract of land appropriated to that use by the Indians at Stock|bridge: where the Indian Children, male and female were to be educated, by being cloath'd and fed, and instructed by proper persons in useful learning. And the boys to be learned husbandry or mechanic trades, and the girls all sorts of women's work. For the encouragement of which, some generous subscriptions were made both in Eng|land and America. And the great and general Court of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, did much to promote the affair, and provided lands for the Mohocks to settle on, who should incline to come. And the generous Mr. HOL|LIS, to be encourage the thing, order'd twenty four indian Children to be educated on the same footing, wholly at his cost. Also the Society in London, for propagating the Gospel among the Indians in and about New-England, di|rected their Commissioners in Boston to do considerable to|wards this design.

BUT partly by reason of some unhappy differences that took place among those who had the chief management of this affair at Stockbridge, of which a particular account would not be proper in this place; and partly by the war's breaking out between England and France, which is ge|nerally very fatal to such affairs among Indians, this hope|ful prospect came to nothing.

Mr. EDWARDS'S labours were attended with no remar|kable vasible success while at Stockbridge: tho' he perform'd the business of his mission to the good acceptance of the inhabitants in general, both English and Indians, and of the Commissioners, who supported him honorably, and con|fided very much in his judgment and wisdom in all mat|ters relating to the mission.

STOCKBRIDGE proved to Mr. EDWARDS a more quiet, and, on many accounts, a much more comfortable situation than he was in before. It being so much in one corner of the country, his time was not so much taken up with com|pany, as it was at Northampton, tho' many of his friends, from almost all parts of the land, often made him pleasant and profitable visits. And he had not so much concern and trouble with other churches as he was obliged to have when at Northampton, by being frequently sought to for advice, and call'd to assist in ecclesiastical councils. Here therefore he followed his beloved study more closely, and to better purpose than ever. In these six years he doubt|less made swifter advances in knowledge than ever before, and added more to his Manuscripts than in any six Years of his life.

AND this was probably as useful a part of his life as any. For in this time he wrote the two last books that have been published by him (of which a more particular ac|count will be given hereafter) by which he has doubtless greatly served the church of Christ, and will be a blessing to many thousands yet unborn.

THUS, after his uprightness and faithfulness had been sufficiently tried at Northampton, his kind master provided for him a quiet retreat, which was rendred the more sweet by the preceeding storm; and where he had a better op|portunity to pursue and finish the work GOD had for him to do.

SECT. IV. His being made PRESIDENT of New-Jersey College; his SICKNESS and DEATH.

ON the 24th of September 1757. the Rev. Mr. AARON BURR President of New-Jersey College died, — And at the next meeting of the Trustees, Mr. EDWARDS was chosen his successor. The news of which was quite unexpected, and not a little surprizing to him. He looked on himself in many respects so unqualifyed for that business, that he wonder'd that Gentlemen of so good judgment, and so well acquainted with him, as he knew some of the Trustees were, should think of him for that place. He had many objections in his own mind against undertaking the business, both from his unfitness, and his particular circumstances; yet could not certainly deter|mine that it was not his duty to accept. The following extract of a letter which he wrote to the Trustees, will give the reader a view of his sentiments and exercises on this occasion, as well as of the great designs he was deeply engaged in, and zealously prosecuting.

Stockbridge, 19th October 1757.

Reverend and Honored Gentlemen,

I Was not a little surprized, on receiving the unexpected No|tice of your having made choice of me to succeed the late president BURR, as the Head of Nassau Hall.—I am much in doubt whether I am called to undertake the business, which you have done me the unmerited honour to choose me for— If some regard may be had to my outward comfort, I might mention the many Inconveniencies and great detriment, which must be sustained, by my removing with my numerous family, so far from all the estate I have in the world (without any prospect of disposing of it, under present circumstances, with|out lofing it, in great part) now when we have scarcely got over the trouble and damage sustained by our removal from Northampton, and have but just begun to have our affairs in a comfortable situation for a subsistence in this place; and the expence I must immediately be at to put my self into circum|stance tolerably comporting with the needful support of the ho|nor of the office I am invited to; which will not well consist with my ability.—But this is not my main objection: The

chief difficulty in my mind, in the way of accepting this impor|tant and arduous office, are these two: First my own defects, un|fitting me for such an undertaking, many of which are generally known; besides other, which my own heart is conscious to.— I have a constitution in many respects peculiar unhappy, attended with flucid solids, vapid, sizy and scarce fluids, & a low tide of spirits; often occasioning a kind of childish weakness and contemptible|ness of speech, presence and demeanor; with a disagreable dul|ness and stiffness, much unfiting me for conversation, but more especially for the government of a College.— This poorness of constitution makes me shrink at the thoughts of taking upon me, in the decline of life, such a new and great business, attended with such a multiplicity of cares, and requiring such a degree of activity, alertness and spirit of government; especially as suc|ceeding one, so remarkably well qualified in these respects, giv|ing occasion to every one to remark the wide difference. I am also deficient in some parts of learning, particularly in Algebra, and the higher parts of Mathematicks, and in the Greek Classicks; my Greek learning having been chiefly in the new Testament — The other thing is this; that my engaging in this business, will not well consist, with those views, and that course of employ in my study, which have long engaged, and swallowed up my mind, and been the chief entertainment and delight of my life.—

And here, honored Sirs, (emboldned by the testimony, I have now received of your unmerited esteem, to rely on your candor) I will with freedom open my self to you.

My method of study, from my first beginning the work of the ministry, has been very much by writing; applying my self in this way, to improve every important hint; pursuing the clew to my utmost, when any thing in reading▪ meditation or conversation, has been suggested to my mind, that seemed to promise light, in any weighty point.—Thus penning what appeared to me my best thoughts, on innumerable subjects for my own benefit. — The longer I prosecuted my studies in this method, the more habitual it became, and the more pleasant and profitable I found it.—The further I travelled in this way, the more and wider the field opened, which has occasioned my laying out many things, in my mind, to do in this manner, if God should spare my life, which my heart hath been much upon: particularly many things against most of the preva••ling errors of the present day, which I cannot with any patience see maintained (to the utter subverting of the gospel of Christ) with so high a hand, and so long conti|nued a triumph, with so little controul, when it appears so evi|dent to me, that there is truly no foundation for any of this glo|rying and insult —I have already published something on one of the main points in dispute between the Arminians and Calvinists: and have it in view, God willing (as I have already signified to the

public) in like manner to consider all the other controverted points, and have done much towards a preparation for it— But be|sides these, I have had on my mind and heart (which I long ago began, not with any view to publication) a great work, which I call a History of the Work of Redemption, a Body of Divinity in an entire new method, being thrown into the form of an history, con|sidering the affair of christian Theology, as the whole of it, in each part, stands in reference to the great work of redemption by Jesus Christ; which I suppose is to be the grand design, of all God's designs, and the summum and ultimum of all the divine operations and degrees; particularly considering all parts of the grand scheme in their historical order.—The order of their exist|ence, or their being brought forth to view, in the course of divine dispensations, or the wonderful series of successive acts & events; beginning from eternity and descending from thence to the great work and successive dispensations of the infinitely wise God in time, considering the chief events coming to pass in the church of God, and revolutions in the world of mankind, affecting the state of the church and the affair of redemption, which we have account of in history or prophecy; 'till at last we come to the general Resurrection, last Judgment, and consummation of all things; when it tshall be said, It it done. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. Concluding my Work, with the con|sideration of that perfect state of things, which shall be finally settled, to last for eternity.—This history will be carried on with regard to all three Worlds, Heaven, Earth and Hell: con|sidering the connected, successive events and alterations, in each so far as the scriptures give any light; introducing all parts of divinity in that order which is most scriptural and most natural: which is a method which appears to me the most beautiful and entertaining, wherein every divine doctrine, will appear to greatest advantage in the brightest light, in the most striking manner, shewing the admirable contexture and harmony of the whole.

I have also for my own profit and entertainment, done much towards another great work, which I call the Harmony of the old and new Testament in three Parts —The first considering the prophecies of the Messiah, his Redemption and Kingdom; the Evidences of their Referrences to the Messiah &c. comparing them all one with another, demonstrating their agreement and true scope and sense; also considering all the various particulars wherein these prophecies have their exact fulfilment; shewing the universal, precise, and admirable correspondence between predictions and events. The second Part: Considering the Types of the old testament, showing the evidence of their being intended as repre|sentations of the great things of the gospel of Christ and the agreement of the type with the antitype.— The third and great Part, considering the harmony of the old and new testament, as to doctrine and precept.—In the course of this work, I find there

will be occasion for an explanation of a very great part of the holy scripture; which may, in such a view be explained in a method, which to me seems the most entertaining and profitable, best tending to lead the mind to a view of the true spirit, design, life and soul of the scriptures, as well as to their proper use and im|provement.

I have also many other things in hand, in some of which I have made great progress, which I will not trouble you with an ac|count of....Some of these things, if divine providence favour I should be willing to attempt a publication of — So far as I my self am able to judge of what talents I have, for benefiting my follow creatures by word, I think I can write better than I can speak.

My heart is so much in these that I cannot find it in my heart to be wiling to put my self into an incapacity to pur|sue them any more, in the future part of my life, to such a de|gree as I must, if I undertake to go thro' the same course of em|ploy, in the office of a President, that Mr. Burr, did, instructing in all the languages, and taking the whole care of the instruction of one of the Classes in all parts of learning, besides his other labours.— If I should see light to determine me to accept the place offered me, I should be willing to take upon me the work of a President, so far as it consists in the general inspection of the whole society and subservient to the school, as to their order and methods of study and instruction, assisting my self in im|mediate instruction in the arts and sciences (as discretion should direct and occasion serve, and the state of things require) especially the senior class: and added to all, should be willing to do the whole work of a professor of divinity, in publick and private lectures, proposing questions to be answered, an some to be discussed in writing and free conversation▪ in meetings of graduates and others, appointed in proper seasons for these ends....It would be now out of my way, to spend time, in a constant teaching of the languages; unless it be the hebrew tongue, which I should be willing to improve my self in, by instructing others.

On the whole, I am much at a loss, with respect to the way of my duty in this important affair: I am in doubt, whether if I should engage in it, I should not do what both you and I should be sorry for afterwards. Nevertheless, I think the greatness of the affair, and the regard due to so worthy and venerable a body, as that of the Trustees of Nassau-Hall, requires my taking the matter into serious consideration: And unless you should appear to be discouraged by the things which I have now repre|sented, as to any further expectation from me, shall proceed to ask advice, of such as I esteem most wise, friendly and faithful; if after the mind of the Commissioners in Boston is known, it ap|pears that they consent to leave me at liberty, with respect to the business they have employed me in here.

IN this suspence he determined to ask the advice of a number of gentlemen in the ministry, on whose judgment and friendship he could rely, and to act according|ly. Who upon his, and his people's desire, met at Stockbridge, January 4. 1758. And having heard Mr. EDWARDS'S representation of the matter, and what his people had to say by way of objection against his removal, determined it was his duty to accept of the invitation to the presidency of the College.

WHEN they published their judgment and advice to Mr. EDWARDS and his people, he appear'd uncommonly mov'd and affected with it, and fell into tears on the occasion; which was very unusual for him, in the presence of others: and soon after said to the gentlemen, who had given their advice, that it was matter of wonder to him, that they could so easily, as they appear'd to do, get over the ob|jections he had made against his removal, to be the head of a college; which appear'd great and weighty to him But as he thought it his duty to be directed by their ad|vice, he should now endeavour chearfully to undertake it, believing he was in the way of his duty.

ACCORDINGLY, having had, by the application of the Trustees of the College, the consent of the Commissioners to resign their mission; he girded up his loins, and set off from Stockbridge for Prince-Town in January. He left his family at Stockbridge, not to be removed till Spring. He had two daughters at Prince-town, Mrs. BURR, the Widow of the late President BURR, and his oldest daughter that was unmarried.

HIS arrival at Prince-town was so the great satisfaction and joy of the college. And indeed all the greatest friends to the college, and to the interest of religion, were highly satisfied and pleas'd with the appointment of Mr. EDWARDS to the Presidency of that College, and had their hopes and expectations greatly raised hereby. And his correspon|dents and friends, and well-wishers to the College in Scot|land, greatly approv'd of it.

THE Corporation met as soon as could be with conve|niency, after his arrival at the College, when he was by them fixed in the president's chair.

WHILE at Prince-town, before his sickness, he preachd in the College-hall from Sabbath to Sabbath, to the great acceptance of the hearers: but did nothing as president, unless it was to give out some questions in divinity to the senior class, to be answered before him; each one having opportunity to study and write what he thought proper up|on them. When they came together to answer them, they found so much entertainment and profit by it, especially by the light and instruction Mr. EDWARDS communicated in what he said upon the questions, when they had deli|ver'd what they had to say, that they spoke of it with the greatest satisfaction and wonder.

DURING this time, Mr. EDWARDS seem'd to enjoy an uncommon degree of the presence of GOD. He told his daughters, he had had great exercise, concern and fear, re|lative to his engaging in that business; but since it now appeared, so far as he could see, that he was call'd of God to that place and work, he did cheerfully devote himself to it, leaving himself and the event with God, to order what seemed to Him good.

THE Small-pox had now become very common in the country, and was then at Prince-town, and likely to spread. And as Mr. EDWARDS had never had it, and Inoculation was then practised with great success in those parts, he pro+posed to be inoculated, if the physician should advise to it, and the corporation would give their consent.

Accordingly, by the advise of the physician, and consent of the corporation, he was inoculated February 13. He had it favourably, and it was thought all danger was over: But a secondary fever set in; and by reason of a number of pustles in his throat, the obstruction was such, that the medicines necessary to stench the fever, could not be admi|nister'd. It therefore raged till it put an end to his life on the 22d of March 1758. in the 55th Year of his Age.

AFTER he was sensible that he should not survive that sickness, a little before his death, he call'd his daugh|ter to him, who attended him in his sickness, and address'd her in a few words, which were immediately taken down in writing, as near as could be recollected, and are as fol|lows,—

DEAR LUCY, if seems to me to be the will of GOD that I must shortly leave you; therefore give my kindest love to my dear wife, and tell her, that the uncommon union, which has so long subsisted between us, has been of such a nature, as I trust is spiritual, and therefore will con|tinue for ever: And I hope she shall be supported under so great a trial, & submit cheerfully to the will of GOD. And as to my children, You are now like to be left father|less, which I hope will be an inducement to you all to seek a Father, who will never fail you. And as to my fune|ral, I would have it to be like Mr. BURR's; and any additional sum of money that might be expected to be laid out that way, I would have it dispos'd of to cha|ritable uses.* 4.1

HE said but very little in his sickness; but was an ad|mirable instance of patience and resignation to the last. Just at the close of his life, as some persons, who stood by, and expected he would breath his last in a few minutes, were lamenting his death not only as a great frown on the college, but as having a dark aspect on the interest of reli|gion in general; to their surprize, not imagining that he heard, or would ever speak another word, he said, "TRUST IN GOD, AND YE NEED NOT FEAR." These were his last words. And what could have been more sui|table to the occasion! And what need of more! In these is as much matter of instruction and support, as if he had wrote a volume. This is the only consolation to his be|reaved-friends,

who are sensible of the loss they, and the church of Christ have sustain'd in his death; GOD is all-sufficient, and still has the care of his church.

HE appear'd to have the uninterrupted use of his reason to the last, and died with as much calmness and compo|sure, to all appearance, as that with which one goes to sleep.

THE physician who inoculated and constantly attended him in his sickness, has the following words in his let|ter to Mrs. Edwards on this occasion:

Never did any mortal man more fully and clearly evidence the since|rity of all his professions, by one continued, universal, calm, cheerful resignation and patient submission to the divine will, thro' every stage of his disease, than he. Not so much as one discontented expression, nor the least ap|pearance of murmuring through the whole. And ne|ver did any person expire with more perfect freedom from pain: not so much as one distorted hair, but in the most proper sense of the words, he really fell asleep.

PART IV. Containing an Account of his MANUSCRIPTS, and the BOOKS published by him.

SECTION I. His MANUSCRIPTS.

MR. EDWARDS has left a great many Volumes in manuscript, which he wrote in a miscellaneous way on almost all subjects in divinity; which he did, not with any design they should ever be published in the form in which they are; but for the satisfaction and im|improvement of his own mind, and that he might retain the thoughts, which appear'd to him worth preserving. Some idea of the progress he had made, and the materials he had collected in this way, he gives in the foregoing let|ter

to the Trustees of Nassau-Hall, † 4.2 He has wrote much on the prophecies of the MESSIAH, Justification, the Divinity of Christ, and the eternity of Hell Torments. He wrote a great deal on the Bible, in the same way, by opening his thoughts on particular passages of it, as they occur'd to him in reading or meditation; by which he has cast much light on many parts of the bible, which has es|caped other interpreters. And by which his great and painful attention to the Bible, and making it the only rule of his faith, are manifest.

IF the publick was willing to be at the cost, and pub|lishing books of divinity met with as much encouragement now, as it has sometimes, there might be a number of vo|lumes published from his manuscripts, which would afford a great deal of new light and entertainment to the church of Christ: tho' they would be more imperfect, than if he himself had prepar'd them for publick view.

AS the method he took to have his miscellaneous wri|tings in such order, as to be able with ease to turn to any thing he had wrote upon a particular subject, when he had occasion, is perhaps as good as any, if not the best that has been proposed to the publick; some account of it will here be given, as what may be of advantage to young students, who have not yet gone into any method, and are disposed to improve their minds by writing.

HE numbered all his miscellaneous writings. The first thing he wrote is No. 1. the second No. 2. and so on. And when he had occasion to write on any particular sub|ject, he first set down the Number, and then wrote the Subject in capitals or large character, that it might not es|cape his eye, when he should have occasion to turn to it. As for instance, if he was going to write on the happiness of Angels, and his last No. was 148, he would begin thus— 149. ANGELS, their HAPPINESS. — And when he had wrote what he design'd at that time on that subject, he would turn to an alphabetical table which he kept, and under the letter A, he would write, Angels, their happiness, if this was not already in his alphabet; and then set down the Number, 149, close at the right hand of it. And if he had occasion to write any new thoughts on this same subject;

if the Number of his miscellanies was increased, so that his last Number was 261, he would set down the Number 262, and then the subject, as before. And when he had done writing for that time, he turn'd to his table, to the word Angels; and at the right hand of the Number 149, set down 162. By this means he had no occasion to leave any chasms; but began his next subject where he left off his last. The number of his miscellaneous writings rang'd in this manner, amounts to above 1400. And yet by a table contain'd on a sheet or two of paper, any thing he wrote can be turned to, at pleasure.

SECT. II. His PUBLICATIONS.

MR. EDWARDS was greatly esteemed and fam'd as an AUTHOR, both in Europe and America. His publications naturally raised in the reader of taste and judgment, an opinion of his greatness and piety. His books met with a good reception in Scotland especially, and procured him great esteem and applause there. A gentleman of note there for his superior genius and talents, has the following words concerning Mr. ED|WARDS, in a letter to one of his correspondents in Ame|rica.

I look'd on him as incomparably the greatest divine and philosopher in Britain or her Colonies; and rejoiced that one so eminently qualified for teaching divi|nity was chosen President of New-Jersey College.

And in another letter the same gentleman says,

Ever since I was acquainted with Mr. EDWARDS's writings, I have look'd upon him as the greatest divine this age has pro|duced. And a rev. gentleman lately from Holland, says, That Mr. EDWARDS's writings, especially on the Free|dom of the Will, were had in great esteem there: that the professors of the celebrated academy, presented their compliments to PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Several members of the Classis of Amsterdam gave their thanks, by him, to pious Mr. EDWARDS, for his just observati|ons on Mr. Brainerd's life; which book was translated in Holland, and was highly approved of by the Univer|sity of Utrect—.

A brief Account of what he published is therefore here subjoined.

A Sermon preach'd at Boston, on 1 Cor. i. 29, 30, 31. With a Preface by one of the Ministers of Boston.

A Sermon preach'd at Northampton, in the year 1734, from Math. xvi. 17. intitled, A divine and supernatural Light immediately imparted to the Soul by the Spirit of GOD.

The Narrative which has been mention'd, wrote Nov. 6. 1736. which was first printed in London, and recom|mended by Dr. WATTS, and Dr. GUYSE; and had two Editions there. And then it had another Edition in Boston, in the year 1738. recommended by four of the senior Mi|nisters in Boston. To which were prefixed five Discourses on the following Subjects.

I. Justification by Faith alone. II. Pressing into the Kingdom of GOD. III. Ruth's Resolution. IV. The Justice of GOD in the Damnation of Sinners. V. The Excellency of JESUS CHRIST.

Deliver'd at Northampton, chiefly at the time of the won|derful pouring out of the Spirit of GOD there.

The Discourse on Justification by Faith alone, may be recommended as one of the best things that has been wrote on that Subject; setting this truth in a most plain, scrip|tural, and convincing light; and as well worthy the care|ful perusal of all christians; especially candidates for the ministry. The other Discourses are excellent, having much divinity in them, and tending above most that are published, to awaken the conscience of the sinner, and instruct and quicken the christian.

A Sermon preach'd at Enfield, July 8. 1741. intitled, Sinners in the Hands of an angry GOD. Preach'd at a time of great awakenings there; and attended with remar|kable impressions on many of the hearers.

A Sermon on the distinguishing Marks of a work of the Spirit of GOD, preach'd at New-Haven, Sept. 10. 1741. from 1 Job. iv. 1. published with great enlargements. This was re-printed in Scotland.

Some thoughts concerning the present revival of reli|gion in New-England, and the way in which it ought to be acknowledged and promoted, humbly offered to the public, in a treatise on that subject, in five parts. Pub|lished in the year 1742. This had a second edition in Scot|land.

A Treatise concerning religious Affections. Published in the year 1746. These three last have been mentioned before, with the particular occasion and design of their pub|lication. * 4.3

A treatise intitled, An humble attempt to promote expli|cit agreement, and visible union of GOD's people in ex|traordinary prayer, for the revival of religion &c. Recom|mended by five of the principal ministers in Boston. Pub|lished in 1747. In which he shews his great acquaintance with scripture, and his attention to, and good understand|ing of the prophetic part of it.

An account of the life of the rev. Mr. David Brainerd, minister of the gospel and missionary to the Indians &c. with reflections and observations thereon. Published in the year 1749.

An enquiry into the qualifications for full communion in the visible church. Published in the year 1749. intend|ed as an explanation and vindication of his principles in the matter, which occasioned his dismission from Northampton.

A reply to the rev. Mr. William's answer to the fore|mentioned inquiry. Published in the year 1752.

A Sermon preach'd at Newark, before the Synod, Sept. 28. 1752. from Jam. ii. 19. intitled, True grace distinguish|ed from the experience of Devils.

A careful and strict inquiry into the modern prevailing notion of that freedom of will, which is supposed to be essential to moral agency &c. Published in the year 1754.

This is justly thought by good judges to be one of the greatest efforts of the human mind, that has appear'd, at least, in this century. In which the author shews that ••ice an strength of mind, that judgment, penetration and

accuracy of thought, that justly intitles him to the cha|racter of one of the greatest genius's of this age. This treatise doubtless goes further towards settling the main points in controversy between Calvinists and Arminians, than any thing that has been wrote: he having herein abundantly demonstrated the chief principles on which Arminians build their whole scheme, to be false and most absurd. Whenever therefore this book comes to be ge|nerally attended to, it will doubtless prove fatal to Armi|nian and Pelagian Principles. This was re-printed in Lon|don Anno 1762: and has been introduced by the Rev. T. CLAP, PRESIDENT of Yale College, to be recited there by the Students.

The great christian doctrine of Original Sin defended; evidences of its truth produced, and arguments to the contrary answered. Containing, in particular, a reply to the objections and arguings of Dr. JOHN TAYLOR &c. Published in the year 1758. This was in the press when he died.

Besides these, he published, several Ordination Sermons, and some others, preach'd upon particular occasions.

Notes

• * 1.1

  As the following more large and particular Account, of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 EDWARDS's Ancestors may gratify some Readers, 'tis inserted here in the Margin.

  Mr. EDWARDS's Grandfather was Mr. RICHARD EDWARDS. His first Wife was Mrs. ELISABETH TUTTLE, Daughter of Mr. WILLIAM TUTTLE of New-Haven in Connecticut, and Mrs. ELIS. TUTTLE his Wife, who came out of Northam|tonshire in England. His second Wife was Mrs. TALCOT, Sister to Governor TALCOT: By his first Wife he had seven Children, the oldest of which was the Rev. Mr. TIMOTHY EDWARDS of Windsor, his Father, before mentioned. By his second Wife Mrs. Talcot, he had six Children

  The Father of Mr. RICHARD EDWARDS was Mr. WILLIAM EDWARDS, who came from England young and unmarried. His Wife, Mrs. AGNES EDWARDS, who also came out of England, had two Brothers in England, one of them Mayor of Exeter, and the other of Barnstable. Mr. WM. EDWARDS's Father was the Rev. Mr. RICH. EDWARDS, Minister of the Gospel in London. He lived in Queen ELISABETH's Day, and his Wife Mrs ANNE EDWARDS assisted in making a Ruff for the Queen. After the Death of Mr. EDWARDS she mar|ried to one Mr. JAMES COLE. She with her second Husband, and her Son WM. EDWARDS came into America, and all died at Hartford in Connecticut.

  Mr. EDWARDS's Grandfather, (Mr. SOLOMON STODDARD, and his Predecessor at Northampton) married Mrs. MATHER, the Relict of the Rev Mr. MATHER his Predecessor, and the first Minister at Northampton. Her maiden Name was ESTHER WARHAM, Daughter and youngest Child of the Rev. Mr. JOHN WARHAM, Minister at Windsor in Connecticut, who came out of England, before which he was Minister in Exeter in England: He had four Children, all Daughters; and Mrs. WARHAM survived him, and had two Daughters by Mr. NEWBURY, her second Husband.

  Mrs. ESTHER WARHAM had three Children by Mr MATHER, viz. Eunice, Warham and Eliakim. And she had twelve Chil|dren by Mr. STO••DARD, six Sons and six Daughters: Three of the Sons died in Infancy. The three that liv'd to adult Years were Anthony, John and Israel. Israel died in Prison in France. Anthony was the Rev. Mr. ANTHONY STODDARD, late Minister of the Gospel at Woodbury in Connecticut. who lived to a great Age, and was in the Work of the Ministry 60 Years: He died Sept 6 1760, in the 82d Year of his Age. John was the honourable JOHN STODDARD, Esq who lived at Northampton, and who often, especially in his younger Years, served the Town as their Representative at the Great and General Court in Boston; and was long Head of the Country of Hampshire as their chief Colonel, and chief Judge of the Court of Common Pleas: And he long served His Majesty, and the Province of the Massa|chusetts-Bay, as one of his Majesty's Council. He was re|markable as a Politician, and for his Spirit of Government; a wise Counsellor, an upright and skilful Judge, a steady and great Friend to the Interest of Religion. He was a great Friend and Admirer of Mr Edwards, and greatly strengthen'd his Hands in the Work of the Ministry while he lived. A more particular Account of the Life and Character of this truly great Man may be seen in the Sermon which Mr. Ed|wards preach'd and published on the Occasion of his Death.

  Mr STODDARD's Father was ANTHONY STODDARD, Esq of Boston, a zealous congregational Man. He had five Wives, the first of which, Mr. STODDARD's Mother, was Mrs. MARY DOWNING, Sister to Sir GEORGE DOWNING, whose other Sister married Governor BRADSTREET. Mr. SOLOMON STODDARD was their oldest Child.
• * 1.2

  The Resolutions are seventy in Number. But part of them are here transcribed, as a Specimen of the whole. The Number here affixed to them, is that by which they are numbered in the original Manuscript; and retained here for the Sake of the References made to some of them in the Diary, as the Reader will presently see.
• * 1.3

  Northampton.
• * 1.4

  A considerable Sum.
• † 1.5

  As both the giver, and the Object of his Charity are dead, and all the Ends of the proposed secrecy are answered; 'tis thought not inconsistent with the above mentioned Promise, to make known the Fact, a•• it is here related.
• ‖ 1.6

  THEY who have a desire more fully to understand this contro|versy, and know if it is justly represented here may do it by reading what Mr. Edwards wrote on this occasion, in order to explain and vindicate his principles; together with the Rev. Mr. Williams's answer, and Mr. Edwards's reply to him. And if they please, they may consult what Dr. Mather, and Mr. Stoddard before wrote on this subject.
• † 1.7

  One of the churches which Mr. Edward•• chose did not see fit to join the council. However, the minister of that church being at Northampton at the sitting of the Council, was de|sired by Mr. Edwards and the Church to sit in Council and act, which he did. But there being no messenger from the Church, the council was not full, and there was a disparity; by which means doubtless, there was Our vote more for an immediate dismission, than against it.
• * 4.1

  President BURR order'd on his death bed, that his funeral should not be attended with that pomp and cost, by procuring and giving away a great number of costly mourning scarfs &c. and the consumption of a great quantities spiritous liquors; which is an extravagance that is become too customary in those parts especially at the funerals of the great and the rich: and that nothing should be expended, but what was agreeable to the dictates of christian decency. And that the sum which must be expended at a modish funeral, over and above the necessary cost of a decent one, should be given to the poor, out of his estate.

  It is to be wished and hoped, that the laudable example of these two worthy Presidents, in which they bear their dying testi|mony against a practice so unchristian, and of such bad ten|dency so many ways, will have some good effect.
• † 4.2

  Page 75.
• * 4.3

  Page 46.