i-l ■ 1 J '^&:''' l-r" •:.' Increasing importance of Indian Establishment. Schemes of its enemies. Firm stand taken by Mr. Edwards. Letter to Mr. Oliver. Letter to Commis- sioners. Difficulties of the Mission. Answer to Mr. Williams. Letter to the people of Northampton. Marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burr. Letter to Mr Erskine. Letter to Mr. HoUis. Letter to Mr. Hubbard. 474 CHAPTER XXVII. Vote of thanks of Commissioners. Sermon at Newark. Measures ; of the enemies of the' Mission defeated. Letter to Mr. Oliver. ^.--Freedom of the Will. Letter to Mr. Erskine. Deposition of Mr. ' Gillespie. Letter to do. Letter to Mr. M'Culloch. Report of Indian Agent. Reply of Mr. Edwards. Further defeat of the enemies of the Mission. _..-.-- 601 CHAPTER XXVIIL Letter to his eldest son. Return of greater part of the Mohawks. Letter to Commissioners. Mission of Mr. Hawley to Onohquauga. Remainder of Mohawks directed to return. vFireedom of the Will. Letter to Mr. Erskine. Proposal of Society in London. Letter to Mr. Gillespie. Design and character of the Freedom of the Will. Letters from Mr. Hollis. Surrender of Mohawk School to Mr. Ed- wards. Entire Defeat of Enemies of Mission. Return of remain- ing Mohawks, 525 CHAPTER XXIX. Sickness of Mr. Edwards. '* God's Last End in Creation." " Nature of Virtue." Mr. Edwards' second son resides at Onohquauga. Dangers of the War. Letter to Mr. Erskine. Letter to Col. Williams. Lord Kaimes. Letter to Mr. Erskine. Letter to Mr. M'Culloch. Letter of Mr. Bellamy. Treatise on Original Sin. Letter to his Father. Letter to Mr. Erskine, . . . 542 CHAPTER XXX. Death of President Burr. His character. Mr. Edwards chosen his successor. Letters of Mrs. Burr, — To a gentleman in Scotland — To a gentleman in Boston — To her Mother. Letter of Mr. Ed- wards, lo the Trustees of the College. Letter of Mrs. Burr, to her father. Letter to Mr. Bellamy. Council dismiss Mr. Edwards. Inauguration as President. First Sermon at Princeton. Sickness. Death. Letter of Dr. Shippen. Letters of Mrs. Edwards, and of her daughter, to Mrs. Burr. Death of Mrs. Burr. Death of Mrs. Edwards, 564 CHAPTER XXXI. Concluding Remarks, 584 FAREWELL SERMON, 626 APPENDIX, .... 654 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. CHAPTER I. His Descent. — Family of Edivards. — Family of Stoddard.-^ His Father's Family. The number of those men, who have produced great and permanent changes in the character and condition of mankind, and stamped their own image on the minds of succeeding ge- nerations, is comparatively small ; and, even of this small num- ber, the great body have been indebted for their superior efR- ciency, at least in part, to extraneous circumstances, while very \'ew can ascribe it to the simple strength of their own in- tellect. Yet here and there an individual can be found, who, by his mere mental energy, has changed the course of human thought and feeling, and led mankind onward in that new and better path which he had opened to their view. Such an individual was JONATHAN EDWARDS. Bora in an obscure colony in the midst of a wilderness, and educated at a seminary just commencing its existence ; passing the bet- ter part of his life as the pastor of a frontier village, and the residue as an Indian missionary in a still humbler hamlet j he discovered, and unfolded, a system of the divine moral government so new, so clear, so full, that while at its first dis- closure it needed no aid from its friends, and feared no oppo- sition from its enemies, it has at length constrained a reluctant world to bow in homage to its truth. The two families, from which the subject of the present memoir was immediately descended, are those of Edwards and Stoddard. The family of EDWARDS is of Welch origin. The Rev. Richard Edwards, the great -great -grandfather, and earliest known ancestor of President Edwards, was a cler- VoL. I. 2 10 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EO WARDS. gyman in London, in the time of Queen Elizabeth. He came, according to the family tradition, from Wales to the metropo- lis, and was of the established church ; but in what shire his family lived, or of what church in London he was the minister, is not known. His wife Mrs. Anne Edwards, after the death of her husband, married Mr. James Coles ; who, with her son, William Edwards, then young and unmarried, accompanied her to Hartford in Connecticut about the year 1640, where they both died. William Edwards, Esquire, the great-grandfather, resided in Hartford, and is supposed to have been by profession amer^ chant. His wife whose christian name was Agnes, and who came when a young lady with her parents to America, had two brothers in England — one the mayor of Exeter, the other the mayor of Barnstable. Their marriage occurred probably about the year 1645. It is not known whether they had more tlian one child. Richard Edwards, Esquire, the grandfather, so far as can now be ascertained the only child of William and Agnes Ed- wards, was born at Hartford in May, 1647, and resided in that town during his life. He also was a merchant and a man of we;ilth and respectability.* At an early age he became a commu- nicant in the Presbyterian church in Hartford, and adorned his profession by a long life of conscientious integrity, and unusual devotedness to the prosperity of religion. He married Eliza- beth TuTHiLL, the daughter of William and Elizabeth Tuthill, who came from Northamptonshire, in England. Mr. Tuthill was a merchant of New-Haven, and one of the proprietors of the colony attempted on Delaware Bay.f By this connection Mr. Edwards had seven children, the eldest of whom was the Rev. Timothy Edwards. After her decease, he married a Miss Talcot, of Hartford, sister of the Hon. John Talcot, by whom he had six children. J He died April 20, 1718, in the 7 1st year of his age ; exhibiting, during his last sickness, a l^right example of christian resignation and triumphant faith.§ The family of STODDARD is of English descent. Anthony Stoddard, Esquire, the maternal great grandfa- ther of President Edwards, and the first of the family in this country, emigrated from the west of England to Boston. He had five wives ; the first of whom, M«.ry Downing, the sister of Sir George Downing, was the mother of the Rev. Solomon * T learned these particulars at East Windsor, in 1823, from two parishioner^ of his son, the Rev. Timothy Edwards, both of them upwards of ninety years «f age. t Trumbull's Hist, of Connecticut, Vol. T. pp. 173, 197. and 2pi, X See Appendix A. 5 See Appendix B, Life of president edvVarbs. i i Stoddard of Northampton. His other children were Anthonyj Simton, Samson, and Israel* The Rev. Sor.oMON Stoddard, his eldest child, and the ma- ternal grandfather of President Edwards, was born in 1643, and received the degree of A. B. at Harvard College in 1G62. Soon after his licensure, the first minister of Northampton, the Rev. Eleazer Mather, then a young man, died ;* and the par- ish applied to one of the ministers of Boston to designate a successor. He advised them at all hazards to secure Mr^ Stoddard. When the parish committee applied to him, he had already taken his passage for London, and put his effects on board the ship with the expectation of sailing the next day ; but, through the earnest solicitation of the gentleman who had recommended him, he was induced to relinquish the voyage and go to Northampton. He began to preach there in 1669, soon after the death of Mr. Mather, and on the 4th of March, 1670, received a unanimous call from the church and people of that village to become their minister; but was not ordained until September 11, 1672. On the 8th of March, 1670, he married Mrs. Esther Mather, originally Miss Warham, the youngest child of Rev. John Warham,! of Windsor, in Connecticut, and widow of his predecessor, who had left three children. { Mr. and Mrs. Stoddard had twelve children : six sons and six daughters. § He was a man celebrated through- out the colonies for his capacity, his knowledge of men, his influence in the churches, and his zeal for vital religion ; and will long be remembered for his valuable writings, which have often been published on both sides of the Atlantic. || He was the minister of Northampton from 1672 until his death in 1729, and left impressions of a character strongly marked for originality, for talents, for energy and for piety, on the minds of its inhabitants, which the lapse of a century has scarcely begun to diminish. We shall have frequent occasion to refer to him, in the progress of this memoir- The Rev. Timothy Edwards, the father of President Ed^ wards, was born at Hartford, May 14, 1669, and pursued his studies preparatory to his admission to College, under the Rev. Mr. Glover of Springfield, IF a gentleman, distinguished for his classical attainments. In 1687, he entered Harvard College, at that time the only seminary in the colonies ; and received the two degrees of Bachelor and Master of Arts on the same day, July 4th, 1691, one in the morning and the * Mr. Mather was ordained June 18, 1661, and died July 24, 1669. 1 See Appendix C. t See Appendix D. ^ See Appendix E^ |] See Appendix F, t Records of East Windsor* 12 T.IFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Other in the afternoon : — " an uncommon mark of respect paid to his extraordinary proficiency in learning."* After the usual course of theological study, at that time longer and more thorough than it was during the latter half of the fol- lowing century, he was ordained to the ministry of the gospel in the east parish of Windsor in Connecticut, in May, 1694. Windsor was the earliest settlement in that colony, the first house having been erected there in Oct. 1633. The original inhabitants came from Devonshire, Dorsetshire and Somerset- shire, in England. They arrived at Boston in the beginning of the year 1630; and planting themselves at Dorchester in Massachusetts, were there formed into a congregational church on the 20th of March ; when the Rev. John Warham, previously a distinguished clergyman in Exeter, but ejected as a non-conformist, was installed their pastor. Finding themselves straitened for room at that place, in consequence of the great number of emigrants from England, the church with their minister left Dorchester, and planted themselves in Windsor, in the summer of 1635. This town, lying imme- diately north of Hartford, and delightfully situated in the val- ley of the Connecticut, originally comprehended a very large tract of land on both sides of the river, and is distinguished for the fertility of its soil, and the beauty of its scenery. The inhabitants constituted one parish until the year 1694 ; when those residing on the eastern side of the Connecticut, " finding it inconvenient to cross the river, and being grown sufficient- ly numerous to support public worship among themselves, proceeded to build a church, which stood near to the present burying ground, and invited Mr. Timothy Edwards, son of Richard Edwards, Esquire, of Hartford, to be their minister. "f Mr. Edwards was married, on the 6th day of November, 1694, to Esther Stoddard, the second child of the Rev. So- lomon Stoddard, who was born in 1672. His father, imme- diately after his settlement, purchased for him a farm of mo- derate extent, and built him a house which was regarded at the time of its erection, as a handsome residence. I saw it in 1803 ; it was a solid substantial house of moderate dimen- sions, had one chimney in the middle, and was entered like all other houses of that period, by stepping over the sill. In this house his children were born, and he and Mrs. Edwards resided during their lives. They had one son and ten daugh- ters, whose names follow in the order of their births — Esther, Elizabeth, Anne, Mary, Jonathan, Eunice, Abigail, Jerusha, Hannah, Lucy and Martha. { In the spring of 1711, Mr. Edwards and the Rev. Mr. Buck- *Re cords of East Windsor, t Records of East Windsor, t See Appendix G. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. iB ingham of Milford, were appointed by the legislature of the colony, the chaplains of the Connecticut troops in a military expedition, designed for Canada. He left Windsor for New- Haven in July. A fleet consisting of twenty men of war and eighty transports, sailed for Canada on the 30th of that month. Three companies under the command of Lieut. Col. Livings- ton, marched from New-Haven for Albany on the 9th of Au- gust, with whom went Mr. Edwards and Mr. Buckingham. The country through which their march lay, was at that time chiefly uncleared ; and the troops were obliged two nights to lie out in the forest. They reached Albany on the 15lh, and found there, including their own regiment, about 1100 whites and 120 Indians. The following letter, addressed to Mrs. Edwards from Albany, not only details the state of the expe- dition, but unfolds the character of the writer, and the cir- cumstances of his family. ^' To Mrs. Esther Edwards, on the east side of Connecticut River, in Windsor. ''Albany, August 17, 1711. " My dear and loving wife, " The last Wednesday we came to this place. That we might not travel too hard for the footmen of our troops, (which consisted but of half the regiment, the rest not marching out of New-Haven when we did,) we spent seven days in the journey, which Col. Livi^g^ton judges to be about 160 miles, and I am apt to think it may not be much short of it. I lay with our troops two nights in the woods. I took cold in my journey, and have something of a cough, and am otherwise not much amiss. Notwithstanding this, 1 am able to travel, and hope I shall be so through the whole journey. Col. Liv- ingston has been very careful of me, so that through the whole march, both as to diet and lodging, I fired as well in the main as himself. The rest of the officers and the troops carry them- selves as well to me as I can expect or desire. " Here are about 1100 white men (or will be, at least, when the rest of the regiment come up, whom we expect to-night,) and 120 Indians, beside what are expected of the Five Na- tions, which many here think will be 1600 or 1800 men, but Col. Schuyler told me that he did not expect more than 1000. About 200 or 250 more whites are expected ; so that the whole army that goes to Canada is like to be about 2500 men ; to carry whom over the lake, there are provided, as I am told here, 350 batteaux and 40 or 50 bark canoes. The Governor of New-York and the General are here. The general is in great haste to have the forces on their march; so that Col. 14 Lli'E OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. Schuyler's regiment was, as I understand, ordered to march out of town yesterday; but as I slept last night, and still \m, on the east side of the river, I am uncertain whether they are yet gone. The General told Col. Livingston, and me also af- terwards, that we must march for Wood Creek to-morrow, but I am apt to think we shall hardly march 'till Monday. " Whether I shall have any time to write to you after this I know not ; but however that may be, I would not have you discouraged or over anxious concerning me, for I am not so about myself. I have still strong hopes of seeing thee and our dear children once again. I cannot but hope that I have had the gracious presence of God with me since I left home, encouraging and strengthening my soul, as well as preserv- ing my life. I have been much cheered and refreshed respect- ing this great undertaking, in which I verily expect to proceed, and that I shall, before many weeks are at an end, see Cana- da; but I trust in the Lord that he will have mercy on me, and thee, my dear, and all our dear children, and that God has more work for me to do in the place where I have dwelt for many years, and that you and I shall yet live together on earth, as well as dwell together forever in heaven with the Lord Jesus Christ, and all his saints ; with whom to be is best of all. " Remember my love to each of the children, to Esther, Elizabeth, Anne, Mary, Jonathan, Eunice and Abigail. The Lord have mercy on and eternally save them all, with our dear little Jerusha ! The Lord bind up their souls with thine and mine in the bundle of life. Tell the children, that I would have them, if they desire to see their father again, to pray daily for me in secret ; and above all things to seek the grace and favor of God in Christ, and that while they are young. " I would have you very careful of my books and account of rates. I sent you from New-Haven a 40s bill in a letter by Lieut. Willis, and since that, ordered the Treasurer to de- liver to my father six pounds more for you. You may call for it or send for it by some sure hand. " Though for a while we must be absent from each other, yet I desire that we may often meet at the throne of grace in our earnest prayers one for another, and have great hopes that God will hear and answer our prayers. The God of grace be with you. I am thy loving husband, Timothy Edwards." On Monday, August 20th, they marched for Wood Creek. At Saratoga, in consequence of the fatigues and exposure of the march, Mr. Edwards was taken severely ill. On the 4tb of September, being unable to proceed with the army, he was LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 15 conveyed in a boat to Stillwater. Thence he was carried back through the woods to Albany, where he arrived in three days in a state of extreme danger. On the 10th he wrote to Mrti. Edwards as follows. " To Mrs. Esther Edwards in Windsor, N. England. '' Albany, Sept. 10th, 17U. " My Dear, " I come last Tuesday from Saratoga towards Albany, very ill, in order to return home ; having been ill more than a month, and growing at last so weak that I could go no farther than that place, which is near fifty miles above Albany. I came to Albany in a waggon, lying along in a bed prepared for me, last Thursday night. Since then I have been at the house of Madam Vandyke, a Dutch gentlewoman, where I have been so kindly taken care of, that I am much better, and daily gain strength, and my lost appetite is somewhat re- covered. I hope to be able to ride homeward next week, *' Last Friday I sent Mr Hezekiah Mason to N. England, to acquaint my father and my friends at Windsor how it is with me, and to desire three or four of them to come hither and to bring an easy horse with them for me to ride upon, and to come provided to carry home my effects, and to bring a blank- et or two with them in case we should be forced to sleep in the woods. I should have written by him, but was too ill to do it. This is the first day I have been able to sit up. If the neighbors have not started when you receive this, speak to Mr. Drake that they set out as soon as possible. " I rejoice to learn, by a letter from my father, that you were all well on the 2d, and hope in the mercy of God to see you all ere long. " Lieut. Silvy, sent over by the Queen to serve in this ex- pedition, a stout, active young man, who came sick with me in another waggon from the camp to Albany, died this even- ing just by my lodgings. We came together from the camp sick, we lay together in one room by the way sick, we lodged just by one another several days in this town sick — but he is dead, and I am alive and recovering. Blessed be God for his distinguishing and undeserved grace and favor to me ! Re- member my love to all the children. Give my resi^ects to Mr. Colton, who, I understand, stays with you. I wish you to provide something for my cough, which is the worst I ever had in my life Remember my love to sister Staughton and my duty to my father and mother, if you have opportunity. " I am your very affectionately loving husband, Timothy Edwards," 10 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Owing to the lateness of the season and to numerous disap- pointments, the expedition was soon after rehnquished ; and in the course of the month Mr. Edwards returned home. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards hved together in the married state upwards of sixty-three years. Mr. Edwards was about five feet ten inches in height; of 'a fair complexion; of a strong, robust frame ; full, but not corpulent. He was a man of po- lished manners, particularly attentive to his dress, and to pro- priety of exterior : never appearing in public but in the full dress of a clergyman. The management not only of his domestic concerns, but of his property generally, was entrusted to the care of Mrs. Ed- wards, who discharged the duties of a wife and a mother with singular fidelity and success. In strength of character she resembled her father; and like him she left behind her, in the place where she resided for seventy-six years, that "good name, which is better than precious ointment." On a visit to East Windsor, in the summer of 1823, 1 found a considera- ble number of persons advanced in years, who had been well acquainted with Mrs. Edwards, and two upwards of ninety, who had been pupils of her husband. From them I learned that she received a superior education in Boston, was tall, dignified and commanding in her appearance, affable and gentle in her manners, and was regarded as surpassing her husband in native vigor of understanding. They all united in speaking of her as possessed of remarkable judgment and prudence, of an exact sense of propriety, of extensive infor- mation, of a thorough knowledge of the scriptures and of the- ology, and of singular conscientiousness, piety and excellence of character. By her careful attention to all his domestic concerns, her husband was left at full liberty to devote him- self to the proper duties of his profession. Like many of the clergy of that early period in New-England, he was well ac- quainted with Hebrew literature, and was regarded as a man of more than usual learning; but was particularly distinguish- ed for his accurate knowledge of the Greek and Roman clas- sics. In addition to his other duties, he annually prepared a number of pupils for college ; there being at that time no academies or public schools endowed for this purpose. One of my aged informants, who pursued his preparatory studies under him, told me, that on his admission to college, when the officers had learned with whom he had studied, they remark- ed to him, that there was no need of examining Mr. Edwards' scholars. He was, for that period, unusually liberal and enlightened, with regard to the education of his children — preparing not only his son, but each of his daughters also, for college. In LIFE OF PRESIDKNT EDWARDS. 17 a letter, bearing date Aug. 3, 1711, while absent on the ex- pedition to Canada, he wishes that Jonathan and the girls may continue to prosecute the study of Latin ; and in another of Aug. 7, that he may continue to recite his Latin to his elder sisters. When his daughters were of the proper age, he sent them to Boston to finish their education. Both he and Mrs. Edwards were exemplary in their care of their religious instruc- tion ; and, as the reward of their parental fidelity, were per- mitted to see the fruits of piety in them all during their youth. He always preached extemporaneously, and, until he was upwards of seventy, without noting down the heads of his dis- course. After that time, he commonly wrote the divisions on small slips of paper ; which, as they occasionally appeared beyond the leaves of the Bible, that he held in his hand, his parishioners called, " Mr. Edwards' thumb papers." Apolo- gizing for this one day to one of his pupils, he remarked to him, that he found his memory beginning to fail, but that he thought his judgment as sound as ever ; and this was likewise the opinion of his people till near the close of his life. He is not known to have written out but a single sermon ; which was prear sound, neither heat nor cold, neither fluid nor solid, neither wet nor dry, neither hard nor soft, nor solidity, nor extension, nor figure, nor magnitude, nor proportion, nor body, nor spirit. What then is to become of the Universe ? Certainly it exists no where, but in the Divine mind. This will be abundantly clearer to one, after having read what I have further to say of solidity, &c. : so that we see that a Universe, without motion, can exist no where else, but in the mind — either infinite or finite. " Corollary. It follows from hence, that those beings, which have knowledge and consciousness, are the only proper, and real, and substantial beings ; inasmuch as the being of other things is only by these. From hence, we may see the gross mistake of those, who think material things the most substan- tial beings, and spirits more like a shadow; whereas, spirits only are properly substance." The next sheet, contains his views of Atoms, or of perfectly Solid Bodies, exhibited under the two following propositions : " Prop. I. All bodies whatsoever, except Atoms themselves, must of absolute necessity, be composed of Atoms, or of bodies indiscerptible, that cannot be made less, or whose parts can- not, by any finite force, be separated one from another. " Prop. II. Two or more Atoms, or Perfect Solids, touch- ing each other by surfaces, (I mean so that every point, in any surface of the one, shall touch every point in some surface of the other; that is, not simply in some particular parts, or lines, of their surfaces, however many ; for whatsoever does touch in more than points and lines, toucheth in every point of some surface,) thereby become one and the same Atom, or Perfect Solid." LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 49 These, he demonstrates, and from eacli, derives numerous iGhed, That I will live so, as I shall wish I had done when 1 come to die. 18. Resolved, To live so, at all times, as I think is best in ray most devout frames, and when 1 have the clearest notions of the things of the Gospel, and another world. 19. Resolved, Never to do any tiling, which I should be afraid to do, if I expected it would not be above an hour, before I should iiear the last trump. 20. Resolved, To maintain the strictest temperance, in eatino- and drinking. 21. Resolved, Never to do any thing, which, if I should see ni another, I should count a just occasion to despise him for, or to tliink any way the more meanly of him. 22. Resolved, To endeavour to obtain for myself as much hap- pii'css, in the other world, as I possibly can, v»'ith all the po^^er, might, \agour, and vehemence, yea violence, I am capable of, or can bring myself to exert, in any way that can be thought of. 23. Resolved, Frequently to take some deliberate action, which seems most unUkely to be done, for the glory of God, and trace it back to the original intention, designs and ends of it ; and if I nad it not to be for God's glory, to repute it as a breach of the fourth Resolution. 24. Resolved, Whenever I do any conspicuously evil action, (o trace it back, till I come to the original cause ; and then, both care- fully endeavour to do so no more, and to fight and pray with all my might against the original of it. 25. Resolved, To examine carefully, and constantly, Avhat that one thing in me is, which causes me in the least to doubt of the love of God ; and to direct all my forces against it. 26. Resolved, To cast away such things, as I find do abate my assurance. 27. Resolved, Never wilfully to omit any thing, except the 70 I-IFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. omission be for the glory of God ; and frequently to examine my omissions. 28. Resolved, To study the Scriptures so steadily, constantly and frequently, as that I may find, and plainly perceive myself to grow in the knowledge of the same. 29. Resolved, Never to count that a prayer, nor to let that pass us a prayer, nor that as a petition of a prayer, wliich is so made, that I cannot hope that God will answer it ; nor that as a confes- sion, which I cannot hope God will accept. 30. Resolved, To strive, every week, to be brought higher in Religion, and to a higher exercise of grace, than I was the week betore. 31. Resolved, Never to say any thing at all against any body, but when it is perfectly agreeable to the highest degree of christian honour, and of love to mankind, agreeable to the lowest humility, and sense of my own faults and failings, and agreeable to the Gol- den Rule ; often, when I have said any thing against any one, to bring it to, and try it strictly by the test of this Resolution. 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, To do, always, what I can towards making, main- taining and preserving peace, when it can be done without an over- balancing detriment in other respects. Dec. 26, 1722. 34. Resolved, In narrations, never to speak any thing but the pure and simple verity. 35. Resolved, Whenever I so much question whether I have done my duty, as that my quiet and calm is thereby disturbed, to set it doAMi, and also how the question was resolved. Dec. 18, 1722. 36. Resolved, Never to speak e\'il of any, except I have some particular good call to it. Dec. 19, 1722. 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 myself; — also, at the end of every week, month and year. Dec. 22 and 26, 1722. 38. Resolved, Never to utter any thing that is sportive, or mat- ter of laughter, on a Lord's day. Sabbath evening, Dec. 23, 1722. 39. Resolved, Never to do any thing, of which I so much ques- tion the lawfulness, as that I intend, at the same time, to consider and examine afterwards, whedier it be lawful or not ; unless I as much question the lawfulness of the omission. 40. Resolved, To enquire every night, before I go to bed, whether I have acted in tlie best way I possibly could, with respect to eating and drinking. Jan. 7, 1 723. 41. Resolved, To ask myself, at the end of every day, week, month and year, wherein I could possibly, in any respect, have done better. Jan. 11,1723. LIPE OF PRESIDENT EliVVAlUiS. 7j 42. Resolved, Frequently to renew the dedication of myself to God, which was made at my baptism, which I solemnly renewed, when I was received into the comnnuiion of the church, and which I have solemnly re-made this 12th day of January, 1723. 43. Resolved, Never, henceforward, till 1 die, to act as if 1 were any way my o\m, but entirely and altogether God's ; agreea- bly to what is to be found in Saturday, Jan. 12th. Jan. 12th, 1723. 44. Resolved, That no other end but rehgion, shall have any influence at all on any of my actions ; and that no action shall be, in the least circumstance, any otherwise than the religious end will carry it. Jan. 12, 1723. 45. Resolved, Never to allow any pleasure or grief, joy or sor- row, nor any affection at all, nor any degree of affection, nor any circumstance relatmg to it, but what helps Rehgion. Jan. 12 and 13, 1723. 46. Resolved, Never to allovv the least measure of any fretting or 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 careful of it with respect to any of our family. 47. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, to deny whatever is not most agreeable to a good and universally sweet and benevolent, quiet, peaceable, contented and easy, compassionate and generous, humble and meek, submissive andobhging, diligent and industrious, charitable and even, patient, moderate, forgiving and sincere, tem- per ; and to do, at all times, what such a temper would lead me to; and to examine strictly, at the end of eveiy week, whether I have so done. Sabbath Mo?-ning, May 5, 1723. 48. Resolved, Constantly, with the utmost niceness and dili- gence, and the strictest scrutiny, to be looking into the state of my soul, that 1 may know whether I have truly an interest in Christ or not ; that when I come to die, I may not have any negligence re- specting this, to repent of. May 26, 1723. 49. Resolved, That this never shall be, if I can help it. 50. Resolved, That I will act so, as I think I shall judge would have been best, and most prudent, when I come into the future world. July 5, 1723. 51. Resolved, That I will act so, in every respect, as I think I shall wish I had done, if I should at last be damned. July 8, 1723. 52. I frequently hear persons in old age, say how they would live, if they were to live their lives over again : Resolved, That 1 will live just so as I can think I shall wish I had done, supposing I live to old age. Jidy 8, 1723. 53. Resolved, To improve every opportunity, when I am in the best and happiest frame of mind, to cast and venture my soul on the Lord Jesus Christ, to trust and confide in him, and consecrate 72 UIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. myself wholly to him ; that from this I may have assurance of my safety, knowing that I confide in my Redeemer. July 8, 1723. 54. Resolved, Whenever I hear any thing spokeri in commen- dation of any person, if I think it would be praiseworthy in me. that 1 will endeavour to imitate it. July 8, 1723. 55. Resolved, To endeavour, to my utmost, so to act, as I can think I should do, if I had already seen the happiness of Heaven, and Hell torments. July 8, 1723. 56. Resolved, Never to give over, nor in the least to slacken, my fight with my corruptions, however unsuccessful I may be. 57. Resolved, When I fear misfortunes and adversity, to exa- mine whether I have done my duty, and resolve to do it, and let the event be just as Providence orders it. I will, as far as I can, be concerned about nothing but my duty, and my sin. June 9, and July 13, 1723. 58. Resolved, Not only to refrain from an air of dislike, fretful- ness, and anger in conversation, but to exhibit an air of love, cheer- fulness and benignity. May 21, and July 13, 1723. 59. Resolved, When I am most conscious of provocations to ill- nature and anger, that I will strive most to feel and act good-natur- edly ; yea, at such tunes, to manifest good-nature, though I think that in other respects it would be disadvantageous, and so as would be imprudent at other times. J\Iay 12, July 11, and July 13. 60. Resolved, Whenever my feelings begin to appear in the least out of order, when I am conscious of the least uneasiness within, or the least irregularity without,! will then subject myself to the strictest examination. July 4, and 13, 1723. 61. Resolved, That I will not give way to that listlessness which I find unbends and relaxes my mind from being fully and fixedly set on religion, whatever excuse I may have for it — that ^\hat mj- listlessness inclines me to do, is best to be done, &,c. May 21, and July 13, 1723. 62. Resolved, Never to do any thing but my duty, and then ac- cording to Eph. vi, 6 — 8, to do it \villingly 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. June 25, and July 13, 1723. 63. On the supposition, that there never was to be but one indi- vidual in the world, at any one time, who was properly a complete christian, in all respects of a right stamp, having Christianity always shining in its true lustre, and appearing excellent and lovely, from whatever part and under whatever character viewed : Resolved, To act just as I would do, if I strove with all my might to be that one, who should live in my time. Jan. 14, and July 13, 1723. 64. Resolved, When I find those " groanings which cannot be uttered,^^ of which the Apostle speaks, and those " breakings of soul for the longing it hath," of which the Psalmist speaks, Psalm T.ITE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 73 cxix, 20, That I will promote them to the utmost of m}- power, and that I vnW not be weary of earnestly endeavouring to vent my desires, nor of the repetitions of such earnestness. July 23, and Au- gust 10, 1723. 65. Resolved, Very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long, viz. With the greatest openness, of which I am capable, to de- clare 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 circumstance, according to Dr. Manton's Sermon on the 119th Psalm. Jidy 26, and Aug. 10, 1723. 66. Resolved, That I will endeavour always to keep a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking in all places, and in all com- panies, except it should so happen that duty requires otherwise. 67. Resolved, After afflictions, to enquire. What I am the better for them ; What good I have got by them ; and, What I might have got by them. 68. Resolved, To confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, either infirmity or sin; and, if it be what concerns reli- gion, also to confess the whole case to God, and implore needed help. July 23, and August 10, 1723. 69. Resolved, Always to do that, which I shall \dsh I had done when I see others do it. Aug. 11, 1723. 70. Let there be sometliing of benevolence, in all that I speak. Aug. 17, 1723. Those, who have read the preceding Resolutions, will not need to be apprised, that they discover in the writer a knowledge of his own heart, of the human character, and of the secret springs of, human action, as well as a purity, conscientiousness and evangeli-J cal integrity, very rarely found in any individual. His obvious in- tention and rule was, to refer every voluntary action, and every course of conduct, habitually and immediately to the eye of Om- niscience ; to live as always surrounded by his presence ; and to value nothing in comparison with his approbation, and, what of course accompanied it, that of his own conscience. At this early period, he had begun to remember, that he was immortal, that he was soon to enter on a stage of existence and action, incomparably more expanded and dignified than the present, and that nothing here had any ultimate importance, except as it had a bearing on his o\vn welfare, and that of others, in that nobler state of being. These Resolutions are, perhaps, to persons of every age, but espe- cially to the young, the best uninspired summary of christian duty, the best directory to high attainments in evangelical virtue, which the mind of man has hitherto been able to form. They are, also, in the highest degree interesting, as disclosing the writer's own cha- racter ; and no one will wonder that the youth, who, in his nine- VoL. T. 10 74 LH!"E OF PRESIDENT E15WARDS. teenth year, could, in the presence of God, deliberately and sol- emnly form the first Resolution : — " Resolved, That / will do whatsoever I think to be most to God's glory, and my own good, profit and pleasure, on the whole ; without any consideration of the time, whether now, or never so many myriads of ages hence ; — to do whatever I think to be my diUy, and most for the good and advantage of mankind in general, — whatever difficulties I meet with, how many and how great soever :" — should have attained to an elevation and energy of viitue rarely witnessed in this falle« world. CHAPTER VII. His Diary. 'The Diary of Mr. Edwards begins Dec. 18, 1722, when he was nineteen years of age. As far as to Jan. 15tli, at night, it is written on two detached slips of paper ; and the remainder in a book.* As it connnences abruptly, and as near as possible to the top of that paper ; the beginning of it is undoubtedly lost ; and it is not improbable, that, as he originally wrote it, it may have reached back, at least to the period of his preparation for the ministry. It was intended, as \\ill at once be perceived, for his owii private use exclusively ; and had it been with him at the close of life, it is not unHkely it might have been destroyed. Still, whatever is calcula- ted to do good, and is perfectly consistent with an author's real reputation, may be published \\-ith honour, whatever his design might be while writing. The best of men, indeed, have thoughts, and opinions and feelings, which are perfectly proper and right in tliemselves, which yet it would be wholly improper for them to dis- close to others. But a man of sound discretion, will take care tliat nothing of tliis nature is placed within the reach of accident. What ]\k. Edwards wished to have concealed from every eye but his own, he wTote in short hand. And on one occasion, after having WTitten to a considerable extent in that character, he adds this remark in liis customary hand, " Remember to act according to Prov. xii, 23, j1 prudent man concealcth knoivledge.^^ The reader, while perusing the Diary in its various parts, will, I think, be struck with it, as possessing the following characteristics. It consists of facts ; and of solid thought, dictated by deep religious feeling : and not of the mere expressions of feeling, or of common- place moral reflexions, or exhortations. It was intended for his ouir eyes exclusively ; and not cliiefly for those of his friends and of the public. It is an exhibition of the simple thinking, feeling and acting, of a man, who is unconscious how he appears, except to himself, and to God : and not the remarks of one, who is desirous of being thought humble, respecting his own humility. If we suppose a man of christian simplicity, and godly sincerity, to bring all the secret movements of his own soul under the clear, strong light of * He mentions, Jan, 14th, his making the book, and annexing the loose pa- pers to it. /6 LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. heaven, and there to survey them with a piercing and an honest eye, and a contrite heart, in order to humble himself, and make himself better ; it is just the account which such a man would write. — In these respects, it is, with only here and there a solitary exception, wholly unlike any Diary of modern times; and, as such, is, with here and there a solitary exception, the only Diary of modern times, that ought ever to have been published. DIARY. DECEMBER, 1722. Dec. 18. This day made the 35th Resolution. The reason why I, in the least, question my interest in God's love and favour, is, — 1. Because I cannot speak so fully to my experience of that preparatory work, of which divines speak: — 2. I do not remember that 1 experienced regeneration, exactly in those steps, in which di\ines say it is generally \vi'ought : — 3. I do not feel the chi'istian graces sensibly enough, particularly faith. I fear they are only such hypocritical outside affections, which wicked men may feel, as well as others. They do not seem to be sufficiently inward, full, sincere, entire and hearty. They do not seem so substantial, and so WTOught into my very nature, as I could wish. — 4. Because I am sometimes guilty of sins of omission and commission. Lately I have doubted, whetlier I do not transgi'ess in evil speaking. This day, resolved, No. Dec. 19. This day made the 36th Resolution. Lately, I have been very much perplexed, by seeing the doctrine of different de- grees in glory questioned ; but now have almost got over the diffi- culty. Dec. 20. This day somewhat questioned, whether I had not been guilty of negligence yesterday, and tliis morning ; but resolv- ed, No. Dec. 21, Friday. This day, and yesterday, I was exceedingly dull, dry and dead. Dec. 22, Saturday. This day, revived by God's Holy Spirit; affected with the sense of the excellency of holiness ; felt more ex- ercise of love to Christ, than usual. Have, also, felt sensible re- pentance for sin, because it was committed against so merciful and good a God. This night made the 37th Resolution. Sahbath-7iight, Dec. 23. Made the 38th Resolution. Monday, Dec. 24. Higher thoughts than usual of tlie excellen- cy of Christ and his kingdom. — Concluded to observe, at tlie end of every month, the number of breaches of Resolutions, to see whether they increase or diminish, to begin from this day, and to compute from that the weekly account, my monthly increase, and, out of the whole, my yearly increase, beginning from new year days. Wednesday, Dec. 26. Early in tlie morning yesterday, was LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 77 hindered by the head-ache all day ; though I hope I did not lose much. Made an addition to the 37th Resolution, concerning weeks, months and years. At night ; made the o3d Resolution. Saturday, Dec. 29. About sunset this day, dull and lifeless. 1722-23. Tuesday, Jan. 1. Have been dull for several days. Examined whether I have not been guihy of negligence to-day ; and resolved, No. Wednesday, Jan. 2. Dull. I find, by experience, that, let me make Resolutions, and do what I will, with never so many inven- tions, 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 withdrawn from me always, as for the week past, notwithstanding all 1 do, I should not grow, but should languish, and miserably fade au^ay. I perceive, if God should withdraw his Spirit a little more, I should not hesitate to break my Resolutions, and should soon arrive at my old state. There is no dependence on myself. Our resolutions may be at the highest one day, and yet, the next day, we may be in a miserable dead condition, not at all like the same person who resolved. So that it is to no purpose to resolve, ex- cept we depend on the grace of God. For, if it were not for his mere grace, one might be a very good man one day, and a very wicked one the next. I find also by experience, that there is no guessing out the ends of Providence, in paiticular dispensations towards me — any otherwise than as afflictions come as corrections for sin, and God intends when we meet with them, to desire us to look back on our ways, and see wherein we have done amiss, and lament that particular sin, and all our sins, before him : — knowing this, also, that all things shall work together for our good; not knowing in what way, indeed, but trusting in God. Saturday evening, Jan. 5. A little redeemed from a long dread- ful dulness, about reading the Scriptures. This week, have been unhappily low in the weekly account: — and Avhat are the reasons of It? — abundance of listlessness and sloth ; and, if this should con- tinue mucli longer, I perceive that other sins will begin to discover themselves. It used to appear to me, that I had not much sin re- mauiing ; but now, I perceive that there are great remainders of sin. Wheie may it not bring me to, if God should leave me ? Sin y is not enough mortified. Without the influences of the Spirit of God, the old serpent would begin to rouse up himself from his frozen state, and would come to life again. Resolved, That I have been negligent in two tilings : — in not striving enough in duty ; and in not forcing myself upon religious thoughts. Sabbath, Jan. 6. At night; Much concerned about the improve- ment of precious time. Intend to live in continual mortification, witliout ceasing, and even to weary myself thereby, as long as I am in this world, and never to expect or desire any worldly ease or pleasure. ■fS LiPE OK PRESIDENT ElJWARJDb. Monday, Jan. 7. At night, made the 40th Resolution. Tuesday. Jan. 8. In the morning, had higher thoughts than usual of the excellency of Christ, and felt an unusual repentance of sin therefrom. Wednesday, Jan. 9. At night : Decayed. I am sometimes apt to think, that I have a great deal more of hohness than I really havei 1 find now and then that abominable corruption, which is directly contrary to what I read of eminent christians. I do not seem to be half so careful to improve time, to do every thing quick, and in as short a time as I possibly can, nor to be perpetually engaged to think about religion, as I was yesterday and the day before, nor indeed as I have been at certain times, perhaps a twelve month ago. If my resolutions of that nature, from that time, had always been kept alive and awake, how much better might I have been, than I now am. How deceitful is my heart ! I take up a strong resolution, but how soon doth it weaken. Thursday, Jan. 10, about noon. Recovering. It is a great dishonour to Christ, in whom I hope I have an interest, to be uneasy at my worldly state and condition; or, when I see the prosperity of others, and that all things go easy with them, the world is smooth to them, and they are very happy in many respects, and very prosperous, or are advanced to much honour ; to grudge them their prosperity, or envy them on account of it, or to be in the least uneasy at it, to wish and long for the same prosperity, and to desire that it should ever be so with me. Wherefore, concluded always to rejoice in every one's prosperity, and not to pretend to expect or desire it for myself, and to expect no happiness of that nature, as long as I live ; but to depend on afflictions, and to be^ take myself entirely to another happiness. — I think I find myself 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 tempta* tions, and the sins to which I shall be exposed on that day, and to make a resolution how to improve the day, and 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 on tliose things. It is, not to care about them, nor to depend upon them, nor to afflict ourselves with the fear of losing them, nor to please^Jlji ourselves with the expectation of obtaining them, or with the hopes ^^ of their continuance. — At night ; made the 41st Resolution. Saturday, Jan. 12. In the morning. I have this day, solemn- ly renewed my baptismal covenant and self-dedication, which I re* newed, when I was taken into the communion of the church. I have been before God, and have given myself, all that I am, and have, to God ; so that I am not, in any respect, ray own. I can challenge no right in this understanding, this will, these affections, which are in me. Neither have I any right to this body, or any LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 79 of its members — no right to tliis tongue, tliese hands, these feet ; no right to these senses, these eyes, lliese ears, tliis smell, or this taste. I have given myself clear away, and have not retained any thing, as my own. I gave myself to God, in my baptism, and I have been this morning to him, and told him, that I gave myself wholly to him. I have given every power to him ; so that for the future, I'll challenge no right in myself, in no respect whatever. I have expressly promised him, and I 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, widi all my might, against the world, the flesh and the devil, to tlie end of my life ; and that I did believe in Jesus Christ, and did receive him as a Prince and Saviour ; and that I wOuld adhere to the faith and obedience of the Gospel, however hazard- ous and difficult, the confession and practice of it may be ; and tliat I did receive the blessed Spirit, as my Teacher, Sanctifier, and only Comforter, and cherish all his motions to enlighten, pu- rify, confirm, comfort and assist me. This, 1 have done ; and I pray God, for the sake of Christ, to look upon it as a self-dedica- tion, and to receive me now, as entirely his own, and to 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, hence- forth, 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 do not make tlie glorifying of him, my whole and entire business : — if I murmur in the least at afliiction ; if I grieve at die prosperity of others ; if I am in any way uncharitable ; if I am angry, because of injuries ; if I revenge them ; if I do any thing, purely to please myself, or if I avoid any thing, for the sake of my own ease ; if I omit any thing, because it is great self-denial ; if I trust to myself ; if I take any of the praise of any good diat I do, or that God doth by me ; or if I am in any way proud. This day, made the 42d and 43d Resolutions: — - Whether or no, any other end ought to have any influence at all, on any of my actions ; or, whether any action ought to be any odierwise, in any respect, than it would be, if nothing else but religion had the least influence on my mind. Wherefore, I make die 44th Resolution. Query : Whether any delight, or satisfaction, ought to be allow- ed, because any other end is obtained, beside a religious one. In the afternoon, I answer. Yes ; because, if we should never sufier ourselves to rejoice, but because w^e have obtained a religious end, we should never rejoice at the sight of friends, we should not allow ourselves any pleasure in our food, whereby the animal spirits would be withdrawn, and good dieestion hindered. But the que- 80 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ry is to be answered thus : — We never ought to allow any joy or sorrow, but what helps religion. Wherefore, I make tlie 45th Re- solution. The reason why I so soon grow lifeless, and unfit for the busi- ness I am about, I have found out, is only because I have been used to suffer myself to leave oft, for the sake of ease, and so, I have acquired a habit of expecting ease ; and therefore, when I think I have exercised myself a great while, I cannot keep myself to it any longer, because I expect to be released, as my due and right. And then, I am deceived, as if I were really tired and wea- ry. Whereas, if I did not expect ease, and was resolved to occu- py myself by business, as much as I could; I should continue with the same vigour at my business, without vacation time to rest. Thus, I have found it in reading the scriptures ; and thus, I have found it in prayer ; and thus, I believe it to be in getting sermons *1by heart, and in other things. At night. This week, the weekly account rose higher than or- dinary. It is suggested to me, that too constant a mortification, and toj» vigorous application to religion, may be prejudicial to health ; but nevertheless, I will plainly feel it and experience it, before I cease, on this account. It is no matter how much tired and weary I am, if my health is not impaired. Sabbath day, Jan. 13. I plainly feel, tliat if I should continue to go on, as from the beginning of the last week hitherto, I should continually grow and increase in grace. After the afternoon meet- ing, made an addition to the 45th Resolution. At noon; I remem- ber I thought that I loved to be a member of Christ, and not any tiling distinct, but only a part, so as to have no separate interest, or pleasure of my owti. At night, resolved to endeavour fully to understand 1 Cor. vii. 29 — 32, and to act according to it. Monday, Jan, 14. About 10 o'clock in the morning, made this book, and put these papers in it.* The dedication, which I made of myself to God, on Saturday last, has been exceedingly useful to me. I thought I had a more spiritual insight into the scriptures, when readmg the 8th of Romans, than ever before. At night. Great instances of mortification, are deep wounds, giv- en to the body of sin ; hard blows, which make him stagger and reel. We thereby get strong ground and footing against him, he is the weaker ever after, and we have easier work with him the next time. He grows cowardly ; and we can easily cause him to give way, until at length, we find it easy work with liim, and can kill him at pleasure. Wliile we live without great instan- ces of mortification and self-denial, the old man keeps about where he was ; for he is sturdy and obstinate, and will not stir for small blows. This, without doubt, is one great reason why many chris- * He refers to slips of paper on which the first part of the Diary is written ; as far as Jan. 15, at night. LIFE ©F PRESIDENT EBWARDS. 81 lians do not sensibly increase in gi-ace. After the greatest mortifi- cations, I always find the greatest comfort. Wrote the 63d Reso- lution. Such little things as Christians commonly do, will not evince much increase of grace. We must do great things for God. — It will be best, when I find that I have lost any former ancient good motions or actions, to take notice of it, if I can remember them. Tuesday, Jan. 15. — Ahout two or three o'clock. I have been all this time decaying. It seemed yesterday, the day before, and Sa- turday, that I should always retain the same resolutions to the same height. But alas ! how soon do I decay ! O how weak, how in- firm, how unable to do any thing of myself ! What a poor incon- sistent being ! What a miserable wTctch, without the assistance of the Spirit of God ! While I stand, I am ready to think that I stand by my own strength, and upon my own legs ; and I am ready to triumph over my spiritual enemies, as if it were I myself, that caused them to flee : — when alas ! I am but a poor infant, upheld by Jesus Christ ; who holds me up, and gives me hberty to smile, to see my enemies flee, when he drives them before me. And so I laugh, as though I myself did it, when it is only Jesus Christ leads me along, and fights himself against my enemies. And now the Lord has a httle left me, how weak do I find myself. O let it teach me to depend less on myself, to be more humble, and to give more of die praise of my ability to Jesus Christ ! The heart of man is deceitful above all thmgs and desperately w^cked : who can know it! — The occasion of my decaying, is a little melancholy. My spirits are depressed, because I fear that I lost some friendship the last night ; and, my spirits being depressed, my resolutions have lost their strength. 1 differ to-day from yesterday, in these things. I do not resolve any thing to-day, half so strongly. I am not so perpetually thinking of renewing my resolutions, as I was then. I am not half so vigorous as I was then ; nor am I half so careful to do every thing with vigour. Then, I kept continually acting ; but now, I do things slowly, and satisfy myself by thinking of religion in tlie mean time. I am not so careful to go from one business to another. — I felt humiliation, about sunset. What shall I do, in or- der that I may, with a good grace, fall into christian discourse and conversation. At night. — ^The next time I am in such a hfeless frame, I will force myself to go rapidly from one thing to another, and to do those things with vigour, in which vigour would ever be useful. The things, which take oft' my mind, w^hen bent on reli- gion, are commonly some remarkable change or alteration — -jour- nies, change of place, change of business, change of studies, and change of other circumstances; or something that makes me mel- ancholy; or some sin. Thursday, Jan. 17. About three o'clock, overwhelmed witli melancholy. Vol. I. 11 83i LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Friday, Jan. 18. — At night. Beginning to endeavour to reco- ver out of the death, I have been in tor these several days. Sabbath day, Jan. 20. — At night. The last week I was sunk so low, that I leai- it will be a long time, before I am recovered. I fell exceedingly low in the weekly account. I find liiy heart so deceitful, that I am almost discouraged from making any more re- sokn-ons. — ^Wherein have I been negligent in the week past ; and ho . could I have done better, to help the dreadful low estate in which I am sunk ? Monday, Jan. 21. Before sunrise, answered the preceding questions thus : I ought to have spent tlie time in bewailing my sins, and in singing Psalms — especially psalms or hymns of peni- tence ; these duties being most suited to the frame I was in. I do not spend time enough in endeavouring to affect myself with the glories of Christianity. — Fell short in the monthly account. It seerns to me, that I am fallen from my former sense of the pleas- antness of religion. Tuesday, Feb. 5. — At night. I have thought, that this being so exceedingly careful, and so particularly anxious, to force myself to think of religion, at all times, has exceedingly distracted my mind, and made me altogether vmfit for that, and every thing else. I have thought, that this caused the dreadful low condition I was in on the 1 5th of January. I think that I sti-etched myself fardier than I could bear, and so broke. — But now, it seems to me, though I know not why, that I do not do enough to prepare for another world. I do not seem to press forward, to fight and wrestle, as the Apostles used to speak. I do not seem so greatly and constantly to mortify and deny myself, as the mortification of which they spe?k represents. Therefore, wherein ought I to do more in this way ? — I answer : I am again grown too careless about eatings drinking and sleeping — not careful enough about evil speaking. Saturday, Feb. 16. I do certainly know that I love holiness, such as the Gospel prescribes. At night. For the time past of my life, I have been negligent, in that I have not sufficiently kept up that part of divine worship, singing the praise of God in secret, 9nd with company. — I have been negligent the month past, in diese three things. I have not been watchful enough over my appetites, in eating and drinking; in rising too late in the morning; and in not applying myself with sufficient application to the duty of secret prayer. Sabbath day, Feb. 17. — JVeor sunset. Renewedly promised, that I will accept of God for my whole portion, and that I will be coiViented, 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. To this I have lately acted contrary. Tlmy.day, Feb. 21. I perceive that I never yet have adequate- ly known, what was meant by being weaned from the world, by not- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ^3 laying up treasure on earth, but in lieaven, by not having our por- tion in this life, by making the concerns of another Hfe our whole business, by tailing God for our whole portion. I find my heart, in jr. eat part, yet adheres to the earth. O that it might be quite sep •-•..ted from thence. I find when I have power and reputation as jihers, I am uneasy, and it does not satisfy me to tell me, that I have chosen God for ray whole portion, and that I have pronnsed to rest entirely contented with him. Saturday, Feh. 23. I find myself miserably negligent, and that I might do tuice the business that I do, if I were set upon it. See how soon in3ahoughts of this matter, will be differing from what they are now. iiiave been indulging a horrid laziness a goodwliile, and did not know it. I can do seven times as much in the same time now, as I con at other times, not because my faculties are in better tune; but Ijecause of the fire of diligence that I feel burning ^vithin me. If J could but always continue so, I should not meet with one quar- ter of the trouble. I should run the christian race much better, and should go out of tlie world a much better man. Saturday, March 2. O how much more base and vile am I, when I feel pride working in me, than when I am in a more hum- ble disposition of mind ! How much, how exceedingly much, more lovely is an humble, than a proud, disposition ! I now plainly perceive it, and am really sensible of it. How immensely more pleasant is an humble delight, than a high thought of myself ! 'clow much better do I feel, when I am truly humbling myself, than when I am pleasing myself with my own perfections. O how much pleasanter is humility, than pride. O that God would fill me with exceeding great humility, and that he would ever more keep me from all pride. The pleasures of humility are really the most re- fiuied, inward and exquisite, delights in the world. How hateful is a proud man. How hateful is a worm, that lifts up itself with pride ! What a foolish, silly, miserable, blind, deceived, poor worm am I, when pride works ! jlt night. — I have lately been negligent as to reading the Scriptures. Notwithstanding my resolutions on Saturday was se'night, I have not been sedulous and diligent enough. Wednesday, March 6. — JVear sunset. Regarded the doctrines of Election, Free Grace, our Inability to do any thing ^^^thout the grace of God, and that Holiness is entirely, throughout, the work of the Spirit of God, with greater pleasure than ever before. Thursday, March 7. I think I now sufl^er from not forcing my- self enough on religious thoughts. Saturday night, March 24. I intend, if I am ever settled, to concert measures, and study methods, of doing good in the work!, and to draw up rules of acting in this matter, in wTiting, of all the methods I can possibly de\'ise, by which I can in any respect do good. Saturday mght, March 31. This week I have been too care- less about eating. 84 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Monday morning, April 1 . 1 tliink it best not to allow myself to laugh at the faults, folhes and mfirmities, of others. Saturday night, April 7. This week I found myself so far gone, that it seemed to me I should never recover 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 soever repeated. Saturday night, April 13. I could pray more heartily this night for the forgiveness of my enemies, than ever before. — I am some- what apt, after having asked one petition over many times, to be weary of it; but I am now resolved not to give way to such a dis- position. Wednesday forenoon, May 1. 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 that the troubles and difficulties of that state were greater, than those of any other state that I proposed to be in ; and when I have altered, with assurance of mending myself, 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 entirely from the world, and may fix them upon the heavenly state, where tliere 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 there is the enjoyment of this love without ever parting ; and where those persons, who ap- pear so lovely in this world, will be inexpressibly more lovely, and lull of love to us. How sweetly will those, who thus mutually love^ join together in singing the praises of God and the Lamb. How full will it fill us with joy, to think that this enjoyment, these sweet exercises, will never cease or come to an end, but will last to all eternity. Remember after journeys, removals, 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 foreseen, to resolve how to act. Thursday, May 2. — Afternoon. I observe this, that when I was at New York, when I meditated on things of a religious nature, 1 used to conceive of myself as walking in the fields at home ; but now I am at home, I conceive of myself as walking in the fields, •^^ which I used to frequent at New York, I think it a very good way, to examine dreams every morning when I awake ; what are tlie nature, circumstances, principles and ends of my imaginary V . actions and passions in them ; in order to discern what are my pre'- \j vailing inclinations. Sec. --X Saturday night, May 4. Although I have, in some measure, subdued a disposition to chide and fret, yet I find a certain inclina- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS, 85 Uon, which is not agreeable to cliristian sweetness of temper and conversation: either too mucli dogmaticahiess or too much egotism, a disposition to manifest my own dislike and scorn, and my own freedom from those which are innocent, sinless, yea common infir- mities of men, and many other such Uke things. O that God would help me to discover all the flaws and defects of my temper and conversation, and help me in the difficult work of amending them; and that he would grant me so full a measure of vital Chris- tianity, that the foundation of all these disagreeable irregularities may be desti'oyed, and the contrary sweetnesses and beauties may of themselves naturally follow. Sabbath morning, May 5. Made the 47th Resolution. Monday morning, May 6. I tliink it best commonly to come before God three times in a day, except I find a great inaptitude to that 6x\ty. Saturday night, May 11. I have been to blame, the month past, in not laying violence enough to my inclination, to force my- self to a better improvement of time. Have been tardy with re- spect to the 47th Resolution. Have also been negligent about keeping my thoughts, when joining with others in prayer. Sabbath-day morning, May 12. I have lost that relish of the Scriptures and other good books, which I had five or six months ago. Resolved, When I find in myself the least disposition to ex- ercise good nature, that 1 will then strive most to feel good na- turedly. At noon. — Observe to remember the meditations which I had at Westchester, as I was coming from New York ; and those which I had in the orchard ; and those under the oak-ti-ee. This day, and the last night, I read over and reviewed those reflexions and remarks, which 1 find to be a very beneficial thing to me. — After the afternoon meeting. — 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, an d the exercise of holiness, and a burning love to him. Saturday night. May 18. This week past, spent in journeying to Norwich, and the towns thereabouts. This day returned, and received a letter, from my dear friend, Mr. John Smith. — The last Wednesday, took up a resolution, to refrain from all mamier of evil spealdng, for one week, to try it, and see the effect of it : hop- ing, if that ev'il speaking, which I used to allow myself in, and to account lawful, agreeably to the resolutions I have formed concern- ing it, were not lawful, or best, I should hereby discover it, ami get the advantage of temptations to it, and so deceive mvself, into a strict adherence to my duty, respecting that matter ; — that that cor- ruption, which I cannot conquer by main strength, I may get the \dctoiyof by sti'atagem. I find the effect of it already to be, to make .ne apt to take it for granted, that what I have resolved (m this week, is a duty to be observed for ever. 86 LtFE OF I'RESIDENT EDWARDlS. I now plainly perceive, what great obligations I am under, to love and honour my parents. I have great reason to believe, that their counsel and education, have been my making; though, 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 dkection, m answer to their prayers for me. I was never made so sensible of it, as now. I think it the best way, in general, not to seek for honour, in any other way, than by seeking to be good, and to do good. I may pursue knowledge, religion, the glory of God, and the good of man- kind, with the utmost vigour ; but, am to leave the honour of it, entirely at God's disposal, as a thing with which I have no immedi- ate concern ; no, not although, by possessing tliat honour, I have the greater opportunity to do good. Mem. To be particularly careful, lest I should be tardy in any point, wherein I have been negligent, or have erred, in days, weeks, months, or years past. Sabbath-day morning. May 19. With respect to my journey last week, I was not careful enough, to watch opportunities of sol- emnly approaching to God, three times a day. The last week, when I w^as about to take up the Wednesday resolution, it was pro- posed to me, in my thoughts, to omit it until I got home again, be- cause there would be a more convenient opportunity. Thus am I ready to look at any thing as an excuse, to grow slack in my Chris- tian course, — At night. Concluded to add to my enquiries, as to the spending of time — at the beginning of the day, or the period. What can I do for the good of men ? — and, at the end, What have I done for their good ? Tuesday morning, J\Iay 21. My conscience is, undoubtedly, more calm, since my last Wednesday resolution, than it was before. Wednesday morning, May 22. Memorandum. To take special care of the following things : evil speaking, fretting, eating, drink- ing and sleeping, speaking simple verity, joining in prayer, slighti- ness in secret prayer, Ustlessness and negligence, and thoughts that cherish sin. Saturday morning. May 25. As I was this morning reading the 17th Resolution, it was suggested to me, that if I were 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 and care, to see and narrowly search into that matter. Wherefore, Mem. for the future, most nicely and diligently to look into the opinions of our old divines, concerning conversion. This morning made the 48th Resolution. Monday afternoon. May 27. Memorandum. Not only to keep from an air of dislike, anger and fretfulness, in discourse or conver- LlPE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ST sation ; but, let me also liave as much of an appearance of love, cheerfulness, and benignity, as may be, with a good grace. — These following things, especially, to beware of, in order to the belter ob- servation of the 47th Resolution : distrust, discontent, uneasiness, and a complaining temper, self-opinion, self-conhdence, melancho- ly, moroseness, slight antipathy, privacy, indolence, and waut of resolution — to beware of any thing, in discourse or conversj.iion,. diat savours of these. Saturday night, June 8, at Boston. When I find myself listless and dull, and not easily affected by reading religious books, thv.n to read my resolutions, remarks, reflexions, he. — One thing, ihat would be of great advantage to me, in reading to my protit, uovdd be, the endeavouring, with all my might, to keep the image and picture of the thing in my mind, and be careful that I do not lose it, in the chain of the discourse. Sahbath-day, June 9, after the afternoon meeting. Mem. V/hen I fear misfortunes, to examine whether I have done my duty ; and at the same time, to resolve to do it, and let it go, and be concern- ed about nothing, but my duty and my sin. Saturday mGraing, June 15, at Windsor. Have been to blame, this journey, with respect to strict temperance, in eating, drinking and sleeping, and in suffering too small matters to give interruption to my wonted chain of rehgious exercises. — Concluded to protract the Wednesday Resolution, to the end of my life. Tuesday morning. June 18. Mem. To do that part, which I conveniently can, of my stated exercise, while about other business, such as self-examination, resolutions, &£C., that I may do the re- mainder in less time. Friday afternoon, June 21. I have abundant cause, O my mer- ciful Father, to love thee ardently, and greatly, to bless and praise thee, that thou hast heard me, in my earnest request, and so hast an- swered my prayer, for mercy, to keep me from decay and shiking. O, gracfously, of thy mere goodness, still continue to pity my miseiy, by reason of my sinfulness. O, my dear Redeemer, I commit m}- self, together widi my prayer and thanksgiving, into thine hand ! Saturday morning, June 22. Altered the 3Gth Resolution, to make it the same with the Wednesday Resolution. If I sh.ould take special care, every day, to rise above, or not to fall belov.-, or to fall as little as I possibly could, below what I was the day be- fore, it would be of great advantage to me. — I take notice, that most of these determinations, when I first resolve them, seem as if they would be much more beneficial, than I find them. Tuesday morning, June 25. Last Sabbath, at Boston, reading the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses of the 6ih to the Ephesians, concluded that it would be much to my advantage, to take the greatest care, never to do any tlmig but my duty, and then to do it willingly, cheer- fully, and gladly, whatever danger or unpleasant circumstances i! 88 tlFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. may be attended with ; with good-will doing it, as to the Lord, not as pleasing man, or myself, knowing that whatsoever good thing «ny man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord. Saturday morning, June 25. It is best to be careful in prayer, not to put up those petitions, of which I do not feel a sincere de- sire : thereby, my prayer is rendered less sincere, less acceptable to God, and less useful to myself. Monday noon, July 1 . I find I am not careful enough, to keep out all thoughts, but rehgious ones, on the Sabbath. When I find the least uneasiness, in doing my duty, to fly to the 43d Resolution. Wednesday night, July 3. I am too negligent, with respect to improving petty opportunities of doing good ; thinking, that the good will be very small, and unextended, and not worth the pains. Resolved, to regulate this, as that which is wrong, and what ought not to be. — Again confirmed, by experience, of the happy effects of a strict temperance, with respect both to body and mind. TJmrsday morning, July 4. The last night, in bed, when tliink- ing of death, I thought, if I was then to die, that, which would make me die, in the least degree fearfully, would be, the want of a trust- ing and relying on Jesus Christ, so distinctly and plainly, as has been described by divines ; my not having experienced so particular a venturing, and entirely trusting my soul on Christ, after the fears of hell, and terrors of the Lord, encouraged by the mercy, faith- fulness and promises, of God, and the gracious invitations of Christ. Then, I thought I could go out of the world, as much assured of my salvation, as I was of Christ's faitlifulness, knowing tliat, if Christ did not fail me, he would save me, who had trusted in him, on his word. At night. — Whenever things begin to seem in the least out of order, when things begin to feel uneasy within, or irregular without, tlien to examine myself, by the stiictest examination. — Resolved, for the future, to observe rather more of meekness, mod- eration and temper, in disputes. Friday morning, July 5. Last night, when thinking what I should wish I had done, that I had not done, if I was then to die ; I thought I should wish, that I had been more importunate witli God, to fit me for death, and lead me into all truth, and that I might not be deceived, about the state of my soul. — In the forenoon, made the 50th Resolution. Thursday night, Jidy 11. This day, too impatient, at tlie Church meeting. Snares and briars have been in my way, this afternoon. It is good, at such times, for one to manifest good na- ture, even to one's disadvantage, and so as would be imprudent, at ®ther times. Saturday morning, July 13. Transferred the conclusion of June 9, to the Resolution, No. 57 ; and the conclusion of May 27, to No. 58 ; and May 12, and July 1 1, to No. 59 ; and of July 4, at night, to No. 60 ; and of May 24, to No. 61 ; and of June LIFE OP PRESIDENT EEWARDS. S9 25, to No. 62 ; and, about noon, the Resolution of January 14, to No. 63. — In times past, I have been too free, in judging of the hearts of men, from their actions. Thursday, July 18, near sunset. Resolved, to make sure of that sign, which the Apostle James gives, of a perfect man : James iii. 2. " If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able, also, to bridle the whole body. Friday afternoon, July 19. 1 Peter, ii. 18. Servants, be sub- ject to your masters, with all fear ; not only to the good and gen- tle, but also to the froward : How then, ought children to honour their parents. — This verse, together with the two following, viz. *' For tliis is thank-worthy, if a man, for conscience toward God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully ; for what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently ; but if, when ye do well and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, tills is acceptable with God." Saturday noon, July 20. Dr. Manton's Sermon, on the 119th Psalm, pp. 140, 141, Of Evil-speaking, Use 2d. To tliem that either de\'ise or receive reproaches. Both are veiy sinflil. Hy- pocrites, and men that put themselves into a garb of religion, are all for censuring, take a mighty freedom that w^ay : these men be- wi'ay the rottenness of their hearts. — Alas, in our own sight, we should be the worst of men. The children of God do ever thus speak of themselves, as the least of saints, the greatest of sinners — " more brutish than any man" — " of sinners, whereof I am the chief." You rob them of the most precious treasure. He that robs thee of thy name, is the worst kind of thief. Prov. xxii. 1. " A good name is rather to be chosen, than great riches." — Object. But, must we, in no case, speak evil of another ; or may we not speak of another's sin, in any case ? — Solution 1 . It is a very hard matter, to speak evil of another, without sin. — In one way, or an- other, we shall dash upon the command : better let it alone. — If you speak of the failings of another, it should be, with tenderness, and grief; as, when they are incorrigible, and likely to infect others ; or, when it is for the manifest glory of God. — To them, that receive the slander ; he is a slanderer, who wrongs his neigh- bour's credit, by upholding an ill-report against him. Monday afternoon, Jidy 22. I find, it would be desirable, on many accounts, always to endeavor, to wear a benign aspect, and air of acting and speaking, in all companies, except it should so happen, that duty requires it otherwise. — I am afraid, I am now de- fective, in not doing whatever my hand finds to do, with my might, with respect to my particular affairs. Remember to watch, see and know how it is. Vid. Aug. 31. — I see there is danger, of my being drawn into transgression, by the power of such temptations, as tlie fear of seeming uncivil, and of offending fnends. Watch agamst it. — I might still help myself, and vet not hurt myself, by Vol. I. 12 ■ 00 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. going, with greater expedition, from one thing to another, without being quite so nice. Tuesday afternoon, July 23. When I find those groanings which cannot he uttered, of which the Apostle speaks, and those soid-breakings for the longing it hath, of which the Psalmist speaks, (Ps. cxix. 20,) Resolved, to favour and promote them, to the utmost of my power, and not to be weary of earnestly entleav- ouring to vent my desires, and not to be weary of the repetitions of such earnestness. To count it all joy, when I have occasions of great self-denial; because, then, I have a glorious opportraiity of gi\ing deadly wounds to the body of sin, and of greatly confirming, and estab- lishing the new creature. I seek to mortify sin, and increase in hohness. These are the best opportunities, according to Jan. 14. To improve afflictions, of all kinds, as blessed opportunities 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 mirid, and to make me Hfeless ; also, as opportunities of trust- ing and confiding in God, and getting a habit of so doing, accord- ing to the 57th Resolution ; and as an opportunity of rending my heart off from the world, and setting it on heaven alone, according to Jan. 10, and the 43d and 45th Resolutions ; and according to Jan. 12, Feb. 17, and 21, and May 1. — To improve them, also, as opportunities to repent of, and bewail my sin, and abhor myself, and as a blessed opportunity to exercise patience, to trust in God, and divert my mind from the affliction, by fixing myself in religious exercises. Also, let me comfort myself, that it is 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. Wednesday night, July 24. I begin to find the success of my striving, in joining with others, in the worship of God ; insomuch, that there is a prospect, of making it easy and delightful, and very profitable, in time. Wherefore, Resolved, not to cease striving, but to continue it, and re-double it. Thursday morning, July 25. Altered, and anew established, the 8th Resolution. Also, established my determination of April 1 . — Memorandum. At a convenient time, to make an alphabet of tliese Resolutions and Remarks, that I may be able to educe t;:em, on proper occasions, suitable to the condition I am in, and the dutj'- 1 am engaged in. Friday afternoon, July 26. To be particularly careful, to keep up, inviolably, a trust and reliance, ease and entire rest, in God, in all conditions, according to the 57th Resolution ; for this, I have found to be wonderfully advantageous to me. — At night. Resolved, very much to exercise myself in this, all my life long : viz. \\ath the greatest openness, of which I am capable, to declare m,y ways LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 9.1 TO God, and lay open my soul to him : — all my sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows, fears, hopes, desires, and every thing, and ev- ery circumstance, according to Dr. Manton's 27th Sermon, on the 119tli Psalm. Saturday forenoon, July 27. When I am violently beset witli temptation, or cannot rid myself of evil thoughts, to do some sum in Arithmetic, or Geometry, or some other study, which necessarily engages all my thoughts, and unavoidably keeps tliem from wan- dering. Monday afternoon, July 29. When I am concerned how I shall prepare any thing to public acceptance, to be very careful that I have it very clear to me, to do what is duty and prudence in the matter. — I sometimes find myself able to trust God, and to be pretty easy when the event is uncertain; but I find it difficuh, when I am convinced beforehand, that the event will be adverse. I find that this arises, 1 . From my want of faitli, to believe that that particular advantage will be more to my advantage, than disadvantage: 2. From the want of a due sense of the real preferableness of that good, which will be obtained, to that which is lost : 3. From the want of a spirit of adoption. 1^ Tuesday night, July 30. Have concluded to endeavour to w'ork myself into duties by searcliing and tracing back all the real reasons why I do them not, and narrowly searching out all the subtle subterfuges of my thoughts, and answering them to the ut- most of my power, that I may know what are the very first origi- nals of my defect, as with respect to want of repentance, love to God, loathing of myself, — to do this sometimes in sermons. — T^id, Resolution 8. Especially, to take occasion therefrom, to bewail those sins of which I have been guilty, that are akin to them ; as for instance, from pride in others, to take occasion to bewail my ,pride ; from their malice, to take occasion to bewail the same in myself: when I am evil-spoken of, to take occasion to bewail my evil speaking : and so of other sins. Mem. To receive slanders and reproaches, as glorious opportunities of doing this. Wednesday afternoon, July 31. After afflictions, to enquire, what I am the better for them ; what good I have got by them ; and what I might have got by them. — 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 « ; nor to behave in any respect otherwise for it. K Sabbath morning, Aug. 4. Concluded at last, at those times when I am in the best frames, to set down the aspirations of my heart, as soon as I can get time. Tuesday afternoon, Aug. G. Very much convinced of the ex- traordinary deceitfulness of the heart, and how exceedingly affec- tion or appetite blinds the mind, and brings it into entire subjection. There are many things which I should really think to be my duty, S[2 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. if I had the same affections, as when I first came from New York ^ which now I think not so to be. How doth Appetite stretch the Reason, to bring both ends together. JVednesday forenoon, Aug. 7. To esteem it as some advan- tage, that the duties of rehgion are difficult, and that many difficul- ties are sometimes to be gone through, in the way of duty. Reh- gion is the sweeter, and what is gained by labour is abundandy more precious, as a woman loves her child the more for having brought it forth with travail ; and even to Christ Jesus himself his mediatorial glory, his victory and triumph, the kingdom which he hath obtained, how much more glorious is it, how much more ex- cellent and precious, for his liaving WTOught it out by such agonies. Fridny afternoon, Aug. 9. With resjfect to the important busi- ness which I have now on hand,* Resolved, To do whatever I think to be duty, prudence and ddigence in the matter, and to avoid os- tentation ; and if I succeed not, and how many disappointments soever I meet with, to be entirely easy ; only to take occasion to acknowledge myunworthiness; and if it should actually not succeed, and should not find acceptance, as I expected, yet not to afflict myself about it, accordtag to the 57th Resolution. At night. — One tiling that may be a good help tov/ards thinking profitably in times of vacation, is, when I find ^ profitable thought that I can fix my mind on, to follow it as far as I possibly can to advantage. — I mis- sed it, when a graduate at College, both in point of duty and pru- dence, in going against a universal benevolence and good-natiire. Saturday morning, Aug. 10. Transferred my determindiion of July 23, to the G4th Resolution, and that of July 26, to the (i5tlu About sunset. — As a help against that inward shameful hypocrisy, to confess frankly to myself all that which I find in myself, eitjier infirmity or sin ; also to co]ifess to God, and open the whole cfise to him, when it is what concerns religion, and humbly and earnestly implore of him the help that is needed ; not in the least to endea- vour to smother over what is in my heart, but to bring it all out to God and my conscience. By tliis means, I may arrive at a greater knowledge of my own heart. — When I find difficulty in finding a subject of religious medit.ation, in vacancies, to pitch at random on what alights to my thoughts, and to go from that to other things which that shall bring into my mind, and follow this progression as a clue, till I come to what I can meditate on with profit and atten- tion, and then to follow that, according to last Thursday's determi- nation. Sabbath afternoon, Aug. 1 1 . 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 myself, that such an act of good nature, kindness, forbearance or forgiveness, he. is not my duty, because it will have such and such consequences : yet when I see odiers do * I'eihiij.'S the preparation of ;i pub i( exercise for tlie college commence- ment, when he received his Master's Degree. LIFE GP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 93 it, then it appears amiable to me, and I wish 1 had done it, and see that none of these feared inconveniences follow. Monday morning, Aug. 12. The chief thing, that now makes me in any measure to question my good estate, is my not hav- ing experienced conversion in those particular steps, wherein the people of New England, and anciently the Dissenters of Old Eng- land, used to experience it. Wlierefore, now resolved, never to leave searching, till I have satisfjingly found out the very bottom and foundation, the real reason, why they used to be converted in those steps. Tuesday mci-ning, Aug. 13. Have sinned, in not being careful enough to please my parents. Afternoon.. — I find it would he very much to my advantage, to be thoroughly acquainted with the Scriptures. When I am reading doctrinal books, or books of con- troversy, I can proceed with abundantly more confidence : can see on what footing and foundation I stand. Saturday noon, Aug. 17. Let there, in the general, be some- thing of benevolence in all that I speak. Tuesday night, Aug. 20. Not careful enough in watching op- portunities of bringing in christian discourse with a good grace. Do not exercise myself half enough in this holy art ; neither have I courage enough to carry it on with a good grace. J^id. Sept. 2. Saturday Morning, Aug. 24. Have not practiced quite right about revenge ; though I have not done any thing directly out of revenge, yet, I have perhaps, omitted some things, that I should otherwise have done ; or have altered the circumstances and man- ner of my actions, hoping for a secret sort of revenge thereby. I have felt a little sort of satisfaction, when I tliought that such an evil would happen to them by my actions, as would make them repen^, what they have done. To be satisfied for tlieir repenting, when they repent from a sense of their error, is right. But a satisfaction in their repentance, because of the evil that is brouglit upon tiiem,, is Revenge. This is in some measure, a taking the m^'tter out of God's hands when he was about to manage it, who is better able to plead it for me. Well, therefore, may he leave me to boggle at it, — J\'ear sunset. I yet find a want of dependence on God, to look u.nto him for success, and to have my eyes unto him for his gracious disposal of the matter : for want of a sense of God's par- ticular influence, in ordering and directing all atlairs and business- es, of whatever nature, however naturally, or fortuitously, they may seem to succeed ; and for want of a sense of those great advanta- ges, that would follow therefrom : not considering that God will grant success, or make the contrary more to my advantage ; or will make the advantage accruing from the unsuccessfulness, more sensible and apparent ; or will make it of less present and outward disadvantage ; or will some way, so order the circumstances, as to make die unsuccessfulness more easy to bear; or several, or all of 94 LIFE OF PKESIDENT El>WAllD;S. these. This want of dependence, is likewise for want of tiie things mentioned, July 29. — Remember to examine all Nar- rations, I can call to mind; whether they are exactly according to verity. Wednesday night, Aug. 28. When I want books to read ; yea, when I have not very good books, not to spend time in reading them, but in reading the scriptures, in perusing Resolutions, Re- flexions, Sic, in writing on Tj'pes of the Scripture, and other things, in studying the Languages, and in spending more time in private duties. To do this, when there is a prospect of wanting time for the purpose. Remember as soon as I can, to get a piece of slate, or something, whereon I can make short memorandums while travelling. Thursday, Aug. 29. Two great Quarenda with me now are : How shall I make advantage of all tlie time I spend in journeys ? and how shall I make a glorious improvement of afflictions. Saturday-night, Aug. 31. The objection, which my corrup- tions make against doing whatever my hands find to do with my might, is, that it is a constant mortification. Let tliis objection by no means ever prevail. Sabbath Morning, Sept. 1. When I am violently beset with worldly tlioughts, for a relief, to think of Death, and the doleful circumstances of it. Monday Afternoon, Sept. 2. To help me to enter with a good ^race, into religious conversation ; when I am conversing on mo- rality, to turn it over by application, exemplification or otherwise, to Christianity. Vid. Aug. 28 and Jan. 15. — At night. There is much folly, when I am quite sure I am in the right, and others are positive in contradicting me, in entering into a vehement, o)- long debate upon it. Saturday, Sept. 7. Concluded no more to suffer myself to be interrupted, or diverted from important business, by those things, from which I expect, though some, yet but little profit. Sabbath Morning, Sept. 8. I have been much to blame, for expressing so much impatience for delays in journeys, and the like. Sabbath Evening, Sept. 22. To praise God, by singing Psalms in prose, and by singing forth the meditations of my heart in prose. Monday, Sept. 23. I observe that old men seldom have any advantage of new discoveries, because they are beside the way of thinking, to v/hich they have been so long used. Resolved, if ever I live to years, that I will be impartial to hear the reasons of all pretended discoveries, and receive them if rational, how long so- ever I have been used to another way of thinking. My time is so short, that I have not time to perfect myself in all studies : Where- fore resolved, to omit and put off, all but the most important and needful studies.* * The remainder of the Diary is on a subsequent page. CHAPTER Vill. Mis Tutorship. — Sickness. — Invitation to JVorthmaptun. — Person- al J\'arrative continued. — Diary concluded. In Sept., 1723, he went to New-Haven, and received his de- gree of Master of Ai-ts, when he w^as elected a Tutor in the Col- lege. About this time, several congregations invited him to become their minister ; but, being fond of study, both by nature and habit, and conscious how much it would promote his o\\'n usefulness, in his profession, he wisely declined their proposals. As there was no immediate vacancy, in the office of Tutor, he passed the ensu- ing winter and spring at New-Haven, in study, and in the occasion- al discharge of the active duties of his profession, and in the be- ginning of June, 1724, entered on the instruction of a class in the College. The period of his tutorship, was a period of great difficulty. For a long time, before the election of Mr. Cutler to the office of Rec- tor, the College had been in a state of open revolt against the legal government, and, as we have already seen, had withdrawn from New-Haven. Two years after his election, in Jan. 1721, there was an universal insurrection of the students, which, thougli after considerable effort, apparently quieted, resulted in a state of ex- treme disorder and insubordination, beyond any thing, that had been known before.* In 1722, Mr. Cutler, one of the Tutors, and two of the neighbouring ministers, renounced their connexion with the Presbyterian Church, and publicly declared themselves Epis- copalians. The shock, occasioned by this event, was very great, in the College, in the town, and throughout the colony ; and a se- ries of controversies grew out of it, w hich lasted for many years. Li consequence of this, the offices of these gentlemen were vacat- ed, and the College w^as left, for four years, without a Head : the Trustees residing, by turns, at the College, and each, in rotation, acting as ^ice-rector, for a month. Fortunately however for the institution, during this bereavement, it had three gentlemen, in the office of Tutor, of distinguished talents and scholarship, and of great resolution and firmness of character : — Mr. William Smith, of the class of 1719, and chosen Tutor in 1722 ; Mr. Edwards ', * Tliese facts are particularly mentioned, in a letter from Mr. Edwards f,c his father. 90 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. and Mr. Daniel Edwards, his uncle, class-mate and room-mate, who was cliosen in Sept. 1724. On these three gentlemen, all of whom were young men, devolved, almost exclusively, the govem- inent and instruction of the College ; yet, by their union, energy, and faithfi'.iness, they introduced among the students, in the room of their former negligence and misrule, habits of close study, and exact subordination ; and, in no great length of time, rendered the institution, beyond what it had long been, flourishing aud prosper- ous. The late President Stiles, who, though a member of Col- lege a considerable time after this period, was personally acquaint- ed with the three gentlemen, and knew well the history of their ad- ministration, has left an eulogy on the three united, of the highest character. " The Honourable William Smith, the Honourable Daniel Edwards, and the Rev. President Edwards, were the pil- lar Tutors, and the glory of the College, at the critical period, be- tween Rector Cutler and Rector Williams. Their tutorial renowrt was great and excellent. They filled and sustained their offices, with great ability, dignity, and honour. For the honour of htera- ture, these things ought not to be forgotten." In Sept. 1725, immediately after the commencement, as he was preparing to set out for his father's house, he was taken suddenly ill, at New-Haven ; but, hoping that the illness was not severe, and anxious to be at home if he was to be sick, he set out for Wind- sor. The fatigue of travelling, only increased his illness, and he was compelled to stop at North-Haven, at the house of the Rev. Mr. Stiles, where he was confined, by severe sickness, about three months : during the greater part of this time, his mother was con- stantly with liim. Her husband, writing to her on the 20th of Oc- tober, begs her to spare herself. " I am afraid, you are taking too great a burden on yourself, in tending your son, both day and night. 1 lieg of you, therefore, not only to take care of him, but of your- self also. Accept, rather, of the kindness of the neighbours, in watching over again, than outbid your own strength, which is but small, by overdoing." She could not leave him, till about the iniddle of November ; and it was some time in the winter, before be could go to his father's house. Li this sickness, he speaks of himself, as having enjoyed new, and most refreshing, manifestations of the presence and the grace of God. After he had held the office of Tutor, upwards of two years, with the highest reputation, he received proposals, from the people of Northampton, to become their minister. Many circumstances conspired, to prompt his acceptance. He was famiUarly acquaint- ed with the place, and people. The Rev. Mr. Stoddard, his grand- father, a man of great dignity, and of singular weight and influence in the churches, in consequence of his advanced age, stood in need of his assistance, and wished him to be his colleague. His parents, and his other friends, all desired it. The situation was. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 97 ki itself, respectable, and die town unusually pleasant. He there- fore resigned his tutorship, ki Sept. 1726, and accepted of the in- fitation. Those, who are conversant witli the instruction and government of a College, will readily be aware, that the period, of which we have now been speaking, was a very busy portion of Mr. Ed- wards's life ; and, if they call to mind the circumstances of the in- stitution, and the habits of the students, when he entered on his office, they will not need to be informed, that the discharge of his official duties, must have been accompanied with constant care, and distressing anxiety. It is a rare event in Providence, that so heavy a responsibility is thrown, publicly, on three individuals so young, and so destitute of experience, and of the knowledge of mankind ; and the business of instruction and government, must have occupied their whole time, and exhausted their whole -Strength. In such a state of things, it was not possible, that he should find the same leisure, for christian conversation, for retirement and spiritual contemplation, as he had found in New- York. There, his business was, chiefly, to enjoy : here, it was to act. There, the persons, with whom he came in contact, continually, even as members of Christ's family, were possessed of uncommon excel- lence : here, they were a very perverse part of a very different family. There, his attention was drawn, by the objects around him, to heavenly things : here, it was necessarily confined, almost all the time, to this world. There, when retiring for prayer, and heavenly contemplation, his mind sought communion with God, in all its en-ergy and freshness : here, when it was worn out by toil, and exhausted by perplexities. The change in the current of thought and feeling, must, therefore, have been great ; and, (so much is the mind prone to measure its religious state, by the a- mount of daily enjoyment, and so little, by the readiness to encoun- ter trials, and to perform laborious and self-denying duties,) it^ is not surprizing, that he should have regarded this change, as evi- dence of perceptible and lamentable declension in religion. Such, lie in fact regarded it ; as we shall find, both from his Narrative and Diary ; yet, it is by no means certain, that his views of the subject were altogether correct. The young Christian has usually a seasmi of leisure, given him in the Providence of God, in which to become acquainted with the members of that family, into which he has lately been introduced, and with those objects, with whicii, as a spu-itual being, he is thenceforward to be conversant. His time and his strength are given chiefly to the Scriptures, to prayer, to meditation, and to re- ligious conversation ; and he is delightfully conscious, that his communion is with die Father, and the Son Jesus Christ, through the fellowship of die Holv Spirit, as well as with " the whole fam- VoL, L 13 93 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS, ily, both on earth and in heaven." The design of this is, to open to him his new state ol existence, to enable him to undersfauc it* relations and duties, and to give him an earnest of better thuigs in reversion. It is a most refreshing and happy period of his i:ie ; and, were he designed for contemplation merely, might well be protracted to its close. But, as we are taught most explicitly, in the word and provnience of God, his great worth lies in Action — in imitating Him, whose rule it was — " I must do the work of him that sent me, while it is day ;" and whose practice it was — that " he went about doing good." The Scriptures are given by tlie inspiration of God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for insti'uction in righteousness, — Wherefore ? that the man of God may be perfected, being thoroughly furnished un- to every good work. Probably no year in the life of Mr. Ed- wards, was spent more usefully, tlian that in which he was occu- pied, with his associates, in laying the foundation of sober habits, and sound morals, in the seminary now entrusted to their care. Probably in no equal period, did he more effectually serve God, and his generation. And if, in its progress, he found less of that enjoyment, wliich grows out of spiritual contemplation ; he must have had the more delightful consciousness, that, in the midst of great difficulties and crosses, he had honestly endeavoured to serve God, and to perform his duty. There may therefore be reason for doubt, whether the change in h;s feelings, of which he speaks, in the succeeding parts of his Narrative and Diary, was not a declension in this particular species of religious enjoyment, necessarily growing out of the circumstances in which he was placed; rather than a declension in the life and power of religion. " I continued," he observes, " much in the same frame, in the general, as w^hen at New- York, till I went to New-Haven, as Tu- tor of the College : particularly, once at Bolton, on a journey Irom Boston, while walking out alone in the fields. After I went to New-Haven, I sunk in religion ; my mind being diverted from my eager pursuits after holiness, by some affairs, that greatly perplex- ed ond distracted my thoughts. " In September, 1725, I was token ill at New-Haven, and while endeavouring to go home to Windsor, was so ill at the North Vil- lage, that I could go no farther; where I lay sick, for about a quar- ter of a year. In this sickness, God was pleased to visit me again, with the sweet infiuences of his Spirit. My mind was greatly en- gaged there, on divine and pleasant contemplations, and longings of soul. I observed, tliat those who watched whh me, would of- ten be looking out wishfully for the morning ; which brought to my mind those words of the Psalmist, and which my soul with de- liglit made its own language, My soul ivaiteth for the Lord, more than they that watch for the morning ; I say, more than they th\ill have on a sick bed : and frequently, in my pursuits of whatever 102 L1P£ OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. kind, let this question come into my mind, " How much shall I value this, on my death-bed ?" JVednesday, Feb. 5. I have not, in times past, in my prayersj enough insisted on the glorifying of God in the world, on the ad- vancement of the kingdom of Christ, the prosperity of the Church and the good of man. Determined, that this objection is without weight, viz. That it is not likely that God will make great alterations in the whole world, and overturnings in kingdoms and nations, only for the prayers of one obscure person, seeing such things used to be done in answer to the united prayers of the whole church ; and that if my prayers should have some influence, it would be but im- \ perceptible and small. ~ik Thursday, Feb. G. More convinced dian ever, of the useful- ness of free, religious conversation. I fmd by conversing on Natu- ral Philosophy, that I gain knowledge abundantly faster, and see the reasons of things much more clearly than in private study : wherefore, earnestly to seek, at all times, for religious conversa- tion ; for those, with whom I can, at all times, with profit and de- light, and with freedom, so converse. Friday, Feb. 7. Resolved, If God will assist me to it, that I will not care about things, when, upon any account, I have pros- pect of ill-success or adversity ; and that I will not think about it, any further than just to do what prudence directs to for prevention, according to Phil. iv. 6, Be careful for nothing ; to 1 Pet. v. 7, Cast all your care upon God, for he careth for you ; and again, Take no thought for the morrow ; and again. Take no thought, saying. What shall I eat, and what shall I drink, and wherewithal shall I be clothed : seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. Saturday night, Feb. 15. I find that when eating, I cannot be convinced in the time of it, that if I should eat more, I should ex- ceed the bounds of strict temperance, though I have had the expe- rience of two years of the like ; and yet, as soon as I have done, in three minutes I am convinced of it. But yet, when I eat again, and remember it, still, while eating, I am fully convinced that I have not eaten what is but for nature, nor can I be convinced that my appetite and feeling is as it was before. It seems to me that I shall be somewhat faint if I leave off then ; but when I have finished, I am convinced again, and so it is from time to time. — I have obser- ved that more really seems to be truth, when it makes for my in- terest, or is, in other respects, according to my inclination, than it seems, if it be otherwdse ; and it seems to me, that the words in which I express it are more than the thing will properly bear. But if the thing be against my interest, the words of different import seem as much as the thing will properly bear. — Though there is some little seemmg, indecorum, as if it looked like affectation, in re- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 105 tigious conversation, as there is also in acts of kindness; yet this is to be broke through. Tuesday, Feb. 18. Resolved, To act vvitli sweetness and be- nevolence, and according to the 47th Resolution, in all bodily dis- positions,— sick or well, at ease or in pain, sleepy or watchful, and not to suffer discomposure of body to discompose my mind. Saturday, Feb. 22. I observe tluit there are some evil habits, which do increase and grow stronger, even in some good people, as they grow older ; habits that much obscure the beauty of Chris- tianity : some things which are according to their natural tempers, which, in some measure, prevails when they are young in Christ, and the evil disposition, having an unobserved control, the habit at last grows very strong, and commonly regulates the practice uudl death. By this means, old christians are very common!}', in some respects, more unreasonable than tliose who are young. I am afraid of contracting such habits, particularly of grudging to give, and to do, and ol procrastinating. Sabbath, Feb. 23. I must be contented, where I have any thiij.':; strange or remarkable to tell, not to make it appear so re- markable as it is indeed ; lest through the fear of this, and the de- sire of making a thing appear very remarkable, I should exceed the bounds of simple verity. When I am at a feast, or a meal, that very well pleases my appedte, I must not merely take care to leave off with as much of an appetite as at ordinarj^ meals; for when there is a gre t variety of dishes, I may do that, after I have eaten twice as much as at other meals, is sufficient. If I act ac- cording to my resoluiion, I shall desire riches no otherwise, thaii as they are helpful to religion. But tliis I determine, as wlnt is really evident from many parts of Scripture, that to fallen man, they have a greater tendency to hurt religion. Monday, March 16. To practice diis sort of self-denial, when at sometimes on fair days, 1 find myself more particularly disported to regard the glories of the world, than to betake myself to the study of serious religion. Saturday, May 23. How it comes about I know not, but J have remarked it hitherto, that at tlrose times, when I have read the Scriptures most, I have evermore been most lively and in the best frame. " At Yale College." Saturday night, June 6. This week has been a very remarka- ble week with me, with respect to despondencies, fears, jie. jviexi- ties, multitudes of cares, and distraction of mind : it being the '/ eek ,1 came hither to New-Haven, in order to entrance upon the oftice- of Tutor of the College. I have now, abundant reason to be con- vinced, of the troublesomeness and vexation of the world, and that it never will be another kind of world. Tuesday, Jvhj 7. When I am giving the relation of a thing. 104 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. remember to abstain faom altering either in the matter or manner of speaking, so much, as that, if every one, afterwards, should al- ter 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 more clearly, and shall gain time ; 1 . By lengthening out my hfe ; 2. Shall need less time for digestion, after meals ; 3. Shall be able to study more closely, without injury to my health ; 4. Shall need less time for sleep ; 5. Shall more seldom be troub- led with the head-ache. Saturday night, Sept. 12. Crosses of the nature of that, which I met with this week, thrust me quite below all comforts in reli- gion. They appear no more than vanity and stubble, especially when I meet with them so unprepared for them. I shall not be fit to encounter them, except I have a far stronger, and more per- manent faith, hope and love. Wednesday, Sept. 30. It has been a prevailing thought with me, to which I have given place in practice, that it is best, some- times, to eat or drink, when it will do me no good, because the hurt, that it will do me, will not be equal, to the trouble of denying myself. But I have determined, to suffer that thought to prevail no longer. The hurries of commencement, and diversion of the vacancy, has been the occasion of my sinking so exceedingly, as in the three last weeks. Monday, Oct. 5. I believe it is a good way, when prone to un- profitable thoughts, to deny myself and break off my thoughts, by keeping diligently to my study, that they may not have time to operate to work me to such a listless frame. I am apt to think it 8 good way, when I am indisposed to reading and study, to read of my own remarks, the fruit of my study in divinity, &lc., to set me agoing again. Friday, JVov. G. Felt sensibly, somewhat of that trust and af- fiance, in Christ, and with delight committing of my soul to him, of which our divines used to speak, and about which, I have been , somewhat in doubt. -i»s Tuesday, .JVov. 10. To mark all that I say in conversation, >nerely to beget in others, a good opinion of myself, and exam- ine it. Sabbath, JVov. 15. Determined, when I am indisposed to prayer, always to premeditate what to pray for ; and that it is better, that the prayer should be of almost any shortness, than that my inind should be almost continually off from what I say. Sabbath, JVov. 22. Considering that by-standers always copy some faults, which we do not see, ourselves, or of which, at least, we are not so fully sensible ; and that there are many secret work' t^igs of corruption, which escape our sight, and of which, others only are sensible : Resolved, therefore, that I will, if I can by any LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 105 rom^enient means, learn what faults others find in me, or what things they see in me, that appear any way blame-worthy, unlove- ly, or unbecoming. Friday, Feb. 12,1 725. The very thing I now want, to give me a clearer and more immediate view of die perfections and glory of God, is as clear a knowledge of the manner of God's exerting himself, with respect to Spirits and Mind, as I have, of his opera- tions concerning Matter and Bodies. Tuesday, Feb. 16. A virtue, which I need in a higher degree, to give a beauty and lustre to my behaviour, is gendeness. If I had more of an air of gentleness, I should be much mended, Friday, May 21. If ever I am inclined to turn to the opinion of any other Sect : Resolved, Beside the most deliberate consideration, earnest prayer, fee, privately to desire all the help that can possi- by te afforded me, from some of the most judicious men in the country, together with the prayers of wise and holy men, hov.ever strongly persuaded I may seem to be, that I am in the right. Saturday, May 22. When I reprove for faults, whereby I am in any way injured, to defer, dll the thing is quite over and done witli ; for that is the way, both to reprove aright, and without the least mixture of spirit, or passion, and to have reproofs effectual, and not suspected. Friday, May 28. It seems to me, that whether I am now con- verted or not, I am so settled in the state I am in, that I shall go on in it all my life.. But, however settled I may be, yet I will continue to pray to God, not to suffer me to be deceived about it, nor to sleep in an unsafe condition ; and ever and anon, will call all into questien and try myself, using for helps, some of our old divines, that God may have opportunities to answer my prayers, and the Spirit of God to show me my error, if I am in one. Saturday night, June 6. I am sometimes in a franse so listless, tliat there is no other way of profitably improving time, but conversation, visiting, or recreation, or some bodily exercise. However it may be best in the first place, before resorting to ei- ther of these, to try the whole circle of my mental emplo}'ments. JVov. 10. When confined at Mr. Stiles'. I think it would be of special advantage to me, with respect to my truer interest, as near as I can in my studies, to observe this rule. To let half a day's, or at most, a day's study in odier things, be succeeded, by half a day's, or a day's study in Divinity. One thing wherein I have erred, as I woidd be complete in all social duties, is, in neglecting to write letters to friends. And I would be forewarned of the danger of neglecting to visit my friends and relations, when we are parted. When one suppresses thoxights that tend to divert the run of the mind's operations fronv Religion, whether they are melancholv, or anxious, or passionate, or anv others ; there is this good effect of Vol. I. '14 106 LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS, it, that it keeps the mind in its freedom. Those thoughts are stopped in the beginning, that would have set the mind agoing in that stream. There are a great many exercises, that for the present, seem not to help, but rather impede, Religious meditation and affections, the fruit of which is reaped afterwards, and is of far greater wortli than what is lost; for thereby the mind is only for the present di- verted ; but what is attained is, upon occasion, of use for the whole life-time. Sept. 26, 1726. 'Tis just about three years, that I have been for the most part in a low, sunk estate and condition, miserably senseless to what I used to be, about spiritual things. 'Twas three years ago, the week before commencement ; just about the same lime this year, I began to be somewhat as I used to be. /, Jan. 1728. I think Christ has recommended rising early in the *'^iiiornuig, by his rising from the grave very early. Jan. 22, 1734. I judge that it is best, when I am in a good frame for divine contemplation, or engaged in reading the Scrip- tures, or any study of divine subjects, that ordinarily, I will not be interrupted by going to dinner, but will forego my dinner, rather than be broke off. April 4, 1735. When at any time, I have a sense of any divine tiling, then to turn it in my tlioughts, to a practical improvement. As for instance, when I am in my mind, on some argument for the Truth of Religion, the Reality of a Future State, and the like, tlien to think with myself, how safely I may venture to sell all, for a future good. So when, at any time, I have a more tlian ordinary sense of the Glory of the Saints, in another world ; to think how well it is worth my while, to deny myself, and to sell all that I have for this Glory, &:c. JSIaij, 18. My mind at present is, never to suffer my thoughts and meditations, at all to ruminate. June 1 1 . To set apart days of meditation on particular subjects ; as sometimes, to set apart a day for the consideration of the Great- ness of my Sins ; at another, to consider the Dread fulness and Certainty, of the Future Misery of Ungodly men ; at another, the Truth and Certainty of ReHo;ion; and so, of the Great Future Things promised and threatened in the Scriptures. CHAPTER IX. Settlement in the ministry at JVorthamptoji. — Situation of thino-s fit the time of his settlement. — Attention to Religion in the Par- ish.— Course of Study. — Habits of Life. — Marriage. — Death and Character of Mr. Stoddard. — Sickness of Mr. Edwards. — Death and Character of his Sister Jerusha. — His first Pub- lication. On the 15th of February, 1727, Mr. Edwards was ordained as a minister of the Gospel, and placed over the church and congre- gation at Northampton, as the colleague of his grandfather, the Rev. Mr. Stoddard. He was now entering on the business of life, in a profession attended with many difficulties, and presenting a field, sufficiently ample for the employment of the highest faculties ever conferred on Man. It may not be improper, therefore, to stop a moment, and review the circumstances in which he was placed. He was twenty-three years of age. His constitution w^as natu- rally so tender and feeble, as to be preserved, even in tolerable health, only with unceasing care. He had passed through the successive periods of childhood, youth and early manhood, not on- ly without reproach, but in such a manner, as to secure the high esteem and approbation, of all who knew him. His filial piety, and fraternal affection, had been most exemplary, and had render- ed him a centre of strong attraction, to the united family. Origi- nally of a grave and sober character, he had been the subject of early, frequent and strong religious impressions ; which, if they did not result in saving conversion, in his childhood, yet rendered him conscientious, and solemnly and habitually mindful of eternal things. For a considerable period, he had not only felt the life and power of religion, but had appeared imbued with an unusually large mea- sure of the grace of God. Few persons, of the same age, disco- ver a piety so pure, so practical, or so pervading. He had been devoted to books, from his infancy, and appears of his own accord, from an early period, to have formed habits of severe and successful application. His mind, originally possessed of uncommon powers, and fraught with an intense desire of know- ledge, was qualified for eminence, as we have already seen, not in a single pursuit merely, but in every walk of literature and science. Though probably the youngest member of his class, he had been 108 LIPJE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. acknowledged as its fast scholar, in the distribution of its honour?. He had not been distinguished for his attainments in Latin, Greek, or Hebrew hterature only, but still more in those studies which re- quire the application of stronger powers — in Mathematics and Lo- gic, in Natural and Mental Philosophy, and the higher principles of Theology. In these, he had not simply proved himself capable of comprehending the discoveries of others, but had ventured out, where there was no path nor guide, into new and unexplored re- gions of the spiritual* world, with a success, which might well have prompted him to bold and fearless enterprize. As officers of the College, the peculiar difficulties in which they were placed, had given him, and his associates, an opportunity to acquire uncom- mon reputation, not only as instructors and governors of youths, but as men of unshaken firmness, and unwavering integrity. His mind was now rich in its attainments ; its views were already, for the period in which he lived, singularly expanded and comprehen- sive ; and its powers were under thorough discipline, and yielded an exact and persevering obedience. His habits of study were completely formed, and were of the most severe and unbending character. Theology had been, for years, his favorite study. For it, he had deliberately relinquished, not only the varied pursuits of Nat- ural Science, but in a measure, also, those investigations into the nature and operations of Mind, by which, at an earlier period, his whole attention had been engrossed. He had already discovered, that much of what he found in Systems andCommentaries, was a mere mass of rubbish; and that many of the great principles, which constitute the foundation of the science, were yet to be established. He had studied Theology-, not chiefly in System.s or Commenta- ries, but in the Bible, and in the character and mutual relations of God and his creatures, from which all its principles are derived : and had already entered on a series of investigations, which, if ul- timately found correct, would effectuate most important changes in the opinions of the christian world. The ministry had long been the profession of his choice, and was doubtless die only profession, which he had ever thought of pursuing. Few persons, probably, enter the sacred office, with more just views of its elevation and importance. His work, he appears to have regarded, simply as the work of salvation : — the same work, on which HE, whose commission he bore, came down to tliis lower world : — and to the accomplishment of it, the surren- dry of himself appears to have been deliberate and entire. His reception as a predcher, had certainly been flattering. Repeated, and urgent proposals had been made to him for settlement ; and, *I use spiritual here» in its original and most appropriate sense, as opposed to maferial. LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDUAllDS. 109 as i'ar as he was knovn, he was obviously regarded, as a young man of uncommon promise. Northampton, the place of his settlement, is in its natural situa- tion, unconnnonly pleasant, was then the shiie town of a county, embracing nearly one half of the area of the colon}-, and embodied within its limits, more than the ordinary share of refinement and polish. The church was large, and, with the congregation, was united. Both were united in him, and earnestly desirous that he should become their minister. From his childliood, he had famil- iarly known both the place, and the people. His parents were the familiar friends of many of the inhabitants ; and they, with his con- nexions in the place, regarded his settlement there as a most pleas- ing event. He was also the individual, whom probably, of all others, his grandfather desired, for his colleague and successor. That vene- rable man, then in his 84th year, had been the minister of North- ampton, 55 years ; and by his piety, his great energy of character, and his knowledge of mankind, had early acquired, and maintained through a long Ufe, a singular degree of weight among the clergy and churches of New-England. Though a close student, and an able and faithful preacher, he was in character a man of business, and of action ; and, in all the important ecclesiastical bodies of Massachusetts, he had for many years an influence, which usiially was not contested, and almost always was paramount. In North- ampton, he had been a fahhful and successfid minister. Uuiler his preaching, the place had repeatedly witnessed revivals of religion : particularly in 1679, 1683, 1690, 1712, and 1718. Those in 1683, 1690, and 1712, were distinguished for their extent, and for the accessions made to the number of communicants. While the existing members of the church, with scarcely an exception, re- garded him as their spiritual father, all the acting inhabitants of the town, had grown up under his ministry, and had been accustomed, from infancy, to pay a respect to his person and character, and a deference to his opinions, such as children pay to those of a loved and venerated parent. One circumstance, relating to the actual condition of the church at Northampton, deserves to be mentioned here, as it had an ulti- mate bearing on some of the most important events recorded in these pages. That church, like the other early churches of New- England, according to its original platform, admitted none to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, except those, who, after due ex- amination, were regarded, in the judgment of christian charity, as regenerate persons. Such was the uniform practice of the church, from the time of its formation, during the life of ]Mr. Mather, and for upwards of thirty years after the settlement of Mr. Stoddard. How early Mr. Stoddard changed his own views on this subject, cannot probably be ascertained: but he attempted, in 1704, and, 110 LIFE OK PRESIDENT EDWARDS'. though not without opposition, yet with ultimate success, to intro- duce a corresponding change in the practice of the Church* Though no vote was then taken to alter the rules of admission, yet the point of practice was yielded. The Sacrament, from that time, was viewed as a converting ordinance, and those, who were not re- garded, either by themselves or others, as possessed of piety, were encouraged to unite themselves to the Churcli. The attention to rehgion, in 1718, was neither extensive, nor of long continuance, and appears not to have terminated happily. During the nine years, which intervened between that event and the settlement of Mr. Edwards, Mr. Stoddard witnessed " a fai* more degenerate time among his people, particularly among the young, than ever before," in which the means of salvation were attended with little or no visible efficacy. The young became ad- dicted to habits of dissipation and licentiousness ; family govern- ment too generally failed ; the Sabbath was extensively profaned ; and the decorum of the sanctuary was not unfrequently disturbed. There had also long prevailed in the towii, a spirit of coijtention between two parties, into which they had for many years been di- vided, which kept alive a mutual jealousy, and prepared them t® oppose one another, in all public affairs. Such were the circumstances, in which Mr. Edwards entered oa his ministry at Northampton. At this time, Mr. Stoddard, though so much advanced in years, had a good degree of strength, both of body and mind ; and, for a considerable period after the settlement of his grandson, he was able to officiate in the desk, the half of every Sabbath. Almost immediately after that event, he was permitted to witness a work of divine grace, among some of his people ; in the course of which, about twenty were believed to be savingly converted. This was to him, a most pleasing circumstance, as well as most useful to his colleague ; who observes, " I have reason to bless God, for the great advantage I had by it." No doubt it was intended, to pre- pare him for more important and interesting scenes. The atten- tion to religion, though at no time very extensive, continued for about two years, and w as followed by several years of general inat- tention and indifference. Immediately after his settlement, Mr. Edwards commenced the practice of preparing two discourses weekly ; one of which was preached as a Lecture, on an evening in the week. This he con- tinued, for several years. Though he regarded preaching the Gospel, as the great duty of a minister, and would on no account offer to God, or deliver to his people, that, which was not the fruit of toil and labour; yet he resolved, from the commencement of his ministry, not to devote the time of each week, exclusively to the preparation of his sermons, but to spend a large portion of it, in the studv of the Bible, and in the investigation of the more diffi- LIFK OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. HI oult and important Subjects of Theology. His mode of study with tlie pen, has been desci-ibed, and was now \ngouronslv pursued, in tlie continuation of his " INIiscellanies," and his " Notes on the Scriptures," as well as of a work, entitled, " The Types of the Messiah in the Old Testament," which he appears to have com- menced, wliile a candidate for the ministry. With an infirm con- stitution, and heakh ordinarily feeble, it was obviously impossible, however, to carry this Resolution into practice, without the most strict attention to diet, exercise and method ; but in all these points, his habits had long been formed, and persevered in, widi a direct reference to the best improvement of time, and the greatest effi- ciency of his intellectual powers. In eating and drinking, he was unusually abstemious, and constantly watchful. He carefully ob- served the effects of the different sorts of food, and selected those, which best suited his constitution, and rendered him most fit for mental labour. Having also ascertained the quantity of food, which, while it sustained his bodily strength, left his mind most sprightly and active, he most scrupulously and exactly confined himself to the prescribed limits ; regarding it as a shame and a sin, to waste his time, and his mental strength, by animal indulgence. In this respect, he lived hij rule, and constantly practised great self- denial; as he did also, whh regard to the time passed in sleep. He accustomed himself to rise at four, or between four and five in the morning, and, in winter, spent several of those hours in study, which are commonly wasted in slumber. In the evening, he usually al- lowed himself a season of relaxation, in the midst of his family. His most usual diversion in summer, was riding on horseback, and walking; and in his solitary rides and walks, he appears to have decided, before leaving home, on vrhat subjects to meditate. He would commonly, unless diverted by company, ride two or three miles after dinner, to some lonely grove, where he would dis- mount and walk awhile. At such times, he generally carried his pen and ink with him, to note any thought that might be suggested, and which promised some light on any inrportant subject. In win- ter, he was accustomed, almost daily, to take his axe, and cut wood moderately, for the space of half an hour, or more. In soli- tary rides of considerable length, he adopted a kind of artificial memory. Having pursued a given subject of thought, to its proper results, he would pin a small piece of paper on a given spot in his coat, and charge his mind to associate the subject and the piece of paper. He would then repeat the same process with a second subject of thought, fastening the token in a different place, and then a third, and a fourth, as the time might permit. From a ride of several days, he would usually bring home a considerable num- ber of these remembrancers ; and, on going to his study, would take them off", one by one, in regular ordei-, and \\Tite down the train of thought, of which each was intended to remind him. -\ 112 ' LIFE OF PAESIDENT EDWAKDS. "He did not," observes Dr. Hopkins, "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 frequently at private meetings, in particular neighbourhoods ; and often call the yonng people and children to his own house, when he used to pray with them, and treat with them in a manner suited to their years and circumstances ; and he catechised the children in public, every Sabbath in the forenoon. And he used, sometimes, to pro- pose questions to particular 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 ability of those, to whom they were given. His questions were generally such, as required but a short answer ; and yet, could not be answered, without a particular knowledge of some historical part of the Scriptures ; and therefore led, and even obliged, per- sons 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 im- portant part of the work of a Gospel minister ; but, because he supposed that ministers should, with respect to this, consult their own talents and circumstances, and visit more or less, according to tlie degree, in which they could hope thereby, to promote the great ends of the ministry. He observed, that some had a talent for entertaining and profiting, by occasional visits among their peo- ple. They have words at command, and a facility at introducing profitable religious discourse, in a manner free, natural and familiar, and apparently without design or contrivance. He supposed, that such had a call, to spend a great deal of their time, in visiting their people; but he looked on his own talents, to be quite otherwise. He was not able to enter into a free conversation with every person he met, and, in an easy manner, turn it to whatever topic he pleas- ed, without the help of others, and it may be, against their inclina- tions. He therefore found, that his visits of this kind, must be, in a great degree, unprofitable. And as he was settled in a large parish, it would have taken 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 better promote the great ends of his ministry. For it appeared to him, that he could do the greatest good to the souls of men, and most promote the cause of Christ, by preaching and writing, and conversing with persons un- der religious impressions, in his study ; whither he encouraged all such to repair ; 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 and familia- rity." Owing; to his constant watchfulness, and self-denial in food and LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 113 sleep, and his regular attention to bodily exercise, notwithstanding the feebleness of his constitution, few students are capable of more close or more long continued application, than he was. He com- moiilv spent thirteen hours, every day, in his study ; and these houjs were passed, not in perusing or treasuring up the thoughts of otliers, but in employments far more exhausting — in the investiga- tion of difficult subjects, in the origination and arrangejnent of thoughts, in tlie invention of arguments, and in the discoveiy of truths and principles. Nor was his exact method, in the distribu- tion ol his time, of less essential service. In consequence of his uniform regularity and self-denial, and the force of habit, the powers of his miud were always at his command, and would do tliea- prescribed task in the time appointed. This enabled him to assign the preparation of his sermons, each week, to given days, and specific subjects of investigation to other given days ; and ex- cept in cases of sickness, or journeying, or some other extraordi- nary interruption, it was rare, indeed, that he failed of accomphsh- iug every part ol' his weekly task, or that he was pressed for time in the accomplislmient. So exact was the distribution of his time, and so perfect the command of his mental powers, that in addition to his preparation of two discourses in each week, his stated and occasional lectures, and his customary pastoral duties, he contiiiued regularly his " Notes on the Scriptures," his " Miscella- nies," his " Types of the JMessiah," and a u^ork which he soon commenced, entitled, " Prophecies of the Messiah in the Old Testament, and their Fulfilment." On the 28th of July, 1727, Mr. Edwards was married, at New Haven, to Miss Sarah Pierrepont. Her paternal grandfather, John Pierrepont, Esq. who came from England and resided in Roxbury, Massat husetts, was a younger branch of a most distin-' guished family, in his own country. Her father, the Rev. James PiERREPOiVT, was " an eminent, pious and useful minister, at New Haven." He married Mary, the daughter of the Rev. Samuel Hooker, of Farmington, who was die son of the Rev. Thomas Hooker, of Hartford, familiarly denominated "the father of the Connecticut Churches," and " well knouii, in the Churches of England, for his distinguished talents and most ardent piety." Mr. Pierrepont was one of the principal founders, and one of the Trus- tees of Yale College ; and, to help forward the infant seminary, read lectures to the students, for some considerable time, as Pro- fessor of Moral Philosophy. The Platform of the Connecticut Churches, established at Saybrook, in 1708, is ascribed to his pen. Miss Pierrepont was born on the 9th of January, 1710, and at the time of her marriage, was in the 18th year of her age. She was a young lady of uncommon beauty. Not only is this the language of tradition ; but Dr. Hopkins, who first saw her when the mother of seven children, says she was more than ordinarily beautiful ^ ajid Vol. h l^ 114 LIFE 01" PKESIDENT EDWARDS. her portrait, taken by a respectable English painter,* while It pre- sents a form and features not often rivalled, exhibits also that pe- culiar loveliness of expression, which is the combined result of in- telligence, cheerfulness and benevolence. The native powers of her mind, were of a superior order ; and her parents being in easy circumstances^ and of liberal views, provided for their children all the advantages of an enlightened and polished education. In her manners she was gentle and courteous, amiable in her behaviour, and the law of kindness appeared to govern all her conversation and conduct. She was also a rare example of early piety ; having exhibited the life and power of religion, and that in a remarkable manner, when only five years of age ;f and having also confirmed the hopes which her friends then cherished, by the uniform and in- creasing excellence of her character, in childhood and youth. So warm and animated were her religious feelings, in every period of life, that they might perhaps have been regarded as enthusiastic, had they not been under the control of true delicacy and sound , discretion. Mr. Edwards had known her several years before their marriage, and from the following passage, written on a blank leaf, in 1723, it is obvious, that even then her uncommon piety, at least, had arrested his attention. " They say there is a young lady in [New Haven] who is beloved of that Great Being, who made and rules the world, and that there are certain seasons in which this Great Being, in some way or other invisible, comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet delight, and that she hardly cares for any thing, except to meditate on him — that she expects after a while to be received up where he is, to be raised up out of the world and caught up into heaven ; being assured that he loves her too well to let her remain at a distance from him always. There she is to dwell with him, and to be ravished with his love and de- light forever. Therefore, if you present all the world before her, with the richest of its treasures, she disregards it and cares not for it, and is unmindful of any pain or affliction. She has a strange sweetness in her mind, and singular purity in her affections ; is most just and conscientious in all her conduct ; and you could not persuade her to do any thing wrong or sinful, if you would give her all the world, lest she should offend this Great Being. She is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness and universal benevolence of mind ; especially after this Great God has manifestedhlmself toher mind. * The Rev. Dr. Erskine, the warm friend and the correspondent, of Mr. Ed- wards, being desirous of procuring a correct portrait, both of him and his wife, and hearing that a respectable EngHsh painter was in Boston, forwarded to his agent in that town, the sum requisite, not only for the portraits, but for the ex- penses of the journey. They were taken in 1740; and after the death of Dr.. Erskine, were very kindly transmitted by his Executor, to Dr. Edwards. t Hopkins' Life of Edwards, Dr. H. resided in the family a considerabl« lime. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 115 She will sometimes go about from place to place, singing sweetly ; and seems to be always full of joy and pleasure; and no one knows for what. She loves to be alone, walking in the fields and groves, and seems to have some one invisible always conversing with her." Alter due allowance is made for animation of feeling, the reader will be convinced, that such a testimony, concerning a young lady of thirteen, could not have been given, by so competent a judge, had there not been something unusual in the purity and elevation of her mind, and the excellence of her life. Few persons, we are convinced, no older than she was at the time of her marriage, have made equal progress in holiness ; and rare, very rare, is the in- stance, in w hich such a connexion resuhs in a purer or more unin- terrupted happiness. It was a union, founded on high personal esteem, and on a mutual affection, which continually grew, and ripened, and mellowed for the time of harvest. The station, which she was called to fill at this early age, is one of great delicacy, as well as responsibility, and is attended with many difficulties. She entered on the performance of the various duties to her family and the people, to which it summoned her, with a firm reliance on the guidance and support of God ; and perhaps no stronger evidence can be given of her substandal worth, than that from the first she discharged them in such a manner, as to secure the high and in- creasing approbation of all who knew her. The atteiifion to religion, which has been menfioned, as com- mencing about the period of Mr. Edwards' ordination, though at no time extensive, continued about two years, and was followed by several years of inattention and indifTerence. His public labours were continued with faitiifuhiess, but witii no peculiar success ; and he had reason to lament die too perceptible declension of his peo- ple, both in religion and morals. On the 11th of February, 1729, his venerable colleague was removed from tiie scene of his earthly labours. This event was sincerely and tenderly lamented by the people of Northampton, as well as extensively throughout the Province. His funeral sermon was preached by his son-in-law, the Rev. William Williams, of Hatfield ; and numerous clergymen, in tlieir own desks, paid a similar tribute of respect to his memory. In the spring of the same year, tiie health of IMr. Edwards, in consequence of too close application, so far failed him, that he was obliged to be absent from his people several months. Early in May, he was at New Haven, in company with Mrs. Edwards and their infant child, a daughter born Aug. 25ti), 1728. In Septem- ber, his fiitlier, in a letter to one of his daughters, expresses the hope tiiat the heakh of his son is so far restored, as to enable him to resume his labours, and to preach twice on the Sabbath. The summer was probably passed, partly at Northampton, and partly iii travellmg. 116 i^IFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. His visit to Windsor, in September, gave him his last opportu- nity of seeing his sister Jerusha, whom he tenderly loved ; and who a little while before, had passed a considerable time with her friends in Northampton. She was attacked with a malignant fe- ver, in December, and, on the 22d of that month, died at her father's house. The uncommon strength and excellence of her character, rendered her peculiarly dear to all her relatives and friends; and from the testimonials of her father, of four of her sisters, and of a friend of tlie family at a distance, written soon after her death,* I have ascertained the following particulars. She was born in June, 1710, and, on the testimony of that friend, was a young lady of great sweetness of temper, of a fine understanding and of a beautiful countenance. She was devoted to reading from childhood, and though fond of books of taste and amusement, she customarily preferred those which require close thought, and are fitted to strengthen and inform the mind. Like her sisters, she had received a tliorough education, both English and classical, and by her proficiency, had justified the views of her father and sus- tained the honour and claims of her sex. In conversation, she was solid and instructive beyond her years, yet, at the same time, was sprightly and active, and had an uncommon share of native wit and humour. Her wit was always delicate and kind, and used merely for recreation. According to the rule she prescribed to another, it constituted " the sauce, and not the food, in the enter- tainment." Being fond of retirement and meditation from early life, she passed much of her leisure time in solitary walks in the groves behind her father's house ; and the richness of her mind, in moral reflection and philosophical remark, proved that these hours were not wasted in reverie, but occupied by sohd thought jand profitable contemplation. Habitually serene and cheerful, she was contented and happy ; not envious of others, not desirous of admiration, not ambitious nor aspiring : and while she valued high- ly the esteem of her friends and of the wise and good, she was nrinly convinced that her happiness depended, chiefly and ulti- mately, on the state of her own mind. She appeared to have gained the entire government of her temper and her passions, dis- covered uncommon equanimity and firmness under trials, and while, in diflicult cases, she sought the best advice, yet ultimately acted for herself. Her religious life began in childhood ; and from that time, meditation, prayer, and reading the sacred Scriptures, were not a prescribed task, but a coveted enjoyment. Her sisters, who knew how much of her time she daily passed alone, had the best reason to believe tliat no place was so pleasant to her as her own retirement, and no society so delightful as solitude with God. This last was pub!iiH.ic(i, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 117 She read Theology, as a Science, \\ith the deepest interest, and pursued the systematic study of the Scriptures, by the help of the best commentaries. Her observance of the Sabbath was exem- plary, in solemnly preparing for it, in allotting to it the prescribed hours, and in devoting it only to sacred employments ; and in the solemn and entire devotion of her mind to the duties of the sanc- tuar\", she appeared, habitually, to feel with Davdd, " Holiness be- cometh thine house forever." Few persons attend more closely to preaching, or judge more correctly concerning it, or have higher pleasure in that which is solid, pungent and practical. She saw and conversed with God, in his works of creation and providence. Her religious joy was, at times, intense and elevated. After telling one of her sisters, on a particular occasion, that she could not de- scribe it, she observed to her, that it seemed like a streak of light shining in a dark place ; and reminded her of a line in Watt's Lyrics, "And sudden, from the cleaving skies, a gleam of glory broke," Her conscience was truly enlightened, and her conduct appear- ed to be governed by principle. She approved of the best things ; discovered great reverence for religion, and strong attachment to the truly pious and conscientious ; was severe in her estimate of herself, and charitable in judging of others ; was not easily pro- voked, and usually tried to excuse the provocation ; was unapt to cherish prejudices, and lamented, and strove to conceal, the faults of christians. On the testimony of those who knew her best, " She was a re- markably loving, dutiful, obedient daughter, and a very kind and lo\nng sister," " very helpful and ser\aceable in the family, and willingly labouring with her own hands," very " kind and friendly to her neighbours," attentive to the sick, charitable to the poor, prone to sympathize with the afflicted, and merciful to the brutes; and at the same time, respectful to superiors, obliging to equals, condescending and affable to inferiors, and manifesting sincere good will to all mankind. Courteous and easy in her manners, she was also modest, unostentatious and retiring ; and, while she uniformly respected herself, she commanded the respect of all who saw her. She was fond of all that was comely in dress, but averse to every thing gay and gaudy. She loved peace, and strove to reconcile those who were at variance ; was deUcately attentive to those of her sex, who were shghted by others ; received reproofs with meekness, and told others of tlieir faults, with so much sweetness and faithfuhiess, as to increase their esteem and affection for her- self. She detested all guile, and management, and deception, all flattery and falsehood, and wholly refused to associate with those who exhibited this character. She was most careful and select in il8 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. her friendships, and most true and faithful to her friends — highly valuing their affection, and discovering the deepest interest in their welfare. Her conversation and conduct, indicated uncommon in- nocence and purity of mind ; and she avoided many things, which are thought correct by multitudes, who are strictly virtuous. Dur- ing her sickness, she was not forsaken. A day or two before its termination, she manifested a remarkable admiration of the grace and mercy of God, through Jesus Christ, to sinners, and particu- larly to herself : saying, "It is wonderful, it surprizes me." A part of the time, she was in some degree delirious ; but, when her mmd wandered, it seemed to wander heavenward. Just before her death, she attempted to sing a hymn, entitled, " The Absence of Christ," and died, in the full possession of her rational powers, expressing her hope of eternal salvation through his blood. This first example of the ravages of death, in this numerous family, was a most trying event to all its members ; and tlie tenderness, with which they cherished the memory of 'her who was gone, pro- babl)' terminated only with life. The second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, was born on the 26th of the following April, and named Jerusha, after their de- ceased sister. In July, 17.31, Mr. Edwards being in Boston, delivered a Ser- mon at the public lecture, entitled, " God glorified in Man's De- pendence," from 1 Cor. i. 29, 30. " That no fiesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us ivisdom, and righteousness, and sanctijication, and re- demption. That according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.''^ It was published, at the request of seve- ral ministers, and others who heard it, and preceded by a preface, by the Rev. Messrs. Prince and Cooper, of Boston. This was his first publication, and is scarcely known to the American reader of his Works. The subject was at that time novel, as exhibited by the preacher, and made a deep impression on the audience, and on the Rev. Gentlemen who were particularly active in procuring its publication. " It was with no small difficulty," say they, " that tlie author's youth and modesty were prevailed on, to let him ap- pear a preacher in our public lecture, and afterwards to give us a copy of his discourse, at the desire of divers ministers, and others who heard it. But, as we quickly found him to be a workman that need not be ashamed before his brethren, our satisfaction was the greater, to see him pitching upon so noble a subject, and ti-eating it with so much strength and clearness, as the judicious will perceive in the follov\ing composure : a subject, which secures to God his great design, in the work of fallen man's redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ, which is evidently so laid out, as that the glory of the whole should return to him the blessed ordainer, purchaser, and applier ; a subject, which enters deep into practical religion j \Ax\\~ LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 119 out the belief of which, that must soon die in the hearts and lives of men." The following is the testimony, borne by these excellent men, to the talents and piety of the author : " We cannot, therefore, but express our io) and thankfuLiess, that the great Head of the Church is pleased still to raise up, from among the children of his people, for the supply of his churches, those who assert and maintain these evangelical principles ; and that our churches, notwithstanding all their degeneracies, have still a high value for just principles, and for those who publicly own and teach them. And, as we cannot but \\ish and pray, that the Col- lege in the neighbouring colony, as well as our own, may be a fruitful mother of many such sons as the author ; so we heartily re- joice, in the special favour of Providence, in bestowing such a rich gift on the happy church of Northampton, which has, for so many lustres of years, flourished under the influence of such pious doc- trines, taught them in the excellent ministry of their late venerable pastor, whose gift and spirit we hope will long live and shine in his grandson, to the end that they may abound in all the lovely fruits of evangelical humihty and thankfulness, to the glory of God." The discourse itself, deserves this high commendation. It was the commencement of a series of efforts, on the part of the author, to illustrate the glory of God, as appearing in the greatest of all his works, the work of man's redemption. Rare indeed is the instance, in which a first publication is equally rich in condensed thought, or in new and elevated conceptions. The third child of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, also a daughter, was born, February 13th, 1732, and received the name of Esther, af- ter his Mother and Mrs. Stoddard. CHAPTER X. Remarkable Revival of Religion, in 1734, and '35. — Its Extent and Power. — JManner of treating Awakened Sinners. — Causes of its Decline, — Religious Controversy in Hampshire. — Death of his Sister Lucy. — Characteristics of Mrs. Edwards. — Re- mainder of Personal JVarrative. Early in 1732, the state of religion in Northampton, which had been for several years on the decline, began gradually, and per- ceptibly, to grow better ; and, an obvious check was given, to the open prevalence of disorder and licentiousness. Immoral practices, which had long been customary, were regarded as disgraceful, and extensively renounced. The young, who had been the chief abet- tors of these disorders, and on whom the means of grace had ex- erted no salutary influence, discovered more of a disposition to hearken to the counsels of their parents, and the admonitions of the Gospel, relinquished by degrees their more gross and public sins, and attended on the worship of tlie Sabbath more generally, and with greater decorum and seriousness of mind ; and, among the people as a body, there was a larger number than before, who manifested a personal interest in their own salvation. This desira- ble change in the congregation, became more and more percepti- ble, throughout that and the following year. At the latter end of 1733, there appeared a very unusual flexibleness, and a disposi- tion to yield to advice, in the young of both sexes ; on an occasion, too, and under circumstances, where it was wholly unexpected. It had long, and perhaps always, been the custom in Northampton, to devote the Sabbath evening, and the evening after the stated pub- lic lecture, to visiting and diversion. On a Sabbath preceding one of the public lectures, Mr. Edwards preached a sermon on the subject, explaining the mischievous consequences of this unhappy practice, exhorting the young to a reformation ; and calling on pa- rents and masters, universally, to come to an explicit agreement with one another, to govern their families in this respect, and on these evenings, to keep their children and servants at home. The following evening, it so happened that, among a considerable num- ber visiting at his house, there were individuals from every part of the town ; and he took that occasion, to propose to those who were present, that they should, in his name, request the heads of families in their respective neighbourhoods, to assemble tlie next LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 121 flay, and converse upon the subject, and agree, every one, to re- strain his own family. They did so. Such a meeting was accor- dingly held in each neighbourhood, and the proposal was univer- sally complied with. But, when they made known this agreement to dieir families, they found little or no restraint necessary ; for the young people, almost without exception, declared that they were convinced, by what they had heard from the desk, of the impropri- ety of the practice, and were ready cheerfully to relinquish it. From that time forward, it was given up, and there was an imme- diate and thorough reformation of those disorders and innnorahties which it had occasioned. This unexpected occurrence, tenderly affected and solemnized the minds of the people, and happily pre- pared them for events of still deeper interest. Just after this, there began to be an unusual concern on the sub- ject of religion, at a little hamlet called Pascommuck, consisting of a few farm houses, about three miles from the principal settlement; and a number of persons, at that place, appeared to be savingly converted. In the ensuing spring, the sudden and awful death of a young man, who became immediately delirious, and continued so until he died ; followed by that of a young married woman, who, after great mental sufrering,_ appeared to find peace with God, and died full of comfort, in a most earnest and affecting manner warn- ing and counselling others ; contibuted extensively, and powerful- ly, to solemnize the minds of the young, and to excite a deeper interest on the subject of religion, throughout the congregation. The fourth child and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, was born April 7th, 1734, and baptized by the name of Mary. In the autumn, Mr. Edwards recommended to the young peo- ple, on the day of each stated public lecture, to assemble in various parts of the town, and spend the evening in prayer, and the odier duties of social rehgion. This they readily did, and their exam- ple was followed, by those who were older. The solemnit}' of mind, which now began to pervade the church and congregation, and which was constantly increasing, had a visi- ble re-action on all the labours of Mr. Edwards, public as well as private; and it will not be easy to find discourses,in any language,more solemn, spiritual or powerful, than many of those which he now deliv- ered. One of these, from Matt. xvi. 17, entitled, " A Di\ine and Su- pernatural Light immediately imparted to the Soul by the Spirit of God, shown to be both a Scriptural and Rational doctrine," excited uncommon interest in the hearers, and, at their request, was now published. As an exhibition of religion, as existing within the soul, in one of its peculiar forms or aspects, it will be found, in the pe- rusal, remarkably adapted to enlighten, to refresh and to sanctify ; while the evidence of tlie reality of such a light, as derived both from the Scriptures and from Reason, will convince every unprejudiced mind. Vol. I. 16 |22 hlVK OF PRESIDENT EUWARDrf. At this time, a violent controversy, respecting Arminianism, pre- vailed extensively over that part of New- En gland, and the friends of vital piety in Northampton, regarded it as likely to have a most unhappy bearing on the interests of religion in that place ; but, contrary to their fears, it served to solemnize, rather than to excite animosity, and was powerfully overruled for the promotion of reli- gion. Mr. Edwards, well knowing that the points at issue had an immediate bearing on the great subject of Salvation, and that man- kind never can be so powerfully affected by any subject, as when their attention to it has been strongly excited; determined, in oppo- sition to die fears and the counsels of many of his friends, to ex- plain his own views to his people, from the desk. Accordingly, he preached a series of sermons, on the various points relating to the controversy, and among others, his well-known Discourses, on the great doctrine of Justification by Faith alone. For this, he was severely censured by numbers on the spot, as well as ridiculed by many elsewhere.* The event, however, proved that he had judg- ed wisely. In his discourses, he explained the scriptural conditions of salvation, and exposed the errors then prevalent with regard to them, with so much force of argument, and in a manner so solemn and practical, that it was attended with a signal blessing from hea- ven, on the people of his charge. Many, who had cheiished these errors, were convinced that they could be justified only by the right- eousness of Christ ; while others, who had not, were brought to feel, that they must be renewed by the Holy Spirit ; and the minds of both were led the more earnestly to seek that they might be ac- cepted of God. In the latter part of December, five or six indi- viduals appeared to be very suddenly and savingly converted, one after another ; and some of them, in a manner so remarkable, as to awaken and solemnize very great numbers, of all ages and con- ditions. The year 1735, opened on Northampton, in a most auspicious manner. A deep and solemn interest, in the great truths of reli- gion, had become universal in all parts of the town, and among all classes of people. This was the only subject of conversation, in eveiy company ; and almost the only business of the people, ap- *Among those, who opposed Mr. Edwards on this occasion, were several members of a family, in a neiglibouring town, nearly connected with his owr, and possessing, from its numbers, wealth and respectabilily, a considerable share of influence. Their religions sentiments differed widely from his, and their opposition to him, in the cour«e which he now pursued, became direct and violent. As his defence of his own opinions was regarded as triumphant, they appear to have felt, in some degree, the shame and mortification of a defeat ; and their opposition to Mr. Edwards, though he resorted to every hon- ourable method of conciliation, became, on their part, a settled pcnsonal hostil- ity. It is probable, that their advice to iVIr. Edwards, to refrain from the con- troversy, and particularly, not to pubKsh his sentiments with regard to it, was given somewhat categorically, and witli a full expectation that lie, young as he was, would comply with it. His refusal so to do, was an offence not to bo for- given. We !>hall have occasion to recur to this subject again. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 123 })eared to be, to secure their salvation. So extensive was the in- fluence of the Spirit of God, tliat there was scarcely an individual in the town, either old or young, wlio was left unconcerned about the great things of the eternal world. This was true of the gayest, of the most licentious, and of the most hostile to religion. And in the midst of this universal attention, the work of conversion was carried on in the most astonishing manner. Every day witnessed its triumphs ; and so great was the alteration in the appearance of the town, that in the spring and summer following, it appeared to be full of the presence of God. There was scarcely a house, which did not furnish the tokens of his presence, and scarcely a family which did not present the trophies of his grace. " The town," says Mr. Edwards, " was never so full of love, nor so full of joy, nor yet so full of distress, as it was then." Whenever he met the people in the sanctuary, he not only saw the house crowded, but every hearer earnest to receive the truth of God, and often the whole assembly dissolved in tears : some weeping for sorrow, others for joy, and others from compassion. In the months of March and April, when the work of God was carried on with the greatest power, he supposes the number, apparently of genuine conversions, to have been at least four a day, or nearly thirty a week, take one week mth another, for five or six weeks together. During the whiter and spring, many persons from the neighbour- ing towns, came to Northampton, to attend the stated lectures of JNIr. Edwards ; many others, on business, or on visits ; and many others, from a distance, having heard contradictory reports of the state of things, came to see and examine for themselves. Of these, great numbers had their consciences awakened, were savingly wrought upon, and went home rejoicing in the forgiving love of God. This appeared to be the means of spreading the same in- fluence in the adjacent towns, and in places more remote, so that no less than ten towns in the same county, and seventeen in the adjoining colony of Connecticut, within a short time, were favoured with Revivals of Religion. This was undoubtedly one of the most remarkable events of the kind, that has occurred since the Canon of the New Testament was finished. It was so on account of its universality : no class, nor age, nor description, was exempt. Upwards of fifty persons above forty years of age, and ten above ninety, near thirty between ten and fourteen, and one of four,* became, in die view of Mr. * Of the conversion of this child, whose name was Phebe Barllctt, a most minute and interesting account is given in the " Narrative of Surprizing Con- versions." Dr. Edwards, under date of March 30, 17iJ9, in a letter to Dr. Ry- land, says, "In answer to your enquiry, in a former letter, concerning Phebc Bartiett, I have to inform you, that she is yet living, and has uniformly maia- tained the character of a true convert." 124 LIFE OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. Edwards, the subjects of the renewmg grace of God. It was so on account of the unusual numbers, who appeared to become chris- tians : amounting to more than three hundred persons, in half a year, and about as many of them males as females. Previous to one sacrament, about one hundred were received to the commun- ion, and near sixty previous to another ; and the whole number of communicants, at one time, was about six hundred and twenty, in- cluding almost all the adult population of the town. It was so in its rapid progress, in its amazing power, in the depth of the con\ictions felt, and in the degree of light, of love, and of joy communicated ; as well as in its great extent, and in its swift propagation, from place to place. Early in the progress of this work of grace, Mr. Edwards seems to have decided for himself, the manner in which he was bound to treat awakened sinners : — to urge repentance on every such sinner, as his immediate duty ; to insist that God is under no manner of obligation to any unrenewed man ; and that a man can challenge nothing, either in absolute justice, or by free promise, on account of any thing he does before he repents and believes. He was fully convinced that if he had taught those, who came to consult him iu theit spiritual troubles, any other doctrines, he should have taken the most direct couise, to have utterly undone them. The dis- courses, which, beyond measure mere than any others which he preached, " had an immediate saving effect," were several from Rom. iii. 19, " That every mouth may he stopped,''^ — in v;hich he endeavoured to show that it would be just with God, forever to re- ject, and cast ofr, mere natural men. Though it had not been the custom, as we have already seen, for a long period at Northampton, to require of candidates for admission to the church, a credible relation of the evidences of their own conversion, because, if unconverted, they were supposed to have a right to the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, as a convert- ing ordinance ; yet Mr. Edwards supposed he had very " sufficient evidence" of the conversion of those who were now admitted. There can be but little doubt, however, that, if the rules of the church had required, in every case, a thorough examination of the candidate's piety, the period of probation would have been longer, the danger of a false profession more solem.nly realized, and the examination of each individual, by the pastor of the church, as well as by himself, far more strict; or that many, at first, regard- ed, both by themselves and others, as unquestionably christians, woidd not, at that time, have made a profession of religion. But unfortunately he had never fully examined the scriptural ground for admission to the Lord's Supper, and, like many others, had Taken it for granted, that Mr. Stoddard's views of the subject were just. Had he investigated it as thoroughly, at that important crisis, as he did afterwards, there can be but little doubt that, in the LITE OF PRESIDENT EKWARWS. 125 hie;}) state of j-eligious feeling then prevalent, the church would readily have changed its practice, or that all the candidates for admission, would have consented to a thorough examination. Had such indeed been the issue, ]\h\ Edwards himself would have been saved from many trials, and the church and people of Northamp- ton from great and incalculable evils: still it may well be doubted, whether the actual result has not occasioned a far greater amount of good, to the church at large. In the latter part of May, 1735, this great work of the Spirit of God, began obviously to decline, and the instances of conversion to be less numerous, both at Northampton and in the neighbouring villages. One principal cause of this declension, is undoubtedly to be found in the fact, that in all these places, both among minis- ters and private christians, the physical excitement had been greater, than the human constitution can, for a long period, endure. No- tliing, it should be remembered, exhausts the strength and the ani- mal spirits, like feeling. One hour of intense joy, or of intense sorrow, will more entirely prostrate the frame, than weeks of close study. In revivals of religion, as they have hitherto appeared, the nerves of the whole man — of body, mind and heart, — are kept con- tinually on the stretch, from month to month ; until at length they are relaxed, and become non-elastic : and then all feeling and energy, of every kind, is gone. Another reason is undoubtedly to be found in the fact, that those, who had so long witnessed this remarkable work of God, without renouncing their sins, had at length become hardened and hopeless, in their impenitence. Mr. Edwards also attributes it, in part, to two striking events of Provi- dence, at Northampton, and to two remarkable instances of enthu- siastic delusion, in two of the neighbouring villages. He mentions also, a third cause, and one far more powerful, and more extensive in its influence, than either of the two last. This was an Ecclesiastical Controversy, growing out of the settlement of a minister at Springfield, in which he himself was ultimately com- pelled, though with great reluctance, to take a part ; which agita- ted, not only the county of Hampshire, but the more remote churches of the Province. Of this, a bare mention v.ould alone be necessary, did we not find his connection with it referred to, at a subsequent and most interesting period of his life. In 1735, the first church in Springfield, having elected a pastor, invited the churches in the southern part of Hampshire, by their pastors and delegates in Council, to proceed to his ordination. The Council, when convened, after examining the qualifications of the Candidate, refused to ordain liim, and assigned two reasons for this refusal — youthful immorality, and anti-scriptural tenets. Mr. Edwards, though invited to this Council, for some reason or other, was not present. The Church, in August, called a second Coun- cil, consisting chiefly of ministers and delegates from the Churches 126 LIFE OF FllJCSlDENT EDWARDS. in Boston, vvhicli, without delay, proceeded to the ordination. Tlie First Council, finding their own measures tlius openly im- peached, published a pamphlet entitled, " A Narrative and De- fence of the proceedings of the ministers of Hampsliire," etc. jus- tifying their own conduct, and censuring that of their brethren. The Second Council defended themselves in a pamphlet entitled, " An Answer to the Hampshire Narrative." Mr. Edwards, at the request of the First Council, and particularly of his uncle, the Rev. Mr. Williams, of Hatfield, who was its moderator, wrote a Reply to this, entitled, " A Letter to the Author of the pamphlet called. An Answer to the Hampshire Narrative." — This Reply, viewed either as an argument upon the law and the facts, or as an answer to his opponents, is an exhibition of logic, not often met with in similar discussions, and appears to hav^e concluded the controversy. This series of events occurred, during the revival of religion in tlie churches of that county, and was thought, by too powerfully en- grossing the attention, both of ministers and people, in various places, to have hastened its conclusion. And there can be no doubt, that this opinion was correct. A Revival of Religion is no- thing but the immediate remit of an uncommon Attention, on the part of a church and congregation, to the Truth of God : — ^}3articu- larly to the great truths, which disclose the worth of the soul, and the only way in which it can be saved. Whenever, and wherever, the members of a church pay the due attention to these truths, by giving them their proper influence on their hearts, religion revives immediately in their affections and their conduct; and when the impenitent pay such attention, the kingdom of heaven immediately " sufFereth violence, and the violent take it by force." The only effectual way to put a stop to such a work of grace, is, therefore, io divert the attention of christians and sinners from those truths, which bear immediately on the work of salvation. In the latter part of the summer, Mr. and Mrs. Edwards were called to mourn the death of another of his sisters named Lucy, the youngest but one, of his father's children ; who was born in 1715, and died Augnst21, 1736,* at the age of 21. After her, they named their fifth child, who was born August 31, of the same year. It was a peculiarly favourable dispensation of Providence, that, amid the multiplied cares and labours of tliis period, the health of Mr. Edwards was graciously preserved. A renval of religion to a clergyman, like the period of harvest to the husbandman, is the most busy and the most exhausting of all seasons; and during the progress of that, which he had just witnessed, not only was the whole time of Mr. Edwards fully occupied, but all the powers of * I have discovered no papers or letters of the family, of a date near thjg; and no mention of this youn^ lady, except on her tombstone. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 12*7 his mind were laboriously employed, and all the feelings of his heart kept, from month to month, in high and powerful excitement. Li addition to his ordinary duties as a teacher and pastor, his pub- lic lectures were now multipHed, private lectures were weekly ap- pointed in different parts of the town, and his study was almost daily tlironged by multitudes, looking to him as their spiritual guide. From the adjacent villages, also, great numbers resorted to him, for the same purpose, having the highest confidence in his wisdom and experience; and numerous clergymen from various parts of the country, came to his house, to witness the triumphs of divine grace, and to gain, from his counsels and his measures, more just conceptions of the best manner of discharging the highest and most sacred duties of their office. i- In the midst of these complicated labours, as well as at all times, he found at home one, who was in every sense a help meet for him; one who made their common dwelling the abode of order and neatness, of peace and comfort, of harmony and love, to all its in- mntes, and of kindness and hospitality to the friend, the v^isitant and the sti'anger. " While she uniformly paid a becoming defer- ence to her husband, and treated him with entire respect, she spared no pains in conforming to his inclinations, and rendering every thing in the family agreeable and pleasant : accounting it her greatest glory, and that wherein she coidd best serve God and her generation, to be the means, in this way, of promoting his use- fulness and happiness. As he was of a weakly, infirm constitution, and was necessarily peculiarly exact in his diet, she was a tender nurse to him, cheerfully attending upon him at all times, and in all things ministering to his comfort. And no person of discernment could be conversant in the family, without observing, and admir- ing, the perfect harmony, and mutual love and esteem, that sub- sisted between them. At the same time, when she herself laboured under bodily disorders and pains, which was not unfrequently the case, instead of troubling those around her with her complaints, and wearing a sour or dejected countenance, as if out of humour with every body, and every thing around her, because she was dis- regarded and neglected ; she was accustomed to bear up under tliem, not only with patience, but with cheerfulness and good humour." Devoted as Mr. Edwards was to study, and to the duties of his profession, it was necessary for him at all times, but especially in a season like this, of multiplied toils and anxieties, to be relieved from attention to all secular concerns ; and it was a most happy circum- stance, that he coidd trust every thing of this nature to the care of Mrs. Edwards, with entire safety, and with undoubting confidence. " She was a most judicious and faithful mistress of a family, habit- ually industrious, a sound economist, managing her household af- fairs with diligence and discretion. She was conscientiously careful. 128 Lll^E Oi' PilESIBtNT EJ^WARDa, that nothing shonkl be wasted and lost ; and often, Avhen she her- self took care to save any thing of trifling value, or directed her children or others to do so, or when she saw them waste any thing, she would repeat the words of our Saviour — " that nothing be LOST ;" which words, she said she often thought of, as containing a maxim worth remembering, especially when considered as the rea- son alleged by Christ, why his disciples should gather up the frag- ments of that bread, which he had just before created vnth a word. She took almost the whole direction of the temporal affairs of the family, without doors and within, managing them with great wisdom and prudence, as well as cheerfulness ; and in this, was particular- ly suited to the disposition, as well as the habits and necessities, of her husband, who chose to have no care, if possible, of any world- ly business. But there are other duties, of a still more tender and difficult na- ture, which none but a parent can adequately perform ; and it was an unspeakable privilege to Mr. Edwards, now surrounded by a young and growing family, that when his duties to his people, es- pecially in seasons like this, necessarily occupied his whole atten- tion, he could safely commit his children to the wisdom and piety, the love and faithfulness, of their mother. Her -views of the re- sponsibility of parents, were large and comprehensive. "She thought that, as a parent, she had great and important duties to do towards her children, before tliey were capable of government and instruction. For them, she constantly and earnestly prayed, and bore them on her heart before God, in all her secret and most sol- emn addresses to him ; and that, even before they were born. The prospect of her becoming the mother of a rational immortal creature, which came into existence in an undone and infinitely dreadful state, was sufficient to lead her to bow before God daily, for his blessing on it — even redemption and eternal life by Jesus Christ. So that, tlirough all the pain, labour and sorrow, which attended her being the mother of children, she was in travail for them, that they might be born of God " She regularly prayed with her children, from a very early peri- od, and, as there is the best reason to believe, with great earnest- ness and importunity. Being thoroughly sensible that, in many respects, the chief care of forming children by government and in- struction, naturally Hes on mothers, as they are most whh their chil- dren, at an age when they commonly receive impressions tliat are permanent, and have great influence in forming the character for life, she was very careful to do her part in this important business. When she foresaw, or met with, any special difficulty in this matter, she was wont to apply to her husband, for advice and assistance ; and on such occasions, they would both attend to it, as a matter of the utmost importance. She had an excellent way of governing her children ; she knew how to make them regard and obey LIFE Oi* PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 139 her cheerfully, without loud angiy words, much less heavy blows. She seldoui punished them ; and in speaking to them, used gentle and pleasant words. If any correction was necessary, she did not administer it in a passion ; and when she had occasion to reprove and rebuke, she would do it in few words, without warmth and noise, and with all calmness and gentleness of mind. In her direc- tions and reproofs in matters of importance, she would address her- self to die reason ol her children, that they might not only know her inclination and will, but at the same time be convinced of the reasonableness of it. She had need to speak but once ; she was cheerfully obeyed : murmuring and answering again, were not known among them. In their manners, they were uncommonly respectful to their parents. When their parents came into the room, they ail rose instinctively from their seats, and never resum- ed them until their parents were seated ; and when either parent was speaking, no matter with whom they had been conversing, they were all immediately silent and attentive. The kind and gen- tle treatment diey received from their mother, while she strictly and punctiliously maintained her parental authority, seemed natu- rally to beget and promote a filial respect and afi^ection, and to lead them to a mild tender treatment of each other. Quarrelling and contention, which too frequently take place among children, were in her family wholly unknown. She carefully observed the first appearance of resentment and ill ^vill in her young children, towards any person whatever, and did not connive at it, as many who have die care of children do, but was careful to show her dis- pleasure, and suppress it to the utmost ; yet, not by angry, WTath- ful words, which often provoke children to wi-ath, and stir up their irascible passions, rather than abate them. Her system of disci- pline, was begun at a very early age, and it w^as her rule, to resist the first, as well as every subsequent exhibition of temper or diso- bedience in the child, however young, until its will uas brought into submission to the will of its pai'ents : wisely reflecting, that until a child will obey his parents, he can never be brought to obey God. Fond as Mr. Edwards was of welcoming the friend and the stranger, and much as his house was a favourite place of resort, to gendemen bodi of the clergy and laity ; it was absolutely necessa- ry, at all times, and peculiarly so in seasons of religious attention like this, that some one, well knowing how to perform the rites of hospitality, and to pay all the civilities and charities of life, should relieve him from these attentions, during those hours which were consecrated to his professional duties ; and here also, he could most advantageously avail himself of die assistance of Mrs. Ed- wards. Educated in the midst of polished life, familiar from childhood with the rules of decorum and good breeding, affable and easy in her manners, and governed by die feelings oi liberality and benevolence, she was remarkable for her kindness to her Vol. I. 17 130 LIFE or l'IlESIf)ENT JCDWARDS. friends, and to the visitants who resorted to IMr. Edwards ; sparing no pains to make them welcome, and to provide for their conven- ience and comfort. She was also peculiarly kind to strangers, who came to her house. By her sweet and winning manners, and read)" conversation, she soon became acquainted with them, and brought them to feel acquainted with herself; and showed such concern for their comfort, and so kindly offered what she thought they needed, that while her friendly attentions discovered at once that she knew the feelings of a stranger, they also made their way directly to his heart, and gaining his confidence, led him immedi- ately to feel as if he were at honie, in the midst of near and affec- tionate friends. " She made it her rule, to speak well of all, so far as she could with truth, and justice to herself and others. She was not wont to dwell with delight on the imperfections and failings of any ; and when she heard persons speaking ill of others, she would say what she thought she could, with truth and justice, in their excuse, or divert the obloquy, by mentioning those things, that were commend- able in them. Thus she was tender of every one's character, even of those who injured and spoke evil of her ; and carefully guard- ed against the too common vice, of e\dl speaking and backbiting. She could bear injui-ies and reproach, vvith great calmness, without any disposition to render evil for evdl ; but, on the contrary, was ready to pity and forgive those, who appeared to be her enemies." This course of conduct, steadily pursued, secured, in an unusual degree, the affection and confidence of those w^ho knew her. She proved also, an invaluable auxiliary to Mr. Edwards, in the duties of his profession, not only by her excellent example, but by her active efibrts in doing good. " She was," says Dr. Hopkins, " eminent for her piety, and for experimental religion. Religious conversaiion was her delight ; and, as far as propriety permitted, she promoted it in all companies. Her religious conversation show- ed at once, her clear comprehension of spiritual and divine things, and the deep impression Avhich they had made upon her mind." It \yas not merely conversation about religion — about its truths, or du- ties, or its actual state — its doctrines or triumphs — or the character and conduct of its friends and ministers : h was religion itself; — that supreme love to God, to his kingdom and his glory, which, abounding in the heart, flows forth six)ntaneously, in the daily con- versation and the daily life. The friends of vital Christianity, those who delighted in its great and essential truths, who showed its practical influence on their lives, and who were most engaged in promotmg its prosperity, were her chosen friends and intimates. With such persons, she would converse freely and confidentially, telling them of the exercises of her own heart, and the happiness she had experienced in a life of religion, for their encouragement in the christian course. Her LIFE OF PllESIDENT EDV/AllDS. 1 o.l iniiul appeared to attend to spiritual and divine things constantly, on all occasions, and in every condition and business of life. Se- cret prayer was her uniform practice, and appeared to be the source of daily enjoyment. She was a constant attendant on public wor- ship, and always exhibited the deepest solemnity and reverence, in the house of God, She always prized highly the privilege of so- cial worship, not only in the family, but in the private meetings of christians. Such meetings, on the part of females only, for prayer and religious conversation, have at times been objected to, as, both in their nature and results, inconsistent with the true delicacy of the sex. Her own judgment, formed deliberately, and in coinci- dence wath that of her husband, was in favour of these meetings ; and accordingly, she regularly encouraged and promoted them, during the Revival of Religion of which we have been speaking, as well as at other times ; attending on them herself, and not de- clining to take her proper share in the performance of their vari- ous duties. In this way, she exerted an important influence among her own sex, and over the young : an influence alwaj's salutary in promoting union, ardour and spiritual-mindedness, but especially powerful, in seasons of uncommon attention to religion. One circumstance, whjch served essentially to extend and in- crease this influence, was the fact, that her religion had nothing gloomy or forbidding in its character. Unusual as it was in de- gree, it was eminently the religion of joy. On the testimony of JMr. Edwards, it possessed this character, even when she was a lit- tle child of about five or six years of age, as well as customarily in after life. At the commencement of this remarkable work of grace, she appears to have dedicated herself anew to God, with more en- tire devotion of heart to his service and glory, than she had ever been conscious of before ; and during its piogress, as well as af- terwards, she experienced a degree of religious enjoyment, not previously known to herself, and not often vouchsafed to others. But on tliis subject, we may have occasion to speak more fully hereafter. What, during this interesting work of grace, was the state of JNfr. Edwards's own feelings on the subject of religion, must be gather- ed chiefly from his sermons written at the time, from the " Narra- tive of Surprising Conversions," and from that high character for moral excellence, which he enjoyed not only among his own peo- ple, but among the clergy. Yet the remainder of his Personal Narrative, extending from his settlement, until a date somewhat later than this, and of course including this period, presents a gen- eral view of the subject, in a high degree interesting, and most pro- per to be inserted here. REMAINDER OF PERSONAL NARRATIVE. " Since I came to Northampton, I have often had sweet com- placency in God, in views of his glorious perfections, and of the 1S2 LIFE aF PKKSIDKNT EDWARDS. excellency of Jesus Christ. God has appeared to me a glorious and lovely Being, chiefly on account of his holiness. The holi- ness 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 absolute dependence on the operations of God's Holy Spirit, have very often appeared to me as sweet and glorious doctrines. These doctrines have been much my delight. God's sovereignty has ever appeared to me, a great part of his glory. It has otten been my delight to approach God, and adore him as a sovereign God, and ask sovereign mercy of him. " I have loved tlie doctrines of the gospel ; they have been to my soul like green pastures. The gospel has seemed to me 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 appeared, in a general way, glorious and excellent, most pleas- ant and most beautiful. It has often seemed 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 delightful to me, Isa. xxxii, 2, A man shall be an hiding place from the ivind, and a covert from the tempest, ^c. " It has often appeared to me delightful, to be united to Christ ; to have him for my head, and to be a member of his body ; also to have Christ for my teacher and prophet. I very often think with sweetness, and longings, 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. Matt, xviii. 3, has often been sweet to me, Except ye he converted, and become as little children, fyc, 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 off entirely from my own root, in order 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, unfeigned confidence in him. That Scripture has often been sweet to me, Psal. cxv. 1, JVot unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, ayidfor thy truth'' s sake. And those words of Christ, Luke X. 21, In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prtident, and hast revealed them unto babes : even so, Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. That sovereignty of God, which Christ rejoiced in, seemed to me worthy of such joy ; and that rejoicing seemed to show the excellency of Christ, and of what spirit he was. ^' Sometimes, only mentioning a single word, caused 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, Qn account of the Trinity. It has made m.e have exalting thoughts LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 133- of God, that he subsists in three persons ; Father, Son, and Holv Ghost. The sweetest joys and delights I have experienced, have not been those that have arisen from a hope of my own good es- tate ; 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 ouii estate ; it seems, at such times, a loss that I cannot bear, to take ofl' my eye from the glorious, pleasant object I behold without me, to turn my eye in upon myself, and my o\mi 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 have expected, in my reading, to come to any such thing, I have rejoiced in the prospect, all the way as I read. And my mind has been much entertained and delighted with the scripture promises and prophecies, which relate to the future glorious ad- vancement of Christ's kingdom upon 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. His blood and atonement have appeared sweet, and his righteousness sweet ; which was always accompanied with ardency of spirit ; and inward strugglings and breathings, and groanings that cannot be uttered, to be emptied of myself, and swallowed up in Christ. " Once, as I rode out into the woods for my health, in 1737, having alighted from my horse in a retired place, as my manner commonly has been, to walk for di\'ine 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 wonder- ful, great, full, pure and sweet grace and love, and meek and gen- tle condescension. This grace that appeared so calm and sweet, appeared also great above the heavens. The person of Christ ap- peared 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 greater part of the time, in a flood of tears, and weeping aloud. I felt an ardency of soul to be, what I know not other\vase how to express, emptied and annihilated ; to lie in the dust, and to be full of Christ alone ; to love him \\ilh a holy and pure love ; to trust in him ; to live upon him ; to serve and follow him ; and to be perfectly sanctified and made pure, with a divine and heavenly purity. I have, several other times, had \aews very much of the same nature, and which have had the same effects. "I have, many times, had a sense of the glory of tlije Third Per- son in the Trinity, in his office of Sanctifier ; in his holy operations. l'64r ^ LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. communicating divine light and life to the soul. God in the com- munications of his holy spirit, has appeared as an infinite fountain of divine glory and sweetness ; being full and sufficient to fill and satisfy the soul; pouring forth itself in sweet communications ; like tlie sun in its glory, sweetly and pleasantly diffusing Ught and lile. And I have sometimes had an affecting sense of the excellency of the word of God as a word of life; as the light of life; a sweet, excellent, hfe-giving word ; accompanied with a thirsting after that word, that it might dwell richly in my heart. " Often, since I lived in this town, I have had very affecting views of my own sinfulness and vileness ; very frequently to such a degree, as to hold mo in a kind of loud w^eeping, sometimes for a considerable time together ; so that I have often been forced to shut myself up. I have had a vastly greater sense of my own wickedness, and the badness of my heait, than ever I had before my conversion.* It has often appeared to me, that if God should mark iniquity against me, I should appear the very worst of all mankind ; 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-con- cerns, have expressed the sense they have had of their own wick- edness, by saying, that it seemed to them, that they were as bad as the devil himself; I thought tlieir expressions seemed exceed- ing faint and feeble, to represent my wickedness. " My wickedness, as I am in myself, has long appeared to me perfectly ineffable, and swallowing up all thought and imagination ; Hke an infinite deluge, or 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. Very often, for these many years, these expressions are in my mind, and in my mouth, " Infinite upon infinite — Infinite upon in- finite !" When I look into my heart, and take a view" of my wick- edness, 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 Je- liovah, and the arm of his power and grace stretched forth in all the majesty of his power, and in all the glory of liis sovereignty, I * Our author does not say, that he had more wickedness, and badness of licart, since his conversion, tlian he had before ; but that he had a greater 5e?ise tliereof. Thus a blind man may have his garden full of noxious weeds, and yet not see or be seiisible of them. But should the garden be in great part, cleared of these, and furnished with many beautiful and salutary plants; and supposing liie owner now to have the power of discriminating objects of sight; in tliis case, lie would h^uve less, Init would see and have a sense of more. And thus it was that St. Palil, though greatly freed from sin, yet saio and fell him- self as "the chief of sinners." To which may bo added, that the better the organ, and clearer the light may be, the stronger will be tlic sense excited by sin or holiness. LIFE OF PRESIDF.XT EDV.ARDS. 135 should appear sunk down in my sins below hell itself; far beyond the sight of every thing, but the eye of sovereign grace, that can pierce even down to such a depth. And yet, it seems to me that my conviction of sin is exceedingly small, and famt; it is enough to amaze me, that I ha\'e no more sense of my sin. I know certain- ly, that I have very little sense of my sinfulness. When I have had turns of weeping and crying for my sins, I thought I knew at the time, 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, 1 cannot bear the thoughts of being no more humble than other christians. It seems to me, that though 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 longing to be " humbled to the dust ;" that may be a proper expression for them, but I always think of myself, tliat I ought, and it is an expression that has long been natural for me to use in prayer, " to lie infinitely low before God." And it is affecting to think, how ignorant I was, when a yovmg christian, of the bottomless, infinite depths of Anckedness, pride, hypocrisy and deceit, left in my heart. " I have a much greater sense of my universal, exceeding de- pendauce on God's grace and sti'cngth, and mere good pleasui'e, of late, than I used formerly to have ; and have experienced more of an abhorrence of my own righteousness. The very thought of any joy arising in me, on any consideration of my own amiableness, 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 puttuig forth its head continually, every where, all around me. " Though it seems to me, that in some respects, I was a far bet- ter christian, for two or three years after my first conversion, tlian 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 abso- lute sovereignty of God, and a delight in that sovereignty ; and have had more of a sense of the glory of Christ, as a Mediator re- vealed in the gospel. On one Saturday night, in particular, I had such a discovery of the excellency of the gospel above all other docti'ines, that I could not but say to myself, " This is my chosen light, my chosen doctrine : and pf Christ, " This is my chosen Prophet." It appeared sweet, beyond all expression, to follow Christ, and to be taught, and enlightened, and instructed by him ; to learn of him, and hve to him. Another Saturday night, {Jan. 1739) I had such a sense, how sweet and blessed a tiling 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 loud weeping, which held me 136 LIFE OF PRESIDENT E1>WAKDS-. some time, so that I was forced to shut myself up, and fasten tlie doors. I could not but, as it were, cry out, " How happy are they, who do that which is right in the sight of God ! They are bles- sed 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 according to his own plea- sure ; and I rejoiced in it, that God reigned, and that his will was done." CHAPTER XI. SVarrntive of Surprising Conversions. — His vietvs of Revivals of Religion. — Remarkable Providence at JS'orthampton . — " Five Discourses.'''' — Mr. Bellamy a resident of his family. — His- tory of Redemption. — Extra-Parochial labours of Mr. Ed- wards.— Sermon at Enfield. — Funeral Sermon on the Rev. TV. Williams. On the 30th of May, 1735, Mr. Edwards, in answer to a letter from the Rev. Dr. Colman, of Boston, wrote a succinct account of the work of Divine grace at Northampton ; which, heing puh- lished by him, and forwarded to the Rev. Dr. Watts and the Rev, Dr. Guyse, in London, tliose gentlemen discovered so much inte- rest in the facts recited, detailing them on several occasions before large assemblies, diat the author, at the request of his correspon- dent, was induced to prepare a inuch fuller statement, in a letter to the same gentleman, bearing date, Nov. 6, 1736. This was published in London, under the title of " Narrative of Surprising Conversions," with an Introduction by Dr. Watts and Dr. Guyse ; and was read very extensively, and uith very lively emotions, by christians in England. There, this mark of Di\ine grace was re- garded, not only with very deep interest, but with surprise and wonder: nothing like it, for its extent and power, having been wit- nessed, in that country, for many previous years. Those excel- lent men observe, " We are abundantly satisfied of the truth of this Narrative, not only from the character of the wiiter but from the concurrent testimony of many other persons in New England : for this thing was not done in a corner. There is a spot of ground, as we are here informed, wherein there are twelve or fourteen towns and villages, chiefly situate in the county of Hampshire, near the banks of the river Connecticut, within the compass of thirty miles, wherein it pleased God, t^vo years ago, to display his sove- reign mercy, in the conversion of a great multitude of souls, in a short space of time ; turning them from a formal, cold and careless, profession of Christianity, to the lively exercise of every christian grace, and the powerful practice of our holy religion. The great God has seemed to act over again, the miracle of Gideon's fleece, which was plentifully watered with the dew of heaven, while the rest of the earth round about it was dry, and had no such remarkr able blessing. Vol. I. ]8 "There has been a great and just complaint, for many years, among the ministers and churches of Old England, and in New, (except about the time of tlie late Earthquake there.) t\ at the work of conversion goes on very slowly, that the Spirit of God in his saving influences, is much withdrawn from the ministrations of his word ; and there are few that receive the ministrations of the Gos- pel, with any eminent success upon their hearts. But as the Gospel is the same divine instrument of grace, still, as ever it was in the days of the Apostles, so our ascended Saviour, now and then, takes a special occasion to manifest the divinity of this Gospel, by a plentiful efTusion of his Spirit, where it is preached : then sinners are turned into saints in numbers, and there is a new face of things spread over a town or country. The wilderness and the solitary places are glad, the desert rejoices and blossoms as the rose ; and surely, concerning this instance, we may add, that they have seen the glory of the Lord there, and the excellency of our God ; they have seen the outgoings of God our King in his sanctuary." This work was the first of a series of publications from Mr. Ed- Avards, intended to explain the nature and effects of saving conver- sion, and the nature of a genuine work of the Holy Spirit in a com- munity. As a religious Narrative, it is one of the most interesting I have hitherto met with ; having all that exactness of description and vividness of colouring, which attend the account of an eye wit- ness, when drawn up, not from recollection, but in the very pass- ing of the scenes which he describes. It proved a most useful and seasonable publication. For a long period, Reiivals of religion had been chiefly unknown, both in Great Britain and on tiie continent of Eui'ope. The Church at large, had generally ceased to expect events of this nature, regarding tl^icm as confined to Apostolic times, and to the ultimate tiiumphs of Christianity ; and appear to have entertained very imperfect views of their causes, their nature, and the manner in which they ought to be regarded. In no pre- vious publication, had these important subjects been adequately explained. The particular event, which Mr. Edwards had the privilege of recording, viewed as a remarkable work of Divine grace, has, to this day, scarcely a parallel in the modern annals of tire Church. His own views of these subjects, were alike removed from the apathy of unbelief, and the v.ildness of enthusiasm : they were derived, not merely from his familiarity with tlie facts, but from just conceptions of the intellectual and moral faculties of man, and from a tliorough knowledge of the uord of God. And while the Narrative of Surprising Conversions served to inspire tlie Church at large with a new and higher kind of faith, and hope and zeal, it also proved a safe directory of their views and their con- duct. In a short time it was extensively circulated, both in Eng- land and Scotland ; and in the latter country, as we shall soon have I.IFE OF PIlKfilDnNT EDWAIIDS. 139 ©ccasion to remark, its diffusion was speedily followed by salutar}' and important consequences. It may not be improper to insert in this place, the following let- ter of Mr. Edwards, giving an account of a surprising and alarming providence, which attended the people of Northampton, in the early part of 1737. yA " JVorthampton, March 19, 1737. "We in this town were, the last Lord's day, (IMarch 13tli) the spectators, and many of us the subjects, of one of the most ama- zing instances of Divine preservation, that perhaps was ever known in the world. Our meeting-house is old and decayed, so that we hav^e been for some time building a new one, which is yet unfinished. It has been observed of late, that die house we have hitherto met in, has gradually spread at the bottom ; the sills and walls gi^'ing • way, especially in die foreside, by reason of the ^^eight of timber at top pressing on the braces, that are inserted into the posts and beams of the house. It has done so more than ordinarily this spring: which seems to have been occasioned by the heaving of the ground, through the extreme frosts of the v/inter past, and its now setthng again on diat side wh.ich is next the sun, by the spring thaws. By this means, the underpinning has been considerably disordered, which people were not sensible of, till the ends of the joists, which bore up the front gallery, were drawn off from die girts on which they rested, by the walls giving way. So diat in the midst of the public exercise in the forenoon, soon after the be- ginning of the sermon, the whole gallery — full of people, with all the seats and timbers, suddenly and without any warning — sunk, and fell down, with the most amazing noise, upon the heads of diose that sat under, to the astonishment of the congregation. The house was filled with dolorous shrieking and crjnng ; and nodiing else was expected than to find many people dead, or dashed to pieces. " The gallery, in falling, seemed to break and sink first in the middle ; so that those who were upon it were thrown togedier in heaps before the front door. But the v.'hole was so sudden, diat many of those who fell, knew nodiing what it was, at the time, that had befldlen them. Others in the congregation, thought it had been an amazing clap of thunder. The falling gallery seemed to be broken all to pieces, before it got down ; so that some who fell widi it, as well as those who were under, were buried in the ruins ; and were found pressed under heavy loads of timber, and coidd do nothing to help themselves. " But so mysteriously and wonderfully did it come to pass, that every life was preserved ; and diough many were greatly bruised, and their flesh torn, vet there is not, as I can understand, one bon« 140 r.iFi: OF pkksident ei>vvari>s. broken, or so much as put out of joint, among them all. Some, who were thought to be almost dead at first, are greatly recovered ; and but one young woman, seems yet to remain in dangerous cir- cumstances, by an inward hurt in her breast : but of late there ap- pears more hope of her recovery. " None can give an account, or conceive, by what means peo- ple's lives and limbs should be thus preserved, when so great a multitude were thus imminently exposed. It looked as though it was impossible, but that great numbers must instantly be crushed to death, or dashed in pieces. It seems unreasonable to ascribe it to any thing else but the care of Providence, in disposing the motions of every piece of timber, and the precise place of safety where every one should sit and fall, when none were in any capacity to care for their own preservation. The preservation seems to be most wonderful, with respect to the women and children in the middle alley, under the gallery where it came down first, and witli greatest force, and where there was nothing to break the force of the falling weight. " Such an event, may be a sufficient argument of a Divine pro- vidence over the lives of men. We thought ourselves called on to set apart a day to be spent in the solemn worship of God, to hum- ble ourselves under such a rebuke of God upon us, in time of pub- lic service in his house, by so dangerous and surprising an accident ; and to praise his name for so wonderful, and as it were miraculous, a preservation. The last Wednesday was kept by us to that end-5 and a mercy, in which tlie hand of God is so remarkably evident, may be well wortliy to affect the hearts of all who hear it." Li 1738, the Narrative of Surprising Conversions was republish- ed in Boston, with a Preface by four of the senior ministers of that town. To it were prefixed five discourses, on the following subjects : I. Justification by Faith alone. Rom. iv. 5. II. Pressing into the kingdom of God. Luke x\'i. 16. III. Ruth's Resolution. Ruth i. IG. IV. The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners. Rom. iii. 19. V. The Excellency of Jesus Chi-ist. Rev. v. 5, 6. The first four of these discourses, were delivered during the Re- vival of Religion, and were published at the earnest desire of those to whom they were preached. In fixing on the particular dis- courses, necessary to make up the volume, he was guided by the choice of the people. " What has determined them in this choice," he observes, " is the experience of special benefit to their souls from these discourses. Their desire to have them in their hands, from the press, has been long manifested, and often expressed to LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 14i tne ; their earnestness in it is evident from this, that though it be a year to them of the greatest charge that ever has been, by reason of the expense of building a new meeting house, yet they chose rather to be at this additional expense now, though it be very con- siderable, than to have it delayed another year." In publishing the discourse on Justification, he was also influenced by the urgent request of several clergymen, who were present when a part of it was delivered, and whose opinion and advice he thought deserving of great respect. This discourse, though when first written of a much less size than as it is printed, was preached at two successive public lectures, in the latter part of 1734. It was at a time, when tlie minds of the people, in aU that section of coun- try, were very much agitated by a controversy on that very subject ; when some were brought to doubt of that way of acceptance with God, which they had been taught from their infancy, was the only way; and when many were engaged in looking more thoroughly into the grounds of those doctrines, in which they had been educa- ted ; that this discourse seemed to be remarkably blessed, not only in establishing the judgments of men in this truth, but in engaging their hearts in a more earnest pursuit of justification, by faith in the righteousness of Christ. '•'■At that time" says the author, "while I was greatly reproached for defending this doctrine in the pulpit^ and just upon my suffering a very open abuse for it, God's work wonderfully broke forth among us, and souls began to flock to Christ, as the Saviour in whose righteousness alone they hoped to be justified. So that this was the doctrine, on which this work, in its beginning, was founded, as it evidently was in the whole pro- gress of it." He regarded these facts as a remarkable testimony of God's approbation of the doctrine of justification by faith alone. This discourse, which is really a Treatise of more than one hundred closely printed pages, exhibited the subject in a hght so new, clear and convincing, and so effectually removed the difficulties with which, till then, it was supposed to be attended, tliat on its first pub- lication it met a very welcome reception, and from that time to the present has been regarded as the common Text-book of students in Theology. It would not be easy to find another treatise on tlie same subject, equally able and conclusive. There are individuals, who, having received their theological views from the straitest sect of a given class of theologians, regard the Sermon on " Pressing into the kingdom of God," as inconsis- tent with those principles of Moral Agency, which are established in the Treatise on the Freedom of the Will ; and charitably impute the error to the imperfect views of the Author, at this period. While a member of college, however, Mr. Edwards, in investiga- ting the subject of Power, as he was reading the Essay of Locke, came to the settled conclusion, that men have, in the physical sense, the power of repenting and turning to God. A farther examination 142 LIFE OF PRESIDENT ElJWAKUS. might perhaps evince, that the points in question are less consis- tent with some peculiar views of Theology, of a more modern date, than with any, logically deducible from the Treatise on the Will. The Sermon itself, like the rest, has uncommon ardour, unction and solemnity, and was one of the most useful which he delivered. The Sermon on the Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners, in the language of the Text, literally stops the mouth of every reader, and compels him, as he stands before his Judge, to admit, if he does not feel, the justice of his sentence. I know not where to find, in any language, a discourse so well adapted to strip the impenitent sinner of every excuse, to convince him of his guilt, and to bring him low before the justice and holiness of God. Accord- ing to the estimate of Mr. Edwards, it was far the most pow- erful and eftectual of his discourses; and we scarcely know of any other sermon which has been favoured with equal success. The Sermon on the Excellency of Christ, was selected by Mr. Edwards himself, partly because he had been importuned to pub- lish it by individuals in another town, in whose hearing it was occa- sionally preached ; and partly because he thought that a discourse on such an evangelical subject, would properly follow others that were chiefly awakening, and that something of the excellency of the Saviour was proper to succeed those things, that were to show the necessity of salvation. No one who reads it will hesitate to believe, that it was most happily selected. I have met with no sermon hitherto, so admirably adapted to the circumstances of a sinner, when, on the commencement of his repentance, he renounc- es every other object of trust, but the righteousness of Christ. Taking the whole volume, as thus printed : the Narrative and the Five Discourses : we suppose it to have been one of the most ef- fectual, in promoting the work of salvation, which has hitherto issu- ed from the press. The sixth child, and eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards was born July 25, 1738, and after his father was baptized by the name of Timothy. About this period, Mr. Joseph Bellamy, afterwards the Rev. Dr. Bellamy of Bethlem Connecticut, w^ent to Northampton to pursue his theological studies under Mr. Edwards, and resided for a con- siderable period in his family. The very high respect, which he cherished for the eminent talents and piety of Mr. Edwards, and which drew him to Northampton, was reciprocated by the latter ; and a friendship commenced between them, which terminated only with life.* In the beginning of March, 1739, Mr. Edwards commenced a series of Sermons from Isaiah li. 8, " For the moth shall eat them * Mr. Bellamy was settled at Bethlem in the spring of ] 740, in the midst of a general attention to religion, on the part of the people of that place. MFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS* H3 Up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool ; hut my righteousness shall be forever, and my salvation from generation to generationy The eight first were dehvered during that month, the eight next in the two following months, and the whole series, thirty in all, was completed hefore the close of August. After ex- plaining tlie text, he derives from it the following doctrine. " The VVork of Redemption is a work, which God carries on from the fall of man to the end of the world." The suhject w^as one in which Mr. Edwards felt the deepest interest ; but he appears never to have repeated the Series of Discourses to his people. What his ultimate intentions were, we may learn, however, from the follow- ing extract of a letter, written by him many years afterv\ards : " 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 Histo- ry of the Work of Redemption, a Body of Divinity in an entire new method, being thrown into the form of a History, considering the aflair 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 tlie grand design of all God's de- signs, and the summum and ultimum of all God's operations and decrees, particularly considering all parts of tlie grand scheme in their historical order : — The order of their existence, or their be- ing brought forth to view, in the course of divine dispensations, or the wonderful series of successive acts and events ; beginning from eternity and descending from thence to the great work and succes- sive dispensations of the infinitely wise God in time, considering the chief events coming to pass in the church of God, and revolu- tions in the world of mankind, affecting the state of the church and the affair of redemption, which we have an account of in history or prophecy, till at last we come to the general resurrection, last judg- ment and consummation of all things when it shall be said, It is done, I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End: con- cluding my work, with the consideration of tliat perfect state of things, which shall be finally settled to last for eternity. — This his- tory will be carried on with regard to all three worlds, — heaven, earth and hell ; considering the connected, successive events, and alterations in each, so far as the scriptures give any light ; intro- tlucing all parts of divnnity 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 doctrine will ap- pear to the greatest advantage, in the brightest light, in the most striking manner, showing the admirable contexture and harmony of the whole." From this it is obvious, that he long cherished the intention of re-writing and enlarging the work, and of turning it into a regular 144 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Treatise ; but this design he never accomplished. We shall have occasion to allude to this work hereafter. The sixth daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, was born June 24, 1 740, and named Susannah. The circumstances, which caused the remarkable attention to religion, which began in 1734, to decline, were chiefly local in their nature, and limited in their influence, either to Northampton,. or to the County of Hampshire. The consequence was, that it continued to exist, in various sections of the country to the East, the South and the West, during the five following years. By the astonishing work of grace at Northampton, an impulse had been given to the churches of this whole western world, which could not soon be lost. The history of that event, having been exten- sively circulated, had produced a general conviction in the minds of christians, that the preaching of the gospel might be attended by effects, not less surprising, than those which followed it in Apos- tolic times. This conviction produced an important change in the views, and conduct, both of ministers and churches. The style of preaching was altered : it became, extensively, more direct and pungent, and more adapted to awaken the feelings and convince the conscience. The prayers of good men, both in public and private, indicated more intense desires for the prevalence of reli- gion, and a stronger expectation that the word of God would be attended with an immediate blessing. As the natural result of such a change, revivals of religion were witnessed in numerous villages in New-Jersey, Connecticut and the eastern parts of New- England ; and, even where this was not the case, Religion was so extensively and unusually the object of attention, during the period specified, that the church at large seemed preparing for events of a more interesting nature, than any that had yet been witnessed. In consequence of the high reputation, which Mr. Edwards had acquired as a powerful and successful preacher, and as a safe and wise counsellor to the anxious and enquiring, he received frequent invitations from churches, near and more remote, to come and la- bour among them for a little period ; and with the consent of his people, (his own pulpit always being supplied,) he often went forth ©n tfiese missionary tours, and found an ample reward in the abun- dant success which crowned his labours. In this, his example was soon followed by several distinguished clergymen in Connecti- cut and New-Jersey. In one of these excursions, he spent some little time at Enfield in Connecticut, where he preached, on the 8th of July, 1741, the well known sermon, entitled, Sinners in THE HANDS OF AN ANGRY GoD, from Dcut. xxxii. 35; which was LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 145 the cause of an immediate and general Revival of religion through- out the place. It was soon afterwards published. On the 2d of September following, he preached the Sermon, entitled, " The Sorrows of the bereaved spread before Jesus," at the funeral of his uncle, tlie Rev. William Williams of Hatfield, a gentleman highly respected for his sound understanding, piety, and faithfulness as a minister. This sermon was immediately af- terwards published. Vol. I. rd CHAPTER XII. Commencement of a second Great Revival of Religion, in the Spring and Summer of 1740. — Visit of Mr. Whitefield at JVorthampton. — Impulses. — Judging of the Religious Character of others. — Letter to Mr. Wheelock. — Great effects of a Private Lecture of Mr. E. — Letter to his Daughter. — Letter to a young Lady in Connecticut. — Lay Preaching. — Letter of Rev. G. Tennent. — Sermon at JYew-Haven. — Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God. — Prefaces by Mr. Cooper and Mr. Williso7i. — Mr. Samuel Hopkins. While Mr. Edwards was thus occasionally serving his Divine Master abroad, he found, also, that his labours at home began to be attended with similar success. A great reformation in morals, as well as religion, had been the consequence of the preceding Revival of religion. Associations for prayer and social religion, had been regularly kept up, and a few instances of awakening and conversion had all along been known, even at the season of the greatest stupidity. In the Spring of 1740, there was a perceptible alteration for the better; and the influence of the Spirit of God was most obvious on the minds of the people, particularly on those of the young, in causing greater seriousness and solemnity, and in prompting them to make religion far more generally the subject of conversation. Improprieties of conduct, too often allowed, were more generally avoided ; greater numbers resorted to Mr. Edwards to converse w^ith him respecting their salvation ; and, in particular individuals, there appeared satisfactory evidence of an entire change of character. This state of things continued through tlie summer and autumn. On the evening of Thursday, the 16th of October, 1740, Mr. Whitefield came to Northampton to see Mr. Edwards, and to con- verse with him respecting the work of God in 1735, and remained there until the morning of the 20th. In this interval, he preached five sermons, adapted to the circiunstances of the town, reproving the backslidings of some, the obstinate impenitence of others, and summoning all, by the mercies with which the town had been dis- tinguished, to return to God. His visit was followed by an awaken- ing among professors of religion, and soon afterwards by a deep concern among the young, and there were some instances of hope- ful conversion. This increased during the winter ; and in the spring of 1741 Religion became the object of general attention. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 147 On Monday, Mr. Edwards, with tlie Rev. Mr. Hopkins of West Springfield, his brother-in-law, and several other gentlemen, ac- companied Mr. Whitefield on the east side of the river as far as East Windsor, to the house of his father, the Rev. Timothy Ed- wards. While they were thus together, he took an opportunity to converse uith Mr. Whitefield alone, at some length, on the subject of Impulses, and assigned the reasons which he had to think, that lie gave too much heed to such things. Mr. Whitefield received it kindly, but did not seem inclined to have much conversation on the subject, and in the time of it, did not appear convinced by any thing which he heard. He also took occasion, in the presence of others, to converse with Mr. Whitefield at some length, about his too customary practice o{ judging other persons to he unconverted ; examined the scriptural warrant for such judgments, and expres- sed his own decided disapprobation of the practice. Mr. White- field, at the same time, mentioned to Mr. Edwards his design of bringing over a number of young men from England, into New- Jersey and Pennsylvania, to be ordained by the two Mr. Tennents. Their whole interview was an exceedingly kind and affectionate one ; yei Mr. Edw^ards supposed, that Mr. Whitefield regarded iiim somewhat less, as an intimate and confidential friend, than he would have done, liad he not opposed him in two favourite points of his own practice, for which no one can be at a loss to perceive, thui he could find no scriptural justification. Each however re- garded the other, with great affection and esteem, as a highly fa- voured servant of God ; and Mr. Edwards, as we shall soon see, speaks of Mr. Whitefield's visit to Northampton, in terms of tlie warmest approbation. In the month of May, a private Lecture of Mr. Edwards's was attended with very powerful effects on the audience, and ultimate- ly upon the young of both sexes, and on children, throughout the town ; and during the summer, and the early part of the autumn, there was a glorious progress in the work of God on the hearts of sinners, in conviction and conversion, and great numbers appeared to become the real disciples of Christ. Among the clergy, who at this period occasionally left their own congregations, and went forth as lal3ourers into the common field to gather in the harvest, one ot those, who were most distinguished for their activity and success, was the Rev. Mr. Wheelock, of Leb- anon, afterwards the President of DartmouUi College. In the follow- ing letter from Mr. Edwards to this gentleman, he urges him to visit Scantic, a feeble settlement in the northern part of his fadier's parish : the inhabitants of which were too remote to attend public worship regularly at East-Windsor, and yet too few and feeble to maintain it themselves. 148 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " Northampton, June 9, 1741. " Rev. and dear Sir, " The special occasion of my now wi'iting to you, is a desire I have of two things ; one is, that you and your brother Pomeroy would go to Scantic, in my father's parish, and preach there, as of- ten as the people will be willing to hear you, and continue so doing, as long as the concerns of your own parishes will allow of your being absent. You know the wretched circumstances of that society ; and, if ever they are healed, I believe it must be by a reviving and prevailing of ti'ue religion among them. By all that I can understand, they are wholly dead, in this extraordinary day of God's gracious visitation. You have lately been so remarkably blessed elsewhere, that I cannot but hope you would have success there also. I have written to my father, to inform him, that I have desired this of you. " Another thing that I desire of you is, that you would come up hitlier and help us, both you and Mr. Pomeroy. There has been a reviving of religion among us of late : but your labours have been much more remarkably blessed than mine. Otlier ministers, I have heard, have shut up their pulpits against you ; but here I engage '"'^you shall find one open. May God send you hither, with the like blessing as he has sent you to some other places ; and may your coming be a means to humble me, for my barrenness and unprofit- ableness, and a means of my instruction and enlivening. I want an opportunity to concert measures with you, for the advancement of the kingdom and glory of our Redeemer. Please to communi- cate what I write to Mr. Pomeroy, and give my semce to him. I desire the prayers of you both, that God will give me more of that holy spirit, and happy success, with which you are replenished. " I am Dear Sir, your unworthy brother and fellow labourer, Jonathan Edwards." As very few of Mr. Edwards's letters to his own family are preserved, it is proper to give those few to the reader, even when they are not otherwise interesting, in order to exhibit his true cha- racter, as an affectionate and faithful christian father. The fol- lowing was addressed to his eldest daughter, in her thirteenth year, while residing with her aunt, Mrs. Huntington, at Lebanon. " To Miss Sarah Edwards, Lebanon. ^* Northampton, June 25th, 1741. " My DEAR Child, " Your mother lias received iw'o letters from you, since you went away. We rejoice to hear of your welfare, and of the flourishing state of religion in Lebanon. I hope you will well improve the great LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 14§ advantage, God is thereby putting into your hands, for the good of your own soul. You have very weak and infirm health, and I am alraid are always like to have ; and it may be, are not to be long- lived ; and while you do live, are not like to enjoy so much of the comforts of this life, as others do, by reason of your want of he; ith: and therefore, if you have no better portion, will be miserable in- deed. But, if your soul prospers, you will be a happy, blessed person, whatever becomes of your body. I wish you much ol die presence of Christ, and of communion with him, and that you might live so as to give him honour, in the place where you are, by an amiable behnviour towards all. " Your mother would have you go on with your work, if you can, and she would be glad if your aunt would set you to work somediing of hers, though you do but litde in a day. She would have }'ou send word by Mr. Wlieelock, who I suppose will come up th.e next week, or the week after, whether you are well enough to make lace : if you are, she will send you a lace and bobbins. " The flourishing of religion in this town, and in these parts of the country, has rather increased since you went away. Your mother joins with me in giving her love to you, and to your uncle and aunt. Your sisters give their love to you, and their duty to them. The whole family is glad, when we hear from you. Re- commending you to the continual care and mercy of heaven, 1 rc- mam your loving father, Jonathan Edwards." Some time in the course of tlie year, a young lady, residing at S . in Connecticut, who had lately made a public profession of rel'ion, requested Mr. Edwards to give her some advice, as to the best manner of maintaining a religious life. In reply, he ad- dressed to her the following letter ; which will be found eminently useful, to all persons just entering on the christian course. Letter addressed to a Young Lady at S , Conn, in the year 1741. " , " My dear young friend, As you desired me to send you, in writing, some directions how 10 conduct yourself in your christian course, I would now answer your request. The sweet remembrance of the great things 1 have lately seen at S , inclines me to do an\' thing in my power, to contribute to the spiritual joy and prosperity of God's people there. 1. I would advise you to keep up as great a strife and earnest- ness in religion, as if you knew yourself to be in a state of nature, and were seeking conversion. We advise persons under coiuic- tion, to be earnest and violent for the kingdom of Heaven ; but when diey have attained to conversion, they ought not to be the less watchfid, laborious, and earnest, in the \a hole work of religion, 150 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. but the more so ; for they are under infinitely greater obligations. For want of this, many persons, in a few months after their con- version, have begun to lose their sweet and lively sense of spiritual things, and to grow cold and dark, and have " pierced themselves through with many sorrows ;" whereas, if they had done as the Apostle did, (Phil. iii. 12 — 14,) their path would have been " as tlie shining light, that shines more and more unto the perfect day." 2. Do not leave off seeking, striving, and praying for the very same things that we exhort unconverted persons to strive for, and a degree of which you have had already in conversion. Pray that your eyes may be opened, that you may receive sight, that you may know yourself, and be brought to God's footstool, and that you inay see tlie glory of God and Christ, and may be raised from the dead, and have the love of Christ shed abroad in your heart. Those who have most of these things, have need still to pray for them ; for there is so much blindness and hardness, pride and death remaining, that they still need to have that work of God wrought upon them, further to enlighten and enliven them, that shall be bringing them out of darkness into God's marvellous light, and be a kind of new conversion and resurrection from the dead. There are very few requests that are proper for an impenitent man, that are not also, in some sense, proper for the godly. 3. When you hear a sermon, hear for yourself. Though what is spoken may be more especially directed to the unconverted, or to those that, in other respects, are in different circumstances from yourself; yet, let the chief intent of your mind be to consider, "In what respect is this applicable to me ? and what improvement ought I to make of this, for my own soul's good ?" 4. Though God has forgiven and forgotten your past sins, yet do not forget them yourself: often remember, what a wTetched bond-slave you Avere in tlie land of Egypt. Often bring to mind your particular acts of sin before conversion ; as the blessed Apos- tle Paul is often mentioning his old blaspheming, persecuting spirit, and his injuriousness to the renewed ; humbling his heart, and ac- knowledging that he was " the least of the Apostles," and not w^or- thy " to be called an apostle," and the "least of all saints," and the " chief of sinners ;" and be often confessing your old sins to God, and let that text be often in your mind, (Ezek. xvi. 63,) " that thou niayest remember and be confo'.mded, and never open thy mouth any more, because of thy shame, when I am pacified toward thee for all that thou hast done, saith the Lord God." 5. Remember, that you have more cause, on some accounts, a thousand times, to lament and humble yourself for sins that have been committed since conversion, than before, because of the infi- nitely greater obligations that are upon you to live to God, and to fook upon the faithfulness of Clii'ist, in unchangeably conthiuing his LirE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 15J loving-kindness, notwitlistanding all your great unworthiness since your conversion. G. Be always greatly abased for your remaining sin, and never think that you lie low enough for it ; but yet be not discouraged or disheartened by it ; for, though we are exceeding sinful, yet we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous ; the preciousness of whose blood, the merit of whose righteousness, and the greatness of whose love and faithfulness, infinitely overtop the highest mountains of our sins. 7. When you engage in the duty of ):>rayer, or come to the Lord's Supper, or attend any other duty of Divine worship, come to Christ as Mary Magdalen* did; (Luke \Tii. 37, 38;) come, and castyourself athisfeet, and kiss them, and pour forth upon him the sweet perfumed ointment of Divine love, out of a pure and broken heart, as she poured the precious ointment out of her pure broken alabaster box. 8. Remember, that pride is the worst viper that is in the heart, the greatest disturber of the soul's peace, and of sweet communion with Christ : it was the first sin committed, and lies lowest in the foundation of Satan's whole building, and is with the greatest diffi- culty rooted out, and is the most hidden, secret, and deceitful of all lusts, and often creeps insensibly into the midst of religion ; even, sometimes, under the disguise of humility itself. 9. That you may pass a correct judgment concerning yourself, always look upon those as the best discoveries, and the best com- forts, that have most of these two effects : those that make you least and lowest, and most like a child ; and those that most engage and fix your heart, in a full and firm disposition to deny yourself for God, and to spend and be spent for him. 10. If at any time you fall into doubts about the state of your soul, in dark and dull frames of mind, it is proper to review your past experience ; but do not consume too much time and strength in this way : rather apply yourself, with all your might, to an earn- est pursuit after renewed experience, new light, and new lively acts of faith and love. One new discovery of the Glory of Christ's face, will do more toward scattering clouds of darkness in one minute, than examining old experience, by the best marks that can be given, through a whole year. H. When the exercise of grace is low, and corruption prevails, and by that means fear prevails ; do not desire to have fear cast out any other way, than by the re\i\-ing and prevailing of love in the heart : by tliis, fear will be effectually expelled, as darkness in a room vanishes away, when the pleasant beams of the sun are lot into it. *This is a very common mistake. The woman here mentioned was not Ma- ry Maffdalcn. 152 LIFE OF PKESIDENT EDWAHDS. 12. When you counsel and warn others, doit earnestly, and af-* fectionately, and thoroughly ; and when you are speaking to your equals, let your warnings be intermixed with expressions of your sense of your own unwortliiiiess, and of the sovereign grace that makes you differ. 13. If you would set up rehgious meetings of young women by yourselves, to be attended once in a while, besides the other meet- ings tiiat you attend, I should think it would be very proper and prolitable. 14. Under special difficulties, or when in great need of, or great longings after, any particular mercy, for yourself or others, set apart a duy for secret prayer and fasting by yourself alone ; and let the day be spent, not only in petitions for the mercies you desire, but in searching your heart, and in looking over your past hfe, and con- fessing your sins before God, not as is wont to be done in public prayer, but by a very particular rehearsal, before God, of the sins of your past life, from your childhood hitherto, before and after conversion, with the circumstances and aggravations attending them^ spreading all the abominations of your heart, very particularly, and fully as possible, before him. 15. Do not let the adversaries of the cross have occasion to re- proach religion on your account. How holily should the children of God, the redeemed and the beloved of the Son of God, behave themselves. Therefore, " walk as children of the Ught, and of the day," and " adorn the doctrine of God your Saviour ;" and espe- cially, abound in what are called the Christian virtues, and make you like the Lamb of God : be meek and lowly of heart, and full of pure, heavenly and humble, love to all; abound in deeds of love to others, and self-denial for others ; and let there be in you a dis- position to account others better than yourself. 16. In all your course, walk with God, and follow Christ, as a little, poor, helpless child, taking hold of Christ's hand, keeping your eye on the marks of the wounds in his hands and side, whence came the blood that cleanses you from sin, and hiding your naked- ness under the skirt of the white shining robes of his righteousness. 17. Pray much for the Ministers and the Church of God ; espe- cially, that he would carry on his glorious work which he has now begun, till the world shall be full of his glory." About this period, a considerable number of lay members of the church began, in various parts of New England, to hold religious meetings, and to preach and exhort in the manner of clergymen. They were usually men of worth, and desirous of doing good ; but ha- ving much zeal, and little knowledge, and often but little discretion, the church, at that period, had certainly very little reason to re- joice in their labours. The following letter of the Rev. Gilbert LIKE OF PRESIDENT EltWAHDS. 153 Tennent, written probably in ihc antunin of 1741, explains his own views on this subject.* "Rev. and dear Sir, "I rejoice to hear that my poor labours have been of any service to any in New England. All glory be to the great and glorious God, when out of the mouths of babes and sucklings, he is pleased sometimes to ordain praise. I rejoice to hear of the progress of God's work among you, this last summer, and that there are any appearances of its continuance : Blessed be God, dear Brother ! As to the subject you mention, of laymen being sent out to exhort and to teach, supposing them to be real converts, I cannot but think, if it be encouraged and continued, it will be of dreadful conse- quence to tlie church's peace and soundness in the faith. I vdll not gainsay but that private persons maybe of ser\ace to the church of God by private, humble, fraternal reproof, and exhortations; and no doubt it is their duty to be faithful in these things. But in the mean time if christian prudence and humihty do not attend their essays, they are hke to be prejudicial to the church's real well-being. But for ignorant young converts to take upon them authoritatively to instruct and exhort publicly, tends to introduce the greatest errors and the grossest anarchy and confusion. The ministers of Christ should be apt to teach and able to comdnce gainsayers, and it is dangerous to the pure church of God, when those are novices, whose lips should preserve knowledge. It is base presumption, whatever zeal be pretended to, notwithstanding, for any persons to take this honour to tliemselves, unless they be called of God as Aaron. I know most young zealots are apt, through ignorance, inconsideration and pride of heart, to undertake what they have no proper qualifications for : and, through their imprudences and en- thusiasm, the church of God suffers. I think all that fear God, should rise up and crush the enthusiastic creature in the egg. Dear Brother, the times we live in are dangerous. The Churches in America and elsewhere are in great hazard of enthusiasm : we have need to think of the maxim, principiis ohsta. INlay Zion's Iving protect his Church ! I add no more, but love, and beg a re- membrance in your prayers. " Gilbert Tennent," In the September following, INIr. Edwards attended the public commencement at New Haven, and on the 10th of that month preached his celebrated Sermon entitled, "Distinguishing Marks * The superscription and dale are gone from the MS. but hiivinir Mr. Ed- ward's hand-writing on the baclt, I suppose the letter to have been written to him. Vol. I. 20 154 I>IFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. of a Work of the Spirit of God," which, in consequence of a gene- ral request from the clergy, and other gentlemen attending the commencement, was published soon after, at Boston, accompanied with a Preface from the Rev. Mr. Cooper ; and in Scotland the ensuing year, with a Preface from the Rev. Mr. Willison. This Sermon, by exhibiting the distinguishing marks between an imagi- nary, and a real, work of the Spirit of God, and by applying those marks to the work of grace then begun, and rapidly spreading throughout the Northern and Middle Colonies, became an unan- swerable defence, not only of that, but of all genuine Revivals ol religion. It was indeed the object of immediate and reiterated attacks from the press ; but, being built on the foundation of the Apostles and the Prophets, it stands sure, while those attacks, and their authors are forgotten. It exhibits the scriptural evidences of a genuine Revival of religion, in much the same manner, as his subsequent Treatise on Religious Affections, does those of a genu- ine Conversion. Mr. Cooper thus introduces it to the christians of New England : " If any are disposed to receive conviction, have a mind open to light, and are really willing to know of the present Work, whether it be of God ; it is with great satisfaction and pleasure I can re- commend to them the following sheets, in which they uill find the " distinguishing marks" of such a Work, as they are to be found in the Holy Scriptures, applied to the uncommon operation that has been on the minds of many in this land. Here the matter is tried by the infallible touchstone of the Holy Scriptures, and is weighed in the balance of the Sanctuary with great judgment and impar- tiality. " A performance of tliis kind is seasonable and necessary ; and I desire heartily to bless God, who inclined this, his servant, to un- dertake it, and has greatly assisted him in it. The Reverend Au- thor is known to be " a scribe instructed unto the kingdom of hea- ven ;" the place where he has been called to exercise his ministry, has been famous for experimental rehgion ; and he has had oppor- tunities to observe tliis work in many places where it has powerful- ly appeared, and to converse with numbers that have been the sub- jects of it. These things qualify him for this undertaking, above most. His arguments in favour of the Work, are strongly drawn from Scripture, Reason and Experience : And I shall believe every candid, judicious reader will say, he wTites very free from an en- thusiastic or a party spirit. The use of human learning is asserted ; a methodical way of preaching, the fruit of study as well as prayer, is recommended ; and the exercise of charity, in judging others, pressed and urged: And those things, which are esteemed the blemishes, and are like to be the hindrances, of the work, are witli great faithfulness cautioned and warned against. — Many, I believe, I.IFE OK PllESlDENT EDWARDS. 155 will be thankful for this publication. Those, who have already entertained favourable thoughts of this work, \vill be confirmed by it; and the doubting maybe convinced and satisfied. But if there be any, after all, who cannot see the signatures of a divine hand on the work, it is to be hoped they will be prevailed on to spare their censures, and stop their oppositions, lest " haply they should be found to fight against God." — I will only add my prayer. That the worthy Author of this discourse, may long be continued a burning and a shining light, in the golden candlestick where Christ has ])laced him, and from thence diflxise his light throughout these Pro- vinces ! That the Divine Spirit, whose cause is here espoused, would accompany this, and the other valuable publications of his servant, with his powerful influences ; that they may promote the Redeemer's interests, serve the ends of vital religion, and so add to the Author's present joy and future crown !" The following is the testimony of the Rev. Mr. Willison, to the churches of Scotland. " The eiTsuing Treatise, by the Rev. Mr. Edwards, of Northampton, in New England, concerning the work and operation of the Holy Spirit on men's consciences, is, in my humble opinion, a most excellent, solid, judicious and scriptural, performance ; w^hich, I hope through the Divine blessing, ^\^1I prove most useful to the Clmrch, for discerning a true and real work of the Spirit of God, and for guarding against delusions and iiiistakes. It is certainly a great mercy to the church, that tliis subject hath been undertaken and handled by such an experienced, well furnished scribe, that hath been long acquainted with the Spirit of God's dealings w ith the souls of men, in his o^^^l congre- gation, and the country where he lives. And seeing the extraor- dinary work diere at present, though several thousand miles distant from Scotland, is of the same kind \\ith that at Cambuslang and otlier places about, and meets with tlie same opposition; the Author doth, with great judgment, answer the common objections which are made against the work, botli here and there, so that scarce any thing further needs be added. He warns people very warmly, against opposing or reproaching the work of the Holy Spirit. He being the Third Person of the glorious Trinity, and God equal with the Father and the Son, and the great applier of the redemption purchased for us ; it becomes all men highly to hononr him and his work, and to look upon it as highly dangerous to speak a word against him, according to Matt. xii. 32. — 1 shall add no more but my fervent prayers to God, to bless both the Author and his dis- course, and that he would pour out his Spirit yet more abundantly, both on America and all the British dominions ; and that he would hasten the glory of the latter days, when die Jews shall be brought in with the fulness of the Gentiles, and that all the kingdoms of 156 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. the world may become the kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ, that he may reign forever and ever ! Amen and Amen." It was during this visit to New-Haven, that ]\Ir. Hopldns,* then about to receive the degree of A, B. at Yale College, first saw Mr. Edwards. He soon after became his pupil, and continued his in- timate friend through life, and was ultimately his biographer. The impression made on his mind, may be gathered from the following account of the subject, in the Memoirs of his own life. " When I heard Mr. Tennent," [the Rev. Gilbert Tennent, who had preached often at New-Haven in the preceding March,] " I thought he was the greatest and best man, and the best preacher, that I had ever seen or heard. His words were to me, " like apples of gold in pictures of silver." And I thought that, when I should leave the College, as I was then in my last year, I would go and live with him, wherever I should find him. But just before the Com- mencement in September, when I was to take my degree, on the seventeenth day of wliich month I was twenty years old, Mr. Ed- wards, of Northampton, came to New-Haven, and preached. He then preached the Sermon on The Trial of the (SpmVs, which was afterwards printed. I had before read his Sermons on Justifica- tion, etc., and his Narrative of Remarkable Conversions at North- ampton, which took place about seven years before this. Though I then did not obtain any personal acquaintance with him, any far- ther than by hearing him preach : yet I conceived such an esteem of him, and was so pleased with his preaching, that I altered my former determination with respect to Mr. Tennent, and concluded to go and live with Mr. Edwards, as soon as I should have oppor- tunity, though he lived about eighty miles from my father's house." * Afterwards the Rev, Samuel Hopkins, D. D. of Newport, author of the System of Divinity. CHAPTER XIII. Temporary Abatement of Religious Attention. — Letter to Mr. BeJlamy. — Missionary Tour. — Success at Liecester. — Mr. Hopkins becomes a member of his family. — Mr. BueWs suc- cessful labours at JVorthampton. — Mr. Edwards's JVarrative of the Revival at A"orthampton, in 1740, '41, '42. — Cove- nant entered into by the Church. For about three months, or from November to January, there was an obvious abatement in the attention to Rehgion at Northamp- ton ; and ahhough there were instances of conversion from time to time through the winter, yet they were less frequent than before. Mr. Edwards alkides to this fact, in the following letter to Mr. Bellamy, of Bethlem. '^ JVorthampton, Jan. 21, 1742. " Rev. and dear Sir, " I received yours of Jan. 11, for which I thank you. Religion, in this and tlie neighbouring towns, has now of late been on the decaying hand. I desire your prayers, tliat God would quicken and revive us again ; and particularly, that he would greatly hum- ble, and pardon, and quicken me, and fill me with his own fulness ; and, if it may consist with his will, improve me as an instrument to revive his work. There has been, the year past, the most wonder- ful work among children here, by far, that ever was. God has seemed almost wholly to take a new generation, that are come on since the late great work, seven years ago. — Neither earth nor hell can hinder his work, that is going on in the country. Christ glori- ously triumphs at this day. You have probably before now, heard of the great and wonderful things that have lately been wrought at Portsmoutli, the chief town in New-Hampshire. There are also appearing great things at Ipsv\ach and Newbury, the two largest towns in this province, except Boston, and several other towns be- yond Boston, and some towns nearer. By what I can understand, the work of God is greater at this day in the land, than it has been at any time. O what cause have we, with exulting hearts, to agree to give glory to him, who thus rides forth in the chariot of his sal- vation, conquering and to conquer ; and earnestly to pray, that now the Sun of Righteousness would come forth like a bridegroom, re- joicing as a giant, to run his race from one end of the heavens to the other, that nothing may be hid from the light and heat thereof. 158 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " It is not probable that I shall be able to attend your meeting at Guilford. I have lately been so much gone from my people, and don't know but I must be obliged to leave 'em again next week about a fortnight, being called to Liecester, a town about half way to Boston, where a great work of grace has lately commenced ; and probably soon after that to another place ; and having at this time some extraordinary affairs to attend to at home. I pray that Christ, our good Shepherd, will be with you, and direct you, and greatly strengthen and bless you. " Dear Sir, I have none of those books you speak of, to sell. I have only a few, that I intend to send to some of my friends. I have already sent you one of my New-Haven Sermons, by Mr. . Nevertheless, I have herewith sent anotlier, which I desire you to give to Mr. Mills, if he has none ; but if he has, dispose of it where you think it will do most good. I have also sent one of those Sermons I preached at Enfield ; as to the otlier, I have but one of them in the world. " I am, dear Sir, your affectionate and unworthy brother, and fellow labourer, Jonathan Edwards." The absence from his people, alluded to in the preceding letter, occurred in consequence of a missionary tour of some length, in the two preceding months ; during which he visited various places, to which he had been invited, in consequence of an unusual atten- tion to religion there, among the people. His own congregation, readily admitting that, at such a time, there was a louder call for his services in those places, than in Northampton, consented, in the true spirit of christian benevolence, that he should listen to these calls of Providence, and go forth into other fields of labour. In so doing, they soon found a fulfilment of the promise, tliat he, who watereth, shall be watered himself. On Monday the 25th of Janu- ary, Mr. Edwards set out for Liecester, and remained there seve- ral weeks, preaching with remarkable success. The revival of re- ligion almost immediately pervaded the whole congregation, and great numbers were believed to be the subjects of hopeful conver- sion. On Wednesday, January 27th, Mr. Buell, a class mate of Mr. Hopkins, who, though he left College in the September pre- ceding, had already been preaching some time, and had gained tlie reputation of an uncommonly engaged and animated preacher, came to Northampton, to preach during the absence of Mr. Ed- wards. Immediately the work of grace, w^hich had for a season declined, was again carried on with even greater power than be- fore. A high degree of religious feeling was excited in the church ; a solemn, anxious attention to the salvation of the soul, was wit- nessed extensively among the congregation ; and, soon after the LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 155 return of Mr. Edwards, tlie work of conviction and conversion again went forward, with renewed success. Mr. Hopkins alludes to these events, in his own Narrative. " In the month of December," he observes, " being furnished with a horse, I set out for Northampton, with a ^iew to live with 3h\ Ed- wards, w'here I was an utter stranger. When I arrived there, Mr. Edwards was not at home ; but I was received with great kindness by Mrs. Edwards and the family, and had encouragement that I might live there during the winter. IMr. Edwards was absent on a preacliing tour, as people in general w^ere greatly attentive to reli- gion and preaching, wiiich was attended with remarkable effects, in the conviction and supposed conversion of multitudes. I was very gloomy, and was most of the time retired in my chamber. After some days, Mrs. Edwards came into my chamber, and said, " As I was now become a member of the family for a season, she felt herself interested in my welfare; and, as she observed that I ap- peared gloomy and dejected, she hoped I would not think she in- truded, by her desiring to know, and asking me what was the occa- sion of it, or to that purpose. I told her the freedom she used was agreeable to me ; that the occasion of the appearance which she mentioned, was the state in which I considered myself. I was in a christless, graceless state, and had been under a degree of convic- tion and concern for myself, for a number of months ; had got no relief, and my case, instead of growing better, appeared to grow worse. Upon which we entered into a free conversation ; and on the whole she told me, that she had peculiar exercises in prayer respecting me, since I had been in the family ; that she trusted I should receive light and comfort, and doubted not that God intend- ed yet to do great things by me. " Religion was now at a lower ebb at Northampton, than it had been of late, and than it appeared to be in the neighbouring to\ms, and in New England in general. In the month of January, Ah-. Buell, my class-mate, came to Northampton, having commenced a zeal- ous preacher of the gospel ; and was the means of greatly reviving the people to zeal in religion. He preached every day, and some- times twice a day, publicly, Mr. Edwards being out of town, preach- ing in distant towns. Professing christians appeared greatly revi- ved and comforted ; and a number were under conviction ; and I think there were some hopeful new converts. After ]Mr. Buell had been in Northampton a week or two, he set out on a tour to- wards Boston."* Having thus alluded to the religious state of Northampton at this * Mr. Hopkins continued to pursue his studies with Mr. Edwards, until the next autumn, and again for a short period in the spring, after which he was settled at Housatonnucki then a part of Stockbridge, now called Great Barring- ton. 100 LIFE OF PREHIDENT EDWARDS. period, so far as was necessary to exhibit the order and connexion of events ; we now proceed to give Mr. Edwards' own account of tlie Revival of Religion in that town, in 1740, 41 and 42, as communicated in a letter to a clergyman of Boston. '' JVorthampton, Dec. 12, 1743, " Rev and dear Sir, " Ever since the great work of God, that was v\a'0ught here about ' nine years ago, there has been a great and abiding alteration in this town, in many respects. There has been vastly more religion kept up in the town, among all sorts of persons, in religious exercises, and in common conversation ; there has been a great alteration among the youth of the town, with respect to revelry, frolicking, profane and licentious conversation, and lewd songs; and there has also been a great alteration, amongst both old and young, with regard to tavern-haunting. I suppose the town has been in no measure, so free of vice in these respects, for any long time together for sixty years, as it has been these nine years past. There has also been an evident alteration, with respect to a charitable spirit to the poor : though I think with regard to this, we in this town, as well as the land in general, come far short of gospel rules. And though after that great w6rk nine years ago, there has been a very lamentable decay of religious affections, and the engagedness of people's spirit in religion ; yet many societies for prayer and social worship, were all along kept up, and there were some few instances of awakening, and deep concern about the things of another world, even in the most dead time. "In the year 1740, in the spring, before Mr. Whitefield came to this town, there was a visible alteration: there was more seri- ousness and religious conversation ; especially among young peo- ple : those things that were of ill tendency among them, were fore- borne ; and it was a very frequent thing for persons to consult tlieir^ minister upon the salvation of their souls ; and in some particular persons, tliere appeared a great attention, about that time. And thus it continued, until Mr. Whitefield came to town, which was about the middle of October following : he preached here four ser- mons in the meeting-house, (besides a private lecture at my house,) one on Friday, another on Saturday, and two upon the Sabbatli. The congregation was extraordinarily melted by every sermon ; almost the whole assembly being in tears for a great part of sermon time. Mr. Whitefield's sermons were suitable to the circumstances of the town; containing a just reproof of our backslidings, and in a most moving and affecting manner, making use of our great pro- fessions, and great mercies, as arguments with us to return to God, from whom we had departed. Immediately after this, the minds t.lFE OF PR1^S1T)ENT I:D^VARU3. iGl* of the people in gennral ajipeared more engaged in religion, shew- ing a greater forwardness to make religion the suhject of their con- versation, and to meet frequently for religions pui-poses, and to em- brace all opportunities to hear the word preached. The revival at first, appeared chiefly among professors, and those that had enter- tained hope that they were in a state of salvation, to whom jMr. VVhitefield chiefly addressed liimself; but in a very short time, there appeared an awakening and deep concern among some young persons, that looked upon themselves in a christless state ; and there were some hopeful appearances of conversion, and some pro- fessors were greatly rcAived. In about a month or six weeks, there was a great attention in the town, both as to the revival of profes- sors and the awakening of others. By the middle of December, a considerable work of God appeared among those that were verv young ; and the revival of religion continued to increase, so that in tlie spring an engagedness of spirit, about the things of religion, was become very general amongst young people and children, and religious subjects almost v.holly took up their conversation, when they were together. " In the month of May, 1741, a sermon was preached to a com- pany, at a private house : Near the conclusion of the discourse, one or two persons, that were professors, were so greatly affected with a sense of the greatness and glory of divine things, and the infinite importance of the things of eternity, that they were not able to conceal it — the afTection of their minds overcoming their strength, and having a very visible effect upon their bodies. When the exercises were over, the young people that w^ere present, re- moved into the other room for religious conference ; and particu- larly that they might have opportunity to enquire of those, that were thus affected, what apprehensions they had : and what things they were, that thus deeply impressed their minds ; and there soon ap- peared a very great effect of their conversation ; the affection was quickly propagated throughout the room ; many of the young people and children, that were professors, appeared to be overcome with a sense of the greatness and glory of divine things, and with admiration, love, joy, and praise, and compassion to others, that looked upon themselves as in a state of nature ; and many others at the same time were overcome with distress, about their sinful and miserable estate and condition ; so that the whole room was full of nothing but outcries, faintings, and the like. Others soon heard of it in several parts of the tovvn, and came to them; and what they saw and heard there, was greatly affecting to them, so that many of them were overpowered in like manner, and it continued thus for some hours; the time being spent in prayer, singing, counselling and conferring. There seemed to be a consequent happy effect of that meeting, to several particular persons, and on the state of religion in the town in general. After this, vvere meetings from Vol. I. 21 1G2 L.1FE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS, time to time, attended with like appearances. But a litde after it, at the CMiclusion of the public exercises on the Sabbath, I appointed the children that were under seventeen years of age, to go from the meeting-house to a neighbouring house, that I might there further enforce what they had heard in public, and might give in some counsels proper for their age. The children were tliere very gene- ralty and greatly affected with the warnings and counsels that were given them, and many exceedingly overcome ; and the room was filled with cries ; and when they were dismissed, they almost all of them went home crying aloud through the streets, to all parts of the town. The like apjaearances attended several such meetings of children, that were appointed. But their affections appeared by what followed, to be of a very different nature : in many, they ap- peared indeed but childish affections, and in a day or two would leave them as they were before : others were deeply impressed ; their convictions took fast hold of tbem, and abode by them : and tliere were some that, from one meeting to another, seemed extra- ordinarily affected for some time, to but little purpose, their affec- tions presently vanishing from time to time ; but yet afterwards, were seized with abiding convictions, and their affections became durable. " About the middle of the summer, I called together the young people that were communicants, from sixteen to twenty-six years of age, to my house ; which proved to be a most happy meeting : many seemed to be very greatly and most agreeably affected with those views, which excited humility, self-condemnation, self-abhor- rence, love and joy : many fainted under these affections. We had several meetings that summer, of young people, attended with like appearances. It was about that time, that there first began to be cryings out in the meeting house ; which several times occasion- ed many of the congregation to stay in the house after the public exercises were over, to confer with those who seemed to be over- come with religious convictions and affections, which was found to tend much to the propagation of their impressions, witli lasting ef- fect upon many ; conference being, at these times, commonly join- ed with prayer and singing. In the summer and autumn, the chil- dren in various parts of the town, had religious meetings by them- selves, for prayer, sometimes joined with fasting ; wherein many of them seemed to be greatly and properly affected, and I hope some of them savingly wrought upon. "The months of August and September, were tlie most remarkable of any this year, for appearances of the conviction and conversion of sinners, and great revivings, quickenings, and comfoi-ts of profes- sors, and for extraordinary external effects of these thmgs. It was a very frei^juent thing, to see an house full of out-cries, faintings^ convulsions, and such like, both with distress, and also with admira- tion and joy. It was not the manner lierCj to hold meetings all LIFE OF 1>RES1DENT EDWARDS. 163 night, as in some places, nor was it common to continue them till rery late in the night : but it was pretty often so, that there were some that were so affected, and their bodies so overcome, that they could not go home, but were obliged to stay all night where tliey were. There was no difference, that I know of here, with regard to these extraordinary effects, in meetings in tlie night and in the day time : the meetings in which these effects appeared in the eve- ning, being commonly begun, and their extraordinary effects, in the day, and continued in the evening ; and some meetings have been very remarkable for such extraordinary effects, that were both be- gun and finished in the day time. There was an appearance of a glorious progress of tlie work of God upon the hearts of sinners, in conviction and conversion, this summer and autumn, and great num- bers, I think we have reason to hope, were brought savingly home to Christ. But this was remarkable : the work of God in his in- fluences of this nature, seemed to be almost wholly upon a new generation — those that were not come to years of discretion in that wonderful season, nine yeai-s ago, children, or those that were tlien children : Others, who had enjoyed that former glorious opportu- nity, without any appearance of saving benefit, seemed now to be almost wholly passed over and let alone. But now we had the most wonderful work among children, that ever was in Northamp- ton. The former outpouring of the Spirit, was remarkable for in- fluences upon the minds of children, beyond all that had ever been before ; but this far exceeded that. Indeed, as to mfluences on (he minds of professors, this work w^as by no means confined to a new generation. IVIany, of all ages, partook of it : but yet in tliis respect, it was more general on those that were of the young sort. INfany, who had been formerly WTought upon, and in the time of our declension had fallen into decays, and had in a great measure left God, and gone after the world, now passed under a very re- markable new work of the Spirit of God, as if they had been the subjects of a second conversion. They were first led into the wil- derness, and had a work of conviction ; having much deeper convic- tions of the sins of both nature and practice, tlian ever before ; though with some new circumstances, and something new in the kind of conviction in some, uith great distress, beyond what they had felt before their first conversion. Under these convictions, ihey were excited to strive for salvation, and the kingdom of heav- en suffered violence from some of them, in a far more remarkable manner than before ; and after great convictions and humblings, and agonizing witli God, they had Christ discovered to tliem anew, as an all sufficient Saviour, and in tlie glories of his grace, and in a far more clear manner than before; and with greater humility, self-emptiness and brokenness of heart, and a purer, a liigher joy, and greater desires after holiness of hfe ; but with greater self-dif- fidence and distrust of their treacherous hearts. One circumstance, 164 Lli'l^ OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. wliercin liiis vvoik difFeied liom thai, which had been in the town?» five or six years before, was, that conversions were frequently wrought more sensibly and visibly ; the impressions stronger, and more manifest by their external effects ; the progress of the Spirit of God in conviction, from step to step, more apparent ; and the transition from one state to another, more sensible and plain ; so that it might, in many instances, be as it were seen by by-standers. The preceding season had been very remarkable on this account, beyond what had been before ; but this more remarkable than that. And in this season, these apparent or visible conversions, (if I may so call them,) were more frequently in the presence of others, at religious meetings, where the appearances of what was wrought on the heart, fell under public observation. "After September, 1741, there seemed to be some abatement of tliese extraordinary appearances, yet they did not wholly cease, but there was something of them from time to time, all winter. About the beginning of February, 1742, Mr. Buell came to this town. I was then absent from home, and continued so till about a fortnight after. Mr. Buell preached from day to day, ahnost eve- ry day, in the meeting house. — I had left to him the free use of my pulpit, having heard of his designed visit, before I went from home. He spent almost the wdiole time in religious exercises with the peo- ple, either in public or private, the people continually thronging him. When he first came, there came with him a number of the zealous people from Suffield, who continued here for some time. There were very extraordinary effects of Mr. Buell's labours ; the people were exceedingly moved, crying out in great numbers in the meeting house, and a great part of the congregation commonly staying in the house of God, for hours after the public service. Many also, were exceedingly moved in private meetings, where Mr. Buell w'as : almost the whole town seemed to be in a great and continual commotion, day and night, and there was indeed a very great revival of religion. But it was principally among professors ; the appearances of a work of conversion were in no measure as great, as they had been the summer before. When I came home, I found the town in very extraordinary circumstances, such as, in some respects, I never saw it in before. Mr. Buell continued here a fortnight or three weeks after I returned : there being still great appearances attending his labours ; many in their religious affec- tions being raised, far beyond what they had ever been before : and there were some mstances of persons lying in a sort of trance, remaining perhaps for a whole twenty-four hours motionless, and with their senses locked up ; but in the mean time under strong imaginations, as though they went to heaven, and had there a vision of glorious and delightful objects. But when the people were rais- ed to this height, Satan took the advantage, and his interposition, in many instances, soon became very apparent : and a great deal of LIFE OK PllESlDENT EDWAUOS. 165 caution and pains were found necessary, lo keep tlie people, many of diem, from running wild. " In the mondi of March, I led the people into a solemn public renewal of their covenant with God. To that end, having made a draft of a covenant, 1 first proposed it lo some of the principal men in the church ; then to die people, in their several religious associ- ations in various parts of the town ; dien to the whole congregation in public ; and then, I deposited a copy of it in die hands of each of the four deacons, diat all who desired it might resort to them, and hav^e opportunity to view and consider it. Then die people in general, that were above fourteen years of age, first subscribed die covenant with dieir hands ; and then, on a day of fasUng and prayer, all togedier presented diemselves before the Lord in his house, and stood up, and solemnly manifested their consent to it, as their vow to God. The covenant was as follows ; " COPY OF A COVENANT, " Entered into and subscribed, by the people of God at Nordi- ampton, and owned before God in his house as their vow to die Lord, and made a solemn act of public worship, by the congrega- tion in general that were above fourteen years of age, on a day of fasdng and proyer for the continuance and increase of die gracious presence of God in that place. " March 16th, 1742. Acknowledging God's great goodness to us, a sinful, unworthy people, in the blessed manifestations, and fruits of Ills gracious presence in this town, both formerly and late- ly, and particularly in the very late spiritual Revival ; and adoring die glorious Majesty, Power and Grace of God, manifested in the present wonderful outpouring of his Spirit, in many parts of this land, in this place ; and lamenting our past backslidings and r.n~ grateful depaitings from God, and humbly begging of God that he would not mark our iniquities, but for Christ's sake, come over the mountains of our sins, and visit us with His salvation, and continue die tokens of his presence with us, and yet more gloriously pour out his blessed Spirit upon us, and make us all partakers of the divine blessings, he is, at this day, bestowing here, and in many parts of diis land ; we do this day present ourselves before the Lord, to renounce our evil ways, we put away our abominadons from before God's eyes, and with one accord, to renew our en- gagements to seek and serve God : and particularly do now so- lemnly promise and vow to the Lord as follows : — " In all our conversation, concerns and dealings with our neigh- bour, we will have a strict regard to rules of honesty, justice and uprightness, diat we dont overreach or defraud our neighbour in any matter, and either wilfully, or through want of care, injure him in any of his honest possessions or rights, and in all our communi- cation, will have a tender respect, not only to our own interest, 166 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. but also to the interest of our neighbour ; and will carefully en- deavour, in every thing, to do to others as we should expect, or think reasonable, that they should do to us, if we were in their case, and they in ours. " And particularly we will endeavour to render every one his due, and will take heed to ourselves, tliat we dont injure our neigh- bour, and give him just cause of offence, by wilfully or negligently forbearing to pay our honest debts. " And wherein any of us, upon strict examination of our past behaviour, may be conscious to ourselves, that we have by any means WTonged any of our neighbours in their outward estate, we will not rest, till we have made that restitution, or given that satis- faction, which the rules of moral equity require ; or if we are, on a strict and impartial search, conscious to ourselves, that we have in any other respect, considerably injured our neighbour, we will truly endeavour to do that, which we in our consciences, suppose christian rules require, in order to a reparation of the injury, and removing the offence given thereby. *' And furthermore we promise, that we will not allow ourselves in backbiting ; and that we will take great heed to ourselves to avoid all violations of those christian rules. Tit. iii. 2, Speak evil of no man; Jam. iv. 11, Speak not evil one of another, brethren; and 2 Cor. xii. 20, Let there he no strifes, backbitings, whisperings; and that we will not only not slander our neighbour, but also will not feed a spirit of bitterness, ill will, or secret grudge against our neighbour, insist on his real faults needlessly, and when not called to it, or from such a spirit, speak of his failings and blemishes with ridicule, or an air of contempt. " And we promise, that we will be very careful to avoid doing any thing to our neighbour from a spirit of revenge. And that we will take great care that we do not, for private interest or our own honour, or to maintain ourselves against those of a contrary party, or to get our wills, or to promote any design in opposition to others, do those things which we, on the most impartial consideration are capable of, can think in our consciences, will tend to wound reli- gion, and the interests of Christ's kingdom. " And particularly, that so far as any of us, by divine Provi- dence, have any special influence upon others, to lead them in the management of public affairs, we will not make our own worldly gain, or honour, or interest in the affections of others, or getting the better of any of a contrary party, that are in any respect our competitors, or the bringing or keeping them do^\^l, our governing aim, to the prejudice of the interest of religion, and the honour ot Christ. " And in the management of any public affair, wherever there is a difference of opinions, concerning any outward possessions, privileges, rights or properties, we will not willingly violate justice, MFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 167 for private interest : and with the greatest strictness and watchful- ness, will avoid all unchristian bitterness, vehemence and heat of spirit ; yea, though we should think ourselves injured by a contra- ry party ; and in the time of the management of such affairs, will especially watch over ourselves, our spirits and our tongues, to avoid all unchristian inveighings, reproachings, bitter reflectings, judging and ridiculing others, either in public meetings or in pri- vate conversation, either to men's faces, or behind their backs; but will greatly endeavour, so far as we are concerned, that all should be managed with christian humility, gentleness, quietness and love. " And furthermore we promise, that we will not tolerate the ex- ercise of enmity and ill will, or revenge in our he arts, against any of our neighbours ; and we will often be strictly searcliing and ex- amining our own hearts with respect to that matter. " And if any of us find that we have an old secret grudge against any of our neighbours, we will not gratify it, but cross it, and en- deavour to our utmost to root it out, ciying to God for his help ; and that we will make it our true and faithful endeavour, in our places, that a party spirit may not be kept up amongst us, but that it may utterly cease ; that for the future, we may all be one, united in undisturbed peace, and unfeigned love. "And those of us that are in youth, do promise, never to allow ourselves in any diversions or pastimes, in meetings, or companies of young people, that we, in our consciences, upon sober conside- ration, judge not well to consist with, or would sinfully tend to hinder, the devoutest and most engaged spirit in religion, or indis- pose the mind for that devout, and profitable attendance on the duties of the closet, which is most agreeable to God's will, or that we, in our most impartial judgment, can think tends to rob God of that honour which he expects, by our orderly serious attendance on family worsliip. "And furthermore we promise, that we will strictly avoid all' freedoms and familiarities in company, so tending, either to stir up, or gratify a lust of laciviousness, that we cannot in otir consciences think will be approved by the infinitely pure and holy eye of God, or that we can think, on serious and impartial consideration, we should be afraid to practice, if we expected in a few hours to ap- pear before that holy God, to give an account of ourselves to him, as fearing they would be condemned by him as unlawful and im- pure. " We also promise, with gi'eat watchfulness^ to perform relative duties, required by christian rules, in the families we belong to, as we stand related respectively, towards parents and children, hus- bands and wives, brothers and sisters, masters or mistresses, and servants. " And we now appear before God, depending on divine grace 1G8 Lire OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. and assistance, solemnly to devote our whole lives, to be laboriously spent in the business of religion ; ever making it our greatest busi- ness, without backsliding from such a way of living, not hearkening to the solicitations of our sloth, and other corrupt inclinations, or the temptations of the world, that tend to draw us off from it; and particularly, that we will not abuse a hope or opinion that any of us may have, of our being interested in Cln-ist, to indulge ourselves in sloth, or the more easily to yield to the solicitations of any sinful inclinations ; but will run with perseverance, the race that is set before us, and work out our o■\^^l salvation with fear and tremb- ling. " And because we are sensible that the keeping these solemn vows may hereafter in many cases, be very contrary to our corrupt inclinations, and carnal interests, we do now therefore appear be- fore God to make a surrender of all to him, and to make a sacrifice of every carnal inclination and interest, to the great business of re- ligion and the interest of our souls. " And being sensible of our weakness, and the deceitfulness of our own hearts, and our proneness to forget our most solemn vows, and lose our resolutions, we promise to be often strictly examining ourselves by these promises, especially before the sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; and beg of God that he would, for Christ's sake, keep us from wickedly dissembling in these our solemn vows ; and that he who searches our hearts, and ponders the path of our feet, would, from time to time, help us in trying ourselves by this Cove- nant, and help us to keep Covenant with him, and not leave us to our own foolish, wicked and treacherous hearts." " In the beginning of the sunamer of 1742, there seemed to be an abatement of the liveliness of people's affections in religion ; but yet many were often in a great height of them. And in the fall and winter following, there were, at times, extraordinary ap- pearances. But in the general, people's engagedness in religion, and the liveliness of their affections, have been on the decline: and some of the young people especially, have shamefully lost their liveliness and vigour in religion, and much of the seriousness and solemnity of their spirits. But there are many that walk as be- cometh saints ; and to this day there are a considerable number in to^vn that seem to be near to God, and maintain much of the life of religion, and enjoy many of the sensible tokens and fruits of his gracious presence. " With respect to the late season of revival of religion amongst us, for three or four years past, it has been observable, that in the former part of it, in the years 1740 and 1741, the work seemed to be much more pure, having less of a corrupt mixture, than in the former great outpouring of the Spirit, in 1735 and 1736. Per- sons seemed to be sensible of their former en'ors, and had learned LIFE OF PllESlDENT EDWARDS. 1G9 more of their own hearts, and experience liad tauglit them more of the tendency and consequences of things. They were now better guarded, and their affections were not only stronger, but at- tended whh greater solemnity, and greater humility and self dis- trust, and greater engagedness after holy living and perseverance ; and there were fewer errors in conduct. But in the latter part of it, in the year 1742, it was otherwise : the work continued more pure till we were infected from abroad : Our people hearing of, and some of them seeing, the work in other places, where there was a greater visible commotion than here, and the outward appear- ances were more extraordinary, were ready to think that the work in those places far excelled what was amongst us, and their eyes were dazzled with the high profession and great show that some made, who came hither from other places. "That those people went so far beyond them in raptures and violent emotions of the affections, and a vehement zeal, and what diey called boldness for Christ, our people were ready to think was owing to far greater attainments in grace, and intimacy with heav- en : they looked little in their own eyes, in comparison witli them, and were ready to submit themselves to them, and yield themseh^es up to their conduct, taking it for granted, that every thing was right that they said and did. These things had a strange influence on the people, and gave many of tliem a deep and unhappy tincture from which it was a hard and long labour to deliver them, and from which some of them are not fully delivered, to this day. "The effects and consequences ohhings among us plainly show the following things, viz. That the degree of grace is by no means to be judged of by the degree oijoy, or the degree o^ zeal; and that indeed we cannot at all determine by these things, who are gracious and who are not; and that it is not the degree of religious affec- tions, but the nature of them, that is chiefly to be looked at. Some that have had very great raptures of joy, and have been extraor- dinarily filled, (as the vulgar phrase is,) and have had their bodies overcome, and that very often, have manifested far less of the tem- per of christians in their conduct since, than some others that have been still, and have made no great outward show. But then again, there are many others, that have had extraordinary joys and emo- tions of mind, with frequent great effects upon their bodies, that behave themselves stedfastly, as humble, amiable, eminent cliris- tians. " 'Tis evident that tliere may be great religious affections in in- dividuals, which may, in show and appearance, resemble gracious affections, and have the same effects upon their bodies, but are far from having the same effect on the temper of their minds and the course of their hves. And likewise, there is nothing more mani- fest, by what appears amongst us, than that the good estate of indi- viduals is not chiefly to be judged of by any exactness of steps, Vol. I. 22 170 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. and method of experiences, in what is supposed to be the first conversion ; but that we must judge by the spirit that breathes, the efFect vvTOught upon the temper of the soul in the time of the work and remaining afterwards. Though there have been very few in- stances among professors, amongst us, of what is ordinarily called scandalous sins, knowm to me ; yet the temper that some of them show, and the behaviour they have been of, together with some things in the nature and circumstances of their experiences, make me much afraid least there be a considerable number, that have wofully deceived themselves. Though, on the other hand, there is a great number, whose temper and conversation is such, as justly confirms the charity of others towards them ; and not a few, in whose disposition and walk, there are amiable appearances of emi- nent grace. And notwitlistanding all the corrupt mixtures that have been in the late work here, there are not only many blessed fruits of it, in particular persons that yet remain, but some good effects of it upon the town in general. A spirit of party has more extensively subsided. I suppose tliere has been less appearance, these three or four years past, of that division of the town into two parties, which has long been our bane, than has been, at any time during the preceding thirty years ; and the people have apparently had much more caution, and a greater guard on their spirit and their tongues, to avoid contention and unchristian heats, in town- meetings, and on other occasions. And 'tis a thing greatly to be rejoiced in, that the people very lately came to an agreement and final issue, with respect to their grand controversy relating to their common lands ; which has been, above any other particular thing, a source of mutual prejudices, jealousies and debates, for fifteen or sixteen years past. The people also seem to be much more sen- sible of the danger of resting in old experiences, or what they were subjects of at their supposed first conversion ; and to be inore fully convinced of the necessity of forgetting the things that are behind, and pressing forward and maintaining earnest labour, watchfulness and prayerfulness, as long as they live. " I am. Rev. Sir, *' Your friend and brother, " Jonathan Edavard^," CHAPTER XIV. Airs. Edwards. — Her solemn self-dedications. — Her uncommon discoveries of the Divine Perfections and Glory ; and of the Ex- cellency of Christ. — Remarks concerning them. In speakiiif^ of Mrs. Edwards, we have already had occasion to remark, that her piety appears to have heen in no ordinary degree pure, intense and elevated, and that her views of spiritual and hea- venly things, were uncommonly clear and joyful. Near the close of the year 1738, according to the testimony of Mr. Edwards, she was ledj under an uncommon discovery of God's excellency, and in an high exercise of love to God, and of rest and joy in him, to make a new and most solemn dedication of herself to his service and glory, an entire renunciation of the world, and a resignation of all to God. After this, she had often such views of the glory of the Di\dne perfections, and of Christ's excellencies, and at times, for hours togedier, whliout any interruption, that she was over- whelmed, and as it were swallowed up, in the hght and joy of tlie love of God. In the summer of 1740, after a new and more per- fect resignation of herself to God, with yet greater fervency, her views of the glory of God, and of tlie excellency of Christ, became still more clear and transporting ; and in the following winter, after a similarj but more perfect resignation of herself, and acceptance of God as the only portion and happiness of her soul, God appear- ed to vouchsafe to her, for a long period, a degree of spiritual light and enjoyment, which seemed to be, in reality, an anticipation of the joys of the heavenly world. There was so much that was un- usual and striking in this state of mmd, that her husband requested her to draw up an exact statement of it ; which, having been pre- served, is now presented to the reader. "On Tuesday night, Jan. 19, 1742," observes Mrs. Edwards, " I felt very uneasy and unhappy, at my being so low in grace. I thought I very much needed help from God, and found a spirit of earnestness to seek help of him, that I might have more holiness. When I had for a time been earnestly wrestling with God for it, I felt within myself great quietness of spirit, unusual submission to God, and willingness to wait upon him, with respect to the time and manner in which he should help me, and wished that he should take his own time, and his own way, to do h. " The next morning, 1 found a degree of uneasiness in my mind, 172 LIFE OF TRESIDEKT EDWARDSv at Mr. Edwards's suggesting, that he thought I had failed in some measure in point of prudence, in some conversation I had with Mr. Wilhams of Hadley, the day before. I found, that it seemed to be- reave me of the quietness and cahn of my mind, in any respect not to have the good opinion of my husband. This, I much dis- hked in myself, as arguing a want of a sufficient rest in God, and felt a disposition to fight against it, and look to God for his help, that I might have a more full and entire rest in him, independent of all other things. I continued in this frame, from early in the morning until about 10 o'clock, at which time the Rev. Mr. Reynolds went to prayer in the family. " I had before this, so entirely given myself up to God, and re- signed up every thing into his hands, that I had, for a long time, felt myself quite alone in the world ; so that the peace and calm of my mind, and my rest in God, as my only and all sufficient hap- piness, seemed sensibly above the reach of disturbance from any thing but these two : 1st. ]\Iy own good name and fair reputation among men, and especially the esteem and just treatment of the people of this town ; 2dly. And more especially, the esteem, and love and kind treatment of my husband. At times, indeed, I had seemed to be considerably elevated above the influence of even these things ; yet I had not found my calm, and peace and rest in God so sensibly, fully and constantly, above the reach of disturb- ance from them, until now. " While Mr. Reynolds was at prayer in the family this morning, I felt an earnest desire that, in calling on God, he should say. Fa- ther, or that he should address the Almighty under that appellation : on which the thought turned in my mind — Why can I say. Father'? — Can I now at this time, \\ith the confidence of a child, and with- out the least misgi\ing of heart, call God my Father? — This brought to ray mind, two lines of Mr. Ersldne's Sonnet : " I see him la}' his vcngearce bj, " And smile in Jesus'' face." " I was thus deeply sensible, that my sins did loudly call for vengeance ; but I then by faith saw God " lay his vengeance by^ and smile in Jesus' face." It appeared to be real and certain that he did so. I had not the least doubt, that he then sweetly smiled upon me, with the look of forgiveness and love, having laid aside all his displeasure towards me, for Jesus' sake ; which made me feel very weak, and somewhat faint. " In consequence of this, I felt a strong desire to be alone with God, to go to him, without having any one to interrupt the silent and soft communion, which I earnestly desired between God and my ov/n soul ; and accordingly withdrew to my chamber. It should have been mentioned that, before I retired, while Mr. Reynolds was praying, these words, in Rom. viii. 34, came into my mind ^' Jllio is he that condemneth ; It is Christ that died, yea rather Lil-'E OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 173 that is risen again, lolio is even at the right hand of God, luho also maketh intercession for us f as well as the following words, " Who shall separate us from the love of Christ,'''' etc. ; which occasioned great sweetness and delight in my soul. But when I was alone, the words came to my mind with far greater power and sweetness ; upon which I took the Bible, and read the words to the end of the chapter, when they were impressed on my heart with vastly great- er power and sweetness still. They appeared to me with undoubt- ed certainty as the words of God, and as words which God did pronounce concerning me. I had no more doubt of it, than I had of my being. I seemed as it were to hear the great God proclaim- ing thus to the world concerning me ; " PFAo shall lay any thing to thy charge,'''' etc. ; and had it strongly impressed on me, how impossible it was for any thing in heaven or earth, in this world or the future, ever to separate me from the love of God which was in Christ Jesus. I cannot find language to express, how certain this appeared — ^the everlasting mountains and hills were but shadows to it. My safety, and happiness, and eternal enjoyment of God's im- mutable love, seemed as durable and unchangeable as God him- self. Melted and overcome by the sweetness of this assurance, I fell into a great flow of tears, and could not forbear weeping aloud. It appeared certain to me that God was my Father, and Christ my Lord and Saviour, that he was mine and I his. Under a delight- ful sense of the immediate presence and love of God, these words seemed to come over and over in my mind, " My God, my all ; my God, my all." The presence of God was so near, and so real, that I seemed scarcely conscious of any thing else. God the Fa- ther, and the Lord Jesus Christ, seemed as distinct persons, both manifesting their inconceivable loveliness, and mildness, and gen- tleness, and their great and immutable love to me. I seemed to be taken under the care and charge of my God and Saviour, in an inexpressibly endearing manner ; and Christ appeared to me as a mighty Saviour, under the character of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, taking my heart, vi^ith all its corruptions, under his care, and putting it at his feet. In all things, which concerned me, I felt myself safe under the protection of the Father and the Sav- iour; who appeared with supreme kindness to keep a record of ev- ery thing that I did, and of every thing that was done to me, pure- ly for my good. " The peace and happiness, which I hereupon felt, was altogeth- er inexpressible. It seemed to be that which came from hea- ven; to be eternal and unchangeable. I seemed to be lifted above earth and hell, out of the reach of every thing here below, so that I could look on all the rage and enmity of men or de\dls, with a kind of holy indifference, and an undisturbed tranquility. At the same time, I felt compassion and love for all mankind, and a deep abase- ment of soul, under a sense of my own unworthiness. I thought i/4 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDT.'ARDo; of the ministers who were in the house, and felt willing to undergo any labour and self-denial, if they would but come to the help of the Lord. I also felt myself more perfectly weaned from all things here below, than ever before. The whole world, wirii all its en- joyments, and all its troubles, seemed to be nothing : — My God was my all, ray only portion. No possible suffering appeared to be worth regarding : all persecutions and torments were a mere no- thing. I seemed to dwell on high, and the place of defence to be the munition of rocks. " After some time, the two evils mentioned above, as those which I should have been least able to bear, came to my mind — " the ill treatment of the town, and the ill will of my husband ; but now I was carried exceedingly above even such things as these, and I could feel that, if I were exposed to them both, they would seem comparatively nothing. There was then a deep snow on the ground, and I could think of being driven from my home into the cold and snow, of being chased from tlie town with the utmost con- tempt and malice, and of being left to perish witli the cold, as cast out by all the world, with perfect calmness and serenity. It ap- peared to me, that it would not move me, or in the least disturb the inexpressible happiness and peace of my soul. My mind seemed as much above all such things, as the sun is above the earth. " I continued in a very sweet and lively sense of divine things, day and night, sleeping and waking, until Saturday, Jan. 23. On Saturday morning, I had a most solemn and deep impression on my mind of the eye of God as fixed upon me, to observe what im- provement I made of those spiritual communications I had received from him ; as well as of the respect shown Mr. Edwards, who had then been sent for to preach at Leicester. I was sensible that I was sinful enough to bestow it on my pride, or on my sloth, which seemed exceedingly dreadful to me. At night, my soul seemed to be filled with an inexpressibly sweet and pure love to God, and to the children of God ; with a refreshing consolation and solace of soul, which made me willing to he on the earth, at the feet of the servants of God, to declare his gracious dealings with me, and breathe fortli before them my love, and gratitude and praise. " The next day, which was the Sabbath, I enjoyed a sweet, and lively and assured sense of God's infinite grace, and favour and love to me, in taking me out of the depths of hell, and exalting me to the heavenly glory, and the dignity of a royal priesthood. " On Monday night, Mr. Edwards, being gone that day to Lei- cester, I heard that Mr. Buell was coming to this town, and from what I had heard of him, and of his success, I had strong hopes that there would be great effects from his labours here. At the same time, I had a deep and affecting impression, that the eye of God was ever upon my heart, and that it greatly concerned me to watch my heart, and see to it that I was perfectly resign- LIFE OF rUESIDENT EDWARDS. 11 i> ed to God, with respect to the instruments he should make use of to revive religion in this town, and be entirely willing, if it was God's pleasure, that he should make use of Mr. Buel ; and also that other christians should appear to excel me in christian experi- ence, and in the benefit they should derive from ministers. 1 was conscious, that it would be exceedingly provoking to God if I should not be thus resigned, and earnestly endeavoured to watch my heart, that no feelings of a contrary nature miglit arise ; and was enabled, as I thought, to exercise full resignation, and acquies- cence in God's pleasure, as to tliese things. I was sensible what great cause I had to bless God, for the use he had made of Mr. Edwards hitherto ; but thought, if he never blessed his labours any more, and should greatly bless the labours of other ministers, 1 could entirely acquiesce in his will. It appeared to me meet and proper, that God should employ babes and sucklings to ad- vance his kingdom. When I thought of these diings, it was my instinctive feeling to say, " Amen, Lord Jesus ! Amen, Lord Je- sus !" This seemed to be the sweet and instinctive language of my soul. " On Tuesday, I remained in a sweet and lively exercise of this resignation, and love to and rest in God, seeming to be in my heart from day to day, far above the reach of every thing here below. On Tuesday night, especially the latter part of it, I felt a great earnestness of soul and engagedness in seeking God for the town, that religion might now revive, and that God would bless Mr. Buell to that end. God seemed to be very near to me while I was thus striving with him for these things, and I had a strong hope that what I sought of him would be granted. There seemed na- turally and unavoidably to arise in my mind an assurance, that now God would do great things for Northampton. On Wednesday morning, I heard that Mr. Buell arrived the night before at Mr. Phelps's, and that there seemed to be great tokens and effects of the presence of God there, which greatly en- couraged, and rejoiced me. About an hour and a half after, Mr. Buell came to our house, I sat still in entire resignedness to God, and willingness that God should bless his labours here as much as he pleased ; though it were to the enlivening of every saint, and to the conversion of every sinner, in the town. These feelings continued afterwards, when I saw his great success ; as I never felt the least rising of heart to the contraiy, but my submission was even and uniform, without interruption or disturbance. I rejoiced when I saw the honour which God put upon him, and the respect paid him by tlie people, and the greater success attending his preaching, than had followed the preaching of ]Mr. Edwards imme- fliately before he went to Leicester. I found rest and rejoicing in it, and the sweet language of my soul continually was, " Amen, Lord Jesus ! Ainen, Lord Jesus !" 176 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, a lecture was preached by Mr. Buell. In the latter part of the sermon, one or two appeared much moved, and after the blessing, when the people were going out, several others. To my mind there was the clearest evidence, that God was present in the congregation, on the work of redeem- ing love ; and in the clear view of this, I was all at once filled witli such intense admiration of the wonderful condescension and grace of God, in returning again to Northampton, as overwhelmed my soul, and immediately took away my bodily strength. This was accompanied with an earnest longing, that those of us, who were the children of God, might now arise and strive. It appeared to me, that the angels m heaven sung praises, for such wonderful, free and sovereign grace, and my heart was lifted up in adoration and praise. I continued to have clear views of the future world, of eternal happiness and misery, and my heart full of love to the souls of men. On seeing some, that I found were in a natural condi- tion, I felt a most tender compassion for them ; but especially was I, while I remained in the meeting-house, from time to time over- come, and my strength taken away, by the sight of one and ano- tlier, whom I regarded as the children of God, and who, I had heard were lively and animated in religion. We remained in the meeting-house about three hours, after the pubhc exercises were over. During most of the time, my bodily strength was overcome; and the joy and thankfulness, which were excited in my mind, as I contemplated the great goodness of God, led me to converse with those who were near me, in a very earnest manner. " When I came home, I found Mr. Buell, Mr. Christophers, Mr. Hopkins, Mrs. Eleanor Dwight, the wife of Mr. Joseph Allen, and Mr. Job Strong, at tlie house. Seeing and conversing with them on the Divine goodness, renewed my former feelings, and filled me with an intense desire that we might all arise, and, with an ac- tive, flowing -and fervent heart, give glory to God. The intense- ness of my feelings again took away my bodily strength. The words of one of Dr. Watts's Hosannas powerfully affected me ; and, in the course of the conversation, I uttered them, as the real language of my heart, with great earnestness and emotion. " Hosanna to King David's Son, " Who reigns on a superior throne," &c. And while I was uttering the words, my mind was so deeply im- pressed with the love of Christ, and a sense of his immediate pre- sence, that I could with difficulty refrain from rising from my seat, and leaping for joy. I continued to enjoy this intense, and lively and refreshing sense of Divine things, accompanied with strong emotions, for nearly an hour ; after which, I experienced a de- lightful calm, and peace and rest in God, until I retired for the night ; and during the night, both waking and sleeping, I had joyful views of Divine things, and a complacential rest of soul in God. I LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 1 < i awoke in the morning of Thursday, June 28th, in the same happy frame of mind, and engaged in the duties of my family with a sweet consciousness, that God was present widi me, and with earnest longings of soul for the continuance, and increase, of the hlessed fruiis of the Holy Spirit in the town. About nme o'clock, tliese desires became so exceedingly intense, when I saw numbers ot the people coming into the house, with an appearance of deep interest in religion, that my bodily strength was much weakened, and it was with difhculty that I could pursue my ordinary avocations. About 1 1 o'clock, as I accidentally went into the room wliere Mr. Buell was conversing with some of the people, I heard him say, " O that we, who are the children of God, should be cold and lifeless in re- ligion !" and I felt such a sense of the deep ingratitude manifested by the children of God, in such coldness and deadness, that my strength was immediately taken away, and I sunk down on the spot. Those who were near raised me, and placed me in a chair ; and, from the fulness of my heart, I expressed to them, in a very ear- nest manner, the deep sense I had of the wonderful grace of Christ towards me, of the assurance I had of his having saved me from hell, of my happiness running parallel with eternity, of the duty of gi\nng up all to God, and of the peace and joy inspired by an en- tire dependence on his mercy and grace. Mr. Buell then read a melting hymn of Dr. Watts,* concerning the loveliness of Christ, the enjoyments and employments of heaven, and the christian's earnest desire of heavenly things ; and the truth and reality of the things mentioned in the hymn, made so strong an impression on my mind, and my soul was drawn so powerfully towards Christ and heaven, that I leaped unconsciously from my chair. I seemed to be drawn upwards, soul and body, from the earth towards hea- ven ; and it appeared to me that I must naturally and necessarily ascend thither. These feelmgs continued while the h^Tun was reading, and during the prayer of Mr. Christophers, which follow- ed. After the prayer, Mr. Buell read two other hymns, on the glories of heaven, which moved me so exceedingly, and drew me so strongly heavenward, that it seemed as it were to draw my bo- dy upwards, and I felt as if I must necessarily ascend thither. At length my strength failed me, and I sunk down ; when they took me'up and laid me on the bed, where I lay for a considerable time, faint whh joy, while contemplating the glories of the heavenly world. After I had lain a \\hile, 1 felt more perfectly subdued and weaned from the world, and more fully resigned to God, than r had ever been conscious of before. I felt an entire indifference to the opinions, and representations and conduct of mankind res- * Probably the 91st Ilymn of the 2d Book, beginning wilh " O the delights, the heavenly joys. •' Ths glories of the place. Vol.. T. 2^ 178 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. pecting nie ; and a perfect willingness, that God should employ some other instrument than Mr. Edwards, in advancing the work of grace in Northampton. I was entirely swallowed up in God, ag my only portion, and his honour and glory was the object of my supreme desire and delight. At the same time, I felt a far great- er love to the children ot God, than ever before. I seemed to love them as my own soul ; and when I saw them, my heart went out towards them, with an inexpressible endearedness and sweetness. I beheld them by faith in their risen and glorified state, with spir- itual bodies re-fashioned after the image of Christ's glorious body, and arrayed in the beauty of heaven. The time when they would be so, appeared very near, and by faith it seemed as if it were present. This was accompanied with a ravishing sense of the un- speakable joys of the upper world. They appeared to my mind in all their reality and ceitainty, and as it were in actual and dis- tinct vision ; so plain and evident were they to the eye of ray faith. I seemed to regard them as begun. These anticipations were re- newed over and over, while I lay on the bed, from twelve o'clock till four, being too much exhausted by emotions of joy, to rise and sit up ; and during most of the time, my feelings prompted me to con- verse very earnestly, with one and another of the pious women, who were present, on those spiritual and heavenly objects, of which I had so deep an impression. A little while before I arose, Mr. Buell and the people went to meeting. " I continued in a sweet and lively sense of Divine things, until I retired to rest. That night, which was Thursday night, Jan. 28, was the sweetest night I ever had in my life. I never before, for so long a time together, enjoyed so much of the light, and rest and sweetness of heaven in my soul, but without the least agitation of body during the whole time. The great part of the night I lay a- wake, sometimes asleep, and sometimes between sleeping and wak- ing. But all night I continued in a constant, clear and Uvely sense of the heavenly sweetness of Christ's excellent and transcendent love, of his nearness to me, and of my dearness to him ; vdth an inexpressibly sweet calmness of soul in an entire rest in him. I seemed to myself to perceive a glow of divine love come down from the heart of Christ in heaven, into my heart, in a constant stream, Hke a stream or pencil of sweet light. At the same time, my heart and soul all flowed out in love to Christ ; so that there seemed to be a constant flowing and reflo\\ing of heavenly and di- vine love, from Christ's heart to inine ; and I appeared to myself to float or swim, in these bright, sweet beams of the love of Christ, like the motes swimming in the beams of the sun, or the streams of his light which come in at the window. My soul remained in a kind of heavenly elysium. So far as I am capable of making a comparison, I think that what I felt each minute, during the con- tinuance of the whole time, was worth more than all the outward LkFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 179 comfort and pleasure, which I had enjoyed in my whole life put to- gether. It was a pure delight, which fed and satisfied the soul. It was pleasure, without the least sting, or any interruption. It was a sweetness, which my soul was lost in. It seemed to be all that my feeble frame could sustain, of that fulness of joy, which is felt by those, who behold the face of Christ, and share his love in the heavenly world. There was but little difference, whether I wa? asleep or awake, so deep was the impression made on my soul ; but if there was any difference, the sweemess was greatest and most uninterrupted, while I was asleep. " As I awoke early the next morning, which was Friday, I was led to think of Mr. Williams of Hadley preaching that day in the town, as had been appointed ; and to examine my heart, whether I was willing that he, who was a neighbouring minister, should be extraordinarily blessed, and made a greater instrument of good in the town, than Mr. Edwards ; and was enabled to say, with res- pect to that matter, " Amen, Lord Jesus !" and to be entirely wil- ling, if God pleased, that he should be the instrument of converting every soul in the toun. My soul acquiesced fully in the will of God, as to the instrument, if his work of renewing grace did but goon. " This lively sense of the beauty and excellency of divine things, continued during the morning, accompanied with peculiar sweej- ness and delight. To my own imagination, my soul seemed to be gone out of me to God and Christ in heaven, and to have very lit- tle relation to my body. God and Christ were so present to me, and so near me, that I seemed removed from myself. The spir- itual beauty of the Father and the Saviour, seemed to engross my whole mind ; and it was the instinctive feeling of my heart, " Thou art ; and there is none beside thee." I never felt such an entire emptiness of self-love, or any regard to any private, selfish interest of my own. It seemed to me, that I had entirely done with my- self. I felt that the opinions of the world concerning me were no- thing, and that I had no more to do with any outward interest of my own, than with that of a person whom I never saw. The glo- ry of God seemed to be all, and in all, and to swallow up every wish and desire of my heart. "Mr. Sheldon came into the house about 10 o'clock, and said to me as he came in, " The Sun of righteousness arose on my soul this morning, before day ;" upon which I said to him in reply, " That Sun has not set upon my soul all tliis night; I have dwelt on liigh in the heavenly mansions ; the light of divine love has sur- rounded me ; my soul has been lost in God, and has almost left the body." ''^This conversation only served to give me a still live- lier sense of the reality and excellence of divine things, and that to such a degree, as again to take awav my strength, and occi^sion great agitation of body. So strong were my feelings, 1 could not 180 LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. refrain from conversing with those around me, in a very earnest manner, for about a quarter of an hour, on the infinite riches of divine love in the work of sanation : when, my strength entirely failing, my flesh grew very cold, and they carried me and set me by the fire. As I sat there, I had a most affecting sense of the mighty power of Christ, which had been exerted in what he had done for my soul, and in sustaining and keeping down the native corruptions of my heart, and of the glorious and wonderful grace of God in causing the ark to return to Northampton. So intense were my feelings, when speaking of these things, that I could not forbear rising up and leaping with joy and exultation. I felt at the same time an exceedingly strong and tender affection for the chil- dren of God, and realized, in a manner exceedingly sweet and ravishing, the meaning of Christ's prayer, in John xvii. 21, " That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may he one in us.''^ This union appeared to me an in- conceivable, excellent and sweet oneness ; and at the same time I felt that oneness in my soul, with the children of God who were present. Mr. Christophers then read the hymn out of the Peni- tential Cries, beginning with " My soul dotli magnify the Lord, "My si)irit dotli rejoice ;" The whole hymn was deeply affecting to my feelings : but when these words were read, " My slgiis at length are turn'd to songs, " The Coinibrler is come :" — So conscious was I of the joyful presence of the holy Spirit, I could scarcely refrain from leaping with transports of joy. This happy frame of mind continued until two o'clock, when Mr. Williams came in, and we soon went to meeting. He preached on the subject of the assurance of faith. The whole sermon was affecting to me, but especially when he came to show the way in which assurance was obtained, and to point out its happy fruits. When I heard him say, that those, ivho have assurance, have a foretaste of heavenly glory, I knew the truth oi" it from what I then felt : I knew that I (hen tasted the clusters of the heavenly Canaan : My soul was filled and overwhelmed with light, and love, and joy in the Holy Ghost, and seemed just ready to go away frojn the body. I could scarce- ly refrain from expressing my joy aloud, in the midst of the ser- vice. I had in the mean tiute, an overwhelming sense of the glory of God, as the Great Eternal All, and of the happiness of having my own will entirely subdued to his will. I knew 6iat the fore- taste of glory, which 1 then had in my soul, came from him, that I certainly should go to him, and shouki, as it were, drop into the l?)ivine Being, and be swallowed up in God. LlPE ©P PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 181 " After meeting was done, the congregation waited while Mr, Biiell wunt home, to prepare to give them a Lecture. It was al- most liark belore he came , and, in the mean time, I conversed in a very earnest and joyful manner, with those who were with me in the pew. My mind dweh on the thought, that the Lord God Om- nipotent reigneth, and it appeared to me that he was going to set' up :i lieign of Love on the earth, and that heaven and earth were, as it were, coming together ; which so exceedingly moved me that 1 could not forbear expressing aloud, to those near me, my exulta- tion of soul. This subsided into a heavenly calm, and a rest of soul in God, which was even sweeter than what preceded it. Af- terwards, Mr. Buell came and preached ; and the same happy frame of mind condnued during the evening, and night, and tlie next day. In the forenoon, I was thinking of the manner in which the children of God had been treated in the world — particularly of their being shut up in prison — and the folly of such attempts to make them miserable, seemed to surprise me. It appeared aston- ishing, that men should think, by this means, to injure those who had such a kingdom within them. Towards night, being informed that Mrs. P had expressed her fears least I should die before Mr. Edwards' return, and he should think die people had killed his wife ; I told those who were present, that I chose to die in the way that was most agreeable to God's will, and that I should be willing to die in darkness and horror, if it was most for the glory of God. " In the evening, I read those chapters in John, which contain Christ's dying discourse with his disciples, and his prayer with them. After I had done reading, and was in my retirement, a little before bed-time, thinking on what I had read, my soul was so fdled with love to Christ, and love to his people, that I fainted under the intenseness of the feeling. I felt, while reading, a de- lightful acquiescence in the petition to the Father — "/ pray not that thou shouldst take them out of the world, but that thou shouJdst keep them from the evil.^' Though it seemed to me infinitely bet- ter to die to go to Christ, yet I felt an entire willingness to continue in this world so long as God pleased, to do and suffer what he would have me. " After redring to rest and sleeping a little while, I awoke and had a very lively consciousness of God's being near me. I had an idea of a shining way, or path of light, between heaven and my soul, somewhat as on Thursday night, except that God seemed nearer to me, and as it were close by, and the way seemed more open, and the communication more immediate and more free. 1 lay awake most of the night, widi a constant delightful sense of God's great love and infinite condescension, and wiUi a continual view of God as near, and as my God. INIy soul remained, as on Thur.sday night, in a kind of heavenly elysium. Whether waking 182 LIFE OF PRESIDENT ED WARJJS. or sleeping, there was no interruption, throughout the night, to ti:i« views of rny soul, to its heavenly hght, and divine, inexpressible sweetness. It was without any agitation or motion of the body. I was led to reflect on God's mercy to me, in giving me, for many years, a willingness to die ; and after that, for more than two years past, in making me willing to Uve, that I might do and suffer what- ever he called me to here ; whereas, before that, I often used to feel impatient at the thought of living. This then appeared to me, as it had often done before, what gave me much the greatest sense of thankfulness to God. I also tliought how God had graciously given me, for a great while, an entire resignation to his will, with respect to the kind and manner of death that I should die ; having been made willing to die on the rack, or at the stake, or any other tormenting death, and, if it were God's will, to die in darkness : and how I had that day been made very sensible and fully willing, if it was God's pleasure and for his glory, to die in horror. But now it occurred to me, that when I had thus been made willing to live, and to be kept on this dark abode, I used to think of living no longer than to the ordinary age of man. Upon this I was led to ask myself. Whether I was not wiUing to be kept out of heaven feven longer ; and my whole heart seemed immediately to reply, " Yes, a thousand years, if it be God's will, and for his honour and glory :" and then my heart, in the language of resignation, went further, and with great alacrity and sweetness, to answer as it were over and over again, " Yes, and live a thousand years in horror, if it be most for the glory of God : yea, I am willing to live a thou- sand years an hell upon earth, if it be most for the honour of God." But then I considered with myself. What this would be, to live an hell upon earth, for so long a time ; and I thought of the torment of my body being so great, awful and overwhelming, that none could bear to live in the country where the spectacle was seen, and of the torment and horror of my mind being vastly greater than the torment of my body ; and it seemed to me that I found a perfect wiUingness, and sweet quietness and alacrity of soul, in consenting that it should be so, if it were most for the glory of God ; so that there was no hesitation, doubt or darkness in my mind, at- tending the thoughts of it, but my resignation seemed to be clear, like a light that shone through my soul. I continued saying, " A- men, Lord Jesus ! Amen, Lord Jesus ! glorify thyself in me, in my body and my soul," — with a calm and sweetness of soul, which banished all reluctance. The glory of God seemed to overcome me and swallow me up, and every conceivable suffering, and every thing that w^as terrible to my nature, seemed to shrink to nothing be- fore it. This resignation continued in its clearness and brightness the rest of the night, and all the next day, and the night following, and on Monday in the forenoon, without interruption or abatement. All this wiiile, whenever I thought of it, the language of my soul was, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 183 w ith the greatest fullness and alacrity, " Amen, Lord Jesus ! A- nien. Lord Jesus !" In the afternoon of Monday, it was not quite so perceptible and lively, but my mind remained so much in a simi- lar frame, for more than a week, that I could never think of it Mithout an inexpressible sweetness in my soul. " After I had felt this resignation on Saturday night, for some time as I lay in bed, 1 felt such a disposition to rejoice in God, that I wished to have the world join me in praising him ; and was ready to wonder how the world of mankind could lie and sleep, when there was such a God to praise, and rejoice in, and could scarcely forbear calling out to those who were asleeji in the house, to arise, and rejoice, and praise God. When I arose on the morning of the Sabbath, I felt a love to all mankind, wholly peculiar in its strength and sweeiness, for beyond all that I had ever felt before. The power of that love seemed to be inexpressible. I thought, if I were surrounded by enemies, who were venting their malice and cruelty upon me, in tormenting me, it would still be impossible that I should cherish any feelings towards them but those of love, and pity and ardent desires for tlieir happiness. At the same time I thought, if I were cast off by my nearest and dearest friends, and if the feel- ings and conduct of my husband were to be changed from tender- ness and affection, to extreme hatred and cruelty, and that eveiy day, I could so rest in God, that it would not touch my heart, or diminish my happiness. I could still go on with alacrity in the performance of every act of duty, and my happiness remain undi- minished and entire. " I never before felt so far from a disposition to judge and cen- sure others, with respect to the state of their hearts, their sincerity, or their attainments in holiness, as I did that morning. To do this, seemed abhorrent to every feeling of my heart. I realized also, in an unusual and very lively manner, how great a part of Chris- tianity lies in the performance of our social and relative duties to one another. The same lively and joyful sense of spiritual and fiivine things continued throughout the day — a sweet love to God and all mankind, and such an entire rest of soul in God, that it seemed as if nothing that could be said of me, or done to me, could touch my heart, or disturb my enjoyment. The road between heaven and my soul seemed open and wide, all the day long ; and the consciousness I had of the reality and excellence of heavenly things was so clear, and the affections they excited so intense, that it overcame my strength, and kept my body weak and faint, the great part of the day, so that I could not stand or go without help. The night also was comforting and refreshing. " This delightful frame of mind was continued on ^londay. About noon, one of the neigbours, who was conversing with me, expressed himself thus, " One smile from Christ is worth a thou- sand million pounds ." and the worels affected me exceedingly, and 184 LliJi OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. in a manner which I cannot express. I had a strong sense of tht- infinite worth of Christ's approbation and love, and at the same time of the grossness of the comparison ; and it only astonished me, that any one could compare a smile of Christ to any earthly treasvn-e. — Towards night, 1 had a deep sense of the awful great- ness of God, and felt with what humility and reverence we ought to behave ourselves before him. Just then Mr. W came in, and spoke with a somewhat light, smiling air, of the flourishing state r)f religion in the town ', which I could scarcely bear to see. It seemed to me, that we ought greatly to revere the presence of God, and to behave ourselves with the utmost solemnity and humility, when so great and holy a God was so remarkably present, and to rejoice before him with trembling. — In the evening, these words, in the Penitential Cries, — " The Comforter is come !" — were accompanied to my soul with such conscious certainty, and such intense joy, that inmiediately it took away my strength, and I was falling to the floor; when some of those who were near me caught me and held me up. And when I repeated the words to the by-stand- ers, the strength of my feelings was increased. The name — "The Comforter" — seemed to denote that the Holy Spirit was the only and infinite Fountain of comfort and joy, and this seemed real and certain to my mind. These words — " The Comforter" — seem- ed as it were immensely great, enough to fill heoven and earth. " On Tuesday after dinner, Mr. Buell, as he sat at table, began to discourse about the glories of the upper world ; which greatly af- fected me, so as to take away my strength. The views and feelings of the preceding evening, respecting the Great Comforter, were re- newed in the most lively and joyful manner ; so that my limbs grew cold, and I continued to a considerable degree overcome for about an hour, earnestly expressing to those around me, my deep and joyful sense of the presence and divine excellence of the Com- forter, and of the glories of heaven. " It was either on Tuesday, or Wednesday, that Mr. W came to the house, and informed what account Mr. Lyman, who was just then come from Leicester, on his way from Boston, gave of Mr. Edwards' success, in making peace and promoting religion at Leicester. The intelligence inspired me with such an admiring sense of the great goodness of God, in using Mr. Edwards as the instrument of doing good, and promoting the work of salvation, that it immediately overcame me, and took away my strength, so that I could no longer stand on my feet. On Wednesday night, Mr. Clark, coming in with Mr. Buell and some of the people, asked me how I felt. I told him that I did not feel at all times alike, but this I thought I could say, that I had given up all to God, and there is nothing like it, nothing like giving up all to him, esteem- ing all to be his, and ref-igning all at his call. I told him that, ma- ny a time within a twelvemonth, I had asked myself when I lay LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 185 down, How I sliould feel, if our house and all our property in it sliould be burnt up, and we should that night be turned out naked ; whether I could cheerfully resign all to God ; and whether I so saw tliat all was liis, that I could fully consent to his will, in being deprived of it? and that I found, so far as I could judge, an entire resignation to his will, and felt that, if he should thus strip me of every thing, I had nothing to say, but should, I thought, have an entire calm and rest in God, for it was his own, and not mine. After this, Mr. Phelps gave us an account of his own feelings, dur- ing a journey from which he had just returned ; and then Mr. Pom- eroy broke forth in the language of joy, and thankfulness and praise, and continued speaking to us nearly an hour, leading us all the time to rejoice in the visible presence of God, and to adore his infinite goodness and condescension. He concluded by saying, "I would say more, if I could ; but words were not made to express these things." This reminded me of tlie words of Mrs. Rowe : " More I would speak, biU all my words are faint: " C-'elestial Love, wliat eloquence can paint ? " No more, by mortal words, can be expressed ; " But vast Elernily shall tell the rest ;" and my former impressions of heavenly and divine things were re- newed with so much power, and life and joy, tliat my strength all failed me, and I remained for some time faint and exhausted. Af- ter the people had retired, I had a still more lively and joyful sense of the goodness and all-sufficiency of God, of the pleasure of lov- ing him, and of being alive and active in his service, so that, I could not sit still, but walked tlie room for some time, in a kind of transport. The contemplation was so refreshing and delightful, so much like a heavenly feast within the soul, that I felt an absolute indifference as to any external circumstances ; and, according to my best remembrance, this enlivening of my spirit continued so, that I slept but little that night. " The next day, being Thursday, between ten and eleven o'clock, and a room full of people being collected, I heard two per- sons give a minute account of the enlivening and joyful influences of the Holy Spirit on their own hearts. It was sweet to me, to see others before me in their divine attainments, and to follow after them to heaven. 1 thought I should rejoice to follow the negro servants in the town to heaven. While I was thus listening, the consideration of the blessed appearances there were of God's being there with us, affected me so powerfully, that the joy and transport of the preceding night were again renewed. After tliis, they sang an hymn, which greatly moved me, especially the latter part of it, w^hich speaks of the ungratefulness of not having the praises of Christ always on our tongues. Those last words of the hymn' seemed to fasten on my mind, and as I rcjieated tliem over, I felt such intense love to Christ, and so much delight in praising him, Vol. I. 24 >[&() Life of pkksident el»vvahi>.s. that I could hardly forbear leaping from my chair, and singing n- load for joy and exultation. I continued thus extraordinarily mov- ed until about one o'clock, when the people went away." I AM well aware, that very different view s w ill be formed of the preceding narrative, by different individuals. Those, who have no conception of what is meant by the religion of the heart, will doubt- less pronounce it the ofispring of a diseased body, or a distemper- ed brain. Others, who profess the religion of Christ, but whose minds usually come in contact with nothing which is not mere!) palpable — with nothing but what they can either see, or hear, or feel, or taste, — will probably regard it as the effect of mere enthu- siasm. While others, who are both more intellectual and more spiritual in their objects of contemplation, will at once perceive^ that the state of mind therein described, is one to which they them- selves are chiefly or wholly strangers ; and will therefore very nat- urally, and rationally wish to learn, somewhat more minutely, the circumstances of the individual, who was the subject of these spir- itual discoveries, as well as their actual effect upon her character. On these points, the testimony of Mr. Edwards is full and explicit ; and from his authority, we state the follov.ing facts. At this time, Mrs, Edwards had been long, in an uncommon manner, growing in grace, and rising, by very sensible degrees, to higher love to God, weanedness from the world, and mastery over sin and temptation, through great trials and conflicts, and long con- tinued struggling and fighting with sin, and earnest and constant prayer and labour in religion, and engagedness of mind in the use of all means, attended with a great exactness of life ; and this growth had been attended, not only with a great increase of reli- gious affections, but with a most visible alteration of outward behav- iour; particularly in living above the world, and in a greater degree of steadfastness and strength in the way of duty and self-denial; maintaining the christian conflict against temptations, and conquer- ing from time to tim.e under great trials ; persisting in an unmoved, ■untouched calm and rest, under the changes and accidents of time, such as seasons of extreme pain, and apparent hazard of immedi- ate death. These transports did not arise from bodily weakness, but were greatest in the best state of health. They were accom- panied with a lively sense of the greatness of God, and her own littleness and vileness ; and had abiding effects, in the increase of ihe sweetness, rest and humility, which they left upon the soul, and in a new engagedness of heart to live to the honour of God, and to watch and fight against sin. They were attended with no enthusiastical disposition to follow impulses, or supposed revela- tions, nor with any appeinrnco of spiilrual pride ; but on the con- trary, with a very great increase of meeloiess, and humility, and a LIFE OF Pllt:Sll>ENT EDWARDS. 1§7 tlispobition in honour to prefer others, as well as with a great aver- sioii to judgini^ others, and a strong sense of the importance of mo- ral, social duties. They were accompanied with an extraordinary scnse of the awful majesty of God, so as frequently to take away the bodily strength ; with a sense of the holiness of God, as of a tlame infinitely pure and bright, so as oftentimes to overwhelm sou) and body ; widi an extraordmary view of the infinite terrible- ness of his wrath, of the exceeding sinfulness of her own heart, and of a desert of that wrath forever; with an intense sorrow for sin, so as entirely to prostrate the strength of the body ; with a clear certainty of the truth of the great things revealed in the Gos- pel ; with an overwhelming sense of the glory of the work of re- demption, and the way of salvation by Jesus Christ, of the glorious harmony of the Divine attributes appearing therein, as that wherein mercy and truth are met together, and righteousness and peace have kissed each other ; with a sight of the glorious sufficiency of Christ, a constant immoveable trust in God, an overwhelming sense of his glorious unsearchable wisdom, a sweet rejoicing at his being - infinitely and uncliangeably happy, independent and all-sufficient, at his reigning over all, and doing his own will with uncontrolloble power and sovereignty ; with a delightful sense of the glory of the Holy Spirit, as the great Comforter ; with intense desires for the honour and glory of God's name, a clear and constant preference of it, not only to her own temporal interests, but to her spiritual comfort; with a willingness to live and die in spiritual darkness, if the honour of God requhed it, a great lamenting of ingratitude, intense longings and faintings after higher love to Christ, and greater con- formity to him — particularly to be more perfect in humility and ad- oration ; with great delight in singing praises to God and Jesus Christ, a desire that tliis present life might be one continued song of praise, and an overcoming pleasure at the thought of spending eternity in that exercise; with a living by faith in a very unusual manner ; with an uniform distrust of her own strength, and a great dependence on God for help ; with intense longings that all christians might be fervent in love, and active in the service of God; with taking pleasure in watchfulness and toil, self-denial and bearing the cross; witli a melting compassion for those who were in a state of nature, and for christians under darkness, an universal benevolence to all man- kind, a willingness to endure any suffering for the conversion of the impenitent — her compassion for them being often to that degree, that she could find no support nor rest, but in going to God and pouring out her soul m prayer for them ; with earnest desires that the then existing work of Divine grace might be carried on with greater purity, "and freedom from all bitter zeal, censoriousness, spiritual pride and angry controversy, and that the kingdom of Christ might be established through the earth, "s a kingdom of iio- Itaess, peace and joy ; with unspeakable delight in the thoughts Cf 188 LliK OF PllESIDENT EDWARDS. heaven, as a world of love, where love shall be the saints' eternal food, where they shall dwell in the light of love, and where tlie ve- ry air and breath will be nothing but love ; with intense love to the people of God, as to those who will soon wear his perfect image ; with earnest desires that others might love God better than herself, and attain to higher degrees of holiness ; with a delight in convers- ing on the most spiritual and heavenly things in religion, often en- gaging in such conversation, witli a degree of feeling too intense to be long endured ; and with a lively sense of the importance of char- ity to the poor, as well as of the need which ministers have of the influ- ences of the Holy Spirit, and earnest longings and wrestlings wth God for them in prayer. She had also, according to Mr. Edwards, tlie greatest, fullest; longest continued, and most constant Assurance of the favour of God, and of a title to future glory, that he ever saw any appearance of, in any person ; — enjoying, especially near the time in which he made this statement, to use her own expres- sion, THE RICHES OF FuLL AssuRANCE ; as wcll 33 an uninter- rupted, entire resignation to God, with respect to health or sick- ness, ease or pain, life or death, and an entire resignation of the lives of her nearest earthly friends. These things were attended with a constant, sweet peace and serenity of soul, without a cloud to interrupt it, a continual rejoicing in all the works of nature and providence, a wonderful access to God by prayer, sensibly con- versing with him, as much as if Christ were here on earth ; fre- quent, plain, sensible and immediate, answers of prayer, all tears wiped away, all former troubles and sorrows of life forgotten, ex- cepting sorrow for sin, doing every thing for God and his glory, do- ing it as the service of love, with a continual, uninterrupted cheer- fulness, peace and joy. " O how good," she once observed, " is it to work for God in the day time, and at night to lie down under his smiles." Instead of slighting the means of grace in conse- quence of these discoveries, she was never more sensible of her need of instruction ; instead of regarding herself as free from sin, she was led by her clearer sight of the Divine holiness, to perceive more fully the sinfulness of her own heart ; instead of neglecting the business of life, she performed it with greater alacrity, as a part of the service of God — declaring that, when thus done, it was as delightful as prayer itself. At the same time, she discovered an extreme anxiety to avoid every sin. and to discharge every moral obligation, was most exemplary in the performance of every social and relative duty, exhibited great inoffensiveness of life and con- versation, great meekness, gentleness and benevolence of spirit, and avoided, with remarkable conscientiousness, all those things, which she regarded as failings in her own character. To those, who, after reading this statement of facts, still regard the preceding narrative as the offspring of enthusiam, we shall draw our reply from Mr. Edwards himself: " Now if such things LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 180 are enthusiasm, and the offspring of a distempered brain; let ni\ brain be possessed evermore of that happy distemper ! If this be distraction; I pray God that the world of mankind may all be seiz- ed widi this benign, meek, beneficent, beatific, glorious distraction ! What notion have they of true religion, who reject what has here been described ? What shall we find to correspond with these ex- pressions of Scripture, The peace of God, that passeth all under- standing : Rejoicing ivith joy unspeakable, and full of glory : God\'i shining into our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus Christ : With open face, he- holding as in a glass the glory of God, and being changed into the same image, from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord : Being called out of darkness into marvellous light : and having the day-star arise in our hearts : What, let me ask, if these things that have been mentioned do not correspond with these expressions; what else can we find that does correspond with them ?" Mr. Edwards adds, that he had witnessed many instances, in Northampton and elsewhere, of other persons, which were in gene- ral, of the same kind with these, though not so high in degree, in any instance ; and, in many of them, not so pure and unmixed, or so well regulated. In some individuals, who discovered very in- tense religious aflJections, there was obviously a great mixture of nature with grace, and in some a sad degenerating of religious af- fections ; yet, in most instances, they were uniform in their charac- ter, and obviously the result of fervent piety. That such full and clear discoveries of the Divine excellency and glory, as those recited in the preceding narrative, are uncom- mon, is unhappily too true : still they are far from being singular ; for accounts of a similar nature may be found in the private diaries of men of distinguished piety, in almost every age of the church.* They are not however probably more uncommon, than are great attainments in piety ; and, when enjoyed by those, who have made such attainments, ought, in no respect, to be regarded as surprising. There is certainly in God, a goodness and a glory, infinitely surpass- ing the comprehension of the highest created beings. This good- ness and glory, which constitutes the Divine beauty and loveliness, God is able to reveal to the mind of every intelligent creature, as far as his faculties extend. If the mind, to which this revelation is made, has a supreme relish for holiness ; the discovery of this spirit- ual beauty of the Divine mind, will communicate to it an enjoyment, which is pure and heavenly in its nature ; and the degree of this enjoyment, in every case, will be proportioned to the measure of the faculties, and to the fulness of the discovery. This is obvi- ously true in the heavenly world. God there reveals his glory — * As examples of lliis nature, the reader is referred to the writings of Fin - vol Ti. Baxter, and Bvainerd, and of Mr, Edwards himself 190 LUK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS'. not in all ib infinite brightness : this, he cannot do to a created in- telligence : he reveals it — in as strong an effulgence as the minds of saints and angels can endure. Were a revelation, equally clear and full, to be made to one of us here on earth, it would cbviously overwhelm and destroy the life of the body ; for John, even when he beheld the glorified body of Christ, fell at his feet as dead. In proportion as an individual is possessed of holiness, so much more near does he come to God, and so much more clear and distinct is his perception of his true character. " If a man love me," says Christ, " he will keep my words ; and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him." Such discoveries of the Divine beauty and glory, are therefore the promised reumrd, as well as the natural consequence, of distin- guished holiness ; and a well authenticated narrative, of the man- ner in which they were made, in a given instance, even if they were unusual in degree, instead of exciting our distrust or surprise, should lead us, with a noble emulation, to " press forward towards the mark, for the prize of tlie high calling of God in Christ Jesu?." CHAPTER XV. J^xtent of the Revival of 1740, '41, '42. — Auspicious opening. — Opposed by its enemies; and injured by its friends. — " Thoughts on the Revival in JS/'eiv England.''"' — Attestations of numerous ministers. — Causes of its decline. — Infuence of Mr. ^ Whitefield, Mr. Tennent, and others. — Influence of Mr. Ed- wards'' Publications in Scotland. — Great Revival of Religion there. — His correspondents in that country. — Letter to Mr M^ Culloch. — Answer to Do. — Letter from Mr. Robe. The reader can scarcely need to be informed, that the Revival of religion, of which we have been speaking, was not confined to Northampton. It began there, and at Boston, and at many other places, in 1 740, and in tliat, and the three following years, prevail- ed, to a greater or less degree, in more than one hundred and fifty congregations in New England, New York, New Jersey and Penn- sylvania ; as well as in a considerable number more, in Maryland and Virginia, in 1744. At its commencement, it appears to have been, to an unusual degree, a silent, powerful and glorious, work of the Spirit of God — the simple effect of Truth applied to the conscience, and accompanied by his converting grace. So auspi- cious indeed was the opening of this memorable work of God, and so rapid its progress, that the promised reign of Christ on the Earth was believed, by many, to be actually begun. Had it con- tinued of this unmixed character, so extensive was its prevalence, and so powerful its operation, it would seem tliat in no great length of time, it would have pervaded this western world. As is usual in such cases, it was opposed by the enemies of vital religion, and with a violence proportioned to its prevalence and power. But its worst enemies were found among its most zealous friends : and Mr, Edwards appears to have been early aware, that the measures too generally resorted to, by many of them, to extend its influence over tlio whole country, as well as throughout every town and village wlierc it was actually begun, were only adapted to introduce con- fusion and disorder, as far as they prevailed. To check these commencing evils, if possible, and to bear his own testimony to the Work as a genuine work of the Holy Spirit, he prejiared and pub- lished his "Thoughts on the Revival of Religion, in New England, in 1740." In tliis Treatise, after presenting evidence most clear and convincing that the attention to religion, of which he speaks, was a glorious work of God, and showing the obligations which all 19 J LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAJftDS. were under, to acknowledge and promote it, as well as the dangei of the contrary conduct : he points out various particulars in which its Iriends had been injuriously blamed, then exhibits the errors and mistakes into wdiich they had actually fallen, and concludes by showing positively, what ought to be done to promote it. This work, which was published in 1742, excited a very deep interest in the American churches, and was immediately republished in Scotland. The author, from his uncommon acquaintance with the Scriptures, the soundness of his theological views, his intuitive dis- cernment of the operations of the mind, his knowledge of the hu- man heart both before and after its renovation by the Spirit of God, his familiarity with revivals of religion, his freedom from enthusi- asm, and his utter aversion to extravagance and disorder, was ad- mirably qualified to execute it in the happiest manner : and, from the time of its first publication, it has been, to a very wide extent, the common Text-book of evangelical divines, on the subject of which it treats. If the reader will examine the various accounts of revivals of religion, he will find that no one of them, anterior to this, furnishes an explanation of the subject, in accordance with tlie acknowledged principles of mental philosophy. In 1743, about one hundred and sixty ministers published their attestations to this work, as in their own view a genuine work of the Spirit of God, and as having been extraordinary and remarka- ble, on account of the numbers who discovered a deep anxiety for their salvation ; on account of its rapid progress from place to place ; and on account of the power with which it was carried on. Yet, while they bear witness to the great numbers who appeared to have become real christians, to the extensive reformation of morals which it occasioned, and to a greater prevalence of religion than they had before witnessed ; many of theni also regret the extrava- gancies and irregularities, which in some places had been permitted to accompany it. Among these, they particularly point out — a dis- position to make secret impulses on the mind, a rule of duty — lay- men invading the ministerial office, and under a pretence of exhort- ing, setting up preaching — ministers invading each other's provin- ces— indiscreet young men rushing into particular places, and preaching on all occasions — unscriptural separations of churches, and of ministers from their churches — a rash judging of the reli- gious state of others — and a controversial, uncharitable and censo- rious, spirit. There can be no doubt, that both parts of this statement are true. Although this most extensive work of grace opened on New England, in 1740 and 1741, in a manner eminently auspicious ; yet in the two following years, it assumed, in various places^ a somewhat different aspect, and was unhappily marked with irregu- larity and disorder. This was doubtless owing, in some degree, fo the fact, that many ministers of wisdom and sound discretion, LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARBS. IQ^ not adverting sufTicienlly to the extent and importance of the Apos- tolic exhortation, " Let all things be done decently and in order," either encouraged, or did not effectually suppress, outcries, falling down and swooning, in the time of public and social worship, the speaking and praying of women in the church and in mixed assem- blies, the meeting of children by themselves for religious worship, and singing and praying aloud in the streets; but far more to die unrestrained zeal of a considerable number of misguided men ; — some of them, preachers of the gospel, and others, lay-exliorters ; — who, intending to take Mr. Whitefield as their model, travelled from place to place, preaching and exhorting wherever they could col- lect an audience ; pronounced definitively and unhesitatingly with respect to the piety of individuals, bodi ministers and private chris- tians ; and, whenever they judged a minister, or a majority of his church, destitute of piety ; — which diey usually did, not on account of their false principles or their irreligious Hfe, but for their want of an ardour and zeal equal to their own ; — advised, in the one case, the whole church to withdraw from the minister ; and, in the odier, a minority to separate themselves from the majority, and to form a distinct church and congregation. This indiscreet advice, had, at times, too much influence, and occasioned in some places the sun- dering of churches and congregations, in others the removal of ministers, and in others the separation of individuals from the com- munion of their brethren. It thus introduced contentions and quarrels into churches and families, alienated ministers from each other, and from their people, and produced, in the places wdiere these consequences were most discernible, a wide-spread and rivet- ted prejudice against revivals of religion. It is deserving perhaps of enquir}", Whether the subsequent slumber of the American ' Church, for nearly seventy years, may not be ascribed, in an impor- tant degree, to the fatal re-action of tliese nnhaijpy measures. There can be no doubt that on ]\ir. Whitefield, (ahhough by his multiplied and successful laboiu's he was the means of incalculable good to the churches- of America, as well as to those of England and Scodand,) diese e\als are, to a considerable degree, to be charged, as having first led the way in this career of irregularity and disorder. He did not go as far as some of his followers ; but lie oi)ened a wide door, and went great lengths in these foj'bidden paths ; and his imitators, having less discretion and experience, ventured, under the cover of his example, oven beyond the limits which he himself was afraid to pass. His published journals show, that he was accustomed to decide too audiorita lively, whedicr oth- ers, particularly ministers, were converted ; as well as to insi;>t that churches ought to remove those, whom they regarded as uncon- verted ministers ; and drat individual cliristians or minorities of churches, where a majority refused to db this, were bound to sepa- rate themselves. ISh. Edwards, wholly disapproving of tliis con- VoL. I. 25 194 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. duct, conversed with Mr. Whitefield freely, in the presence of others, about his practice of pronouncing ministers, and other mem- bers of the christian church, unconverted ; and declares that he supposed him to be of the opinion, that unconverted mmisters ought not to be continued in the ministry ; and that he supposed that he endeavoured to propagate this opinion, and a practice agree- able thereto. The same may be said, in substance, of Mr. G. Tennent, JNIr. Finley, and Mr. Davenport, all of whom became early convinced of their error, and with christian sincerity openly ac- knowledged it. At the same time, while these things were to be regretted in themselves, and still more so in their unhappy conse- quences, the evidence is clear that, in far the greater number of places, these irregularities and disorders, if in any degree preva- lent, were never predominant ; and that the attention to religion in these places, while it continued, was most obviously a great and powerful work of the Spirit of God. The testimony of the minis- ters of those places, on these points, is explicit. It is given with great caution, and with the utmost candour ; it acknowledges frank- ly the evils then experienced ; and it details the actual moral change wrought in individuals and in society at large, in such a manner, that no one, VA'ho believes in regeneration as the work of the Holy Spirit, can doubt that this change was effected by the finger of God. Though the attention to religion, at this period, was more pow- erful and more universal at Northampton, than in almost any odier congregation, there was yet scarcely one in which so few of these evils were experienced. The reason was, that tlieir spiritual guide had already formed, in his own mind, settled principles respecting a genuine Revival of religion — as to its cause, its nature, and in the •most important points, as to the manner in which it was to be treat- ed. He regarded it as caused — not by Appeals to the feelings or the passions, but — by the Truth of God brought home to the mind, in a subordinate sense by the preaching of the Gospel, but in, a far higher sense by the immediate agency of the Holy Spiiit. He considered such an event, so far as man is concerned, as the simple feffect of a practical attention to Truth, on the conscience and the heart. He felt it to be his great, and in a sense his only, duty therefore, to urge Divine Truth on the feelings and consciences of his hearers, witli all possible solemnity and power. How he in fact urged it, his published sermons will show. Yet even in Northampton, many things occurred, which not only were deviations from decorum and good sense, but were directly calculated, as ftu- as they prevailed, to change that, which, in its commencement, was, to an uncommon degree, a silent and pov/er- ful work of divine grace, into a scene of confusion and disorder. This was owing chiefly to contagion from without. " The former [lart of the revival of religion, in 1740 and 1741, seemed to be Lire OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 195 inucli more pure, having less of a corrupt mixture than in that of 1735 and 1736. — But in 1742, it was otherwise : the work con- tinued more pure till we were infected from abroad. Our people hearing of, and some of them seeing, the work in other places, where diere was a greater visible commotion than here, and the outward appearances were more extraordinary, their eyes were dazzled with the high professions and great show that some made, who came in hither from other places. That these people went so far before them in raptures and \ioIent emotions of the affections, and a vehement zeal, and what they called boldness for Christ, our i)eo- ple were ready to think was owing to far greater attainments in grace and intimacy with heaven. These things had a strange in- fluence on the people, and gave many of them a deep and unliappy tincture, from which it was a hard and long labour to deliver them, and from which some of them are not fully delivered, to this day." In many parishes, where the attention to religion commenced in 1742, it was extensively, if not chiefly, of this unhappy character. This was particularly true in the eastern part of Connecticut, and in the eastern and south eastern part, and some of the more central parishes, of Massachusetts. Churches and congregations were torn asunder, many ministers were dismissed, churches of a sepa- ratical character were formed, the peace of society was permanently broken up, and a revival of religion became extensively, in die \iew of the community, another name for the prevalence of fanati- cism, disorder and misrule. This unhappy and surprising change should prove an everlasting beacon to the Church of God. I HAVE already had occasion to remark, thai the " Narrative of Surprising Conversions" was repeatedly published, and extensively circulated, throughout England and Scotland. The same was true of INIr. Edwards' Five Sermons preached during the revival of religion in 1734 — 5, and of his Discourse on "the Distinguish- ing INIarks of a AVork of the Spirit of God." The effect of these publications, particularly of die first, was in the latter countiy great and salutary. The eyes both of ministers and christians were ex- tensively opened to the fact, that an effusion of the Spirit, resem- bling in some good degree those recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, might take place, and might rationally be expected to take place, in modern times, in consequence of the direct and powerful application of similar means. Scotland was at that time favoured with the labours of many clergymen, greatly respected for their piety and talents ; among whom were the Rev. William M'CuLLOcH of Cambuslang, the Rev. John Robe of Kils}ih, die Rev. John jNI'Laurin of Glasgow, the Rev. Thomas Gillespie^ of Carnoch, the Rev. John Willison of Dundee, and the Rev. John Erskine of Kirkintilloch, afterwards Dr. Erskine of Ed- inburgh. These genUemen, and many of dieir associates in the ministry, appear, at the time of which we are s]>eaking, to have l'J(5 LIFE OF PUESIDENT EDWARDS, preached, not only with great plainness and fervency, but with tlie strongest confidence of immediate and great success ; and, as a natural consequence, the Church of Scotland soon witnessed a state of things, to which she had long been a stranger. Li February, 1742, a revival of religion began at Cambuslang, ihe parish of JMr. M'Culloch, four miles from Glasgow, resembling in its power and rapidity, and the number of conversions, that in Northampton, in 1734 — 5 ; and in the course of that year, scenes of a similar nature were witnessed in Kilsyth, Glasgow, Dundee, Carnock, Kirkintilloch, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and upwards of thirty towns and villages, in vnrious parts of that kingdom. Thus the darkness which coyers the earth, was dispersed, for a season, from over these two countries, and the clear light of heaven shone down upon them, with no intervening cloud. In such circumstan- ces, it might naturally be expected, that the prominent clergymen in both, feeling a common interest, and being engaged in similar labours, would soon open a mutual correspondence. The first of IVlr. Edwards' correspondents in Scotland, was the Kev. ]\Ir. M'Laurin of Glasgow ; but, unfortunately, I have been able to procure none of the letters which passed between them. That gentleman, in the early part of 1743, having informed Mr. Edwards that his friend, Mr. M'Culloch of Cambuslang, had in- tended to write to him with the view of offering a correspondence, but had failed of the expected opportunity ; ]\Ir. Edwards address- ed to the latter the following letter. " To the Rev. William M'Culloch, Cambuslang. " Northampton, May 12, 1743. " Rev. and dear Sir, " Mr. M'Laurin of Glasgow, in a letter lie has lately sent me, informs me of your proposing to write a letter to me, and of your being prevented by the failing of the expected opportunity. I thank you, Rev. Sir, that you had such a thing in your heart. We were informed last year, by the printed and well attested narra- tive, of the glorious work of God in your parish ; which we have since understood has spread into many other towns and parishes in that part of Scotland : especially are we informed of this by Mr. Robes' Narrative, and I perceive by some papers of the Weekl}- History, sent me by Mr. M'Laurin of Glasgow, that the work has continued to make glorious progress at Cambuslang, even till it has prevailed to a wonderful degree indeed. God has highly fa- voured and honoured you, dear Sir, which may justly render your name precious to all that love our Lord Jesus Christ. We live in a day wherein God is doing marvellous things : in that respect, we are distinguished from former generations. God has wTought great things in New-England, which, though exceedingly glorious, have all LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. J 97 along been attended with some threatening clouds ; whic;h, iioni the beginning, caused me to appreliend some great stop or check to be put to the work, before it should be begun and carried on in its genuine ])urity and beauty, to subdue all before it, and to pre- vail with an irresistible and continual progress and trium})h ; and it is come to pass according to my apprehensions. But yet I can- not think otherwise, than that what has now been doing, is the forerunner of something vastly greater, more pure, and more ex- tensive. I can't think that God has come down from heaven, and done such great things before our eyes, and gone so much beside and beyond his usual way of working, and wrought so wonderfuHv, and that he has gone away with a design to leave things thus. Who hath heard such a thing ? Who hath seen such things? And will God, when he has \vrought so wonderfully, and made the earth to bring forth in one day, bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth ? And shall he cause to bring forth, and shut the womb ? Isaiah Ixvi. 8, 9. I hve upon the brink of the grave, in great in- firmity of body, and nothing is more uncertain, than whether 1 shall live to see it: but, 1 believe God will revive his work again before long, and that it will not wholly cease till it has subdued the whole earth. But God is now going and returning to his place, till we acknowledge our offence, and I hope to humble his church in New-England, and purify it, and so fit it for yet greater com- fort, that he designs in due time to bestow upori it. God may deal with his church, as he deals with a particular saint ; commonly, af- ter his first comfort, the clouds return, and there is a season of re- markable darkness, and hiding of God's face, and buffetings of Sa- tan ; but all to fit for greater mercy ; and as it was with Christ him- self, who, presently after the heavens were opened above his head, and the Spirit was poured out upon him, and God wonderfully tes- tified his love to him, was driven into the wilderness, to be tempt- ed of the devil forty days. I hope God will show us our errors, rind teach us wisdom by his present withdrawings. Now in the day of adversity, we have time and cause to consider, and begin now to have opportunity to see the consequences of our conduct. I wish that God's ministers and people, every where, would take warning by our errors, and the calamities that are the issue of diem. I have • mentioned several things, in my letters to Mr. AI'Laurin and I\Ir. Robe ; another I might have menfioncd, that most endently proves of ill consequence, that is, we hav^e run from one extreme to another, with respect to talking of expeiiences ; that whereas formerly there was too great a reservedness in this matter, of late many have gone to an unbounded openness, fre- quency and constancy, in talking of their experiences, declaring al- most every thing that passes between God and their own souls, every where, and before every body. Among other ill conse- quences of such a practice, this is one, that religion runs all intra J98 J.IFE OF TKESIDENT EDWARDS. that channel ; and religion is placed very much in it, so that the strength of it seems to be spent in it ; that other duties, that are of vastly greater importance, have been looked upon as light in compa- rison of this, so that other parts of rehgion have been really much injured thereby ; as when we see a tree excessively full of leaves, we find so much less fruit ; and when a cloud arises with an ex- cessive degree of wind, we have the less rain. How much, dear Sir, does God's church at such a day, need the constant gracious care and guidance of our good Shepherd ; and especially, we that are ministers. " I should be glad, dear Sir, of a remembrance in your prayers, and also of your help, by informations and instructions, by what you find in your experience in Scotland. I believe it to be the duty of one part of the cluu-ch of God, thus to help another. " I am, dear Sir, your affectionate " Brother and servant in Jesus Christ, " Jonathan Edwards." The following is the answer of Mr. M'Culloch, to the preceding letter. " Cambuslang, Aug. 13, 1743. " Rev. and dear Sir, " The happy period in which we live, and the times of refresh- ing from the presence of the Lord, wherewith you first were visit- ed, in Northampton, in the year 1734 : and then, more generally, in New England, in 1740, and 1741 ; and then we, in several pla- ces in Scotland, in 1742, and 1743; and the strong opposition made to this work, with you and with us, checked by an infinitely superior Power ; often brings to my mind that prophecy, Isaiah lix. 19 ; "So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the West ; and his glory from the Rising of the sun ; When the enemy shall come in as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." I cannot lielp thinking that this prophecy, eminently points at our times; and begins to be fulfilled in the multitudes of souls that are bringing in to fear the Lord, to worship God in Christ, in whom his name is, and to see his glory in his sanctuary. And it is, to me, pretty remarkable, that the prophet here foretells they should do so, in the period he points at, not from East to West, but from West to East ; mentioning the West before the East, contrary to the usual way of speaking in other prophecies, as where Malachi foretells, that the name of the Lord should be great among the Gentiles, from the Rising of the sun to the West, (Mai. i. 11.) And our Lord Jesus, that many should come from the East and West, &ic. (]Matthew viii. 11.) And in this order it was, that the light of the gospel came to dawn on the several na- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 199 lions, in the propagation of it tlirou^h the world. But the prophet here, under tiie conduct of the Holy Spirit, who ciiooses ail his words in intinite wisdom, puts the West before the East; intend- ing, as I conceive, thereby to signify, that the glorious revival of religion, and the wide and diffusive spread of vital Christianity, in the latter times of the gospel, should begin in the more ivesterhj parts, and proceed to these more easterhj. And while it should be doing so, or shortly after, great oppositon should ai'ise, the enemy should come in as a flood : Satan should, with great violence, as- sault particular believing souls ; and stir up men to malign and re- proach the work of God ; and, it's likely also, raise a terrible per- secution against the church. But while the enemy might seem, for a time, to be thus carrying all before him, the Spirit of the Lord shoidd lift up a standard against him ; give a banner to diem that fear Him, and animate them to display it for the truth, and make his word mightily to prevail, and bear down all opposing power. For on what side soever the Almighty and Eternal Spi- rit of Jehovah Hfts up a standard, there the victory is certain ; and we may be sure he will lift it up in defence of his own work. The Chaldee paraphrase makes the words in the latter part of this verse, to allude to the river Euphrates, when it breaks over all ts banks, and overflows the adjacent plains ; thus, when persecutors shall come in, as the inundation of the river Euphrates, they shall be broke in pieces by the word of the Lord. " The whole o; tliis verse seems to me, to have an aspect to the present and past times, for some years. The Sun of Righteous- ness, has been making his course from West to East, and shed- ding his benign and quickening influences, on poor forlorn and be- nighted souls in places vastly distant from one another. But clouds have arisen and intercepted his reviving beams. The enemy of salvation has broke in, as an overflowing flood, almost overwhelmed poor souls, newly come into the spiritual world, after they had got some glimpse of the glory of Christ, with a deluge of temptations : floods of imgodly men, stirred up by Satan, and their natural en- mity- at religion, have affrighted them : mistaken and prejudiced friends have disowned them. Many such things have already be- fallen the subjects of this glorious work of God of lale years. But 1 rijiprehend more general and formidable trials are yet to come : an-i that the enemy's coming in as a flood, may relate to a flood of er- rors or persecutions of fierce enemies, rushing in upon the church, and threatening to swallow her up. But our comfort is, that the Spirit of the Lord of Hosts will lift up a standard, against all the combined powers of earth and hell, and put them to flight: and Christ having begun to conquer, so remarkably, will go on from conquering to conquer, till the whole earth be filled with his glory. Rev. xii. 15; Isaiv.h xvii. 12, 13. " I mention these things, dear Sir, not for vour information, for 200 Ll^E OF PRESIDENT BDWARBS. I know that I can add nothing to you ; but to show my agreemenj- with you, in what you express as your sentiments, that what has now been a doing is the fore-runner of something vastly greater, more pure, and more extensive, and that God will revive his work again, ere long, and that it will not wholly cease, till it has subdued the whole earth : and, without pretending to prophecy, to hint a little at the gi'ound of my expectations. Only I'm afraid, (which is a thing you do not hint at) that before these glorious times, some dreadful stroke or trial may yet be abiding us. May the Lord pre- pare us for it. But as to this, I cannot and dare not peremptorily determine. All things I give up to farther light, without pretend- ing to fix the times and seasons for God's great and wonderful works, which he has reserved in his own power, and the certain knowledge of which he has locked up in his own breast." The same conveyance brought Mv. Edwards the following Let- ter, from the Rev. Mr. Robe, of Kilsyth. ''Kilsyth, Aug. 16, 1743. " Rev. Sir, and very dear Brother, " We acknowledge, with praise and thanks, the Lord's keeping his work hitherto, with us, free from those errors and disorders, which, through the subtilty of the serpent, and corruptions even of good men, were mixed with it in New England. As this was no more just ground of objection against what was among you, being a real work of the Holy Spirit, than the same things were against the work of God in Corinth, and other places, at the first conver- sion of the Pagans, and afterwards at the Reformation from Popery ; so the many adversaries to this blessed work here, have as fully made use of all those errors, disorders, and blemishes, against it there, as objections, as if they had really been here. The most unsea- sonable accounts from America, the most scurrilous and bitter pamphlets, and representations from mistaking brethren, were much and zealously propagated. Only it was over-ruled by Pro- vidence, that those letters and papers dropped what was a real t^es- timony to the goodness of the work, they designed to defame and render odious. IMany thinking persons concluded, from the gross calumnies forged and spread against the Lord's work here, within a few miles of them, that such stories from America, could not be much depended upon. "What you write about the trial of extraordinary joys and rap- tures, by their concomitants and effects, is most solid ; and our Viractice, by all I know, hath been conformable to it. It hath been in the strongest manner declared, that no degree of such rapturous joys evidenced them to be from God, unless they led to God, and carried with them those things which accompany salvation. Such LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 201 conditional applications of the promises of grace and glory as you justly recommend, hath been all along our manner. A holy fear of caution and watchfulness, hath been much pressed upon the sub- jects of this work, who appeared to believe through grace. And what is greatly comfortable, and reason of great praise to our God, is, that there is, as is yet known to any one In these bounds, no cer- tain instance of what can be called apostacy ; and not above four instances of any who have fallen into any gross sin. " As to the state and progress of this blessed work here, and in other places, it is as followeth. Since the account given In tlie several prints of my narrative, which I understand is or will be at Boston ; the awakening of secure sinners hath and doth continue in this congregation ; but not In such multitudes as last year, neither can it be reasonably expected. What is ground of joy and praise is, that there scarce hath been two or tliree weeks, but wherein I have some instance of persons newly awakened, besides several come to my knowledge who have been awakened, and appear in a most hopeful state, before they were known to me. Of which I had an instance yesterday, of a girl awakened, as she salth. In Oc- tober last. I have, at waiting this, an instance of a woman who ap- pears to have obtained a good issue of her awakening last year ; though I supposed it had come to nothing, through her intermitting to come to me of a long time. There Is this difference In this parish betwixt the awakening last year and now ; that some of their bodies have been affected by their fears, in a convulsive or hys- teric w^ay; and yet the inward distress of some of them hath been very sharp. I have seen two or tln-ee, who have fainted un- der apprehension of the hiding of God's face, or of their havhig re- ceived the Lord's supper unworthily. In some of the neighbour- ing congregations, where this blessed work was last year, there are instances of discernible awakenings, tills summer. In tlie large pa- rish of St. Ninians, to the north of this, I was witness to the awaken- ing of some, and conversed with others awakened, the middle of July last. In the parish of Sintrle to the west of St. Ninians there were several newly awakened at the giving the Lord's supper, about the end of July. In Gargunnock, KIppen, Killern farther north and west, the Lord's work Is yet discernible. At Muthel, which Is about twen- ty miles north from this, the minister wrote me about the middle of July, that this blessed work, which hath appeared there since last summer as at Cambuslang, yet continued ; and halh spread into other parishes, and reacheth even to the Highlands bordering upon that parish. " I am not without hopes of having good accounts of the out- pouring of the Holy Spirit in the shires of Rosse and Nairn among the northermost parts of Scotland. There was more than ordinary seriousness, in some parishes, in hearing the word, and in a con- cern about their souls, in the spring, when I saw some godly minis- VoL. I. 26 202 LiFK OF PBEblDENT EDWARDS. ters from those bounds. This more than ordinary seiiousness in hearing, and about communion times, is observable in several parts in Scotland, this summer. Societies for prayer setting up where there were none, and in other places increasing, A concern among the young are in some of the least hopeful places in Scotland, par- ticularly in the Meuse near the English borders. There is a great likelihood of the Lord's doing good by the gospel, in this discerni- ble way, in those bounds. Mr. M'Laurin, my dear brother, gives you an account of the progress of this work to the west of Glas- gow, and other places. There have been very extraordinary manifestations of the love of God, in Christ Jesus, unto his people, in the use of the holy supper, and in the dispensation of the word about that time, this summer : Which hath made the Lord's^ peo- ple desire it a second time in these congregations during the sum- mer season. It was given here upon the first Sabbath of July, and is to be given here next Lord's day, a second lime, upon such a desire. " Your affectionate brother and servant " In our dearest Lord, "James Robe," CHAPTER Xri. First Interview with Duvid Brainerd. — Separations from Church- es.— Letter to Rev. Mr. Whitman. — Correspondence with Mr. Clap. — Character of that gentleman. — Sermon at the Ordiria- tion of Mr. Ahercromhie. — Letter to Mr. M^ CuUoch. — Views of the Prophecies, relative to the Church. — Sermon at the Ordi- nation of Mr. Buell. In September, 1743, Mr. Edwards, while attending the public commencement at New Haven, first became acquainted with David Brainerd, then a Missionary at Kaunaumeek. Brainerd, when a sophomore in college, in consequence of some indiscreet remarks, uttered in the ardour of his religious zeal, respecting die opposition of two of the Faculty to the preachuig of Mr. Whitefield, but which a generous mind would have wholly disregarded, had been expel- led from the college. As this was the commencement, at which his class were to receive the degree of A. B., he came to New Haven to attempt a reconciliation with the Faculty, and made to them a truly humble and christian acknowledgment of his fault. " I was witness," says Mr. Edwards, " to tlie very christian spirit which Brainerd showed at that time ; being then at New Haven, and one whom he thought fit to consult on that occasion. There truly appeared in him a great degree ol calmness and humility ; without the least appearance of rising of spirit for any ill-treatment which he supposed he had suftered, or the least backwardness to abase himself before those, who, as he thought, had wronged him. What he did was without any objection or apj)earance of reluc- tance, even in private to his friends, to whom he freely opened himself. Earnest application was made on his behalf, that he might have his degree then given him ; and pardcularly by the Rev. INIr. Burr of Newark, one of the Correspondents of the Honourable Society, in Scotland ; he being sent from New Jersey to New Ha- ven, by the rest of the Commissioners, for diat end ; and many arguments were used, but without success. He desired his degree, as he thought it would tend to his being more extensively useful ; but still, when he was denied it, he manifested no disappointment nor resentment." I HAVE already alluded to the numerous separations of individual members, from the churches to which they belonged, which occur- 204 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. red about this period, and usually for the alleged want of piety, either of the minister or of the church. As these commonly took place without a regular dismission, it became a practical question of some interest, how the withdrawing members should be treated, Mr. Edwards, having been consulted on this subject, with refer- ence to some of the members of the second church in Hartford, who had thus withdrawn, addressed the following letter to the min- ister of that church. " To the Rev. EInathan Whitman, of Hartford, Connecticut. " JVorthampton, Feb. 9, 1 744. " Rev. and dear Sir, " Mr. P was here this week, and requested my opinion^ with respect to the proper treatment of a number of persons, who* have absented themselves from your meeting, and have since attended pubhc worship in W . I declined giving any opin- ion, except a very general one, to him; but, on reflexion, have concluded to express my thoughts to you, as a friend, leaving you to attach to them such weight, as you may see cause. "As to differences, among professing christians, of opinion and practice, about things that appertain to religion, and the worship of God, I am ready to think that you and I are agreed, as to the ge" neral principles of liberty of conscience ; and that men's using methods with their neighbours, to oblige them to a conformity to their sentiments or way, is in nothing so unreasonable, as in the worship of God ; because that is a business, in which each person acts for himself, with his Creator and Supreme Judge, as one con- cerned for his own acceptance with him ; and on which depends his own, and not his neighbour's, eternal happiness, and salvation from everlasting ruin. And it is an affair, wherein every man is infinitely more concerned witli his Creator, than he is with his neigh- bour. And so I suppose, that it will be allowed, that every man ought to be left to his own conscience, in what he judges will be most acceptable to God, or what he supposes is the will of God, as to the kind, or manner, or means of worship, or the society of wor- shippers he should join with in worship. Not but that a great abuse, may be made of this doctrine of liberty of conscience, in the worship of God. I know that many are ready to justify every thing in their owti conduct, from this doctrine, and I do not suppose that men's pretence of conscience, is always to be regarded, when made use of to justify their charging the society of worshippers tbey unite with, or the means of their worship, or indeed the kind or manner of their worship. Men may make this pretence at times under such circumstances, that they may, obviously, be wor- thy of no credit in what they pretend. It may be manifest from the nature and circumstances of the case,, and their own manner of be- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 205 liaviour, that it is not conscience, but petulancy, and malice, and wilfulness, and obstinacy, that influence them. And, therefore, it seems to me evident, that, when such pleas are made^ those that are especially concerned with them as persons that are peculiarly obliged to take care of their souls, have no other way to do, but to consider the nature and circumstances of the case, and from thence to judge whether the case be such as will admit of such a plea, or whether the nature of things will admit of such a supposition, that the men act conscientiously in what they do, considering all things that appertain to the case. And in this, I conceive, many things are to be considered and laid together, as — the nature of that thing that is the subject of controversy', — or wherein they differ from others, or have changed their own practice — the degree in which it is disputable, or how it may be supposed liable to diversity of opin- ion, one way or the other, as to its agreeableness to the word of God, and as to the importance of it, with regard to men's salvation or the good of their souls — the degree of knowledge or ignorance of the persons, the advantages they had for information, or the dis- advantages they have been under, and what has been in their cir- cumstances that might mislead the judgment — the principles that have been instilled into them — the instructions they have received from those, of whose piety and wisdom they have had an high opin- ion, which might misguide the judgment of persons of real honesty, and sincerity, and tender conscience — the example of others — the diversity of opinion among ministers — the general state of things in the land — the character of the persons themselves — and the man- ner of their behaviour in the particular afTair in debate. " Now, Sir, with regard to those persons that have gone from you, to W , however you may look upon their behaviour here- in as very disorderly, yet, if you suppose (the case being consider- ed with all hs circumstances) that there was any room for charity, that it might be through infirmity, ignorance and error of judgment, so that they might be truly conscientious in it ; that is, might really believe it to be their duty, and what God required of them, to do as tliey have done ; you would, I imagine, by no means think, that they ought to be proceeded with, in the use of such means as are proper to be used with contumacious offenders, or those that are stubborn and obstinate in scandalous vice and wilful wickedness ; or that you would tliink it proper to proceed with persons, towards whom there is this room left for charity, that possibly they may be honest and truly conscientious, acting as persons afraid to offend God, so as to cut them off from the communion of the Lord, and cast them forth into the visible kingdom of Satan, to be as harlots and publicans. " Now, it may be well to examine, whether it can positively be determined, when all things are taken into consideration with respect to these persons, who have absented themselves from your 306 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. assembly, that it is not possible in their case, that tliis might really be their honest judgment, that it was their duty to do so, and that God required it of them, and that they should greatly expose the welfare of their own souls, in attending no other public worship but that in your congregation. I suppose these persons are not much versed in casuistical divinity. They are of the common people, whose judgments, in all nations and ages, are exceedingly led and swayed. They are not veiy capable of viewing things in the extent of their consequences, and of estimating things in their true weight and importance. And you know, dear Sir, the state that things have been in, in the countiy. You know what opinions have lately prevailed, and have been maintained and propa- gated by those that have been lifted up to heaven, in their reputa- tion for piety and great knowledge in spiritual things, with a great part of the people of New-England. I do not pretend to know what has influenced these people, in particular ; but I think, under these circumstances, it would be no strange thing, if great numbers of the common people in the country, who are really conscientious, and concerned to be accepted with God, and to take the best course for the good of their souls, should really think in their hearts that God requires them to attend the ministry of those that are called JVew Ldght Ministers, and that it would be dangerous to their souls, and what God approved not of, ordinarily to attend the min- istry of others ; yea, I should think it strange if it were otherwise. It ought to be considered, how public controversy, and a great and general cry in matters of religion, strongly influences the conduct of multitudes of the common people, how it blinds their minds, and wonderfully misleads their judgments. And the rules of the Gos- pel, and the example of the Apostles, most certainly require that great allowances be made in such cases. And particularly the ex- ample of the Apostle Paul, with regard to great numbers of profes- sing christians, in the church of Corhith ; who, in a time of great and general confusion in that church, through tlie evil instructions of teachers whom they admired, who misled and blinded their judgments, ran into many and great disorders in their worship, and woful schisms and divisions among themselves — particularly with regard to ministers, and even vdth regard to the Apostle Paul him- self, whom many of them seem for a time to have forsaken, to fol- low others who set up themselves in opposition to him ; though, as he says, he had been their father who begat them through the Gospel. Yet with how much gentleness does the Apostle treat them, still acknowledging them as brethren ; and though he re- quired church censures to be used with regard to the incestuous person, yet there is no intimation of the Apostle taking any such course, with those that had been misled by these false teachers, or with any that had been guilty of these disorders, except with the false teachers themselves. But as soon as they are brought off LIFB OF PllKSlDENT EDWARDS. 207 from following these false apostles any longer, he embraces them without further ado, with all the love and tenderness of a father; burying all their censoriousness, and schisms, and disorders, at the Lord's Supper, as well as their ill treatment of him, the extraordi- nary messenger of Christ to them. And indeed, the Apostle nev- er so much as gave any direction for the suspension of any one member from the Lord's Supper, on account of these disorders, or from any other part of the public worship of God ; but instead of tills, gives them directions how they shall go on to attend tlie Lord's Supper, and otlier parts of worship, in a better manner. And he himself, without suspension or interruption, goes on to call and treat them as beloved brethren, christians, sanctified in Christ Je- sus, called to be saints ; and praises God in their behalf, for the grace that is given to them by Christ Jesus ; and often and abun- dantly exhibits his charity towards them, in innumerable expres- sions which I might mention. And notliing is more apparent, than that he does not treat them as persons, with respect to whom, there lies a bar in the way of others treating them, with the charity that belongs to saints, and good and honest members of the christian church, until the bar be removed by a church process. And in- deed, the insisting on a church process with every member that has behaved disorderly, in such a state of general confusion, is not a way to build up the church of God, (which is tlie end of church discipline,) but to pull it down. It will not be tlie way to cure a diseased member, but to bring a disease on the whole body. " I am not alone in these sentiments ; but I have reason to think tliat Col. Stoddard, from the conversation I have had witli him, is in the like way of thinking. There came hither, the last fall, two young men belonging to the church at New-Haven, who had been members of Mr. Noyes's church, but had left it and joined the separate church, and entered into covenant with it, when that church was embodied. This was looked upon as a crime, that ought not to be passed over, by Mr. Noyes and the Rector. They declared themselves willing to return to JNIr. Noyes's meet- ing ; but a particular confession was required of them in the meet- ing-house. Accordingly, each of them had offered a confession, but it was not thought sufficient ; but it was required that they should add some things, of which they thought hard ; and they con- sulting me about it, I acquainted Col. Stoddard with tlie afiair, and desired his thoughts. He said he looked upon it unreasonable, to require any confession at all ; and that, considering the general state of confusion that had existed, and the instructions and exam- ples these young men had had, it might well be looked upon enough, that they were now willing to change their practice, and return again to INIr. Noyes's meeting. Not that you, Rev. Sir, are obliged to think as Col. Stoddard does ; yet I think, considering his char- acter and relation, his judgment may well be of so much weight, 208 LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. as to engage you the more to attend to and weigh the reasons he gives. " The objections, that these persons may have had against ordi- narily attending your meeting, may be very trivial ; but yet I sup- pose that, through infirmity, the case may be so with truly honest christians, that trivial things may have great weight in their con- sciences, so as to have fast hold of them, until they are better en- lightened : As in the former times of the country, it was vdth respect to the controversy between Presbyterians and Congrega- tionalists. It was, as I have heard in those days, real matter of question with some, whether a Presbyterian, living and dying such, could be saved. Some Presbyterians, that have lived with us, have desired baptism for their children, who yet lived in neglect of the ordinances of the Lord Jesus Christ, because of a difference in some trivial circumstances of the administration, from the meth- od of the church of Scotland. This matter being discoursed of, it was thought by Col. Stoddard in particular, that their neglect ought to be borne with, and they ought to be looked upon as chris- tians, and their children received to baptism ; because, however trivial tlie foundation of their scruples were, yet through ignorance they might be honest and conscientious in them. " As to the church covenant, that these persons have entered in- to, wherein they have obliged themselves ordinarily to join in the worship of that church ; I suppose none interpret the promises of a church covenant in such a sense, as to exclude all reserves of lib- erty, in case of an alteration of the judgment, in the affairs of con- science and religion, in one respect or another. As if a person, after incorporating with a Congregational church, should become a conscientious Episcopalian, or Anabaptist, or should, by any change of judgment, come to think the means or manner of worship un- lawful ; and so in other respects that might be mentioned. " And if it be so that these persons, in some of their conversa- tion and behaviour, have manifested a contentious, froward spirit, at the time of their withdrawing from your church ; I confess tliis gives greater ground of suspicion of the sincerity of their plea of conscience ; yet, as to this, I humbly conceive allowances must be made. It must be considered, that it is possible that persons, in an affair of this nature, may, in the thing itself, be conscientious, and yet, in the course of the management of it, may be guilty of very corrupt mixtures of passion and every evil disposition ; as in- deed is commonly the case with men, in long controversies of whatever nature, and even with conscientious men. And there- fore, it appears to me, that if persons in such a case are not obsti- nate, in what is amiss in them in this respect, and don't attempt to justify their frowardness and unchristian speeches, they notwith- standing may deserve credit, when they profess themselves con- scientious in the affair in general. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 209 " Thus, dear Sir, I have freely communicated to you some of my thoughts, with regard to some of the concerns of this difficuh day, which prove a trouble to you ; not however with any aim at dn-ecting your conduct, but merely to comply with the request to which I have alluded. I am fully sensible, that I am not the Pas- tor of the second church of Hartford ; and I only desire you would impartially consider the reasons I have offered. Begging of Christ, our common Lord, that he would direct you in your theory and practice, to that wliich \nll be acceptable in his sight, " I remain, Rev. Sir, " Your friend and brotlier, " Jonathan Edwards." In May, 1743, Mr. Edwards went, as he often did, to Boston, to attend the convention of the clergy, which is held the day after the General Election. He was on horseback, and had his eldest daughter on a pillion behind him. At Brookfield, they fell in company widi the Rev. Mr. Clap, Rector of Yale College, his wife and son-in-law, also on horseback, ^^■ith several others, all travelHng in the same direction ; and Mr. Edwards, joining the company, rode side by side with Mr. Clap, during a considerable part of the journey. At the Commencement of Harvard College in the following year, 1744, Mr. Clap stated, before a large num- ber of gentlemen, both at Boston and Cambridge, that, while riding through Leicester, in May of the year preceding, he was informed by Mr. Edwards, that ]Mr. Whitefield told him, " that he had the design of turning out of their places the greater part of the clergy of New-England, and of supplying their pulpits with ministers from England, Scodand and Ireland." This statement surprized those who heard it ; yet, coming from such a source, it was beheved, and extensively circulated. Mr. Edwards heard of it with astonish- ment, and without hesitation denied that he had said so. Mr. Clap, hearing of this denial, addressed a letter to Mr. Edwards, dated Oct. 12, 1744, in which he stated anew the alleged conversation, in the same terms ; but before the latter received it, he had forward- ed a letter to Mr. Clap, dated Oct. 18, 1744, showing him his mis- take, and calHng on him to correct it. On Oct. 29th, he wrote a reply to Mr. Clap's letter of the 12th; and receiving another, dat- ed Oct. 28th, before he sent it, he repUed to that also in the Post- script, under date of Nov. 3d. Mr. Clap, finding that JMr. Ed- wards' contradiction of his statement was believed ; and having heard, though incorrectly, that INIr. Edwards was about to publish such a contradiction ; incautiously pubhshed a letter to his friend in Boston, in wliich he not only re-asserted his former statement, but declared that ]Mr. Edwards, in his private correspondence with him on the subject, had made a declaration, equally full and strong, to the same point. INIr. Edwards pubUshed a reply, in a letter to his friend in Boston, dated Feb. 4, 1745 ; in wliich he gave his Vol. I. 27 210 LIFE OF PRESIDKNT EDWARDS. two letters of Oct. 18, and Oct. 29, with the Postscript of Nov. 3 ; from which it appears that, ii^stead of admitting tlie truth of Mr. Clap's statement, he had most explicitly and solemnly denied it ; and, in order to show how Mr. Clap might have been led into the mistake, acknowledged that he himself supposed that Mr. White- field was formerly of the opinion, that unconverted ministers ought not to be continued in the ministry ; and that he himself supposed that Mr. Whitefield endeavoured to propagate this opinion, and a practice agreeable to it ; and that all he had ever stated to any one was, his own opinion merely, and not any declared design of Mr. Whitefield. He also admitted, that Mr. Whitefield told him he in- tended to bring over a number of young men, to be ordained by the Messrs. Tennents, in New-Jersey. He then asks, whether this is the same thing as Mr. Clap asserted, and suggests a variety of arguments, which seem absolutely conclusive, that he could nev- er have made such a statement. Mr. Clap, in reply to this, in a letter to Mr. Edwards, dated April 1, 1745, enters seriously upon the task of showing that Mr. Edwards' assertion — " that Mr. Whitefield told him, diat he intend- ed to bring over a number of young men, to be ordained by the Messrs. Tennents, in New-Jersey" — connected with the assertion — that Mr. Edwards himself supposed, that Mr. Whitefield was formerly of the opinion, that unconverted ministers ought not to be continued in the ministry, and that Mr. Edwards himself supposed that Mr. Whitefield endeavoured to propagate this opinion, and a practice agreeable to it : — was equivalent to Mr. Edwards' saying, that Mr. Whitefield told Mm, "that he had the design of turning out of their places the greater part of the clergy of New-England, and of supplying their places with ministers from England, Scodaud and Ireland." Mr. Edwards, in a letter to Mr. Clap, of May 20, 1745, after exposing in a few words, the desperate absurdity of this attempt, enters on the discussion of the question — Whether he ever made such a statement to Mr. Clap ? — with as much calmness as he af- terwards exhibited, in examining the question of a self-determining power ; and with such logical precision of argument, that probably no one of his readers ever had a doubt left upon his mind, with re- gard to it : — no, not even his antagonist himself ; for he never Siought proper to attempt a reply ; and in the public protest of the Faculty of Yale College, against Mr. Whitefield, he and his asso- ciates in office say, in alluding to this very conversation, " You told the Rev. Mr. Edwards of Northampton, that you intended to bring over a number of young men from England, to be ordained , by the Tennents." Those, who have an opportunity of reading these communications, will find, in those of Mr. Edwards, an ex- ample of a personal controversy, conducted throughout, and to a very uncommon degree, in the spirit of the gentleman and the christian. LIFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARD3. 211 This occurred at a period of groat excitement, wlien many mi- nisters had been removed, and many churches rent asunder ; and when the minds of men were of course prepared beforehand to believe every thing, tliat fovoured their o\v^l side of tlie question. IVIr. Clap was, in this case, obnously mistaken : still he was truly a man of respectability and worth. He had a powerful mind, rich in in- vention, and stored with knowledge, was profoundly versed in Ma- thematics, Physics and Astronomy, as well as the principles of Law, and proved an able instructer and governor of the institution, over which he presided. He was elected by a Board of Trustees, ex- clusively Arminian in sentiment, and all his associates in office held the same tenets. At the same time, though he entered warmly into the controversy relative to Mr. Whitefield, from a full convic- tion that it was his design to occasion the separation of churches, and to procure, as far as possible, the ejectment of all v/hoftihe regard- ed as unconverted ministers ; and was doubtless happy in suppos- ing himself able to prove that such was his avowed design, on the testimony of one of his warmest friends ; yet he was far from taking the low ground of orthodoxy assumed by many on the same side, but always adhered to the doctrines of grace, and ultimately be- came their champion. Sometime after tliis, he showed his magna- nimity, by introducing the Essay on the Freedom of the Will, as a classic in the college. In August, 1744, Mr. Edwards preached the Sermon entiUed " The True Excellency of a Gospel JVIinister," at the ordination of Mr. Robert Abercrombie, to the ministry of the Gospel, at Pel- ham. This gentleman was from Scotland, having been made known to ^Mr. Edwards by his correspondents in that country ; and through his kind offices was introduced to the people at Pelham. The Sermon was immediately published. The reader will probably recollect, that Mr. M'Culloch, in his Letter of August 13, 1743, had expressed the opinion, that the Church of God, previous to her ultimate extension and triumph, was destined to meet with "more extensive and formidable trials," than she had ever before experienced. ]Mr. Edwards, from a minute investigation of the Scriptural Prophecies, having been convinced that this, which was at that time the commonly received opinion of the church, was erroneous ; expresses his dissent from it in the following answer. ^' JVorthampton, March 5, 1744. " To the Rev. Mr. M'Culloch. " Rev. and dear Sir, " I return you thanks for your most obliging, entertaining and instructive. Letter, dated Aug. 13, 1743, which I received about 212 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. the latter end of October ; my answering which has been unhap- pily delayed, by reason of my distance from Boston, and not being able to find any opportunity to send thither, till the ship was gone that brought your letter ; which I much regretted. My delaying to answer lias been far from arising from any indifference with re- spect to this correspondence, by which I am sensible I am highly honoured and privileged. " 'Tis probable that you have been informed, by other corres- pondents, before now, what the present state of things in New Eng- land is : it is indeed, on many accounts, very melancholy : there is a vast alteration within these two years ; for about so long I think it is, since the Spirit of God began to withdraw, and this great work has been on the decline. Great numbers in the land, about two years ago, were raised to an exceedingly great height, in joy and elevation of mind ; and through want of watchfulness, and sensi- bleness of the danger and temptation that there is in such circum- stances, many were greatly exposed, and the devil taking the ad- vantage, multitudes were soon, and to themselves insensibly, led far away from God and their duty ; God was provoked that he was not sanctified in this height of advancement, as he ought to have been, he saw our spiritual pride and self-confidence, and the pol- luted flames that arose of intemperate, unhallowed zeal ; and he soon, in a great measure, withdrew from us ; and the consequence has been, that the Enemy has come in like a flood, in various re- spects, until the deluge has overwhelmed the whole land. There had, from the beginning, been a great mixture, especially in some places, of false experiences, and false ReHgion with true ; but from about this time, the mixture became much greater, many were led away with sad delusions ; and this opened the door for the Enemy to come in like a flood in another respect, it gave great advantages to these enemies and opposers of this work, furnished them with weapons and gave them new courage, and has laid the friends of the work under such disadvantage, that nothing that they could do would avail any thing to ^vithstand their violence. And now it is come to that, that the work is j)ut to a stop every where, and it is a day of the Enemy's triumph : but I believe also a day of God's People's Humiliation, which will be better to them in the end than their elevations and raptures. The time has been amongst us when the sower went forth to sow, and we have seen the spring, wherein the seed sprang up in different sorts of ground, appearing then fair and flourishing ; but this spring is past, and we now see the sum- mer, wherein the sun is up with a burning heat, that tries the sorts of ground ; and now appears the difference, the seed in stony ground, where there was only a thin layer of earth on a rock, with- ers away, the moisture being dried out ; and the hidden seeds and roots of thorns, in unsubdued ground, now springs up and chokes the seed of the word. Many high professors are fallen, some into TJFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 213 gross immoralities, some into a rooted spiritual pride, enthusiasm, and an incorrigible wildness of behaviour, some into a cold frame of mind, showing a great indifference to the things of Religion. But there arc many, and I hope those the greater part of those that were professed Converts, who appear hitherto like the good ground, and notwithstanding the thick and dark clouds, that so soon follow that blessed sunshine that we have had ; yet I cannot but stedfastly maintain a hope and persuasion that God will reviv'e his work, and that what has been so great and very extraordinary, is a forerun- ner of a yet more glorious and extensive work. — It has been slander- ously reported and printed concerning me, that I have often said, that the Millennium was already begun, and that it began at North- ampton. A doctor of divinity in New England, has ventured to publish this report to the world, from a single person, who is con- cealed and kept behind the curtain : but the report is very diverse from what I have ever said. Indeed I have often said, as I say now, that I looked upon the late wonderful revivals of Religion as fore- runners of those glorious times so often prophesied of in the Scrip- ture, and that this was the first dawning of that light, and beginning of that work, which, in the progress and issue of it, would at last bring on the Church's latter day glory ; but there are many that know that I have from time to time added, that there would proba- bly be many sore conflicts and terrible convulsions, and many changes, revivings and intermissions, and returns of dark clouds, and threatening appearances, before this work shall have subdued the world, and Christ's kingdom shall be every where established and settled in peace, which will be the lengthening of the Millennium or day of the Church's peace, rejoicing and triumph on earth, so often spoken of. I was much entertained and delighted, dear Sir, with your thoughts on that text in Isai. lix. 19, which you signify in your letter, and so have many others been to whom I have com- municated them ; and as to what you say of some dreadful stroke or trial yet abiding, before the happy days of the promised peace and prosperity of the church, I so far agree with you, that I believe that, before the church of God shall have obtained the conquest, and the visible kingdom of Satan on earth shall receive its over- throw, and Christ's kingdom of grace be every where established on its ruins, there shall be a great and mighty struggle bet\veen the kingdom of Christ and the kingdom of Satan, attended with the greatest and most extensive convulsions and commotion, that ever were upon the face of the earth, wherein doubtless many particular christians will suffer, and perhaps some parts of the Church. " But that the enemies of the Church of God, should ever gain such advantages against her any more, as they have done in times past, that the victory should ever any more be on their side, or that it shall ever be given to the Beast again to make war \dth the saints, and to prevail against them, and overcome them; (as in Rev. xiii. 214 Lll-E or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 7; and xi. 7; and Dan. vii. 21,) to such a degree as has been heretofore, is otherwise than I hope. Though in this I would be far from setting up my own judgment, in opposition to others, who are more skill'd in the prophecies of Scripture, than I am. I think that what has mainly induced many divines to be of that opinion, is what is said in Revelation, chap. xi. concerning the slaying of the witnesses, v. 7, 8. And when they shall have finished their testimony, the Beast, that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit, shall make war against them, and shall overcome them and kill themj and their dead bodies shall be in the street of the great city, Sic. " The event here spoken of, seems evidently to be that, wherein the enemies of the church gain the greatest advantage against her, that ever they have, and have the greatest conquest of her, that ever they obtained, and bring the church nearest to a to- tal extinction. For a long time the church is very small, repre- sented by two witnesses, and they had been long in^a very low state, prophecying in sackcloth ; but now they are dead and their ene- mies triumph over tliem, as having gotten a complete victory, and look upon it that they are now past all possibility of recovery, there being less prospect of the church's restoration than ever there was before. But are we to expect this, dear Sir, that Satan will ever find means to bring things to pass, that after all the increase of light that has been in the world, since the Reformation, there shall be a return of a more dark time than in the depth of the darkness of Popery, before the Reformation, when the church of God shall be nearer to a total extinction, and have less of visibility, all true religion and light be more blotted out of the memories of man- kind, Satan's kingdom of darkness be more firmly established, all monuments of true religion be more abolished, and that the state of the world should be such, that it should appear further from any hope of a revival of true religion than it ever has done ; is this conceiv- able, or possible, as the state of things now is all over the world, even among Papists themselves, without a miracle, a greater than any power short of divine can effect, without a long tract of time, gradually to bring it to pass, to introduce the grossest ignorance and extinguish all memory and monuments of truth ; which was the case in that great extinction of true rehgion that was before the Refor- mation. And besides, if we suppose this War of the Beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit with the witnesses, wherein he overcomes them and kills them, to be that last war which the church shall have with the Beast, that great and mighty conflict that shall be just before the final overthrow of Antichrist, that we read of in the 1 6th chap, the 1 3th and following verses, and in the 1 9th chapter ; how shall we make them consist together ? In the 11th chapter the church conflicts in sorrow, clothed in sackcloth, and in blood; in the 19th chap, the saints are not represented as fighting in sorrow and blood, though the battle be exceedingly great, but in strengtli, )>lVli OF TRESIDENT EDWARDS. 21 j glory, and triumph. Their Captain goes forth to this battle, in great jjomp and niagniticence, on a white horse, and on his head many crowns, and on his vesture and on his thigh a name \vi-itten, King OF Kings and Lord of Lords; and the saints follow him, not in sackcloth, but coming forth on white horses, clothed in pure linen, clean and white, the raiment of triumph, the same raiment that the saints appear in, Rev. vii. 14, when they appear with palms in their hands, after they had washed their robes, that had been stained with dieir own blood, and made themselves white in the blood of the Lamb. In the conflict spoken of in chap, xi., the Beast makes war with the witnesses, and overcomes them, and kills them : the same is foretold, Dan. vii. 21, and Rev. xiii. 7, But in that last great batde, just before the fall of Antichrist, we find the reverse of this, the church shall obtain a glorious victory over the Beast, and the Beast is taken and cast into the lake of fire. Rev. xvii. 14, These shall make war with the Lamb ; and the Lamb shall over- come them ; for he is Lord of Lords and King of Kings ; and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful; compared uith chap. xix. 16, to the end, and chap. xvi. 16, 17. In that conflict, chap, xi., the Beast has war with the witnesses, and kills them, and their dead bodies lie unburied, as if it were to be meat for the beasts of the earth, and fowls of heaven ; but in that last conflict, Christ and his church shall slay their enemies, and give their dead bodies to be meat for the beasts of the earth and fowls of heav^en, chap. xix. 17, etc. There is no manner of appearance in the descriptions that are given of that great battle, of any great advantages gained in it against the church, before the enemy is overcome, but all appearance of the contrary. The descriptions in the 16th and 19th chapters of Rev. will by no means allow of such an advantage, as that of the overcoming and slaying of the church, or people of God, and llieir lying for some time unburied, that their dead bodies may be for their enemies to abuse and trample on, and make sport with. In the 16th chap, we have an account of their being gathered together into the place called Armageddon ; and then the first thing we hear of after that, is the pouring out of the seventh vial of God's wrath, and a voice saying it is done ; and so in chap. xix. we read of the Beast, and the Kings of the earth, and their armies being gathered together, to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army ; and tlicn the next thing we hear of is the Beast's being taken, etc. The event of the conflict of the Beast with the church, chap. xi. is the triumph of the church's enemies, when they of the people, and kindred, and tongues, and nations, and they that dwell on tlie earth, shall see the dead bodies of the saints lying in the streets, and shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and send gifts one to another. But the event of that great and last batde, before the fall of An- tichrist, is quite the reverse of this, even the church's triumphing 21 G LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARD^ over tlicir enemies, as being utterly destroyed. v Those events, that are consequent on the issue of the war with the witnesses, chap. xi. do in no wise answer to those, that are represented as consequent on that last conflict of Antichrist with the church ! 'Tis said that when the witnesses ascended into heaven, the same hour there was an earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell ; and in the earth- quake were slain of men seven thousand ! but this don't seem at all to answer what is described, chap. xvi. and xix. The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell ! and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath; and every isl- and fled away, and the mountains were not found. And it had been said before, that there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great. And in chap. xix. instead of slaying seven thousand men, it seems as if there was a general slaughter of all the enemies of the church, through the world. And besides if we read this 1 Itli chapter through, we shall see that the falling of the tenth part of the city and the rising of the witnesses, and their standing on their feet and ascending into heaven, are represented there as entirely distinct from the accomphshment of the church's glory, after the fall of Antichrist, and God's judging and destroying the enemies of the church. The judgment here spoken of, as executed on God's enemies, are under another Woe, and the benefits bestowed on the church, are under another Trumpet: For immediately after the ac- count of the rising and ascending of the witnesses, and its conse- quences, follow these words, v. 14, 15, "The second woe is past, and behold the third woe cometh quickly. And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the king- doms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever." And in the follow- ing verses, we have an account of the praises sung to God on the occasion ; and in the last verse we have a brief hint of that same great earthquake, and the great hail, and those thunders, and lightnings, and voices, that we have an account of in the latter part of chap. xvi. so that the earthquake mentioned in the last verse of chap. xi. seems to be the great earthquake, that attends the last great conflict of the church and her enemies, rather than that mentioned, v. 13. " The grand objection against all this is, that it is said, that the witnesses should prophecy one thousand two hundred and sixty days, clothed in sackcloth ; and when they have finished their tes- timony, the beast should make war against tliem, and kill them, etc. and that it seems manifest that after this they are no longer in sackcloth ; for henceforward they are in an exalted state in heaven : and that therefore seeing the time of their wearing sackcloth is one thousand two hundred and sixty days, i. e. during the time of the LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. 217 continuance of antichrist ; hence their being slain, and their rising again must be at the conclusion of this period, at the end of anti- ciirist's reign. " In answer to which I would say, with submission to better judgments, that 1 humbly conceive that we can justly infer no more from this prophecy than this, viz. that the one thousand two hundred and sixty days is the proper time (as it were) of the Church's trou- ble and bondage, or being clothed in sackcloth, because it is the appointed time of the reign of antichrist ; but this don't hinder but that God, out of great compassion to his Church, should, in some respect, shorten the days, and grant tliat his Church should, in some measure, anticipate the appointed great deliverance that should be at the end of these days, as he has in fact done in the Reforination ; whereby his Church has had a great degree of resto- ration granted her, from the darkness power and dominion of anti- christ, before their proper time of restoration, which is at the end of the one thousand two hundred and sixty days ; and so the C'hurch through the compassion of her Father and Redeemer, anticipates her deliverance from her sorrows ; and has, in some respects, an end put to her testifying in sackcloth, as many parts of the Church are henceforward brought out from under the do- minion of the antichristian powers, into a state of liberty ; though in other respects, the Church may be said still to continue in her sackcloth, and in the wilderness, (as Chap. xii. 14,) till die end of the days. And as to the witnesses standing on their feet, and as- cending into heaven ; I would propose that it may be considered, Whether any more can be understood by it, than the Protestant Church's being now (at least as to many parts of it) able to stand on her own legs, and in her own defence, and being raised to such a state, that she henceforward is out of the reach of the Romish powers; that, let them do what they will, they shall never anymore be able to get the Church under their power, as they had before ; as oftendmes in the scriptures God's People's dwelling in safety, out of die reach of dieir enemies, is represented by their dwelling on high, or being set on high ; Ps. lix. 1. Isai. xxxiii. 16. Ps. Ixix 29, and xci. 14, and cvii. 41. Prov. xxix. 25 ; and the children of Is- rael, when brought out of Egypt, were said to be carried on eagle's wings, that is lofty in its flight, flies away towards heaven where none of her enemies can reach her. " I might here observe, that we have other instances of God's shortening the days of his Church's captivity and bondage, either at the beginning or latter end, in some measure parallel with this. Thus the proper time of the bondage of the posterity of Abraham, in a strange land, was four hundred years, Gen. xv. 13: but yet God in mercy, delayed their bondage, whereby the time was much shortened at the beginning. So the time wherein it was foretold, that the whole land of Israel should be a desolation and an astonish- VoL. 1. 28 218 LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ment, and the land should not enjoy her sabbaths, was seventy years, Jer. XXV, 11, 12 ; and these seventy years are dated in 2 Chron. xxxvi. 20, 21, from Zedekiah's captivity; and yet from that cap- tivity to Cyrus's decree was but about fifty-two years, though it was indeed about seventy years before the temple was finished. So the proper time of the oppression of Antiochus Epiphanes, wherein both the Sanctuary and the Host should be trodden under foot by him, was two thousand and three hundred days, Dan. vii. 13, 14, and yet God gave Israel a degree of deliverance by the Maccabees, and they were holpen with a little help, and the Host ceased to be trodden under foot before that time was expired. Dan. xi. 32, 34. " But in these things, dear Sir, I am by no means dogmatical ; I do but humbly offer ray thoughts on what you suggested in your letter, submitting them to your censure. 'Tis pity that we should expect such a terrible devastation of the Church, before her last and most glorious deliverance, if there be no such thing to be ex- pected. It may be a temptation to some of the people of God, the less earnestly to wish and pray for the near approach of the Church's glorious day, and tlie less to rejoice in the signs of its approach. " But, let us go on what scheme we will, it is most apparent from the Scriptures, that there are mighty strugghngs to be expected, between the Cliurch of God and her Enemies, before her great victory ; and there may be many lesser strugglings before that last, and greatest, and universal conflict. Experience seems to show that the Church of God, according to God's method of dealing with her, needs a great deal gradually to prepare her for that prosperity and glory that he has promised her on earth : as the growth of the earth, after v.inter, needs gradually to be prepared for the summer heat : I have known instances, wherein by the heat's coming on suddenly in the spring, without intermissions of cold to check the growth, the branches many of them, by a too hasty growth, have afterwards died. And perhaps God may bring on a spiritual spring as he does the natural, with now and then a pleasant sunshiny season, and then an interruption by clouds and stormy winds, till at length, by the sun more" and more approaching, and the light in- creasing, the strength of the winter is broken. We are extremely apt to get out of the right way. A very great increase of comfort that is sudden, without time and experience, in many instances has appeared to wound the soul, in some respects, though it seems to profit it in others. Sometimes, at the same time that the soul seems .wonderfully delivered from those lusts, that are more carnal and earthly, there is an insensible increase of those that are more spirit- ual ; as God told the children of Israel, that he would put out the former inhabitants of the land of Canaan, by litde and litde, and would not consume them at once, least the beasts of the field should LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 21*) increase upon them. — Wc need much experience, to teach us the innumerable ways that we arc liable to err, and to show us the evil and pernicious consequences of those errors. If it should please God, before many years, to grant another great Revival of religion in New England, we should perhaps be much upon our guard against such errors as we have run into, and which have undone ua this time, but yet might run insensibly into other errors that now we think not of. " You enquire of me. Rev. Sir, whether I reject all those for counterfeits that speak of visions and trances. I am far from doing of it : I am, and always have been, in that matter, of the same opinion that Mr. Robe expresses, in some of those pamphlets Mr. McLaurin sent me, that persons are neither to be rejected, nor ap- proved on such a foundation. I have expressed the same thing in my discourse on the IVIarks of a work of the true Spirit, and have not changed my mind. " I am afraid, Dear Sir, that I have been too bold with you, in being so lengthy and tedious, and have been too impertinent and for- ward to express my opinion upon this and that ; but I consider my- self as writing to a candid, clnistian friend and brother, with whom I may be free and bold, and from whom I may promise myself ex- cuse and forgiveness. Dear Brother, asking your earnest prayers for me and for New England, I am your affectionate brother, and engaged friend and servant, " Jonathan Edwards." The opinion here expressed by Mr. Edwards, was not the result of a slight and cursory examination of the subject in discussion. He had a considerable time before examined, at great length, tlie prophecies of Daniel and John, with regard to this very point; and, as we shall soon have occasion to remark, had been convinced that the opinion, then commonly received, that the severest trials of the Church ivere yet future, was erroneous. The Rev. Samuel Buell, whom I have already mentioned, as having preached at Northampton, during the absence of Mr. Ed- wards, in January 1742, with uncommon fervour and success, continued his labours, as an evangelist among the churches, up- wards of four years ; and at length accepted of an invitation from the people of East Hampton, a village in the S. E. corner of Long Island, to become their minister. At his request, Mr. Edwards went to East Hampton, and there preaclied his Installation Sermon, on the 19th of September, 1746, from Isaiah, Ixii. 4^. CHAPTER XVII. Mistakes extensively prevalent at this time, as to the nature and er- idences of True Godliness, — " Treatise on Religious Affections.'" — Design and Character of the Work. — Republished abroad. — Letter from Mr. Gillespie concerning it. — Letter from Mr. Ed- wards to Mr. M Culloch. — Reply to Mr. Gillespie. — Proposal made in Scotland, for United Extraordinary Prayer. — Efforts of Mr. Edwards to promote it. — Letter to Mr. M' Culloch. — " Humble Attempt to promote Extraordinary Prayer.''^ From tlie facts already recited, it will be obvious to the reader, that few clergymen, even in the course of a long ministry, have as full an opportunity of learning, from their own observation, the true nature of a Revival of religion, and the differences between imaginary and saving Conversion, as Mr. Edwards had now enjoy- ed. He had early discovered, that there was a radical difficulty attending not only every revival of religion, but, in a greater or less degree also, every instance of supposed conversion: — a difficulty arising from erroneous conceptions, so generally entertained, res- pecting the question. What is the nature of True Religion ? or, What are the distinguishing marks of that Holiness, which is ac- ceptable in the sight of God ? — Perceiving, at an early period of his christian life, that no other subject was equally important to man, that no other was more frequently or variously illustrated by the Scriptural writers, and yet, that on no other had professing christians been less agreed ; his attention, as he himself informs us, had been particularly directed to it, from his first commence- ment of the study of Theology, and he was led to examine it with all the diligence, and care, and exactness of search and enquiry, of which his mind was capable. Li addition to tliis, he had not only witnessed, in two successive instances, a solemn and universal at- tention to religion, among the young as well as among grown per- sons in his own congregation, and in both, almost all of the latter, as well as very many of the former, gathered into the church ; but he had been the spiritual counsellor and guide of multitudes in oth- er congregations, where he had occasionally laboured, as well as of great numbers who visited him for this purpose, at Northampton. These advantages of observation, it may easily be believed, were not lost on a mind like his. This subject, at the time of which we are speaking, had become, also, a subject of warm and extended controversy. The advo- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EnWAllDS. 221 ratC3 of revivals of religion, had too generally been accustomed to attach to the mere circumstances of conversion — to the time, place, manner and means, in and by which it was supposed to be effect- ed— an importance, no where given tliem in the Scriptures ; as well as to conclude, that all affections which were high in degree, and accompanied with great apparent zeal and ardour, were of course gracious in tlieir nature ; while their opposers insisted, that true religion did not consist at all in the affections, but wholly in the external conduct. The latter class attributed the uncommon Attention to religion, which they could not deny had existed for four years in New-England, to artificial excitement merely ; while the former saw nothing in it, or in the measures taken to promote it, to condemn, but every thing to approve. Mr. Edwards, in his views of the subject, differed materially from botli classes. As he knew from his o\mi experience, that sin and the saving grace of God might dwell in the same heart ; so he had learned, both from ob- servation and testimony, that much false religion might prevail dur- ing a powerful revival of true religion, and that at such a time, multitudes of hypocrites might spring up among real christians. Thus it was in the revival of religion in the time of Josiah, in that which attended the preaching of John the Baptist, in those which occurred under the preacliing of Christ, in the remarkable out- pouring of the Spirit in tlie days of the Apostles, and in that which existed in the time of tlie Reformation. He clearly saw, that it was this mixture of counterfeit religion with true, which in all ages had given the devil his chief advantage against the kingdom of Christ. " By this," observes Mr. Edwards, " he hurt the cause of Christianity, in and after the apostolic age, much more, than by all the persecutions of both Jews and Heathens. By this he pre- vailed against the Reformation, to put a stoj) to its progress, more than by all the bloody persecutions of tlie church of Rome. By this he prevailed against the revivals of religion, that have occurred since the Reformation. By this he prevailed against New-Eng- land, to quench the love of her espousals, about a hundred years ago. And I think I have had opportunity enough to see plainly, that by this the devil has prevailed against the late great revival of religion in New-England, so happy and promising in its beginning. I have seen the devil prevail in this way, against two great reviv- ings of religion in tliis country. By perverting us from the simpli- city that is in Christ, he hath suddenly prevailed to deprive us of that fair prospect we had a litde while ago, of a kind of paradisaic state of the Church of God in New-England." These evils, it was obvious, must exist in the church, until their cause was removed, and men had learned to distinguish accurately between true and false religion. To contribute his own best en- deavours for the accomplishment of this end, Mr. Edwards pre- pared and published his " Treatise on Religious Affections." 222 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. The e;reat design of this Treatise is, to show, In what True ReH- gion consists, and what are its Distinguisiiing Marks and Evidences ; and thus to enalile every man, who will be honest and faithful with himself, to decide whether he is, or is not, a real christian. Similar attempts had been made, by many earlier writers ; but it may, I believe, safely be asserted, that no one of their efforts, taken as a whole, and viewed as an investigation of the entire subject, would now be regarded as in any high degree important or valuable. The subject itself is one of the most difficult, which Theology presents ; and demands for its full investigation, not only ardent piety, and a most intimate acquaintance with the Scriptures, but an exact and metaphysical inspection of the faculties and operations of the hu- man mind ; which unfortunately few, very few, writers on experi- mental religion, have hitherto discovered. The work of Mr» Ed- wards is at once a scriptural, and a philosophical, view of the subject f — as truly scientific in its arrangement, and logical in its deductions, as any work on the Exact sciences. That it is also a thorough and complete view of it, we have this decisive evidence — that no work of the kind, of any value, has appeared since, for which the author has not been indebted, suhstantially, to the Treatise on the Affec- tions ; or which has not been that very Treatise, in part, or in whole, diluted to the capacity of weaker understandings. The trial, to which the mind of the honest, attentive and prayerful, reader of its pages is subjected, is the very trial of the Final Day. He, who can endure the trial of the Treatise on the Affections, will stand unhurt amidst a dissolving universe ; and he who cannot, will assuredly perish in its ruins. It ought to be the T^ade mecum, not only of every clergyman, and eveiy christian, but of every man, who has sobriety of thought enough to realize, that he has any in- terest in a coming Eternity. Every minister should take effectual care, that it is well dispersed among the people of his own charge, and that none of them is admitted to a profession of religion, until, after a thorough study of this Treatise, he can satisfy both himself, and his spiritual guide, not only that he does not rely upon the mere negative sigiis of holiness, but that he finds within himself those distinguishing marks and evidences of its 2)ositive existence, which the Divine Author of holiness has pronounced sure and unerring. It is indeed said, that anxious enquirers wnll often be discouraged by this course — particularly by a perusal of the Second Part of the Treatise — from making a profession of religion, and led to re- nounce the hope of their own conversion ; and the answer is, that he, who, on finding himself discouraged from a profession of reli- gion, by the Second Part, is not encouraged to make it by a peru- sal of the Third Part, should of course, unless his views are per- verted by disease or melancholy, consider the call to repent and believe the Gospel, as still addressed immediately to himself ; and that he, who, on the perusal of this Treatise, is led to renounce the LIFE OF PRKSIDENT EDWARDS. 223 liope which he had cherished of his own piety, while he has tlie best reason to regard it as a folse hope, will find almost of course, that that hope is soon succeeded by one which will endure the strictest scrutiny. It is also said, that many persons cannot understand this Treatise ; and the answer is, that he, who is too young to under- stand it in its substance, is too young to make a profession of reli- gion ; and that he, whose mind is too feeble to receive it substan- tially, when communicated by a kind and faithful pastor, cannot understandingly make such a profession. Pre-eminently is this Treatise necessary to every congregation, during a Revival of reli- gion. It was especially designed by its author, to be used on ev- ery such occasion ; and the minister, who then uses it as he ought, will find it like a fan in his hand, winnowing the chaff from the wheat. And until ministers, laying aside the miserable vanity which leads them, in the mere number of those, whom they de- nominate their " spiritual children," to find an occasion of boasting, and of course to swell that number as much as they can, shall be \\'illing thus faithfully and honestly to make a separation among their enquirers ; every revival of religion will open a great and ef- fectual door, through which the enemies, as well as the friends of religion, will gain an admission into the house of God. And when they are thus admitted, and the ardour of animal feeling has once subsided, the minister will generally find, not only that he has wounded Christ in the house of his friends, but that he has des- troyed his own peace, and that of his church, and prepared the way for his own speedy separation from his people. To prevent this miserable system of deception, on the part of ministers and churches, as well as of candidates for a profession of religion, Mr. Edwards wrote the Treatise in question. As at first prepared, it was a series of sermons, which he preached from his own desk, from the text still prefixed to it, 1 Peter i. 8, " Mliom having not seen ye love : in ivhom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice, ivith joy unspeakable and full of gloi-y.^^ It w^as thus written and preached, probably, in the years 1742, and 1 743. Being afterwards thrown into the form of a Treatise by the author, it was published early in 1746. In its style, it is the least correct of any of the works of Mr. Edwards, published in his life time ; but, as a work exhibiting genuine Christianity, in distinc- tion from all its counterfeits, it possesses such singidar excellence, that, were the books on earth destined to a destruction so nearly universal, that only one beside the Bible could be saved; the church of Christ, if aiming to preserve the volume of the greatest value to man, that which would best unfold to a bereaved posterity, the real nature of true religion, would unquestionably select for preservation, the Treatise on the Affections. This Treatise was immediately republished in England and Scotland, and was cordially welcomed by all the friends of evan- 224 LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. gelical religion in those countries, as well as in America. Its ap- pearance in Scotland gave rise to an interesting correspondence, between Mr. Edwards and the Rev. Thomas Gillespie of Carnock near Edinburg ; which was commenced by the latter gentleman witli the following letter. Letter from Mr. Gillespie. " Carnock, JVov. 24, 174G. " Very dear Sir, ♦' I have ever honoured you for your work's sake, and what the great Shepherd made you the instrument of, from the time you published the then very extraordinary account of the Revival of Religion at Northampton, I think in the year 1735. The two performances you published on the subject of the late glorious work in New England, well adapted to that in Scotland, gave me great satisfaction, especially the last of them, for peculiar reasons. This much I think myself bound to say. I have many a time, for some years, designed to claim humbly the privilege of correspondence with you. What has made me defer doing it so long, when some of my brethren and good acquaintances have been favoured with it, for a considerable time, it is needless now to mention. I shall only say, I have blamed myself for neglect in that matter. I do now earnestly desire a room in your prayers and friendship, and a letter from you sometimes, when you have occasion to write to Scotland ; and I shall wish to be as regular as I can, in making a return. With your permission, I propose to trouble you now and then with the proposal of doubts and difficulties that I meet with, and am exercised by ; as for other reasons, so because some solu- tions in the two mentioned performances were peculiarly agreeable to me, and I find from these discourses, that wherein I have differ- ed in some things from many others, my sentiments have harmoni- zed with Mr. Edwards. This especially was the case in some things contained in your " Thoughts concerning the Revival of Re- ligion in JVeiv England." All the apology I make for using such freedom, though altogether unacquainted, is that you will find from my short attestation in Mr. Robe's Narrative, I am no enemy to you, or to the work you have been engaged in, and which you have defended in a way I could not but much approve of. Also my friend and countryman, the Rev. Mr. Robert Abercrombie, will inform you about me, if you have occasion to see him or hear from him. " I longed to see somewhat about impressions respecting facts and future events, etc. whether by Scripture-texts or otherwise, made on the minds of good people, and supposed to be from the Lord ; for I have had too good occasion to know the hurtful, yea, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAR]:)S. 225 pernicious tendency of this principle, as commonly managed, upon many persons m manifold instances and various respects. It has indeed surprised me much, that wise, holy and learned divines, as well as others, have supposed this a spiritual experience, an answer of prayers, an evidence of being highly favoured by the Lord, etc. and I was exceeding glad, that the Lord had directed you to give so seasonable a caveat against what I am assured you had the best reason to term, "A handle in the hand of the devil, etc." I was only sorry your then design had not permitted you to say more on that point. It merits a volume ; and the proper full discussion of it would be one of the most seasonable and effectual services done the church of Christ, and interest of vital rehgion through the world, that I know of. I rejoice to find there is a good deal more on that subject interspersed in your " Treatise of Religious Affections" which I have got, but could not as yet regularly peruse. I humbly think tlie Lord calls you, dear Sir, to consider every part of that point in the most critical manner, and to represent fully the conse- quences resulting from the several principles in that matter, which good people, as well as others, have been so fond of. And as (if I do ziot mistake) Providence has already put that in your hand as a part of your generation-work, so it will give me, as well as others, vast satisfaction to find more said on the subject by you, if you do not find what is in the mentioned treatises sufficient, as to which I can form no judgment, because, for myself, I have not as yet consider- ed it. If any other author has treated that subject, I do not re- member to have met witli it, and I believe hell has been no less delighted than surprised, tliat a regular attack has not been made on them on that side before now. I doubt not they dread the con- sequences of such assault with exquisite horror. The neglect or oversight, if not the mistakes of so many learned authors, who have insisted on doctrines that bear similitude or relation to this matter, while it was passed over, I humbly think should teach us humility, and some other useful lessons I need not name to Mr. Edwards. " I hope, dear Sir, it will not offend you, that I humbly offer some remarks, with all due deference, uj)on what I have observed in looking into your " Treatise on ReUgious Affections:" and, upon farther perusal, shall frankly represent what I may find difficulty about, if any such passage should cast up ; expecting you will be so good as to set me right, if I shall mistake or not perceive your meaning. " Pages 78, 79,* there are several passages I do not well understand. Page 78, line 6, nd finem, you say, "That they should confidently believe and trust, while they yet remain without spiritual light or sight, is an antiscriptural and absurd doctrine you are refuting." But this doctrine, as it is understood by many, is, *See Vol, V. pp. 78, 79, 80. Vol. I. 29 220 LIFE Of PRESIDENT EDWARDS. that cliristiaiis ought firmly to believe and trust in Christ without light or sight, and though they are in a dark, dead frame, and for the present having no spiritual experiences and discoveries. Had you said they could not, or would not believe or trust without spir- itual light or sight, this is wl at could not be doubted : but I humbly apprehend, the position will not hold as you have laid it, whether it is applied to a sinner or a saint, as I suppose you understand it ; for though the sinner never will believe on the Lord Jesus, till he has received a saving manifestation of his glory by the work of the Spirit, yet every sinner, we know, is indispensably bound, fit all seasons, by the divine authority, to believe instantly on the Lord Jesus. The command of the Lord, 1 John iii. 23, that we should beheve on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, no less binds tbe sin- ner to immediate performance, than the conuiiand not to kill, to keep the Sabbath day, or any other duty, as to the present per- formance of which, in way of duty, all agree, the sinner is boimd. I suppose non.e of us think we are authorised, or will adventure to preach, that the sinner, should delay to attempt to believe in the Saviour, till he finds light from heaven shining into his mind, or has got a saving sight or discovery of the Lord Jesus, though it is certain he cannot believe, nor will do it eventually, till favoured with such light or sight ; because we should, in that event, put in a qualifica- tion where the apostle Paul and Silas did put none ; such is their exhortation to the jailor, Acts xvi. 3L Also, as it may be the last call the sinner is to receive, in the dispensation of the word, we are bound to require him wstantly to believe, whatCA'^er he does, or does not feel in himself. If you did intend not the sinner, but the saint, in the before mentioned positions, as I am apt to think youi- scope plainly intimates, still I apprehend these your assertions are not tenable; for I humbly suppose the Christian is bound to trust (he divine faithfulness phghted in tbe promise for needful blessings, be his case with respect to light or darkness, siglit, etc. what it will ; and that no situation the saint can be in, looses him from obligation to glorify the Lord on all occasions, by trusting in him and expect- ing the fulfilment of his word suiting his case. Also I would ima- gine in Is. 1. 10, the saint is required to believe, in the precise cir- cumstances mentioned in your assertion above mentioned. Pardon my freedom. You do indeed say, " It is truly the duty of those who are thus in darkness to come out of darkness into light and believe," page 78, line 5 ; but how to reconcile that with the men- tioned assertion that immediately follows, or with Is. I. 10, or other Scriptures, or said assertions, and the other, of which before, 1 am indeed at a loss. Sometimes I think it is not believing the pro- mise, or trusting the Lord, and trusting in him, you mean in the positions I have cited ; but the belief of the goodness of one's state that he is a saint. If that was what you intended, I heartily wish you had said so much in the book ; but as this is not ordinarily LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 227 vvliat is meant by believing in Scripture, I must suppose it was not ibe idea affixed to your words ; and an expression of yours seems to make it evident. Had you plainly stated the distinction, lietwixt the impossibility of one's actually believing, and its yet being his duty to believe, in the circumstances you mentioned ; danger of mistake and a handle for cavil had been cut off. " Page 78, line 20, etc., you say, " To press and urge them to believe, without any spiiitual light or sight, tends greatly to help forward the delusions of the prince of darkness." Had you said, to press tliem to believe that the Lord was their God, when going on a course of sin, or when sinning presumptuously, was of such ten- dency, which probably was in rS. Concert — for United and Extraordinary Prayer, for the same great object, proposed at an Association of the ministers of the Baptist Churches, in the counties of Nortliampton, Leicester, etc. held at Nottingham, in 1784, and observed the first Monday evening of each month; and now extensively adopted throughout the christian world. In the course of this Treatise, INIr. Edwards was led, in answer- ing objections, to examine an Interpretation of Prophecy, until then most generally if not universally received : viz. That the kingdom of Christ could not come, until there had previously been a time of most extreme calamity to the Church of God, and prevcdence of her Antichristian enemies against her, as represented in Rev. xi. by the Slaying of the M^itnesses. Some years before this, Mr. Edwards had examined the Apocalypse with great care, in con- nexion with the Prophecy of Daniel; in order to satisfy liimself whether the slaying of the witnesses was to be regarded as past, or future. This he did with his pen in his hand ; and a brief ab- stract of his views on this point, is found in the answers to the 4th and 5th objections in the Humble Attempt. The views of prophecy, here presented by Mr. Edwards, were, I believe, at the time wholly new to the christian world, and were at. first regarded b}^ many as doubtful, if not erroneous; but have since produced the general conviction, that the downfall of Popery and the ultimate extension of the Idngdom of Christ, are far less distant than has been sup- posed— a conviction remarkably supported by the whole series of Providential dispensations. And there can be no doubt that this conviction has been a prime cause, of the present concen- trated movement of the whole Church of God, to hasten forward the Reign of the Messiah. As long as it w^as the commonly received opinion of christians, that the Church was yet destined to experience far more severe and overwhelming calamities, than any she had hitherto known — calamities amounting to an ahiiost total extinction — before the time of her final prosperity ; the efforts and the prayers of chris- tians for the arrival of that period of prosperity were chiefly preven- ted : inasmuch as it was, in effect, to labour and pray for the ahnost total extinction of the Church of Christ, during a period of indefi- nite extent, as well as to labour and pray, if speedy success should crown their efforts, for the destruction, if not of their own lives, yet of those of their children and immediate descendents. In the sec- tions referred to, he endeavours to show, and by arguments which are yet unanswered, that the severest trials announced in prophecy against the Church of God w^ere already past, that her warfare was even then almost accomplished, and that tlie day of her redemption was drawing nigh. By establishing this point ; and by presenting the arguments in a manner so clear and convincing, as wholly to supersede the necessity of any subsequent treatise on the subject ; the work in question, through the divine blessing, has exerted an influence, singularly powerful, in rousing the Church of Christ to that series of efibrts, wliich is to result in her final victory. CHAPTER XVIII. Arrival of David Braincrd at JVortliampton. — His sickness and death at the house of Mr. Edwrads. — His papers. — Death of Jerusha, the second daxighter of Mr. E. — Her character. — Cor- respondence of Mr. E. with Rev. John Erskine. — Abstract of Mr. E.^s first Letter to Mr. Erskine. — Plan conceived of the Freedom of the Will. — Death of Col. Stoddard. — Kindness of Mr. Erskine. — Letter of Mr. E. to hijn. — Second Letter from Mr. Gillespie. — Letter to Mr. M Culloch. — Letter to Mr. 'Ers- kine.— Letter from Mr. TVillison. — Life and Diary of Brain- erd. — Letters to Messers. Erskine, M Culloch, and Robe. — Ordination of Rev. Job Strong. — Anecdote of Rev. Mr. Moody. — Letter of Mr. E. to his daughter Mary. — Second Letter to Mr. Gillespie. The reader will recollect, that while INIr. Edwards was at New- Haven, ill September 1743, he formed an acquaintance with David Brainerd, then a missionary to the Indians at Kdunaumeek,* and became his counsellour at a most interesting period of his life. In March 1747, Brainerd, in consequence of extreme ill health, took leave of his Indians in New-Jersey, and in April came into New * Kaiinaumeek, was an Indian settlement, abont five miles N. W. from New Lebanon, on the main roadfromthat villng-c to Albany. The place is now called Brainerd's Brkls:r, and is a villaore of a \'ft\v houses, on the Kn- yadero.s.icms Creek, where tliat road crosses it. It was thus named, not after the IMissionary, but afler a relative of his of the name of Braincrd, who some years since planted himself in this spot, and built the briilne across the Creek, now a toll bridge. The mountain, about a mile N. W. of the bridge, still boars the name of Kaunaumeek. The Creek winds beau- tifully in the valley beneath, and forms a dehghtful meadow. In 18-23, I found an ao-cd negro on the spot, about one hundred years of age, who had passed his life in the vicinity. He was about twenty-one years ohl, when Brainerd resided at Kaunaumeek, but never saw him. He told me that the house, which Brainerd built here, stood on the first little knowl, ct hil- lock on the left of the road, and on the W. or N. W. side of the Creek, immediately after passing the bridge ; and, that the Indian settlement was down in the meadow, at some distance below the bridge. On follow- ing the stream, I discovered an old Indian orchard, the trees of an Indian burying giound, and the ruins of several buildings of long standing. He also informed me, that the Indians had often told him, that Mr. Brainerd was " a very holy man," and that he resided at Kaunaumeek but a short time. 248 I.TFE OF PRESIDENT EDVVARDb', En2;laiKl ; wlien he was invited by Mr. Edwards to take up his abode in his own house. He came thei-e on the 28th of May, appa- rently very much improved in health, cheerful in his spirits, and free from melancholy, yet at that time probably in a confirmed consump- tion. Mr. Edwards had now an opportunity of becoining most in- timately acquainted with him, and regarded his residence under his roof, as a peculiar blessing to himself and his family. " We enjoy- ^ ed," he observes, " not only the benefit of his conversation, but had the comfort and advantage of having him pray in the family from time to time." He was at this time very feeble in health ; but in consequence of the advice of his physician, he left North- ampton for Boston, on the 9th of June, in company ^vith the second daughter of Mr. Edwards. They arrived on the evening of the 12th, among the family relatives of Mr. Edwards in Boston, and for a few days the health of Brainerd appeared much amended ; but a relapse on the 18th, convinced his friends tliat his recovery was hopeless. Contrary to their expectations however, he so far revived, that on the 20th of July they were able to leave Boston, in company with his brother, Mr. Israel Brainerd, and on tlie 25th they reached Northampton. Here his health continued gradually to decline, until early in October it was ob\dous that he would not long survive. "On the morning of Lord's day, Oct. 4," says Mr. Edwards, " as my daughter Jerusha, who chiefly attended Iiim, came into the room, he looked on her very pleasantly, and said, " Dear Jerusha, are you willing to part with me ? — I am quite wil- ling to part with you : I am willing to part with all my friends : though if I thought I should not see you and be happy with you in another world, I could not bear to part with you. But we shall spend a happy eternity together." He died on Friday, Oct. 9, 1749, and on the Monday following, Mr. Edwards preached the Sermon at his Funeral, from 2 Cor. v. 8, entitled, "True Saints when ab- sent from the body are present with the Lord ;" which was publish- ed in the December following. Brainerd, after destroying the early part of his Diary, left the residue in the hands of Mr. Edwards, to dispose of as he thought best. Mr. Edwards concluded to publish it, in connexion with a brief Memoir of his life. In the ensuing February, Jerusha, the second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, was removed by death. Her father, in a Note to the Memoirs of Brainerd, thus alludes to this distressing event. " Since this, it has pleased a holy and sovereign God, to take away this my dear child by death, on the 14th of February, next follow- ing, after a short illness of five days, in the 18th year of her age. She was a person of much the same spirit with Brainerd. She had constantly taken care of, and attended him in his sickness, for nine- teen weeks before his death ; devoting herself to it with great de- light, because she looked on him as an eminent servant of Jesus MFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 249 Christ. In this time, he liad much conversation with iter on the things of religion ; and, in his dying state, often expressed to us, her parents, his great satisfaction concerning her true piety, and his conlidence that he should meet lier in heaven, and his high opinion of her not only as a real christian, but as a very eminent saint : one whose soul was uncommonly led and entertained with things \\hich pertain to the most spiritual, experimental and distinguishing parts of religion : and one, who, by the temper of her mind, was fitted to deny hereelf for God, and to do good, beyond any young woman whatsoever whonn he knew. She had manifested a heart uncom- monly devoted to God in the course of her hfe, many years before her death ; and' said on her death-bed, that she had not seen one minute, for several years, wherein she (hsired to live one minute longer, for the sake of any other good in life, but doing good, liv- ing to God, and doing what 7night be for his glory. ^'' In the course of the year 1747, an epistolary correspondence was commenced between Mr. Edwards and the Rev. John Ers- kine of Kirkintilloch, afterwards the Rev. Dr. Erskine of Edin- burgh, which was continued to the close of Mr. Edwards' life. This gentleman, possessing superior talents, and having every ad- vantage of birth, fortune and education, made choice of the clerical profession, in opposition to the prevailing \\ishes of his family ; and, in May 1744, took charge of the parish of Kirkintilloch near Glas- gow. In 1753, he was translated to a parish in the borough of Culross, and, in the autumn of 1758, to one of the parishes in Ed- inburgh. Distuiguished alike for his learning and piety, for his honourable and munificent spirit and for his firm attachment to evangelical religion, lie adorned every station which he filled by a faithful and conscientious discharge of its various duties — private, social and public ; — enjoyed the high respect of the wise and good, not only in Great Britain, but extensively in botli continents ; and died in 1803 in his 82d year, having been the correspondent, successively, of President Edwards, of his Son Dr. Edwards, Pre- sident of Union College, and of his grand-son President Dwight, for tlie period of fifty-six years. Mr. Erskine began the correspondence with Mr. Edwards early in 1747, through the intervention of Mr. M'Laurin of Glasgow, by sending him the " Remains of Mr. Hall"— a memoir, written by himself, of a most respectable and beloved fellow-student in Theo- logy, a young gen.tleman of uncommon promise. I have none of the letters of Mr. Erskine to ]\h-. Edwards, and not having been able to procure the first letter of Mr. Edwards to Ah-. Erskine, writ- ten in the summer of 1747, must be indebted, for the followii^g account of it, to the " life of Dr. Erskine," by the Hon. and Rev. Sir H. M. Wallwood — " On this occasion, Mr. Edwards expressed, with great tenderness and delicacy, his sympathy with one, who had lost his most intimate and estimable friend in Uie prime of life, the Vol. I. 32' 250 LIFK OF PRKSIDENT EDWARDS. companion of his youth, and, for a considerable time before his death, the delightful and affectionate associate of his studies and of his piety. " In a postscript to this letter, he mentioned his book on Religious Affections, then just published, and at the same time sent his cor- respondent a copy of it in a book of which it is not too much to say, tliat it is not only worthy of the talents and sincerity of its author ; but that while it shows, that he was neither forward nor rash, in es- limatiag striking or sudden impressions of religion, it contains more sound instruction on its particular subject, and lays down more in- lelligible and definite rules to distinguish true from false religion, and to ascertain by distinct characters, the genuine spirit of vital piety, separated from all fanatical delusions, dian any other book which has yet been given to the world. " In tlie same postscript to Mr. Edwards' first letter to Dr. Ers- kine, he gave him a general sketch of a plan which he had then formed, and which he afterwards executed, with so much ability, in his book on the Freedom of the Will ; — a book which, wiiether his opinions be questioned or adopted, has certamly given him an emi- nent station both among philosophers and divines. " I have thought," he savs, " of \n-iting something particularly and largely on the Ax- minian controversy, in distinct discourses on the various points in dispute, to be published successively, beginning first with a dis- course concerning the Freedom of the Will, and Moral Agency ; endeavouring fully and thoroughly to state and discuss those points of Liberty and Necessity, Moral and Physical Inability, Efficacious Grace, and the ground of virtue and vice, reward and punishment, blame and praise, with regard to the dispositions and actions of rea- sonable creatures." " Such was the first idea of a work, from wliich Mr. Edwards af- terwards derived his chief celebrity as an author; but a considera- ble time intervened, before he found it possible to make any pro- gress in his design." The death of Col. Stoddard, which occurred at Boston, on the 19th of June, this year, was a loss severely felt, not only by Mr. Edwards and the people of Northampton, but by the County and the Province at large. He was eminently distinguished for his strength of understanding and energy of character, and had for a long period, unrivalled influence in the council of the Province. He was also a man of decided piety, and a uniform Iriend and sup- porter of sound morals and evangelical religion. Mr. Edwards preached a Sermon on his death from Ezek. xix. 12 ; which was immediately published." Early in the next year Mr. Edwards received from Mr. Erskine a number of books, which he valued very highly, as containing tbe ablest exhibition and defence of the system of doctrines usually sty- led Arminianism, which had at that time appeared before the pub- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS, 251 tic. In the following letter he acknowledges the kindness of his correspondent, and at the same time alludes to the decea.se of hrs daughter. *' To tlie Rev. John Erskine. '' JVorthampton, Aug. 31, 1748. " Rev. and dear Sir, "I this summer received your kind letter of Feh. 9, 1748, with your most acceptable present of Taylor on Original Sin, and his Key to the Spostolic Writings, witli his Paraphrase on the Epistle to the Romans ; together with your Sermons and Answer to Doct. Campbell. I had your Sermons before, sent either by you or Mr. M'Laurin. I am exceedingly glad of those two books of Taylor's. I had before borrowed and read Taylor on Original Sin ; but am very glad to have one of my own ; if you had not sent it, I intend- ed to have sought opportunity to buy it. The other book, his Par- aphrase, etc. I had not heard of; if I had, I should not have been easy till I had seen it, and been possessed of it. These books, if I should live, may probably be of great use to me. Such kindness from you was unexpected. I hoped to receive a letter from you, which, alone, I should have received as a special favour. " I have for the present, been diverted from the design I hinted to you, of publishing something against some of the Arminian Te- nets, by something else that Dinne Providence unexpectedly laid in my way, and seemed to render unavoidable, viz. publishing Mr. Brainerd's Life, of which the inclosed paper of proposals gives some account. " It might be of particular advantage to me, here in this remote part of the world, to be better informed what books there are, that are pubUshed on the other side of the Atlantic ; and especially if there be any thing that comes out, that is very remarkable. I have seen many notable things, that have been written in this country against the truth, but nothing very notable on our side of die con- troversies of the present day, at least of the Arminian controversy. You would much oblige me, if you would inform me v\hat are the best books that have lately been written, in defence of Calvinism. " I have herewith sent the two books of Mr. Stoddard's you de- sired. The lesser of the two was my own ; and though I have no other, yet you have laid me under such obligations, that I am glad 1 have it to send to you. The other I procured of one of my neigh- bours. " I have lately heard some things, that have excited hope in me, that God was about to cause there to be a turn in England, with regard to the state of religion there, for the better ; particularly what we have hoard, tliat on^ Mr. West, a Clerk of the Privv Conn- 252 lAVK OF PHESIDENT iliyXkARDS, cil, has written in defence of Christianity, thou2;h once a notoriou.-> Deist J and also what Mr. Littleton, a n^ember of the House of Commons, has written. I should be glad if you would inform me more particularly in your next, concerning this affair, and what the present state of Infidelity in Great Britain is. " It bus pleased God, since I wrote my last to you, sorely to al- flict this family, by taking away by death, the last February, my second daughter, in the eighteenth year of her age ; a very pleas- ant and useful raen)ber of this family, and one that was esteemed the flower of the family. Herein we have a gfeat loss ; but tlie re- membrance of the remarkable appearances of piety in her, from her ciiildhood, in life, and also at her death, are veiy comfortable to us, and give us great reason to mingle thanksgiving with our raourning. I desire your prayers, deiu' Sir, that God would make up our great loss to us in himself. " Please to accept of one of my Sermons on Mr. Brainerd's death, and also one of my Sermons on Mr. Buell's instalment. I desire that for the future, your letters to me may be directed to be left with Mr. Edward Bromfield, merchant in Boston. I\]y wife joins with me, in respectful and affectionate salutations to you and Mi's. Erskine. Desiring that we may meet often at the throne of grace,, in supplications for each other, " I am, dear brother, your obliged friend^ " Fellow laboiu-er and humble servant, " Jonathan Edwards. •' P. S. I desired Mr. Prince to send to you one of my books on the subject of the Concert for Prayer for a general Revival of religion, the last year ; and he engaged to do it ; but I perceive he forgot it, and it was long neglected. But I have since taken some further care to have the book conveyed ; so that I hope that ere tjiis time you have received it. "In the conclusion of your letter of Feb. 9, you mention a de- sign of writing to me again, by a ship that was to sail the next month for Boston. Thai letter I have not received." Mr. Gillespie, imaghiing that the diflieulties, which he had stated in his former- letter, were not satisfactorily cleared up in the answer of Mr» Edwavds.^^addressed to him the following reply- _ T^etter from Mr. Gillespie. " SejJt. 19, 1748. •' Rev. and very dear Sir, " I had the favour of yours in spring last, for which I heartil5- thank you. I did not want inclination to make you a return long; ago, as 1 prize your correspondence, but some things concurred that effectually prevented me, which has given me concern. '*■ It was my desire to be informed, and my inclination to make yoii LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 253 understand how some passages in your book on Religious Aftec- lious did appear to me and some others, your real friends and well- wishers in this country, that determined me to presume to offer yoii some few remarks on the passages mentioned in my former letter ; and desire of further information, engages me now, with all respect, to make some observations upon some things in yoiu- letter. 1 hope you \vill jjardon my freedom, and bear with me in it, and set me right wlierein you may find me to misapprehend your meaning, or to mistake in any other respect. " You say, " You conceive that there is a great difference be- tween these two things, viz. its being a man's duty, who is without ' spiritual liglit or sight, to believe ; and its being his duty to believe without s))iritual light or sight, or to believe while he yet remains without spiritual light or sight : it is not proper to say, it is a man's duty to believe ivithout faith," etc. Now, dear Sir, the difference here, I am not able to conceive ; for all are bound to believe the divine testimony and to trust in Christ, which you acknowledge ; and the want of spiritual light or sight does not loose from the obli- gation one is laid under by the divine command to believe instantly on Christ, and at all seasons, as his circumstances shall require, nor does it excuse him in any degree for not believing. I own that a person who has no spiritual light or sight cannot eventu- ally believe, if by light or sight is meant the influence or grace of the Spirit, by which one's mind is irradiated to take up the object and grounds of faith, so as to be made to have a spiritual sight of Christ, and to act that grace ; yet still, even when one wants this, it is his duty, and he is bound to believe, for we know it is a maxim, " ahUliij is not the rule of duty.'''' I also acknowledge, that no per- son who is, and always has been, without spiritual light or sight, is bound, nor is it his duty to believe, that he has actually believed, or to conclude he is really a partaker of the faith of God's elect. I have some apprehension this is all you meant by the expressions 1 have noticed, and the reasoning in consequence of them ; or else certainly different ideas are affixed to words with you and among us. There is indeed a great deal of difference betwixt its being one's duty to believe, or to act faith, and its being his duty to be- lie\ e he has believed, or has acted divine faith, i. e. you say yoir apply the particle ivithout, respecting spiiitual light or sight, to the act of believing, by which I suppose you intend, " all should heliGve, though none dore^\\yhe\ie\e,rvithovt spiritual light or sight;" in which .1 entirely agree with you. The word duty indeed, which you use when treating that matter, is ordinarily su])})osed to signify tlie obliga- tion the person is under by the divine authority to believe, as applied to the matter of faith, and not to the aet of faith put forth in conse- ([uencc of such obligation. Had I not supposed you plainly meant by the expressions 1 quoted from the book, the duty or obligation to believe, and not an act of faith exerted, I should have made no 254 LIVE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. remarks on them. It is indeed as absurd for one to conclude lie has really believed without spii'itual light or sight, as to say one should believe he had believed, without those things that are essen- tially implied in faith. But I must differ from you in thinking it is not very proper to say, it is a man's duty to believe without faith, i. e. while he yet remains without spiritual light or sight, or to put forth an act of faith on the Saviour, however void of spiritual light or sight ; for if this was not the truth, the finally impenitent sinner could not be condemned for unbelief, as the Holy Ghost declares he will be, Jolin iii. 19, 20, 24, and that notwithstandmg the power of the Spirit of faith must make him believe. I should be glad to know the precise idea you aflix to the words faith and believing. I do not remember a person's reflecting on his act of faith, any where in Scripture termed believing. You remark, " That I seem to suppose that a person's doubting of his good estate is the proper opposite of faith," and I own, as it is a believer's duty to expect salvation through Christ, which, in other words, is to believe liis good estate, Acts XV. 11, Gal. ii. 20, Eph. ii. 4, Job xix. 25, doubting of it must be his sin, an effect of unbelief, a part of it, and thus the proper oppo- site of faith, considered in its full compass and latitude. Thus once doubting of his good estate by a true believer, and unbelief in one branch of it, or one part and manner of its acting, are the same thing. Faith and unbelief are opposed in Scripture, and what is the opposite of one ingredient in unbelief must be faith in one part of it, — one thing that belongs to its exercise. A person's believing that the Lord Avill never leave nor forsake him, who is in a gracions state, Heb. xiii. 5, is o^vned to be his indispensable duty, and this compre- hends or supposes his being confident of his good estate, and is properly divine faith, because it has the divine testimony now cited, on which it bottoms, Jer. iii. 19. The Lord says, " Thoushalt call me my father, and shalt not turn away from me," which is evident- ly faith, and no less manifestly belief of one's good estate, or being confident of it, because the expression must denote the continued exercise of faith, in not turning away from the Lord. Crying Abba father, Rom. viii. 15, is faith in the Lord as one's father, which must have, a being confident of one's good estate inseparable from it, or rather enwrapped in it. I suppose what I have mentioned, is very consistent with what you say, " That faith, and persons believ- ing that they have faith, are not the same :" for one's believing that he has faith, simply and by itself, has for its object the man's inward fraine, or the actings and exercises of his spirit, and not a divine testimony. This is not divine faith ; but, as I have laid the matter, a being confident of one's good estate has for its foundation the word of God, Heb. xiii. 5, etc. ultimately, — at least ; to be suret this is one way in which faith is acted, or one thing in its exercise. I am far from thinking vuibelief, or being without faith, and doubting whether tliey have faith, to be the same thuig in an unconverted LIPE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS. -iJJ sinner, whom your words " being without faith,''^ miisl mean, and Jlierein we entirely agree. But I must think, as to the hehever, his doubting, whether or not he has faith, is sinful, because it is belying tlie Holy Ghost, denying his work in him, so there is no sin to which that doubting can so properly Ije reduced as unbelief. You know, dear Sir, doubting and belie\'ing are opposed in Scripture, Matt, xiv. 31, xxi. 21, Mark xi. 23, and I cannot exclude from the idea of doubting, a questioning the truth and reality of a work of grace on one's soul, for the Holy Ghost requires us to believe the reality of his work in us, in all its parts, just as it is, and never would allow us, much less call us to sin, or to believe a falsehood, that one is void of grace, when he has it, that good might come of it, i. e. that the person might be awakened from security, etc. 1 John iii. 3, " Every man that hath tliis hope in him purifieth himself, as he is \)UYe ;" I think intimates, that in proportion to the degree of one's liope, that the Lord is his father, will be his aim after sanctification, and his attainment of it ; if so, to renounce tliis hope, to throw it up at any season, on any account, must be unlawful ; whence I infer, for the believer to doubt of his gracious state, to call it in quesdon for any reason whatever, so as to raze it, it is simply sinful, 1 John ii. 12. 15, "I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you, viz. Love not the world." Here forgiveness of sin is used as a motive or incitement not to love the world ; and this rea- soning of the apostle would lose all its force, were it incumbent on a believer, at some seasons, to think he w^as not within the bond of the new covenant, — he is bound ever to hold that conclusion fixed./ The exhortation, not to cast away one's confidence, certainly compre- hends a call to persevere in believing in our interest in the Lord, and to practise it at all seasons, Heb. x. 35. Job's friends endeavoured to make him question, whether the root of the matter w as in him, and to conclude that he was a hypocrite. He resolved, though the Lord should slay him, he would trust in him, chap. xiii. 15, being confident of his own good estate, chap, xxvii. 3, 5, " All the wliile my breath is in me ;" and ver. 5, " Till I die, I will not remove my integrity from me ;" and w^e see, from the whole tenor of his book, w^hat there he resolved, he actually did practise ; he never enter- tained the thought of supposing the Lord was not his God, notwith- standing the grievous eruptions of iniquity in him,in quarrelling wiUi the sovereignty of God, etc. And in the end, the Lord condemned his friends for speaking of him " die things that were not right," and pro- nounced that Job, his servant, had said of him the thing " that is right," Job iv. 1 ; from which, it is to be presumed, he was approved in guarding against razing his state.* Also, 2 Cor. i. 12, what the apostle terms there, " his rejoicing," was what supposed his being confident of his good estate, that he was participant of a prmciple * This, and several other Scotticisms, I do not feel at liberty to alter. 2o6 Life of president edwards. of grace, wliich made him capable of acting, as he did, with godly sincerity'. All which, with other considerations, do satisfy me, that a believer never should raze his state on any account whatever ; and that, as has been mentioned, doubting of his gracious state is sinful, one way of unbelief, its acting in him, though not the direct and immediate opposite of that acting of faith by which a person re- nounces his own righteousness and closes with Christ, yet the oppo- site of the posterior exercise of faith in him, and upo7i the promise, in certain respects. Your book is now lent, and therefore I cannot take notice, as you wish and I incline, of what you say on this head, p. 80, 81, more particularly tlian I have done. However, I have, 1 think, touched the precise point m difference between us. "You observe, I seem to intimate, "A person's being confident of his QViTi good estate is the way to be delivered from darkness, deadness, backsliding, and prevailing iniquity." And you add, that " you think whoever supposes tliis to be God's method of dehver- ing his saints, when sunk into an evil, careless, carnal, and unchris- tian frame, first to assure them of their good estate and his favour, W'hile they yet remain in such a frame, and so to make that the means of their deliverance, does surely mistake God's method of dealing with such persons." Here I think you represent the case too strong ; for the words in my letter to which you refer, were, "I have heard it taught that the believer was bound to trust in the Lord in the very vvorst frame he could be in, and that the exercise of faith was the way to be delivered from darkness, deadness, backsliding," etc. And afterwards, I said, when questioning whether the believer should ever doubt of his estate on any account whatever, " I know the opposite has been prescribed ; when the saint is plunged in tlie mire of prevailing iniquity." Now, as a believer may be thus plunged, and yet sin at that instant be his grief and burden, Rom.vii. 24, and he may have the hope and expectation of being relieved from it even then, Psal. Ixv. 3, 1 do not think my words convey the idea you affix to them. Also you will observe, I do not say that a person's being confident of his own good estate is the way to be de- livered from," etc. but "that the believer was bound to trust the Lord in the worst of frame," etc. This I mention, precisely to state my words, and they are, I think, very defensible ; for the believer is called "to trust in the Lord forever," Isa. xxvi. 4. If so, when in the situation mentioned ; for this is a trusting in the Lord as one's God. The woman, with the issue of blood, her touching Christ, and the success, is, I suppose, a call and encouragement to touch hiin by faith, for having the w^orst soul-maladies healed, Mark V. 25. Trusting in the Lord for needful blessings, in the situation mentioned, gives him the glory of his faithfulness, and engages him to act in the believer's behalf; thus to do, it is both duty and in- terest. Jonah, when in a course of grievous rebellion, and under awful chastisement for it, when perhaps he had actually disclaiiii- LIFE OF PRKSIDENT EDWARDS. 257 ed inleresi in the Lord, or was in danger of it, said, "he would look again toward the Lord's holy temple," chap. ii. 4, evidently in exercise of faith in the Lord as his God, the Lord assuring him of his good estate and his favour, by the operation of the Spirit causing him so to act, and to be conscious of it; and, verse 7, " when my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple." Here is my assertion exemplified in practice, by a believer, I may venture to say, in an e\il frame, when the Spirit breatlied upon him. Though a pro- phet, he deliberately disobeyed the express instructions of his Lord, chap. i. 2, 3, and in a careless frame, for he slept securely in the sides of the ship, during a tempest raised for his sake, and when the heathen mariners every one called upon his god, chap. i. 5, 6. So far was he from dreading, as he had reason to do, that the Lord would plead a controversy witli him for the part he acted, that dis- mal security, awful carelessness, and a carnal frame had seized him; for he declared to the Lord, that he said to him in his country, lie would repent of the evil he had said he would do to the Nine- \utes, if they turned from their evil way, and assigned that for the reason why he fled to Tarshish, chap. iv. 2; and thus would rather that the Lord should want the honour, that would redound to his name by the repentance, though only outward, of the Ninevites, and that the whole city should be destroyed, one of the largest the sun shone upon, and the most populous, and that himself should lose the hon- our and comfort of being the instrument of its preservation, than that he should fall under the imputation of being a false prophet, for which there would yet have been no foundation. Horrid car- nality this ! for as it was dreadful selfishness, it may, in that view, be termed carnality, — astonishing pride ! this " filthiness of the spirit" is worse than that of the flesh ; and, all circiunstances of liis conduct considered, he was not only in an ungodly frame, but in an inhumane one, and he smned presumptuously in one of the highest degrees, we may suppose, in which it is possible for a believer so to act ; notwithstanding it appears the happy turn was begun in him, under the influence of the Spirit, by renewing his faith in the Lord as his God, and being confident of his good estate ; upon which he prayed, as already mentioned, and was heard by his God, see verses 7, 8, was delivered out of his then dismal and danger- ous circumstances, chap. ii. 12. — Thus I have done more than I was bound to do, and have proved the point, not only in the man- ner in which I expressed it, but in the strong light yowr words, a comment on mine, had set it ; for one plain Scripture; instance, such certainly as that I have given, is suflicient, as agreed, to prove any thing. It is so far from being a mistaking of God's method of dealing with such persons, as you suggest, (pardon me, dear Sir,) to say, that it is " the Lord's metliod of delivering his } aints when in a backsliding condition, first to assure them of the ir good e«- Voh. I. 33 258 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. late and his favour, and so, to make that the means of their de- liverarce ;" that I give you the words of the Holy Ghost for it it as express and full as any thing possibly can be, Jer. iii. 12, 13, 14 ; verse 14, " Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord, for I am married unto you.'''' This was, to be sure, the Lord's inti- mating the new covenant relation in which he stood to the spiritual Israel among them ; and, verse 22 of that chapter, the Lord says, " Return, ye backsliding children, and I will heal your backslid- ings ;" and in the close of the verse, we have the Lord's thus as- suring them of their good estate and his favour, shown to be the effectual mean of their backsliding being healed : " Behold, we come unto thee ; for thou art the Lord our God,^^ Hos. xiv. 4. " O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God, for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity." Here the first words of the Lord's message to his spirituul Israel, are, that " the Lord was their God,'''' and the ex- pression, " fallen by iniquity," conveys a very strong idea, when applied to a believer, perhaps as strong, as is comprehended in your words, " evil, etc. frame ;" and I must think this verse is so ex- pressed, to work on holy ingenuousness in them, for its revival when under the ashes of corruption. It would perhaps be no difficult matter to multiply Scripture testimonies of such kind ; but these adduced are, I think, full proof of the point, for confirmation of Vv^hich they are brought. The love of Christ constrains the be- liever to return from folly, as well as to other things in other re- spects, 2 Cor. V. 14. I might argue here from the efficacy of the love of God apprehended, the genius of the new creature, and na- ture in believers, and a variety of other topics, but choose, without expatiating, to confine myself to precise Scripture testimonials. As to what you say, that " among all the multitudes you have had op- portunity to observe, you never knew one dealt with in this man- ner, but have known many brought back from great declensions, that appeared to be true saints, but it was in a very diverse way from this : first conscience awakened ; they brought into great fear of the wrath of God ; his favour hid ; the subjects of a kind of new work of humiliation ; brought to great sense of deser\ing God's wrath, while they yet feared it, before God had delivered them from apprehension of it, and comforted with a renewed sense of his fa- vour." All I observe upon this is, that the way I have laid down, is obviously that which the Lord declares in his word, he takes, for bringing back his people from declensions, and thus that in it mercy is to be expected, whatever the Lord may be pleased to do in sove- reignty, ancl he will not be limited ; also, persons do not perceive every thing that passes within them, far less are they capable to give a full distinct account of every thing of each kind. Experi- ences of ch ristians are to be brought to the touch-stone of the in- fallible bar, and to stand or fall by it ; the Bible is not to be brought to tl leir test, and judged of by them. I own we may mis- LIFE OF PHF.SmENT EDWARDS. 259 take the sense of Scripture, but it is so obvious in the passages I have quoted, that I cannot see how it can be misapprehended. " I cannot say any thing now, about the other remarks I made on your book, touched on in your letter, because I have not now the book to look into. I understand the passages about prevalence of sin, so as to denominate a person not in a gracious state, better, by what you have wrote ; and, if any difficulty shall remain after com- paring your book and letter, I may come to propose it to you after- wards. " What you wrote about the case of temptation was very agree- able, and I thank you for it. I shall now state the case more plain- ly, because I want much your further thoughts upon it ; it is pre- cisely tliis. A person finds himself beset by evil angels, what if I remember right T^oetius terms obsessio, and one in that situation obsessus ; they incessantly break into his body and mind, some- times by vain, at other seasons by vile thoughts, now by the thoughts of a business neglected, which w^as a seasonable thing to be done, then by a Scripture text, or an engaging thought of some spiritual truth, when entrance is not to be had another way, and by a variety of other methods. They do all they can, perpetually to teaze, de- file and discourage ; he is conscious of die whole transaction, and finds his spirit broken by it, and goes not about to reason with Sa- tan, knows the expediency of this course, is aware Satan wants no better, than that he pray much and long against his temptations, and so wont pray himself out of breath, by his instigation, is con- %inced the remedy is to get them kept out of body and mind, trusts, in dependence on the Lord, to the use of medical, moral and reli- gious means for that end, because experience shows all of them are expedient and advantageous in their place ; but all is in vain, no rehefforhim, relish of divine things wore oft' the mind, no comfort, is rendered callous by cruel constant buftetings, he cries, but the Lord hears not. By what I understand, tliis is a just representa- tion of the case, and will lead you to the knowledge of other cir- cumstances in it. What would you advise such a person to do ? How shall he recover savour of spiritual truths and objects ? " I wondered you said nothing in your letter, about what I men- tioned in mine, respecting s^ipposed immediate revelations of facts and future events, as special favours conferred on some special fa- vourites of heaven. I give in to your sentiments on that point, expressed in the three treatises you have published, and greatly like what !Mr. Brainerd said on the subject, as mentioned, I think by you, in the funeral sermon on him, wliich I perused \\\{h a great deal of pleasure, and shall now mention some things, said in favour of that principle, of which people are very tenacious, that I may have your answers to them, which will be a singular favour done me, for certain reasons; for example, John xvi. 13, is affirmed to be an express promise of such a thing ; — it is urged, tlie thing is 2G0 IIFB OV PniiSlDKNT KDWAKD8. not contrary to Scripture, and therefore, may be ;— it is urged, John xiii. 24 — ^27, is an example of it, an intimation what tho Lord will do in such kind when it pleaseth him, till the end of time. It is pretended, and indeed this is the strength of the cause, that the thing is a matter of fact, has nothing to do with the Bible, therefore nothing about it is to be expected in Scripture, and sim- xAy to deny it in all cases, is daringly to limit the power of God. The Lord has not said he will not grant it, and how dare any say it cannot be ? It is reasoned, there are numbers of well attested in- stances of the thing in different ages and places, facts are stubborn things, and to deny them all is shocking, an overturning of all moral evidence. It is insisted on, that the thing has been formerly; it is confessed, and why may it not be now ? Vv'e are told, a considera- ble time before a thing happened, that it has been impressed on the mind in all its circumstances, which exactly happened in every point ; if when asked, w^hat one can say to this, he says, perhaps It was from Satan, to this it is answered, does he know future con- tingent events ? The reply is at hand, it is not above him to figure a thing on the fancy long before, which he is resolved by some means to bring about ; but to all this it is answered by advocates for immediate revelations, such reasoning t^nds to sap one of the main pillars of evidence of tlie divinity of the Scripture pro- phecies. " I have, by what I remember, given you the force of the argu- ment, to establish what has had, I too well know, very bad effects, as commonly managed, in Britain, as well as in New-England; a his- tory of instances of them, would not be without its use, and materials for it are not wanting. I will long much to see w hat you say in way of reply to all this. I am sure you cannot employ time better than in framing it. I should have mentioned, that the authority of eminent divines is brought to bear upon them, whose stomachs stand at swallowing things, hke additions to the Bible, — Mr. Fleming, in the Fulfilling of the Scriptures, Dr. Goodwin, etc. But on this, it has been pleasantly observed, that the authority of the worthies in the eleventh of the Hebrews, would have done a good deal better. I have some apprehension this is a point of truth, w liich the Lord is to clear up in this age. " I have read your Humble Attempt, and with much satisfaction, was charmed with tlie Scriptures of the latter day of glory set in one point of light. I do think humbly your observations on Lowman have great strength of reason. The killing of the witnesses, as yet to come, has been to me a grievious temptation ; for which reason, I peruse with peculiar pleasure what you say on tliis subject ; but if you answer die objection, " It would appear that the seventh trumpet is to sound soon after the resurrection of the mtnesses, and the king- doms of the world, etc. but that has not happened, therefore the witnesses are not killed ;" I say, if this you answer, I have forgot. KIFE OF rHESIDEN'T EDV»'ARDS. 2(M " I should have also menlioned, that it seems evident, the doctrine of immediate revelations must be simply denied as unscriptural, and thus well-founded in no case ; or it must be allowed in its full compass and latitude, let the consequences of it be what they will, for if the thing is allowed possible, reasonings about its effects will not conclude nor avail; I can see no middle way between the two things. That principle taken for granted by almost all, in all times past, is, as I mentioned in my last letter, to me a surprizing thing. " Mr. Whitefield arrived at Edinburgh, Wednesday last, and was to preach on Thursday evening ; but as I am fifteen miles from that city, of which two miles by sea, I have not yet heard of the effects of his preaching, or the number of the audiences ; I wish they may be as frequent as when he was last here. JVIay Divine power spe- cially attend his ministrations ! We need it much, as we are gene- rally fallen under great deadness. I believe he will find use for all his prudence and patience in dealing v.-ith us, for different reasons. With great pleasure, friends to vital religion, and to him, are in- formed he is to make no collections at this time ! I was glad to hear you write, that he laboured with success in New-England, in rec- tifying mistakes he had favoured, about intimations made b}' the Lord to his" people, etc. and heartily wish he may be directed to apply an antidote here, where it is also needed. " I have tired you with a long epistle, and shall dierefore now break off. What you was pleased to favour me with, upon the diff.- culty started from Rom. viii. 28. was very acceptable, and I thank you much for it. I will expect a letter from you the first opportunity after this comes to hand; and in it all the news of New-England, particularly some account of the state of religion with you. It gives me pleasure to think, I may write you my sentiments upon every thing without reserve. Please make my affectionate compli- ments to my friend Mr. Abercrombie, when you see him, or write to him, and tell him, I remember I am in liis debt for a letter. I hope the ship 1 am informed of, for carrying this, is not sailed, and therefore it will not be so long in coming to your hand, after being writ, as mv last. "I am, &ic." Letter to Mr. M'Culloch. '■^Northampton, Oct. 7, 174S. "To tlie Rev. Mr. M'Culloch. " Rev. and dear Sir, " I thank you for your letter of Feb. 19, 1748, which I received the week before last. I had also, long before that, recived the let- ter you speak of, which you wrote the spring before, dated, INIarch 12, 1747, which I wrote an answer to, and sent it to Mr. Prince 2C2 LIFE OF PftESlDENT EDWARDS. of Boston and committed it to his care ; and am very sony that you never received it. I am far from being weary of our cor- respondence. I ever looked on myself as greatly honoured and obliged by you, in your beginning this correspondence ; and have found it pleasant and profitable ; and particularly your last letter, that I have but now received, has been very agreeable and enter- taining ; especially on account of the good news it contains. I cannot but think many things mentioned in your letter, and the letters of my other correspondents in Scotland, which came with yours, are great things, worthy to be greatly taken notice of, and to be an occasion of much rejoicing and praise to all that love Zion } viz. The remarkable change in one of the Clerks of the Privy Council; God's stirring up him and Mr. Littleton to write in de- fence of Christianity ; the good effect of this among men of fiigure and character ; the good disposition of the King, and the Prince and Princess of Wales ; the late awakening of two of the Prin- cesses, Amelia and Caroline, and the hopeful conversion of one or both of them ; the hopeful, real piety of the Archbishop of Can- terbury, and his good disposition towards experimental religion and tlie dissenters ; several of the Clergy of the Church of Eng- land, lately appearing to preach the doctrines of Grace ; seve- ral of the Magistrates, in various towns in England, exerting themselves with uncommon zeal to put the laws in execution against vice; and the eminent piety of the Prince of Orange, now the Stadtholder of the Seven United Provinces. These things, (at least some of them,) are great in themselves, and are of that nature that they have a most promising aspect on the interests of Zion, and appear to be happy presages and forerunners of yet better and greater things that are coming. They look as if the tide was turning, and glorious things approaching, by the revo^ lution of the wheel of God's Providence. I think we, and all others, who have lately united by explicit agreement in extraordi- nary Prayer for a general Revival of religion and the coming of Christ's kingdom, may, without presumption, be greatly encoura- ged and animated in the duty we have engaged in, by the appear- ance of such a dawning of light from such great darkness; and should be ungrateful if we did not acknowledge God's gi*eat good- ness in these things, and faithfulness in fulfilling the promises of his word ; such as these in particular, " If any two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing you shall ask, it shall be done of my Father which is in heaven ;" and, " Before they call, I will answer ; and while they are yet preaching, I will hear." I have already communicated these things to some belonging to this town, and other places ; some have appeared much affected with them ; and one that belongs to another town, has taken extracts of tliese passages. I design, God willing, to communicate these things to my congregation, before the next Quarterly day for Prayer, and LIB'K OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 203 also to the neighbouring Ministers, who, according to our stated agreement, will be met together on that day, to spend the former part of the day in prayer among ourselves, and the latter part in public services in one of our congregations ; and shall also proba- bly communicate these things to some of my correspondents in New Jersey and elsewhere, and I cannot but think they will tend to do a great deal of good, in various respects ; and particularly will tend to promote the Concert for Prayer, in these parts of the world. 1 desired Mr. Prince of Boston, to send you one of my books on the Concert, soon after it was published ; who engaged to do it : but long forgot it, as I perceived afterwards to my surprise, but since that more thorough care has been taken about that mat- ter ; and I hope you, and each of my other correspondents in Scot- land, have before now received one of those books. "I thank you, dear Sir, for sending me your Thoughts on some things in the Prophecies of the Revelation of St. John, and for being at so much trouble as to send it twice (supposing the first let- ter had miscarried.) This I take as a particular mark of respect, for which I am obliged to you. I received, as I said before, your former letter, (which contained .the same observations,) and sent an answer to it, wherein I gave you my thoughts, such as they were, on those subjects. But if you have received my book on United Prayer, etc. therein you have seen more fully my thoughts on some things in the Revelation, that have a near relation to the same matter that you write about ; the substance of which I before had written to you in a large letter, desiring your opinion of what I \\Tote. " The letter, I think you received, by some intimations contain- ed in yours of March 12, 1747. But you w^as not pleased to fa- vour me with any thing at all of your thoughts of what I had so largely communicated to you, to that end, that I might have your opinion. But I am not the less willing again to connnunicate my thoughts on your remarks. " As to what you observe concerning the number six hundred and sixty-six, and that number being found in the name of the pre- sent King of France ; it is indeed something remarkable, that that number should be found both in his Latin and French names, as you observe ; and I do not know but that the omniscient Spirit of God, (who doubtless in his predictions has sometimes his eye on several things in which he knows they will be fulfilled,) might have some respect to his name in the Prophecy ; but I can hardly think that this individual King of France or any other particular Prince in Europe, is what is chiefly intended by the Beast, so largely de- scribed in the 13th Chapter of Revelation, whose number is said to be six hundred and sixty-six. Of all the conjectures concern- ing the number of the Beast, that I have lit on in my small reading, that of Mr. Potter's seems to me the most ingenious, v^'ho supposes 2G4 LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. the true meaning is to be found by extracting the root of the num- ber. But after all, I have ever suspected that the thing chiefly aimed at by the Holy Spirit, was never yet found out, and that the discovery is reserved for later times. Yet one reason why Mr. Potter's conjecture does not fully satisfy me, is, the difficulty about adjusting the fractions in the root, when extracted. With respect to your very ingenious conjectures, concerning- the period oi forty- two months, or one thousand two hundred and sixty days, of the outer court and holy City's being trodden under foot of the Gen- tiles ; you know. Sir, that that forty-two months, or one thousand two hundred and sixty days, spoken of Rev. xi. 2, has been uni- versally understood, as being the very same period with the 1260 days of the Witnesses prophesying in sackcloth, spoken of in the next verse ; and the one thousand two hundred and sixty days of the Woman's being led in the wilderness. Chap. xiii. 6 ; and the time, times and half a time, of her being nourished in the \vilder- ness from the face of the Serpent, ver. 14 ; and the forty-two months of the continuance of the Beast, Chap, xiii. 5. But it does not appear to me probable that these forty-two monts of the con- tinuance of the Beast, means the sum of the diverse periods in which the Plat of Ground, whereon the ancient literal Jerusalem stood, was under the dominion of the Romans, Saracens, Persians and Turks ; but the space of time during which the reign of Anti- christ or the Popish Hierarchy continues ; and as to the particular time of the downfall of Antichrist, you see my reasons in the fore- mentioned pamphlet, why I think it certain that it will not be known till it be accomplished : I cannot but think that the Scripture is plain in that matter, and that it does, in effect, require us to rest sa- tisfied in ignorance till the time of the end comes. " However, I should be very foolish, if I were dogmatical in my thoughts concerning the interpretation of the prophecies : especially in opposition to those who ha^^e had so much more opportunity to be well acquainted with things of this nature. But since you have insisted on my thoughts, I conclude you Avill not be displeased, that I have mentioned them, though not altogether agreeable to yours. I am nevertheless greatly obliged to you for your condescension in communicating your thoughts to me. If we do not exactly agree in our thoughts about these things, yet in our prayers for the ac- complishment of these glorious events in God's time, and for God's gracious presence with us, and his assistance in endeavours to jDro- raote his kingdom and interests, in the mean time, we may be entire- ly agreed and united. That we may be so, is the earnest desire of, dear Sir, "Your affectionate brother and ser\^ant, " in our common Lord, "JoNATHAj^' Edwards." LIFE OF PRJESIDENT EDWARDS. 2G5 In perusing the following letter, while the reader will deeply re- gret the loss of that from Mr. Erskine to which it is an answer, he will feel a lively interest in the ma^s of religious intelligence which it contains, as well as in the intereg^ting developement which it gives of the character of Governour Belcher. "To tlie Rev. Mr. Erskine. '^ JVorthampton, Oct. 14, 1748. " Rev. and dear Sir. " A little while ago I wrote a letter to you, wherein I acknow- ledged the receipt of your letter, and the books that came witli it, viz. Taylor on Original Sin; and on the Romans: \^itli your sermons, and Answer to Mr. Campbell ; for which most acceptable presents I would most heartily and renewedly thank you. " I sent my letter to Boston, together with one of Mr. Stoddard's Benefit oj the Gospel to the Wounded in Spirit, and his JVature of Saving Conversion, with a Sermon on Mr. Brainerd's death, and some account of a history of his life now in the press, to be sent to Scotland by the first opportunity ; whether there has been any op- portunity or no, I cannot tell. I have very lately received another letter from you, dated April 4, 1748, which was indeed exceedingly acceptable, by reason of the remarkable and joyful accounts it contains of things, that have a blessed aspect on the interests of Christ's kingdom in the world : such as the good effects of the writings of Mr. West and Mr. Littleton on some at Court, and the reli- gious concern in INIr. Randy's and JMr. Gray's parishes, the hopeful true piety of the Archbishop of Canterbury ; this and the King's disposition, not only to tolerate, but comprehend the Dissent- ers ; and their indifference with respect to the liturgy, ceremonies and episcopal ordination ; the piety of the Prince, who is now ad- vanced to the Stadtholdership, and has it established in his family forever; the awakening of the Princess Caroline; and the good disposition of the Princess of Wales. I think it very fit that those, who have lately entered into an union of extraordinary prayer, for the coming of Christ's kingdom and the prosperity of Zion, should inform one another of things which they know of, that pertain to the prosperity of Zion, and whereby their pi-ayers are in some degree an- swered : that they may be united in joy and thanksgiving, as well as in supplication ; and that they may be encouraged and animated in their prayers for the future, and engaged to continue instant therein with all perseverance. I tliink these things forementioned, which you have sent me an account of, are worthy greatly to be observed,^by those that are united in the concert for prayer, for their comfort, praise and encouragement. I intend to communicate these things to my own people, before tlie next quarterly season for prayer, and to the neighbouring ministers, who are united in tliis affair; and also to my correspondents in this province, and other provinces Vol. 1. 34 2CG LIFE OS" PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. of America. I doubt not but they will have a happy tendency and influence in many respects. I hope, dear Sir, you will continue still to give me particular information of things that appear, relative to the state of Zion and the interests of religion, in Great Britain or other parts of Europe. Li so doing, you will not only infoi-m me, but I shall industi'iously communicate any important informations of that kind, and spread them amongst God's people in this part of die world ; and shall endeavour to my utmost to make such an use of them, as shall tend most to promote die interest of religion. And among other tilings I should be glad to be informed of any books diat come out, remarkably tending either to the illuslTation, or de- fence of that truth, or the promoting the power of godliness or in any respect peculiarly tending to advance true religion. " I have given an account of some things, wliich have a favourable aspect on the interests of religion, in these American parts of the world, in my letters to Mr. Robe, and ]Mr. McLaurin, sent widi tliis ; which you \^illliave opportunity to see. In your last letter you desired to be particularly informed of the present state of Nevv-Jersey College, and of things remarkable of a religious nature respecthig the Indians. As to the former, viz. the state of Nev»'-Jersey College : by the last accounts I had, it was in somewhat of an unsettled state. Governour Belcher had a mind to give them a new charter, that he thought would be more for the benefit of the society. Accordingly a draft of a new charter was drawn ; wherein it was proposed to make considerable alteration in the Corporation of Trustees ; to leave out some of the former Trustees ; and that the Governour for the tune being, should be a Trustee, and tliree or four of the Council of that Province. Those two things made considerable uneasiness, viz. leaving out some of the former Trustees, and making it a part of die Constitution diat the Governour, and so many of die Council should be members of the Corporation. Some feared that this would not be for the health of die society ; because the men in chief authority in that Pro- vince, have for the most part, been men of no Religion, and many of them open and profess'd contemners of it. How this matter has been setded, or whether these difiicukies are got over, I have not been informed. As to Governour Belcher himself, he appears thoroughly engaged to promote \drtue and vital religion in diose parts, which already has had some good effects ; vice and open profaneness, by the means, is become less fashionable among die great men, and \drtue and religion more creditable. The disposi- tion of Governour Belcher may in some measure be seen, by the following extract of a letter from him, in answer to one I wrote to him on a special occosion. ^^ BurUngton, JVeiv- Jersey, Feb. 5, 1748. ^'You will, Sir, be sure of me as a friend and father to the mis- i.lPt: OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 2G7 sionaries this way, and of all my miglit and encoura2;ement for spreading the everlasting gospel of God our Saviour, in all parts and places, where God shall honour me with any power or influence. "As to myself. Sir, it is impossible to express the warm senti- ments of my heart, for the mercies without number, with which I have been loaded, by the God who has fed me all my life long to this dayj; and my reflection upon his goodness covers me with shame and blushing, for I know my utter unworthiness, and that I am less than the least of all his mercies. I would therefore abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. You are sensible, my good friend, that governours stand in a glaring light, and their conduct is narrowly watched by friends and enemies : the one often unreasonahly ap- plaud them, while the other perhaps too justly censure them. Yet in this I am not anxious : but to approve myself to the Searcher of hearts, from whose mouth I must hear pronounced, at the great and general audit, those joyful words. Enter thou, etc. — or that terrible sentence, Depart from me, etc. Join with me tlien in thankfulness to God, for all the blessings and talents he has intrusted me \\ith, and in prayer that I may employ them to his honour and glory, to the good of the people over whom he hath placed me, and so to the comfort of my own soul : that I may always remember that he that ruleth over men, must be just, ruling in the fear of God." "In another letter which I have received, dated Burlington, N. J- May 31, 1748, he says as follows. " I \vill prostrate myself before my God and Saviour, and on the bended knees of my soul, (abhorring myself in every \dew) I will beg for a measure of divine grace and wisdom ; that so I may be honoured, in being an instrument of advancing the kingdom of the blessed Jesus in tliis world, and in that way be bring- ing fbrtli fruit in old age.* I bless God, my heavenly Father, that I am not ashamed of the Cross of Christ ; and I humbly ask the assistance of Sovereign Grace, that, in times of temptation, I may never be a shame to it : I mean that my conversation may al- ways be such as becomeththe gospel of Clii'ist. And I tell you again, that all such as minister at the altar, and in the course of their min- istry approve themselves faithful to the great Head of the Church, will not only find my countenance and protection, but my love and esteem. " As to our embryo College, it is a noble design : and if God pleases, may prove an extensive blessing. I have adopted it for a daughter, and hope it may in time become an Alma Mater, to this and the neighbouring Provinces. I am getting the best advice and * He wan 6f> years old, the 8th divy of January last. 268 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. assistance I can in the draught of a Charter, which I intend to give to our infant College, and I thank you, Sir, for all the kind hints you have given me, for the service of this excellent undertaking: and as St. Luke says of Mary, She kept all these things, and pon- dered them in her heart ; so you may depend, what you have said about the College, will not be lost with me ; but, as far as God shall enable me, I shall exert and lay out myself in every way to bring it to maturity, and then to advance its future welfare and prosperity : for this I believe will be acceptable in the sight of God our Sav- iour : a relish for true religion and piety, being great strangers to this part of America. The accounts I receive from time to time, give me too much reason to fear that Arminianism,'Ariamsm, and even Socinianism, in destruction to the doctrines of free grace, are daily propagated in the New England Colleges. How horribly and how wickedly, are these poisonous notions rooting out those noble| pious principles, on which our excellent ancestors founded those semina- ries ! and how base a return is it of the present generation, to that God, who is constantly surrounding them with goodness and mer- cy ! and how offensive is it in the eyes of that God, who is jea- lous of his glory, and will take vengeance on his adversaries, and reserveth wrath for his enemies ! And from these things I am led to thank you for your book, wrote in consequence of the Memorial from Scotland, for promoting a concert in prayer. I am much pleased with this proposal and imitation to all good christians, and with your arguments to encourage and corroborate tlie design. The two missionaries you mention, Messrs. Spencer and Strong, I am told are at present at Boston, I have once and again desired Mr. Brainerd to assure them of my kindness and respect. But their affairs have not yet led them this way. I rejoice in their being appointed to carry the gospel, in its purity, to the Six Nations ; and when Mr. Brainerd and they proceed to Susquehannah, they shall have all my assistance and encouragement; by letters to the King's Governours where they may pass, and my letters to the Sachem or Chief of those Indians." " With regard to the missionaries, Governour Belcher mentions : •'The Commissioners in Boston, of the Corporation in London, for the propagation of the gospel among the Indians in New Eng- land and parts adjacent, a little before Mr. David Brainerd went to Boston, the summer before his death, had received a sum of money from the estate left by the famous Dr. Williams, for the maintenance of two missionaries among the Six Nations : and ha- ving entertained a very great esteem of Mr. Brainerd, from tlie opportunity they had of acquaintance with him while in Boston, the committee entrusted to him the affair of finding and recom- mending the persons proper to be employed in this business." Ac- cordingly he, after much deliberation, recommended one Mr. MFE OF rnESIDEN'T EDWARDS. 2G9 Spencer, belonging to Haddam, his native touTi ; and jNIr. Strong, belonging to this towTi, Northampton ; who are nndoubtedly well qualified persons, of good abilities and learning, and of pious dis- positions. The Commissioners, on his recommendation, accepted these persons ; and a^ter Mr. Brainerd's death, sent to tliem ; and they went down to Boston, and accepted the mission. But the Commissioners did not think proper immediately to send them forth among the Six Nations : but ordered them to go and live, during the winter, in New Jersey with IMr. John Brainerd, among the Christian Indians, there to follow their studies, and get acquaint- ance with the manners and customs of Indians ; and in the spring to go with Mr. Brainerd, to Susquehannah, to instruct the Indians on that river, before they went to the Six Nations. Accordingly they went and lived in New Jersey ; but were discouraged as to their intended journey to Susquehannah ; for they understood that the Susquehannah Indians greatly objected against entertaining mis- sionaries, without the consent of the Six Nations, (to whom they are subject, and of whom they stand it seems in great fear ;) and insisted that the missionaries should go to the Six Nations first. There- fore, in the spring, Messrs. Spencer and Strong returned to Bos- ton, for new orders from the commissioners : who saw cause to or- der them to come and live at my house, till the time of an appoint- ed interview of the Governours of Boston and New York with the Chiefs of the Six Nations, at Albany, in the latter part of the sum- mer ; when it was proposed tliat some, that should go to Albany with Gov. Shirley, should, on the behalf of the Commissioners, treat with the Six Nations concerning their receiving missionaries. Messrs. Spencer and Strong did accordingly ; they lived with me in the summer, and went to Albany at the time of the treaty ; and the nation of the Oneidas in particular, were dealt \\ith concerning receiving these missionaries ; who appeared free and forward in the matter. Messrs. Spencer and Strong, at that time, got some acquaintance uitii the Chiefs of the tribe ; who appeared fond of them, and very desirous of their going with them. But the grand difficulty then in the way, was the want of an Interpreter; which occasioned their not going with the Indians at that time, but return- ing again to New-England. JMr. Strong, also, was taken much out of health, which discouraged him from entertaining any thoughts of throwing himself into the fatigues and hardships of their undertaking, till the next spring. But the difficulty of the want of an interpreter, is now got over ; a very good one has been found ; and Mr. Spencer was ordained on the 14th of the last montii, and is gone with die interpreter, to go to the country of the Oneidas, about 170 miles beyond Albany, and about 130 miles distant from all settlements of the white people. "It is a thing, that has a favourable aspect on the design of pro- pagating tlie Gospel among the Indians, that many of late have 270 T-IFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. been remarkably spirited to promote it, and liberally to open tbeir hands in order to it. Mr. Brainerd's going to Boston before his death, and people there having some acquaintance ^\ith him, and with his labours and success among the Indians, gave occasion to a considerable number in Boston, men of good substance and of the best character, and some of them principal men in the town, to form themselves into a Charitable Society, that by their joint en- deavours and contributions, they might promote the instruction and spiritual good of the Indians ; who have done some very liberal things for the Indians in New-Jersey, and also for the Six Nations. The people of Northampton have also had their hearts remarka- bly opened, to contribute to the maintenance of Mr. Spencer's In- terpreter ; and one individual at Springfield, has been moved to devote a considerable part of his estate, to promote the propaga- tion of the Gospel among the Six Nations. " As to my writing against Arminianism ; I have hitherto been remarkably hindered ; so that probably it will be a considerable time before I shall have any thing ready for the press ; but do in- tend, God allowing and assisting, to prosecute that design : and I desire your prayers for the Divine assistance in it. The books you sent me,^ will be a great help to me ; I would on no account have been without them. " I condole A\ith you and Mrs. Erskine, on the loss of your no- ble and excellent father ; which is doubtless a great loss to the Church of God. But the glorious Kng of Zion, who was dead, is alive, and lives forevermore, and can raise up others in exalted stations to favour Zion ; and seems to be so doing at this day, by things you give an account of in your letter. I have been the subject of an afflictive dispensation of late, tending to teach me how to sympathize with the afflicted ; which I think I mentioned in my last letter to you, viz. the death of my second daughter, the last February. " Please to present my most affectionate and respectful saluta- tions to your dear consort. That I and mine may be remember- ed in your and her prayers, is the request of " Your afiectionate and obliged " Friend and brother, "Jonathan Edwards." Letter from Mr. Willison to Mr. Edwards. " To the Rev. Mr. Edwards. ''Dundee, March 17, 1749. " Rev. and dear Brother, " I thank you for yours of October last, with your two Sermons, which Mr. M'Laurin sent me ; which two Sermons give me cause to sing of mercy as well as of judgment, that as one shining and LIFE OF rKKSIUENT EDWARDS. 271 successful youth is laid aside from labouring in the Gospel, ano- ther is sent forth to it. Indeed, Avorthy JNIr. Braincrd was one among a thousand, for carrying the Gospel among the heathen, as appears by the account you give of him in your Sermon, and by his Journals which have been published here, and prefaced by Dr. Doddridge, and dedicated by him to the Society at Edinburgh. We must be silent ; seeing He who hath removed him is holy, just and wise. We must also lay our hands on our mouths, with res- pect to the loss of our great and eminent men, such as Dr. Watts, Dr. Colman, ]Mr. Cowper, and others. But O, it is no loss to be absent from the body, to them who are present with the Lord. Great need have we to cry to the Lord of tlie vineyard, to send forth others in their room ; it is easy for him to do it, from places we little expect. These are hopeful and promising accounts, which you have from your correspondents in Scotland, mentioned in your letter. ]May they all hold true, and be the forerunners of greater things, and the dawnings of the glory of the latter days. I may add to them, the rising of a burning and shining light of a Church of England minister, in Dr. Doddridge's neighbourhood, viz. INIr. Hervey ; for he dates his writings from Weston Flavel, near Northampton. He has lately published two volumes of Med- itations on all kinds of subjects, in a most orthodox, calvinistic and evangelical strain, in which he takes all kinds of occasions of exalt- ing and commending his glorious IMaster, Christ, in a most rhetori- cal way, and in a style I think inimitable, and in the most moving expressions, so that it is not easy to read him without tears. He freely taxes his brethren of that church, for departing from the doctrines of grace, and of justification by imputed righteousness, etc. which were taught by the Reformers, and their own articles and homily. And notwithstanding this micommon freedom, which he uses with his brethren, great men, etc. never had any books such a run in England, as his ; for in a year and an half's time, or thereabouts, there are five editions of them pubhshed at London, and still they are greedily bought and read, especially by persons of distinction; the style being a Uttle too high and poetical for the vulgar. His name is James Hervey, A. B. Some say he is of noble descent, from the Earl of Bristol ; but I am not sure of this. It is thought he is the man that Dr. Doddridge points at, in the life of Col. Gardiner, pages 37, 38. It looks well, that so many in England should become fond of sound evangelical writings. No doubt the books may have reached Boston by this time. Let us tlierefore still wait and pray in hope. I should be glad to do any thing in my power, for promoting the Concert for IJnited Prayer, and Oh that it were spread both far and near ; it would be a token of a general Re\aval of religion to be fast a})proaching. I know nothing that hath a greater tendency to promote the aforesaid hap- py Concert, than the book you lately published about it, (a copy 272 l^i^S or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. whereof you sent me, for which I humbly thank you.) I wish it were universally spread, for I both love and admire the perform- ance upon subjects so uncommon. I approve your remarks on Mr. Lowman. His reason for beginning Antichrist's reign so late as the year 756, is weak, viz. because then King Pepin invested the Pope in his temporal dominion over that province in Italy, call- ed St. Peter's Patrimony — when it is evident that the Pope had usurped his tyrannical dominion over Christ's church, long before, which is the main ground of his being called Antichrist ; yea, the Pope's usurped power was greater before King Pepin's time, than it is at this day — as for instance, in Pope Symmachus' time, anno 601 ; in Pope Hormisdas' time, anno 516; in Pope Boniface 3d's time, anno 606 ; in Pope Constantine's time, anno 713. Yea, Mr. Lowman himself gives a dreadful instance of the Pope's tyranny and usurpation, both over the church and the Emperor, in page 97 of his book, which happened anno 726, thirty years before he be- gins Antichrist's reign ; when Pope Gregory 2d excommunicated the Emperor Leo, for ordering images to be removed out of the churches, and forbad obedience or paying of taxes to him. Was not Antichrist's reign far advanced by that time ? And we have several instances of the Pope's tyranny, similar to this, recorded by historians, before that which Mr. Lowman mentions; which more directly denominate him Antichrist, than his temporal doings in Italy. We see how easy it is for the best of writers, to slip into mistakes and wrong schemes. I agree with you, that Anticlirist's fall will be gradual, in the way you explain it. " I am sorry to hear of Arminianism growing in New England. But I rejoice to hear of Gov. Belcher's zeal for religion in New Jersey ; may the Lord spare him and bless him. As also I am glad to hear of the hopeful prospect of the Gospel's growing among the Six Nations of Indians ; and of such a youth as Mr. Spencer being sent among them ; may the Lord prosper him as he did Mr. Brainerd. I sympathise with you under that affliction of your daughter's death ; but it is comfortable she was helped so to live aud die, as to afford such grounds of hope concerning her. And though she was the flower of your family, yet the remembering of the gracious hand, that painted the flower, will engage your worthy spouse and you to a becoming silence, like Aaron. As he will do what he will, let us join and say always, Let his will be done. I would fain be at this in my own case, may the Lord help me to more of christian submission and resignation. I am now entered into the 69th year of my age, and fallen under several distresses," whereby I have been shaken over the grave these many months past, and am laid aside from preaching. May tlie Lord assist ine in my preparation for the dissolution of this tabernacle. I find it no easy matter to die, and to die in faith, and to die like Simeon with Jesus in his arms. I very much need your prayers for me LIFE OP PEESIDENT EDWARDS^ 2 to 1 am glad to hear, dear brother, that your parents arc both alive, and that tliey hold the abilities of both body and mind so remarka- bly at so great an age, and particularly that your father, at seventy- nine years of age and now near eighty, performs the whole of his ministerial work so constantly, without feeling it burdensome, and was able to travel forty miles to see you ; he is indeed a wonder of his age, and would be reckoned so in this country, where few mi- nisters come near to that age and \igour. May the Lord still spare him, with your mother, and make them still flourishing in old age ; may they be blessed with much of God's gracious presence ; and widi the consolations and fruits of the Spirit, in their aged and de- clining days. I still kindly remember your worthy spouse and children remaining, and pray they may long be continued for com- forts to you, and you continued for a blessing to them, to your flock, and to many others, as you already have been. " I remain. Rev. and dear brother, " Your most aftectionate brother, and serv't, " In our Lord, «J. WiLLISON." "P. S. The Rev. Mr. Whitefield came to Scodand in Septem- ber last, and preached about two months in and about Edinburgh and Glasgow. But some brethren who employed him, benig chal- lenged for it in Synods and Presbyteries, and debates arising there- upon, Mr. Whitefield returned to London. To give a view of the substance of these debates, and what passed thereupon in die Sy- nod of Glasgow, I have sent you herewith a printed pamphlet con- taining the same with two other books, as a small acknowledgment of your favours." The three following letters went in the same packet to Scotland. The religious intelligence, which they communicated, will be found highly interesting at the present day. In the first of the three, is the earliest allusion, on the part of Mr. Edwards, which I have met with, to a most painful subject ; the mention of which I have pur- posely forborne, that all which relates to it may be presented toge- ther. Letter to Mr. Erskine. " JVorthampton, May 20, 1749. ^ Rev. and dear Sir, " The day before yesterday, I received your letter of February 14th, with the pacquet, containing the pamphlets you mention in your letter : for which I am greaUy obliged to you. I have not vet had opportunity to read these books, but promise myself much Vol. I. ' 35 i74 LIFE OF PJkESIDENT Et)WARD5. entertainment by them, from the occasions on which they were writ- ten, and the subject they are upon. The last letter I received from you before this, was dated April 6, 1748, so that I suppose the two letters you say you wrote to me, since those which I acknowledge the receipt of, have miscarried, which I much regret, as I much value what comes from your hand. " In one of your last letters which came to hand, you desire to be particularly informed concerning the state of religion, in these parts of the world, and particularly concerning the Mission to the Indians, and the infant College in New Jersey. As to the affair of preaching the gospel to the Indians, Mr. Sjiencer went, the last fall, far into the western wilderness; to the Oneidas, one of the tribes of Indians called the Six Nations, living on Susquehannah River, towards the head of the river ; to a place called b}^ the Indians Onohohquauga, about 180 miles south-west from Albany on Hudson's River, where he continued through the winter; and went through many difficulties and hardships, with little or no success, ihiough the failing of his Interpreter ; who was a woman that had formorly been a captive among the Caghnawauga Indians in Cana- da, who speak the same language with those Oneidas, excepting some small variation of dialect. She went with her husband, an Englishman, and is one of the people we here call Sej)aratists : who showed the spirit he was of there in that wilderness, beyond what was known before. He differed with and opposed Mr. Spen- cer in his measures, and had an ill influence on his wife ; who I fear was very unfaithful, refusing to interpret for Mr. Spencer more than one discourse in a week, a sermon upon the Sabbath; and ut- terly declined assisting him in discoursing and conversing with the Indians in the week time. And her interpretations on the Sabbath were performed very unfaithfully, as at last appeared. So that Mr. Spencer came away in discouragement in the spring, and re- turned to Boston, and gave the Corporation there, who employed him, an account of his unexpected difficulties and disappointments .; and became obliged to them to wait three months, to see if they could procure a fellow missionary, and another interpreter, to go with him to the Indians; which I believe is not much expected. If these are not obtained within the limited time, Mr. Spencer is free from any farther engagements to them. Mr. Spencer is now preaching at Elizabethtown in New Jersey, in the pulpit of the late Mr. Dickinson ; and I believe is likely to settle there. He is a person of very promising qualifications : and will hopefully in some measure make up the great loss, that people have sustained by the death of their former pastor. " As to the mission in New Jersey, we have from time to time had comfortable accounts of it ; and Mr. John Brainerd, who has the care of the congregation of Christian Indians there, was about three weeks ago, at my house ; and informed me of the increase LIFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 2i,) of his congregation, and of their being added to, from time to time, by the coming of Indians from distant phices, and settling in the bidian town at Cranberry, for the sake of hearing the gospel ; and of something of a work of awakening being all along carried on, among the Indians to this day ; and of some of the new comers be- ing awakened ; and of there being instances, from time to time, of hopeful conversion among them ; and ol a general good and pious behaviour of the professing Indians. But he gave an accoimt also, of some trouble the Indians meet with, from some of the while peo- ple ; and particularly from Mr. Maurice, the Chief Justice of the Province, a professed Deist ; who is sueing ihem for their lands, under pretext of a will, made by their former king ; which was un- doubtedly forged. However he is a man of such craft and influ.- ence, that it is not known how the matter will issue. "I have heard nothing new, that is very remarkable concerning the College in New Jersey. It is in its infancy ; there has been consi- derable difficulty about settling their Charter. Gov. Belcher, who gave the Charter, is willing to encourage and promote the College to his utmost ; but differs in his opinion concerning the Constitution, which will tend most to its prospei'ity, from some of the principal ministers that have been concerned in iounding the society. He insists upon it that the Governour, for the time being, and foiu- of His Majesty's Council for the Province, should always be of the Cor- poration of Trustees; and that the Governour should always be the President of the Corporation. The ministers are all very wil- ling that the present Governour, who is a religious man, should be in this standing ; but their difficulty is with respect to future Gov- ernours, who they suppose are as likely to be men of no religion and Deists, as otherwise. However, so the matter is setded, to the great uneasiness of Mr. Gilbert Tennent in particular, who it is feared will have no further concern with the College on this ac- count. Mr. Burr, the President of the College, is a man of religion and singular learning, and 1 hope the College will Hourish under his care. I have taken a great deal of pains in communicating to others, in vaiious parts, the pleasing accounts you, and my other corres- pondents in Scotland, gave me last year of things of promising aspect on the interest of religion, on your side of the ocean : which have been very affecting to pious ministers and people in New- England, and also in the provinces of New- York and New-Jersey ; and hope some considerable good has been done by such tidings ; particularly in animating many in the duty of extraordinary, united prayer for a general Revival of religion, and promoting the Concert for prayer proposed from Scotland ; which prevails more and more in these pans of the world, which, together with some other things in some places, are cause of thankfulness, and bode well to the in- 276 LI*E OV PKESIBENT EDWAKDS. terests of Zion, (of which I have given a more particular accouuf in my letters to Mr. M'Laurin, Mr. Robe and Mr. M'CuUoch, sent with this,) though it be in general a very dead time as to re- ligion, and a time of the prevailing of all manner of iniquity. " I shall send orders to Boston, that one of my books on Mr. Brainerd's hfe may be sent to you with this letter; if any of them are ready, as I hope they are, or will be, very speedily. " "I have nothing very comfortable to inform you of concerning the present state of religion in this place. A very great difRcultv' has arisen between my people, relating to Qualifications for com- munion at the Lord's table. My honoured grandfather Stoddard, ray predecessor in the ministry over this church, strenuously main- tained the Lord's Supper to be a converting ordinance ; and urged all to come, who were not of scandalous life, though they knew themselves to be unconverted. 1 formerly conformed to his prac- tice; but. I have had difficulties v>ith respect to it, which have been long increasing ; till I dared no longer to proceed in the former way ; wliich has occasioned great uneasiness among my people, and has filled all the country with noise, v.4iich has obliged me to write something on the subject, which is now in the press. I know not but this afiair will issue in a separation between me and my people. I desire your prayers, that God would guide me in every sitep of tliis affair. My wife joins with me in respectful salutations to you and your consort. "I am, dear Sir, your obliged and affectionate " Brother and servant, "Jonathan Edwards." Letter to Mr. M'CuUoch. " JVorthampton, May 23, 1749. •' Rev. and dear Brother, " The last letter I received from you was dated Feb. 10, 1748, to which I wrote an answer the latter end of last summer; which I suppose you received, because I perceive by letters sent me this spring, by some others of my correspondents, your neighbours, they had received letters I sent to them at the same time, and in the same packet. Your letters to me have been very acceptable; [ should be glad to receive them oftener. " The letter I last received from you, and others that came with it, were peculiarly agreeable, on account of the good news they contained concerning Messrs. West and Littleton, the Arch- fcishop of Canterbury, some in the royal family, the Stadtholder, Etc. These things I have taken a great deal of pains to commu- nicate to others ; and they have been very entertaining, and I hope profitable to many. I was at the pains to extract from all the let- LiPE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 27-7 ters I received at that time, those things which appeared with a favourable aspect on the interest of rehgion in tlie world, and ttt draw various copies to send to different parts, to such as I suppos- ed would be most likely to be entertained and improved by them, and to do good with them, and I believe they have been of great benefit, particularly to excite and encourage God's people, in the great duty of praying for the coming of Christ's kingdom, and to j)romote extraordinary, united prayer in the method proposed in the Memorial from Scotland. I read these articles of good news to my own congregation, and also to the association of ministers to which I belong, when met on one of the quarterly seasons for prayer ; and )-ead them occasionally to many others ; and sent a copy of one of the forementioned abstracts to Connecticut, which was carried into various parts of that government, and shown to several ministers there. 1 sent one to Mr. Hall of Sutton, a pious minister about the middle of this province ; who, according to my desire, communicated it to other ministers, and I suppose, to his people. I sent a copy to Mr. Rogers of Kittery, I suppose about seventy miles to the eastward of Boston ; \vho in reply, wrote ta me, and in his letter says as follows : " Yours of the 22d Dec. eame not to my hand till the 19th of this: with which I was well pleased, and had some sweet sense of the sovereign free grace of God in tlie instances you mentioned, with some going forth of heart after further displays of it, in the mighty and noble of our wation, and the great ones of our own country; and, indeed, that the kingdom of our exalted Redeemer might prevail in all the world. And, dear Sir, I am full in the belief, that so many of the tjord's people agreeing upon a time to imite in prayer for the pour- ing out of the Holy Spirit, and the coming of the Redeemer's king- dom is from the Lord, and cannot but hope the day draws near, ^vhen he will pour out water upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground ; as also, that all his ministers and people, who are en- gaged in so delightful a work, for so noble an end, will give him na rest, till he shall make his Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a name and a praise in the earth." " I sent another copy into New-Jersey to Mr. John Brainerd, vnissionary to the Indians there, with a desire that he would com- municate it to others as he thouglu would be most serviceable. " He writes in answer, March 4, 174S, as follows: "I received yours of Jan. 12, on Sabbath morning t'eb. 5, and desire to ac- knowledge your kindness widi much thankfulness and gratitude. It was a great rescusitant, as well as encouragement, to me ; and 1 trust, has been so to many others, in these parts, who are concern- ed for the prosperity of Zion. The next Tuesday after, (as per- haps, Sir, you may remember,) was the quarterly day appointed for Extraordinary Prayer : upon which I called my people togeth- er, and gave them information of tlie most notable things contained 278 LIFE OP PKESIDENT EDWARDS/ in your letter. And since I have endeavoured to communicate the same to several of my neighbouring ministers, and sundry private christians, as I had opportunity. I have also thought it my duty to send an extract, or rather a copy of it, to Gov. Belcher. I have likewise (for want of time to transcribe,) sent the original to Phi- ladelphia by a careful hand, that the Rev. Mr. Gilbert Tennent might have the perusal of it; where a copy was taken, and the original safely returned to me again. I cannot but hope that this letter, as it contains many things wherein the power and goodness of God do appear in a most conspicuous manner, will be greatly serviceable in stirring up the people of God in these parts, and en- couraging their hearts to seek his face and favour, and to cry mightily to him, for the further out-pouring of a gracious Spirit upon his Church in the world. For my part, I think the remarkable things which your letter contains, might be sufficient to put new life into any one who is not past feeling ; and as a means to excite a spirit of Prayer and Praise, in all those who are not buried in ignorance, or under the power of a lethargic stupor. And it is looked upon, by those whom I have had opportunity to converse with, whether ministers or private christians, that what God has done is matter of great thankfulness and praise, and might well encourage his people to hft up the hand of Prayer, and be instant therein." " Mr. Davenport, minister of a church in Elizabethtown in New Jersey, writes thus upon it, in a letter dated, April 1, 1749, "I thank you for sending your letter to our Brainerd open, that I might see it, which 1 took a copy of; and have found it again and again refreshing and animating. I read it to the ministers who met at my house for prayer, on the first Tuesday of February, and sent it afterwards to Long Island : Mr. Rivel took a copy of it and read it in his congregation on the Island." " I hope, dear Sir, these things will encourage you to continue your correspondence, and to go on to give me information of what- ever appears in your parts of the world, favourable to the interests of the kingdom of Christ. It will not only be entertaining to me ; but I shall endeavour, whenever I receive such tidings, to commu- nicate it for the entertainment and profit of God's people, as I have opportunity. I must refer you, dear Sir, to my letters to other correspondents in your neighbourhood, for other particulars rela- ting to the state of religion in these parts of the world. And hope, when you are before the Throne of Grace, you will not forget " Your very affectionate friend, " And brother and servant, " Jonathan Edwabds." LIPE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 279 Letter to Mv. Robe. " A^orthatnpton, May 23, 1749. ■' Rev. and dear Sir, " Mr. iM'Launn, in a letter 1 received i'rom him the last week, dated March 10th, 1749, intbrnis me ot" a letter yon had wTitten to me, sent to him ; which he had taken care of. This letter, by some means or other, has failed, and has never reached me. I in- tend to midce enquiry after it, to see if it has not been left at Bos- ton, and forgotten to be sent. I have reason to hope, (though I have not received your letter,) that yon and your family are well, because Mr. M'Laurin and Mr. Erskine, (the only correspondents from whom I have received letters this time,) inform me of nothing to the contrary. "As to the present state of religion in these parts of the world, it is in the general very dark and melancholy. But yet there are some things, which appear comfortable and hopeful ; particularly, the Concert for Extraordinary Prayer for the coming of Christ's kingdom, is spreading and jirevailing — and we hear of awakenings and Revi\"als of religion in some places. We have had accounts, from time to time, of religion's being in a flourishing state, in the Indian congregadon in New-Jersey, under the care of Mr. John Brainerd ; of the congregation's increasing, by the access of In- dians from distant parts ; of a work of awakening carried on among the unconverted, and additions made to the number of the hope- fully converted, and the christian behaviour of professors there. Mv. Brainerd was at my house a little while ago, and represented this to be the present state of tilings in that congregation. I had a let- ter from Mr. Davenport, (who is setded now as a minister over a congregation belonging to Elizabethtown, in New-Jersey,) dated April 1, 1749, wherein he says as follows : " Mr. Lewis told me, that there has been a remarkable woik of conviction prevaiHng in his place, ever since last December. I think he spoke of about forty under soul concern, a considerable number of them under strong convictions, and some hopefully converted. I heard lately, a credible account of a remarkable work of conviction and conver- sion, among whites and negroes, at Hanover in Virginia, under the ministry of Mr. Davies, who is lately settled there, and has the character of a very ingenious and pious young man ; whose sup- port, in his preparation for service, IMr. Robinson* contributed much, if not mostly to ; and on his death bed gave him his books, etc." upon the doctrines of Repentance and Conversion ; the nature, *This Mr. Robinson was a j-oinijr minister of eminent gifts and graces : I thinlv, belonging to Pennsylvania, but had some time i>ve;iehed, with great stie- eess. in Viririniu. 'in vafrions parts ; bnt died n few years a<>o. in his yon(Ti. 280 LIFE OF t^RESIDENT EDWAKDS. " Mr. Biiell, of East-Hampton, on Long Island, was here last week, and gave me an account of a very considerable work of awaken- ing at this time in his congregation, especially among the young peo- ple ; and also of a yet greater work at Bridgehampton, under the" ministry of one Mr. Brown, a very pious and prudent young man, lately settled there. These congregations are both pretty large. He also gave an account of religion's continuing in a very pros- perous state, at a part of Huntington, another town on Long Isl- and, where was a great and general awakening, last year. " An Association of ministers, between this and Boston, seem of late to have apphed themselves somewhat earnestly, to invent means for promoting religion. The following is a copy of some- thing they have agreed upon for this end, as it was sent to me, by a minister that lives that way. " The sum and substance of the answers, given by the Associa- tion, to this question. What things shall be done by us, for pre- venting the awful threatening degeneracy and backsliding in reU- gion, in the present day ? " These, we apprehend, may be reduced to the following heads, viz. Those that respect ourselves personally ; those which concern the Association, as such ; and those which relate to our people, in our respective churches and congregations. "I. As to what respects ourselves personally. " 1. We ought surely to get a deep and affecting sense of this : Whether there is not in ourselves defection, and great danger of further degeneracy ; for otherwise, we shall with little heartiness undertake, or earnestness endeavour after, reformation. " 2. We are not to think it amiss, that we ourselves be excited to look, with a proper attention and concern, into our own estate, into our own experiences in the divine life, and into what little pro- ficiency we make, or declension we fall into, ourselves. " 3. We must by all means see to it, that we be sound and clear in the great doctrines of the Gopel, which are the hfe of our holy religion : (we here intend, those doctrines which are exhibited in our excellent Westminster Catechism and Confession of Faith :) and that we all boldly and impartially appear in the defence there- of, at the same time we must take heed and beware of the danger- ous errors which many have run into ; particularly the Arminian and Neonomian on the one hand, and the Antinomian and Enthu- siastical on the other. " 4. W^e must be very faithful in every part of our ministerial works, and make conscience to magnify our office. In a particular manner, we must take good heed to our preaching ; that it be not only sound, but instructive, savoury, spiritual, very awakening and searching, well adapted to the times and seasons which pass over us ; labouring earnestly herein. We must therefore dwell much LIFE OF rUESlDENT EDWARDS. 281 necessity and evidence thereof; and much urge the duty of self- examination, and open the deceits of the heart; bringing tlie un- converted under the work of the law, that they may be prepared to embrace the offer of the Gospel. Moral duties must be treated of in an evangehcal strain ; and we must give unto every one his portion, and not shrink from it, under the notion of prudence: par- ticularly, in the important duty of reproving sinners of all sorts, be they who they will. Again, we must not be flighty in our private Conference with souls, aud examining candidates for the commu- nion, or other special privileges ; and we must carefully and wisely suit our endeavours to the several ages and conditions of persons, the elder and younger ; and in a very particular manner, we must set ourselves to promote religion among our young people. And, in a word, we must see whether we are animated to all these things by the grace of God in us. " 5. We are impartially to see what evils are to be found among ourselves, and remove them. Let us be seriously thoughtful, whether (among our defects) we have not been, in some respect or other, the blameable means of discouragement to those who have been under religious concern ; or whether we have not given strength and boldness to the ungodly, when we have been testify- ing against the extravagances and disorders of the late times. " 6. We must be conscientiously exemplary in our whole beha- viour and conversation. It is necessary that we be serious and grave, as what highly becomes Gospel bishops. And especially, we must be very watchful over our frame and conduct on the Lord's day. We must therefore look well to our sabbatizing, both at home and abroad, both before our own and other people. Our example is of vast consequence, in magnifying our office before recommended. " 7. We ought to stir up the gifts which are in us, and to grow more and more, according to the sacred injunction, 2 Tim. i. 6. " 8. We should follow all our endeavours with fervent prayer to God ; especially our labours in preaching and teaching : the seed of the word is to be steeped in tears. " IL As to what concerns the Association as such. " 1. We must lay aside disgusts one with another, and study brotherly love, that it may revive and continue, we must endeavour to be as near as we can of one mind, and go on harmoniously; and then we shall be the more strongly united in all, but especially in our present proceedings. There must be respectful treatment one of another, of the persons and character of one another; and we must be careful of ministerial character ; which is of greater con- sequence than at first sight may appear. And when we have occa- sion to dispute, let it be under a very strict guard, avoiding all cen- suring reflections. " 2. That we manifest our approbation of the Westminster A»- VoL. I. 3G 282 LIFE OF PKESlDEiNT KBWAllDS. sembly's Catechism, as containing an excellent system of divinity ; and we purpose to preach agreeably to the doctrines of the Bible exhibited therein. " 3. As we must be very careful of our conversation in general, as above said ; so especially must we be respecting our conduct while together in Association. " 4. It is proposed that a course of our Association be turned into Fasts, upon this great account. " 5. We agree to be more especially fervent, in continual Prayer for the advancement of the kingdom of Christ. " G. Some special, new and prudent, care must be taken to guard our pulpits. "7. It is proposed, that we agree to endeavour to introduce the public reading of the holy Scriptures. The manner and time, to be left to discretion. "III. With regard to what may be done among the people we stand related to. "1. We conceive tliat whatever public exercises are to be agreed on, or whatever concerns the public, the people are to be informed and acquainted with our design. " 2. That it be earnestly recommended to the people, to con- sider the worth of their privileges, and the danger of being deprived of them ; which there is, partly by the spreading of evil doctrines among them, and partly by the conduct of too many people towards their ministers, " 3. Let pragmatical, factious spirits, fomenting division, be duly frowned upon. "4. We must guard them against the temptations of their seve- ral employments, and the special seasons wherein they are most exposed. " 5. We must consider what evils there are to be found among them, which do especially need reforming ; as the profanation of the Lord's day, which is enough to destroy all religion ; tavern- haunting, company-keeping, chambering, uncleanness, profane- ness, etc. ; and v/e ought loudly to testify against them. And that what we do niay be effectual, let us endeavour to convince their consciences of the evil of sin and of these sins. — ^We are not to fail to warn people solemnly against the dreadful guilt of unthankfulness under God's signal mercies, and of incorrigibleness under heavy and sore judgments. Could we in wisdom do it, we should also warn them against their oppressing the Lord's ministers in their maintenance. " 6. Let us endeavour to revive good customs and practices among them ; particularly, the ancient good practice of Catechi- sing, Family order, worship and government, religious societies under good regulation, godly conference and conversation among Christians ; and in brief, whatever is laudable and of good tendency. lAFF. OI-' PRKSIDKNT KDWARD-*. 28o •' 7. Cfiurch discipline should be revived; brolherlv watchful- ness, and admonition ; nor are wc to forget to take special caro of the children and youdis of tiie flock. " 8. Vve may, do well to engage, as far as we are able, all per- sons of distinction and influence to unite with us in this work of reformation ; e. g. justices, school masters, candidates for the ministry ; and especially to assist us by their example. " 9. Solemn renewal of Covenant hath been advised to, as very useful upon this occasion ; (vid. Synod, 1679, for Reformation;) but we leave this to each one's discretion. *' Finally, in these things we should think ourselves bound to exert ourselves, and use uncommon fervency, to preserve what remains of religion, and prevent further decay, " October, 1748." " Thus far this Association. " The members of this Association, as their names were sent to me, are as follows. " The Rev. Messrs. Loring, of Sudbury; Gushing, of Shrews- bury ; Parkman, of Westborough ; Gardiner, of Slow ; Martyn, of Westborough ; Stone, of Southborough ; Seecomb, of Harvard ; Morse, of Shrewsbury ; Smith, of Marlborough ; Goss, of Boston ; Buckminster, of Rutland; Davis, of Holden. " I must refer you, dear Sir, for other particulars relating to the state of religion, in these parts of the world, to my letters to my other correspondents in your neighbourhood. " My wife and family join with me in very affectionate and re- spectful salutations to you and yours. Desiring an interest in your prayers for us all, and for this part of the Zion of God, " I remain, dear Sir, " Your affectionate brother, " And obliged friend and servant, " Jonathan Edwards." In the Memoirs of Brainerd, under the date of Sept. 13, 1747, tlie reader will find mention of a Mr. Job Strong, a candidate for the ministry, whom Brainerd, immediately before his death, re- commended to the Commissioners in Boston, as a missionary to the Indians ; and in the 4th Reflexion on those Memoirs, an inter- esting letter of his, giving an account of the Indian Mission at Bethel, in New-Jersey, in Jan. 1748. This young gentleman, ha\'ing ultimately declined that appointment, accepted proposals of settlement in the ministry, the following year, from a Church in Portsmouth, New-Hampshire, and invited Mr. Edwards to preach the Sermon at his ordination, which was appointed for the 28th of June. Mary, the fourth daughter of Mr. Edwards, then a young lady of fifteen, went before her father to Portsnioutli, to visit some 284 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. of the friends of the family in that place. From her, I learned the following anecdote. — The Rev. Mr. Moody, of York, a gentleman of unquestioned talents and piety, but perfectly unique in his man- ners, had agreed, in case of Mr. Edwards' failure, to be his substi- tute in preaching the sermon. On the morning of the appointed day, Mr. Edwards not having arrived, the Council delayed the or- dination as long as they well could, and then proceeded to the church ; where Mr. Moody had been regularly appointed to make the Introductory Prayer, which is the prayer immediately before the Sermon. That gentleman, knowing that a numerous and highly respectable audience had been drawn together, by a strong desire to hear Mr. Edwards, rose up to pray under the not very pleas- ant impression, that he must stand in his place ; and offered a prayer, which was wholly characteristic of himself, and in some degree also of the times in which he lived. Li that part of it, in which it was proper for him to allude to the exercises of the day, he besought the Lord, that they might be suitably humbled under the frown of his providence, in not being permitted to hear on that occasion, a discourse, as they had all fondly expected, from " that eminent servant of God, the Rev. Mr. Edwards, of Northamp- ton ;" and proceeded to thank God, for having raised him up, to be such a hurning and shining light, for his uncommon piety, for his great excellence as a preacher, for the remarkable success which had attended his ministry, in other congregations as well as his own, for the superior talents and wisdom with which he was endowed as a wTiter, and for the great amount of good, wiiich his works had already done, and still promised to do, to the Church and to the world. He then prayed that God would spare his life, and endow him with still higher gifts and graces, and render him still more eminent and useful than he had been ;. and concluded this part of his prayer, by supplicating the Divine blessing on the daughter of Mr. Edwards, (then in the house,) who, though a very worthy and amiable young lady, was still, as they had reason to believe, without the grace of God, and in an unconverted state ; that God would bring her to repentance, and forgive her sins, and not suffer the peculiar privileges which she enjoyed, to be the means of a more aggravated condemnation. Mr. Edwards, who travelled on horseback, and had been unexpectedly detained on the road, arrived at the church a short time after the commencement of the exercises, and entered the door just after Mr. Moody began his prayer. Being remarkably still in all his movements, and particularly in the house of God, he ascended the stairs, and entered the pulpit so silently, that Mr. Moody did not hear him ; and of course was necessitated, be- fore a very numerous audience, to listen to the very high character given of himself by Mr. Moody. As soon as the prayer was closed, Mr. Moody turned round, and saw Mr. Edwards behind him ; and, without leaving his place, gave him his right hand, and LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 285 addressed him as follows, " Brother Edwards, we are all of us much rejoiced to see you here to-day, and nobody, probably, as much so as myself; but I wish that you might have got in a lit- tle sooner, or a little later, or else that I might have heard you when you came in, and knouii that you were here. I didn't in- tend to flatter you to your face ; but there's one thing I'll tell you : They say that your wife is a going to heaven, by a shorter road than yourself." Mr. Edwards bowed, and after reading the Psalm, went on with the Sermon. His text was John xiii. 15, 16, and his subject, " Christ the Example of Ministers." It was soon after published. To his daughter, who prolonged her visit some time after the re- turn of her father, he addressed, during her visit at Portsmouth, the following letter. " To Miss Mary Edwards,* at Portsmouth. ''Northampton, July 2G, 1749. " My dear Child, " You may well think it is natural for a parent, to be concerned for a child at so great a distance, so far out of view, and so far out of the reach of communication ; where, if you should be taken with any dangerous sickness, that should issue in death, you might probably be in your grave, before we could hear of your danger. But yet, my greatest concern is not for your health, or temporal welfare, but for the good of your soul. Though you are at so great a distance from us, yet God is every where. You are much out of the reach of our care, but you are every moment in His hands. We have not the comfort of seeing you, but He sees you. His eye is always upon you. And if you may but live sensibly near to God, and have his gracious presence, it is no matter if you are far distant from us. I had rather you should remain hundreds of miles distant from us, and have God near to you by His Spirit, than to have you always with us, and live at a distance from God. And if the next news w^e should hear of you, should be of your death ; though that would be very melancholy, yet, if at the same time we should receive such intelligence concerning you, as should give us the best grounds to hope, that you had died in the Lord ; how much more comfortable would this be, though we should have no opportunity to see you, or to take our leave of you in your sick- ness, than if we should be with you during all its progress, and have much opportunity to attend upon you, and converse and pray with you, and take an affectionate leave of you, and after all have rea- son to apprehend, that you died without the grace and favour of God ! It is comfortable to have the presence of earthly friends, es- * Afterwards Mrs. Dwight, of Northampton. 28(3 l.WE. Of PHESIBENT EDWARDS. pecially in sickness, and on a death bed ; but the great thing is to have God our friend, and to be united to Christ, who can never die any more, and from whom our own death cannot separate us. " My desire and daily prayer is, that you may, if it may consist with the holy will of God, meet with God Vvhere you are, and have much of His Divine influences on j^our heart, wherever you may be ; and that, in God's due time, you may be returned to us again, in all respects under the smiles of heaven, and especially, in pros- perous circumstances in your soul, and that you may find us all alive and well. But that is uncertain ; for you know what a dying time it has been with us in this town, about this season of the year, in years past. There is not much sickness prevailing among us as yet, but we fear whether mortal sickness is not now commencing. Yesterday, the only remaining son of Mr. C died of a fever, and is to be buried to-day. May God fit us all for His will ! " I hope that you will maintain a strict and constant watch over yourself, against all temptations, that you do not forsake and for- get God, and particularly, that you do not grow slack in secret religion. Retire often from this vain world, from all its bubbles and empty shadows, and vain amusements, and converse with God alone ; and seek eftectually for that Divine grace and comfort, the least drop of which is worth more than all the riches, gaiety, pleas- ures and entertainments of the whole world. " If Mrs. S , of Boston, or any of that family, should send to you, to invite you to come and remain there, on your return from Portsmouth, until there is opportunity for you to come home, I would have you accept the invitation. I think it probable they will invite you. But if otherwise, I would have you go to Mr.- Bromfield's. He and Mrs. B. both told me you should be wel- come. After you are come to Boston, I would have you send U3 word of it by the first opportunity, that we may send for you with- out delay. " We are all, through the Divine goodness, in a tolerable state of health. The ferment in the town runs very high, concerning my y/' opinion about the Sacrament; but I am no more able to foretell the issue, than when 1 last saw you. But the whole family has indeed much to put us in mind, and make us sensible of our dependence on the care and kindness of God, and of the vanity of all human dependences; and we are very loudly called upon to seek His face, to trust in Him, and walk closely with Him. Commending you to the care and special favour of our heavenly Father, I am " Your very affectionate father, "Jonathan Edwards^ " Your mother and all the family give their love to you." The following Letter of Mr. Edwards to Mr. Gillespie, is in re- LIKE OK PltDSlDEiNT EDWaKUS. 287 ply to the second letter of that gentleman, written in the autumn of 1748.* " JVo7-thampton, April 2, 1750. " Rev. and dear Sir, "I received your favour of September 19, 1748, the last sum- mer, and would now heartily thank you for it. I suppose it may have come in the same ship ^vith letters I had from my other cor- respondents in Scotland, which I answered the last summer ; but it did not come to hand till a long time after most of the others, and after I had finished and sent away my answers to them, and that opportunity for answering was past. I have had no leisure or op- portunity to write any letters to Scotland, from that time till now, by reason of my peculiar and very extraordinary circumstances, on account of the controversy which has arisen between me and my peo- ple, concerning the profession which ought to be made by persons who come to christian sacraments ; which is likely speedily to issue ^m a separation between me and my congregation. This controver- sy, in the progress of it, has proved not only a controversy between me and my people, but between me and a great part of New Eng- land ; there being many far and near who are warmly engaged in it. This affair has unavoidably engaged my mind, and filled up my time, and taken me off from other things. I need the prayers of my friends, that God would be with me, and direct and assist me in such a time of trial, and mercifully order the issue. "As to the epistolary controversy, dear Sir, between you and me, about FAITH and doubting, I am sorry it should seem to be greater than it is, through misunderstanding of one another's meaning, and that the real difference between us is so great as it is, in some part of the controversy. " As to the dispute about believing without spiritual light or sight, I thought I expressed my meaning in my last letter very plainly ; but I kept no copy, and it might perhaps be owing to my dullness tliat I thought so. However 1 perceive I was not under- stood. I cannot find out by any thing you say to me on this head, tliat we really differ in sentiments, but only in words. I acknow- ledge with you that " all are bound to believe the divine testimony, and trust in Christ ; and that want of spiritual light or sight does not loose from the obligation one is laid imder by the divine com- mand, to believe instantly on Christ, and at all seasons, nor excuse him, in any degree, for not believing. Even when one wants the influence and grace of the Spirit, still he is bound to believe." I think the obligation to believe, hes on a person ivho is re- maining without spiritual light or sight, or even in dark^ ness. No darkness, no blindness, no carnality or stupidity * See page 252. 288 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. excuses him a moment for not having as strong and lively a faith and love, as ever was exercised by the apostle Paul, or rather renders it not sinful in liim, that he is at that same moment witliout such a faith and love ; — and yet I believe it is absurd, and of a very hurt- ful consequence, to urge persons to believe in the dark, in the man- ner, and in the sense, in wliich many hundreds have done in America, who plainly intend, a believing with such a sort of strong faith or confidence, as is consistent with continuing stiD, even in the time of these strong acts of faith, without spiritual light, carnal, stupid, care- less, and senseless. Their doctrine evidently comes to this, both in sense and effect, that it is a man's duty strongly to believe with a lightless and sightless faith ; or to have a confident, although a blind, dark and stupid, faith. Such a faith has indeed been promoted exceedingly by their doctrine, and has prevailed with its dreadful effects, answerable to the nature of the cause. We have had, and have to this day, multitudes of such firm believers, whose bold, presumptuous confidence, altended with a very wicked behaviour, has given the greatest Avound to the cause of truth and vital religion, which it has ever suffered in America. " As to what follows in your letter, that a person^s believing himself to be hi a good estate is properly of the nature of faith; in this there seems to be some real difference between us. But, perhaps there would be none, if distinctaess were well observed in the use of words. If by a man's believing that he is in a good estate, be meant no more than his believing that he does believe in Christ, does love God, ^c., I think there is nothing of tlie nature of faith in it ; because knowing it or believing it, depends on our own immediate sensation or consciousness, and not on divine testi- mony. True believers, in the hope they entertain of salvation, make use of the following syllogism : Whosoever believes shall be saved: I believe: Therefore, I shall be saved. Assenting to the major proposition, — Whosoever believes shall be saved, — is properly of the nature of faith ; because the ground of my assent to that, is divine testimony ; but my assent to the minor proposition, — 1 be- lieve,— is, as I humbly conceive, not of the nature of faith, because tliat is not grounded on the divine testimony, but on my own consciousness. The testimony, which is the proper ground of faith, is in the word of God, Romans x. 17. " Faith Cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." There is a testimony given us in the word of God, that " he that believeth shall be saved.^^ But there is no testimony in the word of God, that a given individual, in such a town in Scotland, or JVew-England, believes. There is such a proposition in the scrip- tures, as that Christ loves those that love him ; and this, therefore, every one is bound to believe and affirm : and believing this, on the divine testimony, is properly of the nature of faith, while for any LIFE OF PUESIUEXT EDWAllOS. 289 one lo doLibl it, is ])roperly the heinous sin of unbelief. But there is no such pro])osition in the scriptures, nor is it any part of the gos- pel of Christ, that such an individiial 'person in JYorihampton loves Christ. If 1 know that I have complacency in Christ, I know it the same way that I know I have complacency in my wife and children, viz. by the testimony of my own heart, or my inward consciousness. Evangelical faith has the gospel of Christ for its foundation ; but the proposition, that I love Christ, is a proposition not contained in the gospel of Christ. " Hence, that we may not dispute in the dark, it is necessary, that we should explain what we mean by a 2}(^>'son^s believing that he is in a good estate. If thereby we mean only believing the minor of the foregoing syllogism, or similar syllogisms, — I believe; or, / love God ; — it is not of the nature of faith. But if by a man's believing himself to be in a good estate, be understood his believ- ing not only the minor but the consequence, therefore I shall be saved, or, therefore God ivill never leave me nor forsake me; then a man's believing his good estate, partakes of the nature of faith ; for these consequences depend on divine testimony in the word of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Yea, I would observe further, that a man's judging of the faith or love which he actually finds in himself, whether it is that sort of faith or love which he finds to be saving, may depend on his reliance on scripture rules and marks, which are divine testimonies, on which he may be tempted not to rely, from the consideration of his great unworthiness. But his judging that he has those individual inward acts of understanding, and exercises of heart, depends on inward sensations, and not on any testimony of the word of God. The knowing of his present acts depends on immediate consciousness, and the knowing of his })ast acts depends on memory. Hence the fulness of my satisfac- tion, that I now have such an inward act or exercise of mind, de- pends on the strength of the sensation ; and my satisfaction, that I have had them heretofore, depends on the clearness of my memo- ry, and not on the strength of my reliance on any divine testimony. So hkewise, my doubting whether I have, or have had, such indi- vidual inward acts, is not of itself of the nature of unbelief, though it may arise from uuheWe? indirectly ; because, if I had had more faith, the actings of it would have been more sensible, and the me- mory of them more clear, and so I should have been better satisfied that I had them. " God appears to have given Abraham's servant a revelation, that the damsel in whom he found certain marks, — her coming to draw water with a pitcher to that well, and her readiness to give him and his camels drink — should be Isaac's wife ; and therefore his assenting to this, was of the nature of faith, having divine testi- mony for its foundation. But his believing that Rcbekah was the damsel who had these individual marks, his knowing that she came Vol. I. 37 290 MFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. to draw water, and that she let dov\Ti her pitcher, was not of the nature of faith. His knowing this was not from divine testimony,, but from the testimony of his own senses. (Vide Gen. xxiv.) " You speak of " a saint's doubting of his good estate, as a part of unbelief, and the opposite of faith, considered in its full com- pass and latitude, as one branch of unbelief, one ingredient in un- behef ; and of assurance of a man's good estate, as one thing that belongs to the exercise of faith." I do not know whether I take your meaning in these expressions. If you mean, that a person's believing himself to be in a good estate, is one thing which apper- tains to the essence of saving faith, or that saving faith, in all that belongs to its essence, yea its perfection, cannot be without imply- ing it, I must humbly ask leave to differ from you. That my be- lieving that I am in a good estate, is no part or ingredient in the essence of saving faith, is evident from this, that the essence of saving faith, must be complete in me, before it can he true, that I am in a good estate. If I have not as yet acted faith, yea if there be any thing wanting in me to make up the essence of saving faith, then I am not as yet in a state of salvation, and therefore can have no ground to believe that I am so. Any thing that belongs to the essence of saving faith is prior, in the order of nature, to a man's being in a state of salvation, because it is saving faith which brings him into such a state. And therefore believing that he is in such a state, cannot be one thing which is essential or necessary, in order to his being in such a state; for that would imply a contradiction. It would be to suppose a man's believing, that he is in a good estate, to be prior ^ in the order of nature, to his being in a good estate. But a thing cannot be both prior and posterior, antecedent and consequent, with respect to the very same thing. The real truth of a proposition is in the order of nature first, before its being believed to be true. But, till a man has already all that belongs to the essence of saving faith, that proposition, that he is in a good estate, is not as yet true. All the propositions contained in the Gospel, all divine testimonies that we have in God's word, are true already, are already laid for a foundation for faith, and were laid long ago. But that proposition, / am in a good estate, not being one of them, is not true till I have first believed ; and therefore this proposition, as it is not true, cannot be believed to be true, till sav- ing faith be first complete. Therefore the completeness of the act of saving faith, will not make it take in a behef of this proposition, nor will the strength or perfection of the act cause it to imply this. If a man, in his first act of faith, has ever so full a conviction of God's sufficiency and faithfulness, and ever so strong and perfect a reliance on the divine testimony ; all will have no tendency to make him believe that tliis proposition, / am in a good estate, is true, until it is true ; which is not the fact, till the first act of faith is complete, and has made it true. A belief of divine testimony. LIKE OF PKKSIDENT EDWARDS. 291 in the first act of faitli, may be to an assignable degree of strength and perfection, without believing the proposition, for there is no such divine testimony then extant, nor is there any such truth ex- tant, but in consequence of the first act of faith. Therefore, (as I said,) saving faith may exist, with all that belongs to its essence, and that in the highest perfection, without implying a belief of my own good estate. I do not say that it can exist without having this immediate effect. But it is rather the effect of faith, than a part, branch, or ingredient of faith. So I do not dispute whether a man's doubting of his good estate, may be a consequence of unbe- lief, and I doubt not but it is in those who are in a good estate ; be- cause, if men had the exercise of faith in such a degree as they ought to have, it could not but be very sensible and plain that they had it. But yet I think this doubting of one's good estate, is en- tirely a different thing from the sin of unbelief itself, and 4ias no- tlung of the nature of unbelief in it, i. e. if we take doubting one's good estate in the sense in which I have before explained it, viz. doubting whether 1 have such individual principles and acts in my soul. Take it in a complex sense, and it may have the sin of un- belief in it ; e. g. If, although I doubt not that I have such and such qualifications, I yet doubt of those consequences, for which I have divine testimony or promise ; as when a person doubts not that he loves Christ, yet doubts whether he sliall receive a crown of life. The doubting of this consequence is properly the sin of unbelief. " You say, dear Sir, " the Holy Ghost requires us to believe the reality of his work m us in all its parts just as it is ;" and a little before, " the believer's doubting whether or not he has faith, is sinful ; because it is belying the Holy Ghost, denying his work in him, so there is no sin to which that doubting can so properly be reduced as unbelief." " Here I would ask leave thus to express my thoughts, in a di- versity from yours. I think, if it be allowed to be sinful for a be- liever to doubt whether he has faith, that this doubting is not the sin of unbelief on any such account as you mention, viz. as belymg or denying any testimony of the Holy Ghost. There is a difTer- ence between doubting of the being of some loork of the Holy Ghost, and denying the testimony of the Holy Ghost, as there is a difference between doubting concerning some other works of God, and denying the testimony of God. It is the work of God to give a man great natural abihties; and if we suppose that God requires a man thus endowed to believe the reality of his work in cdl its parts just as it is, and therefore, that it is sinful for him at all to doubt of his natural abilities being just as good as they are ; yet this is no belying any testimony of God, though it be doubting of a work of God, and so is diverse from the sin of unbelief. So, if we suppose that a very eminent cliristian is to blame, in doubting whether he has so much holiness as he 292 LIFE OF I'llESIDKNT EDWAUDS, really has ; he indeed does not believe the reality of GocPs work in him, in all its parts just as it is, yet he is not therein guilty of the sin of unbelief, against any testimony of God, any more than the other. " I acknowledge, that for a true saint, in a carnal and careless frame, to doubt of his good state, is sinful, mo7-e indirectly, as the cause of it is sinful, viz. the lowness and insensibility of the actings of grace in him, and the prevalence of carnality and stupidity. 'Tis sinful to be without assurance, or, (as we say) it is his oivnfaidt; he sinfully deprives himself of it, or foregoes it, as a servant's be- ing without his tools is his sin, when he has carelessly lost them, or as it is his sin to be without strength of body, or without the sight of his eyes, when he has deprived himself of these by intemperance. Not that weakness or blindness of body, in their own nature, are sin, for they are qualities of the body, and not of mind, the subject in which sin is inherent. It is indirectly the duty of a true saint ahvays to rejoice in the light of God's countenance, because sin is tlie cause of his being witliout this joy at any time, and therefore it was indirectly David's sin that he was not rejoicing in the light of God's countenance, at that very time when he was committmg the great iniquities of adultery and murder. But yet it is not di- rectly a believer's duty to rejoice in the light of God's countenance, when God hides his face. But it rather then becomes him to be troubled and to mourn. So there are perhaps, many other privi- leges of saints that are tlieir duty indirectly, and the want of them is sinful, not simply, but complexly considered. Of this kind, I take the want of assurance of my good estate to be. " I think no words of n^.inc, cither in my book or letter, implied that a person's deliverance from a bad frame, does not begin with renewed acts of faith or trusting in God. If they did, they im- plied what I never intended. Doubtless if a saint comes out of an ill frame, wdierein grace is asleep and inactive, it must be by re- newed actings of grace. It is very plainly impossible, that grace should begin to cease to be inactive, in any other way, than by its beginning to be active. It must begin widi the renewed actings of some grace or other, and I know nothing that I have said to the contrary, but that the grace which shall first begin sensibly to re- vive shall be faitii, and that this shall lead the way to the renewed acting of all other graces, and to the farther acting of faitli itself. But a person's coming out of a carnal, careless, dead frame, by, or in the reviving of grace in his soul, is quite another diing from a saint's having a strong exercise of faith, or strong hope, or strong exercise of any grace, while yet remaining in a carnal careless, dead frame ; or, in other words, in a frame wherein grace is so far from being in strong exercise, that it is asleep and in a great measure with- out exercise. LIFE OF PRESIDiafT EDWARDS. 293 "There is a hoJy hope, a truly christian hope, of whicli the scrip- tures speak, that is reckoned among the graces of the S[)irit. And i think I shoukl never desire or seek any other hope but such an one ; for I believe no other hope has any holy or good tendency. Tiierefore this hope, this grace of hope alone, can properly be call- ed a duty. But it is just as absurd to talk of the exercise of this holy hope, the strong exercise of this grace of the Spirit, in a carnal, stupid, careless frame, such a frame yet remaining, as it would be to talk of the strong exercises of love to God ,or heavenly-mindedness, or any other grace, while remaining in such a frame. It is doubtless pro- per, earnestly to exhort those who are in such a frame to come out of it, in and by the strong exercise of every grace ; but I should not think it proper to press a man earnestly to maintain strong hope, notwithstanding the prevailing and continuance of great carnality and stupidity, which is plainly the case of the people I opposed. For this is plainly to press people to an unholy hope, to a strong hope which is no christian grace, but strong and wicked presumption; and the promoting of this has most evidently been die eficct of such a method of dealing with souls, in innumerable multi- tudes of awful instances. " You seem. Sir, to suppose, that God's manner of dealing with his people, while in a secure and careless frame, is first to give as- surance of their good state while they remain in such a frame, and to make use of that assurance as a mean to bring them out of such a frame. Here, again, I must beg leave to differ from you, and to think, that none of the instances or texts you adduce from scripture, do at all prove the point. I think it is his manner, first to awaken their consciences, to bring tliem to reflect upon themselves, to feel their own calamity which they have brought upon diemselves by so departing from God, by which an end is put to their carelessness and security, and again earnestly and carefully to seek God's face before they find him, and before God restores the comfoitable and joyful sense of his favour; and I think this is abundantly evident both from scripture and experience. You much insist on the case of Jonah as a clear instance of the thing you lay domi. You ob- serve thathe says, chap. ii. " I said I am cast outof thy sight, yet I will look again towards thy holy temple." Ver. 5, 7, " When my soul lainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came in unto thee, even into thine holy temple." You speak of these words as expressing an assurance of his good state and of God's favour ; (I will not now dispute whether they do or not ;) and you speak of this exercise of assurance, as his practice in an evil frame and in a careless frame; for he slept securely in the sides of the ship, manifesting dismal security, awfid carelessness in a carnal frame. That Jonah was in a careless secure irame when he was aslceji in the sides of the ship, I do not deny. But my dear Sir, does Uiut prove that he remained slill in a careless se- 294 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. cure frame, when in his heart he said these things in the belly of the fish ; does it prove that he remained careless after he was awaken- ed, and saw the furious storm, and owned it was the fruit of God's anger towards him for his sins ; and does it prove, that he still remained careless after the whale had swallowed liim, when he seemed to himself to be in the belly of hell, when the water compassdd him about, even to the soul, and, as he says, all God's waters and bil- lows passed over him, and he was ready to despair when he went down to the bottoms of the mountains, was ready to think God had cast him out of his sight, and confined him in a pri- son, that he could never escape, when the earth with her bars ivas about him, forever, and his soul fainted within him9 He was brought into this condition after his sleeping securely in the sides of the sliip, before he said, " I will look again towards thine holy temple, etc." He was evidently first awakened out of carelessness and security, and brought into distress, before he was comforted. " The other place you also much insist on, concerning the peo- ple of Israel, is very similar. Before God comforted them with the testimonies of his favour after their backslidings, he first, by se- vere chastisements together with the awakening influences of his Spirit, brought them out of their carelessness and carnal security. It appears by many passages of scripture, that this was God's way of dealing with that people. In Hos. chap. ii. we are told that God first " hedged up her ways with thorns, and made a wall tliat she could not find her paths. And took away her corn and wine, and wool and flax, destroyed her vines and fig-trees, and caused her mirth to cease." By this means, he roused her from her security, carelessness and deep sleep, and brought her to herself, very much as the prodigal son was brought to himself: thus God " brought her first into the wilderness, before he spake comfortably to her, and opened to her a door of hope." By her distress he first led her to say, " I Avill go and return to my first husband ; and then, when God spake comfortably to her, she called liim " Ishi, my husband ;" and God did as it were renewedly beti'oth her unto him. This passage is parallel with Jer. iii. They serve well to illustrate and explain each other, and show that it was God's way of dealing with his people Israel, after their apostacy ^rs^ to awaken them, and under a sense of their sin and misery, to bring them so- licitously to seek his face, before he gave them sensible evidence of his favour ; and not first to manifest his favour to them, in order to awaken them out of their security.* In Jer. iii. the prophecy is not concerning the recovery of back- sliding saints, or the mystical church, which, though she had cor- *This is evident by many passages of Scripture ; as, LeA'. xxvi. 40—42, Deiit. xxxii. 36 — 39. 1 Kings viii. 21, 22. chap. i. 4 — H. Ezek. xx. 35, 36, 37. Hos. V. 15, with chap. vi. 1—3. chap. .xiii. 9, 10. chap. xiv. throughout. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUnS. 29.'> rupted herself, still continued to be figurativ^ely God's wife. It is concerning apostate Israel, who had forsaken and renounced her husband, and gone after other lovers, and whom God had renounc- ed, put away, and given her a bill of divorce ; (verse 8,) so that her recovery could not be, by giving her assurance of her good estate as still remaining his wife, and that God was already mar- ried unto her, for that was not true, and is not consistent with the context. And whereas it is said, verse 14, " Return, O backsliding children, saith the Lord ; for I am married unto you, and I will take you one of a city ;" / am married, in the Hebrew, is in the preterperfect tense ; but you know, Sir, that in the language of pro- phecy, the pretertense is very commonly put for the future. And whereas it is said, verse 1 9, " How shall I put thee among the chil- dren ? And I said. Thou shalt call me My father ;" I acknowledge this expression here, Jily Father, and in Rom. viii. 15, is the lan- guage of faith. It is so two ways, 1st, It is such language of the soul, as is the immediate effect of a lively faith. I acknowledge, that the lively exercises of faith do naturally produce satisfaction of a good state, as their immediate effect. 2d, It is a language which, in another sense, does properly and naturally express the very act of faith itself, yea, the first act of faith in a sinner, before which he never was in a good state. As thus, supposing a man m distress, pursued by his enemies that sought his life, should have the gates of several fortresses set open before him, and should be called to from each of them to fly thither for refuge ; and viewing them all, and one appearing strong and safe, but the rest insufficient,. he should accept tlie invitation to that one, and fly thither with this language, " This is my fortress ; this is my refuge. In vain is sal- vation looked for from others. Behold I come to thee ; this is my sure defence." Not that he means that he is already within the fortress, and so in a good estate. But, this is my chosen fortress, in the strength of which I trust, and to which I betake myself for safety. So if a woman were solicited by many lovers, to give her- self to them in marriage, and beholding the superiority of one to all the rest, should betake herself to him, with this language, "This is my husband, behold I come unto thee, thou art my spouse ;" not that she means that she is already married to him, but that he is her chosen husband, etc. Thus God offers himself to sinners as their Saviour, their God and Father; and the language of the heart of him who accepts the offer by faith, is, " Thou art my Saviour ; in vain is salvation hoped for from others : thou art my God and Father." Not that he is already his child, but he chooses hiniy and comes to him, that he may be one of his children ; as in Jer. iii. 19, Israel calls God his Father, as the way to be put among the children, and to be one of them, and not as being one already; and in verses 21," 22, 23, she is not brought out of a careless and secure 29G MFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. State, by knowing that the Lord is her God, but she is first brought to consideration and sense of her sin and misery, weeping and supplications for mercy, and conviction of the vanity of other sav- iours and refuges, not only before she has assurance of her good estate, but before she is brought to fly to God for refuge, that she may be in a good estate. " As to the instance of Job, I would only observe, that while in his state of sore affliction, though he had some painful exercises of infirmity and impatience under his extreme trials, yet he was very far from being in such a frame as I intended, when I spoke of a secure^ careless, carnal frame. I doubt not, nor did I ever ques- tion it, that the saints' hope and knowledge of their good estate, is in many cases of great use to help them against temptation, and tlie exercises of corruption. " With regard to the case of extraordinary temptations and buf- fettings of Satan, which you mention, I do not very well know what to say further. I have often found my own insufficiency as a coun- sellor in cases, where melancholy and bodily distemper have so much influence, and give Satan so great advantage, as appears to me in the case you mention. If the Lord do not help, whence should we help ? If some Christian friends of such afflicted and (as it were) possessed persons, would, from time to time, pray and fast for them, it might be a proper exercise of Christian charity, and the likeliest way I know for relief. I kept no copy of my for- mer letter to you, and so do not remember fvdly what I have al- ready said concerning this case. But this I have often found with such melancholy people, that the greatest difficulty does not lie in giving them good advice, but in persuading them to take it. One thing I think of great importance, which is, that such persons should go on in a steady course of performance of all duties, both of their general and particular calling, without suffering themselves to be diverted from it by any violence of Satan, or specious pretence of his whatsoever, properly ordering, proportioning and timing, all sorts of duties, duties to God, public, private and secret, and duties to man, relative duties, of business and conversation, family duties, duties of friendship and good neighbourhood, duly proportioning labour and rest, intentness and relaxation, without suffering one duty to crowd out or intrench upon another. If such persons could be persuaded to this, I think, in this way, they would be best guar- ded against the devil, and he would soonest be discouraged, and a good state of body would be most likely to be gained, and persons would act most as if they trusted and rested in God, and would be most in the way of his help and blessing. "With regard to what you write concerning immediate revalations, I have thought of it, and I find I cannot say any thing to purpose, without drawing out this letter to a very extraordinary length, and LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 297 I am already got to such length, that I had need to ask your ex- cuse. I have written enough to tire j^our patience. " It has indeed been with great difficulty that I have found time to write much. If you knew my extraordinary circumstances, I doubt not, you would excuse my not vviiting any more. I acknow- ledge the subject you mention is very important. Probably if God spares my life, and gives me opportunity, I may \\Tite largely upon it. I know not how Providence will dispose of me ; I am going^^ to be cast on the wide world, with my large family often children. — I humbly request your prayers for me under my difficulties and trials. " As to the state of religion in this place and this land, it is at present very sorrowful and dark. But I must, for a more particu- lar account of things, refer you to my letter to ]Mr. M'Laurin of Glasgow, and Mr. Robe. So, asking a remembrance in your prayers, I must conclude, by subscribing myself, with much esteem aad respect, " Your obliged brother and servant, " Jonathan Edwards."* * Tiie Postscript of this letter, under dale of July 6, 1730, is reserved for a •subsequent page. Vol. I. eilAPTER XIX, CbmmeHcement of Difficulties at JVorihampton.-^Case of Disci- pline.— Conduct of the Church. — Change, as to admission of members, effected by Mr. Stoddard. — Controversy with Dr. Mather. — Lax mode of admission, early introduced into Mas- sachusetts.— Reasons of its extensive adoption. — Mr. Edwards makes knoiun his sentiments. — Violent ferment in the town. — Causes of it. — Mr. Edwards not allowed to preach on the sub- jf'ct. — Publishes " (Qualifications for Communion.''^ — Town re- quest Mr. Williams and Mr. Clark to answer Mr. Edwards' Lectures. — Difficulties in the choice of a Council. In the progress of this work, we are now arrived at one of the most painful and most surprising events, recorded in the Ecclesias- tical history of New England — the separation of Mr. Edwards from the Church and Congregation at Northampton. In detailing the various circumstances connected with it, it is proper, instead of uttering reproaches, to present a statement of facts ; for which, as the reader will see, we have been able to procure abundant mate- rials and those of the best character. Mr. Edwards was, for many years, unusually happy in the es- teem and love of his people ; and there was, during that period, the greatest prospect of his living and dying so. So admirably was he qualified for the discharge of his official duties, and so faithful in the actual discharge of them, that he was probably the last minis- ter in New England, who would have been thought likely to be opposed and rejected by the people of his charge. His uniform kindness, and that of Mrs. Edwards, had won their affection, and the exemplary piety of both had secured their confidence ; his very able and original exhibitions of truth on the Sabbath, had enlight- ened their understandings and their consciences \/ his published works had gained him a reputation for powerful talents, both in Europe and America, which left him without a competitor, either in the Colonies or the mother country ; his professional labours had been blessed in a manner w^hoUy singular ; he had been the means of gathering one of the largest churches on earth ; and, of such of the members as had any real evidence of their own piety, the great "bodv ascribed their conversion te his instrumentalitv. But the LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 299 event teaches us the instability of all earthly things, and proves how incompetent we are to calculate those consequences which depend on a cause so uncertain and changeable, as the Will of man. In the year 1744, about six years before the final separation, Mr. Edwards was informed, that some young persons in the town, who were members of the church, had licentious books in their possession, which they employed to promote lascivious and obscene conversation, among the young people at home. Upon farther en- quiry, a number of persons testified, that they had heard one and another of them, from time to time, talk obscenely ; as what they were led to, by reading books of this gross character, which they had circulating among them. On the evidence thus presented to liim, j\Ir. Edwards thought that the brethren of the church ought to look into the matter ; and, in order to introduce it to their atten- tion, he preached a Sermon from Heb. xii. 15, 16, " Looking dili- gently, lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bit- terness sjmnging up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled: lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, tvho for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. '''' After sermon, he desired the brethren of the church to stop, told them what information he had received, and put the question to them in form, Whether the church, on the evidence before them, thought proper to take anV measures to examine into the matter? The members of the church, ^^^th one consent and with much zeal, manifested it to be their opinion that it ought to be enquired into ; and proceeded to choose a number of indi\'iduals as a Committee of Enquiry, to as- sist their pastor in examining into the affair. After this, Mr. Ed^ wards appointed tlie time for the Committee of tlie church to meet at his house ; and then read to the church a catalogue of the names of the young persons, whom he desired to come to his house at the same time. Some of those, whose names were thus read, were the persons accused, and some were witnesses ; but, through mere forgetfulness or inadvertence on his part, he did not state to the church, in which of these two classes, any particular individual was included ; or in what character, he was requested to meet the Com- mittee, whedier as one of the accused, or as a witness. When the names were thus pubhshed, it appeared that there were but few of the considerable families in towTi, to which some of the persons named, either did not belong, or were not nearh-- related. Many of the church, however, having heard the name's read, condemned what they had done, before they got home to their own houses; and whether this disclosure of the names, accompanied with the apprehension, that some of their own connexions were in- cluded in the list of offenders, was the occasion of the alteration or not ; it is certain that, before the day appointed for the meeting of the Committee arrived, a great number of heads of families altered their minds, and declared they did not lliink proper to proceed as oOO LUE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. they had begun, and that their children shoidd not he called to ait account in such a way for such conduct ; and the town was sud- denly all in a blaze. This strengthened the hands of the accused : some refused to appear ; others, who did appear, behaved with a great degree of insolence, and contempt of the authority of the church : and little or nothing could be done further in the affair. This was the occasion of weakening Mr. Edwards' hands in the work of the ministry ; especially among the young people, with whom, by this means, he greatly lost his influence. It seemed in a great measure to put an end to his usefulness at Northampton, and doubtless laid a foundation for his removal, and will help to ac- count for the surprizing events which we are about to relate. H& certainly had no great visible success after this ; the influences of the Holy Spirit were chiefly withheld, and stupidity and worldly- mindeduess were greatly increased among them. That great and singular degree of good order, sound morals, and visible religion, which had for years prevailed at Northampton, soon began gradually to decay, and the young people obviously became from that time more wanton and dissolute. Another difficulty of a far more serious nature, originated from an event, to which I have already alluded. The church of North- ampton, like the other early churches of New-England, was formed on the plan oi Strict Communion: in other words, none were ad- mitted to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, but those who, after due examination, were regarded as regenerate persons. Such was the uniform practice of the church, from its formation, during the ministry of Mr. Mather,* and for a considerable period after the settlement of Mr. Stoddard, the predecessor of Mr. Edwards. How early iVh'. Stoddard changed his sentiments, on this subject, it is perhaps, impossible now to decide. On important subjects, men usually change their sentiments some time before they avow such change ; and clergymen often lead their people gradually and im- perceptibly to adopt the opinions, or the practice, which tliey have embraced, before they avow them in set form from the desk. Mr. Stoddard publicly avowed tl::is change of his opinions in 1704, when he had been in the ministry at Northampton thirty-tico years j and en- deavoured, at that time, to introduce a corresponding change in the practice of the church. He then declared himself, in the language of Dr. Hopldns, to be " of the opinion, that unconverted persons, consi- dered as such, had a right in the sight of God, or by his appoint- ment, to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; that therefore it was * Mr. Mather, t!ic first minister, becan to preach at. Nortliamptoii, in the sum- mer'of 16.)i>, was ordained June IsVn, 1061, and died July 24th, 1669. Mr. Stoddard benrai; to prcacli there soon after flie death of Mr. M. and was ordain- ed Sept. nth, 1672. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. oOl iheir duty to come to tliat ordinance, though they knew they liad no true goodness or evangelical holiness. He maintained, that vi- sible Christianity does not consist in a profession or appearance of that, wherein true holiness or real Christianity consists ; that there- fore the profession, which persons make, in order to be received as visible members of Christ's church, otight not to be such as to ex- press or imply a real compliance with, or consent to, the terms of this covenant of grace, or a hearty embracing of tlie 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 them- selves, may mal^^e the profession witiiout lying and hypocrisy," [on the principle, ihat they regard the sacrament as a converting ordi- nance, and partake of it with the hope of obtainhig conversion.] " He formed a short Profession for persons to make, in order to be admitted into the church, answerable to this principle j and accord- ingly persons were admitted into the church, and to the sacrament, on these terms. Mr. Stoddard's principle at first made a great noise in the country ; and he was opposed, as introducing some- thing contrary to the principles, and the practice, of almost all the churches in New-England ; and the matter was publicly contro- verted between him and Dr. Increase JMather of Northampton. However, through Mr. Stoddard's great influence over the people of Northampton, it was introduced there, though not without oppo- sition : by degrees it spread very much among ministers and peo- ple in that county, and in other parts of New-England." The first publication of Mr. Stoddard, on the subject, was enti- tled, " A Sermon on the Lord's Supper," from Exodus xii. 47,48, printed in the year 1707. In this Sermon he attempted to prove, " That Sanctification is not a necessary qualification to partaking in the Lord^s Svpperf and, " That the Lord's Supper is a Con- terting Ordinance.^'' To this Sermon, a Reply was given in 1708, entitled, "A Dissertation, wherein the Strange Doctrine lately pub- lished in a Sermon, the tendencv of which is to encourage Unsanc- tified Persons, while such, to approach the Holy Table of the Lord, is examined and confuted, by Increase Madier, D.D."* To * I have not boen able to find a copy of Mr. Stoddard's Sermon. From that of Mr. Mather, I find that he insisted on the following points : 1 . That it is not to be imagined, that John Baptist judged all baptized by him to be regenerate: 2. That, if unregenerate persons might not be baptized, the Pharisees would not have been blamed for neglecting baptism: 3. That the children of God's people should be baptized, who are generally at thut time in a natural condition: 4. That a minister, who knows himself unre- generate, may nevertheless lawfully administer baptism and the Lord's Supper : 5. That as unregenerate persons might lawfully come to the l*assover, they may also come to the Lord's Supper, if they have know- ledge to discern the Lord's Body : 6. Tiiat it is lawful for unregenerate men to g-ive a Testimony to the Death of Ciirist : that thev need to loam 30iJ LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. this Reply Mr. Stoddard published a Rejoinder, in 1709, entitled, " An Appeal to the Lear.'ED ; being a Vindication of the right of visible saints to the Lord's Supper, though they be destitute of a saving work of God's Spirit on their Hearts ; against the exceptions of Mr. Increase Mather."* Whether any reply was publislied by Dr. Mather, I have not been able to ascertain. what God teaches in this ordinance, and to profess what christians profess, viz. their need of Christ and the saving virtue of his blooJ : 7. That there is no certain knowledge, who has sanctifying grace : 8. That the opposite doctrine hardens men in their unregeneracy : 9. That, if unregenerate persons have no right to the Sacrament, then those who come must have assurance: 10. That no other country does neglect thisordmance as we in New England ; and that in our own nation at home, so in Scotland, Holland, Denmark, Sweedland, Germany and France, they do generally Celebrate the memorial of Christ's death. Dr. Mather, after stating in his Preface that, notwithstanding his errors, he esteems Mr. Stoddard as a pious brother, and an able minister of the New Testament, a serious practical preacher, in his ministry designing the conversion and edification of the souls of men ; and that as such, he does and shall love and honour him, and hopes to meet him where Luther and ZuiNGLius differ not in their opinions; and that still he behoves, by his Sermon, he has grieved the Holy Spirit of God in the hearts of many of liis children, and gratified the spirit of the world ; proceeds to allege the following considerations : 1. That Mr. Stoddard's sentiments are contrary to many express passages of Scripture: 2. That unsanctified men are not fit materials for a Church, and therefore not for admission to the Lord's Supper; and that in primitive times none, but those thought to be converted, were received into particular churches : 3. That unsanctified persons are not in covenant with God, and therefore have no right to the Seal of the Covenant : 4. That there is no Scriptural Promise of Conversion by the Sacrament : 5. That, if a Converting Ordinance, it is not to be withheld from the most profane : 6. That that opinion, which is contrary to the profession and practice of the churches, in the primitive and purest times of Christianity, and to the judgment of the most eminent Reformers, and which agrees with the doctrine of Papists, and the looser sort of Protestants, ought not to be received among the churches of New England : 7. That it is impossible for unregenerate persons, while such, to be worthy partakers of the Lord's Table. — These were followed by an examination, and at- tempted refutation, of each of Mr. Stoddard's arguments, separately consi- dered. *Thi3 Appeal consists of three parts: L An attempted Refutation of the Arguments of Dr. Mather : H. An attempted Refutation of the Arguments of Mr. Vines, Mr. Baxter, and Mr. Charnock : HL A Series of direct Arguments, eleven in number, to prove his main positions. Of these the first five and the ninth are found in the Sermon. The others are as follows: 6. Unsanctified meii may attend all other ordinances, and duties of worship; and therefore the Lord's Supper: 7. Some unsanctified persons are in external covenant with God,* and therefore may come to the * By " some unsanctified persons" in this and the following heads, Mr. S. refers to those professors of religion in good standing, who ia their own view nnd in tke view of others are obviously not christians. I LIFE «F PRESIDENT EDWARDi. 303 Tiiat Mr. Stoddard sincerely believed the principles, which he niaintaineu, to be taught in the word ol' God, cannot be doubted. He also declares explicitly, in the commencement of the Appeal, that he does not maintain, that churches ought to admit to their holy communion such as are not, in the judgment of charity, true be- lievers ; and that his object was to direct those, that might have scru- ples of conscience, about participation of the Lord's Supper, be- cause they had not a work of saving conversion.* The adoption of tliese principles by the people of Northampton, is not however to be imputed chiefly to the influence of Mr. Stod- dard. It was the lax side of the question, which he had espoused ; file side, to which the human heart, in all cases, instinctively inclines — that, to which every church, unless enlightened and watchful, is of course in danger of inclining. Another circumstance, which probably had considerable influence in persuading that church, as well as many others, to adopt the practice in question, may be found in the imha/jjry Comiexion of Things Sjyiritual, and Seculay', in the early history of New-England. So vast a proportion of the first planters of this country were members of the christian church, that not to be a church-member, was a public disgrace ; and no man, who had not this qualification, was considered capable of hold- ing any ci\il ofiice. The children of the first planters, also, with comparatively few exceptions, followed the example of their pa- rents, and enrolled their names in the church calendar; and there is reason to believe, that a large proportion of tliem were possessed of real piety. Still there can be no doubt, that a considerable number of them, on the whole, were of a different character. In the third and fourth generations, the number of this latter class in- creased to such a degree, as to constitute, if not a majority, yet a large minority, of the whole population ; but, such is the influence Lord's Supper: 8. It is lawful for some iinsanctified persons to carry tliem- selves as saints, and therefore they may attend on that Sacrament : 10. Some unsanctilied persons convey to their children a right to the sacra- ment of Baptism, and therefore have a right to the Lord's Supper : 11. The invisible church catholick is not the prune and principal subject of the seal of the covenant, and therefore some unsanctilied persons have that right. It is not improbable, that Dr. Mather published a reply to the " Appeal to the Learned." Ifhedidnot, it could not have been owing to any in- herent, nor probably to'any supposed, difficulty in answering the arguments which it presents. At this day the only difficulty, wliich the controversy can occasion, is this : — How such arguments could have satisfied a man of to nuich acutenessand wortli as Mr. Stoddard. Bui the distinctness, with whicii objects are seen, depends not merely on the light which shines upon them : tlie eyes also must be fully open, and tilnis, if they exist, must be removed. * How Mr. Stoddard could reconcile these and various similar declara- tions with his main principle, probably every one will be at a loss to ex- plain. 304 LIFE ©F PRESID1:NT EDWARDS. of national customs, it was still thought as necessarj- to a fair repu- tation, and to full qualification for office, to make a public profes- sion of religion, as before ; and the Church, by thus inclosing within its pale the whole rising generation, gathered in a prodigious number «f hypocrites ; and to make a profession of religion, began to be, on the part of numbers, an act of tlie same import, as it has long been on the part of the civil, military and naval, officers of England, " to qualify,^'' by partaking of the Lord's Supper. In this case, however, there was a real difficulty, that pressed upon the con- science. A profession of religion, while it was viewed as a most solemn transaction, on the part of the individual making it, was also at first universally regarded as a profession of personal piety ; and to make it without piety, was looked upon as a sin of most aggra- vated character. In this crisis, when the only alternative was, loss Qf reputation and ineligibility to office, or the violation of con- science ; any plan, which prevented that loss, and yet offered a salvo to the conscience, must have met, very extensively, a wel- come reception. It is however far from being true, as Dr. Hop- kins appears to suppose, that Mr. Stoddard was the first, who in- troduced this practice into the churches of New-England. The General Synod of Massachusetts, which met at Boston in 1679, speak of the prevalence of this practice, even at that early period, (twenty-six years before its introduction into the church at North- ampton,) as one cause of the Divine judgments on New-England ; and insist on a general reformation in this respect, as one means of averting those judgments.* Yet, so far as I have been able to -discover, Mr. Stoddard was the first, who publicly advocated this practice ; and there can be no doubt, that the unhesitafing support of it, by a man of his excellence, and weight of character, contri- buted, not a little, in the existing circumstances of the country, to satisfy the scruples of many conscientious minds, and to introduce it into a considerable number of churches. , " At the settlement of Mr. Edwards, in 1727, this alteration in tlie *Two questions were presented for the consideration of that Synod : 1. " What are the evils, which have provoked the Lord to bring his judg- ments upon New England ?" 2. " What is to be done, that these evils may be reformed?" In answer to the second question, the Synod observe, 1. '' Inasmuch as the present standing generation, both as to leaders and peo- ple, is for the greater part another generation than what was in New- England forty years ago ; for us to declare our adherence to the Faith and Order of the Gospel, according to what is from the Scripture expressed in the Platform of Church discipline, may be a good means to recover those, who have erred from the truth, and to prevent apostacy for the future." 2. " It is requisite that persons be not admitted unto Communion in the Lord's Supper, without making n pcrsowd and public profession of their Faith and Repentance, either orally or in some other way, so as shall be to the just satisfaction of the church; and that therefore, both elders and churches be dulv watchful and circumspect in this matter." — Mr. Stoddard LIFE UK I>UES1J>ENT EDVVAKOS. 305 qualifications required for admission into the Church, had been in operation about twenty-two or three years ; a period, during which, the great body of tlie members of any church will be changed. This lax plan of admission has no where been adopted by a church, for any considerable length of time, witliout introducing a large proportion of members who are destitute of piety ; and, although Mr. Stoddard was in other respects so faithiul a minister, and so truly desirous of the conversion and salvation of his people, there can be no doubt that such must have been the result during so long a period in the Church at Northampton. " Mr. Edwards," observes Dr. Hopkins, " had some hesitation about this matter when he first settled at Northampton, but did not receive such a degree of conviction, as to prevent his adopting it with a good conscience, for some years. But at length his doubts increased; which put him upon examining it thoroughly, by search- ing the scriptures, and reading such books as were written on the subject. The result was, a full conviction that it was wrong, and that he could not retain the practice with a good conscience. He was fully convinced that to be a visible chrisdan, was to put on the visibility or appearance of a real christian ; that a profession of Christianity was a profession of that, wiierein real Christianity con- sists; and therefore that no person, who rejected Christ in his heart, could make such a profession consistently with truth. And, as the ordinance of the Lord's Supper was instituted for none but visible professing christians, that none but those who are real christians have a right, in the sight of God, to come to that ordinance : and, conse- quently, that none ought to be admitted thereto, who do not make a profession of real Christianity, and so can be received, in a judgment tX of charity, as true friends to Jesus Christ. '^ " When Mr. Edwards' sentiments were generally known in the spring of 1749,* it gave great offence, and the town was put into a was a member of this convention, and voted for these Propositions. Mr. Mather, at the close of his Treatise, quotes this result of the Synod with some force; yet without directly uroing on Mr. Sioddard the charge of inconsistency, or even nientiouing that he was a in-Jinber of that Synod. Mr. Stoddard, in his Aj'peal, to avoid tho iinj.'ntation of having changed his sentiments, alleges that a part of the Synod proposed to recommend, thai ■persons, previous to their admission to the Chunh, should make u rtlulion before the church, of' the work of tiie Holy Spirit on their hearts ; that he opposed this, and voted with the majority, for the second propor- tion as a suhstitute; and that that was still his opinion. — This stutement, however, does not relieve the difficulty ; for the principle, for which he actually voted, is directly inconsistent with that, which he avows in the Sermon on the Lord's Supnei,and in the Appeal to the Learned. * Mr. EiUvards divuljved his sentiments to some of his people, several years before this; and in 1746 unfolded them clearly, in the Treatise on Religious Affections; but they were not oliicially made knov.-n to the church, nor do they appear to have been generally known to the public, until he conmiunicaled lliem freely to t!)0 Standing Committee, in February, 1749. Vol. i. 39 306 LIFE OK PRESIDENT EDWARDS. great ferment ; and, before he was heard in his ovvn defence, or it was known by many what his principles were, the general cry w as to have him dismissed, as what would alone satisfy them. This was evident from the w hole tenor of their conduct ; as they neg- lected and opposed the most proper means of calmly considering, and so of thoroughly understanding, the matter in dispute, and per- sisted in a refusal to attend to what Mr. Edwards had to say, in defence of his principles. From the beginning to the end, they opposed 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 separation certain and speedy. He thought of preacliing on the subject, that they might know what were his sentiments, and the grounds of them, (of both which he was sensible that most of them were quite ignorant,) before they took any steps for a separation. But, that he might do notliing to increase the tumult, he first proposed the thing to the Standing Committee of the church ; supposing, that if he entered on the subject publicly with their consent, it would prevent the ill conse- quences, which otherwise he feared would follow. But the most of them strenuously opposed it. Upon which he gave it over for the present, as what, in such circumstances, would rather blow up the fire to a greater height, than answer the good ends proposed." This unhappy state of feeling in Northampton was owing to va- rious causes ; among which may be mentioned the following : 1. The proposal, in 1744, to investigate the conduct of some of the younger professors of religion, who were said to have circulat- ed obscene and licentious books : — a proposal, which had been ori- ginally approved of, and voted, by the whole church unanimously, and to accomplish which, they had at once appointed a Committee of inquiry; but to which many of them became violently opposed, as soon as they feared, that the discipMne of the church might fall on their own children : — had proved, — 'Such is the nature of man — the occasion of a settled hostility to Mr. Edwards, on the part of a , considerable number of the most influential families in the town. A He, who, in injuring another, does violence to his own conscience |[A and dishonour to religion, finds usually but one practical alterna- r\ tive ; he either repents and acknowledges his sin ; or he goes on I ^dding injury to injury, and accumulating a more rancorous hatred I against tlie person whom he has injured. 2. The lax mode of admitting members into the church, had prevailed about forty-five years ; and though both Mr. Stoddard and Mr. Edwards had been most desirous of the prevalence of \atal religion in the church, yet, a wide door having been tlirown open for the admission of unconverted members, as such, it cannot but have been the fact, that, during this long period, many uncon- verted members should, through that door, have actually obtained admission into the church. In powerfiil revivals of religion, it is LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 307 no easy task. — even where llie examination is most strict, and the danger and guilt of a false profession are most clearly exhibited, — to prevent the admission of a considerable number of unconverted members into the church. 3. All the unconverted members of the church, and the great body of the congregation, would of course be friendly to the lax mode of admission. To relinquish it, would have been, on their part, to relinquish the only resting place, which human ingenuity had discovered, in which an unconverted person might — for a time at least — remain unconverted, both securely and lawfully. 4. The lax mode of admission had been introduced by Mr. Stoddard, a man greatly venerated for his wisdom and piety ; and a large majority of the more serious members of the church, as well as all of a different character, regarded it as unquestionably scriptural, and verily believed that the mode, recommended by Mr. Edwards, would unlawfully exclude multitudes from the Lord's Supper, who were fully entitled to partake of that sacra- ment. 5. All the churches in the county, except two, and all the clergy, except three, approved of the lax mode of admission. INIa- ny of the clergy also were, at this time, very favourably inclined to the sentiments usually denominated Arminian ; and very hostile to those, of which Mr. Edwards was known to be a champion not easily met, with success, in the field of argument. Several of these gentlemen proved by their conduct, that they were not unwilling to assist the cause of disaffection at Northampton. One of them was connected by marriage with the family of , already mentioned, (a family of considerable wealth and influence in an adjoining tow'n, which had long discovered a personal hostility to Mr. Edwards ;) and had himself entered so warmly into their feel- ings, that, when the case came to its issue, even the opposers of Mr. Edw^ards did not, for with decency they could not, propose him as a member of the Council. Another in an adjoining town was a member of that family, and cherished all its feelings. 6. Another individual of the same family, living in a town ad- joining, a kinsman of Mr. Edwards, and from liis standing, both ci\il and military, possessed of considerable influence, was, for the six years previous to the final separation, the confidental adviser of the disaffected party in the Church and congregation. In this course, he had the countenance of other members of the family, of a character superior to his owti. " Mr. Edwards," observes Dr. Hopkins, " was'sensible that his principles were not understood, but misrepresented, through the country ; and finding that his people w'ere too warm, calmly to at- tend to the matter in controversy, he proposed to print what he had to say on the point ; as this seemed the only way left him to have 308 MFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. a fair hearing. Accordingly his people consented to put oft' calling a Council, till what he should write was puhlished." With this view he began immediately to prepare a statement and defence of his own sentiments, and in the latter part of April, about two months from the time of its commencement, sent it to the press — an instance of rapidity of composition almost unexampled in an in- dividual, who was at once occupied by the duties of an extensive parish, and involved in the embarrassments of a most perplexing controversy. Notwithstanding the efforts of Mr. Edwards, the printing of the work was not completed until August. It was enti- tled, " An Humble Enquiry into the Rules of the word of God, concerning the Qualifications requisite to a complete standing and full communion in the Visible Christian Church ;" and contains a discussion of the question agitated between himself and his people, "Whether any persons ought to be admitted to full communion in the Christian Church, but such as, in the eye of a reasonable judg- ment, are truly christians ?" — a discussion so thorough and conclu- sive, that it has been the standard work with evangelical divines from that time to the present. It was a very painful consideration to Mr. Edwards, that, while the circumstances, in which he was placed, constrained him to de- clare his sentiments from the press, the " Appeal to the Learn- ed," the production of a man so much loved and venerated at Northampton, and so much respected throughout New-England, his own colleague too, and his own grand-father, was the work, and the only work of any respectability, on the opposite side of the question, which he should be obliged publicly to examine and re- fute. But his feelings on this subject, he has himself explained. " It is far from a pleasing circumstance of this publication, that it is against what my honoured Grand-father strenuously maintained, both from the pulpit, and the press. I can truly say, on account of this and some other considerations, it is what I engage in with the greatest reluctance, that ever I undertook any public service in my life. But the state of things with me is so ordered, by the sovereign disposal of the great Governor of the world, that my do- ing this appears to me very necessary, and altogether unavoidable. I am conscious, that not only is the interest of religion concerned in this affair, but my own reputation, future usefulness, and my very subsistence, all seem to depend on my freely opening and de- fending myself as to my principles, and agreeable conduct in my pastoral charge, and on my doing it from the press : In which way alone, am I able to state and justify my opinion to any purpose, be- fore the country, (which is full of noise, misrepresentations, and many censures concerning this affair,) or even before my own peo- ple, as all would be fully sensible, if they knew the exact state of the case. — I have been brought to this necessity in Divine Provi- dence, by such a situation of affairs, and coincidence of circum- I-'KE OV PRESIDENT EDWAiiDS. L-O'J Stances and events, as I choose at present to be silent about; and which it is not needful, nor perhaps expedient, for nie to publish to tlie world." The people of Northampton manifested great uneasiness in wait- ing for this publication, before it came out of the press ; and when it was published, some of the leading men, afraid of its ultimate effect on the minds of the people, did their utmost to prevent its extensive perusal, and it was read by comparatively a small num- ber. Some of those who read it, of a more cool and dispassionate temper, were led to doubt whether they had not been mistaken. To prevent a result so unpropitious, it was regarded as essentially important, that the publication of Mr. Edwards should, if possible, be answered ; and a rumour having been circulated, that the Rev. Mr. Williams, of Lebanon, was preparing a Reply, the Town, at their meeting, Nov. 9, 1749, passed the following vote. " Tooted, That Mr. Ebenezer Hunt be desired to wait on the Rev. Solomon WilUams, of Lebanon,* and desire of him a copy of his Notes, that he is preparing for the press, in opposition to the opinion and principles, which Mr. Edwards, in his last book, hath endeavoured to defend and maintain, with respect to the admission of members into complete standing in the Church of Christ ; and voted also, that the Precinct will pay Mr. Hunt what is reasonal>le for his trouble." On consulting Mr. Williams, it was found that his Reply would not issue from the press, in sufficient season, to counteract the effect of Mr. Edwards' Treatise ; and a rumour having been circulated, that the Rev. Peter Clark, of Salem Village, (Danvers,) was also preparing a Reply, the Town, at tlieir meeting, Jan. 1, 1750, passed the foUovidng vote. " Voted, That the Committee abovesaid take effectual care to employ some suhable person, that is going to Boston, to make dili- gent enquiry there, Whether Mr. Peter Clark, of Salem Village, hath undertaken to answer Mr. Edwards' late book, respecting the Qualifications of communicants ; and If, upon enquiry, he can't ob- tain good evidence, that Mr. Clark hath undertaken to answer said *T!ic half brother of this gentleman, the Rev. Elisha Williams of Wethersfielfl, (Newington parish,) afterwards (iroin 1726 to 1739) Rec- tor of Yale College, and afterwards Col. \Villiams of the Counocticr.t line, in the attempted expedition against Canada in 174", began a reply to the Treatise of Mr. Edwards, immediately after it issiird from the press; biit, on going to England in 1749, he placed his papers in the hands of iiis brother, the Rev. Solomon Williams of Lebanon. This gentleman pub- lished his reply to Mr. Edwards, in 1751. 310 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. book, that then the person be desired to go to Mr. Clark, and de- sire him to write an answer to said book, as speedily as may be, and that the person, improved and employed to wait upon Mr. Clark, be paid and satisfied out of the treasury of the first Precinct." The information thus obtained not proving satisfactory, the sub- ject was again agitated, at a subsequent meeting, March 6, 1750, with the following result : — " After conference, the question was put — Whether the Precinct desired that the Rev. Mr. Clark, ot Salem Village, should be applied to, to wi-ite an answer to Mr. Ed- wards' late book, respecting the Qualifications, necessary in order to complete standing in the Christian Church ? — and it passed in the Affirmative ; and then Major Ebenezer Pomeroy was chosen to apply to Mr. Clark for the end abovesaid." Mr. Clark was a man of sound evangelical sentiments ; and Mr. Edwards, feeling the utmost confidence, that his opinioijs on the subject in controversy could not differ materially from his own, ad- dressed to him a frank and friendly letter, in which he pointed out the misrepresentations, which had been made of his owti principles, and then stated them in a clear and explicit manner.* The con- sequence was that Mr. Clark declined complying with the request of tlie town. " Mr. Edwards," continues Dr. Hopkins, " being sensible that his Treatise had been read but by very few of the people, renew^ed his proposal to preach upon the subject, 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 commu- nion 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's sake, and to pre- vent occasion for strife." This was answered in the negative. — He then proposed that it should be left to a few of the neighbour- ing ministers. Whether it was not, all things considered, reasonable, that he should be heard in this matter from the pulpit, before the affair should be brought to an issue. But tliis also passed in the negative. " However, having had the advice of the ministers and messen- gers of the neighbouring churches, who met at Northampton to ad- vise them under their difficulties, he proceeded 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 society meeting, in which a vote was passed to choose a committee * A long extract from this letter will be found on a subsequent page, in the preface to Mr. Edwards' Farewell Sermon : it bears date May 7, 1750, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 311 lo go to Mr. Edwards, and desire him not to preach lectures on the subject in controversy, according to his declaration and appoint- ment ; in consequence of which a committee of three men, chosen for this piu-pose, waited on him. However, Mr. Edwards thought pro- per to proceed according to his proposal, and accordingly 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 congrega- tion. This was in February and March, 1750. " The calling of a decisive Council, to determine tlie matter of difference, was now more particularly attended to on both sides. Mr. Edwards had before this insisted, from time to time, that they were by no means ripe for such a procedure : as they had not yet given him a fair hearing, whereby perhaps the need of such a coun- cil would be superseded. He observed, " That it was exceed- ingly unbecoming to manage religious affairs of the greatest impor- tance in a ferment and tumult, which ought to be managed with great solemnity, deep humiliation, submission to the awful frowns of heaven, humble dependence on God, with fervent prayer and supplication to him : That therefore for them to go about such an afiair as they did, would be greatly to the dishonour of God and religion ; a way in wliich a people cannot expect a blessing." Thus having used all means to bring them to a calm and charitable temper without effect, 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 con- fined to the county in his choice. Mr. Edwards thought this an unreasonable restraint on him, as it was known that the ministers and churches in that county were almost universally against him in tlie controversy. He indeed did not suppose that the business of the proposed council would be to determine whether his opinion was right or not ; but whether any possible way could be devised for an accommodation between pastor and people, and to use their wisdom and endeavour in order to effect it. And if they found this im- practicable, they must determme, whether what ought in justice to be done had already actually been attempted, so tliat tliere was no- thing further to be demanded by either of the parties concerned, before a separation should take place. And if he was dismissed by them, it would be their business to set forth to tlie world in what manner and for what cause he was dismissed : all which were matters of great importance to him,' and required upright and imparfial judges. Now considering the great influence a difference in religious opinions has to prejudice men one against another, and the close con- 312 I.irE OF PKESIDENT EDWAKUS. nection of the point, in which most of ministers and churches in the coun- ty differed from him, with the matter to be judged of, he didnotthink they could be reasonably looked upon so impartial judges, as that the matter ought to be wholly left to them. Besides, he thought that 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 upon liberty to go out of the county, for those members of the proposed council in which he was to have a choice. In this, the people strenuously and obstinately opposed him. At length they agreed to leave the matter to a council consisting of the ministers and messengers of the five neighbouring churches ; who, after they had met twice upon it, and had the case largely debated before them, were equally divided, and therefore left the matter un- determined. " 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. Ed- wards offered to join with them in calling a council, if they would con- sent that he should choose 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 another re- peatedly; 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 length, 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 that should be ap- plied to. And they then proceeded to make choice of the ten min- isters and churches, of which tlie council should consist." CHAPTER XX. .Mr. Edwards^ own JVarrative. — History of his own Opinions as to the 2>oint in Controversy. — Consequences of declaring them. — Proposal to preach rejected by Committee. — Proposal to jjub- lish — First movement of the Precinct, Oct. 16. — First meeting of the Church, Oct. 22. — Meeting and Votes of Do. Nov. 20. — lieply of Mr. Edwards. — Meeting of Precinct, Dec. 7. — Meet- ing of Church, Dec. 1 1 . — Letter of Mr. Edwards. — Prepara- tory Council agreed on, Dec. 12. Having given this very brief sketch of the events, which led to the separation of Mr. Edwards and his people, and chiefly in the words of Dr. Hopkins, who was intimately acquainted with all the facts ; I shall now present to the reader a more enlarged account of these events, as detailed in the private Journal, kept by Mr. Ed- wards, during this interesting period of his life. JOURNAL. " I have had difficulties in my mind, for many years past, with regard to the admission of members into the Church, who made no pretence to real godliness. These gradually increased, and at length to such a degree, that I found I could not with an easy con- science, be active in admitting any more members in our former manner, without better satisfaction. In consequence of this, I de- termined more closely to apply myself to an enquiry into the mat- ter, and search the Scriptures, and read, and examine such books as were written to defend the admission of persons to the sacra- ments, without a profession of saving faith. And by reading and study, I found myself more strengthened in my reasons to the con- trary. On which I came to this determination, that if any person should offer to come into the church without a profession of godli- ness, I must decline being active in his admission ; which, I was sensible, would occasion much uneasiness and public noise and ex- citement. However I came to this resolution, that I would still continue a diligent search, improving the opportunity which Divine Providence should give me to that end, until somebody should offer to come into the church, from time to time weighing the matter, Vol. I. 40 314 lAFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS, with renewed consideration and enquiry. But withal I judged, that it would not be best wholly to conceal my difilculties until then, lest some inconveniences should arise ; and particularly I thought of this, that if some person should offer to come into the church, whom my principles would oblige me to reject, and should give no intimation of these my principles until then, it might be suspected that I rejected the person from personal prejudice, and that my al- leging scruples of conscience was only to cloak my ill-will. Hence I took some opportunities, some years ago, freely and openly to express my opinion before several of our people ; which occasioned it to be talked of among many in this town, and in other parts of the land. I also designedly gave some intimations of my notions of Visible Christians, in my work on Religious Affections ; but was aware, that when I came to be necessitated to act upon my principles, and on this foot decline admitting any who should offer themselves to be received to the communion, this would occasion a more general noise and tumult ; and therefore I deter- mined, if I lived to have such occasion, that I would in the first, go and freely and fully declare the matter to Col. Stoddard. But it was so ordered, that no person offered to join the church for several years, and not till after the Col's, death.* " But some time the last of December, (1748,) a young man, who was about to be married,f came and offered to come into tlie church. I told him my opinion. He told me that he hoped he could make such a profession as that I insisted on, and would take the matter into consideration. After some conversation, it was agreed, that I should draw up a profession of religion, which he might see, when he should come again. Accordingly 1 did so ; and when he came again I showed him the profession I had drawTi, but told him I should not insist upon a profession in tliose words. He might draw one himself in his own words; and, if the more essential things of true religion were contained in it, I should be eon- tent. He desired time for farther consideration, and accordingly I let him have the profession I had drawn to consider of. He after- wards came again, and returned the profession I had drawn, and manifested that at present he declined coming into the church in this way, inasmuch as though he hoped he could make a profession of godliness, he did not think that he was obliged to make it in order to admission into the church. The report of this soon made great uneasiness in the town. " Some time in February, 1749, I declared the matter fully to * Col. Stoddard died June 19, 1748. t In places where the lax method of admipsion to the church has prevailed in New England, it has been the usual practice, for persons about to be married, to unite themselves to the church, for the baptism of their children. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 315 the Committee of the church, and proposed it to them whether they were wiHing that I should deliver the reasons of my opinion from the pulpit. This was strenuously opposed by several ; one or two spoke in favour of my preaching on the subject; but the prevailing voice seemed to be zealously against it. Yet the neces- sity of the church being in some way informed of the reasons of my opinion, seemed to be allowed by all ; and therefore those, who opposed my preaching, proposed my printing my reasons, and do- ing it with all speed. And although there was no note taken, this seemed to be the general conclusion, that they must be informed of my reasons from the press. Accordingly 1 applied myself, vnth all diligence, to prepare something for tlie press. "After this, a young woman* came to my house, to join with the church, having heard of my opinion ; the town by this time being full of talk of it, and noise about it. I mentioned to her my opinion concerning the qualifications of communicants. She told me she had heard of it, but hoped she could make such a profession as I required. Then, upon enquiry, she gave me a hopeful account of her religious experience, and the operations of Divine grace upon her mind ; and manifested herself ready publicly to make a pro- fession of religion, agreeably to what she had now professed in private. I then desired her to prepare for examination with re- spect to her doctrinal knowledge, and to come to me again, and I would draw up a profession, agreeably to what she had expressed to me, against she came again. I accordingly did so. After some time she came again, and I read to her what I had drawn up. She declared herself ready to own that profession, but said that she was afraid, by what she had heard, that there would be a tumult, if she came into the church in that way, and she did not desire to be the occasion of a tumult by coming into the church. I asked her if she would be willing, publicly to make such a profession, if the Committee of the Church would consent to it. She said she would. " Now I perceived so great a ferment in the town, that I was satisfied it was not best to preach upon the subject, for the present ; and supposed it probable there would be no opportunity to be heard, with any tolerable degree of calmness or attention, before what I was WTiting on the subject was published. I therefore prosecuted my writing with the utmost possible diligence. " About the middle of April, I called the Committee together and informed them, that as they seemed to wish, at their last meet- ing, that I should print the reasons of my opinion, so I had laboured much upon the matter, and had almost prepared something for the press. Aftd as they chose that I should print, so I now chose it * Mary Ilulbcrt. 316 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. also ; since I had laboured so far in it, and might probably say to this purpose, as I am informed I did, " that the frame of people's minds was now such, that they would be likely to hear in a great ferment, if I should now preach on the subject." But told them withal, "that the people ought not to proceed to vote for a separa- tion, until they were informed of my reasons in some way or other." To this, one of them rephed, " No, that would be unreasonable ;" and nobody said any thing to the contrary ; but all seemed to ac- quiesce in what I proposed, and in waiting for my reasons from the press. " I then mentioned to them the case of the young w-oman afore- said, who desired to come into the church, and read to them the profession of religion she had manifested herself ready to make, and asked them whether they were willing, that she should make such a profession publicly, rather than be kept out ; the case being as it was, that I could not in conscience be active in admitting persons, without a public profession of godliness. One or two spoke for it, but others objected against it, saying that for the church to consent to this, w^as giving up the case, or to that purpose. I told them that I thought that the church would nevertheless have the same advan- tage to insist on my receiving those, who could not make such a profession, and that I was then willing to become engaged, never to make use of it as a precedent ; and for their farther security, I offered them a written promise, in the folloAving words : " I, the subscriber, do hereby signify and declare, to such as it may concern, that if my people will wait, until the book I am pre- paring relative to the admission of members into the church, is pub- lished, I will resign the ministry over this church, if the church desires it, after they have had opportunity pretty generally to read my said book, and after they have first asked advice of a Council mutually chosen, and followed their advice, with regard to tlie regular steps to be taken previous to their vote : The following things also being provided, viz. That none of the brethren be ad- mitted to vote in this affair, but such as have either read my said book, or have heard from the pulpit what I have to say in defence of the doctrine, which is the subject of it ; that the Society will engage that I shall be freed from all rates ; and that a regular Council do approve my thus resigning my pastoral office over this church. "Jonathan Edwards. " JVorthampton, Ajyril 13, 1749." " But still, when the affair of the admission came to be put to vote, there were but three out of fifteen who voted for it. " Soon after, I sent my book to the printer, urging him very much not to delay the printing. Accordingly, the impression was LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 317 very speedily begun, even before the printing of the proposals for subscription. Froni time to time, I renewedly urged the printer to hasten the impression, and also wrote to Mr. Foxcroft to do his ut- most to forward it ; who accordingly did so, as he informed me. " Some time in the latter part of July, the people grew very un- easy, supposing that the printing was needlessly delayed ; and therefore, they of themselves called a meeting of the members of the church, or at least of many of them, to determine whether to wait any longer for my book. And, as I was informed, after some discourse on the matter, they determined that Col. Dwight,* who was going the next week to Boston, should make enquiry whetlier the book was likely to be speedily finished, and send word. " Col. Dwight, when he returned from Boston, about the middle of August, brought a number of the books witli him, and about twenty of them were dispersed in the town. After this, there seemed to be less noise in the town, until some time in October. "On the Sabbath, Oct. 15th, I stayed the Church, and proposed our setting apart a day for fasting and prayer ; and put the matter to vote, in the following words — " That a day be set apart for sol- emn fasting and prayer, to pray to God that he would have mercy on this church, under its present dark and sorrowful circumstances ; that he would forgive the sins of both minister and people ; that he would make us to be of a right spirit, and enlighten us all, that we may know what the mind and will of God is ; that that which is agreeable to his will, and that alone, may be established ; and that God would restore peace and prosperity to the church." — This was voted by a general concurrence. Then I proposed that the ser- vices of the day should be carried on by some of the neighbouring ministers, as supposing that their services would be more accepta- ble, and less liable to suspicion, than mine. I particularly propos- ed Mr. Woodbridge of Hatfield, Mr. Williams of Hadley, and Mr. Judd of West-Hampton ; they being nearest. " There being now several persons in the town, who privately made a credible profession of godliness, who were not in the church, and hitiierto had been kept out of it, — the committee of the church having disallowed of their admission in the way of making such a profession publicly, as aforesaid, — therefore I now made a proposal to the church, in the following words : — " That those ministers, who shall be called to assist at the fast, be sought to for advice, \\-ith respect to the admission of such persons, as are able and willing to make a credible profession of true godliness ; not that either minister or people should be bound by their advice, to any tiling contrary to their consciences ; but to see it they can- not find out some way, in which these persons may be admitted, consistent with a good conscience in both the pastor and church, "• The grand-father of President Dwight. 318 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. which may be proceeded in for the present, until our present un- happy controversies can be brought to an issue." — Some objections were made against this — particularly, that it was high time that the whole affair was brought to an issue, witli regard to the admission of others, as well as of those who stood ready to make a profession of godliness. But he who made the objection, afterwards explain- ed himself only to mean, that some course ought speedily to be ta- ken to prepare things for an issue ; and particularly, that advice should be asked concerning measures to be taken, in order to the people being generally informed of my reasons for my opinion re- specting Qualifications for full communion in the church : the peo- ple being now in no way to be informed, there being but few of my books in the town, and that they had not been generally read, and were not likely to be, at least for a very long time, which others confirmed. He therefore proposed, that some of the neighbour- ing ministers should be consulted, with regard to a proper course to be taken by the church, in order to a proper information of the grounds of my opinion, that things might be speedily ripened for an issue. " Upon this, some offered it as their opinion, tliat I had better deliver the reasons of my opinion from the pulpit. Others object- ed against it ; and it was alleged by some, that there had been suf- ficient information of the reasons of my opinion already, or to that purpose, that the leading part of the Church had read my book, or most of the leading men in the church, and that it was therefore time that a Council was called, to bring the controversy to an issue. I then made the Church this offer, 1 hat, if they insisted upon it, 1 would not oppose a Council being called, which should give us advice in our affairs in general, and which should have power, if they saw fit, to bring our whole controversy to an issue ; though 1 could not advise to it, as not supposing the state of things to be ripe for it. — The people appearing to be of very different minds, about the matters which had been discoursed of, they were refer- red for further consideration to the next Sabbath, and it was deter- mined that the Fast should not be until the Thursday following that Sabbath. " The next day being Monday, Oct. 16, a number of the inha- bitants of the Precinct drew up and signed the following writing, directed to the Committee of the Precinct, viz. *' To the Precinct Committee for the first Precinct in Northampton : "We, the subscribers, desire that there may be a Precinct meet- ing as quick as may be, for the Precinct to take into consideration Mr. Edwards' doctrine, with respect to the admission of members into full communion into the church. " 1. We desire that Mr. Edwards, by the Precinct, or by a com- mittee which the Precinct shall appoint, may be friendlily and in a I.IFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS. 310 christian manner treated with, and entreated to recede or come back from his principles, which he has pretended to maintain in his late book, against his own practice, and Mr. Stoddard's practice and principles, with respect to the admission of church members : which, if he refuses, " 2. To see if the Precinct will come into his notions or princi- ples, about the admission of church members : which, if the town refuse, " 3. Then to determine whether the Precinct do not tliink that it will be more for the honour of God, and more likely to promote the interests of religion, and peace and comfort in the Precinct, to endeavour after a separation, or any thing else, which the Precinct shall see cause to come into : which we desire may be done in the most friendly and christian manner possible. "John Hunt, Gad Lyman, Ephraim Wright, Josiah Pomeroy, Jonathan Strong, Jr., John Lyman, James Lyman, Jonadian Hunt, Joseph Wright, Gideon Lyman, Seth Pomeroy. '' JVorthamptoji, Oct. 16, 1749." " Accordingly the committee issued a warrant, in terms agree- able to this demand, and a Precinct meeting was warned to be on the very next Thursday, and it was convened on the day appointed, viz, Thursday, Oct. 19. At the meeting it was moved and insisted on by some, that it should be put to vote. Whether I should not be desired to deliver the reasons of my ojnnion from the pulpit ? and it passed in the negative. And there being several, who objected against proceeding on the business specified in the warrant, that it was very improper, seeing we had agreed upon a day of fasting and prayer, to seek light from God, that such steps should be taken be- fore that day was passed, the meeting was therefore adjourned for a fortnight. " The next Sabbath, Oct. 22, the Church was stayed, accord- ing to the Sabbath before, and it was proposed that there should be some farther discourse, on what had been proposed the preceding Sabbath, concerning asking the advice of neighbouring ministers, about the admission of such persons, as stood ready to make a pro- fession of godliness, into the church, without delaying until our whole controversy should be brought to an issue. It was urged, that it was uncertain whether our affairs, in general, could be brought to a speedy issue ; that, if a council should be called which should have the power to issue them, it was uncertain whether they would think it best immediately to put them to an issue ; and particularly that it was questionable, whether they would think our affairs ripe for an issue, until the generality of the church had either read or heard the reasons of my opinion and conduct, with regard to tlie admis- sion of members. Then it was said by one of the brethren, that it would be proper to see whether the chm-ch would agree to what 320 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. I had proposed, with regard to the admission of those persons; inasmuch as the cliurch had never yet passed any vote upon it, liowever it had indeed been negatived by the church committee. Yet it vifas time enough to ask advice of ministers, when it was seen that the church and pastor could not agree. Whereupon it was put to vote, Whether the church would allow those, who were able and willing to make a profession of godliness, to he admitted into the church, in the way of publicly making such a profession,for the present, till our controversy could he brought to an issue ; and tliere were but few votes for it. Then the forementioned proposal was put to vote, viz. To ask advice of neighbouring ministers, con- cerning this matter ; and for tliis also there were but few votes. Then another thing was proposed to the Church, viz. That the Church would manifest their willingness, that I should declare the reasons of my opinion from the pulpit ; seeing it was a thing, that seemed to be acknowledged, and not disputed, that the members of the church in general had not been, nor were likely to be, in- formed of my reasons in any other way ; and that it was most reasonable, that they should be informed, before they proceeded to act any thing, as determining whether I should be cast out of my pastoral office, it being an affair of vast consequence to me and my^ family. I told them that I asked a manifestation of their consent, not because I doubted of my right to preach what, I was satisfied, was the counsel of God, without asking their consent ; but I chose to proceed in the most peaceable manner possible, and in that way that would tend most to prevent occasion of strife. After veiy much said against it by many of the brethren, it was put to vote in the following words : — " i desire that the brethren would manifest their consent, that I shoidd declare the reasons of my opinion, re- lating to Full Communion in the Church, in JLectures 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 the sake of peace, and to prevent occasions of strife.'''' — It passed intlie negative. Then I told the Church, that one thing yet remained, which I desired of them, viz. That it should be left to a few of the neigh- bouring ministers, whether it be not, all things considered, reasona- ble, that I shoidd be heard in this matter from thejyidpit, before the present affair should be brought to an issue ? Some things were objected with much strenuousness against it ; and I was charged with very much abusing the church, by my management with respect to the admission of members. One said, that if I preached /or my opinion, somebody else ought to be allowed to preach against it. I replied, that my business was to defend my own opinion : the brethren might use what means they pleased, for the defence of the contrary opinion, or to that purpose. After much said by many of LIFE Of I'HKSIWKNT KJJVVAKJ)S. 321 llie brethren, the leaving this matter to neighbouring ministers, was put to vote, and passed in the negative. " Tlie next Tiiursday, Oct. 26, we had our fast, according to appointment.* " The next week, on Thursday, Nov. 2, 1749, the Precinct met again, according to their adjournment, and chose a committee of nine, to confer with me, and consider what measures are proper to be taken, in order to issue the dispute between me and my peo pie, concerning Qualifications for full communion in the church, or to that purpose ; and then adjourned themselves to Thursday, the week following. The same committee came to me the next day, and told me for what they were chosen by the Precinct, and asked me whether I had any measures to propose. I told tiiem, tliat I had akeady proposed what I supposed to be reasonable ; in that, in the first place, I had proposed, that my people should give me a fair hearing of the reasons of my opinion from the pulpit, and that they should previously manifest their consent to it ; seeing that such previous manifestation of consent, would so evidently tend to peace, and to prevent tumults or ferments ; and secondly, that when they had refused this, I had proposed, that it should be left to some of the neighbouring ministers. Whether it was not reasonable that they should comply with this proposal. And I told the committee, that I still insisted upon it as a reasonable thing, that they should consent to hear my reasons from the pulpit, and told them withal, that they might, if they pleased, use means to know what could be said on the other side. They might either employ ministers to preach against it in my pulpit, or they might get whom they pleased to write and pubhsh his reasons against it. They tlien told me that, before they came, they had agreed to make me this offer, viz. " That if I would consent to it, they would endeavour to bring the Precinct to yield, that 1 shoidd preach in defence of my opinion, either on Lectures appointed for that end, or on the Sabbath, as I pleased ; provided I would first draw out each sermon, that I intended to preach, at large in a legible charac- ter, and give it to them, and give them opportunity to carry it to some minister, that he might see it, and lyrepare an answer to it, be- fore I delivered it; and that then I might deliver it, if I would con- sent that he sho%dd,from the pulpit, deliver his answer immediately after it.''"' I told them, that, "at present, I could not think it to be my duty to comply with this proposal, unless it were also allowed, that I should beforehand see the discourse of my antagonist, as he was to see mine, that I might stand on even ground with him^ " I then gave them some reasons, why I thought it not a regular proceeding, for the Precinct to take the consideration and manage- * A blank was left here in the MS. probably to give some account of this fast, but it was not filled up. Vol. I. 41 323 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ment of this Ecclesiastical affair into their hands, in the manner they had done. But they insisted on it, that it was not irregular. They then went away without concluding any thing. " The next Monday, Nov. 6, the Committee met again by them- selves, at another house, and concluded upon, and drew up, tlie following report : "At a meeting of the Committee, chosen by the first Precinct of Northampton, to concert what measures are proper for said Precinct to take, in order to issue the dispute, between the Rev. Mr. Edwards, minister of said Precinct, and the Precinct, respect- ing tlie admission of persons to complete standing in the Christian Church; said Committee determined to report, that they judge that it is expedient, that the Precinct endeavour that there may be a meeting of the Church in said Precinct, to see if the Church will apply to some of the neighbouring ministers, for their advice and coun- sel, respecting measures to be taken by the Church in the said af- fair ; wliich application to the ministers aforesaid, said Committee judge the best expedient in the present difficulty ; which conclu- sion the Committee came into unanimously, having previously con- ferred with Mr. Edwards, that they might the better determine what would conduce to the end aforesaid. " Ebenezer Pomeroy, John Clark, Joseph Wright, Noah Cook, Samuel Mather, Noah Wright, Ebenezer Hunt, Seth Pomeroy, Joseph Hawley. '' JVorthampton, Nov. 6, 1749." "This writing was shown to me by one of their number, tlie Wednesday following, on the evening before the Precinct-meeting, to which they were to make their report. " The next day, Thursday, Nov. 9, the Precinct met again, ac- cording to adjournment, to receive the Report of the Committee j and then I sent the following letter to the Precinct : " Dear friends and brethren, " I never heard that any such thing was proposed, or thought of by the Committee of the Precinct, as is proposed in their Report, until yesterday ; their determination was shown me last night, by a messenger from them, one of their number ; and I have had no op- portunity to confer with the Committee about it, or to ofler any ob- jection to them against their proposal. I therefore think it requi- site, that I should at this time signify to you the reasons, why the thing proposed by them appears to me not to be regular or rea- sonable. "1. As the Proposal of the Committee is expressed, tliey de- sire that a church meeting should be warned, to see if the Church will not call a Council, or meeting of ministers, to advise to mea- LIFE OF PRESIDENT F.DVVARnS. 323 « sures to be taken by ilie Climch, in order to issue the dispute be- tween the minister of the Precinct and the Precinct, wliicli I think is not proper. If the Church call a Council, it will doubtless be in order to be assisted, with regard to some controversies or difficul- ties of its own, and not to remedy the disputes of the Precinct. The business of a Precinct-meeting is to manage the affairs of a Precinct 5 and the business of a Church-meeting is about the af- fairs of a Church, and not about the affairs of civil societies. It is not yet certain, that there is any dispute or difference between the Pastor and the Church, for this has never been properly tried. "2. If I do not misunderstand the Report of the Committee, it js therein proposed, that the Church-meeting should, in the warn- ing, be limited to a particular method of managing the business they meet upon, viz. To consider, whether to call a Council of neighbouring ministers, to advise to measures, etc. I am not against warning a Church-meeting, if you desire it, to consider of proper measures to be taken, to secure and promote the interests of religion, and the Church's own welfare, under its present cir- cumstances. But I do not know, why the Church should be lim- ited to any certain method of proceeding, which the Precinct has thought of. The Precinct has no more business to limit or direct the Church to a certain method, in managing its affairs, than the Church has to direct and limit the Precinct, in the management of its affairs. It is not yet known, that the Church will not them- selves agree on some measures, to bring their own difficulties to an end, or that they will not think proper to choose a Committee of their own, to this end, who may be successful in contriving a me- thod, to which the Church may agree, which may supersede the need of a Council. " My purpose, in sending in this writing to you, is, not to per- plex you, nor clog any reasonable proceedings, but to do my duty to you, as your guide in religious matters, and that I may do what is pro})er, to prevent any just blame, that you, or I myself, might hereafter fall under ; and therefore, 1 ho]je that what I have said, will be taken in good part, from your affectionate pastor, who de- sires that you may go in the way of your duty, and in the way of God's blessing, and may be a people happy in his favour. " Jonathan Edwards. ''Northampton, Nov. 9, 1749." " The Precinct, notwithstanding tliis, at this meeting accepted the Report of the Committee, and passed the following vote : — " Voted, That Deac. Noah Cook, and Deac. Ebcnezer Pomeroy, wait on Mr. Edwards, and desire him to call a meeting of the first Church in Northampton, to determine by a vote in said meeting, 1st. Whether there he not a dispute, between Mr. Edwards, Pastor] of the Church in said Precinct and the Church, respecting the ques- 324 I^IFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. * i tion he hath argued in his book last published ; and if it shall ap- pear, that there is a dispute between him and them, respecting the question aforesaid, then, 2d. To see if the Church will apply to some neighbouring ministers for advice, as to what cotirse the Church shall take.''^ " They also added ten more to the Committee of the Precinct, chosen at their former meeting ; so that the Committee for manag- ing this affiiir for the Precinct, now consisted oi nineteen. Those, who were added, were. Col. Dwight, Capt. Baker, Jonathan Strong, Capt. Roger Clap, Josiah Parsons, Capt. John Lyman, Increase Clark, Lieut. James Lyman, Lieut. Hunt, and Eleazer King. " This meeting was still continued and adjourned for four weeks. The next day, Deac. Cook and Deac. Pomroy came to me, as they were directed, and brought a copy of the Vote of the Pre- cinct, desiring me to warn a meeting of tlie church, etc. as afore- said. " The Sabbatli following, Nov. 12, I warned a meeting of the church in the following general terms : — " I desire that there may be a meeting of this church, in this place, to-morrow, at one o'clock in the afternoon, to consider. What course ought to be taken by this Church, under its present difficulties, with respect to the admission of members into the Church." — The church ..accordingly met the ' next day, Monday, Nov. 13th. The meeting w^as opened by prayer. And after some things were said, as much blaming me for warning the church meeting in such general terms, and not in the manner I had been directed by the Precinct, and being told that, if I still refused, tlie Precinct w'ould warn a church meeting themselves, without me ; I gave the reasons why I did not, when I warned the meeting, specify in the warning those particulars on which the Precinct insisted : As 1, That I judged it would be a bad precedent, and a tiring of hurtful consequence, for a church thus to allow itself to be subject to the prescriptions of a Precinct- meeting ; and said further to this purpose, that it Avas an unreasona- ble way of managing church affairs, to bring them first into a Pre- cinct-meeting, and there to consider, and debate them, and come to a conclusion what should be done ; and all this in the absence of the Pastor, he being designedly excluded ; and then, after all things are setded, and ripened for execution in the Precinct-meet- ing, to send their orders to the Pastor, to call a church meeting, to pass those conclusions of theirs into church-acts, and execute what they had before determined should be done. It appeared to me a way, that had a tendency wholly to make void all the power of churches, and to render church meetings a mere nullity, and to set the Pastor aside altogether as a cypher, so that he shall not so much as be present, when ecclesiastical matters are debated, and MFE OF PIIESIDENT EDWA" DS. 325 ripened, and brought to a determination, to have any opportunity to speak his mind, or say one word as attempting to enlighten the church with regard to what is to be done ; but is only made their organ, or an instrument in their hands, and subject to their will, to bring things to execution, which they have settled and resolved on wholly without him. " 2. That as to the latter thing, for which I was directed to call a church meeting, viz. — To see whether the church will apply to the neighbouring ministers for advice, as to what course the church shall take — I looked upon it unreasonable ; because all tlie neigh- bouring ministers, except one, were professedly on the side of my people, in the controversy between me and my people. And though it was only to give advice what course to take, yet their advice might be such as might, in effect, finish the whole affair. Such a foundation might be laid by previous advice, as might very much determine what remains. " But I told the church that I would not dispute about the for- mer of the particulars, and stood ready now immediately to put it to vote : and accordingly put the vote in the followmg terms : — " I desire that those, who have a dispute or controversy with the Pastor of this Church, respecting the question he hath argued in his book last published, would manifest it." — The major part of the church hereupon manifested that they had such a dispute. " Then, instead of the other thing proposed by the Precinct to be put to vote, viz. TVhether the Church will apply to some neigh- houring ministers for advice, as to what course to take ; I insisted, — " That a Council should be called, mutually chosen, to consider of the present circumstances of this Church, relating to the contro- versy subsistijig between the Pastor and people, concerning the Qualifications of communicants ; and to give their advice, what course we shall take, to bring this dispute or controversy to an issue, and, in general, what is to be done, in our present circum- stances, in order to the ChurcKs peace and prosperity.''^ — After much debate upon it, the meeting was adjourned for a week, and a Committee of five persons chosen to consider of the matter, and confer upon it with the Pastor, and report their opinion to the next meeting. The Committee were Major Pomroy, Col. D\\ight, In- crease Clark, Lieut. Noah Wright, and Mr. Joseph Hawley. " The Committee, on consultation and conference with me, wrote their report on the backside of the paper, wherein I had written my proposal, as follows : — ^" The Committee of the first church in Northampton appointed, by the church to consider the within proposal, and report to the church what is best to be done, report as follows, viz. That the church do join with JNIr. Edwards, according to the within proposal of choosing a council ; and the Committee agree to the number of five, and would not be against a greater number, if the church think fit, to be mutually chosen, and 326 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. to be appointed to meet in this town, four weeks hence from next Thursday. " Timothy Dwight, Joseph Hawley, Increase Clark, Noah Wright." " Major Pomeroy refused to sign the report. " On Monday, Nov. 20, the church met, according to adjourn- ment ; and, after prayer. Major Pomeroy stood up, and observed to the church, that his name was not to the report, and gave these two reasons why he did not sign it: — 1. " That my proposal was in ge- neral terms, and, it being apparent, that I regarded my own tem- poral interest more than the good of the church, the church had reason to think that I designedly laid a snare, to ensnare the church by those general terms, and therefore warned the church, that they had best by all means to beware and see to it, that they were not ensnared ;" and said much more to this purpose : 2. " If the report was complied with, there would be room for the council to give advice, with respect to the admission of those persons, who stood ready to make a profession of godliness, and might possibly advise that they should be admitted with such a profession ; which would be giving me great advantage, contrary to the rights of the church, of which the church had better not run the risk ; and, though the advice of the council would not be binding, yet if they should advise to their admission in this way, it might lay tlie church under great disadvantage." " These things seemed greatly to alarm the church, and the church refused to vote the report of the Committee ; and, after much discourse and debating, it was determined to add ten to the Committee of the church, so as to make the whole number ^?fee«, that they might consider what was to be done, and report to another meeting. And then, inasmuch as some had found fault with my appointing sacraments of the Lord's Supper, and some had turned their backs on the sacrament since this controversy, and the usual time for a sacrament being come, it was proposed to the church. Whether it was their mind that the administration of the Lord's Supper, should be continued or not ? and after considerable dis- course it was put to vote and passed in the negative. Then the meeting was adjourned for a fortnight. "The persons now added to the Committee were the follo^ving: Messrs. John Baker, Jonathan Strong, Roger Clap, Deac. John Clark, Deac. Pomeroy, Joseph Wright, John Lyman, James Ly- man, Gideon Lyman, and Eleazar King. The whole Committee, excepting Col. Dwight who was gone to Boston, met on the next Monday, Nov. 27, 1749, and passed several votes which were drawTi up in writing ; and the next Wednesday they all came to- gether to my house, and showed me the writing they had drawn up containing the said votes, as follows ; LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 327 " At a meeting of a Committee of the first church of Northamp- ton, on Monday, the 27lh day of November, 1749, " Voted, That a council be chosen, previous to any endeavours after a separation, to advise on the articles hereafter mentioned : " The first question that was put after some conference was, — Whether any members of a council to be chosen either by pastor or people, to advise us to what course we shall take, previous to any endeavours after a separation, shall be those who live out of the County of Hampshire ? Voted in the negative. "2. Whether any members of a definitive council, if finally there be need of such council, should come from any parts out of the County? Voted in the negative. " Whether, if Mr. Edwards shall continue of the principles he has advanced in his late book, tlie Committee judge he ought to continue Pastor of this Church, or not? Voted in tlie negative, ne- mine contradicente. " 4. That, if there be a Council called to give advice, at pre- sent, previous to endeavours after separation, the particulars or ar- ticles upon which tliey are to advise, shall be determined and pro- posed to them. " 5. Voted, That one article which the Council shall have pro- posed to them, shall be — Whether the Church shall take any longer time to study or peruse Mr. Edwards' late book ? " 6. It was put — Whether it shall be proposed to the Council, to advise whetlier Mr. Edwards should preach on his late principles ? and it passed in the negative. " 7. Voted, That another article to be proposed to the Coun- cil, shall be — That, inasmuch as there is so great opposition, in the Church and Precinct, to Mr. Edwards' principles, advanced in his late book, whether tlie Church shall not use means immediately for a separation ? " 8. Voted, That, if the Council shall think it best to use means for a separation, the question shall be proposed to them. What means shall be used therefor ?" " On another paper, which at the same time they delivered to me, was written the following vote, viz. " Whereas our Pastor, the Rev. Mr. Edwards, having separated and departed from the principles which the great Mr. Stoddard brought in and practiced, and which he himself was settled upon, and a long time practised, with respect to tlie admission of mem- bers in complete standing into the visible Church, whether it be not the ophiion of tlie Church, that those principles are inconsis- tent with the principles of religion, and the peace of the Church and Town, and therefore desire a separation, he continuing in liis principles. 328 I'lFB OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS, " The above written was voted to be proposed to tlie first Church in Northampton, for their acceptance, at a meeting of the Committee of said Church, on Monday, Nov. 27, 1749, provided the proposals of the Committee, respecting a Council for advice previous to endeavours after a separation, should not be agreed to by Mr. Edwards ; or there be nothing else agreed to, by Mr. Ed- wards and the Committee, respecting said Council, and the ends for which they are to be called. " Voted further by the Committee, That, provided the Church desire a separation, they should consider and determine upon choosing a Council, to dismiss Mr. Edwards from this Church, and dissolve his pastoral relation thereto." " The papers containing these votes, were delivered to me by the Committee, at a meeting of theirs at my house, the Wednesday following ; (Nov. 29,) and, I desiring time for consideration, they consented that I should have time, and appointed another meeting of the Committee, on Tuesday the week following, at the house of Major Pomeroy, to receive my answer in wi'iting. It was agreed, that it should be put to vote in the Church the next Sabbatli, that the church-meeting, which was adjourned to the next Monday, be put off a week longer. " To the appointed meeting, on Tuesday, Dec. 5, I sent the fol- lowing letter : "Dear brethren, " I would now lay before you some reasons, why I think that your votes at your late meeting, on Nov. 27, are not to be appro- ved of 5 which I would do in the spirit of meekness, and desire tliat tliey may in the same spirit be weighed and considered : " I. It is manifest that in these votes, you are in various instances very inconsistent with yourselves : " 1. Your votes imply that it is your mind, that a Council should be called, previous to any endeavours after a separation between pastor and people, and also previous to what you call a Definitive Council : that is previous to a Council, which shall determine whe- ther pastor and people shall be separated or not : and yet, in your seventh vote, you have voted that it shall be proposed to the first Council, f4 hether the Church shall not use means immediately for a separation : which implies that this first council should pass their judgment, Whether minister and people ought not to he speedily separated ; which is the very business of the last council, who, as you yourselves suppose, are to determine that matter. If the first council are to have no power to determine it, then why should they take it upon diem pubhcly to enquire, and judge, and give their voice, how it ought to be determined ? If there be a certain con- sistory, to whom it does not belong to decide a matter, and it is also LIFE OF PRESIDENT EOWaUDS. 329 determined beforehand, that they siiall not decide it, but that it sliall be decided by odier judges ; I diink diey would but do tlie part of busy-bodies, to meddle u ith it so far as publicly to take cognizance of it, and pass tlieir judgment in it. — According to Con- gregational principles, on which this church seem to insist, the ut- most, which any Council under heaven has to do, is only to give tlieir judgment, without laying any proper obligation on those whom they advise. " 2. In your concluding vote in your second paper, you have given your voice, That, if I do not agree to what you shall finally insist upon, or to that purpose, it shall he proposed to the Church, immediately to call a Council to dismiss me. And surely such a Council, if they have any thing to do as Counsellors, will have to judge — Whether I ought to be dismissed, or not ; and. Whether it be consistent with the interests of religion, and the peace of the Toivn and Church, that I should be continued here. And yet, in the same vote, you have voted to propose it to the church, to take this work of the Council into their own hands, and to determine tliem- selves, in the first place, — Whether my continuance here is coyisi^- tent with the interests of religion, and the peace of the 1'oivn and Church; and. Whether a separation ought not to be sought: — wliich is first judging the very thing, which they are to call a Coun- cil to judge of, and direct tliem in. Herein you are inconsistent with yourselves ; and, if you persist m such a vote, will be incon- sistent with the rules of decency and order, and all usual methods of proceeding. — In so great an 'affair, as the separation of a pastor and a people, it is by no means proper for a people, whatever their private thoughts may be, to proceed to declare their judgment in public votes and acts, until tliey have had the voice of a Council to lead and conduct them. " 3. You yourselves, the gentlemen of the Committee, have taken it upon you to do that, which is properly the business of what you call the Definitive Council, — in your third vote ; wherein you vote. That, if I persist in my principles, I ought not to continue the Pastor of this Church. This vote, you have passed, as a Com- mittee of this Church ; and, if you persist in it, it must be a part of your Report to the Church, intended for their direction ; nor can such a vote of yours be of any other use. And so herein you give your judgment and direction to the Church directly, in that veiy matter, which the last Council is to judge of, and direct the Church in. " 4. You vote that a Council should be called, previous to any endeavours after a separation ; and yet, in this third vote, you yourselves do at the same time, before any Council is called, im- mediately proceed to that which is properly and directly of the na- ture of an endeavour, that I should be separated, provitled I do not retract my opinion. For it must be supposed, that you had some Vol. I. 42 330 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. end in it, and passed this vote as a means to some public effect ; and the effect directly looked at, is no other than a separation in such a case. " 5. The only proviso made in the said third vote, wherein it is voted that I ought not to continue the pastor of this church, is — " If I continue of the principles which I have advanced ;" without adding — Or the Church be brought to be of my mind, or any thing of that nature; whereby it is plainly supposed, that it is a thing al- ready determined, and out of the question, that the church never will be of my mind. And yet you afterwards vote. That a Coun- cil shall be called for that very end — ^to judge whether the church shall take any longer time to study and peruse my book : — which, if they do advise to, it must be as requisite in order to a proper trial, whether the church, on proper information, will not be brought to be of my mind. So that, putting both these votes to- gether, it comes to this, — that you would call a Council to judge, Whether there has already been a fair trial, whether the Church, on proper information, will be brought to be of my mind ; and yet, you tell them, at the same time, That you have decided this matter already, and have determined, that it is no longer worth the while to make a question of it, and that it is clear enough already, to be taken as a ground of pxd}lic votes and acts. And this is, in effect, to tell the Council, at the same time you call them. That you do not need them; having thoroughly determined the matter already yourselves, in which you have called them to advise. " II. You are not only inconsistent with yourselves, but I think several of your votes are very inconsistent with reason and justice. " 1 . Your votes imply, that I should be allowed to choose none who live out of the county of Hampshire, to be members of any Council, wdiich shall have any thing to do in judging of our affairs, either in giving advice for our conduct, or to determine and finish our controversy ; which, as the case stands, is contrary to plain reason, and universally established maxims of equity, and incon- sistent with the most acknowledged rights of mankind. For it is apparent from your own statement, that the matters of difficulty, concerning which the judgment or advice of any Council is need- ed or proposed, are wholly tilings appertaining to a controversy be- tween me and the church, concerning qualifications of candidates for christian ecclesiastical communion ; and it is well known, that the ministers of the county are almost universally on one side, and against me, in this controversy. And I desire you impartially to consider, whether, if you should persist in these conclusions, it would be doing, as you would be done by ? Supposing that it had happened on my side, as it has on yours, that the ministers of the county had been as generally and as fully on my side, in the origi- nal controversy, as now they are on yours ; would you have thought it reasonable, it I should in that case have insisted upon it, that you LIFK OF PKKSIDKNT EDWARDS. 331 should not be suffered to go out of the county, to bnng ministers for any Council, which was to have any hand in judging, advising or determining in our affairs ? " 2. If 1 understand your Vote, you have determined. That the Council, which shall be called to advise us what course to take un- der our present difficulties, shall be so limited, that they shall have no liberty to judge of our circumstances in general, and so advise to proper expedients for our welfare as they shall think requisite ; and That particular care shall be taken, that they shall not give any judgment or advice, with regard to some things, which have been matters of difficulty and controversy, between me and the church. And, I think you, in effect, have voted. That they shall be limited to that one single thing, viz, Mliether the Church shall take longer time, to study or peruse my hook ? For, as was observed before, llie other things which you mention, cannot belong to the business of the Previous Council, but are the proper business of the Last Council. Now against diis, I object the follo\nng things : " (1.) To call a Council, and limit them in this manner, does not at all answer the present circumstances and cxis;encies of this Church. The present sorrowful state of the Church greatly re- quires a Council, which shall have liberty to look into the whole state of our case, without keeping some parts of our difficulties out of their sight, that they may give us advice what course we shall take for our welfare. If ever it was requisite that the whole case of a patient, under a most terrible and threatening disease, should be laid before physicians, it is requisite that our whole case shoidd be laid before a council, for tlieir advice with regard to our diffi- culties in general. What we need a Council for, if we need any at all, before a Council comes to determine whether we shall be separated or not, is if possible, to find out a remedy for our bro- ken, confused and perplexed, circumstances ; so that, either pastor and people may walk together in peace, or, at least, that things may be so regulated, that there may be some peace while we are continued together. And, if finally, there should appear a neces- sity of a separation, that things may be prepared for an equitable and peaceable parting. But to tie up a Council to such a single particular, as is mentioned in your votes, is utterly to disable them from answering these ends. " (2.) It would be very absurd, in itself, for tlie Church to come into such a determination. It would be for the Chursli to set itself up in a sort of supremacy and self-sufficiency, as above all controul and advice. It would be in effect to saj-, — ' In these and these jiarts of the controversy between us and our pastor, we need no advice, nor will we allow a Council to give us any.' — And it would be indecorous treatment of any Council, under any csrcumstances, thus to tie them up. The language of it would be, — ' We, in these tilings, art not willing to trust your judgment, esteeming ourselves 333 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. wiger than you." — ^If you say tliat tliose parts of our controversy, which the Council are tied up from meddling with, are very clear and plain ; then so much the less reason have you to fear leaving them to the determination of a Council ; unless you are confident that you are wiser than they. " For you to insist on these limiting votes, \^ill be very unequal and unfair dealing with me. As the Council is to be called to advise in matters controverted between you and me, one party has no more right to limit the other party, as to the controverted points which shall be referred, than the other party has to limit the one. If I should claim a power to decide in this matter, and should single out a particular point, such as I thought would best serve my purpose, and say, — ' I will have this matter, and this only, judg- ed of by a Council ; and as to other matters, which you "de- sire that they should advise in, 1 will not suffer it :' — would you hearken at all to it, or bear such treatment? " One thing more I think it my duty to observe to you, before I conclude. After your other votes, you conclude all with this, as an enforcement of the whole : — "That, provided the proposals of the Committee, respecting a Council, etc. should not be agreed to by me, and there should be nothing else agreed to respecting said Council, and the ends for which they are to be called ; you will propose it to the church to vote my principles so and so pernicious, and to manifest a desire of separation, and to call a Council to dis- miss me." I think that tliis Vote, with these circumstances ap- pended, is properly of the nature of a Threatening. — That if I do not comply w^ith what you, the Committee, shall finally insist upon, you will propose to the church to deal thus with me. — As you are a Committee chosen to confer with me concerning a method of proceeding, I might reasonably expect that, as you are christians, and christians to whom I stand in the relation of a Pastor, you would first have seen. Whether, by friendly conference, we could not have amicably agreed on measures to be taken. If you had thought it proper to pass any such vote at all, and to let me see it ; one would have thought that at least it should have been forborne, until you had found, by conference, that I Avould agree to nothing reasonable, and that this should have been the last thing you did. But, at the very first interviev/, to come with such menaces to ter- rify me into a compliance with you, before a word of conference between us ; is indeed carrying things with a high hand ; of which I entreat you calmly and seriously to consider. " On tlie W'hole, I desire you Avould not persist in the votes you have passed, and that you would consider again. Whether tlie pro- posals, which were agreed to by me and the former Committee of the church, are not just and reasonable 5 and the measures therein pro- posed such as our circumstances require. But if not, if you can think of any other measures, wnich are equitable, and have any ten- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 333 clency to answer the exigencies of our present circumstances ; I hope you will not find me difficult or hackward to a compliance. " I am your servant, for Jesus' sake, " Jonathan Edwards. ''Northampton, Bee. 5, 1749." " The next day, being Wednesday, Dec. 6, the Committee came again to my house ; and after they were come together, the chairman, Major Pomroy, told me, — That they had further con- sidered of our difficulties, or to that purpose, and had read my long letter ; and that it was abundance of trouble and difficulty the church was put to ; and that it was the voice of the Committee that it was I, that was the occasion of all this difficulty. — " This," said he, " I say in the name of the Committee ; and that, which I am now about to say, I will say in my own name, and that is. That it may well be matter of solemn consideration to you, that you should put the church to so much trouble and difficulty. And I would advise you to take the matter into your serious and solemn consideration and contemplation. And, as to the affair we are upon, we have deter- mined that we will not dally about the matter ; and therefore we are come to tliis conclusion ;" or words to that purpose. — Then he handed me a paper, containing their conclusion in the following words : — " At a meeting of the Committee of tlie First Church in Northampton, on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 1749 ; Agreed by said Com- mittee, that they will recommend to the church, that there be a Council mutually chosen by the church and Mr. Edwards, if Mr. Edwards desires to have a part in the choice, to consist of seven or nine churches, all in the County of Hampshire ; to which Coun- cil the church shall represent and declare the difference and con- troversy, which subsists between the church and the said Edwards, respecting the Qualifications necessary to admission to complete standing in the Visible Church of Christ ; and also to inform tire said Council, that, since the opposition in the said church to Mr. Edwards' sentiments in the particular aforesaid is very general ; and that, since JNIr. Edwards, in this particular, has dissented from the church, and departed from the principles on which he was set- tled and ordained Pastor of said church ; it is the desire of the church that Mr. Edwards may be dismissed from said church, and that his pastoral relation thereto be dissolved ; and that the church shall supplicate the said Council to proceed to dismiss and release the said church and Mr. Edwards from each other, if they shall judge it best to be done ; and the church shall humbly entreat the said Council, in the most impartial manner, to consider the case and desire of the church." "After I had read this determination of the Connnittce, I told them that 1 desired opportunity for consideration until the next day. 334 LIVE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. when I would endeavour to come to a determination what I would do ; which I would send them in ^mting, if they would meet at any- place to receive it. Accordingly they appointed a meeting the next day, to receive my determination, and to conclude on their own report to the church. " The next day, being Thursday, Dec. 7, the Precinct met ac- cording to adjournment, and adjourned themselves further until the next Tuesday, the day after the appointed church meeting. — The same day also the Committee of the church met, when I sent them a Letter, containing my determination, as I had proposed ; which was as follows : " To the Committee of the First Church in Northampton, at their meeting, Dec. 7, 1749. " Dear Brethren, " The reasons, which I have given, showing it to be just, that all Councils, called to judge or advise in our present affair, should be mutually chosen, and that I should have Hberty to nominate some of the members out of the County, I think of most undeniable evi- dence, and that indeed the matter is so plain, that it does not pro- perly admit of any dispute. Yet, since I find you are so resolved not to comply with what I so reasonably urge, I now, for the sake of peace, and to avoid great tumult and confusion, make you the following offer, viz. — That the ministers of this Association should be consulted, that is the seve^i ministers who live nearest, or the Jive nearest, if you think seven too many ; and that it shall be left to their judgment. Whether it be not reasonable and best in this case, that I should be allowed to go out of the County for minis- ters or churches, to be some of the members of the Council who are to judge, whether I shall be dismissed from my pastoral office here or not ? — and that, if they determine that it is best that this should be allowed, then their judgment be asked. Whether the state of things be now ripe for such a Council being called ? — and, if they judge that we are not ripe for it, that we should ask their advice, How we shall conduct ourselves for the present ? " These ministers are, in the most proper sense, the ministers of the vicinity, and are all, save one, professedly on your side, in our main controversy. If we go from these, in the way of mutual choice, I insist on the liberty of going out of the County. — If you accept this offer, I now promise that, whatever the judgment or advice of these ministers shall be, in tlie forementioned particulars; I will make no objection against your choosing any of them to be of the future Council. " As to your last conclusion of Dec. 5, my present determination is, not to consent to it, nor to put any such thmg to vote, nor in any LIFE i)V PRESIDENT KD\\A1{I)S. respect to have any hand in tlie matter ; unless first adv^ised to it by these ministers. Jonathan Edwards." " P. S. I request of you that you would let me know what your report to the church shall be, when it is concluded upon, some lime before the meeting." " When the Committee had received and read this letter, they concluded on the following report to be made to the church ; of which one ot them brought me a copy die next day, as follows : " At a meeting of the Committee of the first church in North- ampton, chosen by said church to devise measures for the church to take, under their present difficulties, and to report to said church at their next meeting ; the said Committee agreed to report, That they judge it prudence, and conducing to the welfare of the church, that a council of five churches in the County of Hampshire, mutu- ally chosen by Mr. Edwards and the said church, be called, to con- sider and give their judgment, " 1. Whether the state of affairs in the church, or otherwise of the controversy, subsisting between Mr. Edwards and the church, be ripe for the calling of a council, to judge whether Mr. Edwards shall be dismissed from his pastoral office in said church, or not ; which, if they shall determine in the affirmative, then to give their judgment, " 2. Whether it be reasonable and best in this case, and agree- able to the constitution of these churches, that Mr. Edwards should be allowed to go out of the County of Hampshire, for ministers or churches, to be some of the members of a council for the purpose aforesaid. But if they shall think the state of affairs is not ripe for the calling of such a council, then " 3. To consider and advise what course the church shall take, to ripen afiairs in the said church, for such a council. " The above is what the Committee agreed to report to the church, at their next meeting. "Attest, Ebenezer PoMEROY, Cli'm. of the Com. " Northampton, Dec. 7, 1749." " The next Monday, Dec. 11, the church met according to ap- pointment, when, after the meeting was opened by prayer, my last letter to the Committee, containing my proposed offer to the Com- mitte, and the Committee's report, were bodi read. And then I read to the church what follows, containing some objections to the report of the Committee : " Dear Brethren, " You very well know that what has been insisted upon hereto- fore by my people, was that the neighbouring ministers should be 33G LIFE OF I'UESIDENT EDWARDS. consulted, as a Previous Council, to give us advice what course we should take, before the calling of a Council to determine whether pastor and people should be separated ; and that I objected against it — these ministers being almost universally, by their open profes- sion, on your side in the grand controversy between you and me; — and that I insisted on it, as just and equal, that I should have a choice with you in this council of advisers ; and that if those whom you chose were known to be on your side in the main controversy, I should have liberty to nominate as many who should be on my side; and that this was as just in a council, which should be called to give previous advice, as in a council which should judge concern- ing the affair of our separation ; because such a foundation might be laid by the previous advice of the first council, as might in ef- fect finish the whole affair. But, however, I have not been hear- kened to in this matter ; and one thing urged in opposition to what I insisted on, was, that according to the Platform of Church Disci- pline, such affairs should be judged of by those who, were of the vi- cinity, or neighbourhood. And finding after long urging what 1 looked upon as my due, and might claim as one of the common rights of mankind, that all my reasonings were in vain, I have now at length yielded that point, and for the sake of peace, which in the whole course of this affair I have earnestly pursued, have complied with that which you at first insisted upon, — viz. that the neighbouring ministers shall be desired to give us advice what course to take, pre- vious to the council called to judge whether pastor and people shall be separated ; and that I would leave it to them to judge, on a full view of our case, how we shall conduct ourselves. Now I think you ought not to reject what I offer, and attempt to constrain me to a compliance with the new measures, on which the Committee have agreed, for the following reasons : "1. It would be a very unjust proceeding. The neigbouring ministers, on whom you first insisted, have indeed much to preju- dice them against me in those affairs, being declaredly against me in the main controversy. But it is well known that many of the ministers of the County, who are out of tlie neighbourhood, have had much more to prejudice them. These neighbouring ministers are all Calvinists in theii' persuasion, and friends to the late revival of religion, and those who have lived in good neighbourhood and peace with me, which has not been interrupted by any remarkable breach between me and them, or any known affront or disgust which they have taken. But with regard to the other ministers of the County it is well known, that four or five of them have hereto- fore had the reputation of Arminians. Some others of them are known to have been streniious opposers of the late revival of reli- gion, for which I have been so public an advocate. And you know that the dispute about the late work in the land, is a controversy which has greatly engag ed the feelings of men. There are no less LIFE OP PRESIBBNT EDWARDS. ^37 ihan six of them, who have either had a particular difference or controversy with me thereupon, or have in times past openly mani- fested towards me a personal hostility or aversion ibr the part I have taken herein. Anotlier of them, one of the senior ministers of the County, has shown a strong prejudice, in this particular controversy between you and me, in something which he lias said to two of the brethren of the Committee of this Church, as I have been well informed. Another of them has an own father in the town, who is one of the Committee ; and several of his brothers are greatly en- gaged in this controversy. "2. If the church, at the same time that they agreed to the Report of the Committee, should withal say, that, if I had any un- reasonable objection against any particular minister, he should not be chosen ; still, proceeding on this plan would be in many ways «f unhappy consequence. It would necessitate me publicly to point out particular ministers of the County, and openly to object those things against them, which would naturally tend to excite un- pleasant feelings between those ministers and me — to beget new I)rejudlces and revive and establish old ones. And then it is wholly uncertain what the church would esteem reasonable objections; and this would open a door for new difficulties, and endless con- troversy about the particular members to be chosen, concerning the principles and past conduct of ministers, and probably with re- gard to some ministers, whether they be in the County or not : if being a matter of controversy, not yet decided, concerning three^ who used to be reckoned to be of the County, whether they indeed be of the Province. " 3. If the church should now^ depart from what they had for- merly insisted on, and I have now offered in compliance with them, and should act on the measures proposed by the Committee ; they would act very absurdly and inconsistently. For the Platform has heretofore been insisted on, as directing to ministers of the neigh- bourhood, and seems still to be Insisted on in the Report of the Committee, under the name of the Constitution of these Churches ; and yet this same Committee, in this very Report, insist on liberty to go out of the neighbourhood, without being limited by any other bounds than those of the County. Whereas it is those ministers whom I have proposed, and they only, who are properly the minis- ters of the neighbourhood. The Platform speaks of neighhour- hoods, but says nothing of counties. Many of the churches of the County are no more in the way of communication with us, than some churches out of the County. The churches in Sheffield, and some others in this County, are no more in the way of mutual concern and intercourse with us in our religious affairs, then the churches in Boston, and indeed not near so much. So that the Committee insist upon the Platform, and on our being confined to the neighbourhood, and yet at the same time insist on liberty tG Vol. I. ' 43 33S J^lFi^ OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS'. deviate from tlie Platform, and to depart from the neighbourhood. Yea they are yet more absurd ; for one grand pomt that is in con- troversy between us, is, — ^Whether we shall have liberty to go from the neighbourhood, for any Council ? And yet they insist upon liberty to go from the neighbourhood, in the first place, for a Coun- cil, to determine, Whether we shall have liberty to go from the neighbourhood ; which is the most gross and palpable inconsis- tency. " As to the determination of your forefathers, tliirty-six years ago, That they would he subject to a Council of the Churches of the County ; you, of this generation, never looked on it as any consti- tution for you, nor have you ever, in one instance, conformed to it ; For you never have yet in any one instance, since I have been your Pastor, referred any thing to a Council of Churches, but to Consistories of another nature. And besides the plain design of tbat vote was, that all the churches of the County taken together should be consociated as a Standing Council, agreeably to the Presbyterian Principles of Mr. Stoddard, who was the first mover in that affair, and drew that Vote. " And moreover what I now offer, viz. That our affairs should be referred to the ministers ol the Association, to which we belong, is much more agreeable to the design of that Vote, since the state of the County is so exceedingly altered from what it was then, being divided into different associations, and not only so, but be- come so much larger, the number of churches vasdy increased, and more dispersed, at a great distance one from another. This alteration in the state of the County, renders it impracticable for the churches to abide by that determination, so as to be obliged^ on every emergency wherein they need counsel, to call a Council of the whole County, consisting of near sixty members, from such distant places. " On the whole, I renewedly insist upon it, that the offer I make you is in itself highly reasonable and fair, yea, that therein I evi- dently depart from my just right in compliance with you, thai if possible, our affairs may be proceeded in with peace and wit^ out tumult. What I now propose, is what you yourselves have, ni til now, insisted on ; and I apprehend there can be no imaginable rea- son why it should now be departed from, unless it be to lay nie imder still greater disadvantages, and to have opportunity to I ring in such into the Council, as are still more prejudiced against me." One thing further I objected, which was against the manner of the draught of the Committee's report, which it is needless now to re- hearse. " On this ensued much discourse.- It was insisted that, in my mentioning the seven or five next neighbouring ministers, if these were allowed to be the Council, it would be my choosing all the Council myself: and inasmuch as I before appeared so much LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 339 A-gainst leaving these matters with them, but now complied, the vluircli had reason to suspect that I had discovered something con- cerning these ministers, which the church knew not of; which was a sufficient reason wliy the church should not comply with my pro- posal. " I added one thing further to my proposal, viz. Thnt five should be taken out of the seven next neighbouring ministers by mutual choice. But tliere appeared no inclination to comply with this. " After this, some of die people proposed to me, Whether I would be willing tliat a Council of churches should be called out of this neighbourhood, instead of a Council of Ministers. I replied that it seemed altogether needless and trifling, to put the churches to so much trouble, as to meet in Council, only to tell us whether we were ripe for a Council, and to advise us as to the manner of call- ing a Council. But however I would not break with the church on such a point, if they greatly insisted on it. But as soon as I had thus comphed with it, no more was said about it at that meet- ing. " After this it was once and again proposed to me, and by seve- ral persons. Whether I was willing that the matter should be refer- red to three ministers mutually chosen out of the seven ? — because then it was urged that there might be somewhat of a choice. I somewhat hesitated about it, thinking the number too small ; yet finally complied ; but as soon as I complied, the matter was entkely dropped, and no more said about it. " Last of all, it was proposed by one of the leading bretliren of the church, that the whole eight ministers of which the Association consisted be called together, with hberty of objecting, on each side, against any of the members, after they were come together; the objections to be judged of by the rest. I also manifested my readiness to comply with this. But nothing was said by the church, whether they would comply with this or not ; and nothing was done at this meeting, but the meeting was adjourned until the next day at two o'clock. " The next day, Dec. 12, the Precinct met again, at one o'clock, according to adjournment, and adjourned themselves further to the next Monday, Dec. 16. " The same day the church met again, according to their ad- journment, at 2 o'clock ; when, after long debating and much earnest talk till after sun-down, the church at length passed tlie fol- lowing Votes ; " 1 . That a Council should be called to advise us under our present difficulties, previous to any Council that may be called to judge whether Pastors and People should be separated ; and that it should be left to their judgment, Whether it he not reatomihle and best in this case, that I slwuld he allowed to s;o out of the 340 LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARBS". County for Ministers, or Churches, to he some of the members of the Council, ivho are to judge, whether I shall be dismissed from my pastoral office here or not ; and that if they determine that it is best that this should be allowed, then their judgment be asked, Whether the state of things be noiv ripe for such a Council bdng called ; and, if they judge we are not ripe for it, we should ask their advice. How we shoidd conduct ourselves for the present. " 2. That the Council should consist of five ministers, mutually chosen out of the seven nearest ministers." " After this vote was passed, it was urged that it should be five churches, instead of five ministers ; to which I yielded, after some objecting ; and then the following Vote was passed : " 3. That the Council shall be a Council of Churches. But only there shall be liberty given to both Pastor and People, if they have any olyections against any of the Messengers that shall be chosen, as unfit persons to judge in these matters, to offer their objections before the Council when met, who shall judge of the validity or sufiiciency of those objections." " Then we proceeded to nominate churches. I first nominated the church of South Hadley ; but this was objected against ; and a writing was produced under the hands of Ebenezer Pomroy and his Wife, testifying some things which they had heard the minister of South Hadley, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge, say, manifesting hrs mind in some of those things of which the Council were to judge. After considerable discourse on the matter, the church finally re- fused to allow that church to be of the Council. And the follow- ing churches were agreed upon, viz. the First Church in Hadley, the Church in Hatfield, the Church in Sunderland, the Church of Cold Spring, and the Second Church in Northampton. " Then the church proceeded to choose agents to represent them and manage their cause before the Council, and they chose the Hon. Ebenezer Pomroy, Lieut. Noah Wright, and Mr. Joseph Hawley. " Then several of the brethren earnestly urged, that the affair of our attending the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper should be reconsid- ered, insisting that this Ordinance ought to be upheld among us. After some discourse it was put to vote, — Whether the Church, on second consideration, thought it best, that that Oi'dinance should be upheld, and accordingly a Sacrament speedily appointed'^ — and it passed in the JVegative, by a very great majority. Then the church meeting was dissolved. " Mr. Joseph Hawley having been absent, when chosen one of the Agents of the Church, afterwards came to me, desiring me to "ipforra the church, that he declined serving in that capacity. A6- •LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ^41- cordingly, I stayed the church, on the Sabbath, Dec. 17, and in^ formed them of it ; when some of the brethren desired to know the reason why he decHned serving. Upon which he gave this reason, That his judgment was so different from that of the church, in those points which were referred to the judgment of the Coun- cil, that he could not in conscience plead before the Council, for those things on which the church insisted, or to that purpose. — Then it was put to v"ote, whether the church would add any other to those who had already been chosen."^ "The next Monday, Dec. 18, the Precinct met again, accord- ing to adjournment ; when it was proposed to the Precinct, and much urged by some of the principal men, that the Precinct should, by a vote, manifest their desire that I should not continue their minister, unless I altered my opinion, and a draft for such a vote was proposed by the Moderator ; but others much opposing it, as not proper before the advice of a Council had been asked, it was not put to vote. " At this meeting, the Precinct voted to send to Major Lyman, of Suffield,-|- and hire him to come and plead their cause at the approaching Council ; and appointed a man to go to him for that end. Then the meeting was adjourned for a fortnight." ■^ Tlic result of this vote is not mentioned. t The Hon. Phineas Lvman, an eminent Connsellovji- at Law, and after-, wards Major-Genora], first in llie Provincial Service, and then in the Britifb ^rlny. Ho declined the proposed service. eHAPTER XXI. jyieeting of Previous Council. — Remarks of Mr. Edwards, on the question, Uliether he ought not to he allowed to go out of the county, in the choice of the Final Council. — Remarks of Mr. Ed- wards, on the question. Whether the state of things was ripe for a Final Council. — Proposal of Mr. Edwards. — Result. — Ad- journment.— Measures of both parties. " The next week on Tuesday, Dec. 26, the Council that was chosen, met ;* and this Narrative, viz. the preceding part of it, was read to them. And then they proceeded to hear both what the Pastor and the Agents of the Church had to offer on those ar- ticles, which the Council had been desired to judge of, and advise in." On the question, Whether it was not reasonable and best, that he should be allowed to go out of the county, for Ministers or Churches to be some of the members of the Council, who were to judge, whether he should be dismissed from his pastoral office, or not; — Mr. Edwards submitted to the Council the following re- marks : " In order to determine — ^Whether I ought to be allowed to go out of the county, in my choice of a part of the Council, which is to decide on the question of my dismission ; it should be particu- larly considered — What the business of such a Council will be. And here I would observe, "1. That the business of that Council will not be to judge, Whether my opinion, on the jioint in controversy, he right, or not ; for that would be only to determine. Whether my opinion and theirs be the same ; which is supposed to be a tiling perfectly known be- fore the calling of the Council. On such a point, the opinion of ministers and churches cannot easily be hid, and they will be cho- sen on each side, because they are either of the one opinion or of the other. "2. Nor will it be the main business of that Council, to judge, — Whether, or no, I should finally continue the pastor of this church, if the people, after all fair means used, and all proper steps taken to effect an accommodation, should finally desire that I should not * The ministers who composed this Council, were, the Rev. Chester Wil- liams of Hadley, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge of Hatfield, the Rev. Mr. Billings of Cold Spring, (Belchertown,) and the Rev. Mr. Judd of West-Hampton. The names of the Delegates are not known.- LlFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 343 he their pastor ? — I have never given this Church the least reason to suspect, tliat I had any such thing in view, by any of my con- duct. And besides, I stand ready to save any Covnicil the trouble of judging in that matter. If the Church would in the first place give me a fiiir hearing, and take all proper previous steps, and treat me in that respect with justice, and answerably to the obligations which they owe me as their pastor, and yet finally should desire iny dismission; I should trouble a Council no fartlier, than barely to give me leave to relinquish my pastoral office. v " But, if I mistake not, the business of that Council will consist fhielly in the following things : " 1. In determining whether the pastor and church ought to be sejKH-ated, they must have liberty to do \vhat they can towards ef- fecting an accommodation. It will be unreasonable to call a Coun- cil, to decide on the question of separation, and yet so tie up their hands, that they shall be obliged to proceed on the supposition, that the disease is desperate, without allow ing them to judge of that matter for themselves, or to use any means or endeavours for a cmo. The separating of pastor and people will be an important event — an event followed by great, extensive and very unhap])y, consequences, and ought not to be done without obxious and irre- trievable necessity. That necessity ought not to be determined, merely by the parfies at variance ; but by the Council, which judges whether we must be parted, or not. The desperateness of the disease should not be determined by the patient, but by the physician. That Council must have our whole case laid before them, and then they must judge. Whether it ivill be worth the tvhile to vse any endeavours for an accommodation. And, if they judge that it is worth the while, then they must have liberty to use then- best skill, in order to effect it. For my part, though I confess there appears to me no probability of our difficulties ever being ad- justed ; yet I feel that I am not infallible, nor able certainly to de- termine that they cannot. I cannot certainly say diat a Council cannot enlighten me, so as to make my conscience easy as to any point of practice, so as to proceed in it with a good conscience. Nor can my people, as I apprehend, certainly determine that no Council can ever satisfy them, as to any point on which we are now divided. It is worth the while to try the skill of some of the ablest divines in the land ; and indeed it is necessary that it should he done, before we proceed to an act, fraught with such imjiortanl coi^.sequences, as the separation of pastor and people. And here the question arises, What sort of a Council is proper to be employ- ed in such an attempt ? — a Council wholly consisting of divines on one side in the controversy ? — or a Council consisting of some on both sides ? " 2. If they conclude that there is no hope of an accommodation, tliey win then be called upon to decide — Whethrr the parties arr 344 i-ll'K OV PRESIDENT EDWARB5. now ripe for a separation. And the grand point here presented to them will be, What justice demands, with regard to each party. The clahns of both parties must be weighed by them, as in a bal- ance. On the one hand, they must determine what are the just claims of the people, and whether my continuance here can be con- sistent with their rights. On the other, they must consider, what I can claim by virtue of my relation to the people as their pastor, nvhether the steps which ought to be taken previous to a separation have actually been taken ; whether they have given me a hearing on the question in dispute, and have done me justice in this con- troversy, so that nothing remains which I can fairly demand of them, before they can fairly demand a release from all their obligations to me as their pastor. The case presented to them for their decision will therefore be a case of simple justice and equity, between two parties at variance. And here the question again arises, What sort of a Council is proper to be employed in deciding such a case ? — a Council wholly consisting of divines on one side in the controversy ? — or a Council consisting of some on both sides ? " 3. If the future council should decide on an immediate separa- tion between pastor and people, they must also set forth to the world, in their result, the reasons of their decision. They must explicitly declare, Whether it is for any thing hlame-worthy and scandalous in the pastor, which renders him unfit for the ministry, and worthy to he dismissed from it 9 or — Whether he is innocent in the affair '? — How far he has conducted himself well, and treated his people justly? and. How far they can recommend him as lit to be employed elsewhere in the work of the ministry ? This is what is usual in such cases, and what the very nature of things renders just and necessary. But the state of the present case renders it necessary in a peculiar manner, and that on several accounts. One is, the well known fact, that many reports have been industri- ously circijated through the country, relative to my conduct in this affair, which are greatly to my disadvantage. It is continually as- serted by my opposers, tliat I wish to Lord it over God's heritage, that I am contentious and quarrelsome, tliat I am obstinate, stiff and inflexible, and that I would not yield an ace in my opinion to save myself and my family from ruin. — Another is, that my people themselves, have rendered it absolutely necessary, in that, from time^to time, I have been publicly blamed and highly charged, with regard to my conduct. As this appears evidently the prevailing disposition of my people, to cast blame upon me, and they do it here openly and publicly from time to time, I have no reason to think that they restrain themselves abroad. And as there is a great multitude of tliem, many mouths, to reproach me, and tliey are very much abroad in various parts of New England, and I have only my own single voice to defend myself with ; so there seems to be no otlier way for my defence, thaa by the enquiry and judg— LIFE OK lUESiDENT EDWAUDS. 6-li> incnt of an impartial Council. Ant! then, besides the reproaches of my people by word of mouth, iheir public conduct towards me is such, as casts a reproach upon me. The whole series of their conduct has this language, uttered too widi a loud voice, that I am most insufferably criminal. This is particularly true of their openly refusing, once and again, to receive Uie Sacrament of the Lord's Supper at my hands. It has this look — that 1 am a scan- dalous person : Uiis is the language of it : it has this apjiearance to the world. Of course this future Council will unavoidably hav^e to judge between me and my people, in diis matter. And here again the same question presents itself — What sort of a Council is pro))er to be employed, in deciding on my conduct and character? — A Council consisting wholly of those, who arc known to be against me, and to side with my opposcrs ; or a Council consisting of some on bodi sides ? " These three things, it is plain, will consdtute the main business of the future Council ; and the question — What kind of a Council is requisite to judge in such a case, and to decide on these points, — cannot, I humbly conceive, be a matter of any difficulty. It must be evident to every man of the least reflection, that an Impar- tial Council is indisj)ensablc, or at least, a Council so constituted, that it may be as near to impartiality as iiiay be. This will appear, if each of these three points, on which die Council must judge, is duly considered. — If they are to attempt an accommodation, or to bring the two distant parties together ; surely it is proper that the Council, which is to do this, should be themselves in the middle, and not all on one side, or with one of the distant parties. — If they are to decide, — Whether die Church have done me justice in this controversy, as to what I can demand of diem, before they can de- mand a separation ? — need I ask, whether the tribunal which is to decide a simple point of equity, between two parties at variance, in a case deeply interesung to bodi, ought to be imjiartial ? And, if they are to judge between two parties, one of which blames and condemns the other in a very open manner, and it is their duty to decide, whedier these accusaUons are just, and whether the accus- ed is innocent, or guilty; does this venerable Council need an ar- gument from me, to prove to them that impartiality is an essential qualification in die tribunal, which is to judge between two such parties, and that die members of it ought not, all of them, to be on the side of the party, which lays the blame and brings the charge ; but a part of them on the side of the party blamed in the original controversy ? Since, in this case, wc cannot expect to obtain a Council, which shall be iinparUal in the most proper sense — in the sense that each member, taken singly, shall be iinjjartial — but all must be supposed to be on one side or the odier in the main con- troversy ; there ouglit therefore lo be that, which shall ])e in some measure an equivalent — there ought to be a balauco in the Coun- Vol. I. 44 346 LTIE OF I'REi^JIDE.NT EDWARDS. cil — SO that, putting both parts together, the whole Consistory niay be looked upon as it were impartial ; and, if one of the parties choose those who are on their side in the main controversy, the other should also be allowed to choose such as are on his ; and neither party tied up to such limits in his choice, that all opportunity of any tolerable degree of impartiality in the Council, should be pre- cluded. " Hence it must be reasonable that, in the choice of the future Council, I should be allowed to go out of the limits of this county, for some of the members ; it being a fact perfectly Avell known, concerning the ministers and churches of the county, that they are almost universally on one side in the original controversy. And this is the point now to be determined by this reverend Council. I would endeavour therefore, in the first place, to show that it is rea- sonable and necessary that I should be allowed this liberty, as im- partiality is to be sought in the Council ; and in the second, would mention several circumstances, which render it highly expedient. " I freely own that it is a good general rule, that Councils, which are to judge of difficulties arising in particular churches, should be constituted of neighbouring churches. But to say, that this is a rule so established by the word of God, or the reason and nature of things, and made so universal, that it never will or can admit of any exception, and never, in any case whatsoever, ought to be dispens- ed with, is carrying the matter to such an unreasonable length, as no one of the members of this reverend Council would sanction. Let us suppose a case, which is not impossible, that a whole neigh- bourhood of ministers were nearly related to one of two parties, between whom a Council w^as to judge ; would any one say, in such a case, that they, and they only must be the judges, because tliey live in the neighbourliood ? Would any one imagine, that the mere circumstance of vicinity, or of county limits, as fixed by the civil power, ought to outweigh such an essential circumstance as con- sanguinity ; however the ministers of the neighbourhood might be men of wisdom and great integrity ? Now, though perhaps it may be disputed, whether unity of sentiment, in matters of religion, has an equal tendency to prejudice the mind, in favour of particular persons and their behaviour, with consanguinity ; j'et I suppose it to be a point beyond dispute, that it has a powerful tendency ; and that diversity of sentiment has an equally powerful tendency to pre- judice the mind, not only against the doctrines which are opposite to those we embrace, but against the persons who introduce and maintain them. In all ages and nations, diversity of religious sen- timent has occasioned uncharitableness and censoriousness in man- kind, one towards another ; and the strongest prejudices, which have appeared among men, have been owing to this cause. Very often has this been true, where the difference has been in things not fundamental. Such is the weakness of human nature on this L£FE Ul' PUK^IDKNT KDWAUDS. 347 point, thai few men get the mastery of this tem|nation. Here and there, an eminently great man appears to have con(|uered its influ- ence. Yet, even among great men, such instances are rare. How evident is it, that men of distinguished learning and talents, and of eminent piety, are often powerfully inlliienccd hy this prejudice, and that in-sensibly to themselves. And if we examine the historv of ages past, we shall find abundant evidence, that even consan- guinity itself does not render us more liable to powerful prejudices, than this very cause. " The prejudices, to which we are thus exposed, are not merely against the persons of individuals, but against their conduct; espe- cially against that part of their conduct which is immediately con- nected with their opinions, in avowing and maintaining them, and in endeavouring to introduce and propagate them. How greatly have the members, and especially the ministers, of the Church of England, even those among them who are great and good men, been prejudiced against the persons and conduct of Dissenters ; and how have they accused them of bigotry, blind zeal, and per- verseness. And how fully has our liability to prejudices of diis nature, been exemplified of late in New England, in persons of opposite opinions, respecting the late extensive Revival of Religion ; how strong have been the prejudices occasioned thereby against the persons and conduct of many individuals. Especially is this true, when the controversy about the opposite religious opinions is in the height of agitation. Above all is the temptation great, with respect to the individual, who is the first and main occasion of the controversy, and appears as the head and spring of the whole de- bate, as moved and maintained in the given time and place ; which is precisely my case in the existing controversy. " And the influence of this cause to bias the minds of men, has been strikingly.exemphfied, in this very case, in ministers of good character, and such as in other respects have been very I'riendly to me. Since this controversy has existed at Northampton, I have? had occasion to converse with many gentlemen in the ministry, on both sides of the question ; and I find a vast difference, between those on one side and those on the odier, in regard to their charity with respect to me and my conduct. Those on one side are more apt to give heed to reports, which they have heard to my disadvan- tage, and to be enquiring with concern into such and such parts of my conduct. They receive, with hesitation and difiiculty, the ex- planations which I give, and the reasons which 1 offer, and entertain surmises and jealousies of my design, and of the motives by which I am governed. But with the ministers of the other side, I find nothing of this nature. " It is very obvious, that the members of this church themselves arc perfectly aware of the tendency of religious opinions to bias the minds of men in this very controversy. When one of the brethren 348 LIFE OF TRESIDENT EDWARDP. at a late Church meeting, spoke in my favour, on one of the points now to be decided by the Council ; one of the influential members, an officer in the church and one of the church Committee rose, and told the church, that what that brother had said was the less to be regarded, because he had manifested himself to be of my opinion with respect to the Qualifications for communion. And the public acts of this people, show how fully sensible they are of the strong tendency, which sameness or contrariety of opinion will have to prejudice ministers and churches. To what other cause but such a conscious- ness, shall we attribute the fact, that they strive so laboriously and perseveringly, to confine me exclusively, in the ultimate decision of this controversy, to judges who are on their side of the question ; and that they have hired able Counsel, to plead in their behalf for this very purpose. If identity, or diversity, of religious sentiment has no tendency to bias the mind, Avhy all this anxiety, and effort, and expence, and struggling to confine me to judges, who differ from me and agree with themselves ? " As to the neighbouring ministers, 1 sincerely profess a very honourable esteem of them, and desire to be thankful that I have lived in peace and friendship with them ; and I doubt not that they are gentlemen of too much judgment and candour, to regard it as a personal reflection, when I suppose them, as well as others, liable to prejudices from this cause. I presume none of us are unwilling to own, that we are the subjects of the common infirmities of human nature ; and doubtless we have found this the fact in so many in- stances, that we should in some cases not think it wisdom to trust our own hearts. " This then being so evidently the case, if the Decisive Council are generally of an opinion contrary to mine, and the same with that of my opposers, on the matter in dispute, they cannot be re- garded as impartial; and of course I shall have no fair chance for justice from them ; and shall not, in debating and determining the matter in controversy, stand on equal ground with the other party. " The point then is plain, beyond all question, that I ought not to be confined to such a Council. " How tender does the wisdom and justice of all civilized nations teach them to be towards every one, who has a deeply interesting cause depending, with regard to the impartiality of his judges. When he has any objections against any one, proposed as a judge, how easily do they admit them, if there be the least appearance of any circumstance, tending to bias and prejudice the mind. How readily, for example, are such objections admitted against any who are nominated to be of a Jury ? " Local proximity, I fully admit, ought ordinarily to be regarded as a circumstance of weight in a Council who are to be judges in a religiovis controversy ; but in no measure of equal weight with the essential qualifications of the judges themselves. And as to the LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 340 qunlifications of a judge, what is so essential as Impartiality ? What can be more essential in a balance, which, is to determine the true weight of things, than that the scales be even ? " Thus 1 have given my reasons why I think the rules of equity and a regard to the common rights of mankind, do most evidently require, that I should be allowed to go beyond the limits of diis Comity, in my choice of some of the members of the future Coun- cil. I now proced to mention several circumstances, which render it highly expedient that I should have this liberty. " This Rev. Council cannot but be sensible, that it deeply con- cerns my reputation and my future usefuhiess, as well as the subsist- ence of my family, that I should have justice done me in the re- sult of the Future Council; and of course that that Council should be an impartial Council. The removal of a minister from his peo- ple ordinarily lays him under great disadvantages, and commonly hurts his reputation though indeed he be not to blame. There is left on the minds of the world some suspicion, whether something or other blame-worthy or unhappy in him, his temper, or conduct, was not the cause. People therefore arc generally not so willing to employ such removed ministers. There is commonly a great deal said against them ; and how much of it is true and just, and how much unjust and false, the world do not know, and do not think themselves obliged to be at the trouble of enquiring ; but rather think it their province to have nothing to do with them. Hence, as I think I have been innocent, and conscientious, and fair and faithful, with my people in this affair, according to the best light which I enjoy ; so it concerns me greatly, that I should have full justice done me, in the result of the Final Council. " That some of the members of tliat Council should come from beyond the limits of this County, deeply concerns my future useful- ness in another respect ; viz. That if I am ever employed in the work of the ministry hereafter, it is not probable that it will be in this part of the country, or any where in these western parts of New England ; and it will have a vastly greater influence as to my reputation, in otlier parts of the country, farther eastward than Hampshire, if some ministers of note, who belong in those parts, having had full cognizance of tliose affairs, do recommend me. " It is the more expedient that the separation of the minister and people of Northampton, if it take place, should take place under the direction of a Council, having some of its members from distant places and of chief note in the country, as it will be an event oi great and extensive influence on the interests of religion, and the Church of God. Northampton having been a place much heard of, and extensively observed by the church at large, as to its reli- gious concerns, and the past 'state of things between minister and people, having been much known ; the report of our separation must needs produce an extensive and great effect — as great, and on 350 LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. some accounts much greater, on places at a distance, than on places that are near. People at a distance have been more ignorant of our former imperfections, and have been ready to look on Nortli- ampton as a kind of heaven upon earth. The result of the Final Council will undoubtedly be published to the world, and will be re- garded with deep attention by many, not only in New England, but in the other provinces of North America, as well as by some per- haps in England and Scotland. Hence surely it is best, before this unhappy event of a separation shall take place, that some of the wisest and ablest men in the country, should have an opportunit}^ to look into our affairs and give us their advice, and use their wisdom if possible to prevent this calamity, and that, if it must take place, a just report of it, with its causes and circumstances, may be given to the world by men whose characters are known and respected in other parts of the world. Both my reputation abroad, and the in- terests of religion greatly require this. "It is the more reasonable that, in the determination of an affair of such extensive influence, I should not be confined to the limits of this particular neighbourhood, because, as things are constituted in this country, there is no appeal from one Council to another, no appeal from a Presbytery of a vicinity to a Council or Synod from larger limits. But, if the case goes to the vicinity, that is the last resort, and they will have as much power in the case, as the Gene- ral Assembly of the whole nation would have in the like case, in Scotland. "I beseech this Rev. Council, most deliberately, and impartially to consider these things, and give them their due weight, as I doubt not they would govern themselves by those good rules of equity and charity, — " Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself," and, " Do unto others, as thou wouldst they should do unto thee." " I now proceed to answer some Objections. " In reply to all the arguments derived from the Platform of Church Discipline, as a constitution or establishment binding these Churches, I would suggest the following observations : "1. I know of nothing possessing the force of a rule or estab- lishment to bind particular Churches of Christ, without an express act or consent of their own, unless it be the Word of God. On the principles of Protestantism, I know not by what I'ule, a Council, which sat ninety years ago, could make a rule or establishment, which could bind the present churches, without any free aCt of theirs, or without making it their own rule. " 2. The present church of Northampton never made that plat- form their rule, or had the least regard to it in any one public pro- ceeding, since I have been their pastor ; and I know so much of their present and past state, that I may be bold to say, they have never pretended to make this rule a directory in ecclesiastical mat- ters, since any one of the present members of the church was a MFK OK rUKSlDKNT KDNVARDS- 351 chiuch-nieinber. I never heard it mentioned by any of the churcli on any occasion until now ; and I verily believe that, until a litli(j while since, the great body of the members never knew there was any such thing in existence. " 3. It is inconsistent witli the principles of the compilers of the Platform, who were all Congregationalists, as well as inconsistent with the very Platform itself, that it should be of the nature of a constitution, or establishment obligatory on future churches, or on present churches, any farther than by their own free acts ; for the compilers of that Platform plainly show it to be their opinion, that each particular church has, under Christ, all power of discipline witliin itself, without being bound by the determinations of other churches ; and that the government of the Church is Congrega- tional, and not National, nor Provincial, nor Classical, and there- fore not subject to the decisions and constitutions of national, pro- vincial or classical S}-nods, unless by their ovvti free act. " 4. The Platform itself allows expressly of departing from the vicinity, when the nature of the case leads to it. The words of the Platform are, " There should be liberty, without offence, to make use of other churches, as the nature of the case, and the ad- vantage of opportunity, may lead thereto." — I think I have plainly shown already, that tlie nature of diis case does lead to it, and ab- solutely requires it. " As to the Vote of this Church, in the days of our fatliers, thir- ty-five years ago, — That they would be subject to a Council of the Churches of the County, until some superiour Judicature were es- tablished in the Province, — it may be sufficient here to suggest the following brief considerations : "1. No persons professing Protestant principles will maintain, that christians of the present generation are bound, in affairs of re- ligion and the worship of God, by the determination of their fore- fadiers, unless they have adopted the act of their forefathers, and , made it in some way or other their own, by their own act and con- sent, either express or implicit. " 2. This appears still more obviously, in the present case, from the very different circumstances of the County, in tliis generation, and in the last. This change in tlie state of things, shows diis act to be void, unless it has been renewed since. Had their circum- stances been like ours, our forefathers, we have tlie best reason to believe, would never have formed such a determination. We have now two associations. The churches are far more numerous and more dispersed. And as the state of things, which was die ground of this act of our ancestors, has ceased, we must suppose the act itself to cease as to any obligation on us, unless it has been renewed. " 3. There has been no recognhionof tliis act by us, either ex- plicit or implied. Certainly Uiere has been no explicit recognition. 353 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Who can point out any act or vote of us, the existing church mem- bers, by which we have recognized its binding force. Neither have we implicitly consented to it. Since I have been the pastor of this Church, tliough we have on marny occasions had the subject of Councils before us, we have never, in any one instance, paid the least respect to their act ; nor do I remember that it has ever been once mentioned before the Church. " 4. We have implicitly renounced it in several ways. Our proceedings have always been inconsistent with it. The Vote re- fers to a Council of Churches ; whereas we have been connected only with Councils of Ministers. The Vote refers to a Stated Council of the Churches of die County, according to Mr. Stod- dard's known Presbyterian principles, and not to Elective Councils; whereas all the Councils with which we have been connected, have been Elective. We have also implicitly renounced Presbyte- rianism, which that Vote was intended to introduce ; and have adopted Congregationalism. " 5. If it had not been renounced, but made our own act as much as we could make it so, it must be understood only as a ge- neral rule, and could not be of force in extraordinary cases, in which it would be contrary to reason and the rights of mankind to adhere to it ; for as far as it is contrary to these, it is contrary to the law of nature, which is the law of God, and the law of Christ the great Head of the Church. " 6. In this very case, the Church themselves propose to re- nounce this act. The Vote speaks of a Council of all the Churches of the County, taking them as they are, without election ; whereas the Church have only insisted on a small part of these Churches designated by election. But surely if all of the Vote is not bind- ing, no part of it is binding. " As to what I wrote fourteen years ago, in the controversy, con- cerning the settlement of Mr. B , at Springfield, wherein 1 say, — That the affairs of Religion are not confined to single churches, properly belonging to the neighbouring churches ; — I would observe as follows : "1. It would be unreasonable to understand me otherwise than I really intended, viz. That this ought to be regarded as a general rule, and an ordinary point of regularity. I suppose that the neigh- bouring ministers think it a good general rule as well as I, and have perhaps, expressed themselves to that effect ; yet I have no reason to think there is one of them, who thinks it a rule that will allow of no dispensation. Which of the Rev. Ministers here present, who knows what the state of things has been of late in Connecti- cut, with regard to some of the associations there, and especially with regard to one, would think that every church and every minis- ter within its bounds, in all ecclesiastical affairs in wliich they need- ed iliehelp of other churches and ministers, ought to be obliged in LIFE OK TRESIDENJ KDWARUS. o5J every case to make use of, and submit, to the neighbouring minis- ters, and them only. Yet liieir Associations and Consociations have much stronger claims to be regarded as an establishment, than any thing of a like nature among us. " 2. It is not merely on this occasion, when I myself am con- cerned and my own mterest touched, that I have insisted that there ought to be exceptions in extraordinary cases from this general rule ; for I insisted on this in that very controversy respecting ]Mr. B . There is abundant evidence also, that I expressed the same opin- ion long ago, before the controversy between me and my people was begun. Some of the ministers here present are my ^\^tnesses, that I expressed the same opinion, on occasion of the transactions of some of the associations in Connecticut. And this whole church are my \\itnesses to the same point : They know that I signified as much publicly in word and deed, when the Separate Society in New-Haven sent to this Church to assist them in Coun- cil, by their pastor and a messenger. And the Church themselves did, on that occasion, publicly consent to a departure from this ge- neral rule, without any objection made by even one individual ; and accordingly a messenger was actually chosen by them, to go with me as a member of the Council at ]Vew-Haven. " 3. Suppose it could have been made to appear, that, in what. I wrote fourteen years ago in that controversy, I expressed myself in univ^ersal terms, — That I declared it to be my opinion, that there ought to be no exception in no case whatever, — and that I could not prove that I had ever changed my mind until now, when it comes to be my own case ; yet, even in that case, the question to be decided by this Council, as I humbly conceive, would be, — not what my opinion once was ; but — what is really just and right in its own nature. The judgment is the Lord's, and tlie rules by which the judges are to proceed are the Lord's, and not mine, nor any other man's. They are to decide, according to the rules of rea- son and the word of God, what are God's rules ; and not by what once was, or now is, my opinion. If a man had a cause depend- ing before a civil tribunal, and it could be proved that, this man fourteen years ago had given it as his opinion, in another man's case, that such a thing was according to law ; which opinion, if now adopted as a rule by the judges, would operate against him ; I conceive that the judges ought not to be determined, even if he expressed himself in an unqualified manner, by what he then de- clared to be law, in his opinion ; but, as they are to judge for the King and country, tliey must judge according to what they them- selves find to be law, which is the rule they are to go by. " If any .shall say that it is but just, that 1 should be paid in my own coin, that I should be dealt with myself as I have dealt with others ; I need not inform tliis venerable Council that tlie christian rule is, to deal by anotlier, not as he hath dealt by me, or by his Vol. I. 45 3^54 I.IFE or PBT.SIDENT KDWARDS. neighbour, but as T would that he should have dealt by me, and a» he ought to have dealt by his neighbour. But if any should insist that this is but a proper punishment for my dealing in that manner with Mr. B ; omitting many things that might be said concern- ing the diflerence of the two cases, I would only say, that my crime in that case, if there was any, for which I deserve to be punished, was not doing or acting any thing whatever, in opposition to Mr. B 's being setded by ministers from a distance. I had no hand at all in opposing these ministers, in any thing they did ; for all that was done of that nature, was done when I was not in New Eng- land, and when I was totally ignorant of any thing that was done until all was over. My crime was merely defending what others had done, at tlieir request. What I wrote, was at the desire of my honoured uncle, Mr. Williams of Hatfield, and other ministers who had been concerned, to justify what they had done. So that, if what I then wrote, even supposing that I had expressed the opin- ion that there should be no exceptions to the rule, would hardly justify this Council in proceeding with me, in this case, on princi- ples, which otherwise would not be righteous ; it must be, because the Council esteem it a sufficient reason to depart from wdiat is just and equitable in itself, in their dealings with me, to do according to an opinion which I expressed many years ago, in the vindication of others. Far be it from me, to entertain so low an opinion of the wisdom and justice of this reverend CounciL " Having made these observations, there is no need of my saying any thing further concerning a practical agreement of the churches of the County, to manage their ecclesiastical affairs among them- selves. I would only briefly observe, that what I say of this, in what I WTote relative to the case of Mr. B., obviously had reference to the Ordination of ministers. That was a case of ordination, and I do not remember that 1 ever knew or had heard any thing of a Council of ministers in this County, on any other occasion but the ordination of ministers. But had my meaning been different, the preceding remarks are sufficient to show, that nothing could have been inferred from it, which ought to govern in the present case. If there has rarely been a Council of Churches in the County, in cases of controversy in particular churches ; then the instances da not amount to an established rule for all cases, both ordinary and extraordinary. And if the instances had been ever so numerous, yet custom can establish nothing contrary to Christ's own rules — the rules of reason, and the rules of natural righteousness and equity. " It is also objected, that to allow ministers to go out of the Coun- ty for a Council, in cases like this, will open a door for error which cannot be closed ; and that I assert the same in what I wrote con- cerning the ordination at Springfield. To this objection a very brief reply will be sufficient. " 1 . What I assert in the comntunication referred to is this — Lirii OK TRKSIOKNT EDWAKD»i. 355 *' That to allow one ])arty to elect all his own judges, will be to open a door to error." — And it is very true that when that is done tliere can be no security to the other party against any injustice, or any thing else tliat is bad. But I never asserted that to call an Im- partial Council, was the way in which either truth or justice could not be defended. Had I done so, I should obviously have asserted the grossest absurdity. " 2. If it had so happened that half of the ministers in the coun- ty had been of my opinion on the Qualifications for communion ; according to this argument, it would as effectually have opened the door to error, to choose my part of the Council from within the County, as it will now to choose it from without ; and if so, it would have been, in that case, a good argument against my having any choice at all. And this is in effect saying, that there ought to be no judges allowed in the controversy, except tlie people themselves, who constitute one of the parties ; because, for them to have all their judges of their own choosing, is one and the same thing as to be their own judges. And if it had happened that the churches in the county had been almost all of my opinion, as now they are of theirs ; then the argument would be just as strong for their going out of the county, as now for confining me to it. Can this Venerable Council lend their sanction to a rule which works such manifest in- justice? " 3. This rule will no more defend truth than expose it. If a particular church is in the right, and the rest of the county happens to be in the wrong ; then that church, in summoning a Council, re- ceives, by adhering to this rule, just as much disadvantage, as they would receive advantage, if the reverse were the fact. And we all know that there are as many churches, and counties, and countries, which are erroneous, as orthodox — nay, many more. " 4. The objectors, in making this objection, implicitly admit, that those who are on one side in the original controversy, are not likely to be impartial, and therefore not likely to do justice to the other side. Otherwise, how would the cause of truth be exposed by a Council, though they should all be on my side, much less by one lialfo( them being so. And if their being all on my side, will naturally bias them in favour of me and my conduct ; then, by pa- rity of reason, their being all on their side will naturally bias them in favour of diem and their conduct. If this be so, it proves the ne- cessity of a balance in the Council, to bring the whole, taken toge- ther, to an equilibrium. " I will now take notice of an objection which may possibly arise in the minds of some of the Council, viz. That if I am allowed to go out of the county, on the ground that this is an extraordinary case, it will be a bad precedent, and others will insist on the like liberty, and will, on some pretence or other, claim tliat their case is also ex- 35G • LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. traordinary ; and thus it will be difficult to maintain any rule or keep any bounds in any case. To this I would reply, " 1 . If this be a case of such character, that righteousness plainly requires that I have this liberty, the fear of others claiming the same without reason, ought not to prevent justice from being now done to me. It is a very common thing, because exceptions and peculiar liberties are granted in extraordinary cases, to demand them in others where they ought not to be granted ; but surely this is no good reason for not granting them in a case where it would plainly be the grossest injustice to refuse them. But, not to enlarge on this point, I observe " 2. That in this case, as it now stands, there can be no possible danger of a bad precedent, in allowing me to go out of the county, on the ground that justice imperiously requires it ; because I have first submitted the decision of this matter to a Council of the neigh- bouring churches, who are to determine whether this be a case, which requires this liberty to be granted or not. So that, instead of its being a dangerous precedent, it is a precedent which will tend rather to screen the churches from all the inconveniences feared ; because it is not an instance of going abroad for a Council, in neglect and contempt of the churches of the neighbourhood, but the churches of the neighbourhood are first applied to, and they them- selves are made the judges whether the case is extraordinary or not. If we could actually form as strict and firm an establishment, with regard to a limitation of Councils to a neighbourhood, as any of us could desire, I should think no man could desire a greater strictness than this — that no minister or church should depart from such a strict consistory, even in extraordinary cases, but with the approbation and by the allowance of that consistory. If we wish- ed to contrive a method, which should effectually prevent the mis- chief of extraordinary cases being made precedents for ordinary ones, we could not contrive one more effectual than this — That the churches of the neighbourhood themselves should be the judges of those extraordinary cases. In this way the neighbourhood has all the opportunity for self preservation, which it can possibly desire. " I ask the pardon of the Rev. Council for being thus particular in my argument on this subject: the case being one, as may easily be seen, of vast consequence to me and my family. I hope notwith- standing, that every thing which has been said will have its due weight with the Council ; and that, since I have submitted this ques- tion, so deeply interesting to myself, to judges who are all of a con- trary opinion from me, in the main controversy between the two par- ties, between whom you aie to judge, that I shall experience the happy effects of your steady and unshaken integrity, in your righteous de- termination of this important point." WHEN the agents for the church had said what they thought LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 357 proper, in reply to the preceding remarks, Mr. Edwards presented to the Council the I'ollowing considerations on the question, — Whe- ther the state of things ivas then ripe, for a Council being called to judge, tvhetherhe should be dismissed from his pastoral office or not ? " I suppose the state of things not ripe for the calling of a Council to decide on the question of dismission for the following reasons : " I. It is very apparent that my people have never yet given me a proper hearing on tlie great question, which is the origin of all our present debates and difficulties, and which must be the ground of their rejecting me from being their pastor, if ever this be done in the issue of the present controversy. I say the ground of their reject- ing me — for if I am removed from being their pastor, they must re- ject me ; they must first vote for my being removed. Though this alone will not dissolve the relation between me and them, yet, as a precedent step, it is indispensably requisite. " But if any rules of reason or religion are to be regarded, this cannot be done, until tliey have first given me a fair hearing on that point, which is the cause of their demanding such a dissolution. In the solemn transaction of my ordination and settlement as their pas- tor, I on my part took the charge of their souls ; and they, as in the presence of God, solenmly committed the care of their souls to me ; and thus the relation which now subsists, was established between me and them by mutual covenant. Hence, if ever they reject me from being their pastor, and are active in withdrawing themselves from my ministerial care, it must be on one of these two accounts j either, 1 , Because they suppose me obviously unfit to be a minister ; or 2, Because they suppose that I fail of performing some of the essential duties of a minister, — such as are made essential by Christ's appointment. The former of these reasons has not been insisted on. If they suppose that I fail in the latter respect, and that I ne- glect to perform some of the essential duties of a minister ; and I in- sist on my own justification, and plead that what I do is agreeable to the word and institutions of Christ, and therefore my duty as a minister of Christ"; they are bound to gi^"e me a fair and full hearing, before I can be rejected by them, or they released from their sacred obligations to me as my people. Especially is this true, if the point, on which they insist, was never so settled in the Church of Christ, as to be regarded as indisputable, and still more, if a very great proportion of those, who have been universally esteemed orthodox christians and divines, have without dispute been on my side. In such a case as this, what pretence can a people have for bursting the sacred bonds of their covenant with their pastor, without hearing him. , v/ "If the determination of no such important public act of theirs depended on their judgment of the matter, but I merely offered to 358 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. deliver the doctrine for which I insist, as part of the Counsel of God ; on this account alone, my people would be obliged, on a disputable point, to give me an impartial hearing. A minister by his office is to be the guide and instructor of his people. To that end he is to study and search the Scriptures and to teach the people, not the opinions of men — of other divines or of tlieir ancestors — but the mind of Christ. As he is set to enlighten them, so a part of his duty is to rectify their mistakes, and, if he sees them out of the way of truth or duty, to be a voice behind them, saying, " This is the way, walk ye in it." Hence, if what he offers to exhibit to them as the mind of Christ, be different from their previous apprehensions, unless it be on some point which is established in the Church of God as fundamental, surely they are obliged to hear him. If not, there is an end at once to all the use and benefit of teachers in the church in these respects — as tlie means of increasing its light and knowledge, and of reclaiming it from mistakes and errors. This would be in effect to establish, not the word of Christ, but the opin- ion of the last generation in each town and church, as an immu- table rule to all future generations to the end of the world. Tlius it would evidently be the duty of a people to their pastor, in such a case, if no such important act of theirs with respect to him, as their rejecting him from being their pastor, depended upon it. But when they are proposing to withdraw themselves wholly from him to cast off all the bonds of their covenant with him, to withhold his maintenance, casting him and his family on the wide world, and to renounce all the obligations and duties which they owe to him as their pastor; and their doing this depends on their judgment of the doctrine, which he offers to preach to them, as the mind of Christ ; for them resolutely and finally to refuse so much as to give him a hearing, is one of the most flagrant instances of injustice, in a people towards their pastor, which perhaps has been heard of in these parts of the world. " Surely, the state of things among a people, cannot be regard- ed as ripe for such important proceedings as these, till they ai"e in a capacity to act in them understandingly, and as knowing what they do. But it is obvious that this cannot be, until they have giv- en their pastor a fair hearing ; nor can they ever be regarded as having prepared themselves for thus rejecting their pastor, as hav- ing no farther concern with him in a pastoral relation, until tliey have first discharged the debt or obligation due to him as their pas- tor ; and this cannot be done, until they have heard him, until they have heard what he offers to teach them as the mind and will of Christ, have heard what he has to say for himself in this matter, wherein they are offended with him, as supposing that he fails to perform the duty of a minister of Christ towards them. " This Church, in its first establishment, held the very princi- ples for which I now cdlitend ; but Mr. Stoddard was of a contra- LIFE OF PUESIDF.NT EDWARDS. 359 ry opinion, and from the pulpit ho freely and abundantly delivered what he supposed to be the mind and will of God. And was it ever doubted, whether the people were obliged to give him a hear- ing ? In the days of Mr. Mather, the Church was Congregational in its principles and practice. Mr. Stoddard was a Presbyterian, and abundantly preached his Presbyterian principles ; and did any body doubt of their obligation to hear him ? Yea, it never entered into the hearts of the people, that any proceeding of theirs, so important as their rejecting him from being their minister, depend- ed on their judgment of his doctrine. " That my people have never given me a fair hearing on the point of controversy between us, is exceedingly apparent. " They have never generally read the work, which I have pub- lished on the subject. This is publicly confessed. Only twenty copies have been procured. Many of those who might have read even these, have showed an utter aversion to reading it. One of my most strenuous opposers declares, that the people are in no way to be informed of tlie reasons of my opinion, for two years to come ; while others have asserted, that they are never likely to be generally informed. Numerous witnesses declare, that some have altogether refused to read it, and that others have said, that they would not even let the book come into their houses. If the Coun- cil are at a loss on this point, or any one should call it in question, I suppose there are numbers present, who can say enough with re- gard to it, to satisfy any reasonable person. " From the Narrative which has been given, the Council also see how stiffly and inflexibly the Committee, and the people, have ever declined hearing the reasons of my opinion from the pulpit, when proposed from time to time, before the printing of my book,, and since ; and how they have been so much engaged in the mat- ter, that they have repeatedly refused to have the question, wheth- er it was reasonable and best that I should preach upon the subject, submitted to the neighbouring ministers, or to any Council whatso- ever. Before the publication of my pamphlet, they would not con- sent that I should preach, on the ground that it was best I should publish ; and now I have published, they will not read. " Finally. Though I have often desired it, they have never given me an opportunity to state the reasons of my opinion, even in private conversation. " Thus, the great part of my people have refused to give me any hearing at all, or to sufler themselves to be informed in any way whatsoever, of the reasons of my opinion. Nay, they have industriously guarded against it, as what they have so much dread- ed, that they would by no means allow of any advice, or any thing which they thought might open a door for it ; but have been engaged to have me hastily thrust out, before there should be any farther opportunity for the people to be informed, lest it should make some 3()0 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. proselytes to my sentiments, and thus divide the people, and make parties among them. If this be not a violent proceeding for a Christian Church towards their pastor, I never expect to know what is. Herein, they have not only violated the rules of chris- tian charity and gentleness, and acted inconsistently with moral righteousness, but very inconsistently with themselves. They themselves, from the beginning, have implicitly acknowledged, that I had a right to be heard by them, and that there was a necessity that the people should in some way or other be informed of the reasons of my opinion. If there was no need of this, then what need of their desiring me to print my reasons ; and what need of their meeting together in July, to see if tliey should wait any longer for my book ; and what need of their desiring Col. Dwight to en- quire when the books were likely to be done, and to send them word ; and what need of their determining, if the books were like- ly to come speedily, that they would wait for them ; and what need, after the books came, of their forbearing to act for about two months I " It may here be said that, although the people in general have not read my pamphlet, yet most of the leading men in the Church have read it. To this I answer ; If I have a right to be heard by some, I have a right to be heard by the body, of the people. What need of any being informed, if there be no need of the peo- ple in general being informed? If one can be justified in refusing to read or hear, why not another ; and why may not every one be justified, in refusing to hear or read a word. And thus, why might not the people have thrust me out immediately, as soon as they knew my opinion, without gi\ing me any opportunity to print or speak any thing for myself? The controversy on this subject, is between me and the Church, and not between me and the leading men of the Church ; and if I have any right to be heard at all, it is by them with whom I have this controversy. It is not merely the leading men, but all the brethren, who are to have a hand in the act of the Church, which must make way for a dissolution of my pastoral relation to them, if it be dissolved. They have lately, ex- pressly and deliberately refused to leave the government of the Church to the leading men, in a public formal consideration of the matter ; but would have it in the hands of the whole Society. If others beside the leading men are not set aside as cyphers in acting, with regard to my being turned away, they ought not to be set aside as cyphers in learning diU^ judging. "The grand reason continually urged and insisted on, why my reasons should not be heard from the pulpit, has been — That there was danger of its making parties in the tovm. Now I beseech the reverend Council to consider, for a moment, what sort of an objec- tion this is. — The very reason, why it is thought just that a person, in a cause in which he is liable to suffer, should be allowed to LIFE OF PUKSIDKKT EUUAKDS. ?iGl jjlead his own cause, is — ^lliat he may have fair opportunity, before lie suffers, to convince others that his cause is good. What a strange reason then is it, wliy a man in such a case should not be allowed to plead his own cause, and why his plea should not be heard, — lest some of those to whom he offers his plea, should be convinced that his cause is good. So unreasonable is this opinion, that the very end of a man's pleading his cause, and the very thing which is the sole ground and reason why it is accounted fair and just, that a man should be allowed to plead his own cause, viz. a fair opportunity to convince others that his cause is good — is by the people made the main objection why I should not plead my own cause — viz. because if I do, there will be an opportunity, and so a possibility, of convincing some that my cause is good. " The case would be the same, if it were a cause, on the issue of which my life depended, and the people, as at present, before a hearing, were generally united to condemn me. In that case, on hearing my plea for myself, the people might be divided. This discussion might occasion parties, and unhappy contentions. This is not only possible, but often has actually been tlie case, with re- gard to the execution of persons in a public capacity. How often have cities and nations been set into a ferment on such occasions. Must we therefore say, that the suspected person shall have no hearing, because the people — the judges on whose voice in tlie case his life depends — are united in condemning him ; but there is danger of their being divided, if he is allowed to speak for himself. " And besides, my people, in the very making of this objection, are condemned out of theur own mouths. The objection, m the very terms of it, is an implicit acknowledgment, that there has been as yet no sufficient trial, what the minds of the people would be, on a fair and full hearing of what I have to say for myself — yea, a confession that they suspect, and that very strongly, that the opin- ions of many, if I should have a full hearing, would be far other- wise than now. For, if not, how would the people, after hearing me, be divided into parties, any more than they are now ? But if as they thus confess, tiiere has been no sufficient trial, what the minds of the people would be after a full hearing, certainly there ought to be a sufficient trial, and they ought not to strive to hinder it ; for in striving to hinder it, they do directly and avowedly strive to have ine condemned and turned out of the ministry, and with my family deprived of maintenance, \\ithout a fair and proper trial ; which is certainly the most barefaced injustice. " But it may be asked — " Why did not you preach ? Who has hindered you ? If you have a right to preach, why did you not use your right, \\ithout waiting for the consent of the people ?" — To this question, I have several answers. " 1. When, for the sake of peace, I have repeatedly proposed to the people that, with their consent, I would preach upon the sub- VoL. I. 46 3G2 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ject, ihey have, as I just observed, uniformly refused it ; and have also refused, from time to time, even to submit the point, whether it was reasonable that I should preach upon it, to the neighbouring ministers. After such refusals, this question should scarcely be asked, and certainly not by my people. " 2. The state of the people has been most obviously such, that, if I had taken any opportunity on the Sabbath, without their pre- vious consent, it would have been the occasion of tumult on that holy day, to the extreme dishonour of Christ, and wounding the interests of religion. Noise and uproar have risen to such a height already, that I cannot think that it was my duty, or that it would have become the prudence and moderation of a minister of the Gospel. It would have had the appearance of great strenuous- ness ; and I thought it better that the people should first be pre- pared by the advice of a Council, which would greatly tend to prevent the mischievous effects. " 3. If I had appointed Lectures, there was not the least pro- bability that the people would have attended them. Of this the Rev. Council will be satisfied, by considering the account they have had of their conduct. " On the whole, I tliought it the most prudent course to wait for a more favourable opportunity. " It may be said, That the people are the more to be justified in rejecting me, and turning me out from my office, without hearing me, because I was settled on the contrary principles. " I answer. That this objection can be of no force, unless they mean by it, that I settled on Mr. Stoddard's judgment as my rule. If I did, I did not setde as a minister of Christ, but as a minister of Mr. Stoddard. Even if it had been so, that I had settled in this manner, on Mr. Stoddard's principles, this was one which I found among his principles, which he expresses in one of his works in these words — " He, who believes principles because our forefa- thers affirm them, makes idols of them ; and it would be no humi- lity but baseness of spirit, for us to judge ourselves incapable of examining principles which have been handed down to us. If we are any wise fit to open the mysteries of the Gospel, we are capa- ble of judging in these matters." " It was implied in my ordination vows, that I would study the Scriptures ; that I would make the word of God, and not the word of any man, my rule in teaching my people ; and that I would do my utmost to know what was the counsel of God, and to declare it. This was implied in my covenant with God and the people at my settlement ; and it was implied in their covenant with God and Avith me, that, in my so doing, they would diligently and impartially hear and examine what I should offer to them, as the counsel of God. " It is said, That Mr. Stoddard would never have consented to my settling here, if he had foreseen that I should so differ from him in my principles. To this it is sufficient to reply, that he LIFK OK PKCSJUKNT EDWARDsi. JG3 doubtless would have been as much against it, if he had foreseen in me any such departure from his principles, as has actually taken place in the church since his death, with regard to Church disci- pline. I had as much reason given me by the church in n)y set- tlement, to depend upon it, that they would allow me the same power in church government, which I yielded to Mr. Stoddard ; as they had to depend upon it, that I would allow them the same open door to the Lord's table. The church allowed Mr. Stoddard a negative ; and never, so far as I have heard of, disputed it, at least never in the then existing generation. Now they greatly find fault with me for claiming it, and have departed to the length of Brownism. They have as properly departed from the principles on which they settled me, as I have departed from those on which 1 accepted a settlement. *^ If the objection should arise in the minds of any of the mem- bers of the Rev. Council, — That, if I should be allowed to preach my doctrine to my people, there might be some danger of infecting neighbouring churches ; I hope I need not say much in answer to such an objection. Plain justice must not be hindered and sup- pressed, for fear of some imagined accidental inconveniences. The wiser Heathen could say, " fiat justitia, ruat ctELUM." — Tho neighboring ministers have as much liberty to preach and defend their principles, among their people, as I desire to have among mine, and can do it with far greater advantages than I expect to enjoy. Doubtless they Vv'ill use this liberty, and would take it ill if any one should attemjit to restrain them. And I trust they are very willing to do to others, as they wish others to do to them. " II. That the state of things is not ripe for calling the proposed Council, is apparent from the frame and temper of mind which my people have hitherto been in, and especially of late. " I am sensible that an Ecclesiastical Council, in their advice, are not to proceed by any uncertain conjectures concerning the se- crets of men's hearts. But yet, in adapting their advice to the state of a people, they doubtless are to have a regard to those things which are visible and notorious. What the temper of the jninds of this people, at least of the governing part of them, has been hitherto and especially of late, has been as manifest, as any thing concerning the state of a peoi)le can be. It cannot be hid : it must needs be visible to all around us. It is manifest, not only from the customary conversation of the people in piivate houses, but from the whole tenor of their public proceedings — from the methods which have been taken, from the measures adopted, from the proceedings of Church meetings, and Precinct meetings, and their Connnittees, from the speeches which have been publicly made, and the acts which have been publicly done. It would oc- cupy a great deal of time to set ibrdi all the particulars. But this is needless ; as the Council has heard the Narrative of our proceed- ings up to this day. 364 JLIFE OB' PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " The temper which the people have manifested, I humbly con- ceive, ought to be the more observed by the Rev. Council, and to have the greater influence on their determination, because I have never offered this people any provocation ; unless yielding, and condescending, and taking the utmost care to avoid offending them, has been a provocation. I have sought peace, and pursued it, and have striven to my utmost to avoid occasions of strife. I never have clogged them in any reasonable proceeding in this affair, though against myself. I told them long ago, even at the very first interview with the church, — That, if they insisted on calling a Council immediately, who should have power to finish our whole controversy, I would not oppose or hinder it, though I could not advise to it. I have yielded to them, from time to time, in every tiling, wherein I could do it with a good conscience. That after examining the subject by the aid of the sacred Scriptures, in the best manner I am able, I have adopted, and still hold, the senti- ments which I have publicly professed, with regard to the Qualifi- cations for full communion m the Visible Church; — and that too, with the fullest expectation of being driven from my ministerial office, and stripped of a maintenance for my numerous family ; — I admit. Whether in all this I have acted in the fear of God, with a good conscience, and in the integrity of my heart, tliis Rev. Coun- cil may judge. This one thing excepted, — if it be an exception, — I have given my people no sort of occasion, in any respect what- soever, for any violent proceeding, or the least vehemence ; unless yielding and submitting, for peace sake, be just warrant for their insulting me the more. For evidence of all this, I appeal to the Narrative of our proceedings, which has been read here publicly, in the hearing of you all. " Now I think the temper and frame of mind, which my people discover, and their violent manner of proceeding hitherto, must lay a bar in the way of taking the important step of dissolving the re- lation between me and them for the present ; and that on two ac- counts : " 1. Such a temper and frame is, manifestly, utterly inconsistent with a proper and just hearing, and considering, the reasons which I have to offer for myself, in that tiring which is the grand controversy between me and them. So that if it could be proved, that they had all read my book through, which it is apparent they are far from having done, yet merely in this, they do not discharge tliem- selves. They ought to give a fair hearing at least, with some de- gree of calmness, candor and coobess of consideration ; but from facts, which are open and public, it is evident that they have been notoriously far from it. Hearing, in a high degree of fermentation of mind, manifested by continued outward irregularity and preci- pitation of proceeding, is no fair hearing, and ought not to stand for any thing, or to be regarded as any hearing at all by wise and just judges. Hence it is most plain that my people are now bound LIFE OF PKKSIDENT EDWARDS. ^65 to give me a fair hearing, before they can justly demand a dissolu- tion of my pastoral relation ; and with equal clearness is it mani- fest, that means must first be used with them, to bring them' to an- other temper of mind, before any such demand can be heard or accepted. "2. It is in itself utterly unfit and unbecoming in a christian church, to proceed to an affair so deeply affecting their spiritual welfare, as tlie dismission of their pastor, in such a temper of mind : especially of one who has been so long their pastor, and between whom and them such a state of things has subsisted as be- tween me and this people. The Apostle says to the Church of Corinth, " Let all things be done with charity ;" — and surely it is unbecoming churches of the Lamb of God, to manage their reli- gious affairs of the greatest importance, in a ferment and tumult ; which ought to be managed with great solemnity, deep humiliation, submission to the awful frowns of heaven, and humble dependence on God, and with fervent prayer and supplication. But lor a church to undertake such an affair, in such a manner as this, will be most unbecoming the Gospel, greatly to the dishonour of God and religion, and eminently calculated to prevent the divine blessing. " The reverend Council will also perceive, tliat the consequence of my being driven away in this manner will be in many respects exceedingly pernicious. "1. It would be a great and most extensive injury to the credit and interest of religion. For the story to be circulated, tliat the people of Northampton, — a people heretofore so often and remarka- bly distinguished by the divine favour, — drove away their minister in the midst of so much heat and contention ; I need not say how it will wound religion abroad. " 2. It will be a great wrong to this Church ; not only as they will thereby bring guilt on themselves, but will exceedingly wound their own reputation and interest in the countiy, and render difficult the future settlement of the ordinances of the Gospel among them. " 3. It will be a great injury to me. " 4. If the people are countenanced in these measures by a Council, so far as to advise to such an issue, which the people seek with such a temper, and in such a tumultuous manner ; it will in its consequences be a great injury to other churches and ministers, as it will direcdy encourage similar proceedings in case of differences between minister and people. This case is likely to be very fa- mous ; the eyes of the whole country are greatly drawn upon it, to observe the management and issue of it. It will be likely to be long remembered, and will tlierefore be so much tlie more likely to be of extensive and lasting influence as a precedent. " Hence I humbly conceive that there is no ripeness in the pre- sent state of things, for any immediate measures, in order to bring 3G6 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. about this event, unless violence of spirit and of conduct be regard- ed as the ripeness of a christian church for managing their religious concerns of the most solemn nature, and of the greatest impor- tance. Indeed this seems to be the notion, which many of the church have had, of such a ripeness, from their earnestly driving the matter, at the last Precinct meeting, to have me voted out of town before this Council assembled ; i. e. to have it voted, that the people desired that I should begone, — so that the Council might see that they were ripe. But I trust that this reverend Council have greater wisdom, than to entertain the same notion of a ripe- ness for such a proceeding ; and I humbly conceive that they will see it to be indispensably necessary, that fii'st the utmost endeavours be used to bring the people to juster views and a better temper, before they advise to any steps in order to an immediate separa- tion. And I beseech the Council to use their utmost and most prudent endeavours, that, if finally we are separated, we may part with one another fairly and peaceably. " I also request of this reverend Council that they would do me the justice in their Result, — not merely to advise the people dis- junctively, either to read my book, or to hear my reasons from the pulpit ; — but to give it as their opinion that / have a right to preach, and that, if I do preach, the people are obliged to hear me. I hum- bly conceive, that this will be no more tlian the case requires, for three reasons : "1. If such disjunctive advice be left, it will not tend so much in any measure to ripen our affairs for an issue ; for then indeed they will neither hear me preach, nor be likely to read my book. It will be said that the number of copies is small. The disincli- nation is great. It will be supposed tliat tlie Council do not wish a very strict scrutiny, whether they have read it or not. The whole matter will be left at loose ends, and in great uncertainty. Thus it will tend greatly to embarrass our affairs, and lengthen out our controversy. " 2. My people complain, many of them, that on tliis subject Uiey cannot understand me. Now if, unawares, I have spoken to them a language they cannot understand, let me have an opportu- nity to explain myself. Surely it will not be proceeding witli christian moderation and charity — to say at once, "You have been mistaken in your manner of pleading your cause ; you have spoken to us inadvertently, so that we have wholly misapprehended your meaning ; but since you have thus failed of maldng us understand you, your mouth shall now be stopped, and we will give you no farther opportunity to speak for yourself." " 3. I ought, before I leave this people, to whom I have so long stood in such a relation, to have an opportunity given me, to leave with them a testimony for myself, in that matter which proves so great an offence to them, not only with those who are in the I-IFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 3G7 Church, but with others, both male and female, to whom I have stood in so sacred a relation, of whom it can never be expected, that they should generally read my pamphlet. The laws of nature, and the laws of Christ, require me to love this people, to whom I have been so related, and to value their charity and esteem. I have reason also to think, that there are many of my spiritual children, who are God's dear children, in this congregation, who now enter- tain hard thoughts on account of my opinion. Now I ought not to be driven from hence, without opportunity to exhibit a testimony for myself before them, and so with the people at large. When I have done so, I demand nothing of them but an impartial hearing. I desire not to lord it over their consciences. They have a right to judge for themselves, and may use what means they please, to see the strength of arguments on the other side, by reading books, or conversing with ministers who differ from me in judgment. " I humbly trust therefore, that this reverend Council will not foil to leave behind, in their Result, a direct and full expression of their judgment on this important point. ^^ " After the Agents for the Church had replied to these re- marks, the Council adjourned. The next morning, I delivered in to the Council the following writing : "I the subscriber do make the following declaration and offer : — That if my people, being so advised by the Council of Churches now sitting, \v\\l hear me deliver the reasons of my opinion from the pulpit, and consider further of the matter in controversy be- tween me and them until the spring, when it shall be comfortable travelling, laying aside all public agitation until then, and then de- sire a Council of Churches in order to bring our controversy to a final issue ; and will consent, being also so advised by this Coun- cil, that I shall have an equal hand in the choice of the Council with them, and that I should go out of the county into the other parts of New-England for my choice ; and this Council, on a full hear- ing and thorough consideration of our case, can find out no way for a composition or accommodation, either by satisfying my con- science in yielding some points to the people, or by making them easy in some things in a compliance with me, or any other way which the Council in their wisdom may devise ; but the people shall, after all, declare their unwillingness that I should be their pastor ; I uill declare it before the Council as my desire, tliat the people should be left entirely at their liberty, as to my continuing their pastor ; and will move it to them to gratify the people's de- sire, in dissolving my pastoral relation to this Church, — provided the Precinct will first engage to free me from rates, — and will, the Council so advising, resign my pastoral office. — This is diat, to which I humbly propose and desire this reverend Council to ad- 308 I-IFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. vise this people to consent; withal strongly advising;, that, in the mean time, quietness and peace be maintained, and jangling agita- tions and public proceedings, tending to enkindle or uphold strife, be laid aside ; and that the Lord's Supper be restored, if the peo- ple can find it in their hearts freely to consent to it, on the advice of the Council; and that this Council also endeavour to find out a way, that those, who are able and willing to make a profession of godliness, may be admitted into the Chui'ch, in a way consistent with a good conscience in both pastor and people ; and that all parts of the public service of God be quietly, steadily and regular- ly, upheld and attended. "Jonathan Edwards. ''JVorthampton,Dec. 27, 1749." " The Committee or Agents of the Church were allowed some time to consider of this proposal, and were afterwards heard in tlieir objections against it. " The next day, Dec. 28, the Council drew up and declared the following Result." [A blank was left here, for the insertion of the Result of Coun- cil, but it was not filled. I have sought in vain for a copy of the Result of this Advisory Council ; and have been able to ascertain, only, that they recommended. That there should be a restoration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper ; That Pastor and People should converse freely together, about the point in controversy; That there should be no public proceedings of any kind what- ever, relative to the point in controversy; and that they also ex- pressed the opinion, That the Church Committee opposing Mr. Edwards' delivering his principles from the pulpit, was one probable occasion of the great uneasiness, and dissatisfaction, which had arisen between the pastor and the people.] " Then the Council adjourned themselves to the first Wednesday in February, 1750. " The next Sabbath, Dec. 31, I publicly read the Result of the Council to the whole congregation, and declared a readiness on my part, to comply with that result ; and desired the Church to take the subject of the restoration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Sup- per into their consideration until the next Sabbath, when I propo- sed to put it to vote in the Church, Whether the Lord's Supper shall be administered the Sabbath following. " The next Monday, being Jan. 1. 1750, the Precinct met again according to adjournment, and having understood that the Rev. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAR1>S. O.G9 Peter Clark of Salem Village, had undertaken to write an Answer to my book on Qualifications for Coujuiunion, they determined to write to him, desiring him to expedite what he had undertaken. They also chose a Committee to converse with me, pursuant, as they supposed, to that clause of the result of Council, wlierein they ad- vise that the pastor and people should converse freely together, about the point in controversy. The Committee chosen, were Ebenezer Pomroy, Noah Wright, Dr. Mather, Roger Clap, In- crease Clark, Deac. Cook, and Ebenezer Hunt. The Precinct meeting adjourned themselves to Monday, Feb. 12. "Deac. Cook came to me that evening, and informed me of the appointment of this Committee, and of their design of coming to converse wth me, the Wednesday following. I objected against it as a jmblic proceeding, and so plainly contrary to the advice oi the Council ; but told him that I would nevertheless take the matter into consideration, until the next evening, when 1 would send him my thoughts and determination on the affair in vviiting. Accord- ingly, the next evening I sent him the following letter : " To Deacon Noah Cook, in Nortliampton. "On mature consideration I am confirmed in the same mind, which I expressed the last night, concerning die Committee chosen to confer with me. It appears to me altogether of the nature of a public proceeding, with respect to the present controversy. The appointment and choice of the Committee was a public proceed- ing. The Committee are the representatives of a public society. And if you come and confer with me, as a Committee of the Pre- cint, you therein act in a public capacity, in the name and behalf of the Precinct ; and all from beginning to end will be a public pro- ceeding, and so plainly coutrary to the advice of the Council. The appointed interview of the Committee ^vith me cannot be under- stood otherwise, than as a meeting appointed for a public dispute; for though tlie whole parish will not be actually present, yet they will be present by their representatives, and it is to be a debate or discourse managed in behalf of the whole. The Committee aie to hear my arguments, in some sort, as the car of the society, tliat the whole may be influenced by it ; otherwise I do not see how they can, in hearing, act in behalf of the Precinct; and if they do not act in behalf of the Precinct, how do they act as a Committee for the Pre- cinct. This I think is not a reasonable way of j^roceeding, for the rnformation of the whole parish, not tending to light and })eace but the contrary, and contrary to the express words of the Council's ad- vice, and disagreeable to the plain design of it — tending to super- sede and set aside the thing at which they aimed. Therefore I must decline conferring with such a body of men together, chosen Vol. T. 47 ' 370 LIFE OF PRESroENT EDWARDS. as a Committee of the Precinct ; but stand ready at any time to confer with freedom and friendliness with each of these brethren, or any others, coming in a private capacity, and in their own name only. " I am your friend and servant, " for Jesus' sake, "Jonathan Edwards, •' JVortham^ton, Jan. 2, 1750." CHAPTER XXII. jidjourned meeting of the Preparatory Council. — Remarks of JVlr. Edwards on the question. Whether he ought not to go out of the County, in the choice of the Final Council. — Council re- fuse to express their opinion on this point. — JVLr. Edwards^ Lec- tures on Qualifications for Communion. — Attempted interfer- ence of neighbouring Clergy. — tJifficulties relating to choice of Final Council. — Choice of that Council, May S. — Meeting and Result of that Council, June 19. — Protest of Minority. On Wednesday, Feb. 7, 1750, the Council met again, and the subject of the pastor's going out of the County, in the choice of his part of the Decisive Council, was again very largely debated before them, by the Pastor, and the Committee of the Church, and also by some private members of the Church. JMr. Edwards' remarks upon the subject were as follows : " If I should attempt to prove that a vicinity of churches have no j^nisdiction over particular churches within their bounds, established by a universal, unalterable rule, which ought never to be dispensed with, in any case whatever ; I presimie this Rev. Council would regard tlie attempt as wholly impertinent — a needless burdening them with proofs of what nobody would ever dispute. I shall therefore take it for granted, unless it shall be questioned, that the rule of confining Councils to a vicinity, is only a general rule, from which exceptions are to be made in cases especially requiring it. Hence the only question is. Whether this be such a case or not ? " In order to determine this question with clearness and certainty, we must, as I observed at the session of the Council in December, previously ascertain what will be the business of the proposed Fu- ture Council. The business, obviously must determine the quali- fications ; and if, on a strict comparison of business and qualifica- tions, it be found that a different Council is really requisite, from that which may be constituted of churches of the vicinity; then it will follow that a different Council must be allowed, and cannot be denied ; and that, whatever may be said of any customs of churches, or of any parallel customs with regard to civil tribunals ; the nature of this particular case must be looked into, and that, and that alone, must determine the matter. What the nature of the case requ'res, that the law of reason and justice requires, and that xha Law of God requires. ^7^:2 LITE OF PKESlCEiSfT EDWARDS, " If I may be allowed to recapitulate very briefly some of the le- marks then made, in order to refresh the memories of the Council, I observe, That the business of the Future Council will not be, to decide, Whether my opinion, On the Qiialijications for Commun- ion, is right or not ? — ^because we know the opinion and practice of every man, who will be chosen, before he comes. Nor will it be, Whether t shall remain the minister of .'Northampton, if, cfter at'l proper steps are taken to effect an accommodation, the people still deure my dismission'/ — because, when that shall have been done, I will trouble no Council any farther, than barely to give me leave to relinquish ray pastoral office. But their business will be to decide, 1, Whether they ought not to make some attempts to effect an accom^ modation of our difficulties ? and, if this be decided in the negative, 2, Whether cdl luis been done hy both parties, which justice requires to be done, previous to a separation? and, if this be decided in the affirmative, to state in their result, 3, JVhat are the grounds of my dismission; hoivfar I am innocent; and how far I maybe recom- mended, as deserving future employment in the ministry. If this Rev. Council will closely consider the matter, they will easily see that these things must constitute their business. " And if this be so, the question, — What qualifications does this business require? — ajnounts to simply this. — Is Impartiality, as to the two contending parties, a qualification absolutely necessary in those who are to judge between them ? — To determine this, let each of the points, which must be submitted to the Future Council, be viewed. If means of acconnnodation are to be used, ought not those, who are to act as mediators, tohe in the middle between the parties to be reconciled. If they are to judge with regard to the mutual rights and claims of the two parties, and to decide whether eacli has done all that the other may fairly require, pre- vious to a separation ; does not settling points of equity, between two parties at variance, require even balances. And if they are to pronounce before the world, on the conduct of the pastor in this controversy, as well as on his general character ; may he not justly demand that the tribunal which is to do this shall be impar- tial ? " If these things are jilain, and I cannot but think that every person of sober thought \A"ill own them to be self-evident ; then the only things to be determined are these two, 1, What consti- tutes an essential defect of impartiality as to the two parties in this case? 2, Whether the defect can be supposed to belong to a Coun- cil constituted of the churches in this vicinity ? " As to the first point, it must obviously bo admitted, to be a radical defect in the impartiality of the Council, if the members of it are cdl on one side, or are all known to side with one of the par- ties against the other, on the main point in controversy. What can be more plain than, that a balance cannot be even, and therefore LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 373 cannot be fit to adjust matters of equity between two parties, if ali ihe piX'vious weight is in one scale. And is it not equally evident that a (Council, who are all on one side in the controversy, are not In the middle between the two parties, as mediators to reconcile them. And since a Council cannot in this case be obtained, that is impartial as to individuals, because all the members are chosen, and chosen with reference to their o})inions ; it is plain that the consis- tory ought to be so constituted, that one part may balance the otlier. If we cannot find a balance, which has no previous weight in either of the scales, yet surely we should seek one which has not all the weights in one scale, but equal weights in both, thai the balance mav be even. " I need not remark again, that mankind in general, both the wise and unwise, are liable to the strongest prejudices against the ))ersons and conduct of those around them, who differ from them in matters of religion ; that this is as true with regard to points not fvindamental, as with regard to those whi<'h are ; that it is especial- ly true, when the controversy is at the height of agitation ; that it is pre-eminently true with regard to those, who are the mo\ers and managers of the controversy ; and that nothing, iiom age to age, has been found to excite prejudices equally strong \\ith this. These points are too clear to admit of denial or doubt. Hence, if the future Council be all on one side, as to the main controvcrsv between me and my people, it is an apparent and sensible defect of impartiality ; and of course, it is most unrighteous to confine the other party to such a Council, and oblige him to be judged by them and no other. " As to the other question. Will a Council, taken wholly from the County, have this defect ? — it is a fact perfectly known, that the ministers and churches of the County are almost universall)- against me on the point, which now divides me and my ])ecple, and makes us two parties. Perhaps there may be one or two ministers wlio are partly of my mind ; but then their churches are all of a contrary mind, and on the same side with my people. I suj)pose that there is not more than one minister fully of my mind, with re- spect to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and not one church of my mind with regard to either of the s;'craments. Of course, a Council cannot be obtained wholly from within the County, witli- out the forementioned essential defect. " It having been thus established, as I humbly conceive, that the future Council cannot be quali led for the business which will be laid before it, unless it is stiictly impartial; that an imj)artial Coun- cil cannot be chosen, unless 1 am permitted to select from beyond the limits of the County of IJampsliire ; and that to deny me this liberty, would therefore be direct and palpable injustice; I shall proceed to remark on some of the objections which are brought a";ainst this measure. 374 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " It was urged at the former sitting of the Council — " That if there actually is a jurisdiction over particular churches and minis- ters, established in a vicinity, the reason alleged cannot be a suffi- cient reason for an exception ; and that, if there is no such juris- diction actually established by agreement, yet if there ought to be, it alters not the case. For, if it ought to be established, we may fairly look upon it as really established in the law of reason ; and, if so, this case has nothing in it to require an exception from such a jurisdiction, any more than a case gro\\ang out of any other error, fundamental or non-fundamental. If a church should complain of its minister for turning Arminian, and all the ministers and church- es of the vicinity were Calvinists, it is said he ought not therefore to be allowed to go from the vicinity, to get half of the Coimcil of his ovai opinion, in order that it might be impartial." — In answer to this objection, I would observe, " 1. That in order to judge of its force, the business of die fu- ture Council must be kept in mind. And I hope it will be remem- bered, that the business of the Council will not be, to try me with regard to my opinion respecting the qualifications for communion, to find me guilty or not guilty, or to justify or condemn that opinion. The fact, that a difference of opinion, on this point, subsists between the pastor and church, will indeed be taken into consideration, as well as the question, whether on the whole it is best that we should be separated : but doubtless they would regard it as useless and impertinent, to try me on the question, Whether this opinion is fferesy or not ? — In such a case, they would be called to try a minister as a delinquent ; to examine the fact ; and openly to cen- sure the doctrine. " If this were the business of the Council, it might make a great difference as to the manner in which it ought to be constituted ; for the case of such a minister would be like the case of a person ac- cused of some crime for which he was to be tried. In such a case the impartiality requisite is impartiality as to the fact, but not as to the nature of the crime. Thus, if a man were accused of drunk- enness, the judges ought to be strictly impartial as to the question, — Wliether he was guilty of the Fact'^ but not as to the question, Whether drunkenness be a Crime ? The crime they ought to ab- hor, and such abhorrence renders them not the worse but the bet- ter judges. Virtue of course prejudices men against vice ; and the more virtuous judges are, and the more zealously opposed to vice, the fitter are they to be judges of vicious persons. Hence in such a case, it would be ridiculous for the accused to insist that half his judges should be men who approved of drunkenness — and that, whether there were any established jurisdiction or not. And it would not alter the case, whether it were proposed that his judges should be of the vicinity, or brought from some other continent. From whatever places collected, they ought all in strict justice to LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWA.RDS. 375 be men, who had an entire abhorrence of the crime of drunken- ness. " The seeming force of this objection, arises from a confusion of th'ught in tliose who urge it, in losing sight of the real point in q; 'stion, in forgetting the proper business of the future Council, and inadvertently supposing it to be like that of judges who are called to try a criminal. The question of Fact, <' hether i hold a given opinion 9 — will not come up before them : It is admitted be- forehand. Neither will the question, fVhether that opinion he heresy'} — no man pretends it. That opinion will not be presented to them as a crime or fault to be judged and punished ; but merely as the ground of an alleged difference of opinion between pastor and people. It is not on the merits of the cause, i. e. of my opinion, fthat they will decide, but on the case of difficulty, growing out of a difference between that opinion and tlie opinion of my people ; and, as was observed before, they will be called to act as mediators between the disagreeing parties, to setde matters of equity between tliem, and to judge of the character and conduct of the pastor with regard to (he controversy. And with regard to all these points, it has been shown, that to be on either side, has a most obvious and powerful tendency to bias the mind against the other. "That the seeming force of this objection, in the minds of diose who urge it, arises from losing sight of the true state of the case, and the proper business of the Council, is obvious from the ver) example adduced b\- way of illustration, viz. That in a civil action, it is no valid objection against the justices of the vicinity, w ho have an established jurisdiction, that their opinion on a given point of law is already knov^ni : — because in the present case, the business of the future Council will not be, to try the merits of the cause, or to judge whether my opinion be agreeable to the Law, that is, the word of God, or not. And Avith respect to this example, I would further observe the following things. "1. If it were really so, that the proposed Council were to judge the very merits of my cause, that is, the soundness of my opinion, the instance adduced would not be at all parallel, or of any force in the present argument. Let the case be put thus : Sup- pose a man has done something towards a given individual, which many regard as a breach of law^, exposing him to be disfranchised ; and the question turns on a point of law, w hich has long been mat- ter of warm controversy among judges and jurists ; and suppose there is no stated tribunal, but it is the custom of tlie country, in cases of controversy, for each party to choose half of the judges ; and it is known that there are as many jurists on one side, in the controverted point of law, as on the other ; and there is no appeal from the tribunal chosen, but their judgment will be final ; — Would it not be reasonable in this case, if one party chose half of the judges favourable to his side of the question, diat tlie odier should o7t) LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. choose the other half favourable to his side ; and that, although all the jurists of the immediate vicinity were opposed to him. If one party had actually chosen his half of the judges who were all on his side, would it not be mere mockery to tell the other party that he also might have the liberty of choosing half of the judges, as well as his adversary, but only he must choose all of them from the side which were opposed to him. Now this is precisely my case. Councils are elective, and to be appointed by joint or mutual choice, according to uniform practice. This has been the practice of both parts of this county. It was pursued in the lower part of the coun- ty, in the case of Mr. Allis ; and in the upper part of the county, in the case of Mr. Rawson, in the Council of May 3, 1737, of which I was the Scribe, and have the original papers now by me, as well as in the subsequent Council convened at the same place. My people too, do not pretend that any stated Consistory exists, or that the Council is not to be elective. They offer me a choice of one half of the Council, but only would confine me to Churches and ministers of their opinion. " 2. In civil affairs, appeals are allowed from the justices of the county, to others, who come from a distance, appointed without any regard to vicinity ; and the determination of those more remote judges supersedes and sets aside that of the judges from the vicin- ity. Indeed, many important cases are carried directly to those more distant judges, without suffering the judges from the vicinity to meddle with them, any further than to refer them to the judg- ment of the distant judges ; and that too, on account of the great importance of the case. And so it would be here, in our ecclesi- astical affairs, if we had regular inferior and superior tribunals, like those of Scotland. " 3. Difference of opinion on a mere point of law, has very little tendency to prejudice the mind against the persons and conduct of others, compared with difference of opinion in matters of religion. No one will dispute the fact, that the latter has in all ages excited the deepest prejudices in mankind, against each other. But who ever heard of such prejudices and alienations in individuals, in par- ties, and in nations, merely because they differed in opinion on a point of law. " 4. Civil tribunals are not appointed to act the part of media- tors between contending parties ; except in cases of arbitration, in which each party has equal liberty of choice. Their office is to see that the laws be executed ; and there is not therefore the same ne- cessity that there should be some of the judges on each side, as in the present case. " But to return to the objecfion itself. It is asked, If a minister should be complained of by his people, for embracing Ai'ianism, or any other heresy, or for turning to another denomination, for exam- |)le to the Church of England ; and a Council should be required to l>IFfcl Ol' i'RUSIDENT EUWARUtf. 377 adjust the difficulty ; wliy might he not in such a case, as well as in the present, insist on the liberty ol" goinj^ out oi' the county, to get half of the Council who embraced the same heresy, or who belonged to the Church of England, diat they might be impartial ? To this I answer, "1. In such a case, the Council would not come together to consider the question, Whether the individual, if he had embraced die alleged heresy, or had changed to anodier denomination, might be lawfully continued as the minister of a Congregational Church ? This point is settled before hand. They would come simply to find, Whedier the charge against him was true, or false ? Hence I suppose, that the following will be found, on the most careful en- quiry, to be the reasons, and the only reasons, why he could not claim to have some of the judges of his own side. " (1.) Because, in the case of acknowledged Heresy, those who are on his side are not fit to be members of the Christian Church. Fundamental errors are scandalous ; and the Church cannot there- fore, consistently with their own profession, call such, as constituent members of a Christian Council, and leave their ecclesiastical af- fairs with those who embrace them. For they, who are not duly qualified to be members of the Christian Church, cannot be fit members of a Christian Council, to dkect and manage the affairs of the Christian Church. Or, " (2.) Because in the case of turning to a different denomina- tion, that of the Episcopalians, or the Anabapdsts, the individual is now statedly of a different communion. For, although christians of these denominations may occasionally and transiently join with Presbyterians and Congregationalists in some parts of worship ; yet, as to what is stated, there is a division openly established. It is a point perfectly settled, that, as to their stated worship, and their ec- clesiastical proceedings, they must act apart. And there would be an obvious inconsistency in a Church employing those, who are al- ready of a distinct sect, and have no ecclesiastical connexion with them, to order and settle their ecclesiastical affairs. " These I suppose to be the only reasons, why it is not proper that a minister, who embraces heresy, or joins another denomina- don, cannot choose from his own side half of the Council; which is convened, not to judge of his doctrines, or to mediate, or do jusdce between the parties, but to investigate an alleged fact, and on find- ing it, to vacate the office ; unless, in such a case as that of embra- cing Popery, there might be this additional reason against Papists being allowed to sit on the Council, — That Papists are bound to injure, persecute and destroy the Protestant Church, as much as in them lies ; and we cannot be bound to entrust our affairs to those, whose avowed design it is, before hand, to injure and des- troy us. " 2. The reason, why a minister in such a case may not go out Vol. I. 48 378 LIFE OF PUKSIDKNT E13VVARI>S. of the vicinity, to get half of the Council of his own side, is, not the existence of any established jurisdiction, or of any established rule respecting the vicinity, or the county, but of a totally different nature ; as will appear from a slight examination. Suppose a min- ister settled over an orthodox Church to turn Arian, and all the Churches and ministers of the vicinity to be professed Arians ; it is admitted, not only that the Church are not bound to the vicin- ity, but that the minister has no right to choose from it, because the vicinity are all unfit to be of any Council. So if he should turn Episcopalian, and all the vicinity are Episcopalians ; it is a point conceded, that the Church is not limited to the vicinity, and that the minister cannot choose a single member of the Council from the vicinity. Vicinity, therefore, makes no alteration in these cases ; which demonstrates the objection to be wholly without force ; for it plainly shows, that it is not any established right in the vicinity, which is regarded in the cases alleged. On the con- trary, it is the nature of the case in itself considered, and that alone, which governs in this matter, and sets aside all considerations of vicinity; which is the very point that I have asserted and urged. For I have insisted, all along, that the nature of this case, as it is in itself, must be considered ; and what that demands, must be al- lowed as wholly paramount to the bare circumstance of neighbour- hood. So that this objection, carefully examined, oversets the position it is brought to prove, and establishes and demonstrates the grand point on which I insist. " 3. It is the Natural Right of the people, and their Liberty of conscience, and not Vicinity, which governs in the instances alle- ged. But in the present case, as it is not an established jurisdic- tion in the vicinity, so it is not the rights of conscience, which should confine me to the county ; and therefore nothing at all. It can- not be the rights of conscience, which should confine me ; for it is as much against the rights of conscience for me to choose ministers of my own opinion in the county, as out of it. The thing, which invades the rights of conscience, if they are invaded at all, is not the circumstance of nearness, or remoteness, but my having a part of the Council of my opinion, whether brought from the vi- cinity or elsewhere. But it has never been disputed or question- ed, that I have a right to choose half of tlie ministers and churches of my opinion, if I can find so many within the county. And my people have urged that some of the ministers in the county are of my opinion, and that I may choose them as far as they go ; though I must not go out of the county. Now let us turn the tables and suppose that all the churches and ministers in the county were of my opinion ; would I not have liberty to choose my half of the Council from the vicinity, any rights of conscience in the people to the contrary notwithstanding ? Certainly all, who would allow me any liberty of choice at all, must admit this. So that it LlKK UJ' J'KKS3lO£NT tUWABDS. 379 is in effect granted, tliat it is neitlier any right ol" jurisdiction in the vicinity, nor any right of conscience in my people, which ought to confine me to the limits of the county in my choice. And what tlien, I ask, heside these two things can be conceived of, which ought thus to confine me ? — 1 am not aware of any fallacy in this reasoning, and I wish it to be examined to the bottom. " 4. If there be any such thing as an Established Jurisdiction in the churches of the vicinity, either by argumeut, or the word of God, or the nature of things ; then it will follow that all our eccle- siastical judicatories must be stated, and not elective. For if there be a settled power or right of jurisdiction, then the suljjcct of this power, or the body in which it inheres, is also selded. l( it be set- tled at all, it is settled some where, or in some subject; and that subject of course is not left at loose ends, to be determined from time to time by the choice of the parties concerned. But such an established jurisdiction as this, has not been j^retended nor acted upon, either by this church, or by any of the neighbouring church- es or ministers ; but the churches and ministers of this neighbour- hood have proceeded on the contrary principle, very lately in various instances ; for they have acted in Councils convoked by election without an objection, or even an intimation that any estal)lished ju- dicatory of the neighbourhood ought to have been convoked. Why then should any such establishment be first mentioned and insisted on in my case; where, as we have seen, it works the gross- est injustice ? That usually it is convenient and proper that Coun- cils should be of the neighbourhood, I freely acknowledge ; but that there has been any such uniform usage, as establishes the right now for the first time pretended, I utterly deny ; and from those who assert it, I unhesitatingly demand the evidence. No such established jurisdiction, — established either by agreement, or cus- tom, or the law of God, or the law of reason, — was ever main- tained, either in our day, or the days of our fathers. In the days of our predecessors in the ministry in this count}^, nothing like it was known ; for Mr. Stoddard, and Mr. Williams of Hatfield for- merly went, when invited, to a Council at Norwich in Connecticut, and, if I mistake not, to another Council at Lebanon ; which sure- ly they would not have done, if they had thought the law of God and nature settled such an establishment in vicinities. And if any such thing be now insisted on, in order to limit me to the \ icinity, it will in fact be a new rule, unheard of until now, invented for my case, to deprive me of my plain right, — in a case, which has much more that is peculiar to require an exception from such a rule, than other cases in which it has never been pretended. " If it should be insisted, that the Council ought not to be elec- tive at all ; but that we should take the churches as they come ; or that we should take the whole county ; — though this is a point not referred to this Council, — I observe, that it will be the first instance 380 LIKK OF rilESIDENT EDWAUDS* of objecting to an election, where the question has been the dis-^ mission of a minister, certainly during the present generation, and, as I suppose, since the county was formed. In the case of Mr. Allis, the Council was by joint choice, as was that in the case of Mr. Rowson. In the latter, of which I was the scribe, the ques- tion was, Whether Mr. R. was quaHfied for the work of the min- istry as to his learning, his orthodoxy and his morals ; the Council was called by mutual election ; Mr. Williams of Hatfield, and Mr. Chauncey, were members ; and no person thought of objecting against the mode of convocation as irregular or improper. In tlie second Council, in the case of Mr. Rowson, the churches of the Association were indeed convoked ; yet it was by a free mutual agreement on prudential considerations merely, and not with refe- rence to any supposed rule binding them to it ; as I know from a particular and full enquiry. Elective Councils and not Stated ones, have hitherto been made use of in all parts of the county, both in settling, and in unsettling, ministers. Very lately, Mr. Webster was settled in the upper part of the coimty, by an elective Council ; and the election was not confined to the county, for only two or three were taken from this county to join others from abroad ; although it was known beforehand that it was a matter of dispute whether he ought to be settled. Hence most evidently, if it be now insisted on as a rule, that the members of a Council must be of the county ; it will be a new rule introduced for my sake. " And if my church should now insist upon it, which they have never yet done, that we should convoke a Council of all the chur- ches of the county, without distinction, it would be peculiarly inju- rious in my case, not only because they embrace the opposite opin- ion to mine in the present controversy, but because it is well known that numbers of them have manifested a particular dislike of me : — some, on account of the supposed rigidness of my Calvinism ; some, a dislike more directly personal, in consequence of my dis- approving of their settlement ; and some, in consequence of the disputes which have arisen, respecting the late religious excitement throughout New-England. These dislikes I do not wish to revive and establish, by being obliged to object against tliem by name, as improper members of a Council in my case. Still such things may most reasonably be considered in the present affair. "With regard to the objection, — That this Churxh, thirty-Jive years ago, voted to be subject to a Council of the churches of the County; — if it has any seeming force, I desire that it may be brought to the test of an exact enquiry, in order to determine whether it is now obligatory on the church of the present genera- tion, or whether it is null and void. It is certainly one or the other. It is either in force for the existing pastor and members, or it is not. It is either alive, or dead. If it be alive and in force, then the whole of it is alive ; but if it be not alive, then it is dead as to every LIFE or PKESIDENT EDV»AIIDS. 381 pari of it ; and we are obliged to observe none of its premises, ex- cept as the laws of God and nature, independently of that vote, bind us to observe them. Now the question, — Whether that vote is dead or alive ? — is easily resolved ; and depends on the resolu- tion of another question, viz. Whether, on Protestant principles., the determination of ancestors, as to matters of religion and the worship of God, binds future generations, without their consent, either express or implied ? — The present members of this Church, at least nine out of ten, are a new generation. As to any express confirmation of that vote, it is notorious that there has been no such thing. As to any implied confirmation of it, if there has been any, it must have been by conforming to it in practice. But this, to my knowledge, has not been done by the present church of Northamp- ton. Since I have been their pastor, they have uniformly, in their practice, implicitly rejected' and annulled it ; and that not merely in circumstantials, but in the substance and main scope of it. The thing mentioned in the vote is a Council of Churches and not of JVlinisters. The first Association of Ministers in this county, was formed some time after my settlement. Yet this church never convoked a Council of Churches, in this generation, until now. — The main design of that vote, too, was to have a Stated Judicatory, and not an Elective Council, according to the Presbyterian princi- ples of Mr. Stoddard ; yet this main design has never been regard- ed, but wholly counteracted. So that it is evident to a demonstra- tion, that this church how has rfo such constitution, and that the an- cient vote is in fact dead. The neighbouring ministers and church- es, also, have customarily neglected and counteracted that old argument of some of our forefathers. — If it is now held to bind this church, it will be tlie first time during the present generation. It will be revived out of the dust purely for my sake, after it has been long dead and buried ; which will be tantamount to making a con- stitution to meet my individual case. If that vote be really no es- tablishment for us, then I am bound by no part of it ; and, if so, no argument ought to be drawn from it with regard to any thing eitlier less or more pertaining to the present case. " It is objected. That the present Council can have no reference to any supposed business of the future Council, except that men- tioned in the votes of the church — to judge whether pastor and people shall be separated ; — and that they are simply to determine what sort of Council is proper to do that business. To this I an- swer, " 1. The business, expressly mentioned in the Vote, will not depend on judging the correctness of my opinion on the Qualifica- tions for communion ; but on judgment of the rights of the peo- ple as to liberty of conscience, and of the rights of the pastor as to what he can fairly demand of the people ; and so will consist in settling points of justice beUveen the parties. 382 LIt'E OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " 3. The business, expressly mentioned in the vote, does cer- tainly imply what is necessarily connected with it, considering the state of the case ; and so must therefore be considered by this Council as implied in that business. Considered thus, it includes all the three things, which were first mentioned. If a surgeon is sent for to judge, whether a limb shall be amputated, the message impUes that he is to judge. Whether amputation may not be dis- pensed with ; if not. Whether it shall take place immediately or be postponed ; and if so. In what manner it is to be done, with tlie least injury. In the same manner, the expression in the vote of the church cannot be understood, to limit the business of the decisive Council, any further than to their doing what is proper for a Coun- cil to do, which is called on the business expressed in the vote. " It is objected that, if diversity of religious sentiment, on ac- count of the prejudices which it usually occasions, disqualifies men from being judges in an Ecclesiastical controversy, in the case of those who differ from them, then it also disqualifies them from being judges in a Civil controversy; and of course, that the judges of our courts in New England, being chiefly Congregationalists, would be improper judges in any case where either of the parties was an Episcopalian, an Anabaptist or a Quaker ; and that the jus- tices in England, being all of the Church of England, would be improper judges of Dissenters. " Answer. If there were no Judicatories in the nation, but merely justices commissioned to be convoked for each cause, by the election of the parties, and there were as many lawful justices on one side as on the other ; it would obviously be most just for one party to be allowed to chose as many on his side, as the other on his ; — especially if the controversy were of a religious nature, and the conduct to be judged of, had reference to that very ques- tion in which the judges differed from each other. For example, suppose the Test- Act were taken off in England, and half of the justices were Dissenters, and in all controversies the common law of the nation gave each party the right of choosing one half of his judges ; and suppose that a controversy arises between an Episco- palian and a Dissenter, concerning the Dissenter's turning Dissen- ter, and writing in defence of Dissenters, and endeavouring to pro- pagate Dissent, and that the point to be judged of is the conduct of the two parties in the management of this conti'oversy, and the Episcopalian has chosen half of the judges, who are on his side ; would it not be equitable that the Dissenter should choose the other half of his side : especially if a part of the business of the judges was to act the part of mediators. — I readily admit that, in deciding religious controversies, the judges actually employed have, in point of fact, been usually all on one side ; and the well-known effect has been the grossest unrighteousness, and the most violent persecution. This has been true in Romish, and Lutheran, countries, as well as MFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 383 in England, and Scotland, and almost every where, as every one acknowledges. " Two or three of the objections, touched upon at the former sitting of the Council, deserve some additional comments. " It was objected that, on this plan. There can he no defence against error, because a minister can find some who icill justify his opinions ; as I am said to have asserted in my Remarks on the Springfield controversy. To this I reply " 1. In this objection, the actual state of the present case is wholly forgotten ; for, as has been often observed, the Council will not meet either to justify, or to condemn, my opinion, whether it be truth or error. "2. What I assert, in my remarks on that controversy, is merely this, — That, if one party is cdlowed to choose cdl his own judges, there can he no defence against error. And I say the same now ; and it is very true, that if one party has all the judges on his side, there can be no defence for the other party, against error, or injus- tice, or any thing else that is bad, because such a Council must of course be partial. What I there assert, therefore, instead of being inconsistent with what I now urge, establishes my grand point, and overthrows the veiy position it is brought to prove, viz. That all the Council ought to be on one side. " 3. All the force in the objection, if it has any, lies — not against my going out of the county for a choice, but — against my having any choice at all, that is, against any elective Council whatever. For, if a minister has any advantage in his choice to defend himself in error, it arises from his having liberty to choose half his judges, and not from the place where they arc chosen, whether in or out of the County. The rule of confining him and the church to the county where they live, will no more defend the ti'uth than expose it. It will do one or the other just as the county is. If the churches of diis county had happened to be of my side, this rule would have defended me in my supposed error, and would have disabled the church from defending themselves just as much, as going out of the county will now. Indeed the rule would more generally ex- pose orthodox churches than defend them, for there are more erro- neous vicinities in the world than orthodox ones. " It may be objected that, by thus insisting on the liberty of going out of the county, I cast a reflexion on the neighbouring ministers, as though they had not honesty enough to do me justice. To this I answer that, if any individual is hi circumstances, which power- fully tend to prejudice his mind in favour of, or against, either of the parties in a given case ; it is no reflexion on him to object against him, as improper to be employed as a judge in that case. Thus, if a man is nearly related to one of the parties ; or where a town is a party, and he is an inhabitant of that town ; he cannot sit as judge or juror in such a case. But there is far more reason to 384 LIFK OS-' PRESIDENT EDWARDS. object against all the judges being wholly on one side, to judge of the conduct of two parties in a religious controversy, than to object against near relations ; as will appear if we consider two tilings : " 1 . Men are as prone, in religious differences, to favour their own party, as they are to favour their near relations. This is true all the world over, in every age, with both learned and unlearned, that men are friends to their own party, and commend their persons and justify their conduct. How widely different are the opinions of two opposite parties of the same points of conduct. Thus, how diffe- rent are the opinions of Presbyterians from those of Episcopalians, concerning the conduct of the Presbyterians in the time of the Long Parliament ; and so I might adduce innumerable other m- stances. " 2. Difference in religious sentiments excites one kind of preju- dice which nearness of relation does not ; for, though the latter pre- judices us in favour of those who are related to us, yet it does not prejudice us against those who are not related to us ; whereas we are not only prejudiced in favour of those who agree with us in sen- timent, but we are strongly prejudiced against those who differ from us. And the strongest prejudices ever known in the world have arisen from tliis cause. Hence the question, with regard to the neighbouring ministers and churches, is not, whether they are just and upright men, but whether these circumstances naturally tend to bias them in this controversy. If they do, then it is obviously against the plain rights of mankind, to oblige me to be judged only by them. " It was objected. That, to allow me to go out of the County, will be a bad precedent, and greatly expose the peace and good or- der of the County, in its ecclesiastical affairs. "I desire this objection to be thoroughly examined ; and we shall be able to determine whether it has any force by resolving these two questions : 1, Whether the rule to confine Councils to a vicinity, be so universal and unalterable, that it is absolutely without excep- tions, and ought never to be departed from in any case, ordinary or extraordinary ; and if not ; then, 2, Whether this case be so far an extraordinary one as to require an exception from the general rule. " As to the first of these questions, I should af&ont this Rev. Council by suggesting that any one of them would affirm it ; for it would contradict their own practice and that of all our churches ; as well as the sentiments whick< they have advanced respecting the Consociations in Connecticut. " The only remaining question is. Whether this case be so far extraordinary, as to require an exception from the general rule. And if the Council will reflect on what has been said, it will I think be plain to a demonstration, that the most obvious rules of justice do abso- lutely require it. We are two controverting parties, and we want a LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS'. o85 council, because we want judges to judge between us ; and for what, unless to do justice between us. We want a balance to weigh both parties ; and is it not essential that the scales be even ? If both parts of the Council are all on ihe side of one party, is it not evident that the scales are not even ? Why then oblige nie to be weighed against the other party, when their scale is so much the heaviest before we are put into the balance. It is the law of God, Thou shah have a just balance; and his strict injunction, That, which is altogether just, shah thou follow. The prudence and justice of this Council teaches them in other respects not to give one side an advantage above the other — particularly not to hear one side in the absence of the other ; to have the same rules respecting evidence for both ; and to give each equal opportunity to plead his own cause. Now if justice require, that such an exact equality be maintained in cir- cumstantials, how much more does it require that, in a point so essential as the choice of the Tribunal which is to decide the main controversy, there be a perfect equality, and that neither party be allowed to have all the judges on his own side. How highly my people estimate the advantage of having all the judges on their own side, is abundantly evident from their strenuous and persever- ing efforts to secure it ; and if it be so great an advantage, why should we not be placed on the same footing ? My people have never pretended, that I ought not to choose half of the Council ; nor have we submitted the question to this Council, whether ouf case shall be referred to the whole county, without any choice in the case. I say, we have not submitted this question, because it was never once mentioned, and I suppose never entered into our hearts. I am sure it did not into mine. This point was never controverted between us ; and it is absurd to suppose, that we sum- moned a Council of Churches to decide a point, which we had never even once disputed, but had always been agreed in. That I should have a choice in the Council, was fully admitted by the Church ; and the point debated between us was. Whether I should go out of the county in my choice ? But if I be allowed a choice as well as they, why should I not be allowed to choose those who are on my side, as well as the Church those who are on their side. To deny me this, is utterly inconsistent with the pretence of allowing me a choice ; for the pretence is an equality of advan- tage, or an equal chance for justice. To allow me an equal choice, is an implicit acknowledgment that I am in justice entitled to an equal advantage; but to tie me up to judges who are of their opin- ion, is grossly inconsistent with this acknowledgment. To tell mo with a great show of fairness, " You shall stand as good a chance for justice as we ; you shall choose one half of the Council, and we will choose the other ; — but then we will choose those who are on our side, and you also shall choose those who are on our side, and opposed to vour?elf on the main point in mntrovcrsv ;" is onh' VoT.. T-. ■ 10 386 LIFE OF PKESIDENT EDWAKDS, mocking and insulting me. This Council, in their fornier Rciiuil. intimate, that a part of the business of the future Council will be, to endeavour to reconcile us ; and, in the very nature of the case, the Council, which comes with power to separate, must have pofrer to decide, Whether the separation shall be immediate, or, V/hether it is not their duty to act as mediators, and attempt a re- conciliation. And what is more obvious to common sense, than that a mediator should be impartial ; one in Vvhom both parties con- fide, and have an equal interest. If it be lawfid to compare little things with great ones, did not the Most High himself, when he was pleased to appoint a Mediator between God and man, take care that he should partake of both natures, to qualify him for that office? "And, besides the grounds already mentioned, requiring an ex- emption from the ordinary rules of proceeding, this case is in other respects extiaordinary, not merely in some of its circumstances, but in its very nature ; so much so, that no such case, I appre- hend, has occurred in New-England, or even in the Christian Church. The proposed Council will convene to decide on a new question — a question which I suppose was never before submitted to on ecclesiastical tribunal. And certainly, in the decision of such a case, it cannot but be allowed, that a number of the senior min- isters of the country should be engaged. " The circumstances of the country ought also to be considered : we having no appeal from one Council to anodier. Such a state of things makes a great aheration, as to what is reasonable in many particular cases, and requires some things to be allowed, which need not be allowed, if here, as in Scotland, we could appeal from the Churches of the Vicinity to those of tire Province, and ulti- mately to the Assembly of the whole Nation. It is a strange way of arguing, that, because there ought to he a regular estabhshment in the country, we ought therefore to bind ministers and Churches to the same measures as if there icere one ; and yet not allow them the privileges which an establishment secures, and which alone can render those n;casures tolerable. If we had a regular establishment, there would be here, as in Scotland, no elective Councils. There would have been none of late in Hatfield, nor in this town, in the case of ]Mr. Hawley. Yet, as we have no es- tablishment, every one allows the necessity of such Councils in ma- ny cases ; and the same fact involves us in the necessity of going out of the vicinity, because we have not the right of appeal. " On the whole, admitting it to be a good general rule, That Councils should be selected from the neighbourhood , no reason, can be assigned, why this case should not be exempted ; unless w^e take the broad ground, that no exemptions from general rules shall ever be allowed, however just, expedient and necessary in them- selves, for fear of a bad precedent. But was this broad ground l.IFE OP rilESIDENT EDWARUS. o&l ever taken, or can it ever be observed in buman society ? No sucb uniform observance of general rules was ever known in our ecclesiasti- cal concerns. It is a general rule, that tbe alleged dclincjuency of a private brother, ought fiist to be tried by the church ; yet die church may refer it directly to a Council, as was lately done in Hatfield, with die approbation of the Churches, and with no fear of a bad prece- dent. And with regard to this very point, to go from the vicinity in die choice of Councils, so far from being a new thing, has been customary, where the peculiar circumstances of die case required it, and that not only in this province, but even in Connecticut. The aggrieved party at Goshen, in their controversy with Mr. Heaton, passed by the Consociation to which Goshen belongs, and sum- moned a Council from the remote parts of Connecticut, by the ad- vice of Col. Williams of Wethersfield, and of the Rev. Mr. Wil- liams of Lebanon. Mr. Searl, also, neglecting the Consociation with which Sharon is connected, by the advice of die best judges, summoned a Council, to setde him at that place. But what I de- sire, is, not to go from die vicinity in a neglect of the Churches of tlie vicinity, but to select half the Council from abroad, first asking the leave and approbation of these Churches. "As to the danger of this case being pleaded as a precedent, for the same liberty in ordinary cases; the danger is less, than perhaps in any other case, because all the world regard this case as wholly- new and extraordinaiy. " And it is a great mistake, that an exemption from a general rule, in a singular case which imperiously requires it, tends to weak- en that general rule. The very contrary is true, that to grant the exemption strengdiens, and to refuse it weakens the rule ; for the injusdce which men suffer by an over exact obser\ance of the rule, is ascribed to the badness of the rule hself, and thus v:e are inclin- ed to renounce it. The Ecclesiastical Constitution of Connecticut has of late been evidently weakened, by thus overstraining the general rules; and to refuse reasonable exenijitions, where plain justice requires them, will tend to deter the country from ever com- ing into a regular establishment. " If then the whole matter be duly weighed by this reverend Council, I cannot but think they will judge, that no ill consequen- ces will follow from granting me this equal liberty of choice, which I claim as a matter of obvious justice ; and that diere v.'ill be many- good consequences : — as there will be opportunity to obtain a just and impartial Council, by bringing the whole of the Consistorv to a proper balance; as we shall be able to employ a number of the senior ministers, and gentlemen of chief note in the country, in de- termining this new and extraordinary affair; as Here will be a pro- per Consistory, to attempt a reconciliation between the parties ; and as the proceedings will be better stated abroad, and more to the satisfaction of the world. 8Si| Llii; OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. "I beseech the reverend Council not suddenly to pass over these things, bui to weigh them with thorough deliberation. I tiaist to their justice, that they will use great care and diligence, that there be no unequal and hard dealing as to tlie terms I am bound to, in the hearing and determining this affair of such vast importance." " After the preceding Remarks had been submitted by the Pastor ; the Committee of the Church, and some of the private members of the church, addressed the Council on the same sub- ject ; when, after long consideration, the question being put, tlie members of the Council were equally divided upon it; and the fol- lowing writing was drawn up by them and read to the Pastor and Church Committee : — " [The blank left in this place for the writing is not filled up.] " Several of the members of the Council did then, as christian friends, advise, that Pastor and People, should, in this affair, con- descend to each other, each departing in some degree from what they had insisted on ; that the Pastor should no longer insist on go- ing out of the county for half of the Council ; and that the people should not insist upon his being confined wholly to the county, but that ti ey should consent that he should go out tor a minor part, tlie major part of the Council being of the county. This seemed to be the coucurring sentiment of the members of the Council, and this reason was given why it was not voted in Council, that they did not look upon finding out any such expedient for an accommo- dation. " I then manifested before the members of the Council my dis- appointment, in that the Council had never given their judgment, Whether it was the duty of my people to hear the reasons of my ojjinion from the pulpit ; although that matter had been particu- larly debated before them. Upon which one of them, viz. Mr. Partridge, replied. That although tlie Council had said nothing ex- pressly about that matter, yet there was something in their Result, which was drawn up at the first sitting of the Council, which was supposed to be a sufKcient intimation of the mind of the Council, that my people ought to hear mc, viz. that passage, wherein they speak of the Chureh Committee opposing ray delivering my principles from the pulpit, as one probable occasion oj the great uneasiness and dissatisfaction, which had arisen between the Pastor and the People. " I then made a declaration before the members of the Council, and also in the presence of the Committee of the Church, to the following purpose: "I judge that there is a great prospect of our controversy issuing in a separation between Pastor and People ; anfii, on long; and matuTP consideration, I have determined that I LIFE OK PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 889 •annot leave this people, wiihout first making trial, ll^etJier mij people wUl hear me give tlie reasons of my opinion from the pulp it. unless I am advised to the contrary by a Council ; being fully per- suaded, on the best enquiry I can make, that a very great part oj the people have never read my book, nor have by any means been informed of my reasons, and are not likely to be informed in any other way than from the pulpit. However I am willing to refer this matter to this ('ouncil, as a case of conscience to be resolved by tliem. Whether I have a right to deliver my reasons from the pulpit, or not? and, if they determine that I have not, I can be easy to forbear." " On hearing this, the Council at first talked of desiring to be by themselves, to consider of this matter. But it was presently said by some of them. That it was a matter, which was indisputable, that 1 had a right, and a right which I ought not to put out of my hands, and ought not to leave the matter to any Conncil ; and so tliey \nn by the thoughts of entering into any particular consideration of the subject. Upon which I declared, That I judged that I had a right to preach on the subject on the Sabbath ; but, that I might do it in the way which would least offend, I would first make trial whe- ther my people would hear me on Lectures appointed for that end. and that I proposed to have my first Lecture the next Thursday, Feb. 15, at 2 o'clock, P. M. ; and, if I found that my people would not hear me on Lecture days, I would reserve liberty to myself to do it on the Sabbath. None of the members of the Council said any thing by way of objection against any part of tliis, which 1 had thus declared. " The next Sabbath, at tlie conclusion of the afternoon exercise,, I informed the Congregation of this which passed before the mem- bers of the Council and the Committee of the church, viz. of this declaration which 1 then made; and renewed my declai-ation of preaching Lectures, and appointed the first Lecture to be the next Thursday. " Tlie next day, Monday, Feb. 12, the Precinct met accordinsr to adjournment, and a vote was passed, by a small majority, to choose a Committee to come to me, and desire me not to preach Lectures on the subject in controversy, according to my declara- tion and appointment. They proceeded to choose Deacon Cook, Deacon Pomroy and Capt. John Lyman for this purpose, and then adjourned themselves to the first iNIonday in March, "The Committee that was chosen, came to me the same dav. at evening, on their appointed errand. But, after considerable dis- course with them, I informed them, that I could not think I should he in the way of my duty, without preaching my appointed Lcc^ tures to such as were willing to hear me. "Accordingly the next Thursday, Feb. 15,1 preached my first Lecture, which was thinly attended by own people ; but there wevt; -390 LJi'E Of PKKSIDENT EDWARDS. present a very great number of strangers; — I suppose much more than half the Congregation ; — which was partly owing to the fact, that the County Court was then sitting. And I w^ould observe, by the way, that the justices of the Court adjourned themselves t» attend my Lecture; which greatly provoked the Clerk of the Court, and occasioned his uttering himself very openly and pub- licly in some very harsh expressions, wherein he called me a tyrant, one who lorded it over God's heritage, etc. "The next Saturday, Feb. 17, a little before night, came tome Dea. Cook and Dea. Pomroy, and told me, that it was the desire of some of the brethren of the church, that I would stay the church the next day, to see if the church would not call the ministers of this Association, to advise them what course to take under their present circumstances. I objected. That it was but a little more than a week since we had had a Council, who were called on this . very business, to direct us how we should conduct ourselves for the present ; and that there was nothing remarkable or new in our turcumstances, nothing but what was visible to the Council before they went away. And I told them that I was fixed in it, to have no hand in calling any more Councils in our affairs, unless I might Jiave a choice with the people, and might choose some out of the County, and might have some in the Council favouring my own opinion, so that there might be somewhat of a balance in the Coun- ^•il : on which they went away. " On Monday, Feb. 19, Dea. Cook and some others went round fo get subscriptions to a paper, drawn up and directed to the Min- isters oi this Association, setting forth to this purpose, — That I had been applied to for a Church meeting, to see if the church would not call the Association together for their advice, etc. etc., and that .1 refused ; and that I, at the same time, declared that I never would have any hand in calling any Council in our affairs, unless I might choose one half out oftlie county, as I had heretofore insisted, and therefore desiring them to come together and give them advice. To this paper they obtained a considerable number of subscribers, so far as I can learn about fifty ; and then carried it to the Rev. Mr. Williams of Hadley ; who undertook to send to the members of the Association, and accordingly did send to most of them. I saw two of the letters which he sent, w hich were very much to the same purpose. The following is a copy of one of them : " The Northampton people are desirous of having some minis- ter preach on the opposite side of the controversy to Mr. Edwards. They have brought an application to this Association for advice, and lodged it with ; and at their desire, and atlhe advice of some of our brethren in the ministry, I have written to the ministers, to desire them to meet at my house, on Thursday, early in the morning. J hope you will come, for you can't easily think what posture things are in. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARD^. 39 1 •And unless we do concert some measures, we are in danger of be- ing overrun ; and Northampton will proceed to extreme measures, being conducted by some gentlemen not over tender of ministers or churches ; which may prove of pernicious consequence to us, and all our churches. I have the promise of §ome gentlemen to come, and hope you will not fail. " From your brother, etc. "Chester Williams. ''Hadley, Feb. 20, 1750." " Six of the ministers came together on diis notification, viz. Me. Partridge of East Hadley, ^h\ Billings of Cold Spring, Mr. Ash-- ley of Sunderland, JMr. Ashley of Deerfield, Mr. Woodbridge oi' ilatfield, and .Mr. Williams of Hadley. That day, being Thurs- day, Feb. 22, I had my second Lcctm-e ; which was also attended thinly by my own peojjle, but by a great number of strangers : as it appeared to me, more than half of the congregation being strangers. " In the evening, three of the forementioned ministers came to my house, viz. Mr. Partridge, Mr. Billings, and INlr. Woodbridge ; tmd showed me the paper, which had been lodged with ^Ir. Wil- liams, directed to the Association, subscribed by a number of tlie members of this church ; and also showed me a vote, which they had passed among themselves — " TJiat they would proceed to give some advice to the people of j\orthampton, as they desired.^^ I in- formed them, that there was a great misrepresentation in the paper sent to diem, in representing me to have declared — " That 1 utter- ly refused to have any hand in calling any Council, unless I might choose half o( the members out of the county;" — whereas all that I said was — "That I would have no hand in calling any Council^ unless I might choose some of the members out of the county ;" — and that I had no thought of insisting on half, when the Deacons were here ; but all I had thoughts of, was only choosing a minor part, agree- ably to the private advice of the members of the late Council. After much more conversation with them on our affairs, the next mornine; these gendemen returned to their brethren at Hadley ; and after long consideration, they broke up and did nothing. " March 5, die Precinct met again, according to adjournment. This being also the day of die Town-meedng for choosing town of- ficers, the Precinct-meeting was adjourned to the next day. The next day, they met, and adjourned themselves undl half past four o'clock P. M. That was die day of my fourth Lecture on th& subject in controversy ; wliich being the last I intended but one,, and the Public Fast being appointed on die Thursday following, which would put by my last Lecture a week longer, I sent the peo- ple word at this meeting, diat if they insisted on my calling a Churrh^meeting, in order to my calling a decisive Council, before .fj92 i'tl^-H OF rKEblDENT EDWARDS'. my last Lecture was past, I would warn one the next Monday ; though I chose, if they were willing, that it should be deferred un- til after my last Lecture. Accordingly, they consented that it should be so deferred ; and appointed Deac. Cook to come to me, and desire me to call a Church-meeting the week after my last Lecture, and then adjourned themselves to March 22, at half past 4 o'clock, -Che day of my last Lecture ; when they met, and adjourned them- selves to April 2, 1750. " On the next Sabbath, INIarch 25, I warned a Church-meeting 'Cor the next day, at 1 o'clock, to see if Pastor and People could not agree upon a Council, to advise us under our difficulties, and. if they thought fit, to bring our controversy to a speedy issue. " Accordingly, the next day, March 26, the Church met, and, at the request of some of the brethren, I desired that those who were of the same principles, on which the Church had proceeded in their former practice, in the admission of members to full com- munion in the church, would manifest it by holding up their hands ; and it appeared that there was a great majority" still of those prin- ciples. " We next proceeded to consider the business on which a Council should be called, and I proposed the following draft of a vote for consideration — " That a Council be called, to give us their best advice for a remedy from the calamities, arising from the pre- sent unsettled broken state of this church, by reason of the contro- versy here subsisting, concerning the Qualifications for full com- munion in the church. And if, upon the whole of what they see and find in our circumstances, they judge it best, that Pastor and People be immediately separated, that they proceed to dissolve the relation I etween them." " There was much discourse concerning this draft. It was read publicly and distinctly, three or four times, and it was desired tlial each particular passage of it might be considered and scanned. It was offered to such as desired to view and examine it, and handed from one to another. Some amendments were proposed ; but the amendments did not seem to be liked so well as the first draft. It was then put to vote ; and it was questioned whether it was a vote. Then it was desired that all might sit do\\n, and hold up tlieir hands ibr some considerable time, and then it appeared plainly to be a vote, was generally acknowledged to be so, by such as had appear- ed most to oppose it, and was not questioned by more than one or two. And one of them, viz. Major Pomeroy, said it was general- ly allowed to be a vote, and therefore intimated it to be his mind, that it should pass as such, and that we should therefore proceed to other business. " Then I declared to the church, what I should insist upon witk respect to the Council that should be chosen — viz. To choose half LIFE OF PRESIDENT F.DWAUDS. 303 tlie members of the Council ; and to choose three ministers or churches without the hounds of the county, and sliould not insist on more than three, unless the whole Council consisted of more than fourteen. I also told them, that I should insist on a provi- sional choice of some others out of the county, to come in case any of the three first pitched upon should fail ; so that I might indeed have three from odier parts of the land. " It was then strongly insisted on by the Church, that I ought not to be allowed to choose any out of the county ; so that the consideration of the number to be chosen out of the county, was for the present laid aside. And the matter debated was, " Whe- ther I should be allowed to bring any at all from without the bounds of the county ?" After much talk, it was put to vote in the follow- ing words : — " Whether or not you do consent, that in choosing the Council now under consideration, I, in my choice, should go out of this county for any part of the Council? Let those, who do con- sent, manifest it, by holding up their hands." — It was not voted.- — Upon which I told the church, that the business of the meeting was come to an end ; as it was apparent that Pastor and People could act in nothing together, in calling a Council. After some dis- course, I told them, that I stood ready to yield to have but two of the Council from abroad, unless the Council consisted of more than ten ; but should insist on three, if the whole was more than ten, and on more, if the Council was above fourteen. It being moved by some of the brethren, that the meeting should be adjourned one day, for further consideration ; it was accordingly adjourned to the next day, at one o'clock. " Accordingly the next day we met again ; and the last subject of consideration, concerning my going out of the County for any part of the Council, was proposed again; and, supposing they had now had sufficient consideration of the matter, I was about to put it to vote again. But then it was desired l)y some, that there might be a reconsideration ofthe first vote that had passed the day before, con- cerning the business of the Council; and suggested that, if some alter- ation were made in that vote, there was a probability that the latter vote, concerningmy going out ofthe county, would pass without difficulty. Then Major Pomroy declared that a number of the brethren had met together, and drawn up something determining the business of the Council : which draught he read, which was to this purpose, viz., " That the Council should come, and propose terms of accommo- dation between pastor and people; to which, if the people did not consent, the Council should proceed immediately to dissolve the relation between pastor and people." I objected much against set- ting aside what had been already voted, to make way for any new projections, as only tending to open a door for new contests and difficulties, and greatly to entangle and lengthen out our affiiirs ; ant! also because there was nothing in what had been already voted but Vol. I. 50 394 LIFE OF PUESIDENT EDWARDS. what was essential, what the nature of things and the state of our affairs did necessarily require, and therefore what I must insist up- on. And I particularly objected to what Major Pomroy proposed, as limiting the Council, without referring any thing to their judg- ment or advice, and not so much as suffering them to act their own judgment in determining, whether it was best immediately to pro- ceed to separate between pastor and people. The same things, were strongly objected by some others ; and on the whole I mani- fested that I should wholly decline putting it to vote y on which, af- ter much earnest talk, I put the other matter to vote, viz. — ^Whether I should be allowed to go out of the County for any members of the Council ; which again passed in the negative. " Upon this I informed the Church, that I was not against their having farther time for consideration, if they desired it, and farther conference with them, or with a Committee they might choose ; but it would not be worth the while to make any farther attempt to act in concert, if they were fixed and resolved in these two things : — ^Not to leave it to the discretion of the Council, whether to sepa- rate ; and. Not to allow me to choose any members of the Council out of the County. — Some of them declared they were fixed in these things ; upon which I asked, if any had any thing to object against my dissolving the meeting, seeing we were come at present to a stop, as to acting any thing together ; and told them withal that, if afterwards, on further consideration, a church meeting was desir- ed to reconsider these matters, I would not refuse warning one. On this occasion, there was much earnest talk about the power of the Church to act without me, and to call a Council themselves. Finally some of the brethren thought I had best to dissolve the meeting, and accordingly I dissolved it ; immediately after which, as the people began to move, in order to go out of the meeting house, some individuals called out very earnestly to them to stay, and proceed to act without me, and see if they could not have Maj. Pomroy's draught, (aforementioned) put to vote. I then came away ; and the people that stayed behind differing among tiiemselves, gradually dispersed, and did nothing. " The next Friday, March 30, 1750, I sent to Deacon Cook tlie following declaration. [The blank intended for the copy of the declaration is not filled up.] " Tlie Monday following, being April 2, the Precinct met ac- cording to adjournment. It was a very thin meeting consisting of about forty-four persons. It was proposed by some, that tiie Precinct should send a Messenger to the Association of the lower part of the County, who were to sit that week at Springfield Mountains, for their advice, — Whetiier they had best LIFE OF PllESlDENT EJDWAKDS. o95 lo consent to vvliat I insisted on, witli regard to going out of die County, or not ? — and it was put to vote whedior tiicy should send such a messenger ; but diey were not able to determine wlicUicr it was a vote or not, until diey divided, Avhen it appeared to be \otcd by a majority of 26 against 18. Accordingly Major Pomroy, Sen- ior, and Mr. Joseph Hawley, were appointed a Committee to WTite to the Association in behalf of tlie Precinct ; and Josiah Pomroy was appointed tlie messenger to carry the letter, and bring tlie re- turn. The meeting was then adjourned until Tuesday, April 10. Accordingly this Committee wrote and sent to the Lower Associ- ation. " On diis occasion, the day before the Association met, I sent tlie following letter to Mr. Hoj)kius of Springfield. [The blank left for die copy of this letter is not filled up.] " The Association, on occasion of the message sent to them, and of my letter to Mr. Hopkins, sent a letter to me and anodier to the Committee which are as follows. [The blank left for the copies of these letters is not filled up.] " Tuesday, April 10, the Precinct met again according to ad- journment. It was a thin meeting of about forty-one members. The moderator read my declaration, aforementioned, sent to Deac. Cook, and also the letters of the Lower Association to me and to the Committee ; and after some discourse it was voted to desire me to call a Church meeting the next Monday, in order to some far- ther attempts for an agreement of pastor and pcojile on some mea- sures for bringing these affairs to issue, or that purpose. Then tlie meeting was adjourned to the next Tuesday, April 17. "Accordingly the next Sabbath, April 15, I warned a meeting of the church for the next day at 3 o'clock, P. M. Agreeably to this warning the church met on JMonday, April 16. After the meet- ing was opened by ])rayer, Majoj^ Pomroy read tlie letter, Avliich the Committee of the Precinct had received from the Lower As- sociation of this County. After this ensued some new disputes concerning the reasonableness of my being allowed to go out of the county for some of the Council, which should have power to issue our controversy. I also read the forementioncd declaration, which 1 had sent to Deac. Cook, of March 30. I then told die church, if they had any thing to propose concerning anodier Pre\ious Coun- cil, agreeably to the advice they had received, I stood ready to hear it and consider of it, and told diem, if there appeared a disjiosition to call another Previous Council to determine — TVhcthcr it was not reasonable, that I should be allowed to go out of the county, in the choice of a Decisive Conncil ? — I would take the matter into 390 hliE OF niESIDENT EDWAKDS. consideration, and would ask the advice of my friends. But, from what was said, there did not appear to be any prevailing inclination to it, but the contrary. " Then it was put to vote again — " TVhether they were willing I should go out of the County for any members of the Council^ ivhich should have power to issue our controversy ^ — and the church dividing upon it, tliere were about one hundred and nine against it, and fifty-six for it. " After this, I put it to vote, — Whether the Church were willing, that another Previous Council shoidd he called, in some way mutu- ally chosen, in order to determine whether 1 might be allowed to go out of the County, for some members of a Decisive Council; and whether in that case they did consent that I should take time to con- sider of this matter, and ask advice of my friends? — and I saw but three or four hands up for it. So the meeting was dismissed. " The next day, April 17, 1 went a journey down the country. The same day, after I was gone, the Precinct met again according to adjournment ; when was read the following Letter from the Rev. Mr. Clark of Salem Village, directed to Major Pomroy, to be communicated to the Precinct. [The blank, left for the copy of Mr. Clark's Letter, is not filled up. In it he doubtless declined complying with the request of the Precinct to answer Mr. Edward's Treatise on the Qualifications for communion.] " At this meeting it was determined. That the brethren of the church should be called together by the warning of the Deacons the next Friday ; and the Precinct meeting was adjourned to Wednes- day, May 2. " Accordingly, on Friday, April 20, there was a meeting of many brethren of the church, in the meeting-house, in my absence. Maj. Pomroy was chosen Moderator of the meeting ; and then they pro- ceeded to take into consideration the propriety and expediency of the brethren proceeding to act separately, i. e. without their pastor, in calling a Council. After some discourse, Mr. Joseph Hawley offered some proposals in writing, which, for substance, were, — That a number of gentlemen, not exceeding seven, ministers or lay- men, or both, shoidd be mutually chosen from any part of the coun- try, to come, not as sent by their churches, or as an Ecclesiastical Council, but as a number of advisers, to see if they coidd devise some way, in which the Pastor and Church might consist together, notwithstanding their difference in opinion. And to know the minds of the meeting, a vote was proposed by some ; but others objected, and thought it better for the church to choose a Commit- tee to consider of the proposals, and, if they saw needful, to amend it and present it to the pastor, and see if he would agree to it, and. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS. 397 if lie did, then to present it for their approbation. Upon this it was objected, since the proposal took its rise from the church, that it was improper that they should present it to the pastor for his ap- probation, before it was known whether the church would consent to it or not, if the pastor should. Hence it was urged that a vote should be put, whether the church would consent to it or the sub- stance of it. The vote accordingly was put, and it passed in the affirmative by a great majority, as the moderator declared, and then, the brethren present chose a Committee, viz. Maj. Pomroy, Col. Dwight, Mr. Joseph Hawley, Dea. Pomroy and Ebenezer Hunt, to consider what circumstantial alterations might be made in the pro- posal ; and tlien the meeting was adjourned to the next Friday. The Committee met ; but could not agree as to their business for which they were appointed ; whether it was to consider of the pro- posal not only as to circumstantials but also as to the substance ; and three of the Committee thought it not best for the church to act any further on the aforesaid proposal, but that it was better for the church to comply with what tlie Pastor had insisted on, of choos- ing some of the members of the Council without the limits of the county. " Friday, April 27, the brethren met again according to their ad- journment, and voted, by a great majority, to comply with what I had insisted on, as to choosing some members of the Council with- out the bounds of the county, and appointed Dea. Pomroy to come to me to desire me to call a church meeting to prosecute that affair. Accordingly the next Sabbath I warned a church meeting, to be the next Thursday, May 3, at three o'clock, in order to another trial, whether Pastor and People could not agree on measures tending to brmg our controversy to an issue. " Wednesday, May 2, the Precinct met again according to ad- journment and adjourned themselves further to the next day, at the meeting-house, to be held there after the church meeting. " Thursday, May 3, the church met according to my appoint- ment, and the former vote respecting the business of the Council, which passed at the church meeting, March 26, was read. Then I proposed that a vote should be put again, respecting my going out of the county for two ministers or churches of the Council ; and it was insisted that there should be a saving clause added, intimating that it was not proposed that this vote should be used as a prece- dent for the future. Then I put the vote to the brethren thus, "Do you consent that, in choosing the Council to transact the fore- mentioned business, I in my choice should choose two ministers or churches without the bounds of this county, not intending that this shall hereafter have the force of a precedent?" — It passed in the Affirmative. Then I desired that I might make a provisional choice of two more, who might be applied to, in case those 1 might first choose should fail, or could not be obtained. This also was voted. 398 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. " Then it was proposed, Whether the Council should be a Coun- cil of Ministers or Churches ; and it was determined by a vote, tliat it should be a Council of Churches, And then with respect to the number of Churches of which the Council should consist, it was voted that it should consist of ten churches. " Then we proceeded to a nomination and choice of particular ministers and churches, of which the Council should consist. I first proposed Mr. Billings and the church of Cold Spring, which were voted. Then it was moved that a Committee of the brethren should be chosen to go aside, to consider whom to nominate to tlie church to be chosen on their part. Accordingly a committee was chosen, viz. Maj. Pomroy, Mr. Joseph Hawley, Lieut. Wright, Dea. Pomroy, and Dea. Cook ; and after they returned, we went on with the choice. On the whole, of those whom I nominated were chosen the following Ministers, with their churches : " Within the County. Rev. Mr. Reynolds of Enfield, ^ Rev. Mr. Billings of Cold Spring, > with their churches ; Rev. Mr. Abercrombie of Pelham, ) and provisionally, m case either of these should fail, the Rev. Mr. Woodbridge of South Hadley, and his church. " Without the County. Rev. Mr. Foxcroft of Boston > • , , . , , Rev. Mr. Parkman of Westborough, 5 * and provisionally, in case of the failure of these. Rev. Mr. Wigglesworth of Ipswich Hamlet, ) witli their Rev. Mr. Hobby of Reading, ) churches. " By the nomination of the Committee, were chosen on the part of the church. Rev. Mr. Woodbridge of Hatfield,"^ Rev. Mr. Breck of Springfield, Rev. Mr. Hubbard of Sheffield, Rev. Mr. Williams of Hadley, Rev. Mr. Ashley of Sunderland, and for a reserve, in case of failure of either of these. Rev. Mr. Williams of Long Meadow, ) vi ,i • i u Rev. Mr. Leavitt of Somers, \ ^"^ *^^"' ^^^"^^^^^ 5 " Then it was voted, That the day for the opening of the Coun- cil should be the 19th of June next. " Then the brethren proceeded to choose a Committee, to be their agents, to represent them, and manage their cause before th§ Council ; and the persons chosen were Major Pomroy, Lieut. Wright, and Mr. Joseph Hawley. " Then the church meeting was dismissed, and the Precinct iueeling was opened, who determined to defray the charge of en- with their churches; LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 390 tcrtalning the Council ; and desired the Committee of the church to procure some person, either a minister or a layman, to act as an advocate for the brethren and plead their cause before the Council." Thus far the Journal of Mr. Edwards. " Accordingly," observes Dr. Hopkins, " the churches were ap- plied to and the Council was convened on the 19th of June. Nine churches were represented by their pastors and delegates : one of those selected by Mr. Edwards, that of Cold Spring, did not see fit to join the Council ; but the minister of that church, being at Northampton, was desired by Mr. Edwards and the church to sit in council and act, which he did. Yet, as there was no delegate from that church, the council was not full ; and there was a ma- jority of one in the council opposed to Mr. Edwards. After they had made some fruitless attempts for a composition between the pastor and church, they passed a resolution, by a majority of one voice only, to the following purpose : " That it is expedient that the pastoral relation between Mr. Edwards and his church be immediately dissolved, if the people still persist in desiring it." And it being pubHcly 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,) voted for his dismission." Accordingly on the 22d of June the Council came to the followmg result : " The Result of a Council of nine Churches, met at Northampton, June 22, 1750 ; with a Protest against the same, by a number of the said Council. " At a Council of nine Churches, viz. " The church in Enfield, Rev. Peter Reynolds, pastor ; Mr. Edward Collins, delegate. "Sheffield, Jonatlian Hubbard, pastor; Mr. Daniel Kellogg, delegate. " Sutton, Da\id Hall, pastor ; Mr. Jonatlian Hall, delegate. " Reading, William Hobby, pastor ; Mr. Samuel Bancroft, de- legate. " The first church in Springfield, Robert Breck, pastor ; Mr. Thomas Stebbins, delegate. " Sunderland, Joseph Ashley, pastor ; jMr. Samuel Montague, delegate. " Hatfield, Timothy Woodbridge, pastor ; Oliver Partridge, Esq. delegate. " The first church in Hadley, Chester Williams, pastor ; Mr. Enos Nash, delegate. " Pelham, Robert Abercrombie, pastor ; Mr. Matthew Gray, delegate. " Convened at the call of the first church in Northampton, to- 400 LIFE OF PUESfDr^NT EDWARDS. gether with the elder of the church in Cold Spring,* added by the consent of both the pastor and church of Northampton, in order to advise to a remedy from the calamities, arising from the unset- tled broken state of the first church in Northampton, by reason of a controversy subsisting about the qualifications for full communion in the church. " The Rev. Mr. Hubbard was chosen Moderator, and the Rev. Mr. Williams, Scribe. "The Council, after seeking the Divine presence and direction, had the matter in controversy laid before them, and finding the sentiments of the pastor and church, concerning the qualifications necessary for full communion, to be diametrically opposite to each other ; the pastor insisting upon it as necessary to the admission of members to full communion, that they should make a profession of sanctify- ing grace ; whereas the brethren are of opinion, that the Lord's Supper is a converting ordinance, and consequently that persons, if they have a competency of knowledge, and are of a blameless life, may be admitted to the Lord's table, although they make no such profession : And also finding that, by reason of this diversity of sentiment, the doors of the church have been shut for some years, so that there has been no admission : And not being able to find out any method, wherein the pastor and brethren can unite, consistent with their own sentiments, in admitting members to full communion : The Council did then, according to the desire of the church, expressed in their letters-missive, proceed to consider of the expediency of dissolving the relation between pastor and peo- ple ; and, after hearing the church upon it, and mature delibera- tion of the case, the questions were put to the members of the Council severally ; " 1. Whether it be the opinion of this Council, that the Rev. Mr. Edwards, persisting in his principles, and the church in theirs in opposition to his, and insisting on a separation, it is necessary that the relation between pastor and people be dissolved ? Resolved in the affirmative. " 2. Whether it be expedient that this relation be immediately dissolved? Passed in the affirmative. " However, we take notice, that notwithsthanding the unhappy dispute which has arisen, and so long subsisted, between the pastor and church of Northampton, upon the point before mentioned, tiiat we li^ve had no other objection, against him, but what relates to his^sentiments upon the point aforesaid, laid before us: And al- though we have heard of some stories spread abroad, reflecting upon Mr. Edwards' sincerity with regard to the change of his sen- timents about the qualifications for full communion ; yet we have * The Rev. Mr. Billing. LIKK OF PRESIOKNT EDWAUDS. 401 received full satisfaction, that they are false and groundless : And although we do not all of us agree with Mr. Edwards in our senti- ments upon the point, yet we have abundant reason to believe, that he took much pains to get light in that matter ; and that he is up- rightly following the dictates of his own conscience, and with great pleasure reflect upon the christian spirit and temper he has discov- ered, in the unhappy controversy subsisting among them ; aud think ourselves bound to testify our full charity towards him, and recommend him to any church or people agreeing with him in sen- timents, as a person eminently qualified for the work of the Gospel ministry. - " And we would recommend it to the Rev. Mr. Edwards, Jfnd the first church in Northampton, to take proper notice of the heavy frown of Divine Providence, in suffering them to be reduced to such a state as to render a separation necessary, after they have lived so long and amicably together, and been mutual blessings and comforts to each other. " And now, recommending the Rev. IVIr. Edwards, and the church in Northampton, to the grace of God, we subscribe, "Jonathan Hubbaru, Moderator, " In the name of the Council. *^ JVo7-thainpton, June 22, 1750. " A true copy, examined by Chester Williams, Scribe. The vote on this result stood as follows : affirmative. Pastors. — Jonathan Hubbard, Robert Breck, Joseph Ashley, Timothy Woodbridge, Chester Williams. Delegates. — Daniel Kellogg, Thomas Stebbins, Samuel Mon- tague, Oliver Partridge, Enos Nash. negative. Pastors. — Peter Reynolds, David Hall, William Hobby, Robert Abercrombie, Jonathan Billing. Delegates. — Edward Collins, Jonathan Hall, Samuel Bancroft, Matthew Gray. " The dissenting part of the Council entered their protest agaiNst this proceeding, judging that it was too much in a hurry, consider- ing the past conduct and present temper of the people. And some part of the Council, who were for the separation, expressed them- selves surprised at the uncommon zeal manifested by the people, in their voting for a dismission ; which evidenced to them, and all Vol. I. 51 402 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. discerning spectators, that they were far from a temper of mind, becoming such a solemn and awful transaction, considered in all its circumstances." The following is the Protest of the minority of the Council. " PROTEST. " We cannot agree to the dismission of the Rev. Mr. Edwards, at least for the present, for the following reasons : previous to which we observe, that, though we presume not to infringe the rights of others' consciences, yet we beg leave to enjoy our own ; and be- ing sought to for advice in the Council at Northampton, we are constrained to say to the church, that, " 1st. We disapprove of the separation of the Rev. Mr. Edwards from his people ; because that, in the nature of the thing, there is no just cause therefor ; his sentiments being, as we apprehend, perfectly harmonious with the mind of our Lord Jesus Christ, and strictly conformable with the practice of the Apostles, and that of the Reformed Church in general through the world : " 2d. On the supposition, that Mr. Edwards was in the wrong in the present controversy, yet there is, as we apprehend, no pro- portion between the importance of the controversy, and that of his dismission : " 3d. That it appears to us, that there have been no proper es- says, in the way of fair reasoning with or before the parties, to con- vince either of them of the truth or falseness of their principles ; which, love to the truth itself and their souls requires : " 4th. Because the church, or at least its committee, while they offer us reasons for separating them from their pastor, yet will not suffer us so to enter into the grounds of those reasons, as to offer to them that light which the word of God affords : which we es- teem an imposition upon our consciences, and which doth but tend to keep them in the dark. " These, brethren, are some of the reasons, for which we can by no means approve of a separation, at least at present. But if such separation should eventually come on, we bear a free and cheerful testimony in favour of our dearly beloved brother, your once dearly beloved pastor, though now esteemed your enemy, be- cause, as we apprehend, he has told you the truth. He needs not, indeed, any recommendation of ours, which is more properly a commendation of ourselves than of him. Nor need we say much to others, for that his praise is in most of our churches through the land : yet we are constrained to say to the world, that God has furnished him with those ministerial gifts and graces, by which he has hitherto shone as a burning and shining light. And though his people in general cease to rejoice in his light ; yet we hope and trust others may rejoice in it, for a long season. So, wishing that the dear people of God in this place, may take the point in contro- LIFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 40o versy into a meek, calm, serious and prayerful, consideration ; and that so, peace, with truth and holiness, may greatly prevail in this place ; " We subscribe, " Yours in the bonds of the Gospel, Jonathan Hale, David Hall, Matthew Gray, William Hobby, Samuel Bancroft, Edward Billing, Robert Abercrombie. " Northampton, June 22d, 1750." ' N. B. This copy, though not attested by the Scribe, who is ai an hundred miles distance, is yet, by a careful comparing of it with the original, which is now in my hands, attested by me. "William Hobby." CHAPTER XX in. Result of Council, and Protest, read. — Farewell Sermon. — Post- script of Letter to Mr. Gillespie. — Letter to Mr. Erskine. — Letter to Mr. M^Cidloch. — Marriage of two of his daughters. — Forbidden to preach at JVorthampton. — Exemplary conduct of Mr. Edwards. — Proceedings of his Friends. — Council. — Proceedings of Church. — Letter of Mr. Hawley. On Friday afternoon, June 22d, 1750, the Result of the Coun- cil, and the Protest of the Minority, were publicly read to the peo- ple, assembled in the church. On the next Sabbath but one, July 1st, Mr. Edwards delivered to them his Farewell Sermon; which was soon afterwards published, at the request of some of the hearers. This Sermon, with the facts stated in the Preface, is too intimately connected with some of the most important events of his life, and too illustrative of his character, not to be inserted in this volume ;* and should be read at this point of the author's history. It has been extensively and deservedly styled, " the best Farewell Sermon, that was ever written ;" and has been the source, from which subsequent discourses, on occasions and in circumstances generally similar, have, to a great extent, been substantially de- rived. Had it been written in the case of an indifferent person, instead of his owm, it could not have discovered less of passion, or of irritation, or have breathed a more calm and excellent spirit. Instead of indicating anger under a sense of multiplied injuries, it appears in every sentence, to have been dictated by meekness and forgiveness. Instead of manifesting the signs of alienation towards his persecutors and enemies, the writer appears throughout, to de- sire their subsequent prosperity, as an ecclesiastical community, and their individual acquittal and acceptance on their final trial. At the same time, it presents an exhibition of the scenes of the Last Judgment, singularly solemn and awful. Few indeed are the com- positions, which furnish so many, or so unequivocal, marks of un- common excellence in their author ; and very few are so well adapted to be practically useful to churches and congregations. The following Postscript to the letter to Mr. Gillespie, f of April 2, 1750, and the letters to Mr. Erskine and Mr. M'Culloch, all written immediately after the separation of Mr. Edwards from his * See Farewell Sermon, at the close of the Life, t Eor the Letter itsolf, see p. 287. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 40') people, exhibit also, in a very striking manner, the cabn and ti'an- qiiil state of his mind at the time when they were written. "P. S. July 3, 1750. Having had no leisure to finish the pre- paration of my letters to Scotland, before this time, by reason of the extraordinary troubles, hurries and confusions, of my unusual circumstances, I can now inform you, that the controversy between me and my people, which I mentioned in the beginning of my let- ter, has issued in a separation. An Ecclesiastical Council w'as called on the afiair, who sat here the week before last, and by a majority of one voice determined an immediate separation to be necessary ; and accordingly my pastoral relation to my people was dissolved, on June 22d. If I can procure the printed accounts from Boston of the proceedings of the Council, I will give orders to my friend there, to enclose them with this letter, and direct them to you. — I desire your prayers, that I may take a suitable notice of tlie frowns of heaven on me and this people, between whom there once existed so great an union, in bringing to pass such a separa- tion between us ; that these troubles may be sanctified to me ; that God would overrule the event for his own glory, (in which doubt- less many adversaries will rejoice and triumph ;) that he would open a door for my future usefulness, provide for me and my numerous family, and take a fatherly care of us in our present unsettled, un- certain circumstances, being cast on the wide world. J. E." " To the Rev. Mr. Erskine. '^ JVorthampton, July 5, 1750. " Rev. and dear Brother, " I now acknowledge the receipt of three letters from you since I last wrote to you; one of Sept. 12 ; another of Sept. 20 ; another of Dec. 22; all of the year 1749. The two first 1 received in the winter, with Mr. Glass' Notes on Scripture Texts, Ridgeley on Original Sin, Wheatley's Schools of the Prophets, Davidson's Sermon occasioned by the death of Mr. Harrison, and Mr. M'- Kaile's Sermon. Your letter written in December, I received a little while ago. I have greatly regretted the want of opportunity to answer you, till now : but such have been my extraordinary cir- cumstances, the multitude of distracting troubles and hurries that I have been involved in, (which I cannot easily represent to you,) that I have had no leisure. I have been very uneasy in neglecting to write to my correspondents in Scotland ; and about two months ago I set myself to the business; but was soon broken off; and have not been able to return to it again, till now. And now, my dear Sir, I thank you for your letters and presents. The books you sent me, were entertaining to me, and some of them wall be of advantage to me, if God should give me opportunity to prosecute the studies I 406 LIFK OF PRRSIDENT EDWARDS. had begun on the Arminian Controversy. There were various things pleasing to me in Glass' Notes, tending to give some new light into the sense of Scripture. He seems to be a man of ability ; though I cannot fall in with all his singularities. " The account you say Mr. Davidson gave of the absurdities of the Moravians, are not very surprising to me : I have seen, here in America, so much of the tendency and issue of such kind of notions, and such sort of religion, as are in vogue among them, and among others in many respects like them, that I expect no other than that sin, folly, absurdity, and things to the last degree re- proachful to Christianity, will forever be the consequence of such things. It seems to me, that enough and enough of this kind has lately appeared, greatly to awaken the attention of christian divines, and make them suspect that the devil's devices in the various coun- terfeits of vital, experimental religion, have not been sufficiently attended to, and the exact distinctions between the saving opera- tions of the Spirit of God, and its false appearances, not sufficiently observed. There is something now in the press in Boston, largely handling the subject. I have had opportunity to read the MS. and, in my humble opinion, it has a tendency to give as much light in this matter, as any thing that ever I saw. It was written by Mr. Bel- lamy, minister of Bethlehem, in Connecticut ; the minister whom Mr. Brainerd sometimes speaks of as his peculiarly dear and inti- mate friend, (as possibly you may have observed, in reading his Life.) He was of about Mr. Brainerd's age ; and it might have been well, if he had had more years over his head. But as he is one of the most intimate friends that I have in the world, and one that I have much acquaintance with, I can say this of him ; that he is one of very great experience in religion, as to what has passed between God and his own soul ; one of very good natural abilities, of closeness of thought, of extraordinary diligence in his studies, and earnest care exactly to know the truth in these matters. He has long applied his mind to the subject he has wrote upon, and used all possible helps, of conversation and reading. And though his style is not such as is like to please the polite world ; yet if his youth, and the obscurity of his original, and the place that he lives in, etc., do not prevent his being much taken notice of, I am per- suaded his book might serve to give the church of God considera- ble light as to the nature of true religion, and many important doc- trines of Christianity. From the knowledge I have of him, I am fully satisfied that his aim in this publication is not his ov.'n fame and reputation in the world ; but the glory of God and the advancement of the kingdom of his Redeemer. " I suspect the follies of some of the Seceders, which you men- tion in both your letters of Sept. 20, and Dec. 22, arise in conside- rable measure, from the same cause with the follies of the Mora- vians, and the followers of the Wesleys, and many extravagant LIFE OF I'KESIDENT EDWAUUS. 407 people in America, viz. false religion, counterfeit conversions, and the want of a genuine renovation of the s})irit of their minds. I say- as to many of them, not to condemn all in the gross. The spirit seems to be exactly the same with what appears in many, who ap- parently, by their o\mi account, have had a false conversion. I am a great enemy to censoriousness, and have opposed it very much in my preaching and WTitings. But yet I think we should avoid that bastard, mischievous charity, by which Satan keeps men asleep, and hides their eyes from those snares, and crafty works of his, which it is of the utmost consequence to the church of God to dis- cern and be aware of; and by which, for want of their being dis- covered, the devil has often had his greatest advantages against the interest of religion. The Scriptures often lead us to judge of true religion, and the gracious sincerity of professors, by the genius, the temper and spirit, of their religion : Jam. iii.. 17. Eph. v. 9. Gal. v. 19, 25. 1 Col. xiii. 4, etc. Rom. viii. 9. 1 John iv. 16. John xiii. 35. 1 John ii. 10. 1 John iii. 14 and 18, 19, and 23, 24. chap. iv. 7. v. 12, 13, and very many other places. I have been greatly grieved at a spirit of censoriousness ; but yet I heartily wish that some sorts of charity were utterly abolished. " The accounts you give of Archbishop Herring, of the moderate, generous, truly catholic and christian principles appearmg in him, and some other of the dignified clergy, and other persons of dis- tinction in tlie Church of England, are very agreeable. It is to be hoped that these things are forerunners of something good and great to be brought to pass for the church of God. " I have seen some accounts in our public prints, published here in America, of those conversions and baptisms in the Russian em- pire, which you mention in your last letter ; and should be glad of further information about that matter. We have had published here, an extract of a letter, written by Dr. Doddridge to Mr. Pear- sail of Taunton, in Somersetshire, and transmitted by him to Bos- ton, in a letter to Mr. Prince ; giving a surprising account of a very wonderful person, a German by nation, a preacher of the Gospel to the Jews, lately in London ; whom he, (Dr. Doddridge,) saw and conversed with, and heard preach (or rather repeat) a sermon tJiere ; who had had great success in preaching to those miserable people in Germany, Poland, Holland, Lithuania, Hungary, and other parts ; God having so blessed his labours that, in the various parts, through which he had travelled, he had been the instrument of the conversion of about six hundred Jews ; many of whom are expressing their great concern to bring others of their brethren to the knoAvledge of the great and blessed Redeemer, and beseech- ing him to instruct their children, that they may preach Christ also. I should be glad, if you hear any thing further of the atiliir, to be informed of it by you. I think such things may well be imjiroved to animate and encourage those who have engaged in the Concert 408 LIFE OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. for Prayer, for the Reviving of Religion. I rejoice to hear what you write of some appearances of awakening in Mr. Gillies' church in Glasgow, and if it continues should be glad to be informed. "I am very glad to hear of what Mr. McLaurin informs me of the encouragements likely to be given from Scotland to New Jersey Col- lege ; a very hopeful society ; and I believe what is done for that Seminary is doing good in an eminent manner. Mr. McLaurin tells me of some prospect of your being removed to a congregation in Edinburgh, which I am pleased with, because I hope there you will act in a larger sphere, and will have more opportunity to exert the disposition that appears in you, to promote good public designs for Zion's prosperity. " I thank you for the concern you manifest for me under my difficulties and troubles, by reason of the controversy between me and my people, about the terms of christian communion. " This controversy has now had that issue which I expected ; it has ended in a separation between me and my people. Many things have appeared, that have been exceedingly unhappy and uncomfortable in the course of this controversy. The great power of prejudices from education, established custom, and the traditions of ancestors and certain admired teachers, and the exceedingly un- happy influence of bigotry, has remarkably appeared in the ma- nagement of this affair. The spirit, that has actuated and engaged my people in this matter, is evidently the same, that has appeared in your own people in their opposition to winter communions, but only risen to a much higher degree ; and some of the arguments, that have been greatly insisted on here, have been very much of the same sort with some of those urged by your people in your affair. There have been many things said and done, during our contro- versy, that I shall not now declare. But would only say, in the general, that there has been that prejudice, and spirit of jealousy, and increasing engagedness of spirit and fixedness of resolution, to gain the point in view, viz. my dismission from my pastoral office over them, upheld and cherished by a persuasion that herein they only stood for the truth and did their duty, that it has been an ex- ceedingly difficult thing for me to say or do any thing at all, in order to their being enhghtened, or brought to a more calm and se- date consideration of things, without its being misinterpreted, and turned to an occasion of increasing jealousy and prejudice ; even those things wherein I have yielded most, and done most to gratify the people, and assuage their spirits, and win their charity. I have often declared to the people, and gave it to them under my hand, that if, after all proper means used and regular steps taken, they continued averse to remaining under my ministry, I had no inclina- tion to do any thing, as attempting to oblige them to it. But I looked on myself bound in conscience, before I left them, (as I was afraid they were in the way to ruin,) to do my endeavour, that pro- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 409 per means should be used to bring them to a suitable temper, and so to a capacity of proceeding considerately and with their eyes open ; j>ioperly, and calmly, and prayerfully examining the point in con- troversy, and also ^\'cighing the consequences of things. To this end I have insisted much on an impartial Council, in which should be some of the elderly ministers of the land, to look fully into our state, and view it witli all its circumstances, with full liberty to give both mc and them such advice as they should think requisite and pro- per. And therefore I insisted, that the Council should not wholly consist of ministers and churches, that were professedly against me in the ])oint in controversy ; and that it should not consist wholly of ministers and churches of this neighbourhood, who were almost al- together in opposition to me ; but that some should be brought from abroad. This I also insisted on, as I thought it most likely an impartial Council would do me justice, in the public representa- tion they would make of our affairs, in their result. The people insisted that die Council should be wholly of the neighbourhood : undoubtedly because they supposed themselves most sure, that their judgment and advice v/ould be favourable and agreeable to them. 1 stood the more against it, because in this country we have no such thing as appeals from one Council to another, irom a lesser to a larger ; and also, because the neighbouring ministers were all youngerly men. These things were long the subject matter of un- comfortable troubles and contests. Many were the proposals I made. At last they complied with this proposal, (after great and long continued opposition to it,) viz. That I should nominate two churches to be of the Council, who were not within the bounds of this county. And so it was agreed tliat a Council of ten churches should be called, mutually chosen ; and that two of my half should be called from abroad. I might have observed before, that tliere was a great and long dispute about the business of the Council, or what should be left to them : and particularly, whether it should be left to them, or they should have liberty, to give us what advice they pleased for a remedy from our calamities. This I insisted on, not that I desired that we should bind ourselves beforehand to stand to their advice, let it be what it would ; but I thought it absurd to tie up and limit the Council, that they should not exercise their owTi judgment, and give us their advice, according to their OA\-n mind. The people were v\-illing the Council should make proposals for an acconmiodation ; but that, if they did not like them, the Council should be obliged immediately to separate us, and would not have them have any liberty to advise to wait longer, or use any further means for light,' or to take any further or other course for a remedy from our calamities. At last a vote was passed in these ^vords,— " That a Council should be called to give us their last ad- vice, lor a remedy from the calamities arising from die present un- settled, broken state of the church, by reason of the controversy Vol. I. ri2 410 L1£E Oi' 1'KESIjDENT EDWARD^; here subsisting, concerning the Qualifications for full cuuiniunion in tlie church : and, if upon the whole of what they see and find in our circumstances, they judge it best that pastor and people be imme- diately separated, that they proceed to dissolve the relation between them." Accordingly a Council was agreed upon, to meet here on this business, on June 19th. I nominated two out of this county, of which Mr. Foxcrolt's church in Boston Avr.s one. But others were nominated provisionally, in case these should fail. Those that came, were Mr. Hall's church of Sutton and Mr. Hobby's church in Reading. One of the churches that I nominated within the county, refused to send a delegate, viz. Mr. Billing's church of Cold Spring. However Mr. Billing himself, (though with some difliculty,) was admitted into tlic Council. The people, in mana- ging this affair on their side, have made chief use of a young gen- tleman of liberal education and notable abilities, and a fluent s}>ea- ker, of about seven or eigjit and twenty years of age, my grandfa- ther Stoddard's grandson, being my mother's sister's son, a man of lax principles in religion, falling in, in some essential things, with Arminians, and is very open and bold in it. He was improved as one of the agents for the church, and was their chief spokesman before the Council. He very strenuously urged before the Coun- cil the necessity of an immediate separation ', and I, knowing the church, the most of them, to be inflexibly bent on this event, informed the Council that I should not enter into the dispute, but should refer the matter wholly to the Council's judgment; I signified, that I had no desire to leave my people, on any other consideration, than their aversion to my being their mmister any longer ; but, they continu- ing so averse, had no inclination or desire that they should be com- pelled ; but yet should refer myself to their advice. When the church was convened, in order to the Council's knowing their minds with respect to my continuance, about twenty-three appeared for it, others staid away, choosing not to act either way ; but the genera- lity of the church, which consists of about 230 male members, vo- ted for my dismission. JVIy dismission was carried in the Council by a majority of one voice. The ministers were equally divided ; but of the delegates, one more was for it than against it, and it so hap- pened that all those of the Council, who came from the churches of the people's choosing, voted for my dismission ; but all those who came from the churches that I chose, were against it, and there happening to be one fewer of these than of the other, by the church of Cold Spring not sending a delegate, (wliich was through that people's prejudice against my opinion,) the vote wan carried that way, by the vote of one delegate. However, on the 22d of the last month, the relation between me and this people was dissolved. I suppose that the result of the Council, and the protestation of some of [the members are printed in Boston by this time. I .shall endeavour to procure one of the printed accounts, to be sent with tbis letter to LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 411 you, together with one of my books, on the point that has been in controversy between me and my people. Two of the members of the Council, who dissented from the result, yet did not sign tlie protestation, viz. ]\h-. Reynolds and his delegate, \Ahich I suppose was owing to Mr. Reynolds' extraordinarily cautious and timorous temper. The last sabbath I preached my farewell sermon. Many in the congregation seemed to be inuch affected, and some are ex- ceedingly grieved. Some few, I believe, have some relentings of heart, that voted me away. But there is no great probability that die leading part of the church will ever change. Beside their own fixedness of resolution, there are many in the neighbouring towns to support their resolution ; both in the ministry and civil magistracy ; without whose influence 1 believe the people never would have been so violent as they have been. — " I desire that such a time of awful changes, dark clouds, and great frowns of heaven on me and my people, may be a time of serious consideration, thorough self-reflection and examination, and deep humiliation with me. I desire your fervent prayers for me, and for those who have heretofore been my people. I know not what will become of them. There seems to be the utmost danger, that the younger generation will be carried away with Arminianism, as with a flood. The young gentleman I spoke of, is high in their esteem, and is become the most leading man in the town ; and is very bold in declaiming and disputing for liis opinions ; and we have none able to confront and withstand him in dispute ; and some of tlie young people already show a disposition to fall in with his notions. And it is not likely that the people v.ill obtain any young gentleman of Calvinistic sentiments, to settle with them in the nnnistry, who will have courage and ability to make head against him. And as to the older people, there never appeared so great an indifference among them, about things of this nature. They will at present be much more Ukely to be thorough in their care to settle a minister of principles contrary to mine, as to terms of com- munion, than to settle one that is sound in the doctrines of grace. The great concern of the leading part of the town, at present, \\t11 probably be, to come off with flying colours, in the issue of the con- troversy they ha\'e had with me, and of what they have done in it ; for which they know many condenm them. " An end is put, for the present, by these troubles, to the stu- dies I was before engaged in, and my design in writing against Ar- minianism. I had made considerable preparation, and was deeply engaged in tlie prosecution of this design, before I was rent off from it by these difficulties, and if ever God should give me opportunity, 1 would again resume that aflair. But I am now, as it were, dirowu upon the wide ocean of the world, and know not what will become of me, and mv numerous and chargeable family. Nor have I any 412 him OF PRESIDKiVT EUWAKDS. particular door in view, that I depend upon to be opened for future serviceableness. Most places in New-England, that wai niy future serviceableness. Most places in New-England, that want a minister, would not be forward to invite one with so chargeable a familv, nor one so far advanced in years — being 46 the 5th day of last October. I am fitted for no other business but study. I should make a poor hand at getting a living by any secular employ- ment. We are in the hands of God ; and I bless him, I am not anxious concerning his disposal of us. I hope I shall not distrust him, nor be unwilling to submit to his will. And I have cause of thankfulness, that there seems also to be such a disposition in my family. You are pleased, dear Sir, very kindly to ask me, whe- ther I could sign the Westminster Confession of Faith, and submit to the Presbyterian form of Church Government ; and to offer to use your influence to procure a call for me, to some congregation in Scotland. I should be very ungrateful, if I were not thankful for such kindness and friendship. As to my subsciibmg to the substance of the Westminster Confession, there would be no diffi- culty ; and as to the Presbyterian Government, I have long been perfectly out of conceit of our unsettled, independent, confused way of church government in this land ; and the Presbyterian way has ever appeared to me most agreeable to the word ol God, and the reason and nature of things ; though 1 cannot say that I think, that the Presbyterian government of the Church of Scotland is so perfect, that it cannot, in some respects, be mended. But as to my removing, with my numerous family, over the Atlantic, it is, I acknowledge, at- tended with many difficulties, that I shrink at. Among other tilings, this is very considerable, that it would be on uncertainties, whether my gitts and administrations would suit any congregation, that should send for me without trial ; and so great a thing, as such a removal, had need to be on some certainty as to that matter. If the expec- tations of a congregation were so great, and they were so confident of my qualifications, as to call me at a venture, having never seen nor heard me; their disappointment might possibly be so much the greater, and they the more uneasy, after acquaintance and trial. My own country is not so dear to me, but that, if there were an evident prospect of being more serviceable to Zion's interests elsewhere, I could forsake it. And I think my wife is fully of this dispo- sition. " I forgot to mention, that, in this evil time in Northampton, there are some of the young people under awakenings ; and I hope two or three have lately been converted : two very lately, besides two or three hopefuljy brought home the last year. " My wife and family join with me in most respectful and cordial salutations to you, and your consort ; and we desire the prayers of you both for us, under our present circumstances. My youngest child but one has long been in a very infirm, afllicted and decaying, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 413 State with the rickets, and some other disorders. I desire your prayers for it. " I am, dear Sir, " Your most affectionate and obliged " Friend and brother, " Jonathan Edwards." " P. S. For accounts of the state of religion in America, and some reasons of my conduct in this controversy w ith my people, I must refer you to my letters to INIr. Robe, and Mr. M'Laurin." " To the Rev. Mr. M'Culloch." ^^ JVorthamjiton, July 6, IToO, •• Rev. and dear Sir, " It is now long, since I have received a letter from you : tiie last w;is dated March 10, 1749. However, you having heretofore manifested that our correspondence was not unacceptable to you, I would not omit to do my part towards the continuance of it. Per- haps one reason of your neglecting to write, may be tlie failing of such agreeable matter for correspondence, as we had some years ago, when religion was flourishing in Scotland and America, and we had joyful information to give each other, of things pertaining to the City of our God. It is indeed now a sorrowful time, on this side of the ocean. Iniquity abounds, and the love of many waxes cold. Multitudes of lair and high professors, in one place and ano- ther, have sadly backslidden ; sinners are desperately hardened ; experimental religion is more than ever out of credit, \^ath the far greater part; and the doctrines of grace, and those principles in reli- gion that do chiefly concern the power of godliness, are far more than ever discarded. Arminianism, and Pelagianisin, have made a strange progress within a few years. The Church of England, in New-England, is, I suppose, treble of what it was seven years ago. Many professors are gone off to great lengdis in enthusiams and extravagance, in their notions and practices. Great contentions, separations and confusions, in our religious state, prevail in many |)arts of the land. Some of our main pillars are broken; one of which was Mr. Webb of Boston, who died in the latter part of last April. Much of the gloiy of the town of Boston is gone with him ; and if the bereavements of that town should be added to, by the death of two or three more of their remaining elder ministers, that place would be in a very sorrowful state indeed, like a city whose walls are broken down, and like a large flock without a shepherd, encompassed with wohes, and many in the midst of it. " These are the dark things that appear. But on the other hand, there are some things that have a different aspect. There have in some places appeared revivals of religion. Some Httle revi\nngs 414 LilVK OF PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. liavc been in bome places towards Boston. There has been some reformation, not long since, in one of our Colleges. And by what 1 hear, there has been much more of this nature in some other parts of British America, than in New-England : something considerable in several towns on Long Island ; and also in some other parts of the province of New-York, near Bedford river ; something in several parts of New-Jersey, particularly through the labours of Mr. Greenman, a young gentleman educated by the ctharitable expenses of the pious and eminent Mr. David Brainerd, mentioned in his life ; which I think I sent to you the last summer. And since I last wrote to Scotland, I have had accounts of the pre- vailing of a religious concern in some parts of Virginia. " And J must not forget to inform you, that, although I think it has of late been the darkest time in Northampton, that ever v«fas since the town stood, yet there have been some overturnings on the minds of some of tlie young people here, and two or three instan- ces of hopeful conversion the last summer, and as many very lately. " When T speak of its being a dark time here, I have a special reference to the great controversy that has subsisted here, for about a year and a half, between me and my people, about the forms of communion in the visible church ; which has even at Jength issued in a separation between me and my people ; for a more particular account of which, I must refer you to my letters to Mr. Robe and Mr. Erskine. — Besides, I shall endeavour to pro- cure the printed copies of the Result of the Council, that sat here the week before last, with the Protestation of some of the members, that these may be sent to you with this letter, together with one of my books, published on the point in debate between me and my people ; of which I crave your acceptance. " I am now separated from the people, between whom and me there was once the greatest union. Remarkable is the Providence of God in this matter. In this event, we have a striking instance of the instJibility and uncertainty of all things here below. The dispensation is indeed awful in many respects, calling for serious reflection, and deep liumiliation, in me and my people. The ene- my, far and near, will now triumph ; but God can overrule all for his own glory. I have now nothing visible to depend upon for my future usefulness, or the subsistence of my numerous family. But I hope we have an all-sufficient, faithful, covenant God, to de- pend upon. I desire that I may ever submit to him, walk humbly before him, and put my trust wholly in him. I desire, dear Sir, your prayers for us, under our present circumstances. " I am. Sir, your respectful " and affectionate friend and brother, " Jonathan Edwards." " P. S. My wife and family join with me, in cordial salutations {() you and yours." LIVE OF PRESIDENT ED\VAJID3. 4 1 ;'♦ On the 11th of June, Mr. Edwards married his eldest daughter, Sahah, to Elihu Parsons, Esquire, and on the 8th of November, his fourth daughter, jNIary, to Timothy Dwight, Esquire, both of Northampton. After i\Ir. Edwards was dismissed from his people, several months elapsed, before he received any proposals of scttlemenl. During this interval, the Committee of the Church found it verv difficult to procure a regular supply of the pulpit. When no other preacher could be procured, Mr. Edwards was for a time applied to by the Committee, to preach for them ; but always with appa- rent reluctance, and only for the given Sabbath. He alludes to these circumstances, in the following letter ; in which the reader will find, that he was a decided advocate for the celebration of the Lord's Supper, every Lord's day. Letter to Viv. Erskine. ^^ JVorthampton, JVov. 1'), 1750. '' Rev. axd dear Sir, " Some time in July last I VvTote to you, and ordered one of my books, on the Qualifications for Communion in the Church, to bo sent to you from Boston, with the letter. In my letter, I informed you of what had come to pass, in the issue of the late controversy between me and my peojile, in the dissolution of my pastoral rela- tion to them ; and ordered the printed Result of the Ecclesiastical Council, that sat on our afiiliirs, and the Protest against the said Re- sult, to be put up with the letter ; and also, at the same time, sent letters to my other correspondents in Scotland, with the books, etc. I have as yet had no call to any stated business elsevvhere in ihv ministry ; although, of late, there has been some prospect of m\ kaving invitations to one or two places. The people of Northamp- ton are hitherto destitute of a minister. They have exerted them- selves very much, to obtain some candidate to come and preach to them on probation, and have sent to many different places ; but have hitherto been disappointed, and seem to be very much non- plussed. But the major part of them seem to continue vnthout any relenting, or misgiving of heart, concerning what has been done ; at least the major part of the leading men in the congregation. But there is a number, whose hearts are broken at v.hat has come to pass ; and I believe are more deeply affected, than ever they were at any temporal bereavement. It is thus with one of the principal men in the parish, viz. Col. Dwight ; and another of our principal men, viz. Dr. Mather, adheres very much to me ; and there are more women of this sort, than men, and 1 doubt not but there is a number, who in their hearts are with mo, who durst not appear, by reason of the great resolution, and high hand, w"ith which things arc carried in the opposition, by the prevailing part. Such 4lC LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. is the state of things among us, that a person cannot appear on ray side, without greatly exposing himself to the resentments of his friends and neighbours, and being the object of much odium. The committee, that have the care of supplying the pulpit, have asked me to preach, the greater part of the time since my dismission, when 1 have been at home ; but it has seemed to be with much reluc- tance that they have come to me, and only because they could not get the pulpit supplied otherwise ; and they have asked me only from Sabbath to Sabbath. In the mean time, they have taken much pains, to get somebody else to preach to them. " Since I wrote to you in July last, I received your letter, dated the 30th of April last, with your generous and acceptable presents of Eraser's Treatise of Justifying Faith, Mr. Crawford's Manual against Infidelity, JNIr. Randal's Letters on Frequent Communicating, Mr. Blair's Sermon before the Society for propagating Christian Know- ledge, witli an Account of the Society, and the Bishop of London's Letters to the cities of London and Westminster. The view, the last mentioned gives of the wickedness of those cities, is very af- fecting ; and the patience of God towards such cities, so full of wickedness, so heinous and horrid in its kinds, and attended with such aggravations, is very astonishing. That those cities, and the nation, and indeed Christendom in general, are come to such a pass as they are, seems to me to argue that some very remarkable dis- pensation of Divine Providence is nigh, either of mercy, or of judgment, or perhaps both : of mercy to an elect number, and great wrath and vengeance towards others ; and that those very things, you take notice of, in Isa. lix. are approaching, appears to me very probable. However, I cannot but think, that, at such a day, all such as truly love Zion, and lament the wickedness that prevails in the earth, are very loudly called upon to united and earnest prayer to God, to arise and plead his own cause, that he would make bare his arm, tliat that may bring salvation ; that now, when the enemy comes in as a flood, the Spirit of the Lord may lift up a standard against him. When the Church of Christ is like the ship, wherein Christ and his disciples were, when it was tossed with a dreadful tempest, and even covered with waves, and Christ was asleep ; certainly it becomes christians, (though not with doubting and unbelief,) to call on their Redeemer, that he would awake out of sleep, and rebuke the winds and waves. " There are some things, that afford a degree of comfort and hope, in this dark day, respecting the state of Zion. I cannot but rejoice at some things which I have seen, that have been lately published in England, and the reception they have met with in so corrupt a time and nation. Some things of Dr. Doddridge's, (who seems to have his heart truly engaged for the interests of religion,) particularly his Rise and Progress, and Col. Gardiner's Life, and also Mr. Hervey's Meditations. And I confess it is a thing, that Liri: OF •i'KF:sini::.N"r euwauds. All gives me inucli hope, that there are so many on this side tlie ocean united in tlie concert for prayer, proposed from Scotland ; of which I may give a more particular account in a letter to Ah*. jJkl'Laurin, whicli 1 intend shall he sent with this. I had lately a letter from Governour Belcher, and in tlie ])ostscript he sent me the following extract of a letter, he had lately received from Dr. Doddridge. " Nor did I ever know a finer class of young preacliers, for its num- her, than that which God has given me this yeac, to send out into die churches. Yet are not all the supplies, here as elsewhere, ade- quate to their necessities ; for many congregations, in various parts of England, remain vacant ; but I hope God will ]irosper the schemes we are forming for their assistance. 1 bless God, that, in these middle parts of our island, peace and truth prevail in sweet har- mony ; and I think God is reviving our cause, or rather his own, sensibly, though in a gentle and almost unobserved manner." " This, which the Doctor speaks of, I hope is a revival of religion ; tliough many things in many places, have been boasted of as glori- ous revivals, whicli have been but counterparts of religion, so it has been with many things that were intermingled with and followed our late happy revival. There have been in New England, within these eight years past, many hundreds, if not thousands, of instances, very much like that of die boy at Tiptry Heath, mentioned by Mr. Davidson, as you give account in your letter. We ought not only to praise God for every thing, that appears favourable to die interests of religion, and to pray earnestly for a general revival, but also to use means that are proper in order to it : and one proper means must be allowed to be, a due administration of Christ's ordinances : one instance of which is that, which you and Mr. Randal have lately been striving for ; viz. a restoring the primitive practice of frequent communicating. I should much wonder, (had it not been for what I have myself lately seen of die force of bigotry, and prejudice, arising from education and custom,) how such arguments and per- suasions, as Mr. Randal uses, could be withstood ; but howcAcr they may be resisted for the present, yet 1 hope those who have begun wUl continue to plead the cause of Christ's institutions ; and what- ever opposition is made, 1 should think it would he best for them to plead nothing at all short of Christ's institutions, viz. the administra- tion of the Lord's Supper every Lord's day — it must come to that at last ; and why should Christ's ministers and people, by resting in a partial reformation, lay a foundation for anew struggle, and an uncomfortable labour and conflict, in some future generation, in or- der to a full restoration of the primitive practice. " I should be greatly gratified, dear Sir, by the continuance of your correspondence, and by being informed by you of the state of things, relating to the hiterests of religion in Europe, and especially in Great Britain; and particularly whedier the allhir of a compre- hension is like to go on, or whether die Test act is like to be taken Vol. I. 53 418 ■ LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. off, or if there be any thing else clone, or published, in England or Scotland, that remarkably affects the interests of religion. " I have, with this letter, sent Mr. Bellamy's True Religion De- lineated, with a sermon of mine at Mr. Strong's ordination ; of which I ask your acceptance, as a small testimony of gratitude for your numerous favours to me. T ask a constant remembrance in your prayers, that 1 may have the presence of God under my unusual trials, and that I may make a good improvement of all God's dealings with me. My wife joins with me in most cordial salutations to you and Mrs. Erskine. " I am, dear Sir, " Your affectionate and obliged " fi-iend and brother, " Jonathan Edwards." " Mr. Erskine." "At length," observes Dr. Hopkins, "a great uneasiness was manifested, by many of the people of Northampton, that Mr. Ed- wards should preach there at all. Upon which, the Committee for supplying the pulpit, called 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. Ac- cordingly, while Mr. Edwards was in the town, and they had no other minister to preach to them, they carried on public worship among themselves, and without any preaching, rather than invite him.* "Every one must be sensible," observes Dr. Hopkins, who was him- self an occasional eye-witness of these scenes, " that this was a great trial to Mr, Edwards. He had been nearly 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 privileges 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 Galatians,) " if it had been possible, they would have plucked out their own eyes, and given them to him." And they had a great interest in his affec- tion : 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 * This vote appears to have been passed in the latter part of November, a few weeks only before Mr. Edwards received proposals of settlement, which he ul- timately accepted. LIVE OF rittSlDKNT LOUAllJJS. 110 good he licid rejoiced as one tlml liiideth great spoil ; and iliey were dear to him above any other people under hea\ en. — Now to ha\'e this people tiu'n against him, and thrust him out from among them, stopping their ears, and running upon him with furious 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 tliem surmising and publicly speaking many ill things as to his ends and designs ! surely this must come very near to him, and try his spirit. The words of the psalmist seem applicable to this case, " It was not an enemy that reproached 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 myself from him. But it was Tuor — my guide and mine acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walked vinto the house of God in company." " Let us therefore now behold the man ! — The calm sedateness ol his mind; his meekness and humility in great and violent oppo- sition, and injm-ious treatment ; his resolution and steady conduct through 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, considering 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 setded, to one who has been dismissed from his people ; and what misrepresentations were made of his principles through the country ; it looked to him not at all probable, that he should ever have oppor- iunity to be settled again in the work of the ministry, if he \\ as dis- missed from Northampton : and he was not inclined, or able, to take any other course, or go into any other business to get a living : 50 that beggary as well as disgrace stared him full in the face, if he oersisted in his principles. When he was fixed in his pruici})les, md before tliey were publicly known, he told some of his hiends, '.hat, if he discovered and persisted in them, it would most likely ijsue in his dismission and disgrace; and the ruin of himself ind family, as to their temporal interests. He dierefore first sat down and counted the cost, and deliberately took up the cross, when it was set before him in its full weight and mag- nitude ; and in direct opposition to all worldly views and mo- tives. And therefore his conduct, in these circumstances, was a remarkable exercise and discovery of his conscientiousness ; and of his readiness to deny himself, and to forsake all that he had, to follow Christ. — A man must ha\e a considerable degree of the spirit of a martyr, to go on with die steadfastness and resolution with which he did. He ventured wherever truUi and duty appeared to lead him, unmoved at die threatening dangers on every side. ^ 520 LIFE OK PRKSIDKNT EDWARDS. " However, God did not forsake him. As he gave hiin those inward supports, by which he was able in patience to possess his soul, and courageously row on in the storm, in the face of boister- ous winds beating hard upon him, and in the midst of gaping waves threatening to sw^allow him up ; so he soon appeared 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, gene- rously contributed a considerable sum, and sent it over to him. "And God did not leave him, without tender and valuable friends at Northampton. For a small number of his people, who opposed his dismission from tlie beginning, and some, who acted on neither side, but after his dismission adhered to him, under the influ- ence of their 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 remain among them, as this would probably be a means of perpetuating an unhap- py division in the town ; and there was to him no prospect of doing the good there, which would counterbalance the evil. However, that he might do all he could to satisfy his tender and afflicted friends ; he consented to ask the advice of an Ecclesiastical Coun- cil. Accordingly a Council w-as called, and met at Northampton on the 15th of May 1751 . — The town on this occasion was put into a great tumult. They, who were active in the dismission of JMr. Edwards, supposed, though without any good ground, that he was contriving with his friends, again to introduce himself at Northamp- ton." A meeting of the church was summoned, and a Commit- t»e of the church appointed; who, in the name of the church, drew up a Remonstrance against the proceedings of the Council, and laid it before that body. The character of this instrument may be learned, from the subsequent confession of one of the Com- mittee of the cliurch that signed it, who was principally concerned in drawing it up, and very active in bringing the church to accept of it, and to vote that it should be presented to the Council. To use his own lan- guage, it was " every where interlarded with unchristian bitterness, and " sarcastical and unmannerly insinuations. It contained divers di- " rect, grievous and criminal charges and allegations against Mr. " Edwards, which, I have since good reason to suppose, were all " founded on jealous and uncharitable mistakes, and so were real- " ly gross slanders; also many heavy and reproachful charges upon " divers of Mr. Edwards' 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 LIKE OK PllESIUENT EDWAUDS. 421 " composure, excepting the small part of it relating to the experli- " ency of Mr. Edwards' resettlement at Northampton, was total'-, "unchristian, — a scandalous, ahusive, injurious libel against Mi. " 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 remember it, " with deep abasement and penitence, all my days." After this Remonstrance of the church had been read before the Council, they immediately invited the Committee, by whom it was signed, to come forward, and prove the numerous allegations and insinuations, which it contained; "but they refused to appear and support any of their charges, or so much as to give the gentlemen- of the Council any opportunity to confer with them, about the affair depending, though it was diligently sought ;" and though, by pre- senting the Remonstrance, they had virtually given the Council jurisdiction, as to the charges it contained, yet they utterly refused to acknowledge them to be an Ecclesiastical Council. The Coun- cil then invited the Church, as a body, to a friendly conference, to see if some measures could not be devised for the removal of the difficulties, in which the ecclesiastical affairs of the town were in- volved ; but, although this was earnestly and repeatedly moved for, on the part of the Council, it was repeatedly and finally denied on the part of the church. " The Council having heard what Mr. Edwards, and those who adhered to him, had to say ; advised, agreeably to the judgment of Mr. Edwards, that he should leave Northampton, and accept of the invitations, which he had received, to take charge of the Indian Mission, as well as of the church and congregation, at Stockbridge : of which a more particular account will be given further on. As a proper close to this melancholy story, and to confirm and illustrate what has been related, the following Letter from Josejih Hawley, Esq. to the Rev. Mr. Hall of Sutton, published i)i a weekly newspaper in Boston, May 19th, 1760, is here inserted. The reader, Avho has perused the preceding pages, will not need to be informed, that this gentleman, though certainly less violent, and far less mahgnant, than some of his associates, was not only very active in the transactions of this whole affair, but a principal leader in it, and the man, on whose counsels and conduct the opponents of Mr. Edwards especially relied. He was a near kinsman of Mr. Edwards, and a laAvyer of distinguished talents and eloquence.* "To the Rev. Mr. Hall, of Sutton. '' JSTorthampton, May 9, 17G0. " Rev. Sir, " 1 have often wished, that every member of the two Ecclesias- * Tlic lather of Mr. Hawley married Rebeckah, the fifth daughter of tho llcv. Mr. Stoddurd, the sister of Mr. Edwards' mother. 422 ' LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. tical Councils, that formerly sat in Northampton, ujjon the unhappy differences, between our former most worthy and Rev. Pastor, Mr. Jonathan Edwards, and the church here, whereof you were a member ; I say, Sir, I have often wished, every one of them truly knew my real sense of my own conduct in the affair, that the one and the other of the said Councils are privy to. As I have long apprehended it to be my duty, not only to humble myself before God, for what was unchristian and sinful in my conduct before the said Councils, but also to confess my faults to them, and take shame to myself before them ; so I have often studied with myself, in what mamier it was pracdcable for me to do it. When I under- stood that you. Sir, and Mr. Eaton, were to be at Cold-Spring at the time of the late council, I resolved to improve the opportunity, 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 myself, touching the matters above hinted at, might be communicated to most, if not all, the gentlemen aforesaid, who did not reside in this county. But you know. Sir, how difficult it was for us to converse together by ourselves, when at Cold-Spring, without giving umbrage to that people ; I therefore proposed wri- ting to you upon the matters, which I had then opportunity only most summarily to suggest ; which you, Sir, signified would be agreeable to you. I therefore now undertake what I then propo- sed, 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 public and notorious transac- tions, 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 consenting and labouring, that there should be so early a dismission of Mr. Edwards from his pastoral relation to us, even upon the supposition 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 the said church. He also changed his senti- ments, in that ])oint, wholly from a tender regard to what appeared to him to be truth ; and had made known his sentiments with great moderation, and upon great deliberation, against all worldly mo- tives, from mere fidelity to his great Master, and a tender re- gard to the souls of his flock, as we had the highest reason to judge. These considerations now seem to me sufficient ; and would, (if we had been of a right spirit) have greatly endear- ed him to his people, and made us to die last degree, reluc- tant to {)art with him, and disposed us to the exercise of the great- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 423 est candour, gentleness and moderation. How much of the reverse whereof appeared in us, I need not tell you, Sir, who were an eye witness of our temper and conduct. "And, although it does not hecome me to pronounce decisively, on a point so disputable, as was then in dispute ; yet I beg leave to say, that I really apprehend, that it is of the highest moment to the body of this church, and to me in particular, most solicitously to enquire, whether, like the Pharisees and lawyers in John Baptist's time, we did not reject the counsel of God against ourselves, in re- jecting Mr. Edwards, and his doctrine, which was the ground of his (hsmission. 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 published, about that time, in support of the same, whereby he being dead yet speaketh. But there were three things. Sir, especially in my own particular conduct before the first council, which have been justly matter of great grief and much trouble to mc, almost ever since, viz. " 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 ad- dress you were making one morning to the people, wherein you were, if I do not forget, briefly exhorting theni to a tender remem- brance of the former afiection and harmony, that had long subsisted between them and their Rev. Pastor, and the great comfort and profit, which they 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 na- ture, to have received it with all thankfulness. " 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, w^as my strenuously op- posing the adjournment of the matters submitted to that council for about two months; for which I declare myself unfeignedly sorry ; and I with shame remember, that I did it in a peremptory, decisive, 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 argu- ments in writing, the drift whereof was to prove the reasonableness and necessity of Mr. Edwards' dismission, in case no accommoda- tion was then effected with mutual consent ; which writing, by clear implication, contained some severe, uncharitable, and, if I remem- ber right, groundless and slanderous imputations on Mr. Edwards, expressed in bitter language. And although the original 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 ,124 LIFE OF niESIDENT EDWAUliS. llie Council ; wlilch 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, and highly provoking to God; for which I am ashamed, confounded, and have nothing to answer. "As to the Church's Remonstrance, as it was called, which their Committee preferred to the last of the 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 1 do not remember any thing, in that small part of it, which was plainly discursive of the expediency of Mr. Edwards' 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 interlarded with unchris- tian bitterness, sarcastical, and unmannerly insinuations. It con- tained divers direct, grievous, and criminal charges and allegations against Mr. Edwards, which, I have since good reason to suppose, were all founded on jealous and uncharitable mistakes, and so, were really gross slanders ; also many heavy and reproachful charges upon divers of Mr. Edwards' adherents, and some severe censures of them all indiscriminately ; all of which, if not wholly false and groundless, were altogether unnecessary, and therefore highly cri- minal. Indeed, I am fully convinced, that the whole of that com- posure, excepting the small part thereof above mentioned, was to- tally 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 hear- tily sorry and ashamed ; and pray that I may remember it with deep abasement, and penitence all my days. Nor do I now think, that the Church's conduct in refusing to appear, and attend before that Council, to support the charges and allegations in the said Remon- strance against Mr. Edwards and the said brethren, which they de- manded, was ever vindicated, by all the subtle answers that were given to the 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 such charges against them before the said Council, we necessarily so far gave that Council jurisdiction ; and I own with sorrow and regret, that I zealously endeavoured, that the Church should perseveringly refuse to appear before the said Council, for the purpose aforesaid ; which I humbly pray God to forgive. " Another part of my conduct, Sir, of which I have long re- pented, and for which I hereby declare my hearty sorrow, was my obstinate opposition to the last Council's having any confer- ence with the Church ; which the said Council earnestly and repeatedly moved for, and which the Church, as you know, finally denied. T think it discovered a great deal of pride and LJFfi OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 425 vain sufficiency in the church, and showed them to be very opinion-' ative, especially the chief sticklers, one of whom 1 was, and think it was running « most jji-esumptuous risk, and acting the })art of proud scorners, for us to refuse hearing, and candidly and seriously considering, what that council could say or oppose to us ; among whom, there were divers justly in gi'eat reputation for grace and wisdom. " In these instances, Sir, of my conduct, and in others, (to whicli you were not privy,) in the course of that most melancholy conten- tion with I\h'. Edwards, 1 now see that I was very much influenced by vast pride, self-sufficiency, ambition, and vanity. 1 appear to myself vile, and doubtless much more so to others, who are more impartial ; and do, in the review thereof, abhor myself, and repent sorely : and if my own heart condemns me, it behoves me solemnly to remember, that Grod is greater and knoweth all things. 1 hereby own. Sir, that such treatment of Mr. Edwards, wlierein I was so deeply concerned and active, was particularly and very aggra- vatedly sinful and ungrateful in me, because I was not only un- der the common obligations of each individual of the society to him, as a most able, diligent and faithful pastor ; but I had also re- ceived many instances of his tenderness, goodness and generosity, 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 ]VIr. Edwards, within the time of on- most unhappy disputes widi him, and especially iii and about that abominable " Remonstrance," I have so far symbolized with Balaam, Aliitophel and Judas, that I am confounded and filled with terror, often- times, when I attend to the most painful similitude. And I freely confess, that, on account of my conduct above mentioned, I have the greatest reason to tremble at those most solemn and awful words of our Saviour, Matt, xviii. 6, Whoso shall offend one of these little ones, ivkich believe in me, it ivere better for him that a mill-stone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea ; and those in Luke x. 16, He that desjnseth you, despiseth me ; and he that despiseth me, despiscih him that sent me ; and I am most sorely sensible that nothing but that infinite grace and mercy, wliich saved some of the betrayers and murder- ers of our blessed Lord, and the persecutors 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 thv loving kindness, according to the multitude of thy tender mercies, blot out my transgressions; wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me" from my sin ; for I acknowledge my trans- gressions, and mv sin is ever before me. Hide thv face from Vot. I. " 54 42G Li*'E OF PRfiSlDiiNT iiDWAKli^. my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities j create in me a cleaH heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me ; cast me not away from thy presence, and take not tliy holy Spirit from me ; restore unto me the joy of thy salvation, and uphold me with thy free Spirit." (Ps. li. 1—3, 9—12.) " And I humbly apprehend, that it greatly concerns the church of Northampton most seriously to examine. Whether the many hard speeches, spoken by many particular members against their former pastor, some of which the church really countenanced, (and especial- ly those spoken by the church as a body, in that most vile " Remon- strance,") are not so odious and ungodly, as to be utterly in- capable of defence ; whether the said church were not guilty of a great sin, in being so willing and disposed, for so slight a cause, to part with so faithful and godly a minister as Mr. Kdwards 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 I most hear- tily wish and pray, that the town and church of Northampton would seriously and carefully examine, Whether they have not abimdant cause to judge, that they are now lying under great guilt in the sight of God ; and whether those of us, who were con- cerned 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 have been injurious to one of the best of men ; and until we shall be thoroughly con- vinced, that we have dreadfully persecuted Christ, by persecut- ing and vexing that just man, and servant of Christ; until we shall be humble as in the dust on account of it, and tiU we openly, in full terms, and without baulking the matter, confess the same before the world, and most humbly and earnestly seek forgiveness of God, and do what we can to honour the memory of Mr. Edwards, and clear it of all the aspersions which we unjustly cast upon him ; since God has been pleased to put it beyond our power to ask his forgiveness. Such terms, I am persuaded, the great and righteous God will hold us to, and tliat it \vill be vain for us to hope to escape with impunity in any other way. This I am convinced of with regard to myself, and this way I most solemnly propose to take myself, (if God in his mercy shall give me opportunity) that so, by making free confession to God and man of my sin and guih, and publicly taking shame to myself, 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 (Jod, that he has been pleased to spare my life to this time^ and am sorry that I have delayed the affair so long. LIFE OF PRES11>ENT EDW AHUS. 427 " Although 1 made the substance of abiiost all the foregoing re- flections in writing, but not exactly in the same manner, to Mr. Ed- wards and the brethren who adhered to him, in i\Ir. Edwards' life, and before he removed from Stockbridge, and I have reason to belive that he, from his great candour and charity, heartily forgave me and prayed for me: yet, because that was not generally known, I look on myself obliged to take further steps ; for while I kept silence my bones waxed old, &ic. For all these my great sin« therefore, in the first place, I humbly and most earnestly ask for- giveness of God ; in the next place, of the relatives and near friends of Mr. Edwards. I also ask the forgiveness of all those, who were called Mr. Edwards' adherents ; and of all the mem- bers of the ecclesiastical councils above mentioned ; and lasdy of all christian people, who have had any knowledge of these matters. " I have no desire. Sir, that j^ou should make any secret of this letter ; but that you would communicate the same to whom you shall judge proper : and I purpose, if God shall give me opportuni- ty, to procure it to be published in some one of the public news- papers ; for I cannot devise any other way of making knovm my sentiments of the foregoing matters to all, who ought to be ac- quainted therewith, and therefore I think I ought to do it, whatever remarks I may forsee will be made tliereon. Probably, when it comes out, some of my acquaintance will pronounce me quite over- run with vapours ; others will be furnished with matter for mirth and pleasantry; others will cursorily pass it over, as relating to matters quite stale ; but some, I am persuaded, will rejoice to see me brought to a sense of my sin and duty ; and 1 mysell shall be conscious, that I have done something of what the nature of the. case admits, towards undoing what is, and long has been, to my greatest remorse and trouble, that hwasever done. " Sir, I desire that none would entertain a thought, from my having spoken respectfully of Mr. Edwards, that I am disaffected to our present pastor ; for the very reverse is true ; and I have a reverend esteem, real value, and hearty affection for him^ and bless God, that he has, notwithstanding all our former unwortliiness, given us one to succeed Mr. Edwards, who, as I have reason to hope, is truly faithful. '' I conclude this long letter, by heartily desiring your prayers, that my repentance of my sins above mentioned may be unfeigned and genuine, and such as God in infinite mercy, for Christ's sake, will accept ; and I beg leave to subscribe myself, " Sir, your real, though \^ery unworthy friend, " and obedient servant, " Joseph Hawley." CHAPTER XAIV. Jleview of the Dismission of Mr. Edtvaids. — •Causes. — Conduct of the Parties. — Designs of Providence. The facts connected with the dismission of Mr. Edwards from Northampton, so far as they have come within my knowledge, have now been detailed. An event so singular, so unhapjiy in itself, and so important in its consequences, and in its connection with the ecclesiastical history of New-England, deserves no ordinary attention. In examining its bearing on the character of Mr. Ed- wards, we are compelled to consider the Causes which led to it, and the Conduct of the various parties concerned. In reviewing the Causes, which led to this melancholy event, it cannot fail to strike the reader, that, agreeably to the confession of his most violent opposers and most bitter enemies, no solitary in- stance of misconduct, on the part of Mr. Edwards, is to be enu- merated among those causes. No allegation of imprudence, or impropriety, in him or his family, no mention of any unfaithfulness, or neglect of duty, — of any fault, either of commission or of omission, is to be found in any of the documents connected with the whole series of transactions, from the beginning to the close. The only charges brought against him, were, — that he had changed his opinion, with regard to the Scriptural Qualifications for admission to the Church ; that he was very pertinacious in adhering to his new opinions ; and that, in this way, he gave his people a great deal of trouble. When we remember the great and general ex- citement, prevailing for so long a time in the town, the acrimony of feehng, and the severity of censure, so extensively manifested ; no higher proof than this can be furnished, of uncommon purity and excellence, on the part of nn individual or his family. Among the Causes, which led to this separation, may be men- tioned the following : the Existing State of the Church at that })e- riod J the attempt to maintain purity of Discipline, in the case of some of its younger members ; the personal hostility of the fa iiy ; and above all, the coji:>cientious scruples of Mr. Edwards, as to the admission of unconverted members into the christian Church. All these, if we mistake not, so far as Mr. Edwards had anv connection with them, will be found highly honourable to his /character. Tlie Existing State of the Church of Northampton, at tins time. LlTFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 429 fJeserves our notice. It was, and had long been, very large; em- bracing aliTiost all tiie married adults of the congregation, as well as a considerable proportion of the youths of both sexes. This state of things, considered in itself merely, and without reference to the particular character or condition of any given body of christians, is now, and always hitherto has been, a suspicious circumstance, as to the prevalence of vital religion, in any church of Christ. Where a church includes the great body of a congregation, it must have been for a considerable period, and still is, the fmkion, to belong to it ; and, not to belong to it, involves, of course, a species of public dis- grace. In such circumstances, very strong inducements are held out to irreligious men, to persuade themselves, in some way or other, that they have become christians, and so to attach themselveii to the christian church. In national churches, and in those sects or denominations, whicl^ erect no effectual barrier against the incursions of an unconverted world, we find the mass of the population, and among these, of course, a vast multitude of the ungodly, uniting themselves to the visible family of Christ, and, by their numbers and their influence, givmg to that section of it to which they belong, as a body, their own worldly character. In churches, which ami at a more exact conformity to the scrip- tural rules, in preventing the admission of unrenewed persons into then- number, there is, in the state of things we have mentioned, a constant danger from this source. There is so, with regard to the admission of unworthy members. Such churches become thus large, in consequence of powerful revivals of religion. A revival of reli- gion is a season of high excitement in the body of a congregation, even when nothing moves them but the truth of God, applied di- rectly to the conscience ; but especially is this true, when, in addi- tion to this, artificial means are employed, as they sometimes un^ happily are, to rouse the feelings of the church, and the passions of the people at large. In such a slate of diings, when the immedi- ate presence and direct influences of the Holy Spirit are gonerallv felt, and universally acknowledged, when convictions of sin arc wrought, with a greater or less degree of power, in almost every un- renewed mind, when every such mind is conscious of anxiety and iilarm, as to its final wellare, and when great numbers are reallv pressing into the kingdom of God ; those, who liave long wished to bo in the church, because it is fashionable and reputable to be there, and because, when there, they hope to feel a sense of safety, having heard from those around them the feelings and th(^ language of Zion, easily persuade themselves, that the same change has passed on them, which others, already acknowledged to be chris- tians, have experienced, and therefore oflcr themselves as candi- dates for admission to the church. In deciding on the question, whether thev shall be admitted, both the church and the minister 4o0 iAh'K. OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. are in more than ordinary danger of deciding wrong. The feel-^ ings of both are powerfully excited, and of course their minds are less likely to make up a judgment, founded merely on evidence. Both are conscious, that the Spirit of God is present in the midst of them, carrying on his own appropriate work of conviction and con- version, with divine power and glory. Both have a lively compas- sion for impenitent sinners ; both wish the enlargement of the church ; and the minister, perhaps, is fondly anticipating the time, when he can speak of the scores, if not of the hundreds, of his spi- ritual children. The individuals examined, speak a common lan- 2;uage, and tell a common story — a story sometimes learned by rote. Of a change, all are conscious ; and it is a change in their views and feelings, on the subject of religion. They do not discri- minate, with regard to themselves, or one another; and the ap .a- ^rent difference among them is usually not so great, as to enable others to make any satisfactory discrimination. All indulge hope concerning themselves, and each has already satislied numbers of his own conversion. All also, during the months, or perhaps weeks, that have elapsed, since this hope was cherished, have broken off their external sins ; and none have had a sufficient length of trial to decide, whether they have gained a decisive victory over the sins of the heart. The time for admission is come ; all believe tliat trhey have resolved to lead a life of religion ; and no very satisfac- tory reason can be given, why one should be taken, and another left. In these circumstances, when ardent zeal, and lively hope, and tender compassion, are to sit as umpires ; it is not surprising that, even in such churches, multitudes of unrenewed men should succeed in their application for admission. But the danger is at least equally great, with regard to the gene- lal state of religion in such churches. As the church embraces the body of the congregation, it is the stronger party, and can carry its own measures, without opposition. Strong in itself, in its own numbers, wisdom, wealth and resources, it loses its sense of depen- dence, not only on the aid of the congregation, but on the care and protection of its Head. The members of such a church cease to fear the gaze of the surrounding world, and gradually lose the watchfulness and circumspection, which the dread of that gaze usu- iiUy inspires. This is true even of those, who are thought to fur- nish evidence of their own piety. What shall we say then, of the multitude, who have been thus improperly admitted ? When their ardour has once abated, they have nothing left, to lead them even to an external conformity to the rules of the Gospel, except a regard to reputation, a fear of ecclesiastical censure, or of the loss of that mistaken hope, which they cherish of their own safety. The consequence is, that, find- ing no enjoyment in religion, they relinquish the performance of one external duty after another, and allow themselves in the prac- LIKE Of PKESIUENT EDWAKDS. 431 lice of one and another secret sin, until their lives are as really, H' not as obviously, worldly and irreligious, as they were before their annexation to the church. Such men, when constituting a nume- rous body in a given church, unite for common defence, and keep each other in countenance. By their numbers, their example and tlieir influence, they diffuse a spirit of vvorldly-mindedness through the whole body, oppose every measure designed for its reforma- tion, and effectually prevent the discipline of the church. All this must have been emphatically realized in the Church of Northampton. The two principal safeguards, against the admis- sion of irreligious men into the church, are, the dread of making an unsound profession of religion, on die part of the candidate, grow- ing out of the firm convicUon in his mind, that such a profession in- volves very great guilt in the sight of God, and leading of course to thorough self-examination ; and an established rule on the part of the church, that none shall be received, who do not, when examin- ed, furnish satisfactory evidence of conversion. These two safe- guards had now been removed from the Church of Northamptoir, for forty-five years ; and this, under the express sanction, and by the immediate agency, of so wise and good a man as Mr. Stoddard ; and the people had been taught to beheve, that, although piety was necessary for salvation, it was not necessary for Chinch-member- ship ; but that communion at the Lord's Supper was at once the duty and the privilege, of unconverted men, as such, and the most probable means of their conversion. Such had been the actual practice of the church, during this long period ; and five revivals of religion, (those in 1712 and 1718, that in 1727, and those in 1734, and 1749, — the first, and the last two, of uncommon extent and power,) during which almost all the existing members of the- church had made a profession of religion, had occurred since the practice was introduced. The faithful labours of JMr. Stoddard and Mr. Edwards, during this long period, had indeed been efii- cacious, in preventing many of the evils which might otherwise have been introduced. But, if it is so difficult to prevent man\ false professions, in powerful revivals of religion, even in thost churches where the candidate is most faithfully examined, and most abundantly cautioned, respecting the danger and guilt of a false profession, and solemnly warned to examine himself with the utmost care, because the chief and ultimate responsibility rests on himself; how impossible must it ha\c been to prevent them here, where the whole body of anxious enquirers were told, under the sanction of a name so much venerated, diat it was their duty and their privilege, to make an immediate profession of religion, and, if unconverted, diat it would be the most }ii;obable means of their con- version ? No one, acquainted with the history of the Church, or with the nature of man, will hesitate to say, that such a chui ch must have em- bodied within its pale, an unhappy proportion of hypocrisy, werldh - 432 lAm OV PRESIDENT EilWARDb, niindedness and irreligion ; or will be surprized to find its members, ou the hrst plausible occasion, uniting as a body in opposing the preva- lence of truth, and the welfare of real religion. For this slate of things in the church, Mr. Edwards was not re- sponsible. It had beeii introduced in 1704, twenty-three years liefore his settlement, by Mr. Stoddard, his grandfather, whose col- league he was in the ministry, after a public controversy with Dr. Mather of Boston ; in which, in the view of the churches in Hamp- hire, he had come off victorious. The father of Mr. Edwards, at {vast Windsor, had indeed pursued a different course ; but ail the churches in that large and populous county, except two, and all the ministers except three, sided with Mr. Stoddard. The subject, except in this instance, had not been made a matter of controv^ersy or of discussion ; and the Treatise of Dr. Mather was far less sa- tisfactory and definitive, than might well have been wished from one, who was indeed the champion of the truth. It is not surprising, therefore, that Mr. Edwards, being settled under the auspices of Mr. Stoddard, having never examined the subject for himself^ and having nothing to call his attention directly to the lawfulness oi' unlawfulness of the practice, should have entered upon it of course, and have pursued it, until something should occur to convince him, that it was altogether unscriptural. But, while he thus acceded to the existing state of things, he did every thing probably, which any one man could have done, to promote the piety, the purity and the salvation, of the church and congregation at Northampton. The united attempt of Mr. Edwards and the church to main- fain purity of Discipline, was another of the causes, which led to his separation from his people. The offence, of which some of the younger members of the church were accused, — that of exten- sively circulating books of an impure and grossly licentious charac- ter, among persons of their own age, of both sexes, for the purpose of promoting licentiousness of conversation and conduct, — deserved, if ever an offence deserved, and, in any ordinary circumstances, would have received, the unqualified censure of any Christian church. A complaint being made to IMr. Edwards, as the mode- rator of the church, against those individuals, and su)3jDorted by ap- parently satisfactory evidence ; it was of course his duty to lay it before the church. This he did, without naming the individuals ; and the church, shocked at the grossness of this conduct, yielded to their own first convictions of duty, and unanimously voted, that the offence charged ought to be investigated, and, if proved, ought to be followed by the Disciphne of the Church. With the like una- nimity, they appointed Mr. Edwards and several of their number a Committee, to pursue the investigation. The manner, in which Mr. Edwards invited the young people to meet the Committee, without disfinguishing the witnesses from the accused, whether a matter of inadvertence on his part, or not, was the very manrier, i» LIFE OF rUESIDEMT EDWARDS. ■{:],} vvliich most other persons would probubly have given the invitation ; and, so far as I can see, was the only manner, whicli propriety could have justified. An accusation had been made against certain individuals, sustained, in the view of Mr. Edwards, by evidence sufficient to justify him, in communicating the fact to the church. He did so, without naming the parties accused. TJie church, in- stead of calling for their names, voted that the Conmiittee should investigate the case; and, if the evidence appeared to support it, should lay it before the church. With such a vote to guide him, it would have been wholly incorrect in Mr. Edwards, as chairman of tlie Committee, to have publicly mentioned the names of the persons accused; for the Committee did not know but that they were innocent ; and, if they were innocent, to have named them in this manner, would have been, to fix a most unjust stigma upon their characters. As, therefore, both the accused and the witnesses must be present before the Committee ; justice, as well as kind- ness, demanded, that they should be named without discrimina- tion. We have seen, that the individuals thus named were very nu- merous ; that some one or more of them belonged to almost every influential family, in the church, and in the towi ; that the great body of the members of the church, who had just voted at once to investigate the charge, and, if found true, to punish the offenders, on hearing the names of tlieir own children or relatives mentioned, (though they did not know but they were summoned merely as witnesses,) immediately changed their minds, and determined if possible to stop the enquiry ; and that they encouraged die young people, in openly contemning the audiority of Mr. Edwards and the Church. How different was the conduct even of a heathen, who, on discovering his son to have been guilty of an offence, which the laws of his country punished with death, could himself, when sitting as judge, utter the fatal order, "I, lictor, liga ad palum," from that of these professed disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ; who first voted the offence to deserve the discipline of the church, and then, from an apprehension that their own sons might be among those accused of committing it, resolved at all hazards to prevent the investigauon, which might establish their guilt. They first vo- ted that the honour of Christ, and the purity of his church, demand- ed the invesUgation ; and then would not sulTer it to proceed, be- cause their own sons might be found among the guilty. Such was the conduct of a sufficient number of a church, consisting of more than seven hundred members, to put a stop to a case of christian discipline, which they had unanimously resolved to pursue : Math. X. 37, " He that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me^ The personal hostility of the family, residing originally in an adjoining town, was another cause of exciting opposition to Vol. I. 55 434 l.IFE OV J'ttESlDENT ITDWAROg. Mr. Edwards, among die people of Northampton. This hostility originated, during the revival of religion in 1734. At that time, there was a prevailing tendency, in the county, and the province, towards Arminianism; and the individual, with whom this hostility commenced, appears to have been sti'ongly biassed in its favour. When Mr. Edwards came forward publicly to oppose it, par- ticularly in his discourses on Justification, with so much talent and success ; he thought proper to interfere, and in a sense to de- mand, that Mr. Edwards should desist from the undertaking. His failure to comply with this demand occasioned a violent hostility ; which, being only rendered rancourous by the publication of these discourses, and by the firmness of Mr. Edwards, in doing what he believed to be his own duty, was at length communicated to vari- ous members of the family of a superior character, residing in more distant parts of the country. For the fourteen years following that revival, the individual in question, a near relative of Mr. Edwards, often too visiting Northampton, and always riding by his house, re- fused except in three instances to enter his door ; though Mr. Ed- wards regularly called on him and his family, and, according to his own statement in a subsequent letter, did all in his power to win his kindness. Probably nothing coiUd more effectually have rivet- ted this hostility, and rendered the breach irremediable, than the attempt made by Mr. Edwards to change the views of the church at Northampton, and of the country at large, as to the qualifications for christian communion, in direct opposition to the sentiments of Mr. Stoddard. When the difficulties in the church had fairly commenced, this gentleman came often to Northampton, to advise with the leaders of the opposition, and threw his w^hole influence into that scale. His brother, also, residing at a distance, warmly espoused the same cause, and continued, as long as he resided in the country, the confidential friend and adviser of Mr. Edwards' enemies. When that brother went abroad, he himself discharged the same office, with great zeal and fidelity, regularly helping for- ward the Spirit of disaffection and hostility, until the separation was effected. But the prime cause of this unhappy event, and that, without ^hich it would not have taken place, was the change in Mr. Ed- wards' views, respecting the qualifications for communion at the Lord's Supper. Having been educated in a church, in which a stricter practice had prevailed, he had some degree of hesitation about the correctness of the other mode, even at the time of his ordination. But he never had examined the subject ; the contro- versy respecting it was over, and it had long ceased to be a sub- ject of discussion in the country ; the clergy and their churches had taken their sides, and great numbers of both throughout New- England, and almost all in the immediate vicinity, had adopted the lax method; other churches were becoming more and more fa- LXIE OV PKKblUKNT EUWAUBg. 435 vourable to it; his own colleague and grandfather, the man, whom from his infancy he had been taught to regard witii llie highest ve- neration, the man, every where known as " the venerable Stod- dard," the )nan of wisdom, and piety, and of commanding influ- ence, not only at Northampton, but throughout the province, had been its champion ; no very able work, on the other side of the question, had then been written; many arguments of great plausi- bility could certainly be adduced in its favour; and many clergy- men, of sound understanding and unquestioned piety, had been convinced by tliese arguments, that this was the mode of admission pointed out in the word of God : in these circumstances, it is not surprizing that a young man of twenty-three should conclude, that the practice was probably right, and adopt it of course. The change, in Mr. Edwards' views on diis subject, did not take place suddenly, but was the result of time and circumstances, and the effect of long and laborious investigation. In the revival of 1734, a considerable number of those, who became communi- cants, appear to have discovered, ultimately, no evidence of the christian character, and no interest in religion. They were mem- bers of the christian church, without one characteristic to tjualify them for belonging to it. This fact, unquestionably, led Mr. Ed- wards to doubt the propriety of their admission. His doubls must have been greatly strengthened, in the subsequent revival of 1740; when a still larger number of the same description appear to have been admitted; and, especially, when he saw them, in 1744, uni- ting their whole strength and influence to prevent the wholesome discipline of the church, and drawing after them great numbers of a better character. These events of pro\'idence must have set in a striking light the absurdity, and the danger, of unsanctified pro- fessions. The more Mr. Edwards examined the subject, the more were his convictions strengtiiened, that the prevailing mode of admission was irrational and unscrij)tural. As_ he knew that the question was a practical one, one on whicii he must act, when his mind was ful- ly made up, and that his acting against the. lax mode of admission, (to which his conscience would of course constrain him, if he was ultimately convinced that it was unlawful,) would be followed with important consequences, not only to himself and his family, but to the people of Nordiampton, and to the whole church of the Pro- vince ; he read, with care, every treatise he could find, in favour of the lax mode of admission, and endeavoured to allow every argu- ment on that side its full weight; that, if at lengdi compelled to take the otiier side, he might certainly know that it was the side of truth, and diat no argument could shake it. It should here be remembered, that, while Mr. Edwards was thus carefully and conscientiously examining diis subject, he per- fectly knew, that he could not openly take the side of strict com- 43G MFK OF PRKSliJENr KDWAIIOS. munion, without imminent hazard of sacrificing the cotnfort and hopes of himself and his family. The cimrch and people of North- ampton, with scarcely a dissenting voJce, were most higotedly at- tached to the other mode : some of them, because they believed it the scriptural mode, and conscientiously regarded the sacrament as a converting ordinance; others, because it was the lax mode, and of course grateful to a mind governed by lax principles ; and all, because it had been introduced and defended by Mr. Stoddard, and had now been practised for nearly half a century. If he es- poused the stricter mode, he must come out publicly in its defence, and of course in direct opposition, to his grandfather. The churches and clergy of the county, with scarcely a dissenting voice, were absolutely determined to maintain that mode, and would, in that case, be decidedly opposed to him. The minister of Spring- field had not forgotten the opposition, made by him to his own set- tlement. Four others of the clergy were connected with the family, and accustomed to act with them of course. Numbers of the clergy, were either openly or covertly Arminian in senti- ment ; and, in consequence of the successful attacks of Mr. Ed- wards on their own system of faith and practice, were by no means to be regarded as his friends. He was past forty-five years of age ; he was almost wholly without property ; and he had eight children all dependent on his salary for their support. That salary was the largest salary paid by any country congregation in New-Eng- land. If he came out openly on this side, he well knew that his church and people, in a body, would turn against him, and demand his dismission ; and that the clergy and churches of the county, who would in all probability be the umpires in case of any contro- versy, would, with scarce an exception, side with his people. Rare indeed is the instance, in which any individual has entered on the investigation of a difficult point in casuistry, with so many ^'motives to bias his judgment. Yet Mr. Edwards, in examining the arguments on both sides, seems from the beginning to have risen above every personal consideration, and to have been guided only by his conscience. At every step of his progress towards the ultimate result, he saw these accumulated evils before him ; and, when his mind at length decided, that he could never more, with a clear conscience, receive any one into the church, upon the lax plan of admission ; he threw himself on the care and pro- tection of a faithful God with the very trust and courage of a martyr. Having thus found, diat a minute survey of the causes, wliich led to the dismission of Mr. Edwards, only serves to exhibit his evangelical integrity, and the general excellence of his christian character, in a clearer and stronger light ; we will now review the LIFK OF I'KESIUKNT LUWAUD?. 'Vol conduct of the various parties, connected with this unhappy contro- versy, from its coinniencenient to its close. The time and manner, adopted by Mr. Edvvai-ds, for making his sentiments known, are worthy of our observation. Several years before the ultimate crisis, his mind was so far settled as to the sub- ject of his enquiry, that he found, unless he could obtain more light with regard to it, it would be impossible for him to receive any one into the church, according to the existing mode of admis- sion. At this time, he " freely and openly expressed this opinion, before several of the people ; which occasioned it to be talked oi among many in the town, and in various parts of the land." In the work on Religious Affections, also, he intentionally gave very explicit intimations of his views of Visible Christians, and of the nature of a Christian Profession ; particularly, in the following re- marks : " A Profession of Christianity implies a profession of all, that belongs to the essence of Christianity. — The ])rofession must be of the thing professed. For a man to profess christianit}', is for him to declare that he has it; and therefore, so much as belongs to a true definition of a thing, so much is essential to a true declaration of that thing. If we take only a part of Christianity, and leave out an essential part ; what we take is not Christianity, because some- thing of the essence of it is wanting. So \( we profess only a part, and leave out an essential part ; what we profess is not Christianity. Thus, in order to a profession of Christianity, we must profess, that we believe that Jesus is the Messiah, — and that Jesus made satis- faction for our sins, and other essential doctrines of the Gospel ; because a belief of these things is essential to Christianity. But otlier things are as essential to religion, as an orthodox belief; which, of course, it is as necessary that we should profess, in order to our being truly said to profess Christianity. Thus, it is essential to Christianity, that we repent of our sins, that we be convinced of our o\m sinfulness, that we are sensible we have justly exposed ourselves to the wrath of God, that our hearts renounce all sin, that we do with our whole hearts embrace Christ as our only Saviour, that we love him above all, that we are willing for his sake to for- sake all that we have, and that we give up ourselves to be entirely aiid forever his. These things as truly belong to the essence of Christianity, as the belief of any of the doctrines of the Gospel ; and therefore, the profession of them as much belongs to a chris- tian profession. — And, as to those tilings, which chrisdans should express in their profession, — they ought to express their repentance of sin — their conviction, tliat God would be just in their damnadon T— their faith in Christ, and reliance on liim as their Saviour, and joyfully receiving his Gospel — their reUance on his righteousness and strength, and their devotion to him as their only Lord and Saviour — that they give up themselves entirely to Christ, and to God through him — their willingness of heart to embrace religion, 438 LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. with all its difficulties, and to walk, in a way of obedience to God, universally, and perseveringly — and that all their hearts and souls are in those engagements to be the Lord's, and forever to serve him. — Hence, to entitle men to full esteem and charity as sincere professors of Christianity, there must, according to the rules of Christ and his apostles, be a visibly holy life, and a profession, either expressing, or plainly implying, the things which have been mentioned."'^ Plainly, no reader of the preceding passages could be at a loss, as to the views, which the writer then entertained, as to the nature of a christian profession. These declarations, on the part of Mr. Edwards, were all that he ought to have made, before he was called to act; and it so hap- pened, in the providence of God, that, from the case of discipline in 1744, to December, 1748, not a solitary individual offered him- self, as a candidate for admission to the church. The church, as a body, by their conduct on that occasion, there is too much reason to believe, had, in a very dreadful manner, grieved the Holy Spi- rit ; and, as a necessary consequence, though Mr. Edwards preach- ed v\dth the same faithfulness and power as in 1727, in 1734, and in 1740, and as he had preached at Leicester and Enfield, where God had signally acknowledged and blessed his labours, the work of conviction and conversion was, during this long interval, wholly unknown. When, however, the first candidate for admission to the church presented himself, Mr. Edwards, with entire openness and frankness, informed the Committee of the Church, that it was impossible for him, with a clear conscience, to receive him, without a profession of personal religion. At the same time, he proposed to deliver the reasons of his opinion from the pulpit ; but to this, tlie Committee wholly refused their consent. The Treatise on the Qualifications for Communion, on various accounts, here deserves our notice. It was ^vritten by Mr. Ed- wards, for the perusal of his people, because they would not allow him to preach on the subject. It was prepared with a full convic- tion, that, as to the people of Northampton, it would be prepared in vain ; with a conviction that most of those, who would not heai- him preach to them on the subject from the desk, would not read it from the press, and that those of them, who did read it, could not read it with calmness and candour. It was prepared with un- exampled rapidity — only nine or ten weeks having elapsed, from the time it was commenced, till it was in the printer's hands — and this too, in addition to all the ordinary duties of an extensive parish, and all the multifarious demands of a parochial contest. Yet, it is merely a work of calm, logical reasoning, without a solitary re- mark indicative of excitement, or feeling, in the author, or the slightest intimation, in any part of it, that it was wiitten in the heat * See vol. V. pp. 279— 21U. LIKK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS, 43'.) of a personal controversy. No mind could act thus, in circumstan- ces like dicse, which had not It^arned, in a tlegreo unusual, if not singular, the duty of trusting in tiie all-sufliciency of God, and of yielding a holy and unreserved submission to his will. The offer made by Mr. Edwards to his people, April 13th, 1749, just before this Treatise was ready for the press, while it indicates in a very striking manner, the candour, integrity and disinterested- ness, of his mind, also shows the exact ground which he took at the opening of the controversy: — " I, the subscriber, do hereby signify and declare, that, if my people will wait till the book I am prepar- ing, relative to the admission of members into the chiu'ch, is pub- lished, Iwill resign the ministry over diis church, if the church desires it, after they have had opportunity pretty generally to read my said book, and they have asked advice of a Council mutually chosen, and followed their advice, with regard to the regular steps to be taken pre- vious to their vote : Provided none of the brethren be permitted to vote, but such as have eitlier read it, or heard from the pulpit what I have to say, in defence of the doctrine which is the subject of it; and that a regular Council do approve of my thus resigning my pastoral office over tliis church." Mr. Edwards well knew, that, at the time of his ordination, the Church at Northampton had been committed to liJs especial care ; that he had then received a most solenm charge to " feed the flock of God, over which the Holy Ghost had made him an overseer ;" that he was directly responsi- ble to Christ, for the manner in which he discharged tliis duty, and that he could not voluntarily relinquish his charge, except for rea- sons of the most weighty character. He could not, therefore, think of resigning it, without using every lawful means in his power, to bring them acquainted with what he fully believed to be taught in . ^^he word God, relative to a subject, which was most intimately con- nected with the purity and prosperity of that church, and of the whole Church of Christ. This, he at once claimed as his right, and insisted on as his duty. If he consented to a separation, be- fore he had had such an opportunity of declaring to them the truth of God on this subject, he knew not how to jusdfy himself, before the judgment-seat of Christ. Attlie same time, he offered voluntarily to resign his office, after he had had this opportunity, if they were not satisfied, that his views of die subject were scriptural ; provided a regular Ecclesiastical Council should sanction such resignation. No offer could be more fair dian this. It left the uldmate decision of the question to the people themselves, after diey had read, or heard, what he had to offer with regard to it. This proves, con- clusively, that, in opposing for a wliile their violent measures, in endeavouring to procure his dismission, he aimed simply to satisfy tlie demands of his own conscience, and to prevent his people from committing, what he regarded as a most aggravated sin, that of rejecdng him as their minister, without giving him any op- 4-40 LITE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. poitunity to lay before them what God had taught them, respecting the subject in question. The refusal of the people to suffer Mr. Edwards to preach to them, on the Qualifications for Communion, was a sin of no ordinary mag- nitude. The strict mode of admission was the primitive mode, in all the New England churches. It was so in the Church of North- ampton, and had prevailed in that church for forty-four years. The lax method had been publicly condemned by the General Sy- nod of Massachusetts, in 1G79, as a great and public sin, which provoked the judgments of heaven, and which must be repented of, and put away, if those judgments were to be averted. Of this Synod Mr. Stoddard was a member, and had himself joined in this very vote. It had been introduced into the Church of Nortli- ampton, without any vote of the church, or alteration of their ori- ginal Platform, by Mr. Stoddard's forming a short profession, for the candidates for admission, agreeably to his own views, and the church submitting, though not without uneasiness, to his authority. The great body of wise and good men, in the church at large, and in New England, had been, and still were, in favour of the primi- tive mode ; and the great majority of the ministers and churches in New England still adhered to it. Many arguments, and those of great apparent force, could certainly be alleged from the word of God, in favour of that mode, and against the other. Mr. Edwards was their pastor, and spiritual watchman and guide, set over them by divine appointment, to teach them the truth of God, and to guard them against error. He was required by Him, whose commission he bore, to declare to them the whole counsel of God, and to maintain the Discipline of the Church in its purity. They /had seen his preaching honoured of God, far beyond that o( any other clergyman in America. They acknowledged him to be, and boasted of him as being, a preacher of singular talents and wis- dom ; one, whose reasoning powers were of the highest order, and who shed uncommon light on the sacred scriptures. Such already was his character, throughout the Colonies, as well as throughout England and Scodand. As their minister, it was, beyond all con- troversy, his plain right, and obvious duty, to preach to them his own views of truth, on that subject, and on every other ; and it was as certainly their duty to hear what he preached, and to examine, with docility and prayer, whether he did not tell them the truth. Waiving the direct assertion of this right, he came and distinctly offered to preach to them on the subject. He told them, that he had examined it with the utmost care and attention, giving the ar- guments in favour of the prevailing mode all the weight and con- sideration which he honestly could ; that, as the result of this ex- amination, his conscience would not suffer him to proceed in that mode any longer, and that he wished to lay before them, from the word of God, those arguments by which his own mind had been LIFE OP PnESIDKNT EDWAUDS. 441 Convinced. This proposal they rejected, in the most direct and explicit manner, antl that in numerous instances. They did so, in tlie Committee of the Church, when Mr. Edwards first proposed it;* in the Precinct meeting ;f in the meeting of the Church ; J and in every subsequent meeting of each of these bodies, when the subject was proposed. Mr. Edwards also urged them repeatedly, and by every consideration of duty, to submit the question to the neighbouring ministers, all but one of whom were on their side, Whetiier he had not a right to preach on the point in controversy, and whether it was not reasonable that tliey should hear him ; but they refused. He then told them, that they might employ any ministers they chose, to preach in his pulpit on the other side, and in answer to his arguments ; but they still refused.§ Nay, they would not even give him an opportunity to state the reasons of his opinion, in private conversation. The reason they assigned, why they would not suffer him to preach, unfolds the actual state of their minds. It was, because they feared, that his preaching would make parties in the town. In other words, the great body of the people were now united against Mr. Edwards; the leaders of the opposition were resolved on his dismission ; and they were afraid, if he should preach his senti- ments, that he would convince a large number of them that he was right, and thus, by making a party in his own favour, defeat the measure on which they had resolved. This was the same as to acknowledge, that the people at large had not examined the ques- tion, and that, if they were to hear the discourses of Mr. Edwards, so many of them would probably be led, by the force of argument, 'o embrace his side of the question in dispute, as to hazard the suc- cess of their measures. Thus, when it was pre-eminently their duty to hear the counsel of God, on a great practical question, deeply interesting to their welfare as a church, they deliberately and repeatedly refused to hear it, when brought to them by the man,whom God had appointed to declare it to them ; and for the express reason, that they feared his arguments might convince great numbers of them, that they were in the wrong. This was, as a church and people, deliberately to reject the counsel of God, and to declare, that they had made up their minds without examination, and would pur- sue their own course, whether God approved of it, or not. The same spirit was exhibited, with regard to the Treatise on the Scriptural Qualifications for Communion. The ardour, mani- fested on tlie part of numbers, to have it printed, did not arise from a desire to read it, and examine its arguments, but from a wish to remove the objection, raised against proceeding to ultimate measures, that the people had hud no opportunity to hear Mr. Ed- wards' sentiments. When the work was published, the reading of * Feb. 1749. t Orl. VJ. X Of^- --'• ^ Nov. 3. Vol. I. 56 442 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. it was discouraged ; and when numbers of those who read it were convinced of the soundness of the arguments, the town, without generally reading it, held repeated meetings, and by vote applied to two diflerent clergymen to answer it. The next proposal of Mr. Edwards* to the church, that a Coun- cil, mutually chosen, should be called, to consider of the subsisting controversy between pastor and people, and give their advice, as to what course should be taken to bring it to an issue, and what should be done to promote the church's peace and prosperity ; was so precisely that, which justice and the platform of the churches re- quired, that the Committee of the church, with only one dissentient, made a report, advising its acceptance. The church refused to comply, on the ground, that they might be ensnared and caught ; as such a Council might recommend some adjustment of the exist- ing difficulties, to which the church would not agree, and as they might also advise to the admission of those individuals, who were willing to make a full profession of religion. The plan, adopted and pursued from the commencement to the close of the conti'oversy, of bringing every measure primarily be- fore the Precinct meeting, f of deliberating and resolving upon it there, and then of recommending to the church to adopt it ; was a specimen of craft and management, worthy of a political cabal. In the Precinct meeting, they could pursue their own measures with- out interruption ; for Mr. Edwards could not be present. Here, they could make any representation, and employ any means of ex- citement; for they had the whole Town to work upon. Here, men of all characters could meet, and vote what should be done in a church of Christ ; and then, retiring and separating, could fin(^ that their measures were voted over again, when those of theAt number, who were members of that church, had assembled by themselves. The controversy, respecting the choice of a Council, exhibits the parties in a similar light. A Mutual Council is, ex vi termini, a Council, in the choice of which, each of two contending parties stands on an equal footing, or has an equal advantage. It is a Council, mutually chosen: either by both parties agreeing upon all the members, or by each choosing half of the members. But if each may choose half of the members, each may certainly say, who they shall be. Any attempt to restrict the choice of one party, is there- fore a direct invasion of his right, a gross perversion of justice, and a complete subversion of the principles, on which the government of the churches in Massachusetts was founded. * Nov. 13, 1749. t The inhabitants of a Town, of all clafscs, wlion mot to deliberate and de- cide on parochial affairs, coustitulud what, at that time, was called in tlie pro- vince, a, Precinct Meclim^. LIFE OF PRESIJ)ENT F,J)\VAUOS. 4\3 Mr. Edwards, therefore, had a perfect right to select his own half of the Council; and justice to himself anil his family demand- ed it. Had he originally asserted diis right, and persevered in the assertion, no ultimate measure could have heen adopted, hut hy a Council fairly chosen, and equally balanced. For the sake of peace, he unfortunately rehnquished a part of this claim, in the out- set ; and then, both the Precinct and the Church were determined, that he should rehnquish the remainder. Under the j)retence, that the Platform recommended Councils to be taken, generally, from churches in the vicinity, they insisted, that the choice ot" both par- ties should be confined to the county of Hampshire. This was a mere pretence ; for neither die church of Northampton, nor any odier churclj, in die county or out of it, had ever adiiered to this recommendation ; and that church had even been re])resented in the Councils of other provinces. The church perfectly knew, that only one church in the vicinity, and only two churches and three ministers in the count}^, sided with Mv. Edwards, that the subject in controversy had excited sharp contention, that many of the min- isters and churches of the county had warmly disapproved of the course, pursued by INIr. Edwards, in advocating the cause of strict admission, that three of the ministers of the county were connected vviUi the family,* and that one of theinf was personally oppo- sed to him, from his having publicly defended die }n-ocecdings of the Council, which refused to ordain him. They perfectly knew, therefore, that, if the Council were taken exclusively from die county, almost every individual in it would be on their side, and opposed to Mr. Edwards, on the very question in dispute. This was the reason, why they contended so earnestly, for a Coun- cil exclusively from the county. Probably no example of injustice, as to the choice of umpires, more palpable and shameless, is to be found on the records of controversy. They were resolved to have no Council, unless one, whose decision they could know before- hand would be in their favour. The course of conduct pursued by the first Council, as to the points submitted to them, is scarcely less deserving of censure. One of these points was, whether Mr. Edv\ ards had not a right to go out of the county, in selecting his part of the Council ; anodier, whedier he had not a right to ])reach on die (jualifications for com- munion, and whether it was not reasonable that the people should hear him. The members of the Council, in conversation with the pardes, acknowledged freely, diat these were rights, which JMr. Edwards could indisputably challenge ; but utterly neglected to say so in their Result. Their private conversations, they well knew, * Two of those, and tho broUicr of the third, wuic actually selected hy the Chinch, for the Decisive Council. i This g'cntlcnian was also selected for the Decisive Council. y 444 LIFE OF PKESIDENT ED\VARJ)S. Mr. Edwards could make no use of; but their Official Award, In their Result, would have given him a very great advantage. This neglect could not have been an oversight ; because Mr. Edwards urged it upon them, in the most solemn manner, as what he had a perfect right to demand of them as umpires, that they should offi- cially decide these questions. Their failure to do it, therefore, w^as unquestionably owing, either to their disagreement with Mr. Ed- wards on the main question, or to their unwillingness to offend the people of Northampton ; and, in either case, was wholly inconsis- tent with evangelical integrity.* They had accepted the office of umpires, and had heard the cause ; and then, they would not give an award in favour of one of the parties, when, in conversation, they freely owned, before both, that he was in the right. Proba- bly no similar example can be found, in the annals of Arbitration. When Mr. Edwards, from a determination not to call a Defini- tive Council, until he had done what lay in his power to convince the -people of their error, had commenced a series of Lectures, on the point in controversy, the same spirit was still manifested ; for, though the Lectures were well attended, more than half of the audi- ence were from abroad, a large proportion of the church and peo- ple refusing to be present. With tlie constitution of the Final Council, the individual akeady referred to, as personally hostile to Mr. Edwards, and as the friend and counsellour of his enemies, could scarcely have been better satisfied, had he selected them himself; for one of the five was his near kinsman, another his own minister, another the brother of his brother-in-law, and the fourth and fifth, the two most decided op- posers of Mr. Edwards among them all : one, in consequence of his having defended the course pursued by the Council, which re- fused to ordain him ; and the other, from violent hostility to the system of doctrines, of which Mr. Edwards had been a most suc- cessful champion. Each of these gentlemen, also, was a warm advocate of the lax mode of admission ; and several of them deci- dedly hostile to revivals of religion, and to the doctrines of grace. Their delegates appear to have been men, who would act with their ministers. The church of Cold Spring, one of those selected by Mr. Edwards, refused to send its messenger ; and, though the pas- tor of that church sat and acted with the Council, the umpires cho- sen by Mr. Edwards were still in the minority, on every vote. This was in direct opposition to the mutual understanding and agree- ment of the parties. In the ultimate arrangement of Mr. Edwards and the people, when the final Council was chosen, it was expli- citly understood, that neither party should have advantage of the other in point of numbers ; and when Mr. Edwards insisted on this * These jeiuarksi rtfcr. of toursc, only to those, who were in tJie ma- jority. LIFE OF PllEBlDENT KDWAIIDS. 445 understanding, and declared that, according to the agreement of the parties, he was not bound to proceed with such a disparity, tlie majority refused to postpone the case until it could be remedied. This was doing the very injustice, at which the church had long aimed in vain. Soon after Mr. Edwards was dismissed, the church and people voted, that he should not be allowed to preach in their pulpit ; and actually closed it against him, even when they had no one else to preach. They preferred being without the preaching of the gos- pel, to hearing Mr. Edwards. And of the conduct of the church, when, at the request of his friends in Northampton, but wholly in opposition to his own opinion, a Council of ministers had been con- vened, to advise them as to their duty, the letter of Mr. Hawley is an exposure, which needs no fartlier comment. But we are also to regard this melancholy event, as brought about under the direct appointment of an All-wise Providence ; and, in its immediate and remote effects, we may discover the ends, which it was designed to answer. Among these, may be mention- ed the following : It showed, in a striking light, the instability of all things, that de- pend on man. No people had manifested more pride in their min- ister, or expressed a stronger attachment towards him ; yet, for merely performing his duty, in a case where conscience, and the word of God, plainly allowed him no alternative, they turned against him, and resolved, in a body, to drive him from his office. The question in controversy, between Mr. Edwai-ds and his peo- ple, was one of vital importance to the purity and prosperity of the Christian Church. Wherever the lax method of admission has 'prevailed, all distinction between the church and the world has soon ceased, and both have been blended together. This question had never been thoroughly examined ; and it needed some mind of uncommon powers, to exhibit the truth with regard to it, in a light too strong to be ultimately resisted. The controversy at Northampton compelled Mr. Edwards to examine it, with the ut- most care ; and the result of his labours has rendered all farther investigation needless. At the same time, his character, and the peculiar circumstances in which he was placed, gave to his investi- gations a degree of fairness and candour, rarely witnessed in works of controversy. The dismission of Mr. Edwards was an event of so singular an aspect, as to rivet the attention of the whole American Church, and, of course, to rivet that attention to the question in controversy between him and his people. It was necessary, not only that the subject should be ably treated, by «ome powerful advocate of truth, but that the Treatise should be extensively read. This result was thus effectually secured, at the time. And the fact, that Mr. Ed- 446 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. wards, a man whose character and writings have been so deeply interesting to the church at large, was on this ground, and in such a manner, dismissed from his people, has had great influence, from that time to this, in drawing the attention of christians to this sub- ject, on both sides of the Atlantic. This however, was not enough. It was necessary, also, that the genuine consequences of this mode of admission, its legitimate ef- fects on the character of the church of Christ, should be fully de- veloped ; and no where, probably, could this have been done, in a manner so clear and striking, and with such convincing power, as in the church of Northampton. That church was preeminently "a city set upon a hill." Mr. Stoddard, during an uncommonly successful ministry, had drawn the attention of American christians towards it, for fifty-seven years. He had also been advantageously known, in the mother country. Mr. Edwards had been their minister, for twenty-three years. In the respect paid to him, as a profound theological writer, he had had no competitor from the first establishment of the colonies, and, even then, could scarcely find one in England or Scotland. He had also as high a reputa- tion for elevated and fervent piety, as for superiority of talents. During the preceding eighty years, the church had been favoured with more numerous and more powerful revivals of rehgion, than any church in Christendom. The accounts of several of these revivals had circulated extensively, wherever the English language was spoken. The great body of the church had been gathered, under the ministry of Mr. Edwards. Their union, as minister and people, had been eminently prosperous and happy ; so much so, that, had the voice of Prophecy amiounced such an event, as about to take place somewhere m New-England, probably North- ampton would have been last selected, as the place, where the prediction could have been fulfilled. The truth of God, during the preceding eighty years, but especially during the preceding twen- ty-seven, had been preached with great power and faithfubiess, par- ticularly the absolute necessity of a change of heart to salvation ; and the church was united in receiving the doctrines of grace. Both Mr. Stoddard, and Mr. Edwards also, While they received com- municants without demanding evidence of their piety, did every thing else, which they could do, to promote their piety, and that of the church at large. Never probably was there a more advan- tageous opportunity, to exhibit tlic genuine influence of tlie lax mode of admission, on the piety and purity of a church, when, too, the most powerful causes were in operation, to prevent and coun- teract that influence, than in the church of Northampton. When, therefore, the chiistians of America beheld the membci-s of that church uniting in one body against their once loved and venerated minister, whose labours had been so much honoured of God and man, resolving at all hazards to drive him liom them, refusing con- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAllDS. 447 tiniially to hear him declare, from the desk, what the Holy Spirit had taught respecting the subject in controversy, refusing to read it when he had declared it from the press, and even refusing him an opportunity, to explain his views concerning it in private friendly conversation ; when they saw them circulating " gross, scandalous and injurious, slanders, against Mr. Edwards and his particular friends,"* descending to the arts of political chicanery to effect tlieir purpose, f endeavouring in every possible way to deprive him of a known acknowledged right in the choice of the Council, and, after his dismission, not suffering him to preach to them, even when they could procure no one else ; they had die highest practical evi- dence of the tendency of the lax mode of admission, to corrupt the purity, and destroy tlie peace and prosperity, of the church of Christ. So violent was the shock given to the feelings of men, by diis strange and surprising occurrence, that it produced at die time, and has ever since produced, a powerful reaction against that mode of admission, as well as against every species of lax theology in prmciple and practice. Probably no one event, of apparently ma- lignant aspect, ever did so much, towards reforming the churches of New-England. Many difhcult subjects of theology, also, needed, at that time, to be thoroughly examined and illustrated ; and to this end, some individual of expanded views and profound penetration, as well as of correct faith and elevated piety, was to be found, who could give die strength of his talents and his time to these investiga- tions. The providence of God had selected Mr. Edwards for this im- portant office ; but so numerous and engrossing were the duties of the ministry at Nordiampton, that, had he remained diere, he could not have fulfilled it, but in part. To give him abundant opportunity and advantage for the work assigned him, he was taken from that busy field, at the best time of life, when his powers had gained their greatest energy, when the field of thought and enquiry had been already extensively surveyed, and when the labours of the pulpit were fully provided for and anticipated ; and was transferred to the retirement and leisure of a remote frontier village. There he prepared, within a litde period, four of the ablest and most valua- ble works, which the Church of Christ has in its possession. It is worthy of our observation, also, that the consequences of Mr. Stoddard's error fell with all their weight on his own grandson, and his numerous family. To this one cause, they might attribute the heaviest trial and calamity of life. This is very often, if not usually, the course of God's providence. Previous to diis event, Mr. Edwards' life had been eminently * Letter of JMr. Hawlcy. + Particularly in the Precinct meeting dcciilinj"-, previously, on the measures to be adopted hy the Church. 448 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWaRI>S. prosperous. He had been eligibly settled, and had numerous and respectable friends, and a promising family. He had been greatly assisted of God in the discovery of truth, and had acquired high reputation, and very extensive influence. It appears, however, to be the lot of the children of God, to suffer afflictions ; and from this species of discipline, even those of distinguished piety are not exempt. This affliction was most severe. Where a minister and his people are united in love, no earthly connection, if we except that of marriage and those subsisting between the nearest relations by blood, is so near and intimate. This connection had subsisted long, and had been of the happiest character. Yet, with no fault on his part to justify alienation on theirs, when he merely obeyed the dictates of his conscience, and the express command of God ; he found those, who had long manifested the highest esteem and affection for him, and had publicly acknowledged him as their spi- ritual father, uniting against him in one body, " wickedly slandering him,"* rejecting every proposal of accommodation, paying no regard to his feelings, or the distress brought on him and his family, and resorting to low management, and to gross injustice, to drive him from the midst of them. All this, however, was the appointment of God ; and he received the chastisement of his heavenly Father, vnih such exemplary submission, that it would seem to have been sent upon him, only to reveal more fully, the excellence of his character. On the whole, it is evident, that, while the dismission of Mr. Edwards was, in itself considered, an event greatly to be regretted, it was at the same time, in every part of it, most honourable to himself, and proved, in its ultimate consequences, an essential blessing to the Church of God. * Mr. Hawley's Letter. CHAPTER XXV. Proposals from Stockbridge, and from the Commissioners. — Visit to Stockbridge. — Indian Mission. — Hovsatonnucks. — Mohawks. — Dissensions of English inhabitants. — Mr. Hollis^ munificence. — Letter to Mr. Hobby. — Reply oj Rev. Solomon Williams. — Letter to Mr. Erskine. — Letter to Mr. Gillespie. — First Letter to Mr. Mollis. — Removal to Stockbridge. — Letter to Hon. Mr. Hubbard. — Petition to General Court. Early in December, 1750, Mr. Edwards received proposals, from the church and congregation in Stockbridge, to become their Minister ; and about the same time, similar proposals from the Commissioners, at Boston, of the " Society in London, for Propagating THE Gospel in New England, and the parts ad- jacent," to become the Missionary of the Housatormucks, or River Indians, a tribe at that time located in Stockbridge and its imme- diate vicinity. Before deciding on these proposals, he went to Stockbridge, in the beginning of January, 1751, and continued there during the remainder of the winter, and the early part of the spring, preaching both to the English inhabitants, and, by the aid of an inter- preter, to the Indians. Soon after his return, he accepted of the invitation both of the Commissioners, and of the people of Stock- bridge. The Indian Mission at Stockbridge commenced in 1735 ; when the Rev. John Sergeant was ordained their Missionary. He con- tinued to reside there until his death, July 27th, 1749. His Indian congregation, originally about fifty in number, gradually increased, by accessions from the neighbouring settlements on the Housaton- nuck River, to the number of two hundred and fifty — the actual ■number in 1751. Mr. Sergeant devoted much of his time to the study of their language; (the Moheckanneew ;^) yet, at the close of his life, he had not made such progress, that he could preach in it, or even pray in it, except by a form. He ultimately regretted tlie time and labour thus lost, and expressed the conviction, that it would be far better for his successor not to learn the language, but to preach by an interpreter, and to teach the children of the Indians the English language, by the aid of schoolmasters. Very little *The common language of all the Indians in New England, New-York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware, except tlie Iroquois. Vol. I. 57 450 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. success appears to have attended his labours, either among the In- dians or the English congregation. A school was established, for the instruction of the Indian chil- dren, at the commencement of the mission, and placed under the care of Timothy Woodbridge, Esq. one of the original settlers of Stockbridge, and characterized by Mr. Edwards, as " a man of very good abilities, of a manly, honest and generous disposition, and as having, by his upright conduct and agreeable manners, secured the affections and confidence of the Indians." He was supported by the government of the Province, and devoted himself faithfully to the business of instructing the Indian children ; yet for a long pe- riod, like Mr. Sergeant, he had to lament that so little success attended his labours. This was owing to various causes. The In- dians lived in a village by diemselves, at a small distance from the English settlement. Their children lived at home with their parents, and not in a boarding school ; and of course made little or no pro- gress in the English language ; and they had no books in their own. The English traders sold large quantities of ardent spirits to the Indians, and in this way constantly counteracted the efforts, made to do them good. There were also unfortunate dissensions among the people of Stockbridge. The settlement of the town was begun, with a direct reference to the intellectual and moral im- provement of the Indians, in the immediate vicinity. The lands of the Indians, comprizing a very extensive tract, were secured to them ; and important privileges were granted to the families of the original settlers, by the Provincial Legislature, with reference to this very object. Unfortunately, one of the most wealthy of those set- tlers* appears to have removed to Stockbridge, with the design of amassing a still larger fortune, by his intercourse with the Indian settlement. With this view, he formed a large trading establish- ment in the neighbourhood. From his wealth and his locality, affairs of some moment, relating to the Indians at Stockbridge, were on various occasions, entrusted to his management ; in one of which Mr. Woodbridge regarded him as doing so great and palpable an injury, both to the Indians and the province, that, taking it in con- nection with the general tenor of his conduct, he felt himself bound to prevent, as far as lay in his power, all intercourse between him and the Indian settlement, as well as all influence which he might attempt to exert, over the affairs of the Indians. In return, he en- deavoured, in the first instance, to prevent the Indians from sending their children to the school, and to render those parents who actu- ally sent them, dissatisfied with Mr. Woodbridge ; and at length to procure the dismission of that gentleman from his appointment. This controversy was of long continuance, and affected the whole * This individual was an elder branch of the family, already alluded to in the account of Mr. Edwards' dismission. LIFE OF I'llKSlDENT KinVAUiJS. 451 settlement. The result was, that, although he amassed considera- ble wealth, he entirely lost the confidence of the Indians ; and so completely alienated the minds of the English inhabitants, that every family in the place, Iiis o\\^i excepted, sided with his antagonist. This controversy, for a long time, had a most inauspicious efiect on the school of INIr. Woodbridge, and on the mission of INIr. Ser- geant. In 1739, Mr. Sergeant, despairing of any considerable success under tlie existing plan of instruction, attempted the establishment of an Lidian boarduig-school, to be kept at the expense of the English. He proposed, that the children should live in the fami- ly of their instructor, and learn the English language, and that their time should be divided between work and study, under different masters. For some time, he made but little progress in raising funds for this purpose, but at length was aided in his design, by the benevolence of the Rev. Isaac Hollis, a clergyman near London, who most generously offered to defray the expense of tlie board, clothing and instruction, of twelve Indian children.* At this time, no boarding house was built ; and, for a long period. Mi-. Sergeant found it impossible, to procure a person, duly qualified, to take charge of the school. To begin the work, however, Mr. Sergeant hired as a temporary teacher, until a competent one could be pro- cured, a Capt. Martin Kellogg, an illiterate man, originally a farmer, and subsequently a soldier, about sixty years of age, very lame withal, and wholly unaccustomed to the business of in- struction. His sister, Mrs. Ashley, the wife of a Capt. Ashley of Suffield, who had been taken prisoner, when a child, by the Ii'o- quois, and perfectly understood their language, was the interpreter of the English at Stockbridge ; and her brother having come to re- side there, in consequence of having no regular business, was em- ployed temporarily by Mr. Sergeant, for the want of a better in- structor, because he was on the spot. A school had just been commenced under his auspices, (not however as a boarding school, as no house could be procured for the purpose,) when the French war of 1744 broke it up ; and Capt. Kellogg, that he might con- * In the spring of 1732, Mr. IloUis reiniUed £100, sin-, to the Rev. Dr. Col- man, for the histruptinii of Indian cliildren. In 1734, liaving seen the jirinled account of Ihfe Ordination of Messrs. Parker, Hinsdah and Secmnbe, and their mission to the Indian tribes on the Eastern and IVesltrn borders of New Eng- land ; ho offered Dr. C. £20, stjr.^K/- aiinum, forever, for the .snpport of a Ibiirtli missionary ; but Dr. C. dissuaded liini from such an apprii])riatiou. In Nov. 1736, Dr. C. received from Mr. 11. Ji56,sig. for the education of twelve Indian boys at Housalonnucl\, under the care of Mr. Sorijeant ; in Aug. 1738, £343, currency ; and in May, 1710, £447, 9s. currency, for the same object. After this he appropriated, at first, £r)0, stir, unnvally, for the supi)orl and instruction of twelve Indian hoys, and subsequently £l'iO, sto-. annually, for the su])port and instruction of twenty-four Indian boys, at the same place.— .See a pampk- hi, jmblishcd bij Dr. Colntan in 1743. 452 LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. tinue to receive the money of Mr. Hollis, carried several of the In- dian boys to Newington in Connecticut, where he had previously resided. After the close of the war, in 1748, Mr. Sergeant began the erection of a house for a boarding school. He also wrote a letter to the nation of the Mohawks, then residing on the Mohawk River, about forty miles west of Albany, inviting them to bring their chil- dren to Stockbridge, for instruction. But he did not live to see either of these designs accomplished. At his death, in 1749, seve- ral Indian boys were left in the hands of Capt. Kellogg, who, in the autumn of 1750, not having heard from Mr. Hollis for a considera- ble period, and supposing him to be dead, dismissed them for a time, and gave up his attempt to form a school. In consequence of the letter of Mr. Sergeant to the Mohawk tribe, which had been accompanied by a very kind invitation from the Housatonnuck Indians, offering them a portion of their lands, for a place of settlement, if they would come and reside in Stockbridge, about twenty of them, old and young, came to that place, in 1750, a short time before the removal of Mr. Edwards and his family. The Provincial Legislature, learning this fact, made provision for the support and maintenance of the children, and Capt. Kellogg, unfortunately, was employed as the instructor. He never establish- ed a regular school, however, but taught the boys occasionally, and incidentally, and employed them chiefly in cultivating his own lands. He was then 65 years of age. Near the close of Mr. Sergeant's life, the school for the Housa- tonnuck children, under Mr, Woodbridge, became much more flourishing. His salary was increased, the number of his pupils augmented, and himselfleft to act with less restraint. The Indians also became less inclined to intemperance. The influence of the family was likewise extinct: the English inhabitants having, to a man, taken the opposite side in the controversy ; and the Indians regarding Mr. Woodbridge as their best friend, and his opponent as their worst enemy. Mr. Woodbridge was also, at this period, able to avail himself of the assistance of a young Housatonnuck, educa- ted by himself, of the name of John Wonwanonpequunnonnt^ a man of uncommon talents and attainments, as well as of sincere piety ; who appears to have been raised up by Providence, that he might become the interpreter of Mr. Edwards, in preaching to his countrymen. Mr. Hollis, having heard of the arrival of the Mohawks at Stock- bridge, and supposing that a regular boarding school was establish- ed under the care of Capt. Kellogg, wrote to him to increase the number of the children to twenty-four, who were to be maintained and instructed at his expense. During the winter of 1750-51, the number of Mohawks, who came to reside at Stockbridge, was in- LIVK OF I'HKSilDKNT KDWAHDS. 453 creased to about ninety ; among whom were Hendrick, and JS'icho- las, and several others of their chiefs. Sucli was the state of things at Stockhridge, and such the state of the Indian IMission, and of the Indian schools, when Mr, Ed- wards was invited to remove to that place. The family at first exerted their whole influepce, to prevent his receiving an invi- tation from the people of Stockhridge : but, finding that the church and parish, (themselves excepted,) were unanimous in giving the invatation, and very anxious that he should accept it, that there was no chance of producing a change in the minds of the Commis- sioners in Boston, and that continued opposition must terminate in their own utter discomfiture ; they changed their course, and pro- fessed to be highly gratified that he was coming among them. After his return to Northampton, in the spring of 1751, Mr Edwards, before coming to a final decision, paid a visit to his Ex cellency Sir William Pepperell, at Kttery, to learn the actual views of the government, with regard to the Indian establishnient at Stockhridge ; and having received satisfactory assurances on this subject, he soon after announced to the people of Stockhridge, and to the Commissioners in Boston, his acceptance of their respective invitations. In the third week of June, he went again to Stock- bridge, and remained there during the greater part of the ensuing month. Soon after his arrival, he addressed tlie following let- ter to the Rev. Mr. Hobby, one of the minority in the Council, which had decided on his dismission, in consequence of an occur- rence, which it is proper briefly to detail. Immediately after the Protest of the Minority, against the Result of Council, was publish- ed, four of the clergymen in the majority prepared a pamphlet at- tacking the Protest, entitled, " An account of the conduct of the Council which dismissed the Rev. Mr. Edwards from the pastoral care of the first church at Northampton." This drew, from Mr. Hobby, " A Vindication of the Protest against the Result of tlie Northampton Council ;" which called forth, from the same gentle- men, " A Letter to the Rev. Mr. Hobby, in answer to his Vindi- cation," etc. This Letter contained so gross and palpable a mis- statement, relative to the actual point in controversy between Mr. Edwards and his people, and to the nature of the profession, which he insisted on from those, who were to be received to the commun- ion of the church ; that INIr. Edwards felt himself called upon to contradict it from the press, which he did in the subsequent Letter. "To the Rev. WiUiam Hobby. " Stockhridge, June, 1751. "Rev. and dear Sir, " I think my sell' obliged, in the most public manner I am able, to correct a great and very injurious misrepresentation, made publicly 454 LIVK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. concerning me, in a late pamphlet, entitled, " A Letter to the Rev. IMr. Hobby, in answer to his Vindication of the Protest against the Result of an Ecclesiastical Council met at Northampton, etc. by the Rev. Messrs. Robert Brack, Joseph Ashley, Timothy Wood- bridge and Chester Williams." " These gentlemen, who were members of the Council, which dissolved the relation between me and the church at Northampton, in professing to give an account, in this pamphlet, of what declara- tions both the church and I made, before that Council, of our prin- ciples, say, " that Mr. Edwards declared, that he could not in con- science be active, in admitting any into the church, unless they first made a profession. That they were indeed sanctified :" Whereas I declared the reverse of this, openly, and publicly, and very particularly, before that Council, in the meeting-house, a great multitude being present ; for this reason, because, 1 had heard that such reports had been spread abroad of my opinion, I carefully commented on them, and expressly denied and contradicted them, and told the Council that there was no truth in such reports. I dis- tinctly informed them, also, that I did not insist that persons should say that they were converted, or were christians ; that this was not what 1 had intended by a person making a profession of godliness; and that I should not think it became persons to come, and make such a profession as this. But I told them that what I insisted on, as a proper profession of godliness on the part of any person, was this : — either his professing the great things in which godliness con- sists ; or that, in his own full belief, he saw such things in his heart, which, though he might think them not to be godliness, yet were truly such things, as the Scriptures represent as the essentials of true piety. — I added that, in the latter case, if he did this seriously and understandingly, I should think he ought to be accepted ; though, at the same time, he should very much doubt of his being converted ; yea, if he should, through melancholy or any tempta- tion, determine against himself, and say he did not think that he was converted ; if his own scruples did not hinder him, I should think he ought to be accepted, and should be ready to admit him. [Mr. Edwards here subjoined the testimonies of several respec- table witnesses to the point in question.] " But, because I wished to take the utmost possible care, that what I said might be well observed and understood by the Council, and this false report sufficiendy corrected, I sent the same thing in to the Council in writing. I also sent in an extract from a letter, which I had previously WTitten to the Rev. Mr. Clark of Salem Village, in the following words, viz. " It does not belong to the controversy between me and my peo- ple, how particular, or large, the profession should be, that is re- quired. 1 should not choose to be confined to exact limits, as to LIFE OF PRE SI or: NT F.UWATJPS. 4 55 that alTair. But rather than coHtend, I should content myself vvith a few words, hriefly expressing the cardinal virtues, or acts, implied in a hearty compliance with the covenant of grace ; the profession being made, (as should appear hy enquiry into the person's doctrinal knowledge,) understandingly ; if there were an external conversa- tion agreeahle thereto. Yea, I should think, that such a person, solemnly making such a profession, had a right to be received, as the object of a public charity, however he himself might scruple his own conversion, on account of his not remembering the time, or not knomng the method, of his conversion, or finding so much re- maining sin, etc. And, (if his own scruples did not hinder,) I should think a minister, or a church, had no right to debar such a professor, though he should say he did not think himself converted. For I call that a jirofession of godliness, which is a profession of the great things wherein godliness consists, and not a profession by an individual of his own opinion of his good estate. " Northampton, May 7, 1750." " This writing was handed round, and particularly taken notice of in the Council, and read by the members. Such abundant care did I take, that the Council iiiight fully understand, that I by no means insisted, that a man should profess that he was sanctified or converted ; and that I was so far from insisting on it, that I disliked such a kind of profession, and such terms of communion. Yet now some of the gentlemen, who were members of that Council, declare to the world from the press, that I declared this very thing to the Council, that / could not in conscience admit persons, unless they first made a profession that they were indeed sanctified. It may be said that, although I produce testimonies to the contrary, yet there are four that WTite in this declaration, which is sufficient to balance all my testimonies. To this I reply, that the extract from my letter to Mr. Clark of Salem Village, which was laid in before this Council, wherein the contrary was expressly declared, was in WTiting ; and they cannot, and do not deny, that this ex- tract, in these very words, was laid before them. And if they should deny that I ever wrote such a letter, the original is in Mr. Clark's hands ; which will speak for itself, if they deny that I have truly represented it. "That they should make such a declaration, as they have done, is the more remarkable, because this my extract from that letter was printed, long before, in the Preface to my Farewell Sermon, as a designed refutation of such kinds of reports of my opuiion, and was referred to, to the same purpose, in the printed Result of the Council which sat at Northampton, which these gentlemen (p. 18) confess that they had seen. And these things from the press were very much known, and taken notice of, in that part of the country where these ministers live, long before. So that, if it were possi- 456 LITE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ble for me to defend myself from such injurious representations, and reports, and assertions on the part of those gentlemen, as are here made, one would think it was most effectually done. Yet, notwith- standing all this, they now boldly assert to the world, that I declar- ed that, which, instead of declaring, I, at the time, expressly, care- fully and publicly denied, and also declared the very reverse of it, by word of mouth, in their hearing, and in writing addressed to themselves, and afterwards from the press, before the world. If I had perfectly held my peace, and made no declaration of any kind on the subject, and they had then published to the world that I de- clared this, which they have asserted, it would indeed have been strange ; but still, it would have been far less surprising and injuri- ous than now, since I have, with so much pains, declared the con- trary, and taken so much care, that they should have full notice of my denying and abhorring the thing, which tliey say I asserted and insisted on. " I am your friend and brother, "Jonathan Edwards." In the course of the spring, the Reply of the Rev. Solomon Wil- liams, of Lebanon, Connecticut, "to the Treatise of Mr. Edwards, on the Qualifications for Communion, issued from the press.* The task of preparing this work was not, originally, of the author's own seeking. As has been already mentioned, his half-brother, at the request of some of the opposers of Mr. Edwards in Northampton, began, in 1749, to collect materials for this reply. In this work, he had proceeded some distance, we know not how far, when the necessity of his embarking for England compelled him to relin- quish it; and he placed his papers in the hands of his brother, in whose name the work appeared. What its character would have been, had he completed it himself, cannot now be known; but, af- ter reading it, as it actually came forth from the hands of the two brothers, the friends of the lax mode of admission, conscious as they were of danger to their cause, from the Enquiry of Mr. Edwards, must have felt, if they did not say, " JVbw tali auxilio, nee defensori- bus istis, tempus eget^ That the author, though he styled his work an Answer to the Treatise of Mr. Edwards, perceived it to be no easy task to furnish a real answer to his arguments, is obvious from the fact, that he continually misrepresents its design, and the nature of the question in controversy. He often asserts it to be the * The title of this pamplilet is, " The True State of the Question concerning the Qualifications necessary to lawful Communion in the Christian Sacra- ments ; being an Answer to the R,ev. Mr. Jonathan Edwards' Book, entitled, An Humble Enquiry into the Rules of the Word of God, concerning the Qaali^fi- calions requisite to a complete standing, and full Communion, in the Visible Christ imi Cimrch ; by Solomon Williams, A. M." Boston, 1751. LIFK OF PRtSiDKNT KJ^WAKPS. 4)7 professed and declared design of Mr. Edwards, in writiui: tlie "Humble Eriquirv," to oppose Mr. Stoddard, when Mr. Edwards declared, in the Preface, that, in consequence of the necessity he was laid under, of opposing what his grandlather had strenuously maintained, he had engaged in preparing it, with the greatest reluc- tance that he ever undertook any public service in his life. The main question, which Mr. Edwards had discussed in the " Humble Enquiry," was, TlTiether candidates for admission to the Church, ought to make a Credible Frofession of l^iety? This was the ques- tion in debate, between him and his people. They insisted, with Mr. Stoddard, that the Lord's Supper was a converting ordinance, that unconverted men, as such, had a right to partake of it, and of course, that a credible profession of piety was not necessary to church-membership. On this point, P.Ir. Edwards differed from them ; and he v\Tote the " Humble Enquiry," to convince them, that their opinion was erroneous. As to the evidence, necessary to render a profession credible, he expressly states it to be " some out- ward manifestation, that ordinarily renders the thing probnhk ;'' and again, he says, " Not a certainty, but a profession and visibility of these things, must be the rule of the church's proceeding." — 3h-. Williams, on the contrary, continually represents the main question in controversy to be, JVhat Degree of evidence, the church must have, cf the piety of those, she receives as members'? He says, Mr. Edwards demands the highest evidence, which a man can give, of sincerity ; and that he himself insists only on the loivest evidence, the nature of the thing will admit; as though both regarded actval piety, as necessary to such a profession. He then represents Mr. Edwards, as requiring so high a degree of evidence of the candi- date's piety, as shall render the church certain of it, and enable them to come to an absolute and peremptory di'termination, that he is a truly godly person ; and that his principles suppose men to be Searchers of each others' hearts. All this is in direct contrariety to the often repeated statements of the principles, for which Mr. Edwards contended ; and, ns every intelHgent reader of the " Enquiry" and " Answer" must ultimately be aware of this, and must perceive that Mr. Williams palpably avoid- ed the main point in controversy, and discussed no point, but a sub- ordinate one, on which he could make out no difference between himself and Mr. Edwards, except by mis-stating the plainly declared sentiments of die latter ; it is difficult to explain, why he should have pursued such a course, when he had so acute an antagonist to expose the obliquity of the proceeding, except on the supposition, tliat, having publicly announced his design of answering Mr. Ed- wards, he found on trial, that he was not equal to the task, and pur- sued this course, to deceive the spectators of the contest. No one, who has courage to meet a real antagonist, will occupy himself Vol. I. 58 458 LIFE Of PRESIDENT £X)WAHJ36. with a man of straw. What notice Mr. Edwards took of this Re- ply, will be stated on a subsequent page. While at Stockbridge, he addressed the following letter to the Rev. Mr. Erskine. " Stockbridge, June 28, 1751. " Rev. and dear brother, " 1 have lately received the " Treatise on the Restoration of the Jews," and a pamphlet entitled " A Serious Address to the Church of Scotland," and a " Sermon on the Qualifications of the Teach- ers of Christianity," preached by you before the Synod, with Glass's Notes on Scripture Texts, No. 5. These pamphlets were inclos- ed in a wrapper, superscribed by your hand. There was also in the packet, a brief advertisement concerning one of the pamphlets, written in your hand, though without any date or name, or any let- ter in the packet. But yet, I conclude these pamphlets were sent by you, and accordingly I now thank you lor them. Your dis- course on the Qualifications of Teachers of Christianity, is a very acceptable present. Glass's Notes on Scripture Texts contain some things that are very curious, and discover close study, and a criti- cal genius. The " Treatise on the Restoration of the Jews," if written by a christian divine, is a strange and unaccountable thing ; by reason of there being nothing at all said, or hinted, about the Jews' conversion to the Christian faith, or so much as one mention of Jesus Christ ; and his supporting that the prophecies of Ezekiel are to be literally fulfilled, in the building of such a temple and city as is there described, and the springing of such a river from the threshold of the temple, and its running into the east sea, and the Jews oiFering sacrifices, and observing other rites spoken of in Ezekiel ; and that the Messiah is yet to come, and to reign in Jerusalem as a temporal prince, etc. And I am wholly at a loss, as to the au- thor's real design, whether it was, to promote Judaism, or Deism, or only to amuse his readers. "Since I received these pamphlets,! have received letters from all my other correspondents in Scotland ; but none from you. Mr. M'Laurin speaks of your writing, or designing to write; but sug- gests that possibly your letter would not arrive so soon as the rest ; so that I hope I shall yet, ere long, receive a letter from you. The letters, I have received from my other correspondents, make men- tion of a great revival of religion in Guelderland, and Mr. M'Lau- rin has sent me printed accounts of it, published, as I understand, by Mr. Gillies, his son-in-law, being extracts of letters fi'om Hol- land. 1 had some notice of it before, in a letter from Mr. Daven- port, who, for the most part, resides in New-Jersey. The account he wrote, was brought over from Holland,by a young Dutch minister, whose name is John Frielinghausen, born in New-Jersey, second fon to an eminent Dutch minister there. His elder brother is set- LIFE or PBESIKKNT EUWAKDS. 459 tied at Albany, and by all accounts, is an able and faithful minister. This second son has been in Holland two years, I suppose to per- fect his education in one of their Universities, where his brodier at Albany had his education. He came over into America the last summer, having just been married and ordained in Holland, in or- der to take the pastoral charge of some of the places, that had been under his father's care. "The accounts, Mr. Davenport gives fiom him, are not so particu- lar, as those that are published by Mr. Gillies. But there is one material and important circumstance, Avhich he mentions, not taken notice of in the accounts from Scotland, viz. that the Stadtholder was much pleased with the work. " At the same time, that we rejoice in that glorious work, and praise God for it, it concerns us carefully to pray, that God's min- isters and people there may be directed in such a state of things, wherein wisdom and great discretion are so exceedingly needed, and great care and skill, to distinguish between true and false reli- gion ; between those inward experiences, which are from the saving influence of the Spirit of God, and those that are from Satan, trans- forming himself into an angel of light. Without this, it may be ex- pected, that the great deceiver will gradually insinuate himself; acting under disguise, he will pretend to be a zealous assistant in building the temple, yea, the chief architect, when his real design will be, to bring all to the ground, and to build Babel, instead of the temple of God, finally to the great reproach and grief of all true friends of religion, and the haughty triumph of its adversaries. If I may be allowed my conjecture in this affair, there lies the great- est danger of the people in Guelderland, who are concerned in this work. I wish they had all the benefit of the late experience of this part of the Church of God, hero in America. ]\Ir. I\I'Laurin informs me, dear Sir, that you have a correspondence in the Ne- therlands ; and, as you know something of the calamities we have suffered from this quarter, I wish you would give them some kind admonitions. They will need all the warnings that can be given them. For the temptation to religious people, in such a state of tilings, to countenance the glaring, shining counterparts of religion, without distinguishing them from the reality, what is true and gen- uine, is so strong, that they are very hardly indeed restrained from it. They will at last find the consequences not to be good, of an abundant declaring and proclaiming their experience, on all occa- sions, and before all comj)anies, if they get into that way, as they will be very likely to do, without special caution in their guides. I am not so much concerned about any danger, the interest of the revival of religion in Guelderland may be in, from violent open oppo- sition, as from the secret, subtle, undiscerned guile of the Old Ser- pent. I perceive, pious ministers in the Netherlands are concern- ed to obtain attestations to the good abiding effect of the awakenin<^s 4(llJ LIFE OF PRESIDKNT EDWAUDS. ill Scotland and America. J think it is fit tliey should know the very ti'utli of the case, and that things should be represented, uei- tht;r better nor worse than tliey are. If they should be represent- ed worse, that would give encouragement to unreasonable oppo- sers ; if better, that might prevent a most necessary caution, of the true friends of the awakening. There are, undoubtedly, very ma- ny instances in New-England, in the whole, of the perseverance of such, as were thought to have received the saving benefits of the late revival of religion ; and of their continuing to walk in newness of life, and as becomes saints ; instances, which are incontestlble, and which, men must be most obstinately bhnd not to see ; but I believe the proportion here is not so great as in Scotland. I can- not say, that the greater part of supposed converts, give reason, by tlieir conversation, to suppose that they are true converts. The proportion may, perhaps, be more truly represented, by the propor- tion of the blossoms on a tree, which abide and come to mature fruit, to the whole number of blossoms in the spring. " In the forementioned letter, which I lately received from Mr. Davenport, he mentions some degrees of awakening, in some pla- ces of New-Jersey. The following are extracts from his letter. " I returned last month from Cape May, where I had been labour- ing some time, with little or no success, as to the unregenerate ; except somewhat encouraging, the last day of my preaching among them. Yet, blessed be God, I hear of the success of several min- isters in the Jerseys, and the revival of religion in some places ; though it is very dull times in most. Mr. Reed, of Boundbrook, has, I hear, some encouragement, by reason of a few in that place being under conviction. JNIr. Kennedy, who is likely to settle at Baskingridge, I hear, has still more encouragement; and Mr. John Frielinghausen more yet, among the Dutch. He is the se- cond son of the Mr. Frielinghausen, mentioned in your narrative, who died a few years ago. This second son came over from Hol- land, where he had been two years, and was ordained a little before he came over, the last summer. Pious ministers among the Dutch, this way, I think increase faster of late, than among other people, I was at the house of such an one, IMr. Varbryk, as I came along in this journey ; who was ordained last fall, about five miles beyond Dobbs' Ferry, in New- York government. Mr. William Tennent told me, that Mr. John Light, a pious young Dutch minister in New-Jersey, was translating the accounts from Holland into English. Mr. Brainerd has had some special success lately, through mercy ; so that nine or ten Indians appear to be under conviction, as he teils me ; and about twelve of the white people near them, that used to be stupid like the very heathen ; and many others more thoughtful and serious. Mr. Sacket has lately been favoured with peculiar success, in reducing a number drawn away and infected LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. -If;! by the Separatists ; and some endeavours I have used since that, and with him, have, I trust, not been altogether in vain. The good Lord grant, that false religion may cease, and true religion prevail through the earth !" This letter of Mr. Davenport was dated >'^ April 26, 1751. ^ " The Dutch people in the provinces of New-York and New- Jersey, have been famed for being generally exceedingly ignorant, stupid and profane, little better than the savages of our American deserts. But it is remarkable, that things should now begin to ap- pear more hopeful among them, about the same time diat religion is re\iving among the Dutch in their mother country ; and certainly, the revivals of religion which have very lately appeared, especially among the Dutch in Europe, do verify God's holy word, which not only gives such great encouragement to those, who have engaged in the Concert for United Prayer, begun in Scodand, to go for- ward, but binds it strongly upon them so to do ; and shows diat it will be an aggravated fault, if, after God does such glorious things, so soon after we have begun in an extraordinary manner to ask them, we should grow cold and slack, and begin to faint. And 1 think what God has now done, may well cause those, who seemed at first, with some^eal, to engage in the affair, but have grown careless about it, and have left off, to reflect on themselves with blushing and confusion. What if you, dear Sir, and other ministers in Scotland, who have been engaged in this affair, should now take occnsion to inform ministers in the Netherlands of it, and move them to come into it, and join widi us, in our united and extraordiriary prayers, for an universal revival of religion ? " As to my present circumstances, I came the last week to this place, having undertaken the business of a missionary to the Indians here ; having been chosen the pastor of this church, and chosen missionary by the Commissioners for Indian affairs in Boston. ]\ly instalment is appointed to be on the second Thursday in the next month.* I don't expect to get ready to remove my family, till winter. But I must refer you, dear Sir, to my letters to ^Ir. M'Laurin and Mr. Robe, for a more full account of my circumstan- ces, and of the things which have passed relating to them. I have, with this, sent you the Gazette, containing tlie Result of the late Council at Nordiampton, and intend to order one of my Farewell Sermons to be put up for you. My family were in their usual state of health when I left them, excepting my youngest child, who had something like an intermitting fever. " Please to present my cordial respects, and christian love, to your dear consort, and remember me in your prayers, with regard to " Tliis part of the letter must have been written in July, as the installation took place in August. 40J LIKS 01" PRESIDENT EDWARDS. the trials and changes I am called to pass through, and the new important business I have undertaken. " I am, dear Sir, your most " united and obliged friend and brother, " Jonathan Edwards." From Mr. Gillespie he received, about this period, a letter most grateful to his own feelings, expressing a lively and affectionate sympathy in his afflictions, as well as surprize and astonishment at the conduct of the people of Northampton. Mr. Edwards, in his reply, communicates a series of facts respecting them, which not only were adapted, at the time, to remove these impressions of his friend ; but will be found, also, to contain a most important and salutary lesson of instruction, to every clergyman, and every church. The solemn caution of the Apostle, in 1 Cor. iii. 10 — 15, to every minister, to take care how he builds up the temple of God, of which Jesus Christ is the foundation — a caution, which refers not only to the nature of the doctrines which he teaches ; but, also, and even more especially, (as will be obvious from verses 16 and 17,) to the character of the members whom he adds to the church of Christ, which is the temple of God ; — is here enforced most solemn- ly, by arguments derived from experience. " To the Rev. Thomas Gillespie, Carnock". ^^ StocJcbridge, Jxdy 1, 1751. *' Rev. and very dear Sir, •' I am very greatly obhgedto you, for your most kind, affection- ate, comfortable, and profitable letter of Feb. 2, 1751. I thank you, dear Sir, for your sympathy with me, under my troubles, so amply testified, and the many suitable and proper considerations, you suggest to me, for my comfort and improvement. May God ^nable me to make a right improvement of them. / " It is not to be wondered at, dear Sir, that you are shocked and surprized, at what has happened between me and the people of North- ampton. It is surprizing to all impartial and considerate persons that live near, and have the greatest advantage to know the circum- stances of the affair, and the things that preceded the event, and made way for it. But no wonder, if it be much more so, to stran- gers at a distance. I doubt not, but tliat God intends his own glory, and the safety and prosperity of Zion, and the advancement of the interests of religion, in the issue of this event. " But it is best, that the true state of the case should be known, and that it should be viewed as it is, in order to receiving that instruc- tion which divine Providence holds forth in it, and in order to pro- per reflections and right improvement. LUE Of I'ilZSiiiL.Ni" KUWAliDb. 463 " As there is a difference among particular persons, as to tlieir natural temper, so there is some difference of this kind to be ob- served in different countries, and also in different cities and touns. The people of Northampton have, ever since I can remember, been famed for a liigh spirited people, and of a difficult and turbulent temper. However, though in some respects they have been a stiff- necked people, yet God has been pleased, in times past, to bestow many distinguisliing favours upon them. The town has stood now near one hundred years. Their first minister, Mr. Eleazar Ma- ther, brother to Dr. Increase ^Mather of Boston, and Mr. Sam- uel Mather of Dublin, Ireland ; was a very eminent man of God. After him came Mr. Stoddard, my grandfather, a very great man, of strong powers of mind, of great grace and great author- ity, of a masterly countenance, speech and behanour. He had much success in his ministry ; there being many seasons in his day, of general awakening among his people. He continued in the ministry, at Northampton, about sixty years. But God was pleased, in some respects, especially, to manifest his power iuv tl:ie weakness of liis successor ; there ha\ing been a more re- markable awakening, since his death, than ever had been till then, in that town : although since that, also, a greater declen- sion, and more awful departures from God, in some respects, than ever before ; and so the last minister has had more to humble him, than either of his predecessors. May the effect be answera- ble to God's just expectatations. " The people have, from the beginning, been well instructed ; having had a name, for a long time, for a very knowing people ; and many have appeared among them, persons of good abilities ; and many, born in the to\Mi, have been promoted to places of public trust: they have been a people distinguished on this account. These things have been manifestly abused to nourish the pride of their natural temper, which had made them more difticult and un- manageable. There were some mighty contests and controversies among them, in IMr. Stoddard's day ; which were managed with great heat and violence : some great quarrels in the Church, where- in Mr. Stoddard, great as his authority was, knew not what to do with them. In one ecclesiastial controversy in IMr. Stoddard's day, wherein the church was divided into two parlies, the heat of spirit was raised to such a degree, that it came to hard blows. A mem- ber of one party met the head of the opposite party, and assaulted him, and beat him unmercifully. In latter times, the people have had more to feed their pride. They have grown a much greater and more wealthy people than formerly, and are become more extensively famous in the wo; Id, as a people that have ex- celled in gifts and grace, andhad God extraordinarily among them ; which has insensibly engendered and nourished spiriuial pride, that 4(34 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS, grand inlet of the devil in the hearts of men, and avenue of all man- ner of mischief among a professing people. Spiritual pride is a most monstrous thing. If it be not discerned, and vigourously op- posed, in the beginning, it very often soon raises persons above their teachers, and supposed spiritual fathers, and sets them out of the reach of all rule and instruction, as I have seen in iimumerable in- stances. And there is this inconvenience, attending the publishing o( Narratives of a work of God among a people, (such is the cor- ruption, that is in the hearts of men, and even of good men,) that there is great danger of their making it an occasion of spiritual pride. There is great reason to think that the Northampton people have provoked God greatly against them, by trusting in their privileges and attainments. And the consequences may well be a warning to all God's people, far and near, that hear of them. *' Another thing, which probably has contributed in some measure to the unhappiness of the people's manners, was, that INIr. Stoddard, though an eminently holy man, was naturally of a dogmatical temper; and the people being brought up under him, and with a high vene- ration for him, were naturally led to imitate him. Especially their officers and leading men, seemed to think it an excellency, to be like him in this respect. " It has been a very great wound to the Church of Northamp- ton, that tliere has been for forty or fifty years, a sort of settled di- vision of the people into two parties, somewhat like the Court and Country party, in England, (if I may compare small things with great.) There have been some of the chief men in the town, of chief authority and wealth, that have been great proprietors of their lands, who have had one party with them. And the other party, which has commonly been the greatest, have been of those, who have been jealous of them, apt to envy them, and afraid of their having too much power and influence in town and church. This has been a foundation of innumerable contentions among the people, from time to time, which have been exceedingly griev- ous to me, and by which doubtless God has been dreadfully pro- voked, and his Spirit grieved and quenched, and much confusion and many evil works have been introduced. " Another thing, that evidently has contributed to our calamities, is, that the people had got so established in certain wrong notions and ways in religion, which I found them in, and could never beats* them out of. Particularly ; it was too much their method to lay almost all the stress of their hopes in religion, on the particular shape and method of their first work ; i. e. the first work of the Spirit of God on their hearts, in their conviction and conversion ; and to look but little at the abiding sense and temper of their hearts, and the course of their exercises, and trials of grace, for evidences of their good estate. Nor had they learned, and many of them never could be made to learn, to dis- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 4Go tiiiguish between impressions on the iniagii)ation, ami lively spiiitual experience, and when I came among them, I found it to be too much a custom among them without discretion, or distinction of occasions, places, or companies, to declare and publish their own experiences; and oftentimes to do it in a light manner, widiout any- air of solemnity. This custom has not a little contributed to spirit- ual pride and many other evils. When I first settled among the people, being young and of litdc experience, I was not thoroughly aw;u-e of the ill consequences of such a custom, and so allowed or y at least did not testify against it, as I ought to have done. '^ "And here I desire it may be observed, that I would be far from so laying all the blame of the sorrowful diings, that have come to pass, to the people, as to suppose that I have no cause of self-re- flection and humiliation before God, on this occasion. I am sen- sible that it becomes me to look on what has lately happened, as an awful frown of heaven on me, as well as on the people. God knows the sinfulness of my heart, and the great and siniul deficien- cies and offences, which I have been guilty of, in tlie course of my ministry at Northampton. I desire that God would discover them to me more and more, and that now he woidd cilcctually humble me, and mortify my pride and self-confidence, and empty^ me entirely of myself, and make me to know how that I deserve to be cast away, as an abominable branch and as a vessel wherein is no pleasure ; and, if it may consist with his holy will, diat he would sanctify me, and make me a vessel more meet for my Master's use ,• and yet improve me as an instrument of his glory, and the good of the souls of mankind, v'' " One thing, that has contributed to bring things 1o such a pass at Nordiampton, was my youth, and want of more judgment and experience, in the time of that extraordinary awakening, about six- teen years ago.* Instead of a youth, there was want of a giant, in judgment and discretion, among a people in such an extraordi- nary state of things. In some respects, doubtless, my confidence in myself was a great injury to me ; but in other respects my difii- dence of myself injured me. It was such, that I durst not act my own judgment, and had no strength to oppose received notions, andV established customs, and to testify boldly against some glaring false appearances, and counterfeits of religion, fill it was too late. And by this means, as well as others, many things got fooUug, which have proved a dreadful source of spiritual pride, and othei- things that are exceedingly contrary to true Christianity. If I had had more experience, and ripeness of judgment and courage, I should have guided my people in a better manner, and should have guarded them better from Satan's devices, and prevented the spiritual cala- ■" In 173-4- Voi.. I. 59 4f)5 LIFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. jniiy of many souls, and perhaps the eternal ruin of some of them ; and have done what would have tended to lengthen out the tranquil- ity of the to\vn. " However, doubtless at that time, there was a very glorious work of God wrought in Northampton, and there were numerous instan- ces of saving conversion ; diough undoubtedly many were deceived, and deceived others ; and the number of true converts was not so great as was then imagined. Many may be ready, from things that are lately come to pass, to determine, that all Northampton religion is come to nothing ; and that all the famed awakenings, and revivals of religion in that place, prove to be nothing but strange tides of a melancholy and whimsical humour. But they would draw no such conclusion, if they exactly knew the true state of the case, and would judge of it with full calmness and impartiality of mind. " There are many things to be considered in the case of North- ampton : " 1 . That many of those, who have been most violently engaged, and have chiefly led and excited others in it, though they have been leading men in the town, and have been esteemed considera- ble for their knowledge, estate and age, and have been professors of religion, yet have not been the most famed for piety. " 2. The leading men, who have been the most engaged in this matter, who have taken vast pains to stir up others that are in- feriour, have had this great advantage in their hands, that the con- troversy was a religious controversy ; that that, which I opposed, was what they always had supposed to be a part of divine truth, a pre- cious and important doctrine of the word of God ; and, that the cause of my opposers was the cause of God. This has led the more ignorant, and less considerate people, to look on their zeal against me as virtue, and to christen even their passions and bitter- ness in such a cause with sanctified names, and to let them loose, and prosecute the views of their bitterness and violence without a check of conscience. " 3. They have also had the great advantage of the vast venera- tion, the people had for Mr. Stoddard's memory ; which was such, that many looked on him, almost as a sort of deity. They were all, (t. e. except the young people,) born and brought up under his ministry, and had been used from their infancy to esteem his sayings all as oracles. And he, they knew, maintained that doctrine which I oppose, with great positiveness and zeal, and opposed the contra- ry, which I maintain, as an exceedingly pernicious doctrine. Un- der these circumstances, I naturally appear as a dangerous opposer of the cause of God, and my teaching and insisting on the doctrine, which Mr. Stoddard opposed, appears to t^em a sort of horrid pro- faneness. " 4. Crafty designing men have abundantly filled the ears of the more ignorant with suggestions, that my opinion tends to overthrow LlKK OF PHK31UENT KinVARDS. 407 all religion, and to ruin the present and future generations, and to make all heathens, shutting them out of the Church of Christ. " 5. Not only many of the leading men of Northampton have used tlieir utmost endeavours, to engage the minds of the common people in this controversy, but they have also been put forward, by the neighbouring ministers all round. My opposers have also been assisted and edged on by some at a great distance, persons of note ; and some great men in civil authority have had a great hand in it. " G. It is to be considered, that the contrary opinion to mine, had not only long been established in Northampton, without so much as one opposer to it ; but it had also been fully and quietly established, for a long time, in all the neighbouring churches and congregations, and in all the country round, even to a great dis- tance ; so that my opinion, when first broached, appeared to the people exceedingly singular. Tiieir views being very narrow, it appeared to them, that all the world, almost, was against me. And my most crafty opposers improved this advantage, and abundantly represented me as all alone in my opinion. " 7. Many of tlie people, who at length came to have their spi- rits much raised, and were brought to join in violent measures, yet came slowly into it, after beiug long practised with, and indefati- gable endeavours used, to engage and influence them. " 8. There are about twenty heads of families, besides others, women and young people, who ever appeared openly against the proceedings of the town, and many others have appeared friendly to me. And there is not a little reason to diink, that there are many more, especially women and youths, that would appear so, if they dare. For a person, by appearing my friend at North- ampton, even so much so as openly to discountenance my being turned out of the pulpit, exposes himself to the immediate persecufion of his neighbours, and perhaps of his nearest friends. I mean, he falls under their great resentment, loses all their friendship, and is ever)^ where the object of reproach. " 9. It is to be considered, diat diese things have happened when God is greatly withdrawn, and religion was very low, not only at Northampton, but all over New-England. "10. 1 believe the devil is greatly alarmeid, by die opposition made to the lax doctrine of admission to the christian church, and to the corresponding practice, which had been so long established at Northampton, and so extensively in the country ; in which he found his account, and hoped for more important consequences, and more agreeable to him. And God, for wise ends, has suffered him to exert himself, in an extraordinary manner, in opposition ; as God ordinarily does, when truth is in the birth. "But I am drawn out to an unexpected length, in my obfeervations on these things, and have not left myself room, nor time, for some 468 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Other things, that I would willingly write, and must therefore refer you to my letters to my other correspondents in Scotland ; particu- larly, Mr. M'Laurin, Mr. Robe, Mr. M'CuUoch, and Mr. Erskine. To some of them, I have sent a particular account of my present circumstances, and of things which have lately passed, relating to them. I would only say in general, that I have had a call to set- tle in Stockbridge, a place in the western borders of New-England, next to the province of New- York, about thirty-six miles from Al- bany, and about forty miles from Northampton, the place where. Mr. Sergeant was minister and missionary to the Indians. I am both called by the church here, constituted partly of Indians and partly of English, and am appointed missionary to the Indians, by the Commissioners of Indian affairs, in Boston ; agreeably to what you suggest in your letter, as though you had been able to foresee future events, when you say, — " Perhaps you are to be employed, where the Gospel has been little understood, or attended to." I sup- pose this place will, for the future, be the place of my ordinary abode, though it will be some months before I can remove my fa- mily. I have no leisure, at present, to write on the subject you speak of, viz. impressions, and sujyposed immediate revelations, though I owp the vast importance of the subject. I had begun to write something against the Arminians, before the late controversy ; and now lately, Mr. Williams has written a book, in answer to mine on that subject ; which I think myself obliged to answer, if God give me opportunity. " I have much to teach me to behave like a pilgrim and stran- ger in the earth. But in the midst of troubles and difficulties, I receive many mercies. Partiularly, I have great reason, with abun- dant thankfulness, to take notice of the great kindness of my friends in Scotland. Blessed be God, who never forsakes those, that trust in him ; and never wants instruments, for the conveyance of his goodness and liberahty to those, who suffer in his cause ! " I shall take care, that there be conveyed, with this letter, to you, one of my Farewell Sermons, and the Result of the Council, that sat at Northampton the last May. Remember me, dear Sir, at the throne of grace, with regard to all my trials ; and with re- gard to my new cij,:ai>mstances, and the important service I have undertaken in this place — and please, in your next, to inform me, what family you have, and of their state. " I am, dear Sir, your most " affectionate friend and brother, "Jonathan Edwards." The following letter of Mr. Edwards to the Rev. Isaac HoUis, the patron of one of the Indian schools at Stockbridge, will explain some of the difficulties, to which they were subjected. LIFK OK PHESIUENT EDWARDS. 469 " To Mr. HoUis. " Stockhridge, July 2, 1751. " Rev. and honoured Sir, " Having seen your late letter to Mr. Prince of Boston, and another to Capt. Kellogg, received this summer, and having lately been appointed Missionary to the Indians in this place, 1 thought myself obliged to take the first opportunity to write to you, who have exerted yourself, in so extraordinary a manner, to promote our interests here, to serve which I am now devoted ; partly to of- fer you my thanks for what you have done, and have lately offered to do, with so fervent and enlarged a heart, and bountiful a hand, for the advancement and enlargement of Christ's kingdom of grace among this poor people, and tlie eternal welfare of their souls; which may well excite the joy and admiration of all good christians, tlie thanks of all who make the interests of Zion tlieir own, and especially of him who has the souls of the Indians committed to his own more immediate care. " I write, also, partly to inform you of what I have had opportu- nity to observe, of the state of things here, relating to the affair of the instruction of the Indians, which you have a right to know; it being an affair in which you have been pleased so greatly to inter- est yourself, and which depends so much on the effects of your most generous christian beneficence. I have had considerable op- portunity to observe the state of things ; for though it is but about a month since I came here, after I had undertaken the work of the ministry here, as the stated Missionary, yet I had been here before, two months in the winter, and then spent much time with the In- dians, particularly with the IMohawks under the care of Capt. Kellogg. "There are here two schools for the instruction of Indian child- ren : one under die care of Mr. Timothy Woodbridge, which be- gan soon after jMr. Sergeant began to preach to these Indians, — this school consists w'hoUy of the proper Housatonnuck Indians ; the other, under the care of Capt. Kellogg, w^hich he began with tlie Housa- tonnucks, on the plan which Mr. Sergeant projected; but, in the changeable unsettled state, in which things have been since Mr. Sergeant's death, it has been altered from that form, and the Hoic- satonnuck boys have left it, and it now" consists wholly of Mohawk children, which have been brought down hither by their parents, from their own proper countiy, about eighty miles, to this end, that they might be taught to read, and write, and be instructed in the christian religion. " There are some things, which give a hopeful prospect with re- gard to these Mohawk Indians ; particularly the forward inclination of the children and their aptness to learn. But that, which has evidently been the greatest defect from the beginning in the method 470 LIFK OF PHESIDENT £DWARD£« of instruction here, is, that no more proper and effectual mea- sures have been taken, to bring the children that are here, to the knowledge of the English tongue. For want of this, all the labour and cost, which have been expended in schools here, for about fourteen years, have been consequently to but little effect or benefit. When the children are taught to read, many of them, for want of the English language know nothing of what they read ; their books being all in English. They merely learn to make such and such sounds, on the sight of such and such marks, but know not the meaning of the words, and so have neither ])rofit nor pleasure in reading, and will therefore be apt soon to lose even what they have learned, having no benefit or entertain- ment in the use of it. " It is on many other accounts of great importance, that they should be brought to know the English language. This would greatly tend to forward their instruction ; their own barbarous lan- guages being exceedingly barren, and very unfit to express moral and divine things. It would likewise open their minds, and, by means of their acquaintance and conversation with the English, would tend to advance them in knowledge and civilization. Some pains has been taken to teach the children the English tongue, but nothing very considerable has been accomplished. And I can think of but two ways in which it can be effected : — either by intro- ducing a number of English children into the schools, to learn with them, and be their mates ; or by distributing the Indian children into English families, to live there a year or two, where they must be allowed to speak the English and nothing else, and then return into the Indian schools, to perfect them in reading and writing, and the knowledge of the principles of religion, and all other useful knowl- edge. The latter, if their parents can be persuaded to consent to it, as probably they may, will be much the most effectual. " I would therefore. Sir, humbly propose, that some such me- thod should be taken with regard to tlie children, who have the be- nefit of your liberality ; and that part of your benefaction should be expended in this way, under the care of prudent and faithful Trus- tees ; for, in order to the business being managed thoroughly in fu- ture, a great deal of care and activity will be necessary, vastly more than the schoolmaster can have leisure for. There are ma- ny things, pertaining to the regulation of the affairs of the instruc- tion of the Indian children, which seem greatly to require the care of a number of persons, who shall be entrusted to dispose things ac- cording to the best of their discretion ; sending from time to time, a particular and exact account of the manner, in which they have laid out your money. "I thought myself obliged to give you these intimations ; you be- ing at a great distance, and not capable of knowing the exact state of things, any otherwise, than by the information of those who are LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 471 on the spot ; and it being fit that you should know those circumstan- ces, wliich are of so much importance to the affair, that, without a proper regard to them, the great expense, which you incur, is Hable to be in a great measure in vain. " I humbly request your prayers to the Fountain of all light and grace, for his guidance and assistance in this important service, which I have lately undertaken in this place. " I am. Honoured Sir, " Your most humble servant, " And affectionate brother in the gospel ministry, "Jonathan Edwards. A conference was appointed, to be held at Albany, the last week in June, 1751, between the Commissioners of the governments of Massachusetts, Connecticut and New- York, and the Chiefs of the (roquois, or Six Nations, for the purpose of making a treaty. The Commissioners of Massachusetts were directed to pass through Stockbridge, on their way to Albany, for the purpose of conferring with the Mohawks, already there, about their settlement in New- England. On their arrival, they found that Hendrick, and almost all the heads of families, on account of their disgust at the neglect of their children, on the part of Capt. Kellogg, had returned to their own country. In consequence of this, they requested Mr. Edwards to go to Albany, and be present at the conference ; whith- er he accordingly went, the first week in July. In an interview with Hendrick and Nicholas, he endeavoured to persuade them, to influence as many of the Mohawk Chiefs, as possible, to go to Stock- bridge, and there treat of their removal to New-England. This being urged upon them afterwards, by the Commissioners of Mas- sachusetts, was agreed to by them and the other Chiefs; and a con- ference appointed, to be held at Stockbridge, in August. Mr. Ed- wards then returned to Stockbridge, and, in the latter part of July, to his family in Northampton. The first week in August, he removed his family and effects from Northampton to Stockbridge; and on Thursday, Aug. 8th, was regularly installed as the minister of the congregation in that place, and inducted into the oflice of Missionary, to the Indians residing in its vicinity. His salary was derived from three sources : from the parish of Stockbridge ; from the Society in London, for pro- pagating the Gospel in New-England, and the parts adjacent, whose missionary he was, through dieir Commissioners at Boston ; and from the Legislature of the Colony, as a part of tlie annual fund devoted to the civilization of the Indians. This latter sum was paid, of course, to the individual, who held the office of minister and missionary at Stockbridge, although the government had no voice in his appoint- ment. On Tuesday, Aug. 13th, the Chiefs of the Mohawks came from 472 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. their two principal settlements, to Stockbridge, and met the Com- missioners of the province. The Chiefs expressed a very strong desire, that their children might be instructed ; but objected to the removal to Stockbridge, on the ground, that the affairs of the Mo^ hawks there were left in the utmost confusion, that no regular school was established, and no thorough means taken for the education of their children. After reminding the Commissioners, how often the English had failed to fulfil their promises, and disappointed the hopes, which they had encouraged them to entertain, they request- them to promise nothing, hut what the government would certainly perform. The Commissioners agreed among themselves, that, in consequence of the utter incompetency of Capt. Kellogg, another instructer, a man of learning and skill, must be procured for the Mohawk school ; and promised the Chiefs, that a regular school should be established for their children, and a competent instructer speedily procured. After this, the Chiefs declared their accep- tance of the proposals made to them, of sending their children to Stockbridge for instruction, and of coming, a number of them, to reside there ; and tendered a belt of wampum to the Commission- ers, in confirmation of the agreement, which was accepted. On Thursday, Aug. 22, the Council was dissolved, and the Chiefs went home. The Mohawks, at this time, discovered a very strong desire to promote the education of their children, and an unusual willingness to receive rehgious instruction ; as did also a part of the tribe of the Oneiyutas, or Oneidas, residing at Onohohquauga, or Onohquau- ga, a settlement on the Susquehannah. The French, having been apprised of the efforts making by the Enghsh, in behalf of the Mo- hawks, were busily occupied in seducing them, and the other tribes of the Iroquois, to emigrate into Canada ; and were actually erect- ing a chain of forts, extending from Canada, through New- York, Pennsylvania, and the wilderness beyond, to the Mississippi. Mr. Edwards, believing that, if the utmost good faith was not kept with the Mohawks, the whole plan of instructing them would be defeat- ed ; and regarding the period, as a most critical one for the welfare of the British Colonies ; addressed a letter, on the subject of the Indians, to the Hon. Thomas Hubbard, Speaker of the House of As- sembly. In this letter, he gave an account of the Council held with the Chiefs of the Mohawks, at Stockbridge, and their agree- ment to encourage the education of their children at that place ; mentioned the interest felt in the subject by the Mohawks and the Oneiyutas, and by some of the Tuscaroras ; stated the vast impor- tance of the existing crisis, for securing the friendship of the Six Nations ; recited the machinations of the French, to seduce them from the English interest, and their hostile movements in the west ; pointed out the religious and literary instruction of the Indians, as the only means of securing their attachment to the British cause ; '■*<■* LIFE OK PRESIDENT KDWAUDS. 473 and detailed the measures necessary to be pursued at Stockbridge, to promote these great objects.* When Mr. Edwards had removed his family to Stockbridge, he found himself exceedingly embarrassed, from the difficulty of pro- curing the land, necessary for his own immediate accommodation. When the town was first settled, it was granted to the Housaton- nucks, except six portions, to the late missionary, the school-mas- ter, and four other settlers. These portions were now distributed •<\xnoi\^ fourteen proprietors, and could be purchased, only at a very high price. He therefore presented a Petition to the General Court, at their session in October, 1751, asking leave to purchase the necessary lands, for his ovm accommodation — a homestead in the centre of the town, and a piece of wood-land in the outskirts. The Legislature granted him leave to purchase the homestead, and recommended to the Enghsh inhabitants, to provide the necessary wood-land for their minister. On the tract of land, which he purchased, near the centre of the town, Mr. Edwards, soon after, erected a commodious dwelling, which is still standing. * I regret that the length of this interesting letter renders its insertion im- practicable. Vol. I. 60 CHAPTER XXVI. Letter to Sir W. Pepperell. — Letter to Lady Pepperell. — Letter to his father. — Arrival of Mr. Hawley. — Increasing importance of Indian Establishment, — Schemes of its enemies. — Firm stand taken by Mr. Edwards. — Letter to Mr. Oliver. — Letter to Commissioners. — Difficulties of the Mission. — Answer to Mr. Williams. — Letter to the people of JVorthampton. — Marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Burr. — Letter to Mr. Erskme. — Letter to Mr. Hollis. — Letter to Mr. Hubbard. The Indian establishment at Stockbridge, being gradually more and more known, excited more and more the attention, and interest, of the benevolent in England. Among these, Joshua Paine, Esq., of London, addressed a Letter to Sir William Pepperell, the Go- vernour of the Province ; requesting information, as to the proper plan of a school for Indian girls at that place. An extract from that letter was forwarded to Mr. Edwards from Sir William, through the Secretary of the Commissioners, with a request that he would write to Sir William on the subject. He accordingly addressed to him the following Letter. " Stockbridge, JVov. 28, 175L " Honoured Sir, " When I had the opportunity the last spring of waiting on your Excellency at your seat at Kittery, and was there gratified and ho- noured by the kind and hospitable entertainment of your house, I was favoured with some conversation with you, concerning the af- fairs of the Indians at Stockbridge, and the business of the mission here, to which I had then been invited. And you were then pleased generously to assure me of your good offices, in affording me an) assistance in this employment, v.'hich you could render me, through your acquaintance and correspondence in London. " I have lately been favoured with a letter from the Hon. An- drew Oliver, of Boston, wherein he was pleased to send me an Ex- tract of a letter to you from Joshua Paine, Esq., of London, con- cerning a proper plan of a school for Indian girls in this place, and to propose to me to write to you on the subject of the said Extract. This encourages me to hope that a letter from me, on this subject, to your Excellency will be kindly received. " With this hope, I would take leave to say, that I think that, as Lli'K OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 475 the boarding-sohools here are now in their commencement, and are yet to receive their form and character, and that among a people hitherto unaccustomed to any method of instruction whatever, it is a great pity but that the metliod actually adopted should be free from the gross defects of the ordinary method of teaching among tlie English. ^^ " One of these grand defects, as I humbly conceive, is this, that children are habituated to learning without understanding. In the common method of teaching, so far as my observation extends, children, when they are taught to read, are so much accustomed to reading, without any kind of knowledge of the meaning of what tliey read, that they continue reading without understanding, even a long time after they are capable of understanding, were it not for an ha- bit of making such and such sounds, on the sight of such and such letters, with a perfect inattentiveness to any meaning. In like manner they are taught their catechism, saying over the words by rote, which they began to say, before they were capable of easily and readily comprehending them. Being long habituated to make sounds without connecting any ideas with them, they so continue, until they come to be capable of well understanding the words, and would perhaps have the ideas, properly signified by the words, na- turally excited in their minds on hearing the words, were it not for an habitual hearing and speaking them \vithout any ideas ; so that, if the quesdon were put in phraseology somewhat new, to wliich they have not been accustomed, they would not know what to answer. Thus it happens to children, even with regard to the plainest printed catechisms, even those, which have been contrived with great care and art, so that they might be adapted to the lowest capacities. " I should therefore think that, in these boarding-schools, die children should never read a lesson, without the master or mistress taking care, that the child be made to attend to, and understand, the meaning of the words and sentences which it reads ; at least after the child begins to read without spelling, and ])erhaj)s in some degree before. And die child should be taught to understand things, as well as words. After it begins to read in a Psalter, Tes- tament or Bible, not only the words and phrases should be ex- plained, but the things which the lesson treats of should be, in a familiar manner, opened to die child's understanding ; and the master or mistress should enter into conversadon with the child about them. Familiar questions should be })ut to the child, about the subjects of the lesson ; and the child should be encouraged, and drawn on, to speak freely, and in liis turn also to ask questions, for the resolution of his own doubts. -^ "Many advantages would arise from this method. By this means, the child's learning will be rendered pleasant, entertaining and profitable, as his mind will gradually open and expand with knowledge, and his capacity for reasoning be improved. His lesson 476 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. will cease to be a dull, wearisome task, without any suitable plea- sure or benefit. This will be a rational way of teaching. Assist- ing tlie child's reason enables him to see the use, and end, and be- nefit of reading, at the same time that he takes pains from day to day to read. It is the way also to accustom the child, from its in- fancy, to think and reflect, and to beget in it an early taste for knowledge, and a regularly increasing appetite for it. " So also, with regard to the method of catechizing children ; be- side obliging them to give the answers in the printed catechism, or in any stated form of words, questions should be asked them from time to time, in the same familiar manner, as they are asked questions commonly about their ordinary affairs, with familiar in- structions, explanations, and rehearsals of things, intermixed; and, if it be possible, the child should be led, by wise and skilful man- agement, into the habit of conversation on divine things, and should gradually be divested of that shyness and backwardness, usually discovered in children, to converse on such topics with their supe- riors. And when the printed catechisms are used, as I am far from thinking they ought to be entirely neglected, care should be taken, that the child should attend to the meaning of the words, and be able to understand them ; to this end, not only explaining the words and sentences, but also from time to time varying the phra- seology, putting the question in different words of the same sense, and also intermixing witli the questions and answers, whether printed or not, some improvement or application, in counsels and warnings given to them, founded on the answers that have been given. " Beside the things already mentioned, there are other things, which, as it appears to me, ought to be done, with regard to the education of children in general, wherein the common methods of instruction in New-England, are grossly defective. The teacher, in familiar discourses, might, in a little time, give the children a short general scheme of the Scriptural history, beginning with the creation of the world, and descending through the various periods of that history, informing them of the larger divisions, and more im- portant events of the story, and giving them some idea of their con- nection one with another ; — first, of the history of the Old Testa- ment, and then of tlie New. And when the children had in their heads this general scheme, then the teacher might, at certain times, entertain them, in like familiar discourse, with the particular stories of the Scriptures, sometimes with one story, and then with another, before they can obtain the knowledge of them themselves, by read- ing ; for example, at one time the story of the creation, at another time the story of the flood, then the dispersion of the nations, the calling of Abraham, the story of Joseph, the bringing of the children of Israel out of Egypt : And in the New Testament, the birth of Christ, some of the chief acts of his life, his death, his resurrection, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. 477 his ascension, the effusion of the Holy Spirit at the day of Pente- cost, and some of the chief of the acts of the Apostles ; withal, pointing out to them the place which each event has in the general scheme, and the connection it has with other main parts of it. The teacher, in a familiar manner, should apply the events of the story discoursed upon, with the design of informing the child's un- derstanding, influencing his heart, and directing his practice. A child, who is able to read his Bible, might be set to read a particu- lar Scriptural history, sometimes one, and sometimes another, dili- gently observing it, and examining for himself, all that is said con- cerning it. And when he has done, he might be called to the mas- ter or mistress, and enquired of, concerning the particulars of the history, to see that he has paid attention, and is able to give a good account of it. " And I can see no good reason, why children in general, be- side the Scriptural history, should not, in a like familiar manner of conversation, be taught something of the great successive chan- ges and events, in tlie Jewish nation, and the world at large, which connect tlie history of the Old and New Testaments. Thus, they might be informed, in short, of the manner in which the Four Great Monarchies succeeded each other, the persecutions which the Jews suffered from Antiochus Epiphanes, and the principal changes which happened to their Church and State, before the coming of Christ. And they might be shown, how such and such events were a fulfilment of such and such prophecies. And when they learn the history of the New Testament, they might, with much profit and entertainment, have pointed out to them, many plain prophecies of the Old Testament, which have their fulfilment in him. And I can see no good reason, why children cannot, or may not, be taught something in general of Ecclesiastical History, and be informed how things, with regard to tlie State of Religion and the Church of God, have gone on, as to some of the main events, from the time when the Scriptural histor}^ ended, to the present time ; and how given Prophecies of the Scriptures have been fulfilled in some of these events ; or why they may not be told, what may yet be expected to come to pass, according to the Scriptural Prophecies, from tliis time, to the end of the world. " It appears to me obvious, also, that, in connection with all this, they should be taught somewhat relating to the chronology of events, which would make the story so much the more distinct and enter- taining. Thus, tliey may be taught how long it was from the Cre- ation of the world to the Coming of Christ ; how long from the Creation to the Flood ; how long from the Flood to the calling of Abraham, etc. ; how long David lived before Christ ; how long be- fore the Captivity in Babylon ; how long the Captivity, before Christ, etc. ; how long since the birth of Christ; how old he was when he began to preach, and when he was crucified ; how long 478 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. after his resurrection, before he ascended ; how long, also, after i the destruction of Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, until Babylon i was destroyed by Cyrus ; how long after the beginning of the Per- sian Empire, before that empire was overthrown by Alexander ; when was the great oppression of the Jews by Antiochus Epiphanes when Judea was conquered by the Romans; how long after Christ's resurrection, before tlie destruction of Jerusalem ; and how long before the empire became Christian ; how loag after Christ, before the Popes claimed such and such powers; when the worship of images was introduced ; how long before the Reformation, etc. etc. All children are capable of being informed, and having an idea of these things, and can much more easily learn them, if endeavours were used to that end, than many things which they do learn. " And with like ease, and with equal benefit, they might be taught some of the main things in Geography : which way the land of Canaan Hes from this ; how far it is ; which way Egypt lay from Canaan; which way Babylon lay from Jerusalem, and how far; which way Padan-Aram was from Canaan ; where Rome lay from Jerusalem ; where Antioch ; etc. etc. " And I cannot but think it might be a pretty easy thing, if proper means were taken, to teach children to spell well, and girls as well as boys. I should think it may be worth the while, on various ac- counts, to teach them to write, and also to teach them a little of arithmetic, some of the first and plainest rules. Or, if it be judged, that it is needless to teach all the children all these things, some dif- ference might be made in children of different genius, and children of the best genius might be taught more things than others. And all would serve, the more speedily and effectually, to change the taste of Indians, and to bripg them off from their barbarism and brutality, to a relish for those things, which belong to civihzation and refinement. " Another thing, which properly belongs to a christian education, and which would be unusually popular with them, and which would in several respects have a powerful influence, in promoting the great end in view, of leading them to renounce the coarseness, and filth and degradation, of savage life, for cleanliness, refinement and good morals, is teaching them to sing. Music, especially sacred music, has a powerful efficacy to soften the heart into tenderness, to harmonize the affections, and to give the mind a reUsh for ob- jects of a superiour character. " In order to promote the salvation of the children, which is the main design of the whole Indian establishment at this place, I think that, beside their attending public worship on the sabbath, and the daily worship of the family, and catechizing in the school, and fre- quent counsels and warnings given them, when all together, by their teachers ; each child should, from time to time, be dealt with sing- ly, particularly and closely, about the state and concerns of his LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 471) soul ; and particular care should be taken to teach and direct each child, concerning the duty of secret prayer, and the duty pressed and enforced on everyone ; and care should be taken, that all may have proper opportunity and convenience for it. " I need say nolliing concerning buildings, lodgings, household, stuff, cattle, servants, husbandry instruments, and utensils for the children's work ; as it is agreed on all hands, that these are neces- sary ; and the providing of them will doubtless be left to the care and discretion of the Trustees, that shall be appointed. " But I would beg leave to say further, with regard to methods to forward the proficiency of the children in their learning, that I cannot but think measures might be devised, greatly to encourage and animate them in it, and excite a laudable ambition to excel. One thing I have thought of, which, as appears to me, might have a happy tendency this way, in each of the boarding-schools : at certain periods, there should be a sort of public examination in the school, on a day appointed for the purpose, which shall be attended by all the Trustees, and all in the town who are in any respect con- nected with Indian affairs, and some of the neighbouring ministers, and gentlemen and ladies ; and also that the chiefs of the Indians be invited to attend ; at which there shall be a public trial of the proficiency, which each one has made, in the various branches which have been taught, as in reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, knowledge in the principles of religion, knowledge of church histo- ry, etc ; and that a premium shall be given to such as are found to excel, which may be done in something, that will very much please Indian children, with but little expense. And likewise, that the works of the children be then produced, to be judged of, that it may be determined who has made the greatest proficiency in learning to sew, to spin, to knit, etc ; and that a reward be given to such as have excelled. And perhaps, also, that a reward be then given to such, as, by the testimony of their teachers and governors, have excelled in virtue or diligence, in care to speak the truth, in strictly observing the sabbath, in good manners, in respect to their superiours, etc. And that, in the day of public trial, there be somewhat of an entertainment made for the members of the school, and those who are invited to attend. This not only might tend greatly to stimulate the children in their learning, but would be very pleasing and animating to the tribes of Indians, and would have great influence in rendering them very favourably disposed to the affairs of the schools. " But your Excellency will easily see that, in order to the prac- ticableness of these things, in any tolerable degree and manner, it is necessary that the children should be taught tlie English tongue ; and'indeed this is of the most absolute necessity, on almost every account. The Indian languages are extremely barbarous and bar- ren, and very ill fitted for communicating things moral and divine. 480 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. or even things speculative and abstract. In short, they are vvhoUy finement "" ^ Possessed of civilization, knowledge and re- " Besides, without their learning English, their learning to read will be in vam ; for the Indians have not the Bible, nor any other book, ,n their ovyn language. Without this, their teachers cannot converse with them, and so can have no advantage to instruct them. Hence, all possible means must be used, in tlie first place, to introduce the English tongue among the children. To this end much pains should be taken to teach them the English name for every thing, and English words that signify such and such actions ; and an Interpreter might be used for a while, to interpret their les- sons to them, and to teach them to construe them, or turn them into Indian. And a number of English children might be put into the school with the Indian children. But the most effectual method of all would be to put out some of the Indian children, first, into some good English families, one at a place, to live there a year or two before they are brought into the school ; which would not only be above all others the most successful metliod, but would be abso- lutely necessary, at least at first; but truly a great deal of care must be taken to find good places for them, and to look weU to them, and to see that they are well taken care of, in the families to which they are sent. It is probable, that the parents of the child- ren might, unth proper endeavours, be persuaded to such a mea- sure. But It will doubtless be very easily and quickly determined, by your Excellency, that, if such methods, as those which have been mentioned, or any like them, or indeed any other effectual mea- sures, are taken, it will be absolutely necessary, that the school should be under the constant care and inspection of Trustees who live upon the spot, or very near at hand. It will be in vain tor any to expect, that any woman can look after such a school, and provide for and govern so large a family, and take care con- tmually to order and regulate so many and great affairs pertaining to It, withm doors and without, without much assistance of some always at hand, who are able and faithful, and are interested and duly empowered. If she has under her a second, or a kind of usher, and has servants of both sexes, yet still she will be under the necessity of having some superiour assistance. And as to the precise method of teaching, and regulating the discipUne of the school and family, it must be left very much to their discretion; lor experience alone can certainly determine, the fittest methods ot ordering such an establishment, so new and untried, though very probable conjectures may be made. And experience will doubt- Jess direct to some new measures, which cannot now be thought of Hoping that your Excellency will excuse the particularity and mi- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 481 nuteness, into which I have unintentionally been led, on a subject, about which I cannot but feel the deepest interest, "I remain, " With very high respect, " Your most humble sen'ant, "Jonathan Edwards." In tlie package to Sir William, Mr. Edwards, in consequence of her own request, forwarded to Lady Pepperell, who was then in very deep affliction, the following letter ; which will probably be re- garded as one of the happiest specimens of christian sympathy and condolence, to be found in epistolary wi'iting. " To Lady Pepperell. " Stockbridge, JVov. 28, 1751. " Madam, " When I was at your house in Kittery, the last spring, among other instances of your kind and condescending treatment to me, was this, that, when I had some conversation with Sir William, concerning Stockbridge and the affairs of the Indians, and he ge- nerously offered me any assistance, in the business of my mission here, which his acquaintance and correspondence in London ena- bled him to afford me, and proposed my writing to him on our af- fairs ; you were also pleased to invite me to write to you, at the same time. If I should neglect to do as you then proposed, I should fail not only of discharging my duty, but of doing myself a great honour. But as I am well assured, even from the small acquaintance I had with you, that a letter of mere compliments would not be agreeable to a lady of your disposition and feelings, especially under your present melancholy circumstances ; so the writing of such a letter is very far from my intention, or inclination. " When I saw the evidences of your deep sorrow, under the aw- ful frovNTi of heaven in the death of your only son, it made an im- pression on my mind not easily forgotten ; and when you spoke of my writing to you, I soon determined what should be the subject of my letter. It was that, which appeared to me to be the most proper subjectof contemplation, for one in your circumstances ; that, which I thought, abo\' e all others, would furnish you a proper and sufficient source of consolation, under your heavy affliction ; and this was the Lord Jesus Christ : — particularly the amiableness of his character, which renders him worthy that we should love him, and take him for our only portion, our rest, hope and joy ; and his great and un- paralleled love towards us. — And I have been of the same mind ever since ; being determined, if God favoured me v\ith an oppor- tunity to write to your Ladyship, that those things should be the subject of my letter. For what other subject is so well calculated to prove a balm to the wounded spirit. Vol. I. 61 483 l.IKi: OK PHKSIDKNT KDWAKDS. " Let us then, dear Madam, contemplate the loveliness of our blessed Redeemer, which entitles him to our highest love ; and, when clearly seen, leads us to find a sweet complacency and satis- faction of soul in him, of whatever else we are deprived. The Scriptures assure us that He, who came into the world in our na- ture, and freely laid down his life for us, was truly possessed of all the fulness of the Godhead, of his infinite greatness, majesty and glory, his infinite wisdom, purity and holiness, his infinite righteous- ness and goodness. He is called " the brightness of God's glory, and the express image of his person." He is the Image, the Ex- pression, of infinite beauty; in the contemplation of which, God the Father had all his unspeakable happiness from eternity. That eternal and unspeakable happiness of the Deity is represented as a kind of social happiness, in tlie society of the persons of the Trinity ; Prov.viii.30, "Then I was by him as one brought up with him, 1 was daily his delight rejoicing always before him." This glorious Person came down from heaven to be " the Light of the world," that by him the beauty of the Deity might shine forth, in the bright- est and fullest manner, to the children of men. " Infinite Wisdom also has contrived, that we should behold the glory of the Deity, in the face of Jesus Christ, to the greatest ad- vantage, in such a manner as should be best adapted to the capacity of poor feeble man ; in such a manner, too, as is best fitted to engage our attention, and allure our hearts, as well as to inspire us with the most perfect complacency and delight. For Christ, having, by his incarnation, come down from his Infinite exaltation above us, has be- come one of our kinsmen and brothers. And his glory shining up- on us through his human nature, the manifestation is wonderfully adapted to the strength of the human vision ; so that, though it ap- pears in all its effulgence, it is yet attempered to our sight. He. is indeed possessed of infinite majesty, to inspire us with reverence and adoration ; yet that majesty need not terrify us, for we behold it blend- ed with humility, meekness and sweet condescension. We may feel the most profound reverence and self-abasement, and yet our hearts be drawn forth, sweetly and powerfully, into an intimacy the most free, confidential and delightful. The dread, so naturally in- spired by his greatness, is dispelled by the contemplation of his gen- tleness and humility ; while the familiarity, wliich might otherwise arise from the view of the loveliness of his character merely, is ever prevented, by the consciousness of his infinite majesty and glory ; and the sight of all his perfections united fills us with sweet surprize, and humble confidence, with reverential love, and delightful adora- tion. " This glory of Christ is properly, and in the highest sense, divine. He shines in all the brightness of glory, that is inherent in the Deit}^ Such is the exceeding brightness of this Sun of Righteousness, that, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 483 in comparison of it, the light of the Natural Sun is as darkness ; and hence, when he shall appear in his glory, the brightness of the Sun shall disappear, as the briglUness of the little stars do, when the Sun rises. So says the pro|)het Isaiah, " Then the Moon shall_ be confounded, and the Sun shall he ashamed, when the Lord of Hosts shall reign in Mount Zion, and before his ancients, gloriously," Isa. xxiv. 23." But, akhougli his light is thus bright, and his beams go forth with infinite strength ; yet, as they proceed from the Lamb of God, and shine through his. meek and lowly human nature, they are supremely soft and mild, and, instead of dazzling and over- powering our feeble sight, like a smooth ointment or a gentle eye- salve, are vivifying and healing. Thus on them, who fear God's name, " the Sun of Righteousness arises, with healing in his beams," Mai. iv. 2. It is like die light of the morning, a morning without clouds, as the dew on the grass, under whose influence tlie souls of his people are as the tender grass springing out of the earth, by clear shining after rain. Thus are the beams of his beauty, and bright- ness, fitted for the support and reviving of the afflicted. He heals the broken in spirit, and bindeth up their wounds. When the spi- rits of his people are cut down by the scythe, he comes down upon them, in a sweet and heavenly influence, like rain on the mown grass, and like showers that water the earth. (Ps.lxxii. 6.) " But especially are the beams of Christ's glory infinitely soften- ed, and sweetened, by his love to men, the love that passeth know- ledge. The glory of his person consists, pre-eminently, in that infinite goodness and grace, of which he made so wonderful a man- ifestation, in his love to us. The aposde John tells us, that God is Light ; (1 John, i. 5.) and again, diat God is Love ; (1 John, iv. 8.) and the light of his glory is an infinitely sweet light, because it is the light of love. But especially does it appear so, in the person of our Redeemer, who was infinitely the most wonderful example of love, that was ever witnessed. All the perfections of the Deity have their highest manifestation in the Work of Redemption, vastly more than in'the Work of Creation. In other works, we see him indirecdy ; but here, we see the immediate glor}' of his face. (2 Cor. iii. 18.) In his other works, we behold him at a distance; but in this, we come near, and behold the infinite treasures of his heart. (Eph. iii. 8, 9, 10.) It is a work of love to us, and a work of which Christ is the author. His loveliness, and his love, have both their greatest and most affecting manifestation in tliose suffer- ings, which he endured for us at his death. Therein, above all, appeared his holiness, his love to God, and his hatred of sin, in that, when he desired to save sinners, rather than that a sensible testimo- ny should not be seen against sin, and the justice of God be vindi- cated, he chose to become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Thus, in the same act, he manifests, in the highest con- ceivable degree, his infinite hatred of sin, and his infinite love to ^^ LIFE OF PRESIDENT KDWARD8. sioners. His holiness appeared like a fire, burning with infinite vehemence against sin ; at the same time, that his love to sinners appeared hke a sweet flame, burning with an infinite fervency of benevolence. It is the glory and beauty of his love to us, polluted sinners, tliat it is an infinitely pure love; and it is the peculiar sweetness and endearment of his holiness, that it has its most glo- rious manifestation in such an act of love to us. All the excellen- cies of Christ, both divine and human, have their highest manifes- tation, m this wonderful act of his love to men— his offering up him- self a sacrifice for us, under these extreme sufferings. Herein "" have abounded toward us the riches of his grace, in all wisdom and prudence. (Eph. i. 8.) Herein appears his perfect justice. Herein too, was the great display of his humility, in being wiUing to de- scend so low for us. In his last sufferings, appeared his obedience to Crod, his submission to his disposing will, his patience, and his meekness, when he went as a lamb to the slaughter, and opened not his mouth, but in a prayer that God would forgive his crucifiers And how affecting this manifestation of his excellency and amia- bleness to our minds, when it chiefly shines forth in such an act of love to us. " The love of Christ to men, in another way, sweetens and en- dears aU his excellencies and virtues ; as it has brought him into so riear a relation to us, as our Friend, our elder Brother, and our Kedeemer ; and has brought us into so strict an union with him that we are his friends, )nea, members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. (Eph. v. 30.) " We see then, dear Madam, how rich and how adequate is the provision, which God has made for our consolation, in all our af- flictions, m giving us a Redeemer of such glory, and such love • es- pecially, when it is considered, what were the ends of this great mamfestafion of beauty and love, in his death. He sufl'ered, that we might be delivered. His soul was exceeding sorrowful, 'even unto death, to take away the sting of sorrow, and to impart' ever- kstmg consolation. He was oppressed and afflicted, that we might be supported. He was overwhelmed in the darkness of death that we might have the light of life. He was cast into the furnace ot God s wrath, that we might drink of the rivers of his pleasures His soul was overwhelmed with a flood of sorrow, that our hearts' might be overwhelmed with a flood of eternal joy. " We may also well remember, in what circumstances our Re- deemer now IS. He was dead ; but he is alive, and he lives forev- er more. Death may deprive us of our friends here, but it cannot deprive us of this our best friend. We have this best of fi-iends this mighty Redeemer, to go to, in all our afflictions ; and he is not one, who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He has suffered far greater sorrows, than we have ever suffered ;* and if we are actually united to him, the union can never be broken LIFE OF PRKSIDKNT EDWARDS. 4&^) but will continue when we die, and when heaven and earth are dissolved. Therefore, in this, we may be confident, though the earth be removed, in him we shall triumph with everlasting joy. Now, when storms and tempests arise, we may resort to him, who is a hiding place from tlie storm, and a covert from the tempest. When we tliir.st, we may come to him, who is as rivers of water in a dry place. When we are weary, we may go to him, who is as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. Having found him, who is as the apple-tree among the trees of the wood, we may sit under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit will be sweet to our taste. Christ said to his disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation ; but in me ye shall have peace." If we are united to him, we shall be hke a tree planted by the waters, and that spread- eth out its roots by the river, that shall not see when heat cometh, but its leaf shall ever be green, and it shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall it cease from yielding fruit. He will now be our light in darkness ; our morning-star, shining as the sure harbinger of approaching day. In a little dme, he ^vill arise on our souls, as the Sun in his glory ; and our Sun shall no more go down, and there shall be no interposing cloud — no veil on his face, or on our hearts ; but the Lord shall be our everlasting light, and our Redeemer our glory. " That this glorious Redeemer would manifest his glory and love to your mind, and apply what little I have said on tliis subject, to your consolation, in all your afflictions, and abundantly reward your kmdness and generosity to me, while I was at Kittery ; is the fer- vent prayer. Madam, of " Your Ladyship's most obliged " and affectionate friend, " and most humble servant, " Jonathan Edwards." The repeated afflictions of a widowed sister, in the beginning of tlie next year, occasioned the following letter to his father, con- taining some allusions to the state and circumstances of his own family. " To the Reverend Timothy Edwards, East Windsor. " Stockbridge, Jan. 27, 1752. " Honoured Sir, " We have lately heard the sorrowful tidings of the death of two of Sister Backus'* children, as we are informed both at your * Mrs. Backus the fifth sister of Mr. Edwards was now a widow. Her hus- band, the Rev. Simon Backus of Newington, (Wethersfield,) was designated by the Connecticut Legislature, as chaplain to the troops sent to Louisburgh in 486 LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. house ; which is the occasion of Cousin Eunice returning from Stockbridge at this time ; she having a desire to see her mother and surviving sisters at Windsor, on this melancholy occasion. We are much affected with sister's great and heavy afflictions, and la- ment the death of two such likely promising children, in their early youth. It is my earnest desire, that it may be sanctified to us of this family. I desire your prayers, that it may be so ; particularly to those that are young in the family ; that they may be awakened by it to diligent preparation for death ; and that we all may take notice of our distinguished mercies, with a becoming thankfulness to God. I look upon it as a great favour of Heaven, that you, my Parents, are still preserved in the land of the living, to so great an age. I hope, by the leave of Divine Providence, to make you and sister Backus a visit in the spring. We are, through mercy, in our ordinary state of health, except that little Betty don't seem of late to be so well, as she was in the summer. If she lives till spring, I believe we must be obliged to come again to the use of the cold bath with her. My wife and children are well pleased with our present situation. They like the place far better than they expect- ed. Here, at present, we live in peace ; which has of long time been an unusual thing with us. The Indians seem much pleased with my family, especially my wife. They are generally more sober and serious than they used to be. Beside the Stockbridge Indians, here are above sixty of the Six Nations, who live here for the sake of instruction. Twenty are lately come to dwell here, who came from about two hundred miles beyond Albany. We expect our son and daughter Parsons will remove hither in a short time. Many of their goods are already brought up." [After alluding to the indigent circumstances of his sister Mrs. Backus, and her family, and mentioning that himself and Mrs. Ed- wards had done every thing for his niece, which was in their power, he proceeds.] " I hope some of her friends will be kind to her in this respect. There are perhaps none of her uncles, but are much better able to help her, than I am at this time ; who, by reason of lately marrying two children, and the charge of buying, building and removing, am, I suppose, about £2000 in debt, in this Province money.* I 1746, to prevent its recapture by the French. He died there soon after Iiis arrival. The vessel, containing his effects, and a considerable sum contributed by tlie gentlemen of the army for his family, was cast away on its return; and the family were left in very indigent circumstances. * I suppose that this moans £2000 old tenor, as it was then called ; the value of which continually varied, but has been commonly estimated at 6*. 8rf. ster- jing to the pound. LIKb: OF PUKSIDKNT KUWAKUii. 4b7 should be glad if sister Mary would suggest it to brother Ellsworth to do something tor her. If she don't care to do it in her own name, let her do it in mine, as doing the errand from me. Please to give my duty to my mother, and my love to sister Mary. My wife is at this moment from home. My children give their duty to their Grandparents, and aunts, and love and affectionate condolence to their mournful survivmg cousins. " I am, honoured Sir, " Your dutiful son, " Jonathan Edwards." The allusion to his pecuniary circumstances, made by Mr. Ed- wards in the preceding letter, requires explanation. What was the actual amount of his salary at Northampton, I have not been able to ascertain ; but he speaks of it, in one of his letters, as " the largest salary of any country minister in New-England." Soon after his setUement there, he purchased a valuable homestead, witli the requisite lands for pasturage and fuel, and erected a commodi- ous dwelling-house. These, by the strictest economy, had all been paid for, before his dismission. It was sevei'&l years, however, after his removal to Stockbridge, before he could sell his property at Northampton. In the mean time, he was under the necessity of purchasing another homestead, and of erecting another dwelling- house at Stockbridge. The debt thus incurred, added to the ex- pense of removing his family, subjected them for a time to very se- rious ])ecuniary embarrassments and his daughters, who had recei- ved not only an enlightened, but a polished, educadon, readily lent their aid, to relieve the family from the existing pressure. For this purpose, they occupied their leisure in making lace and embroiderhig, in tambouring and other ornamental work, and in making and painting fans : all of which, in the existing state of the country, found a ready market at Boston.* At length, the sale of his pro- perty in Northampton relieved him from debt, and placed his fami- ly in more pleasant circumstances. On the 5th of February, O. S. Mr. Gideon Hawley, a young gentleman of a liberal education, and of great prudence, firm- ness and integrity, arrived in Stockbridge. He had been ap- pointed, by the Commissioners, the school-master of the Mohawk and other Iroquois children, and entered immediately on the duties of his office. He was ordained as a minister and missionary, July 31, 1754, N. S. Mr. Edwards found him a most faithful and use- "i" So severe was this pressure, for a considerable time, tiiat Mr. Edwards found himself necessitated to practice the most rijiid economy, in every tiling — even in the article of /japer. INlucli of what he now wrote, for his own use, was written on the margins of useless pamphlets, the covers of letters, and tho remnants of the silk paper used in making fans. 488 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ful coadjutor. He also occasionally preached to the Iroquois, as jdid Mr. Edwards once every Sabbath. Soon after the removal of Mr. Edwards to Stockbridge, in con- sequence of the misunderstandings and jealousies, subsistmg be- tween some of the principal English inhabitants of the town, and the confusion in which he saw the Indian affairs involved, he was led, in a letter to the Hon. Mr. Hubbard of Aug. 31, 1751, to recommend the appointment of two or more Trustees, " men per- fectly impartial, no way interested in, related to, or engaged with, the contending parties." The absolute necessity of this step, to tlie welfare of the mission, and of the Indian schools, soon became ap- parent.* In consequence of the increasing importance of the In- dian establishment at Stockbridge, and the increasing attention of the public to the Mission and the Schools ; the benefactions of the Legislature and of individuals, were increasing, and still likely to increase. By the augmented numbers of the Housatonnucksy and the accession of a Mohawk colony, it had become the princi- pal mission of the Society for propagating the Gospel in New Eng- land, and appeared destined to receive the chief amount of its re- venue; Mr. Hollis had increased his annual stipend to £160, stg. ; Mr. Paine was proposing to support a female boarding school ; the Legislature of the Province had just voted £500, provincial cur- rency, for the school-house, and would probably aid in the support of the mistress; an adequate support was now given to the instruc- tor of the Housatonnuck school ; an annual stipend was given to the Housatonnucks, to be expended at Stockbridge for their be- nefit ; a similar stipend was to be paid for the Mohawks, if they re- moved in considerable numbers to Stockbridge ; a school, to be supported by the colony, for the education of their children, was not only pledged, but actually begun ; and hopes were indulged tliat the yearly stipend of £500, stg. granted by the King, to the Mohawks, might be expended under the direction of an agent, residing at Stockbridge, and not as before at Albany. It needed no great dis- cernment to discover, that the amount of these numerous items must be great ; and the bare possibility of engrossing the agency, through which this large aggregate must pass, and of turning it into a source of great private emolument, might easily excite the strong cupidity of individuals, and lead them to resort to every measure in their power, to secure that emolument to themselves. The op- ponent of Mr. Woodbridge, (whose influence in the town, and with the Indians, had been long chiefly extinct,) in consequence of the strong recommendation, given of him, by his nephew, while * A representation having been made to the Legislature, in pursuance of this recommendation, three Trustees or comrnisssioners were appointed in behalf of the Province. LIFE OF PRESIDENT E1)VVAUJ)S. 4HD in London, lo the Directors of the Society for propagating tlie Gospel in New England, had been appointed one of the Board of Commissioners of that Society ; as had the nephew himself, an- other of the same Board; one of his family through the same recom- Jiiendation, had been conditionaUy nominated as the teacher of the female school ;* one of the Trustees of the Indian establishment was about to connect himself with the family ; and, if the nomi- nation should be confirmed, it was his intention to remove to Stockbridge, in order to take a superintendence of Indian af- fairs, which, in the absence of his colleagues, would be sole and exclusive. So fair was the prospect at this time, in the view of these individuals, of engrossing the profit and the di- rection of the whole establishment in their own hands, that they threw off their wonted caution, and made known their purpose of removing every obstacle in the way of their designs. Mr. Edwards well knew, that the influence of these individuals was most formidable : two of them being now members of the Board of Commissioners, on which, as Indian missionary, he was dependent ; one of them being one of the Trustees for the In- dians at Stockbridge ; one of them being personally acquainted with the Directors in London ; and two of them having considerable in- fluence with the principal men in the Provincial government. Yet he saw, just as clearly, that, if their plans succeeded, the funds ap- propriated to the literary and moral improvement of the Indians, would be perverted to the purpose of individual aggrandizement. In such a state of things, he was not at a loss, as to his own duty. The question, whether the individual nominated by the Board of Directors in London, as the teacher of the female school, should be ap- pointed, having been thus submitted, for final decision, to the Board of Commissioners in Boston ; their Secretary wrote to Mr. Ed- wards, for an explicit statement of the facts relating to the subject. Thus called upon, he did not hesitate to present the whole case, in a reply to the Secretary, bearing date Feb. 18, 1752. In this letter, after stating it to be absolutely necessary, that his correspondent should be let into some of the secrets of the affairs of Stockbridge, and after alluding to his having, on account of the controversy there subsisting, reconmiended, formerly, tlie ap- pointment of " two or more impartial Trustees, no way interested in, or related to, the contending parties," to inspect those affairs ; he states, among other tilings, tiie following particulars : — When here- connnended the appointment of these trustees, he littie suspected, tiiat one of them would prove the farthest of any person whatever, from possessing the indispensable qualification of impartiality, in "^^ That is, provided the Commissioners, ia Boston, approved of the appoiut- uieiil. Vol. I. 62 490 LIFi: OF PRESIDK-VT EDWAXvDS. consequence of his being about to become the son-iji-lnw of one of the contending parties. — The preceding year, a very forma] pacifi- cation took place, between P.'lr. Woodbridge and his opponent, with solemn promises made by the latter, that he would tlienceforward live peacefully with Mr. VV., and no more speak ill of him, nor in any wise molest him. But the proposed alliance, the nomination of one of his family as teacher of the female school, and the ap- pointment of himself and his nephew to the Board of Commission- ers, had so elated him, that those promises appeared to be wholly forgotten. A sudden and strange alteration had also appeared, in the temper and conduct of his intended son-in-law, who, in the absence of his colleagues, claimed the sole management of all Indian affairs, so that nothing was done, but he was the doer of it. — The Indians had a most unfavourable opinion of the opponent of Mr. Woodbridge, and the deepest prejudice against him, in consequence of his having often molested them, with respect to their lands, and other affairs, and, as they thought, having done very unjustly by them. This prejudice was extended to the family ; and that to such a degree, that, after offering to feed and clothe such of their children, as should be sent to the school, attempted to be established, only foxir could be procured, three Housatonnucks and one Mohawk ; and the parents of these four complained loudly of the treatment of their children. Whe- ther this prejudice was well or ill founded, it was too deep to be eradicated. — ^Very improper use had been made of the money given by Mr. Mollis. He had made large remittances, and to no good purpose ; and was kept in entire ignorance, as to the actual state of things at Stockbridge. The individual who received his money, and boarded, and professed to instruct, the children, had never es- tablished a regular school, and had never kept any regular accounts of his expenditures. No government was maintained, little atten- tion paid to the manners of the children, and all was suffered to go on in wildness, filth and confusion, to the great offence of such as visited the place. The generous design of Mr. Hollis had been totally defeated, and the large sums of money he had given, had been wholly lost, and worse than lost. The same boys, without this additional expense, would have been far better instructed, and governed, at the school of Mr. Woodbridge. There, they would have been taught reading, cleanliness, good manners, and good mo- rals ; all of which had been wholly neglected, on the part of their professed instructer, who had himself been absent from Stockbridge, for a long period. — This irregularity, and disorderly management, led the Mohawks to take all their children away from him, after the arrival of Mi-. Hawley, and to place them under the care of the latter. Yet the former, washing some pretext for drawing the money of Mr. Hollis, and not being able to procure any ol the Indian LIFE OV rnCSlDENT EUWARUS. -191 boys to form a school, went regularly into the school kept by Mr. Haw- ley, and proceeded to treat the boys, as if they were under his own care ; alleging, that he was the superintendent of the male school.-^ No one had been more open and abundant, in speaking of his use- lessness, his exceeding unfitness for the business of an instructer, and the disorder and filthiness in which things were kept under his care, or in declaring, that it was high time that he was dismissed from the employment, than the resident trustee; but, in conse- quence of his new connection, he had suddenly changed his mind, and now declared, that he must be retained. — A similar change had taken place, in his treatment of Mr. Edwards. For many years, he had constantly professed the highest respect for him, far beyond what the latter could, with any modesty, expect. He had often expressed a higher esteem of him, than of any minister in New-England, as well as a very strong desire of living under his ministry. Yet, although Mr. Edwards had never had a word of difference with him, or his new connections, his whole conduct was suddenly and entirely changed, and he had sided with them, in all their measures of opposition and violence. Very singular management had been used, with respect to Mr. Hawley. Before his arrival, dark representations were carried to him, — misrepresentations of the actual state of things at Stockbridge, — to discourage him from accepting his appointment. Soon after his arrival, it was openly given out, that he would soon be removed. Had it not been for his firmness, prudence, and steadiness of tem- per, he would have been laid under great and permanent disadvan- tages. The resident trustee had warned him not to depend on Mr. Edwards, and challenged to himself the whole authority of di- recting the school, and the affairs of the Indians. — When the So- ciety in London recommended the proposed teacher of the female school, they could not have been aware, that her nearest kinsmen were to be the committee to examine her accounts. But the ac- tual state of things was soon to be still more preposterous. She being the mistress, her neai'est relatives were to be her council, and her husband the sole committee to examine her accounts, and make report to the Legislature. Mr. Edwards then adds, " I write these things, honoured Sir, because I am satisfied you have not heretofore been enlightened, in the true state of things, as you ought to have been. It was my knowledge of some of these matters, though but little in compari- son, which occasioned me, when last in Boston, so earnestly to press the Commissioners frequently to visit this place. I have been ^low to speak. My disposition has been, entirely to suppress what I knew, that would be to the disadvantage of any of the people here. But I dare not hold my peace any longer. You doubtless will own, Sir, that it is but doing you justice, for somebody or other A9-2 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. to let you know the true state of things, in a matter of such vast im- portance, which is under your care, and which you, being at so great a distance, never can know, but by the information of some that live here ; and I know of no one, from whom you can more reasonably expect it, than from the missionary you have sent here, to have the special care of the interests of religion among the In- dians. I did not intend to interfere with the affair of the teacher of the female school, or to say any thing that should tend to hinder it ; and therefore avoided every thing of that nature, in my letter to Sir William Pepperell. But, being now questioned again by the honourable Commissioners, and the tendency of the measure more and more appearing, I thought that this was the time, when God called on me to speak, and that, if I should hold my peace now, I should, perhaps, lay a foundation for great uneasiness to my con- science, all my life after ; when I might deeply lament the contin- ued consequences of my silence, and when it would be too late to speak." The next day, Mr. Edwards addressed a letter to the Commis- sioners in Boston, in which, afer announcing the arrival of Mr. Haw- ley, and the high gratification of the Mohawks, at the establishment of a regular school for their boys, he states the number of his scholars to be, at that time, thirty-six, mentions his happy qualifications as an instructer, and, in compliance with their request, gives, very summarily, his own views, respecting a proper teacher for the fe- male boarding-school. During the spring of 1752, the state of affairs in Stockbridge, instead of improving, only grew worse. The interference of the former school-master with the school of Mr. Hawley, produced so much confusion, that, in the latter part of April, one half of the Mohawks left Stockbridge, in utter disgust with him and his friends, and fully resolved never to return. A few days after their departure, an intimate friend of the former school-master and his associates, visiting the male Mohawk school, under the care of Mr. Hawley, struck a child of the chief Sachem of the Onoh- quaugas on the head, with his cane, without any manner of provocation. The mother of this child was a woman of remarkable piety. This unhappy occurrence excited the universal indignation of the remaining Iroquois ; and they appeared resolved, all of them, to pack up their effects immediately, and be gone. Mr. Hawley and the interpreter, finding it impossible to calm them, came to Mr. Edwards for advice ; but he, having been often blamed for in- terfering with the affairs of the Iroquois, and told that, in doing so, he meddled with that which was none of his business, referred them to the resident trustee ; advising them to represent the whole affair to him, that he might use proper means to prevent the fatal LirE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 493 consequences, which were feared. Their doing so was, how- ever, regarded as the result of a disposition to find fault with him, and his friends. The chiefs of the Onohquaugas, finding no redress, went to Mr. Edwards to make their complaint for this violent assault. There they found the aggressor ; who, in order to pa- cify them, was persuaded to pay them a sum of money. The resi- dent trustee, angry at what had occurred, went, to the boarding school, and proceeded to abuse Mr. Hawley in the presence of the whole school, in a very fervid manner ; telling him that he was a man of no judgment, and of no prudence, and that he was unfit for the business he was in ; and continued this abuse for three hours to- gether. As his conversation was very loud, the Iroquois heard it, and came to the spot, expressing their fears for the personal safety of Mr. Hawley, to whom they had become much attached. Ap- prehending that, in consequence of this violence, he might be in- duced to leave Stockbridge, they declared, in a body, that, if he went away, they would go also. By these occurrences, the In- dians were as effectually alienated from the resident trustee, as they had previously been from his new friends. In consequeuce of these unhappy measures, and of a settled de- termination, on his part, to take, in the absence of his colleagues, the whole management of Indian affairs on himself; they also were disgusted. One of them relinquished all connection with the busi- ness, and ceased to visit Stockbridge altogether. The other openly announced his entire discouragement, and declared that he would do his utmost to induce the government to withdraw their support from the establishment of the Iroquois. This led to an attempt to procure the dismission of the latter, and the appointment of a con- nection of the resident trustee ; which however proved unsuccess- ful. At the same time, it was publicly and repeatedly announced, that Mr. Edwards himself would be removed from his mission ; and, as soon after appeared, a vigourous attempt was actually made to accomplish this object.* Having stated these facts, in a letter to the Secretary of the Com- missioners, of May, 1752, Mr. Edwards proceeds, — "But still I think there is no necessity of the Iroquois establishment being bro- ken up, unless its enemies are resolved to have it so. The de- pendence of the estabhshment, as to continuance and pros- *With reluctance I liave yielded to the necessity of tliis minuteness of detail; but the fact, that Mr. Edwards had no very marked success in his Stockbridge mission, cannot otherwise be adequately explained ; and the failure of the Iro- quois establishment at Stockbridge cannot otherwise be accounted for. Unhap- pily the Indians at that place, like all other Indians in the vicinity of the whites, were exposed to the impositions, the seductions and the oppressions, of their civilized neighbours. In these counteracting causes, both the friends, and the enemies, of Indian Missions may learn, why it is so difficult to reform and christianize savages. 404 LIFE or Pl!E31Di:XT EDWARDS. perity, is chiefl\' on the Onoliquauaas, who are much the best disposed of any of" the Ircc|uois, and most Hkely to come in consi- derable numbers. They have not been here so long as the others, to see so much to discourage them, and they alone are willing to settle at the Hop-lands. The affair is not at all desperate as to them, nor as to some of the Mohawks, if there be a speedy alteration. But if the two individuals, who challenge to themselves the whole direction of the affairs of the Iroquois, continue here, there is no hope of the continuance of Mr. Hawley, or of Mr. Ashley and his wife. They will not continue under one, whom they regard as so despotic an inspector. And there will be no way to retain any of the Indians, unless it be some who are entirely mercenary, who may be persuaded to stay, for the sake of the presents that are made them, and to be maintained and live here in mere idleness. This, it is now very apparent, is all that moves many of the Con- neenchees, in being and continuing here." " The resident trustee* has plainly discovered many designs, tending to bring money into his own pocket : viz. a design of ta- king care of Mr. Hollis' boys himself; a design of being steward of both boarding-schools, by which he will have the opportunity of supplying the Indians out of his own shop, and of getting his pay from the British funds ; a design of introducing his son, as the master of the boarding-school, under the idea of a present supply, another proper person not appearing ; and an expectation of divert- ing the King's bounty, of £500 sterling to the Six Nations, from New- York. The former school-master has given hints of an agree- ment, between himself and him, to resign the care of Mr. Hollis' scholars to him, when things are ripe for it; he providing for their main- tenance, and taking care of their instruction by his son. Beside these things, his wife is to be mistress of the female school ; and two of their sons to be maintained and educated at the public ex- pense ; and two of their girls, in like manner, to be maintained in the female school ; and one of his family to be his wife's usher ; and his servants to be paid for, under the character of servants employed in the affairs of the female school ; and the house for the boarding- school set on his wife's land ; and then the farm to be bought by the country for the school, with the advantage of selling it at a high rate ; and yet the family in a great measure to be maintained on the produce of it ; beside the advantage of carrying on a trade, both with the Stockbridge Indians, and the Mohawks. A man had need to have a great stock of assuredness, to urge a public affair, under so manifold temptations of private interest." The time of Mr. Edwards had been so much occupied by his * I have regarded the iisp of the (tntonomasia as correct, in this, and fiojne other, quotations. i.irK Of I'Kf-iiiuic-xr }:i>WAKDS. , '11/5 removal from Northampton, the comfortable establishment of his family at Stockbridge, the ordinary duties of Ifts parish and ]'. -i mission, the claims of the Mohawks, tlie concerns of the various In- dian schools, and the unhappy contentions of the whites ; that he had, at first, no leisure to attend to the Reply of 3Ir. Williams. In the latter part of the spring, however, he began an answer to that gentleman, which he sent to the press, the beginningof July,* with the following title : "Misrepresentations Corrected, and Truth Vindicated, in a Re- ply to the Rev. Mr. Solomon Williams' Book, entitled. The True State of the (Question, concerning the Q^ualljications, necessary to Law- ful Communio7i, in the Christian Sacraments^ It was read with deep interest by both parties, was admitted by both, to be a trium- phant answer to the "True State of the Question," and, taken in connection with the " Humble Attempt," was regarded by the friends of Strict Communion, at that time, as it has ever since been, as an imanswerable defence of their system. If the oppo- sers of that system have not so regarded it, they have not publicly avowed the opposite opinion ; as no attempt to answer it has hith- erto appeared. Mr. Williams is said to have asked the advice of some of his friends, among the clergy, whether he had better com- mence a reply ; but, finding that no one would encourage him to an attempt, which must end in reiterated defeat, he is reported to have sat down in mortified silence. Appended to this publication, was a Letter from Mr. Edwards, to his late flock at Northampton. They had published Mr. Wil- liams' pamphlet, at their own expense, and distributed it to every family in the town. That pamphlet, though so unsuccessful an at- tempt to answer Mr. Edwards, was yet filled with many lax and sceptical notions, derived from the writings of Dr. Taylor of Norwich, and apparently adopted by Mr. Williams, in the existing emergency, though in direct opposition, not only to Mr. Stoddard, whom he professed at once to venerate and defend, but to his own former publications. Though Mr. Edwards knew that tlie work of Mr. W. must soon go to its proper place, yet he also knew the state of fervid excitement, in which his former congregation had long been ; that they had printed and dispersed the pamphlet of Mr. W., (even without knowing its contents,) as an answer to his own Treatise, and thus, in a sense, had adopted it before the world, as their own work. These circumstances led him to fear, that the fa- tal errors, abounding in the work of Mr. Williams, might, at a pe- riod when the principles of Dr. Taylor, of Norwich, were gaining many converts in the colonies, mislead many, especially of the young, among his former people. To save them from this danger. * It was not publisiied, until November. 496 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. he addressed to them an affectionate, and truly pastoral, Letter, which will be found at the close of the Answer to Mr. Williams.* On the 29th of June, 1752, Mr. Edwards married his third daughter, Esther, to the Rev. Aaron Burr, of Newark, Presi- dent of theCollege of New- Jersey, then established in that town, and a few years afterwards removed to Princeton. In the following letter to Mr. Erskine, which is rich in intelli- gence, as well as thought, the reader will find one fact, not gene- rally known, — that Mr. Edwards, in the latter part of the summer of 1751, was applied to, with much earnestness, by some parish in Virginia, to go and settle with them in the ministry. They offered him a handsome support, and sent a messenger with the offer , but his instalment at Stockbridge had taken place, before his arrival. " To the Rev. John Erskine. ^^Stockbridge, July 7, 1752. "Rev. and dear Brother, " The last s})ring I received a letter from you, dated, at the be- ginning, July 17, and at the end, Sept. 5, 1751; and the week before last I received another letter, dated Feb. 11, 1752, with a packet, containing Arnauld De la frequente Communion; Good- win's Sermon at the ordination of Mr. Pickering; Mr. Jarvis' Ser- mon on methods for reviving religion ; Reasons of dissent from the sentence of the General Assembly; Edwards on Christ, God-man, Mr. Hartley's Sermon; Parish on the Assembly's Catechism; and Dr. Gill's Sermon on Isaiah 1 1, 12. I heartily thank you for these letters and pamphlets. Arnauld on frequent communion will not be very profitable to me, by reason of my not understanding the French. But several of the rest have been very agreeable to me. That letter which you mention, in your last dated Feb. 11, as sent about a twelve-month before, containing some Remarks on the decay of the power of the Papal Clergy, and an Abstract of Vene- ma's Reasonings to prove, that Judas was not present at the Lord's supper,- 1 never received, and regret it much that I missed it, and request that you would still send me those remarks on the Decay of the Papal Clergy. " I am obliged to you for the particular information, you have given me, concerning Mr. Adam of Falkirk's affair. Though it is a pity so deserving a person should suffer at all from his brethren, only for not acting contrary to his conscience ; yet it is matter of thankfulness, that the Assembly of the year 51 showed so much better temper, than that of the preceding year. I shall be glad to + This exccUeiit Letter, oiiiited here for want of room, will be found in Vol. IV. pp. 597—600. aiul should be read in this i)Iace. LIFE OF PUESIDENT EDWARDS. 'V' I hear, concernins; the temper aiul conduct of the Assembly of this present year, '52. " I am sorry to learn, that there is so much reason to fear, that tlie Revival of religion in the Netherlands, will be hindered, and brought under a cloud, through the prevailing of imprudences. It is what I was afraid I should hear. 1 should be glad to see the Pastoral Letter you mention against Fanaticism, though written by one disaffected to the revival. I wish I could see a History of En- thusiasm, through all ages, written by some good hand, a hearty friend of vital religion, a person of accurate judgment, and large acquaintance with ecclesiastical history. Such a history, well written, inight doubdess be exceedingly useful and instructive, and of great benefit to the Church of God : especially, if there were united with it a proper account and history of true religion. I should tlierefore choose, that the work should be a history of true, vital and experimental. Religion, and Enthusiasm : bringing down the history from age to age, judiciously and clearly making the dis- tinction, between one and tlie odier ; observing the difference of source, progress and issue; properly pointing out the limits, and doing justice to each, in every age, and at each remarkable period. I don't know that there is any such thing extant, or any thing that would, in any good measure, answer the same purpose. If diere be, I should be glad to hear of it. " I thank you for the account, you give me of Mr. Taylor's wri- tings, and of die things, which he is doing to propagate his opinions. It now appears to be a remarkable time, in the christian world ; per- haps such an one, as never has been before : things are going down hill so fast, and ti'utli and religion, bodi of heart and practice, are de- parting by such swift steps, that I think it must needs be, that a cri- sis is not very far off, and what will then appear, I will not pi'etend to determine. " The last week, I sent away my Answer to Mr. Williams. If I live till it is published, I will endeavour to send one to you, and some odier friends in Scotland. I hope now, in a short time, to be at leisure to resume my design, of writing something on the Arminian controversy. I have no thought of going through with all parts of die controversy at once ; but the subject, which I inten- ded, God willing, first to write something upon, was Freeivill and Moral .Agency; endeavouring, with as much exactness as 1 am able, to consider the nature of that freedom of moral agents, which makes them the proper subjects of moral government, inoral pre- cepts, councils, calls, motives, persuasions, promises and threaten- ings, praise and blame, rewards and jiiuiishments : strictly exami- ning tlie modern notiojis of these things, endeavouring to demon- strate their most palpable inconsistency and absurdity ; endeavour- ing also to bring the late great objections and outcries against Cal- vinistic divinity, from these topics, to the test of the strictest rea- VoL. I. 63 498 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. soning ; and particularly that great objection, in which the modern writers have so much gloried, so long triumphed, with so great a degree of insult towards the most excellent divines, and in effect against the gospel of Jesus Christ: — viz. That the Calvinistic no- tions of God's moral government are contrary to the common sense of mankind. In this essay, I propose to take particular notice of the writings of Dr. Whitby, and j\Ir. Chubb, and the writings of some others, who, though not properly Pelagians, nor Arminians, yet, in their notions of the freedom of the will, have, in the main, gone into the same scheme. But, if I live to prosecute my de- sign, I shall send you a more particular account of my plan, after it is perfected. " I suppose there has been a trial before now, whether a national collection can be obtained in Scotland, for New- Jersey College : unless it has been thought prudent, by such as are friends of the affair, to put it off a year longer ; as some things I have seen, seem to argue. There was a design of Mr. Pemberton's going to England and Scotland. He was desired by the Trustees, and it was his settled purpose, to have gone the last year ; but his people, and his colleague, Mr. Cummings, hindered it. His intention of going occasioned great uneasiness among his people, and created some dissatisfaction towards him, in the minds of some of them. Since that, President Burr has been desired to go, by the unani- mous voice of the Trustees. Nevertheless, I believe there is little probability of his consenting to it; partly, on the account of his having lately entered into a married state. On the 29th of last montli, he was married to my third daughter. " What you write of the appointment of a gentleman, to the office of Lieut. Governour, of Virginia, who is a friend of religion, is an event, that the friends of religion in America have great reason to rejoice in ; by reason of the late revival of religion in that pro- vince, and the opposition that has been made against it, and the great endeavours to crush it, by many of the chief men of the province. Mr. Davies, in a letter I lately received from him, dated March 2, '52, mentions the same thing. His words are, " we have a new Governour ; who is a candid, condescending gentleman. And, as he has been educated in the church of Scotland, he has a respect for the Presbyterians ; which 1 hope is a happy omen." I was in the latter part of the last summer, applied to, with much earnestness and importunity, by some of the people of Virginia, to come and settle among them, in the work of the ministry ; who subscribed handsomely for my encouragement and support, and sent a mes- senger to me Willi their request and subscriptions ; but I was in- stalled at Stockbridge, before the messenger came. I have writ- ten some account of die state of things, at Stockbridge, to Mr. McLaurin ; which you doubtless will have opportunity to see. " July 24. The people of Northampton are still destitute of a UFK OF PRKSIDKNT KUWAIU)^. 499 minister, and in broken, sorrowful circumstances. They had the last winter, Mr. • Farrand, a young gentleman from Neu-Jcrsey College ; but contended much about him, so that he has left them. They are now in a state of contention ; my warmest opposers are quarrelling among themselves. I hear they have lately sent for a young preacher, a Mr. Green of Barnstable, who is soon expected ; but I know nothing of his character. " Another minister has lately been dismissed from his people, on the same account that I was dismissed from Northampton : viz. Mr. Billings, of Cold Spring. Many of the Cold Spring people were originally of Northampton, were educated in the principles, and have followed the example, of the people there. "• I heartily thank you, for the accounts you have from time to time sent me of new books, that are published in Great Britain. I desire you w^ould continue such a favour. I am fond of knowing how things are going on in the literary world. "Mr, John Wright, a member of New-Jersey College; who is to take the degree of Bachelor of Arts, the next September ; is now at my house. He was born in Scotland; has lived in Virgi- nia ; is a friend and acquaintance of Mr. Davies ; has a great inter- est in the esteem of the religious people of Virginia, and is peculiar- ly esteemed by President Burr; has been admitted to special inti- macy with him ; and is a person of very good character for his understanding, prudence, and piety. He has a desire to have a correspondence with some divine of his native country, and has chosen you for his correspondent, if he may be admitted to s.ich a favour. He intends to send you a letter with this, of which I would ask a favourable reception, as he has laid me under some special obligations. " My wife joins with me in affectionate salutations to you, and Mrs. Erskine. Hoping that we shall continue to remember each other at the Throne of Grace, 1 am, " Dear Sir, " Your affectionate and obliged " Brother and Servant, "Jonathan Edwards." Soon after he had entered on the mission at Stockbridge, Mr. Edwards addressed the Rev. Mr. Hollis, by letter, concerning the Indian schools, and the state of the mission at large. The obser- vations of a year had now brought him far more intimately ac- quainted with the actual state of things, and particularly, with the manner in which the annual benefactions of that gentleman had been expended; and he felt himself bound, at whatever hazard, to make the facts known. In doing this, he presented him, in a letter bear- ing date July 17, 1752, with a succinct and well drawn history of the mission, and stated, in general terms, the unhappy disagree- 500 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS. ment, subsisting among the English inhabitants of Stockbridge, as well as various other circumstances of malignant aspect, which threatened ruin to the mission, and to the Indian schools. Want of room forbids its insertion. With this letter, he fonvardcd to Mr. HoUis a certificate, from a large number of the most respectable people of the town, stating the actual conduct of his agent or in- structor, the condition of the Indian boys, and the manner in which his benefactions had been perverted. The firm and undeviating course of conduct pursued by Mr. Edwards, with regard to the Indian schools, and the general con- cerns of the mission, at length convinced the resident trustee, and his new friends, that they had nothing to hope, from any compli- ances on his part. They resolved, therefore, if possible, to effect his removal from Stockbridge. With this view, that gentleman re- paired to Boston, and endeavoured, in conversation, not only with the Commissioners, but with some of the principal men in the go- vernment, (and among others, with the Secretary of the Province,} to produce in their minds very unfavourable impressions concern- ing him : particularly, that he was a man of an unyielding cha- racter, and unwilling to be reconciled to those, from whom he had differed ; and that, by this course, he was likely to ruin the Indian mission. The friends of Mr. Edwards, in Boston, giving him timely notice of tliis attempt ; he addressed a letter to the Hon. Mr. Willard, in his own defence, bearing date July 17, 1752 ; in which, he so effectually refuted these representations, that the in- fluence of that gentleman was permanently secured, in favour of the mission, and its real friends. CHAPTER XXVII. l^oto of thanks of Commissioners. — Sermon at JVejcark. — Mea- sures of the enemies oj the Mission defeated. — Letter to Mr. Oliver. Freedom of the tVill. — Letter to Mr. Erskine. — De- position of Mr. Gillespie. — Letter to do. — Letter to Mr. M Culloch.— Report of Indian Agent.— Reply of Mr. Ed- laards. — Further defeat of the enemies of the Mission. On the 29tli of June, the Secretary of the Commissioners in Boston, forwarded, by their direction, to Mr. Edwards and Mr. Hawley, an official expression of the approbation, entertained by that 13oard, of the firmness and integrity manifested by them, in tlicir conduct relative to the Stockbridge mission.* The Commis- sioners knew of the attempt made, to shake their own confidence, and that of the public, in their agents in that mission ; and, doubt- less, intended, by this prompt and unequivocal act of justice, at once to sustain the hearts of these gentlemen, under their severe trials, and to make it manifest to all men, that, notwithstanding that attempt, they continued to repose in them an undiminished confi- dence. In his reply, bearing date Aug. 27, 1752, Mr. Edwards, after returning his thanks to those gentlemen, for this very deci- sive expression of their favourable opinion, made to their Secretary his regulai- Report of the state of the mission. After observing, that the people of the town, both English and Indians, notwithstanding repeated and vigorous eftbrts, to break up tlieir union, and, particularly, to excite a disaffection in tliem to- wards their ministers, were all happily united in opinion and affec- tion, except one individual and his family ; ho mentions the alli- ance of the resident trustee with his family, which took place soon after the arrival at Stockbridge of his nephew from Con- necticut. The latter gentleman soon called on Mr. Edwards, and, after alluding to the fact, that he was opposed to the appointment of his cousin, as superintendent of the female board- ing-school, insisted, as a member of the Society in London, and of the board of Commissioners, on knowing his reasons ; and, at the same time, offered to be the instrument of set- tling the differences subsisting at Stockbridge. Mr. Edwards, * The copy designed for Mi . Hawley, was inclosed in the letter to Mr. Ed- wards. Probably a similar vote was forwarded dtrtcllf/ to i\lr. Woodbridffo, as that gentleman always cnjoyod tlioir fullest confidrnce. 502 LIFE or PRESIDENT EDWARDS. preferring to answer this demand by letter, declined to make a re- presentation of the case before him, but offered to join with him, in an earnest representation to the board of Commissioners, that they would appoint a Committee, to come on the spot, to enquire into the existing difficulties ; on the ground, that it was more pro- per to have such a Committee, as judges or mediators, than an in- dividual, who was very nearly related to the family, chiefly inter- ested in these contentions ; and proposed, that the Commissioners, by their Committee, should be desired to look into tlie manage- ment of the affairs of Stockbridge, from the beginning, by all the living inhabitants and residents of the town, who had had any hand in them, in any respect; declaring himself ready, to open himself with freedom, before such a Committee. — His correspondent, in reply, declined this proposal, reasserted his right to know the objec- tions to the proposed teacher of the boarding-school, and intimated the regret which he should feel, if obliged to inform the Society in London, of the existing state of things at Stockbridge. — Mr. Edwards, in his answer, insisted anew on his former proposal, of referring the case to the Commissioners, declared himself not satisfied, that his cor- respondent, acting singly, had authority to demand the reasons of his judgment, as to the teacher of the female school, whatever the So- ciety in London, or their Commissioners in Boston, acting as a body, might have; and concluded, by referring himself again to the Commissioners, who were his constituents, and who had, a little be- fore, informed him, that they looked upon tlieir agents, as account- able to them only. The arrival of this gentleman, and tlie assurances he gave them of his influence with the Society in London, revived for a time, the drooping courage of his friends, particularly of the resident trustee, and of the agent of Mr. Hollis, who had, just before that event, re- solved on removing from Stockbridge. — Having thus alluded to the mischievous consequences, growing out of this unhappy state of things, Mr. Edwards proceeds, — " Thus things go on, in a state of confusion, of which those at a distance can scarcely have any idea. In the mean time, the affair of the Six Nations is languishing to death. The affair of the Mohawks is, I fear, past recovery, and in a manner dead. They seem to be discouraged, are most of them gone, and I do not expect will come up again ; unless it be to get presents, and satisfy their hunger, in the present time of great scar- city in their own country. They have apparently very much given up the idea, of coming hither for instruction. The Onohquaugas have not been here so long, to be discouraged by our manage- ment. But if things go on in this manner, it may be expected that they Avill be discouraged also. The management of things has a great while been in wrong hands. They ought to be conducted ex- clusively by the Commissioners, who have had the care of Stock- bridge affairs ; but here are others, who seem to aim to engross all LIFE Of PRESIDENT ECVVAllBS. 50o to themselves, to be indefatigably active in prosecuting their particular designs, and impatient of every thing taat stands in their way. " Very much depends on the appointment of a teacher of the female school. If that affair is settled to tlieir minds, their influ- ence here is well established. They are sensible that affairs de- pend very much on this simple point, and therefore this is the point they drive at v\ith all their might. The wisdom of tlie Conmiis- sioners will easily discover, that this is the juncture, in which the foundation is to be laid of the future state of things in Stockbridge : of their prosperity or adversity ; and perhaps with no opportunity of future redress. I look upon myself, as called upon to speak somewhat freely, at such a juncture ; and therefore I hope my so ^.oing will be candidly interpreted by the Commissioners. I do not think that our affairs will ever prosper, if they must be under tlie hands of the resident trustee and his friends." In the month of Septem.ber, Mr. Edwards went into New Jer- sey, and, on the 28th of that month, preached a sermon from James ii. 19, before the Synod at Newark, entitled, '-True Grace distinguished from the Experience of Devils ;" which was published at their request. It is a clear, condensed and powerful, exhibition of the differences between real religion and its counterfeits, and will be found eminently useful, as a criterion of christian character. In the unhappy controversy, between Mr. Woodbridge, and his opponent, perhaps no one circumstance had been more mortifying to the latter, or had had a more direct tendency to defeat all his measures, than the fact, that the white inhabitants of the town, (his own immediate family connections excepted,) as well as the Indians of both nations, were, to a man, opposed to himself, and friendly to his antagonist. This rendered his daily Hfe uncomfortable ; it discouraged every attempt to forward his plans at the public meetings of the town ; and when any point in controversy was to be decided, or any meagre attempted, at Boston, he found that Mr. Woodbridge had a host of substantial witnesses on the spot, who gave in their testimony without fear. In tliis way, hitherto, every important de- sign had been frustrated. The winter, that was approaching, was regarded by both parties as a most important and interesting period ; during which, in all probability, the affairs of the mission, and of the town, would be brought to a crisis. Those opposed to Mr. Woodbridge, were not ignorant, that, if Mr. Edwards were continued as the missionary at Stockbridge, such was his influence at Boston, and his general weight of character, there was too much probability, that Mr. Wood- bridge would be continued the school-master of the Housaton- nucks, and Mr. Hawley of the Iroquois. In that case, there was 604 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. but little chance of the female school being placed in the desired hands; if that failed, the stewardship of all the schools would fail ; and then the whole system of measures, apparently so happily con- ceived, would be defeated. But if Mr. Edwards could be removed from Stockbridge, the removal of Mr. Woodbridge would be at- tended with less difficulty ; that of Mr. Hawley, a young man, would follow of course, which would make way, for the son of the resident trustee ; these changes would almost necessarily ensure the female school, as v^^ell as the stewardship and agency, in the fa- mily ; and then the oth^r objects in view, could scarcely fail to be accomplished. As so much depended on the fact, whether Mr. Edwards was continued at Stockbridge, or not ; there seemed to be held out, to minds capable of being influenced by them, very strong inducements, to make one vigourous effort to effect his re- moval. This was accordingly resolved on, and, by some of the persons concerned, incautiously proclaimed. One of the steps, taken to accomplish this so desired object, is mentioned in the following letter. Whether it was one of the measures concerted, or was the self-suggested plan of the individual, who attempted to execute it, does not certainly appear. Could he have succeeded, could the English inhabitants of the town have been changed, and a new set of inhabitants have been introduced, all of them his adherents ; no event probably would have so much furthered the objects in view. The almost utter impossi- bility of its success, connected with its total and immediate discom- fiture, rendered the attempt supremely ridiculous, and covered the individual making it, and his party, with confusion. " To Andrew Oliver, Esquire. " Stockbridge, Oct. 1752. " Sir, " Since my letter of Aug. 27, various things have occurred among us, of which it may not be improper to inform you. It seems as though there was a resolution, in the people on tlie hill, to carry their schemes into effect, though the earth should be removed for it. The opponent of Mr. Woodbridge has lately made a vigourous and vehement attempt, suddenly to change the Eng- lish inhabitants of the town, by buying out, at once, the old inhabitants in general. To this end, he arose very early in the morning, and went out before day, and called some of them out of their beds, offering to buy their farms. In this manner, he went from one to another, until he had been to almost all the inhabitants, in that forenoon ; offering very high prices, and cash in hand; vehemently pressing that the bargain should be immediately closed, and the wi'itings drawn, and the afiair com- pleted, without delay ; urging it most pressingly on each one. One of the inhabitants completed and finished the affair with LIPK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. OO'' Wm. Some others came to a verbal agreement, on conditions. But, notwithstanding the great and extraordinary vigour, with wiiich this matter was carried on, yet the design was discovered, before it could be completed, and so disappointed ; and then his friends, and he himself too, were glad to lay tliis conduct to distraction. " A scheme is plainly laid, entirely to thrust Mr. Hawley out of the schools ; let his friends and constituents do what they will to prevent it. The resident trustee has told JMr. Hawley, that it is the design of Mr. HoUis' former school-master, to set up a distinct independent school, under another teacher, whom he shall provide to keep the school on Mr. HoUis' behalf, and that he intends to take up all boys who come, to board them and clothe them well, better than heretofore. Probably he presumes, that the clothing and pre- sents that will be offered, will tempt them all to subject themselves to himself, rather than to Mr. Hawley. " I have lately been a journey to Newark, in New-Jersey, where I saw Mr. Hazzard, a merchant in New- York, who told me that he, the last June, received and answered two bills from him, drawn on Mr. Hollis, of £80 sterling apiece. By this, it appears, that he has drawn full pay from Mr. Hollis, for the two years past, as much as he had in the preceding years, without clotliing the boys in the least : imposing on Mr. Hollis, in an almost unprecedented manner, considering the greatness of the injury, the plainness of the case, and the obstinacy with which he has pioceed- ed to such a step, after this part of the country had been, so long a time, so full of objections to his being here at IMr. Hollis' expense, without being engaged in the business to which Mr. Hollis ap- pointed him, and for which, he agreed to send him his money. In the beginning of the year before last, he professedly threw up Mr, HoUis' school, and dismissed all his boys, supposing that Mr. Hollis was dead ; it having been long since he heard any thing from him. In what he did afterwards, in teaching the Mohawks, he did not pretend to proceed on' Mr. Hollis' plan, or with any expectation of any pay from him. And he never pretended to take up any boys on Mr. Hollis' account, till about a year afterwards, viz. the last autumn, after he had received a letter from Mr. Hollis ; and it is but litde he has done since. The charge he has been at, in cloth- ing the boys, is but a trifle. He has never really kept any school at all, though sometimes he has pretended to teach some children to read, in a most confused manner. But, through a great part of the last year, he has not done even that. He has been absent, at least one third of the year ; and the greater part of the time that he has been here, he has not had so much as the shadow of a school, nor been in any business whatsoever. " I some time ago wrote a letter to I\Ir. Hollis, giving him some account of tlie state of his affairs here, accompanied with letters Vol. r. 64 0O6 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. from some of the inhabitants of Stockbridge. I desired Mr. Prince to show those letters to some of the Commissioners. " One of the Trustees has lately been here, but staid only two or three days. While he was here, there was little else but alter- cation, and warm contest, between his colleague and him, concern- ing the mode of managing affairs, and concerning the female school. And he is gone away entirely discouraged, with a resolution to have no more to do with the affairs of Stockbridge, which, he says, are blown up already. If it be not altogether so, yet I think it is high time the Hon. Commissioners had full information of the state of things among us. We have long waited for an op|3ortunity to send, but none has presented. Mr. Hawley meets with many things to discourage him ; his circumstances here are very difficult and precarious ; he greatly needs the advice of the Commissioners ; he has a strong inclination to see the Commissioners himself, and to confer with them, freely and fully, about the affairs in which he is concerned ; and it appears to me necessary that he should do this, both for the public interest, and on his own account. He is kept out of business, and probably very good business, in which he might settle elsewhere ; and I do not wonder that he is uneasy, and thinks it necessary to talk with the Commissioners. We have had thoughts of his staymg, until Mr. Woodbridge went to the Ge- neral Court, the necessity of whose going appears more and more apparent ; but the Court being prorogued, and we not knowing for how long a time ; and the important matters of intelligence to the Commissioners, and to Mr. Hollis, having been so long delayed for want of opportunity, which so much require their speedy notice ; our calamhies also continuing, and growing worse and worse ; and it being now a time, wherein most of the Mohawks are gone, and so a time in which Mr. Hawley can be absent, with far less incon- venience than some time hence, when many of the Mohawks are expected down, in consequence of the want of provisions in their own country ; and considering that probably the Commissioners might have a more free opportunity, to hear and consider Mr. Haw- ley's representations now, than in the time of the sitting of the Court I and likewise, that it might be some convenience to the Commissioners, to have notice of the state of our affairs, so as to ripen their thoughts with regard to them, before the sitting of the Court ; — I say, considering these things, it was thought advisable for Mr. Hawley not to delay his journey. That the Most High would give wisdom, and counsel and success to the Commission- ers, in their consultations on our affairs, and direct and aid those who are here employed, in so important a service, is the humble and earnest prayer of '^ Their most obedient servant, " Jonathan Edwards." LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. AG? From tliese scenes of unsuccessful intrigue, and disappointed avarice, all notice of which, could the life ol" Mi'. Edwards, as a missionary at Stockbridge, have been fairly exhibited without thus detailing them, would have been most gladly dispensed with ; the reader will turn with pleasure, even for a short interval, to connnu- nications prompted by friendship, and relating to tlie more general interests of the Church. Some years before this, through the kindness of J\}r. Erskine, he had received the writings of some of the more considerable Arminian writers, particularly of Dr. Taylor of Norwich, and Dr. Turnbull ; which, with those of Dr. Whitby, and those of Chubb and Tindal, already in his possession, furnished him with the means of examining their whole system. This examination he commenced, in form, a considerable time before he left Northamp- ton ; and in the summer of 1747, as we have already seen, he an- counced, in his first letter to Mr. Erskine, the general plan of a Discourse on the Freedom of the Will, and Moral Agency. This subject drew his attention, even while he was a member of Col- lege ; and, from an investigation of the nature of Power, to which he was led by reading the article, in the Essay on the Human Understanding, relating to that subject, he derived the all important principle, That Men, in a proper sense, maybe said to have POWER to abstain FROM SIN, AND TO REPENT, TO DO GOOD WORKS, AND TO LIVE HOLiLY ; BECAUSE IT DEPENDS ON THEIR WILL. — After Mr. Edwards had thus announced his plan, his attention was necessarily diverted from its execution, dur- ing his residence in Northampton, by the controversy respecting the Qualifications for Communion — his Treatise on that subject, and tlie many perplexities and embarrassments, w hich terminated in his dismission. His removal from Northampton, the establish- ment of his family at Stockbridge, the Answer to Mr. Williams, and his ordinary duties as minister and missionary, and the unhap- py controversy subsisting respecting the mission, engrossed his whole time, until July, 1752. In August following, he entered up- on the work, and pursued it a short time ; but the violence of that controversy, and the attempts of the party hostile to Mr. Wood- bridge, to force him from Stockbridge, compelled him to intermit his labours. Some of these circumstances are alluded to, in the following letter to Mr. Erskine, in which the reader will also find some interesting details, relative to the Dutch Church, and to the state of religion in New- Jersey. " Stockbridge, November 23, N. S. 1752. '' Rev. AND DEAR Brother, " In August last, I WTote to you, and sent away the letter, (with 508 LIFE eP PRESIDENT EDWARDS, letters to some of my other correspondents,) to Boston, to be con- veyed to Scotland. Therein I acknowledged the receipt of two Letters from you, one of July 17, '51 ; another of Feb. 11, '52; with the pamphlets, put with the last letter ; and now acknowledge the receipt of another letter from you of May 14, '52; and the pamphlets you sent with the last. The letter I received the latter end of September : the pamphlets I did not receive till very late- ly : they were forgotten by Mr. Prince. The Treatise against Fanaticism, I shall have no benefit fiom, because I am not ac- quainted with the French language. What the Jewish Convert has published of his conversion, etc., is very agreeable. And I now heartily thank you for this letter and packet. I am very glad to see what you write concerning the state of religion in the Ne- therlands. But I believe there is more of a mixture of what is bad with the good, that appears in that land, than Mr. Kennedy, and many other ministers there, are aware of; and that they will find, tliat the consequences of their not carefully and critically dis- tinguishing between the good and bad, and guarding with the ut- most caution and diligence against the latter, will prove worse than they now conceive of. By your account, it is now exactly with Mr. Kennedy, as it was with many pious ministers in America, in the time of the great religious moving here. They looked upon critical enquiries, into the difference between true grace and its counterfeits, or at least a being very busy in such enquiries, and spending time in them, to be impertinent and unseasonable ; tend- ing rather to damp the work of the Spirit of God, than promote it ; diverting their own minds, and the minds of others, as they suppo- sed, from that to which God, at such an extraordinary time, did loudly call them more especially to attend. The cry was, O, there is no danger, if loe are but lively in religion, and full of God^s Spirit, and live by faith, of being misled ! If we do but folloio God, there is no danger of being led wrong ! ' Tis the cold, car- nal and lifeless, that are most likely to be blind, and walk in dark- ness. Let us press forward, and not stay and hinder the good work, by standing and spending time in these criticisms and carnal reasoning ! etc. etc. This was the language of many, till they ran on deep into the wilderness, and were taught by the briars and thorns of the wilderness. However, 'tis no wonder that divines in Europe will not lay very much weight on the admonitions they re- ceive from so obscure a part of the world. Other parts of the church of God, must be taught as we have been ; and when they see and feel, then they will believe. Not that I apprehend there is in any measure so much enthusiasm and disorder, mixed with the work in Holland, as was in many parts of America, in the time of the last revival of religion here. But yet I believe the work must be more pure, and the people more thoroughly guarded from his wiles, who beguiled Eve through his subtilty, and who corrupts the Life of president edwards. 509 minds of zealous people from the simplicity that is in Christ, before the work goes on to a general conquest, and is maintained in its power and glory for a great length of time. But God will have his own way : — " Who, being his counsellour, hath taught Him ?" We must expect confusion and uproar, before we have that abundance of peace and truth, which the Scriptures speak of: many nmst run to and fro, and knowledge will be increased. "The Dutch ministers in America, whom you mention, whom I have acquaintance with, are some of the younger ministers, and such as were born in America, though several of them have had part of their education in Holland. I have not acquaintance enough with them, to know their sentiments, particularly, about those corrupt mixtures above mentioned, and the care which is to be used in guarding against them. However, 'tis not very likely, if some of them should write to their brethren in Holland, that their letters would have more influence upon them than letters from you, and some others of the ministers of Scodand. Nevertheless, there is a prospect, that there will in time be very happy effects of the grow- ing acquaintance and union, there is between a very considerable number of very hopeful and pious Dutch ministers, in the province of New- York and New-Iersey, and many English and Scotcli ministers in America. The number of well disposed Dutch mi- nisters in diese provinces, has of late remarkably increased; so that I think when they meet togedier in their Coetus, they make the major part. Some of the elder ministers seem to be of quite con- trary sentiment and disposition, not appearing friendly, as the others, to what they esteem the power of religion, nor approving of awa- kening, searching, strict and experimental, preaching: which has occasioned various contests among them. However, the stricter sort being the prevailing part, are like to carry the day. " The Dutch churches in these provinces, have hitherto been so dependent on the Classis in Holland, that, whenever any among them have been educated for the ministry, and any churches have been desirous of their administrations, they could not receive their orders on this side of the water, but have been obliged to go to Holland for ordination : which has been a great incumbrance, tliat has attended the settlement of ministers, among them, and has un- doubtedly been one occasion of such multitudes of the Dutch, be- ing wholly without ministers. Application was made not long since, through the influence of the forementioned serious young ministers, (as I take it,) by the Cojtus here, to the Classis in Holland, for their consent, that diey might unite themselves to the Presbyterian Synod of New-York, which now consists of English and Scotch. But the success of their application was prevented, by a letter written by one of the elder ministers, remonstrating against it, very falsely representing die New- York Synod, as no j)roper Presbyte- rian Synod, but rather a company of Independents. On whiclK 510 LIFE OF PnESIDKNT EDWARDS. the Classis of Holland advised them, by no means, to unite them- selves with that Synod. "The last September I went ajom'ney into New-Jersey, and had opportunity, in my journey, of seeing some of these young ministers, and conversing with them on the subject. They seem resolved, by some means or other, to disengage themselves and tlieir churches, from the forementioned great incumbrance, of being obhged to cross the ocean, for the ordination of every minister. I was much grati- fied, during the little opportunity 1 had, to observe the agreeable disposition of these ministers. " There were, also, many other things I had opportunity to ob- serve, in those parts, which were very agreeable. I was there, at the time of the public Commencement in the College, and the time of the meeting of the Trustees of the College, the time of the meeting of the Correspondents of the Society for propagating christ- ian knowledge, and the time of the meeting of the New- York Sy- nod ; so that I had opportunity to converse with ministers from Long-Island, New- York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The college is in flourishing circumstances ; increases apace ; and is happily regulated. The Trustees seem engaged to their utmost to promote learning, virtue, and true religion, in it ; and none more so than Governour Belcher ; who is the President of the Trustees, and was at the Commencement, and at the Trustees' meeting. But they very much want farther supplies, for the convenient support of the college. I had considerable opportunity to converse with Govern- our Belcher ; and was several times at liis house at Elizabethtown. He labours under many of the infirmities of age, but savours much of a spirit of religion, and seems very desirous of doing all the good he can, while he fives. The New-York Synod is in flourishing circumstances : much more so than the Philadelphia Synod. They have the greatest body of ministers now, and increase much faster than the other. They are in higher credit with the people in al- most all parts, and are chiefly sought to for supplies by distant con- gregations. With respect to the proceedings of the Correspond- ents, they have dismissed Mr. Horton from his mission on Long- Island, and he is about to settle in a congregation in New-Jersey. He was dismissed, by reason of his very much failing of employ- ment : many of the clans of Indians, he used to preach to, having dwindled away, by death or dispersion, and there being but little prospect of success among others that remain, and some being so situated, that they may conveniently be taken care of by other ministers. The Correspondents have it in their view to employ the money, by which lie used to be supported, to support a mission among the Six Nations; after they have found a suitable person to undertake the business of such a mission, and he is fitted for it by learning die language. They used endeavours to obtain a suitable person for the business, in New-Jersey : but, meeting with no sue- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 511 cess, they voted to empower 3Jr. Bellamy, ]Mi*. Hopkins, of Shel- field, and myself, to procure a suitable person, if we can find such an one, in New-England, for the present, to come and live at Stockbridge, to be here learning the iNlohawk language with Mr. Hawle}', our school-master for the Mohawks, to fit him for the mission. Persons proper to be employed, and such as may be ob- tained, are very scarce ; and 'tis doubtful whether we shall be able to obtain one. " There is a very dark cloud, that at present attends the affair, re- lating to the Indians at Stockbridge, occasioned very much by one of the Agents for the Province, (who lives at Stockbridge,) pur- suing measures, very contrary to the measures of the Commission- ers of the Society in London. The opposition is maintained, not with a small degree of stifihess and resolution ; and the contest is become so great, that it has brought things into very great confusion. This gentleman is a man of some note ; and his wife's relations earnestly engage widi him, and many of them are persons of con- siderable figure in die country. The Commissioners all very much dislike his conduct. This contest occasions no misunder- standings among the people in Stockbridge, in general : all, ex- cepting those nearly related to the family, both English and Indi- ans, are happily united to me and my family. It would be very tedious for me to write, and for you to read, all the particulars of this uncomfortable affair. The commissioners are exerting them- selves to relieve us of this calamity ; and it is probable they will be successful. " 1 thank you for the account you give of some valuable books puh- lislied : I desire you would continue to favour me in this manner. I began the last August, to write a litde on the Arminian controversy, but was soon broke off: and such have been my extraordinary avoca- tions and hindrances, that I have not had time to set pen to paper about this matter since. But I hope that God, in his providence, will favour me with opportunity to prosecute the design. And I desire your prayers, that God would assist me in it, and in all the work I am called to, and enable me to conduct my life to his glory and acceptance, under all difficulties and trials. " My wife joins with me, in most hearty and affectionate saluta- tion to you, and Mrs. Erskine. "I am, dear Sir, " Your affectionate and obliged " brother and servant, "Jonathan Edwards. " P. S. I propose with this, to send you Mr. Hobart's Second Adch-ess to the members of die Episcopal Church in New-England, and my Answer to Mr. Williams, which I would desire you to give 51 i i-lFK OF PHESlDKNT EDWARDS. your neighbours, my correspondents, opportunity to read, if they desire it." The correspondence of Mr. Edwards and the Rev. Thomas Gillespie of Carnock, in Scotland, has ah'eady interested the atten- tion of the reader. This Gentleman was born in 1708, pursued his theological studies under Dr. Doddridge, and was ordained and settled in the parish of Carnock, in 1741. He was a faith- ful and indefatigable minister. — " I never, (says Dr. Erskine, who was several months his stated hearer at Carnock, and often heard his occasional efforts in other places,) sat under a minister bet- ter calculated to awaken the tlioughtless and secure, to caution con- vinced sinners against what would stifle their convictions and pre- vent their issuing in conversion, and to point out the differences, between vital Christianity and specious, counterfeit appearances of it." — His popularity and usefulness, were very great, not only in his own parish, but in Edinburgh and the west of Scotland. In 1752, an event occurred, which forms an aera in the Ecclesiasti- cal history of that country. The Rev. Andrew Richardson, of Broughton, was presented to the charge of the town of Inverkei- thing, by the lay patron of the pBrish — the individual who had that living in his gift. — The inhabitants refused to receive him as their minister. The case was appealed from court to court, until the General Assembly, in May, 1752, directed the Presbytery of Dun- fermline to admit Mr. R. to the charge of Inverkeithing, and ap- pointed Mr. Gillespie to preside on the occasion. Mr. Gillespie, and several others in the Presbytery, had conscientious scruples on the subject of lay-patronage, and fully beheved that no one, on the principles of the Gospel, could have any right to place a clergy- man over a parish, but the people themselves.* He therefore, and those who thought with him, declined obedience to the man- date : and while they were subjected to various ecclesiastical cen- sures, he was deposed from the ministry, and removed from the parish of Carnock. When called to the bar, to receive his sen- tence, he replied, " Moderator, I receive this sentence of the Ge- neral Assembly, with reverence and awe. But I rejoice, that it is given to me, on the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on his name, but to suffer for his sake." For about a year, he preached to his people, out of doors, ho- ping that the sentence would be reversed ; at the close of which, a church having been purchased for him in Dunfermline, a short distance from Carnock, he preached there, as an independent, * Lay-patronage was wliolly rejected by the Scotcli Reformers, and was not introduced by law, until 1711. For a long period, the law was regarded as a public grievance, but is now submitted to. LIKE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 513 about six yeai's, unconnected with any associate in the ministry. In 1758, he united with the Rev. Thomas Boston, Jr., and lonned a new establisliment, called. The Prcslnjtery of Relief; to which some dissenting ministers of England soon acceded. The congrega- tions at present connected with them, and known, as an ecclesiastical body, by the name of the Relief, are 6-5 in number, are found in all the principal towns, and many of the country parishes, of Scotland, and are computed to consist of towards 60,000 individu- als.* They provide ministers for the inhabitants of those parishes, which do not submit to ministers introduced by lay patronage ; and readily admit to ministerial and church communion, evangelical ministers of the Church of Scodand, and of tlie Church of Eng- land. The correspondents of Mr. Edwards, had forwarded to him va- rious publications relative to the Deposition of Mr. Gillespie ; and the views which he formed with regard to it, as expressed in the following Letter, while they must, at the time, have been consoling and supporting to the excellent man, to whom they were sent, will also probably harmonize with those of every reader of these pages. " To the Rev. Thomas Gillespie, Carnock. " Stockhridge, Kov. 24, 1752. " Rev. and dear brother, "In letters and pamphlets, lately forwarded to me, by some of my correspondents in^Scotland, I have received the aftecdng and surprising account of your deposition, for not assisting in the settle- ment of Mr. Richardson, at Inverkeithing. The circumstances of which affair seem to be such, as abundantly manifest your cause to be good ; at the same time that they plainly show the persecuting spirit, with which you have been proceeded against. It is strange, that a Protestant Church should condemn and depose one of her ministers, for conscientiously declining to act in a forced settlement of a minister, over a congregation that have not chosen him as their pastor, but are utterly averse to his administrations, at least as to a stated attendance upon them. It is to be wondered at, that such a church, at this time of day, after the cause of liberty in matters of conscience has been, so abundantly defended, should arrogate to herself such a kind of authority over the consciences of both min- isters and people, and use it in such a manner, by such severity', to establish that, which is not only contrary to the liberty of christians, wherewith Christ has made them free ; but so directly contrary to her own professed principles, acts and resolutions, entered on public re- cord. The several steps of this proceeding, and some singular meas- * "Mr. Gillespie died, Jan. 19th, 1774, in serenity of mind, and good hopa through grace." For the preceding facts, T Jim indebted to tlie Quarterly- Magazine. Vol. I. 65 ,014 LFFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ures taken, and the hastiness and vehemence of the proceeding, arc such, as savour very strongly of the very spirit of persecution, and must be greatly to the dishonour of the Church of Scotland ; and are such, as will naturally engage the friends of God's people, abroad in the world, in your favour, as suffering very injuriously. It is wonder- ful, that a church, which has itself suffered so much by persecu- tion, should be guilty of so much persecution. This proceeding gives reason to suspect, that the Church of Scotland, which was once so famous, is not what it once was. It appears probable to /me, at this distance, that there is something else at the bottom, be- v/ sides a zeal to uphold the authority of the church. Perhaps many of the clergy of the Church of Scotland have their minds secretly infected with those lax principles of the new divinity, and have im- bibed the liberal docir'mes, as they are accounted, which are so much in vogue at the present day, and so contrary to the strict, mysterious, spiritual, soul-humbling principles of our forefathers. . I have observed, that these modern fashionable opinions, however called noble and liberal, are commonly attended, not only with a haughty contempt, but an inward malignant bitterness of heart, to- wards all the zealous professors and defenders of the contrary spi- ritual principles, that do so nearly concern the vitals of rehgion, and the power of experimental godliness. This, be sure, has been the case in this land. I have known many gentlemen, (especially in the ministry,) tainted with these liberal principles ; who, though none seem to be such warm advocates as they, for liberty and free- dom of thought, or condemn a narrow and persecuting spirit so much as they ; yet, in the course of things, have made it manifest, that they themselves had no small share of a persecuting spirit. They were, indeed, against any body's restraining their liberties, and pretending to controul them in their thinking and professing as they please ; and that is what they mean, truly, when they plead for liberty. But they have that inward enmity of spirit towards those others mentioned, that, if they see an opportunity to persecute them under some good cloak, and with some false pretext, they will eagerly embrace it, and proceed with great severity and vehemence. Thus far, perhaps, if the truth were known, it would appear, that some of your most strenuous persecutors hate you much more for something else, than they do for your not obeying the orders of the General Assembly. I do not pretend to know how the case is. I only speak from what I have seen and found, here in America, in cases somewhat similar. However, it is beyond doubt, that this proceeding will stand on the records of future time, for the lasting reproach of your persecutors; and your conduct, for which you have suffered, will be to your lasting honour in the Church of God. And what is much more, that, which has been condemned in you by man, and for which you have suffered from him, is doubtless approved by God, and I trust you will have a glorious reward from LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAUDS. 515 him. P^or the cause, you suffer in, is the cause of God ; and if God be for us, wlio can be against us? If he justifies, what need we care who condemns ? Not only is the mercy of God, dear bro- ther, manifested, in its being granted you to suffer for his sake, but his mercy is to be taken notice of, in many of the circumstances of this suffering. Particularly, that he has excited so many to appear for you : that you had the major part of the Presbytery, which you belong to, with you in the affair, though God has honoured you above all the rest, in calling you to suffer for his name : that tlie major part of the commission of the General Assembly did in effect approve of the conduct of the Presbytery, judging it no cen- surable fault : that no greater part of the Assembly had a hand in your deposition : that so many of God's people have, on this oc- casion, very boldly appeared to befriend you, as suffering in a righteous cause, openly condemning the conduct of your most bit- ter prosecutors, and testifying an abhorrence of their conduct : and that many have appeared, liberally to contribute to your outward support ; so tliat, by what I understand, you are likely to be no loser in that respect ; by which, your enemies will, perhaps, be entirely disappointed. And, above all, that you have been enabled, tlirough the whole of this affair, to conduct yourself with so much christian meekness, decency, humility, proper deference to authority, and composure and fortitude of mind ; which is an evident token tliat God will appear for you, and also, that he will appear against your enemies. When I received your kind letter, soon after my dis- mission from Northampton, so full of expressions of sympathy to- wards me under what I suffered, I little thought of your being brought so soon under sufferings so similar. But, seeing God has so ordered it in his providence, my prayer and hope is, that he would abundantly reward your sympathy in my case. " Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. ^^ " As to myself, I still meet with difficulties in my new station, which arise partly from private views, (as it is to be feared,) of some par- ticular persons of some note and distinction, who are concerned with the affairs of tlie Mohawks here, and partly from the same spirit, and the same persons, and otliers nearly related to them, who fomented the contention with me at Northampton. However, all the people, both Indians and English, except the very few of the abovementioned connection, are firmly united to me : and the Commissioners in Boston, who are my constituents, and from whom 1 have my support, are altogether on my side ; and are endeavour- ing to tlie utmost, to remove die difficulties that attend our affairs 3 by which the cause of religion here, especially among the Mohawks, suffers much more than I do, or am like to do, in my personal and temporal interests. These difhcuUies, which have arisen, have indeed, almost brought the JMohawk affair to ruin, which the last year was attended with so glorious a prospect. It would be very 516 LIFK OF PliKSICENT KDWAKDS. tedious to relate the particulars oi this unhappy affair. I think that God, by these sufferings, calls me to expect no other, than to meet with difficulties and trials while in this world. And what am I better than my fathers, that I should expect to fare better in the world, than the generality of Christ's followers in all past generations. May all our trials be for our justification, ai;d our being more and more meet for our Master's use, and prepared to enter into the joy of our Lord, in a world where all tears shall be wiped from the eyes of God's people. Let us, dear Sir, earnestly pray one for another, that it may be thus with us ; and that, however we may be called to labour, and to suffer, we may see peace on God's Israel, and hereafter eternally glory and triumph with his inheri- tance. God has of late mercifully preserved my wife and young- est daughter, in time of very sore and dangerous sickness, and re- stored them again. My eldest daughter has also been sick, and is restored in a considerable degree. " The Nortliampton People remain in sorrowful circumstances, destitute of a settled minister, and without any prospect of a set- tlement ; having met with many disappointments. But all don't as yet seem to be effectual, to bring them to a suitable temper of mind. I much desire to hear from you, and to be informed of your present circumstances. " I am, dear Sir, " Your affectionate Brotlier " in the Gospel, "Jonathan Edwards. With the preceding letter was sent the following to Mr. l^'Culloch. " Stockbridge, JVov. 24, 1752. *' Rev. and dear Sir, " I thank you for your letter of March 3, 1752, which I receiv- ed this fall. I thank you for yonr friendly and instructive observa- tions, on God's dealings with me and my family. Though God's dispensations towards me, have been attended \vith some distin- guishing trials, yet the end of the Lord has been very gracious. He has ever manifested himself very pitiful and of tender mercy, in the midst of difficulties we have met with, in merciful circumstances with which they have been attended, and also in the event of them. Our circumstances, here at Stockbridge, are in many respects com- fortable. We here live in peace and friendship, with the generality of die people. But we are not vi^ithout our difficulties and troubles here. The Indian affair, which the last year was attended with so pleasing and glorious a prospect, has since been unspeakably em- barrassed, through the particular schemes of certain individuals, "who are opposed, in their counsels and measures, to the Commis- LIKE OF I'RKSIUENT EJHVARUS. 517 sioners of tlie Society in London, and are, to their utmost, striving to accomplish their designs in opposition to them, and in this great contest 1 am looked on as a person not a little obnoxious. They belong to a family of some note, who vigourously abetted and set forward my opposers at Nordianipton, and were a chief occasion of my removal from that town ; to whom my settlement at Stock- bridge was very grievous, who now take occasion to exert them- selves to the utmost to weaken my interest and influence ; and I have all reason to think, would, if it were possible, undermine me, and procure my removal far hence. Many endeavours have been used to disaffect my people towards me, but all in vain. They are all firmly united to me, excepting the forementioned family. En- deavours have been used also, to disaffect some of the Commis- sioners; but wholly in vain. They seem to have their eyes v^ery wide open, as to their particular designs and schemes, and the true spring of their o})position. We hope for an end of this lament- able contest before long. But its effects, hitherto, have been very sorrowful, especially with regard to the Mohawks. Some other things have happened, which have much prejudiced the cause of religion among the Indians ; and, among other things, the discovery of tlie famous Tartarian root, described in Chambers' dictionary, called Ginseng, which was found in our woods the last summer, and is since found in the woods, in many of these western parts of New England, and in the country of the Six Nations. The traders in Albany have been eager to purchase all, that they could, of this root, to send to England ; where they make great profit by it. This has occasioned our Indians of all sorts, young and old, to spend abundance of time in wandering about the woods, and some- times to a great distance, in the neglect of public worship, and of their husbandry ; and also, in going much to Albany, to sell their roots, (which proves worse to them than their going into the woods,) where they are always much in the way of temptation and drunkenness ; especially when they have money in their pockets. The consequence has been, that many of them have laid out their money, which they have got for dieir roots of Ginseng, for rum ; wherewith they have intoxicated themselves. " God has been very gracious to my family of late, when some of them have been visited with sore sickness. My wife has lately been very dangerously sick, so as to be brought to the very brink of the grave. She had very little expectation of life, but seemed to be assisted to an unweaned resignation to the divine will, and an un- shaken peace and joy in God, in the expectation of a speedy de- parture. But God was pleased to preserve her, and merciiully to restore her to a pretty good state of health. My youngest daugh- ter also, who has been a very infirm cliild, was brought nigh unto death, by a sore fit of sickness, and is now also restored to her for- mer state. My daughter Parsons, my eldest daughter, who with 518 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. her husband has removed from Northampton, and dwells in Stock- bridge, has also very lately been very sick, but is in a considerable measure restored. My daughter Esther's marriage, with President Burr, of Newark, seems to be very much to the satisfaction of min- isters and people in those parts, and also of our friends in Boston, and other parts of New England. " As to the state of religion in America, I have but litde to write that is comfortable ; but there seems to be better appearances in some other colonies, than in New England. When I was lately in New Jersey, in the time of the Synod there, I was informed of some small movings and revivals in some places on Long Island, and New Jersey. I there had the comfort of a short interview with Mr. Davies of Virginia, and was much pleased with him and his conversation. He appears to be a man of very solid understanding, discreet in his behaviour, and polished and gentlemanly in his man- ners, as well as fervent and zealous in religion. He gave an account of the probability of the setdement of a Mr. Todd, a young man of good learning and of a pious disposition, in a part of Virginia near to him. Mr. Davies represented before the Synod, the great necessities of the people, in the back parts of Virginia, where multitudes were re- markably awakened and reformed several years ago, and ever since have been thirsting after the ordinances of God. The people are chiefly from Ireland, of Scotch extraction. The Synod appointed two men, to go down and preach among these people ; viz. Mr. Henry, a Scotchman, who has lately taken a degree at New-Jersey College, and Mr. Greenman, the young man, who was educated at the charge of Mr. David Brainerd. " The people of Northampton are in sorrowful circumstances, are still destitute of a minister, and have met with a long series of disappointments, in their attempts for a re-settlement of the ministry among them. My opposers have had warm conten- tions among themselves. Of late, they have been wholly destitute of any body,to preach steadily among them. They sometimes meet to read and pray among themselves, and at other times set travellers or transient persons to preach, that are hardly fit to be employed. " My wife joins with me, in most respectful salutations to you and yours. Desiring your prayers, that God would be with us in all our wanderings, through the wilderness of this world, " I am, dear Sir, your most affectionate brother, in the labours of the gospel, Jonathan Edwards." The chagrin and mortification, and entire loss of influence aiul respect, consequent upon the indiscreet attempt to force Mr. Ed- wards from Stockbridge, by buying out all the English inhabitants, and upon its utter discomfiture, had, in its connection with the in- firmities of age, such an effect upon the individual who made it, that he was, soon after, induced to part with his property in tha t LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDAVARDS. 519 town, and remove to a distance. His children, though somewhat dis- heartened by so untoward an event, and now assured that, if help came to them, it could not come from Stockbridge ; appear, howe- ver, to have resolved, that tliey would not lose all their labour, and all their hopes, without a struggle. The Commissioners in Boston, of the Society in London, were now to a man, firmly opposed to them, and resolved to resist them to the utmost. But their kins- man, who was a member of the Society in London, was well ac- quainted with its Board of Directors^ and had written to them in behalf of his cousin. He had also applied to Mr. HoUis, to secure to her husband the management of his benefactions. The latter gentleman, also, and the brother of the former, had considerable in- fluence at Boston, and this influence had now been exerted for a considerable period, to procure tlie removal of JMr. Edwards. At the opening of the General Court, in the autumn, all the influence and all the efforts of the family, and its friends, were brought to bear on this one point ; and representations, most unfavourable to the character and qualifications of INIr. E. were made to many of the principal men of the province. The Annual Report of the resident trustee was drawn up with a direct and immediate refe- rence to this subject, and was read to the Legislature, when Mr. Edwards knew nothing of its contents, and when, being at the dis- tance of one hundred and fifty miles, he, of course, could not at once answer it. Mr. Woodbridge, however, was on the spot, as were the Honourable Commissioners of the Society in London, and they made such counteracting statements, as the circumstances rendered proper. Of this Report, we shall take notice further on. While Mr. Woodbridge was at Boston, he was informed, and tliat too most incautiously, by the son of his opponent, who went tliither in company with his brotlier-in-law, the autlior of the Re- port, tliat the latter had solicited his Excellency, Sir William Pep- perell, Governour of the Province, to write to England, and to use his influence, with the Corporation in London, that Mr. Edwards might be removed from the office of missionary ; and that Sir Will- iam had engaged to do it. On this information, coming so directly, Mr. Edwards felt himself bound, from a regard to his own reputa- tion, and to the welfare of his family, to address Sir William on the subject; which he did in a letter, bearing date January 30, 1753.* In this letter, after reciting the preceding facts, as his apology for WTiting h, and mentioning the great disadvantage, under which he lay, in attempting to defend himself, at such a distance, when he did not know what had been said to his prejudice, he states, among other things, the following : That, since the revival of religion in 1734, the family, with which the writer of the Report was now * This letter is too loiiff for insertion. OJO LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. connected, had discovered an unceasing hostility towards himself, and his own family, notwithstanding the best endeavours he could use to remove it; that they deeply engaged themselves in the controversy, at Northampton, on the side of his opposers, upholding, directing, and animating them, in all their measures ; that two of them, especially, had been the confidential advisers of the opposi- tion, in procuring his dismission ; that when his removal to Stock- bridge was proposed, the whole family, there and elsewhere, oppo- sed it, with great vehemence, though, when they saw an entire union and universal engagedness in all the rest of the inhabitants, both English and Indians, for his settlement there, and that there was no hope of preventing it, they appeared, as though their minds were changed ; — that the author of the Report, during the whole controversy at Northampton, in direct opposition to the family, with which he was now connected, had remained his zealous friend and advocate ; that he warmly advocated his removal to Stock- bridge, and expressed a strong desire of living under his ministry; (for the evidence of which facts, he refers Sir William to two of the most respectable gentlemen in the Province ;) that this confi- dential friendship lasted, until his connection with that family, and then was suddenly changed, first into secret, and afterwards into open, opposition ; that he had personally blamed him for preaching to the Mohawks, as intermeddling with what was none of his busi- ness, although Mr. E. produced the Note of the Commissioners, expressly desiring him to preach to the Mohawks, until a distinct Missionary was appointed over them: that the reason, openly assigned for the very great resentment of the author of the Report, and that of his friends, against Mr. Edwards, was, his having opposed the ap- pointment of the wife of that gentleman, as teacher of the female school, although he neither said nor did any thing respecting it, until his opinion was expressly desired in writing by the Commissioners, and then, that he opposed it on the ground, that it was impossible for an individual, who had the care of two numerous families of chil- dren, to instruct and govern the children of an Indian school ; — and that, as to his qualifications for the business of a missionary, his commu- nicative facidty, etc., which were now denied, he could only appeal to those, who had the best opportunity of judging, from their own ex- perience,— particularly, to every man, woman and child, in Stock- bridge, that had any understanding, both English and Indians, ex- cept the families of the opponent of Mr. Woodbridge, and of the author of the Report. Mr. Edwards then adds, " Now, Sir, I humbly request, that, if you had resolved on endeavouring to have me removed from my present employment, here, you would once more take the matter into your impartial consideration. And, I would pray you to consider, Sir, what disadvantages I am under ; not knowing what has been said of me in conversation ; not know- ing, therefore, the accusation, or what to answer to. The ruin of LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. .321 I »ny usefulness, and the ruin of my family, which has greatly suffer- ed ill }eiU"'3 past, for righteousness' sake, are not indeed things of equal consideration witii the jiublic good. Yet certainly, I should first have an equal, impartial and candid, hearing, before I am exe- cuted for the public good. I must leave the matter, dear Sir, to your justice and christian prudence ; committing the affair to him, who knows all the injuries I have suffered, and how wrongfully I now suffer, and who is the Great Protector of the innocent and op- pressed ; beseeching him to guide you in your determination, and mercifully to order the end." In the month of February, 1753, the building erected for the in- struction of the Mohawk boys, usually denominated the hoarding- school, took fire in a way unknown, and, with considerable furniture m it, was reduced to ashes. Mt. Hawley had furnished a cham- ber in the building, and resided in it. By this calamity, he lost his clothing, books and furniture. It was supposed, with some grounds, to have been set on fire by design ; and its destruction was, for the time, a very serious interruption to the labours of Mr. Hawley. The Report of the Indian Agent was read early in the session. It contained various insinuations and charges, of a general nature, against Mr. Edwards. Other charges were busily circulated among the members, with the hope of procuring his removal. But it was well understood, that Mr. Edwards was at a great distance, and had had no notice of these charges. He had likewise a cha- racter for integiity, too well established, to be shaken by general insinuations, or covert attacks. Mr. Woodbridge, and the Com- missioners, were also on the spot, and took care that the real state of diings should be made known, and the conduct of Mr. Edwards adequately defended. So efiectually and satisfactorily was this done, that, when Mr. Edwards received a copy of the Report by Mr. Woodbridge, he appears also to have been apprised, by his friends in Boston, that the design, of his enemies, in this attack,. had been completely frustrated. What these insinuations and charges were, we learn from his letter to the Speakei^f the House of Representatives, wTitten for the purpose of being communi- cated, if he thought necessary, to the Legislature. It deserves here to be mentioned, as a singular and very kind dispensation of Providence, that the author of the Report had, some time before, addressed a letter to Mr. Edwards, while he was his friend, and when he hoped for his co-operation; particu arly, in tlie appoint- ment of his son as school-master to the Mohawks ; in which, ho had either furnished the means of contradicting the statements made in the Report, or had expressly requested Mr. Edwards to do the very things, which he now complained ol", and made the Vol, I. 66 622 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARD!^. ground of complaint. Of this letter, Mr. Edwards enclosed a copy }■ offering to forward the original, if desired, and, at the same time^ to substantiate every part of his own statement, by numerous wit- nesses, of the most unexceptionable character. From his letter to the Speaker, it appears, that the writer of the Report charged him — with introducing Mr. Hawley into the school; — with introducing a master, in liis absence, and when there was reason to expect his return ; — with doing this, when he had been at the expense of a journey of his son of 260 miles, to procure Mr. Hawley as master of the boys ; — with introducing Mr. Ashley, the interpreter, as assistant instructor ; — and with opposing the ap- pointment of his wife, as teacher of the female school ; — and that he also alleged, that the school was in very desirable circumstaoces, until Mr. Hawley took it, and that it then declined ; — that the Mo- hawks had been discouraged, through the conduct of the agentsof the mission ; — and that Mr. Edwards was not qualified for his office, because, on account of his age, he could not learn the language of the Indians. To these charges, Mr. Edwards replied, — that he introduced Mr. Hawley, because he was directed so to do, by the letter of the Commissioners, of Dec. 31, 1751 ; — that he introduced a master, in the absence of the author of the Report, for two reasons, 1 , Be- cause he knew not when he was to return ; and, 2, Because the author of the Report, himself, in a letter sent him by his son, re- quested him, at that very time, to introduce a master into the school ; of which letter he inclosed a copy, with the offer of for- warding the original, if desired ; — that, when the author of the Re- port sent his son on the s])ecified journey, it was not to procure Mr. Haivley, to be a master for the boys, but it ivas, that the son himself might be the master; for evidence of which, appeal is also made to the copy of the same letter ; — that, as to the appointment of teach- er of the female school, he said nothing about it, until expressly re- quested to give his opinion by the Commissioners ; — that so far was the school from being in desirable circumstances, before the intro- duction of Mr. Hawley, that the author of the Report had, him- self, represented it as having been, until that time, in most lamenta- ble circumstances, in the very letter of which he enclosed a copy, in which he requested Mr. Edwards to introduce his son into the school, in the room of the former master ; — that the school con- tinued to flourish under Mr. Hawley, until his opposers used their utmost endeavours to destroy it; for evidence of which, he offers the testimony of the substantial inhabitants of the town ; — that Hen- drick, and the other Chiefs, and the Mohawks generally, had ex- pressly assigned their dissatisfaction with the conduct of these individuals, as the reason of their leaving Stockbridge ; for evi- dence of which, he offers the same testimony ; — and, as to his learning the Housatonnuck language, that the author of the Re- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 523 port knew how the case would be, before he recommended him to the office of missionary ; and that Mr. Sergeant, after fourteen years study, had never been able to preach in it, nor even to pray in it except by a form, and had often expressed the opinion, pre- vious to his death, that his successor ought not to trouble himself, in learning the language. He then requests, that the Speaker would communicate his letter to the Assembly, and prays that hon- ourable body, if they proposed to take any order on the case, first to give him opportunity to meet his accuser face to face. 1 liave no means of ascertaining whether the preceding letter was, or was not, read to tlie Legislature. If not; it was because the Honourable Speaker, who was a personal friend of Mr. Ed- wards, found it to be wholly unnecessary. And it can scarcely be necessary to inform the reader, that the attack, made thus directly upon Mr. Edwards, and indirectly upon all his associates in the mission, not only failed altogether of its intended effect ; but, by leading to a developement of the mercenary scheme, de- vised to divert, to the purposes of private emolument, the con- secrated charities of the Province and of individuals, recoiled vvidi increased violence upon its authors. Thus far die individuals, opposed to the Stockbridge missiona- ries, had met with little success, to encourage their efforts. They had looked for help to various sources : to the Indians and to Uie people of Stockbridge, to the Commissioners and to the Provincial Legislature, to Mr. Hollis and to the Society in London : and in every instance, so far as the result was known, they had looked in vain. The Housatonnucks had refused all intercourse with diem. From disgust at their management, a part of the Mohawks had ac- tually retired, and the rest were threatening to retire, to their own country. The people of Stockbridge had, to a man, united against them. The Commissioners were equally unanimous, in sustaining the individuals, whose overthrow they had attempted. And now, before the Provincial legislature, they had made dieir great and united effort, and had failed. In the mean time, Mr. Edwards was even more firmly established, as the Indian ]Missionary, and Mr. Woodbridge as the school-master of the Housatonnucks ; Ah*. Hawley had not been compelled to resign his place to the son of the resident trustee ; the female school had not as yet been secured to his wife, and obviously could not now be, unless secured to her in London ; and the stewardship of the three scliools was not likely to be conferred on himself. Such was the state of things in the spring of 1753. It looked as diough the great struggle was over; and that die party, which had thitherto acted on the offensive, would thenceforward be quiet, from a conviction, that every hos- tile movement must issue in defeat. The resuh justified this con- clusion. 524 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. To Mr. Edwards, and his associates in the mission, as well as to their friends, this result must have been in a high degree satisfactorj' On his arrival in Stockbridge, he found this controversy waginsi and soon discovered that it was a controversy between the friends and enemies of the mission ; between those who aimed at the real welfare of the Indians, and those who endeavoured to use them as instruments of their own private emolument ; that one party relied on wealth, and office, and influence, to carry its measures ; and the other, on personal integrity, a conscientious discharge of duty, and the protection of God. For a time he avoided taking any part in it ; and his own temporal comfort, and the welfare of bis family, seemed to require, that he should persevere in the same course. But his conscience forbade it. He must either sit quietly by, and see the charities of the Province, of the Society in London, and of Mr. HoUis, diverted from their appointed course, to fill the coffers of private avarice ; or he must unite with those who were exerting their whole influence to prevent it. In such a state of things, he could not deliberate; and, through the divine blessing, he and his associates were now permitted to see,, that they had not toiled and suffered in vain. CHAPTER XXVIll. Letter to his eldest Son.— Return of greater part of the Mohawks. —Letter to Commissioners. — Mission ofMr.Baivky loOnoh- quauga. — Remainder of Mohawks directed to return. — Freedom of the JVill.— Letter to Mr. Erskine. — Proposal of Sociitij in London.— Letter to Mr. Gillespie.— Design and Character of the Freedom of the Will.— Letters from Mr. Lollis.— Sur- render of Mohawk School to Mr. Edwards. — Entire Defeat of Enemies of Mission. — Return of remaining Mohawks. Early in the ensuing spring, the eldest son of Mr. Edwards, then a lad of fourteen, went to New-York, and thence to New-Jersey: and on his way, was much exposed to the small-pox. On his re- turn to New-York, he was seized with a violent fever. His father hearing this, and not knowing whether it was an ordinary fever, or the small-pox, addressed to him the following letter ; which, like all his letters to his children, indicates that his chief anxiety was for their salvation. " To Master Timothy Edwards, at New-York. " Stockbridge, April, 1753. "IMy dear Child, " Before you will receive this letter, the matter will aouhtles3 be determined, as to your having the small-pox. You will either be sick with that distemper, or will be past danger ot having it, from any infection taken in your voyage. But wliether you are sick, or well, like to die, or like to live, 1 hope you arc earnesdy seeking your salvation. 1 am sure there is a great deal of reason it should be so, considering tlie warnings yon have had in word and in pro- vidence. That which you met with, in your passage from New York to Newark, which was the occasion of your fever, was indeed a remarkable warning, a dispensation full of instruction, and a very loud call of God to you, to make haste, and not to delay in the o-reat business of religion. If you now have that distemper, Vv hich you have been threatened with, you are separated from your earthly friends, as none of them can come to see you ; and if you should die of it, you have already taken a final and everlasting leave of them while you are vet alive, so as not to have the comfort of their pre- sence and "immediate care, and never to see diein agam in the land of the living. And if you have escaped that distemper, '5^G LlJj'E OV PKE81UENT EDWAllDS. it is by a remarkable providence that you are preserved. And your having been so exposed to it, must certainly be a loud call of God, not to trust in earthly friends, or any thing here below. Young persons are very apt to trust in parents and friends, when they think of being on a death bed. But this providence remarkably teaches you the need of a better Friend, and a better Parent, than earthly parents are ; one who is every where present, and all-sufficient, that cannot be kept off by infectious distempers, who is able to save from death, or to make happy in death, to save from eternal misery, and to bestow eternal life. It is indeed comfortable, when one is in great pain, and languishing under sore sickness, to have the presence, cind kind care, of near and dear earthly friends ; but this is a very small thing, in comparison of what it is, to have the presence of an heavenly Father, and a compassionate and almighty Redeemer. In God's favour is life, and his loving kindness is better than life. Whether you are in sickness or health, you infinitely need this. But you must know, however gfeat need you stand in of it, you do not deserve it : neither is God the more obliged to bestow it upon you, for your standing in need of it, your earnest desiring of it, your crying to him constantly for it from fear of misery, and taking much pains. Till you have savingly believed in Christ, all your desires, and pains, and prayers lay God under no obligation ; and, if they were ten thousand times as great as they are, you must still know, that you would be in the hands of a sovereign God, who hattemercy on whom he will have mercy. Indeed, God often hears the poor miserable cries of sinful vile creatures, who have no manner of true regard to Him in their hearts; for he is a God of infinite mercy, and he delights to show mercy for his Son's sake, who is worthy, though you are unworthy, who came to save the sin- ful and the miserable, yea, some of the chief of sinners. There- fore, there is your only hope ; and in him must be your refuge, who invites you to come to him, and says, " Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out." Whatever your circumstances are, it is your duty not to despair, but to hope in infinite mercy, through a Redeemer. For God makes it your duty to pray to him for mer- cy ; which would not be your duty, if it was allowable for you to des- pair. We are expressly commanded to call upon God, in the day of trouble, and when we are afflicted, then to pray. But, if I hear that you have escaped,— either that you have not been sick, or^ are restored,— though I shall rejoice, and have great cause of thankfulness, yet I shall be concerned for you. If your escape should be followed with carelessness and security, and for- getting the remarkable warning you have had, and God's great mercy in your deliverance, it would in some respects be more awful than sore sickness. It would be very provoking to God, and would probably issue in an inoreasing hardness of heart ; and, it may be, divine vengeance may soon overtake you. I have known various in- LIFE OF PUESIDEXT EDWARDS. 527 ' Stances of persons being remarkably warned, in Providence, bybein^- brought into very dangerous circumstances, and escaping, and after- wards deatli has soon followed in another way. I earnestly desire, that God would make you wise to salvation, and that he would be merciful and gracious to you in every respect, according as he knows your circumstances require. And this is the daily prayer of " Your affectionate and tender father, "Jonathan Edwards. " P. S. Your mother and all the family send their love to yow. as being tenderly concerned for you." *^ At length the event, so long predicted by iMr. Edwards, actually took place. The Mohawks, who had manifested exemplary pa'- tience, under the vexations and embarrassments, to which they had been subjected by the whites, were at last wearied out; and, in the month of April, the greater part of them relinquislied their lands and settlements at Stockbridge, and returned finally to their own country. After a brief allusion to this fact, in a letter to the Com- missioners, Mr. Edwards communicated to them a variety of in- teresting intelligence relative to the Iroquois, and to the missioo proposed to be established among them. " To the Commissioners in Boston. " Stockbridge, April 13, 1753. " Gentlemen, " The last Tuesday, about two thirds of the Mohawks, young and old, went away from Stockbridge, and are never likely to return again. They have long manifested a great uneasiness, at the ma- nagement of affairs here, and at the conduct of those persons, on whom their affairs have almost wholly fallen ; and have shown themselves very much grieved, that others, who used to be con- cerned, have been excluded. They have, once and again, repre- sented the grounds of tlieir uneasiness, to the provincial agent, but without redress. They have been dissatisfied with liis answers, and there has appeared in them a growing dislike of the family, who have lately left their own house, and taken up their constant abode among them, in the female boarding-school.' "The Correspondents, in New- York and New-Jersey, of the So- ciety in Scotland, for propagating Christian Knowledge, have determined, if Providence favours, to settle a mission aiiiong the Six Nations. To that end, they have chosen Mr. Gordon, a pious young gentleman, who has lately been a Tutor at New-Jersey College, to come to Stockbridge, and remain here with Mr. Haw- ley, to learn the Mohawk language with him, in order to his bcina 528 j!-ife of president edwards. fitted for tlie business. Mr. Gordon is expected here to prosecute tills design, in tlie beginning of May. " In addition to tliis, Mr. Brainerd, the Pastor of the Indian Con- gregation at Bethel in New-Jersey, who is supported by the Cor- respondents, having met with much trouble Irom the enemies of religion in those parts; and his Indians being greatly disturbed, with regard to the possession and improvement of their lands ; the Correspondents have of late had a disposition, that be, witli his school-master and whole congregation, should remove, if a door niight be opened, and take up a new settlement, somewhere in the country of the Six Nations. Mr. Hawley has seen Mr. Brainerd, and conversed with him on the subject, this spring. He manifests an inclination to such a removal, and says his Indians will be ready for it. If such a thing as this could be brought to pass, it would probably tend greatly to the introduction of the Gospel, and the promotion of the interests of religion, among the Six Nations ; as his congregation are, I suppose, tlie most virtuous and religious collection of Indians in America, and some of them have now been long established in religion and virtue. " According to the best information, I can get, of the country of the Six Nations, the most convenient place, to be chosen as the chief seat of missionary operations, is the country about Onohquau- ga, near the head of the Susquehannah River. " I apprehend, from some things, of which Mr. Woodbridge informed me, that the Commissioners have had very wrong inform- ation concerning the Onohquauga Indians, as though they were a very despicable company, a kind of renegadoes, scarcely to be reckoned as of the Six Nations, living out of the country of those nations. There are, indeed, some here, who have sometimes spokea very contemptuously of them j which seems to have been, not from any manner of ground in fact, or so much as any colour of reason; but merely because these Indians appeared peculiarly attached to Mr. Ashley and his wife, and under their influence. But there are other persons in Stockbridge, who have had as much opportvmity to know what is the true state of these people, as they. The Onohquauga Indians, who have been here, are properly, not only of the Six Nations, but of the Five Nations, who are the original united tribes of the Iroquois. AJl, but one or tAvo of them, are of the nation of the Oneiutas ; and they appear not to be look- ed npdn as contemptible, by the rest of the Five Nations, from what was once openly said of them, at a public Council, by the Sachems of die Conneenchees, or proper JMohaivks, who advised us to treat the Onohquaugas with peculiar care and kindness, as excelling their own tribe in religion and virtue ; giving at the same time, many instances of their virtue. We have found the testimo- ny, which they gave of them, to be true. They appear to be far ibn best disposed Indians, with which we have had any connection. Lli'K OF I'RESIDKNT EDWARDS. 029 They would be inclined to the utmost, to assist, encournge and strengthen, the hands of niissionaiies and instructeis, should any be sent among them, and to do all they could to forward their success, among themselves, and the other Indians round about. " There seems to be no room for a missionary, in the country of the Conneenchees. The Society for propagating the Gospel, in foreign parts, have long since taken them under their care, and })retend to support a mission among them. A mission from the Commissioners in Boston would not be borne by them, nor by the Dutch, who are always among them. And as to the country of the Q^uinquas,* and the original seat of the Oneiutas, they seem not to be convenient places for settling a mission, on two accounts. They are in the road to Oswego, where the Dutch are incessantly passing and repassing with their rum ; with which they are con- tinually making them drunk, and would be, in many other re- spects, a continual hindrance and affliction to a missionary; for they are exceedingly opposed to the New-England people having any thing to do with the Iroquois. The nation of the Q;uinquas, also, are mostly in the French interest, as well as many of tlie inie'mtas; so that a missionary would there be afflicted, and per- haps in danger, by the French. And it is very evident, that the country of the O)ioontaug(ts, is no country for our missionaries to attempt to establish a mission in. It would be like establishing a mission in Canada ; for that nation have entirely gone over to the French interest. They are in the road of the French, as they go up a trading to Mississippi, and their distant settlements, and the nations on the Great Lakes ; and the French have of late built a fort in their country, and have in effect annexed it to Canada. And the country of the Senecas will not be much more convenient for the purpose, both by reason of its very good dis- tance, and also because most of the nation are firmly united to the French, who constantly maintain their missionaries among diem. " Onohquauga is within the territory of the Five Nations, and not so far from the other settlements, but d)at it may be convenient for making excursions to the several tribes ; as convenient perhaps as any place that can be found. It is, I suppose, as near to the heart of the country, as any place, unless Oneiuta and Quinquah. They are also much out of the way of the French, and considerably out of the way of die Dutch, are in a pleasant fruitful country, surround- ed by many settlements of Indians on every side, and where the way is open by an easy passage down the river, which runs through one of the most pleasant and fruitful parts of America, for four or fi\ t; hundred miles, exceedingly well peopled on both sides, and on hs several branches by Indians. Onohquauga is the road, by which * Now called tlie Cayugas. Vol. I. &7 530 LIFE ©F PRESIDENT EDWAKDS. several of the nations pass, as they go to war with the Southera nations. And there will be this advantage, which missionaries will have, that the Onohquauga Indians are fast friends to the English ; and though some of the Dutch have tried much to disafFect them to the English, their attempts have been in vain. They are very desirous of instruction, and to have the gospel established in their country. "There are several towns of the Onohquaugas ; and several mission- aries might probably find sufficient employment in those parts. If Mr. Brainerd should settle somewhere in that country, with his christian Indians, and one or two more missionaries, not at a great distance, they might be under advantage to assist one another; as they will greatly need one another's company and assistance, in so difficult a work, in such a strange distant land. They might be un- der advantage to consult one another, and to act in concert, and to help one another, in any case of peculiar difficully. Many English people would be found to go from New England, and set- tle there ; and the greatest difficulty would be, that there would be danger of too many English settlers, and of such as are not fit for the place. " But, in order to accomplish this ; especially in order to such a body of new Indians coming from the Jerseys, and settling in the country of the Six Nations ; the consent of those nations, or at least of several of them, must be obtained. The method which Mr. Woodbridge, Mr. Hawley, and I, have thought of, which we sub- mit to the wisdom of the Commissioners, is this, — that IVIr. Wood- bridge, and Mr. Ashley and his wife, should go, as speedily as pos- sible, into the country of the Conneenchees ; — they being the first tribe in honour, though not in numbers ; — and there spend some weeks, perhaps a month, among them, to get acquainted with them, and endeavour to gain their approbation of a mission, for settling the gospel in the country of the Six Nations. — IVIr. Hawley, in the mean time, to keep Mr. Woodbridge's school. Then, that Mr. Hawley and Mr. Gordon should join them there, and go with them from thence to Onohquauga ; and when they have acquainted them- selves well with the people, and the state of the country, and find things agreeable, and see a hopeful prospect, then for Mr. Wood- bridge to return, and leave ]^Fr. Hawley and Mr. Gordon there, and forthwith send word to Mr. Brainerd, and propose to him to come up, with some of his chief Indians, to see the country. And if, on the observations they make, and the acquaintance they get with the people and country, they think there is an encouraging prospect, then to endeavour to gain a conference with some of tlie chiefs of the Five Nations, at an appointed time, to know whether they will consent, to their coming to settle in their territories. All this will occupy some considerable time ; so that, if they can obtain their consent, Mr. Brainerd must return home ; and he and his chief In- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 531 diaiis must come again to the Treaty, at the time and place ap- pointed. " You will easily perceive, Gentlemen, that these things will re- quire time, and that, in order to carry these various measures into efiect this year, there will be need of expedition, which may show the reason why we think it necessary, that Mr. Hawley should come to Boston ; for, if these things are to be done this year, we had need speedily to know the minds of the Commissioners, and there- fore that the case would not allow of waiting for, and depending on, uncertain accidental opportunities, of sending to them, and hearing from them. It is also proper, that the Commissioners should have opportunity to agree with Mr. Hawley, concerning the reward of his services. "Mr. Brainerd told Mr. Hawley, that, if he removed with his Indians, he should choose to do it speedily ; and that, the longer it was delayed, the more difficult it would be, by reason of his build- ing, and the Indians increasing their buildings and improvements at Bethel. Probably, if the removal cannot be brought about the next year, it never will be. And if his Indians remove the next year, it will be necessary that they remove as early as the spring, in order to plant there that year. And if so much needs to be done this summer, it is as much as it will be possible to find time for. " Though we project the measures mentioned above, we arc sensible they will be attended with much uncertainty. Man's heart deviseth his ivay but the Lord directeth his steps. J\Iany are the desires of JSIeri's hearts, hut the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand. Unthought of difficulties may arise, to confound all our projects ; as unforeseen difficuhies have dashed all the pleasing hopes we entertained, and the fair prospects we had, concerning tlic affairs of the Mohawks at Stockbridge, the year before last. And I would humbly propose it for consideration, whether it will not be necessary, to leave these aflairs, in some measure at discre- tion, to be determined, as the complicated, uncertain, changing state of things shall require ; to save the trouble and expence of frequently going or sending to Boston, for new instructions ; and to prevent the disadvantages, under which our afllnrs may be laid, through the lengthy, uncertain way of sending for and receiving new orders, by occasional opportunities. "There will be a necessity of Mrs. Ashley's going as an inter- preter, and of her husband going with her. He will be qualified to instruct the Indians, in their husbandry; having been well in- structed in it himself. 1 believe he will not be very difficult as to his wages, though probably he expects to know what tliey will be. " I have the honour to be, " Gentlemen, "Your obliged and obedient servant, " Jonathan Edwards." 532 1.1FE OV rRESIDENT F,1>VVARDS. During the month of April, IVIr. Hawley received a letter from the Commissioners, directing him to go to Onohquauga, for the purpose of commencing a new mission at that place. He left Stockhridgo, May 22d, in company with IMr, Woodbridge, and Mr. and Mrs. Ashley, travelling through the wilderness, and on the 4th of .June, arrived at the place of their destination. The Indians re- ceived the intelligence of their proposed mission, with strong ex- pressions of satisfaction. Mr. Woodbridge returned soon alter to Stockbridge. Mr. Hawley appears to have remained, with his in- terpreter ; and his labours, as a missionary, were attended with considerable success. In the course of the summer, not long after the return of the larger part of the Mohawks, from Stockbridge to their own coun- try, a General Council of the nation was held, at their principal set- tlement on the Mohawk; in which, after due examination of the facts, it was decided. That the rest of the Mohawks, at Stock- bridge, should return early in the spring, as soon as the hunting season was over. Instructions, to this efTect, were immediately transmitted, from the Chief Sachem of the tribe, to the residue of the little colony, and made kno\\Ti to the people of Stockbridge. About this time, the agent of Mr. Hollis, discouraged, doubtless, by the state of things, as far as it was known, and probably auguring no very favourable result to himself, or his friends, h'om the applica- tion to Mr. Hollis; quitted Stockbridge, and went back to New- ington : leaving the lew boys, whom, by offering to board and clothe them gratuitously, he had persuaded to live with him, in the hands of the resident trustee. This unhappy controversy, now drawing to its close, ^\hich, during its continuance, had threatened to subvert the whole Indian mission, and to destroy the prosperity of the village, and the tem- poral welfare of Mr. Edwards and his family, must hav^e occupied so much of his attention, that when our readers remember, that he preached two discourses a week to the whites, as well as one, by an interpreter, to the Housatonnucks, and one to the Mohawks ; and al- so catechised the children of the whites, the Housatonnucks, and the Mohaivks; they will be ready to believe, that he found no time for any additional labovn-s. And when they also recollect, that, on the 23d of November, 1752, he says, in his letter to Mr. Erskine, — ^' I began, the last August, to write a little on the Arminian ContrO' " versy, but was soon broken off: and such have been my extraor- " dinary avocations and hindrances, that I have not had time to set " pen to paper, about this matter, since. But I hope God, in his " providence, will favour me with opportunity to prosecute the de- " sign, and I desire your prayers, that God would assist me in it ;" — and that this proposed work, on the Arminian controversy, was none other, than the TraoATisE on the Freedom of the Will ; they will conclude, of course, that the execution of it must have LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 533 l>een deferred to some happier period, when, amid the leisure and tranquility of retirement, lie could give his uninterrupted attention, and his individual strength, to its accomplishment. What then will be their surprise, when they find him opening his next letter to Mr. Erskine, under the date of April 14th, 1753, with the following annunciation, — " After many hindrances, delays and interruptions, " Divine Pro\ndence has so far favoured me, and smiled on my de- " sign of writing on the Arminian controversy, that 1 have almost " finished the first draft of what I first intended ; and am now send- " ing the proposals for subscription, to Boston, to be printed." Let it be reiuembered, that the Essay on the Freedom of the Will, which, in the opinion of Dugald Stewart, raises its author to the same rank, as a metaphysician, with Locke and Leibnitz, was written within the space of four months and a half; and those, not months of leisure, but demanding the additional duties of a pai ish, and of two distinct Indian missions, and presenting also, all the cares, perplexities and embarrassments of a furious controversy, the design of which was to deprive the author, and his family, of their daily bread. So far as I am aware, no similar example, of power and rapidity united, is to be found on the annals of ]\Ieiital efibrt.* " Stockbridge, April 14, 1753. " Rev. and dear Sir, "After many hindrances, delays, and interruptions, Di\ine Pro- vidence has so far favoured me, and smiled on my design of wri- ting on the Arminian controversy, that 1 have almost finished the first draught of what I first intended ; and am now sending the ])io- posals for subscription to Boston to be printed ; with a letter of Mr. Foxcroft, to send thirty of those proposals to Mr. M'L^aurin, with a letter to him ; in \\ hich I have desired him to deliver half of them * Sir Ilcnry Moncriefi' Wclavood, wlio luid (lio MS Le'fers of IN'r. Kdwards to Dr. Erskiiic in his posprssion, while writing liir, ]avv. of tlic latjc-r, o))?ervcs, " It was not, however, till the month of Juh', 175'2, that he [Mr. Edward?! ap- "■ pears to Iiavo re.suincd his studies, on the sn!)jcct of Free-will ; for, on tlic 7th "of tlial month, he writes Dr. Vlrskine, t!iat/(f hopff) .toon I" he at h-isv.rr', to re.- ^'- snnc his design.''' lie then adds. " Wisatcvcr opinion may be held, with re- " g'ard to Mr. Edwards'" arriimenf, it inust appear astonishin.'r to those, who "arorapahle of apprcciatinii; tlic didicnlty of his suhjccl, that, in nnif months ■ from the date of tiiis letter, (on the I4th of April, l7r)3,) he conld write Dr. • I'rskine, lluil lie hud almost Jlni.-^l>rd Iht first draft of uhal he nris^inalli; inteiid- •• c//." The passag'o, in Mr. Edwanls' letter of Nov. 2;>, 17:)2, announcing, that he beo-an to write in Aunust, hut was soon broke off; and had not, from that time, been able to put p*^!) to paper, about the matter; and tiiat he hop'^d, that God, iu liis ])fovidonce. would tnvonr him with an oj)portuni1y to prosecute the desijiu ; obviously escaped Sir Henry's notice. If he regai-dcd it as aston- ishing^, that Mr. Edwards should have been able to write the work in nine months; what would have been his views of the subject, if, after first reading' the details of llie Stockbridfre controversy, he had then discovered, that it w^s written, not in nine months, but \n four and n half 534 hlVii OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. lo you, as you have manifested yourself ready to use endeavour*, to get subscriptions in Scotland. The printing will be delayed to wail for subscriptions from thence. I therefore request that you endeavour to promote and expedite the afiair. " Stockbridge affairs, relating to the Indians are, in many re- spects, under a very dark cloud. The affair of the Iroquois, or Six Nadons, here, is almost at an end, as I have given a more par- ticular account to Mr. M'Laurin. The Commissioners in Boston, I believe, are discouraged about it, and have thoughts of sending antj settling a missionary in their own Country. The Correspond- ents of the Society in Scotland, have also determined to send a missionary there, and have chosen Mr. Gordon, a tutor of the Col- lege at Newark, for that end. Mr. Gordon is expected here at the beg'nning of May, to liv^e at my house with Mr. Hawley, in order to iearn the Iroquois language with him. It is probable that he and IMr. Hawley will go up, and spend the summer, in the Iro- quois country. " The Correspondents have also a disposition, that Mr. Brainerd should remove, with his whole congregation of Indians, to settle soraev.here in the country of the Six Nations; and he himself and his Indians, are ready for it. 'Tis probable that somethins; will be done, to prepare the way for it; and at least to see, whether the way can be prepared, or any door opened for it, this summer. Some of these Indians have a great desire, that the Gospel should be introduced ajid settled in their country. " Some of the Stockbridge Indians have of late been under con- .•>'idera])le awakenings, — two or three elderly men, that used to be vicious persons. My family is now in usual health. My daughter Burr, in Nev/-Jersey, has been very ill, all the winter past. We last heard from her about five weeks ago ; when it was hoped there was some amendment. "My wife joins with me, in respectful and affectionate salutations to you and Mrs. Erskine. Desiring a remembrance in your prayers, " I am, dear Sir, "Your affectionate brother, " and obliged friend and servant, " Jonathan Edwards." The representations of the nephew of the opponent of Mr. Woodbridge, and those of the Commissioners of Boston, to the Society in London, the former hostile, and the latter friendly, to Mr. Edwards and his associates, were sent forward, and arrived at their place of desdnation, in due season. That gentleman had entertained an overweening estimate of his own influence, with the Board of Directors of the Society in London. They gave full credit to the statements of their own Commissioners, and MFB OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. 535 sustained them, in upholding their missionaries and instructers. Perceiving, however, tiiat an unhappy controversy subsisted at Stockbridge, relative to the mission, and knowing that their Com- missioners at Boston were 1 50 miles distant ; they endeavoured to devise a plan, by which, the existing evils might be remedied. Mr. Edwards, in his letter to IMr. Mauduit, one of their nmiiber, had observed, " What renders it the more necessary, that things "here should be under the immediate care of Trustees on the spot, " is, the misunderstanding and jealousy here subsisting, between " some of the chief of the prescyit English inhabitants of the town, " whicli is one ol our greatest calamities. Things, on thrs account, " do much need careful inspection ; and therefore, the gentlemen " intrusted ought to be such, as are perfectly impartial, and no way " interested in, or related to, these contending parties." The plan, suggested^ by the Directors, was this, Tha^ eleven persons — two Wl New- York, two in Albany, one in Wethersfield, two in Hart- ford, one in Windsor, one in Suffield, one in Hadley, and one in Stockbridge, — should be a Board of consultation, to advise their agents at Stockbridge, and to act, by correspondence, with the Commissioners ; and they counted upon the preceding extract, as what had confirmed them in the measure.* At the request of the Hon. IMr. Bi-omfield, one of the Commissioners, Mr. Edwards, in a letter, dated Oct. 19, 1753, expressed his own views of the plan, and pointed out its inconvenience, if not utter impracticability. The Commissioners liaving expressed similar views to the Direct- ors ; the plan was relinquished. This was the result of the appli- cation to the Society in London. f ' The General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, for the vear 1753, haWng refused, by a very small majority, to restore Mr.Gil- lespie to the ministry in the kirk, and to his parish of Caniock ; — an act of plain justice, which he woufd not ask them to render him ; — Mr. Edwards addressed to him the following letter ; a part of which, must have been sweet and consoling, to the feelings of suf- fering piety. ''Stockbridge, October 18, 1753. " Rev. and dear Sir, " The last November, I wrote you a letter, and desired Mr. * The Directors, knowing the characters of the respective individuals resid- ing in these places, wliom they designated ; and perceiving, from an inspection of the map, that Stockbridge was nearly oen'ral to most of the places men- tioned ; appear to have supposed, that they might all meet there, withont in- convenience. ■•• On tliis arrount only, is the plan worthy of beijijr mentioned iifr.-. u36 LIFE OF PRESIDENT KJJWARDSi. Foxcroft to put up with it, for you, one of my Answers to Mr. Wil- liams. Alter that, in the latter part of the winter, I received a letter from you, dated June 15di, 1752, with Milton on Hirelings ; and dupHcates of a Letter from a Gentleman in town, etc. ; and Answers to the Reasons of Dissent, etc. I now return you my hearty thanks for these tilings. Since that, I have received letters from Mr. MtfLaurin and Mr. Erskine, with various pamphlets and prints relative to your extraordinary affair. I think, dear Sir, al- though your sufferings are like to continue, die General Assembly liaviag refused to restore you to your former station and employ- ments, in' the church of Scotland ; yet they are attended with many mani^festations of the goodness, and fatherly kindness, and favour of the great Governor of the world, .in the many alleviations and sup- porting circumstances of your persecutors ; in that so many of God's ministers and people have appeared to be so much concern- ed for you ; and have so zealously, and yet so properly, exerted themselves in your behalf; and have so many ways given their testimony to the goodness of the cause in which you suffer, and the unrighteousness of the hardships which you have been subjected to ; andrthat even so great a part of the General Assembly, them- selves, have, in effect, given this testimony for you, there being but a very small majority, but what openly appeared for the taking off of the censure of the former Assembly, without any recantation on your part, or so much as an application from you, desiring them so to do. You have some peculiar reasons to rejoice in your suffer- ings, and to glorify God on account of them. They having been so greatly taken notice of, by 4o many of the people of God ; and there being so much written concerning them ; tends to render them, with tjeir circumstances, and particularly the patience and meekness with which you have suffered, so much the more exten- airely and durably, to the gloij of the name of your blessed Lord, for wliom you suffer. God is iewarding you for laying a foundation, in what has been said and done and written concerning your suffer- ings, for glory to his own name, and honour to you, in his church, in future generadons. Your name will doubtless be mentioned hereafter with peculiar respect, on the account of these sufferings, in Ecclesiastical History ; as they are now the occasion of a pecu- liar nodce, which saints and angels in heaven take of you, and of their praises to God on your account; and will be the occasion of a peculiar reward, which God will bestow upon you, when you shall be united to their assembly. " As to my own circumstances, I still meet with trouble, and expect no other, as loug as 1 live in this world. Some men of in- fluence have much opposed my continuing a missionary at Stock- bridge, and have taken occasion abundantly to reproach me, and endeavour my removal. But I desire to bless God, he seems in some respects to set me out of their reach. He raises me up I tlFE OF PRKSLDKNT EDWARDS. 537 tiucnds, who are exerting themselves to counteract the designs of my opposers ; particularly the Commissioners for Indian affairs in Bos- ton; witli whom innumerable artifices have been used, to disaffect them towards me ; but altogether in vain. Governour Belcher, also, has seen cause much to exert himself, in my behalf, on occa- sion of the opposition made to me. My people, both English and Indians, steadfastly adheie to me ; excepting the family with whom the opjiosition began, and those related to them ; which family greatly opposed me while at Northampton, Most ninnerous, con- tinued and indefatigable, endeavours have been used, to undermine me, by attempting to alienate my people from me ; innumerable mean artifices have been used with one and another, with young and old, men and women, Indians and English : but hitherto they have been greatly disappointed. But yet they are not weary. "As we, dear Sir, have great reason to sympathize, one with an- other, with peculiar tenderness ; our circumstances being in many respects similar ; so I hope I shall partake of the benefit of your fervent prayers for me. Let us then endeavour to help one ano- ther, though at a great distance, in travelling through this wide wil- derness : that we may have the more joylul meeuiig in the land ©f rest, when we have finished our weary pilgrimage. "I am, dear Sir, " Your most affecfionate brother, " and fellovv' servant, " Jonathan Edwards. " P. S. My wife joins in most affectionate regards to you and yours." The proposals, for publishing the Essay on the Freedom of the Will, were issued in Massachusetts, in 1753 ; but, in consequence of the kind offer of Mr. Erskine and Mr. McLaurin, to circulate the papers, andpi'ocure subscribers for it, in Scotland, the printing was postponed, until the success of their efforts was known. What that success was, probably, cannot now be ascertained. The work was published early in the year 1754, under the title of "A careful and strict Enquii y into the modern prevailing notions of that Freedom of the Will, which is supposed to be essential to INIoral Agency, Virtue and Vice, Reward and Punishment, Praise and Blame." This work is justly consideicil, as the most laboured and important of the metaphysical investigations, undertaken by the author. The subject, as will be obvious from the preceding title, lies at the very foundation of all religion, and of all morality. That it was also a sub- ject of no ordinary difliciilty, appears generally to have been felt, and in effect acknowledged ; for, until the time of Mr. Edw.'.ids, it had never been thoroughly investigated, either by philosophers or theologians, though it was constandy recurring, in their reasonings on die great principles, connected vrith the moral government of God, and the character of man. Calvin, in liis chapter on tlie Slavery V©L. {. 68 a38 LIffE OF PRESIDENT EDWARBS. of the Will, may be taken as an example of the most that had beei done, to settle the opmions of the orthodox, and refute their oppo- sers, on this subject, before this period. His defect, and that of his followers until the time of Mr. Edwards, is seen in this one thing : that tliey insisted on the great fact, merely, that the will of man was not in a state of indifference, but so strongly fixed in its choice, as to require supernatural grace for conversion ; overlooking, in a great measure, the nature of moral agency, and what is essential to its nature. Their opposers, on the contrary, were constantly affirming, that freedom of will was necessary to moral agency, and carried their views to the extent, that the will determined itself, and could not be enslaved. In this state of ethical and theological science, Mr. Edwards set himself to the task of examining the great subject of Moral Agency, as connected with die human will : and, by the precision of his definitions and statements, the cogency of his rea- sonings, the fulness of his illustrations, the thorough handling of all objections, and the application of his views to many scriptural tilths, he placed the grand points of his subject in a light so over- /whelmingly convincing, as to leave little room for any doubt or dis- pute afterwards. In this Treatise it is contended, that the power of choosing, or willing, does itself constitute freedom of agency ; and that particu- lar acts of will are determined, i. e. are rendered certain, or be- come such as they are, rather than otherwise, by some sufficient cause or reason, in perfect consistency with their being acts of will, or in perfect consistency with that power of willing which consti- tutes freedom of agency. On the ground that the power of willing pertains to man, the author asserts a JVatural Ability, which is the just occasion of precept, invitation, etc., or of the will of God be- ing addressed to him ; and on the ground, that his acts of will arc rendered certain, by a sufficient cause, the author asserts a Moral Inability. The principal point contended for, and which is most essential to the defence of the Calvinistic scheme of faith, in dis- tinction from the Arminian, is the latter one, that the acts of the will are rendered certain, by some other cause than the mere power of willing. What the particular cause, or causes, may be, is not particularly considered ; but this question is dismissed with a few brief remarks. The fact, that there is, and must be, some such cause, is the great subject argued, and most powerfully demonstra- ted. This cause he asserts is the foundation of necessity, in the sense merely of certainty, of action, and does not therefore destroy natural ability, or the power of choice, nor imply that man acts otherwise than electively, or by choice ; so that it is a necessity consistent with accountability, demerit, or the contrary, and so with rewards and punishments. He asserts that all such terras as must, cannot, impossible, unable, irresistible, unavoidable, invinci- ble, etc., when applied here, are not applied in their proper signifi- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 539 nation, and are either used nonsensically, and with perfect insignifi- cance, or in a sense quite diverse from their pro})er and original meaning, and their use in common speech ; and that such a ne- cessity, as attends the acts of men's wills, is more properly called tertainti/, than necessity. Rightly to understand this controversy, it must be observed, that he and his opponents, alike, considered sin to consist in acts of will. Had this not been the case, it would have been idle ibr Mr. Ed- wards to have confined himself, in his whole treatise, to acts of choice, and the manner in which they are determined, i. e. ren- dered certain. He must, in that case, have agitated the previous question, respecting acts of choice themselves ; and have asserted and maintained, that something else of specifically a different na- ture, enters into moral character, and forms tlie ground of praise and blame, or retribution. But the question, which he considered to be at issue, is this : Does the mind will, in any given manner, without a m,otive, cause or ground, which renders the given choice, rather than a different choice^ certain. Whitby, the writer whom he especially has in view, in his remarks on the Freedom of iMan, asserts, that man, by his own activity alone, decides the choice. Mr. Edwards acknowledges that man chooses, but asserts, in oppo- sition to the opinion of Whitby, and those who side with him, that there must be some other ground or cause, beside the mere activity of man, or his power of choosing,vvhich occasions his choosing in one manner, rather tlian another. He asserts that, " doubtless common sense requires men's being tlie authors of dieir own acts of will, in order to their being esteemed worthy of praise or dispraise, on ac- count of them." The very act of volition, itself, is doubtless a de- termination; i. e. it is the mind's drawing up a conclusion, or coming to a choice, between two things or more, proposed to it. But determining, among external objects of choice, is not the same, as determining the act of choice itself, among various possible acts of choice. The question is. What influences, directs or determines, the mind or will, to such a conclusion or choice as it does form ? Or what is the cause, ground, or reason, why it concludes thus, and not otherwise ? This is the question, on his own statement. xX \n the latter part of February, 1754, a letter was received from Mr. HoUis, by Mr. Edwards, containing his explicit directions, as to the School, for which he had expended so much money, to so lit- tle purpose. By this letter, Mr. HoUis withdrew the care of the school, and the expenditure of his benefactions, from the hands of those, who had had the charge of them, and placed them in the hands of Mr. Edwards."^ On the 25th, Mr. Edwards enclosed a * Many benevolent men, on being' apprized of such a wanton and shameful perversion of the funds, appropriated by tliemselvns to a g'iven cliarity, would, at once, have wholly discontinued their benefactions; but the benevolence of Mr. Hollis, like a living and copious fountain, could neither be dried up, nor obstructed. 540 Ld'E OF PRESIJBENT JEDWARBS. copy of this letter, in a note to the provincial agent, requesting, from him, an account of the existing state of the school, and of the furniture and books, belonging to it. On the 27th, he went to the school, to examine into its actual condition, and found in it six In- dian boys. The following day, he mentioned this fact, in a second note to the agent, and informed him, that, as the Mohawks had long had the resolution to leave Stockbridge, early in the spring, he had appointed a conference with them, on the 1st of March, to learn whether they still persisted in that resolution ; to the end, that, if they did so, he might suspend any farther expense upon them, on Mr. Hollis' account. At this conference, which was held with all die Mohavvks, men, women and children, in the presence of many of the people of the town, they informed him, that they had all agreed in the autunm, that they would return, in the spring, to their own country ; and that this agreement was owing to the de- termination of the Council of their nation, the Sachems of the Conneenchees, and could not be altered, unless by a new determi- nation of their Sachems. Of this, he gave the agent due notice, the day following, as well as of his purpose to expend none of Mr. Hoilis' money upon them, so long as they persisted in that reso- lution. As the General Court had interested themselves, in the affairs of Mr. Hollis, and had waited to know his mind concerning them, that they might order their own measures accordingly ; Mr. Ed- wards, in a letter to the Secretary of the Province, dated March Sth, inclosed an extract from the letter of Mr. Hollis, and inform- ed him of the actual state of the school, of the determination of the Council of the Mohawks, and the consequent resolution of the lit- tle colony, to return to their own country, and of the notice he had given the agent, that he should withhold any subsequent expense of Mr. Hollis' money upon them. He likewise informed him, that some of the Mohavvks had, since the conference, brought their children to him, and earnestly requested that they might be instruct- ed ; offering to take the charge of their maintenance themselves; and that he had consented to receive them.* He also asks the ad- vice of the Secretary, whether he might still occupy the school- house, which had been built on the lands of the Indians, at the ex- pense of the Province, for the benefit of IVL-. Hollis' school. The individuals, opposed to Mr.Edwards and Mr.Woodbridge,thus * These children of the Mohawks, and the children of the Onohquaugas, constituted, from this li:iie, the male Iroquois boarding-school, at Stockbridge, How long it was continued, I have not been able to ascertain ; but suppose it was removed to Onohquauga, soon after the establishment of the mission of Mr, Hawley, at that place. \ LIFE ©P PRESIDENT EBWARDS. 541 found every plan, which they had formed, of connecting themseh'es witii tiio Stuckbndge Mission, deleated, and their hist iiope extin- guished. In 1750, the prospects of the mission, in consequence of the arrival of the two detachments of the Mohawks and Onoliqnau- gas, winch seemed to be mere h;ubingers of still larger colonies oi their countrymen, were uncommonly bright and promising. And, could the benevolent intentions of Mr. Hollis, of the Society in London, and of the Provincial Legislature, in behali of the Iro- quois, have been carried forward to their full coinpletjon, with no obstructions thrown in their way, by greedy avarice, or unhallowed ambition ; it is difficult to conceive of tiie amount of good, which might have been accomplished. A large and flourishing colony ot the Iroquois would soon have been established, at Siockliridge, drawn thither for the education of their children, and brought di- rectly within the reach of the means of Salvation. Wh;it would have been the ultimate effect oi such a colony, on their countrymen at home, and on the more remote Indian Tribes, can only be con- jectured. By the steadfast resolution of those persons, to oppose these plans of benevolence, unless the management of the funds, by which they were to be accomplished, could be placed in their own hands, this whole system of beneficence towards the Iroquois, winch would only ha\"e enlarged with the opportunity of exerting it, was IrusU'ated tinally and ibrever. We will not cherish the belief, that the disappointed individuals found any thing, in tliis melancho- ly result, to console them, under the shame and mortification of their own defeat : although they thus effectually prevented the be- nevolent efforts of their opponents, by driving the ijitended objects of them beyond their reach. A shor^ time after the letter of oMr, Hollis was received, the individual, in whose hands the IMohawk school had been left by the former teacher, i-emoved widi his fami- ly, to his former place of residence ; leaving behind him only one of 1.US associates at Stockbridae. CHAPTER XXIX. Sickness of Mr. Edwards. — " God^s Last End in Creation."—' " JYature of Virtue.'''' — Mr. Edwards' second son resides at Onohquauga. — Dangers of the War. — Letter to Mr. Erskine. — Letter to Col. Williams. — Lord Kaimes. — Letter to Mr. Erskine. — Letter to Mr. MCulloch. — Letter of Dr. Bellamy. — Treatise on Original Sin. — Letter to his Father. — j^etter to Mr. Erskine. In July 1754, Mr. Edwards had a most severe attack of the ague and fever, which lasted until January. It wholly disqualified him from writing, even to his correspondents, and greatly enfeebled his constitution. In the course of the spring following, he began the preparation of two other Treatises, which were entitled " A Dissertation, concerning the End for which God created THE WORLD ;" and " A Dissertation, concerning the Nature OF True Virtue." These two subjects are fundamental, in a System of Theology. On the first, many writers had hazarded occasional remarks ; yet it has rarely occupied the space even of a chapter, or a section, in theological systems; and I know not whether any writer, before Mr. Edwards, had made it the subject of a formal and separate Treatise. From the purest principles of rea- son, as well as from the fountain of revealed truth, he demonstrates, that the chief and ultimate end of the Supreme Being, in the works of Creation and Providence, was the manifestation of his own glory, in the highest happiness of his creatures. The treatise was left, by the author, as at first v/ritten, without being prepared for the press ; yet it exhibits the subject, in a manner so clear and convincing, that it has been the manual of theologians from the time of its publication to the present. The Nature of Virtue has been a frequent subject of discussion, among ethical writers of ahnost every class, — heathen, infidel and christian. Aristotle, and other ancient moralists, supposed virtue to consist in avoiding extremes, and in following the mean in every thing. Others of the ancients, defined virtue to be living accord- ing to JVature. Baiguy and Doddridge represent it as consisting in acting agreeably to the Moral Fitness of things. Wollaston places it in regard to Truth. Hutcheson defines it to be " a quality apprehended in some actions, which produces approbation and. lov& towards the actor, from those who receive no benefit from the action." LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 543 Many writers, ancient and modern, have placed virtue in Imitation of God ; and many others in Obedience to the ft'ill of God. Wa- terland, Rutherf'oith and (John) Brown, have placed it in a wise- regard to Our own Interest. Bishop Butler says, that " a due concern about our ovvm interest or Imppiness, and a reasonable en- deavour to promote it, is Virtue ;" and that " Benevolence, singly considered, is in no sort the whole of Virtue." Hume, who appears to have read several of the works of Edwards, and to have made use of them in accommodation to his own views, includes in his description of virtue, whatever is Agreeable and Useful to ourselves and others. Adam Smith refers it to the principle of Sympathy. Paley, who read Edwards with care, defines Virtue to be " The Doing Good to mankind in obedience to the Will of God, and for the sake of everlasting happiness.'''' Cumberland, in his Laws ofJVature, justly regards it as consisting in the love of God, and of our fellow- creatures; and explains himself thus ; " The foundation of all na- tural law is the greatest benevolence of every rational agent to- wards all. Mr. Edwards represents Virtue as founded in Happiness ; and as being Love to the greatest Happiness, or Love to the Happiness of Universal Being. He describes it, as leading its possessor to desire, and to promote, as far as in him lies, the happiness of all be- ings, and a greater degree of happiness in preference to a less. His account of the subject is in exact accordance, with the decision of Reason. Happiness is the end, for which intelligent beings were made, the perfection of their existence : and therefore Virtue, or Moral Excellence, must be love to that Happiness. It is also in exact accordance with the Scriptures. The Sum of our duty is unquestionably Virtue. But Moses sums up our duty in the two commands, '■''Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart,^^ and " Thou shalt love thy neigldiour as thyself:'''' In other words. Thou shalt love the Happiness of Universal Being. When tlie Scriptures had so plainly pointed out the Nature of Virtue, as consisting in Love ; and its Foundation, as being Happi- ness ; it is not a little remarkable, that so many acute writers, with the Scriptures in their hands, should have formed views either so obscure, or so erroneous, of these subjects ; and, perhaps not less remarkable, that Mr. Edwards should have been able to dis- cover its true Nature, and its real Foundation, at a very early age, as clearly as he did in after life. That this was the case, no one will want evidence, who reads the various articles, under the head of Excellency, particularly the last, in the Notes on the Mind.* * See Appendix, 11. In several of the articles under the head of Excel- lency, the reader will tind, if I mistake not, as striking specimens of pow- erful metaphysical reaeoning, as any to be found in the Espay on the Free- dom of the Will. 544 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS* These two treatises were first published together in a pamphlel- in Boston, in 1788, without alteration from the rough draft of the author. He designed them both for publication, but never prepar- ed either of them for the press. Though conceived and expressed with gi'eat perspicuity, they treat of subjects, winch demand close thought in the reader, as well as the waiter } and, on this account, have often been imperlectly comprehended, even by divines. But wher- ever they have been read and understood, they have, to such a de- gree formed and regulated the views of theologians, with regard to the subjects of which they treat, that other treatises are consulted, rather as objects of curiosity, or history, than as guides of opinions and principles.* In February, or early in I\larch, this year, Mr. Edwards sent his second son, Jonathan, f then a lad of nine years of age, to Onohquau- ga, to reside with Mr. Hawley, that he might learn more perfectly the language of the Iroquois. He continued there about a twelve- month : when, in consequence of the war with France, the danger of attack from the Indians became so imminent, that Mr. Hawley returned with him to his father's house. The war of 1754 was most disastrous to the colonies ; and the frontier settlements of New England, of which Stockbridge was one, were exposed to unceasing anxiety and alarm, from their con- stant Uabilit}^ to attack from the French and savages. In the au- tumn, several of the inhabitants of Stockbridge were killed by these marauders; in consequence of which it became a garrisoned towm; and every family had quartered upon it its own quota of the soldiers, necessary for the defence of the place. The state of things, in this respeet, may be learned from the following letter of "Sir. Edwards, to the officer who had the command of the troops in that part of the county. ''Stockhridge Feb. 26, 1755. f* Sir, We have not lodgings and pro\asions, so as to board and lodge more than four soldiers; and being in a low state as to my health, and not able to go much abroad, and upon that and other accounts, under much greater disadvantages, than others, to get provisions, it is for this reason, and not because I have a disposition to make dif- * Bishop Butler has left a" Dissert atton on the Nature of Vir- tue," which the curious reader will do well to examine in connexion with Mr. Edwards' " UissERTArroN on the Nature of True Virtue;" if he wishes to compare the powers of these two distinguished men, when en- deavouring to grasp the same subject. t Afterwards the Rev. .Jonathan Edwards, D. D. President of Union College, Schenectady. He was familiarly acquainted with the Housaton- nuck and the lroquni= : in early life, more so thon with the English. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 545 ficulty, that I told the soldiers of this province, who had hitherto been provided for here, that we could not board them any longer. I have often been told that you had intimated, that you have other business for them in a short time. Capt. Hosmer has sent three of his men to lodge at my house, whom I am willing to entertain, as I choose to board such, as are likely to be continued for our defence, in times of danger. Stebbins has manifested to us a desire to con- tinue here. Him, therefore, I am willing to entertain, with your consent. Requesting your candid construction of that, which is not intended in any inconsistence, with my having all proper honour and respect, I am " Your humble servant, "Jonathan Edwards." The subsequent letter to Mr. Erskine will show, still more fully, the state of alarm and terror, tlien existing at Stockbridge. " Stockbridge, April 15, 1755. '' Rev. and dear Sir, "The last year, in the spring, I received, without a letter, a pacquet, containing the following books : Casaubon on Enthusiasm; Warburton's Principles of Natural and Revealed Religion; Mer- rick on Christ the True Vine; Campbell's Apostles no Enthusiasts ; Discourse on the Prevailing evils of the present time ; Remarks on Apostles no Enthusiasts ; Moncrief 's Review and Examination of some principles in Campbell's Apostles no Enthusiasts ; Gilbert on tlie Guilt and Pardon of Sin; Hervey on die Cross of Christ; An account of the Orphan School, etc. at Edinburgh ; Memorial concerning the Surgeon's Hospital ; Gairdner's Account of the Old People's Hospital ; State of the Society in Scotland for propagating Christian Knowledge ; Abridgement of the Rules of said Society ; Regulations of the Town's Hospital at Glasgow ; and Annals of the Persecution of the Protestants in France. " In the beginning of last December, I received another pacquet, without a letter : the wrapper superscribed with your hand. In this, were the following pamphlets : A Sermon by a Lay Elder, before the Commission ; A Letter to a gentleman at Edinburgh ; Resolutions of the General Assembly, of May 22d, 1736 ; Ruther- ford's Power of Faith and Prayer ; Enquiry into the method of settling Parishes ; The nature of the Covenant and Constitution of the Church of Scotland ; Essay on Gospel and Legal Preaching ; Necessity of Zeal for the Truth ; A Vindication of the Protestant Doctrine of Justification, against the charge of Antinomianism. The last week, I received a letter from you, dated 11th July, '54 ; which was found at Mr. Prince's, by one that went to Boston from hence, and had lain there, Mr. Prince could not tell how long. In this letter, you make mention of these last mentioned pamphlets, Vol. I. 69 540 LIFE OF rUESIDENT KDWARDS. received last December. I now return you my hearty thanks for this letter, and these generous presents. I should have written to you long ago, had I not been prevented, by the longest and mosj tedious sickness, that ever I had in my life : I being followed with fits of ague, which came upon me about the middle of last July, and were, for a long time, very severe, and exceedingly wasted my flesh and strength, so that I became like a skeleton. I had seve- ral intermissions of the fits, by the use of the Peruvian bark ; but they never wholly left me, till the middle of last January. In the mean time, I several times attempted to write letters to some of my friends, about affairs of importance, but found that I could bear but little of such writing. Once, in attempting to write a letter to Mr. Burr, a fit of the ague came upon me, while I was \vriting, so that I was obliged to lay by my pen. When my fits left me, they left me in a poor, weak state, so that I feared whether I was not going into a dropsy. Nevertheless, I have, of late, gradually gained strength. "I lately received a letter from Mr. M'Laurin, dated Aug. 13, '54 ; which Mr. Prince sent me, with a letter from himself, where- in he informed me, that a Captain of a ship from Glasgow, then lately arrived, brought an account of Mr. M'Laurin's death, that lie died very suddenly, with an apoplexy, a little before he left Glas- gow. Since 1 received that letter, I sent to Mr. Prince, desiring to know more of the certainty of the account. This is an affecting piece of news. It is an instance of death, which I have much cause to lament. He has long shown himself to be a very worthy, kind and obliging, friend and correspondent of mine. And doubt- less, the Church of Scotland has much cause to lament his death. There is reason to think, that he was one of them that stood in the gap, to make up the hedge, in these evil times. He was a wise, steady and most faithful, friend of Gospel truth, and vital piety, in these days of great corruption. I wish that I may take warning by it, as well as by my own late sickness, to prepare for my own de- parture hence. " I have nothing very comfortable to write, respecting my own success in this place. The business of the Indian mission, since I have been here, has been attended with strange embarrassments, such as I never could have expected, or so much as once dreamed of: of such a nature, and coming from such a quarter, that I take no delight in being very particular and explicit upon it. But, be- side what I especially refer to, some things have lately happened, that have occasioned great disturbance among the Indians, and have tended to alienate them from the English. As particularly, the killing of one of them in the woods, by a couple of travellers white men, who met him, and contended with him. And thougf the men were apprehended and imprisoned ; yet, on their trial they escaped the sentence of death : one of them only receiving a MFE OF PHESIDENT KOWAKDS. ^-I / lighter piinislinient, as guilty of rnaiisliuiglitcr : by which tliojfe In- dians, and also the Indians of some other tribes, \V(^re greatly dis- pleased, and disaffected towards the English. Since tlie last fall, ■^ome Indians from Canada, donl)tless instigated by the French, broke in upon us, on the Sabbath, between meetings, and lell upon an English family, and killed three of them ; and about an hour after, killed another man, coming into the town from some distant houses ; which occasioned a great alarm in the town, and in the country. Multitudes came from various parts, for our defence, that night, and the next day ; and many of these conducted very ioolishly towards our Indians, on this occasion, suspecting them to Ije guilty of doing the mischief, charging them with it, and threaten- ing to kill them, and the like. After this, a reward being offered by some private gentlemen, to some that came this way as soldiers, if they would bring them the scalp of a Canada Indian ; two men were so extremely foolish and wicked, that they, in the night, dug up one of our Indians, that had then lately died, out of his grave, to take off his scalp ; that, by pretending that to be a scalp of a Canada Indian, whom they had met and killed in the woods, they might get the promised reward. When this w^as discovered, the men were punished. But this did not hinder, but that such an act greatly increased the jealousy and disaffection of the Indians, to- wards the English. Added to these things, we have many white people, that will, at all times, without any restraint, give them ardent spirits, which is a constant temptation to their most predominant lust. " Though I have but little success, and many discouragements, here at Stockbridge, yet Mr. Hawley, now a missionary among the Six Nations, who went from New-England to Onohquauga, a place more than 200 miles distant from hence, has, of late, had much encouragement. Religion seems to be a growing, spreading thing, among the savages in that part of America, by his means. And there is a hopeful prospect, of way being made for another missionary in those parts, which may have happy consequences, unless the Six Nations should go over to the French ; which there is the greatest reason to expect, unless the English should exert themselves, vigorously and successfully, against the French, in America, this year. They seem to be waiting, to see whether this will be so or no, in order to determine, whether they will entirely desert the English, and cleave to the French. And if the Six Na- tions should forsake the English, it may be expected, that the Stockbridge Indians, and ahiiost all the nations of Indians in North America, will follow them. It seems to be the most critical sea- son, with the British dominions in America, that ever was seen, since the first settlement of these colonies ; and all, probably, will depend on the warlike transactions of the present year. What will be done, I cannot tell. We are all in commotion, from one end of British America, to the other ; and various expeditions ar& 548 LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. projected, and preparing for ; one to Ohio, another to the French Forts in Nova Scotia, another to Crown Point. But these affairs are not free from embarrassments : great difficulties arise, in our present most important affairs, through the dispirited state of the several governments. It is hard for them to agree upon means and measures. And we have no reason to think, that the French are behind us, in their activity and preparations. A dark cloud seems to hang over us : we need the prayers of all our friends, and all friends to the Protestant interest. Stockb ridge is a place much exposed ; and what will become of us, in the sti'uggles that are coming on, God only knows. I have heard that Messrs. Tennent and Davies are arrived in America, having had good success, in the errand they went upon. Mr. Bellamy is not likely to go to New-York, principally by reason of the opposition of some of the congregation, and also of some of the neighbouring ministers. I have heard, they have lately unanimously agreed to apply them- selves to Mr. M'Gregor, of New-Londonderry, alias Nutfield, in New-England, to be their minister ; who is a gentleman, that, I think, if they can obtain him, will be likely to suit them, and com- petent to fill the place. And I have heard, that there has been some difference in his own congregation, that has lately made his situation there uneasy. If so, he will be more hkely to consent to the motion from New- York. " My wife joins with me, in respectful and affectionate saluta- tions, to you and Mrs. Erskine. " I am, dear Sir, your affectionate and obliged brother, "Jonathan Edwards." " P. S. In a journey I went to Northampton, the last April, I carried the foregoing letter, with others for Scotland, so far, seeking an op- portunity to send them from thence to Boston ; and there I met another letter from Mr. Prince, with a joyful contradiction of his former account of Mr. M'Laurin's death ; which occasioned my bringing my pacquet home again. Nevertheless, after I had broken open, and perused this letter, I thought best to send it along, en- closed in a wrapper to Mr. M'Laurin ; who, I hope, is yet living, and will convey it to you. "J. E. •' Stockbridge, June 2, 1755." In the beginning of September, the danger became so imminent, that Mr. Edwards, at the request of the people of the town, ad- dressed the following urgent letter to the Colonel of the County. "To Col. Israel Williams. ^^Stockbridge, Sept. 5, 1755. " Sir, " Yesterday the English inhabitants of the town sent away a let- MFK OF PRESIDENT EDWAIJDS. 549 ler, directed to you, to be conveyed to Hatfield, respecting the state of the town, stating that it was left very greatly exposed, by the drawing off of all the Connecticut soldiers ; that Gov. Shirley, by his urgency, had persuaded away almost all the Indian inhabitants, fit for war, who objected much against going, on that account, that the depar- ture of so many would leave the town, and their wives and children too, defenceless ; that the Governour removed their objection, by promising, that a sufficient number of English soldiers should be maintained here, during their absence, for the defence of the town ; and also, that we had just now niformation sent in writing, from Mr. Vanschaak, that two large parties of Indians are lately gone out of Crown Point, against our frontiers : and so entreating that soldiers may be speedily sent. But being informed to-day, that you are gone from Hatfield, and not knowing whether you will seasonably receive the aforementioned letter, I now, at the desire of the people, give you this brief information of what was therein written; earnestly desiring, that we may not be left so easy and open a prey to our enemies, who, we have reason to think, have the means of learning our situation, and are certainly preparing to at- tack some of the most defenceless of the frontier villages. We hope that the troops may be forwarded immediately ; for, having no adequate means of repelling an attack, we have no security for a single day. " I am, respectfully, " Your obedient servant, " Jonathan Edwards." In 1751, an anonymous work was published in Edinburgh, enti- tled "Essays on the Principles of Morality, and Natural Religion,"* of which Henry Home, f Esq. soon avowed himself the author. These Essays, though written by a member of the Church of Scotland, were regarded as decidedly sceptical in their tenden- cy, and brought the author into some difficulties with tlie particular church with which he was connected. This led to a public dis- cussion of the character of the work at large — particularly of the Essay on Liberty and Necessity. When this discussion was commencing, the Essay on the Freedom of the Will arri- ved in Scotland. It was extensively read by men of speculative minds ; and, though presenting a view of the subject wholly new, gave great satisfaction to men of all classes. Lord Kaimes and his friends, having read the work of Mr. Edwards, endeavoured to * The subjects treated of in this volume were, Attachment to objects OF Distress. Law of Nature. Law of Necessity. Belief. Personal Identity. Authority of our Senses. Idea of Power. Knowledge op Future Events. Dread of Supernatural Powers in the Dark. Our Knowledge of the Deity. t Soon after created a Lord of Session, with tlie the title of Lord Kaimes. 550 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. show that tlie view of Liberty and Necessity, in the Freedom of THE Will, was substantially the same with that given by his Lordship. Mr. Erskine appriezd Mr. Edwards of this fact. In the following letter, the latter barely alludes to the work of Lord Kaimes, as a work of corrupt tendency. In a subsequent Letter to his friends, written in the summer of the following year, and now ap- pended to the Treatise on the Freedom of the Will,* he examines the views of Liberty and Necessity by his Lordship, shows their entire discordance with his own views, as exhibited in the Freedom of the Will, and exposes their inconsistency, not only with reason, but with each other. This letter from a sense of justice to its au- thor, was immediately published, in the form of a pamphlet, by Mr. Erskine, and produced a universal conviction, that Lord Kaimes had wholly misunderstood the view taken of Liberty and Necessity, by Mr. Edwards ; and that his own views of it were at war, alike, with Reason and Revelation. Indeed, his Lordship himself appears to have been of the same opinion ; for, in a subsequent edition, the Essay on Liberty and Necessity is said to have been much changed, as to present essentially different views of those important subjects. " To the Rev. John Erskine, Minister of the Gospel, at Culross, " Scotland. " Stockbridge, Dec. 11, 1755. *' Rev. and dear Sir, "I last wrote to you July 24th, 1755. Since that I received a letter from you, dated June 23, 1755, together with the Essays on the Principles of Morality and JVatural Religion,^ from Mr. Hogg, and the Analysis of the moral and religious sentiments of Sopho, from yourself. I thank you for your letter and present, and shall write a letter of thanks to Mr. Hogg, for his present by your hand, added to former instances of his generosity. I had be- fore read that book of Essays, having borrowed Mr. Bellamy's, and also that book of Mr. David Hume's, which you speak of. I am glad of an opportunity to read such corrupt books, especially when written by men of considerable genius ; that I may have an idea of the notions that prevail in our nation. You say that some peo- ple say, that Lord Kaimes' being made a Lord of Session would have been prevented, if Chancellor Hardwick and Archbishop Herring had seasonably seen his book. I should be glad to know * See Vol. II; pp. 290-300. Lord Kaimes had a mucli higher reputation, as a writer, fifty years ago, than at present. TJie perusal of his Essay on Lih- erty and Necessity, and of the remarks upon it, in the letter of Mr. Edwards, here referred to, will inevitably lead to the conviction, that, as a metaphysician, he was neither accurate, nor profound. + By Lord Kaimes. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARUS. 551 who this Chancellor Hardwick is, and what is his character. By your mentioning hini in such a manner, I am ready to suppose he may be in some respects, of good character ; and it is a matter ot" thankfulness, if a man of good character, and a friend to religion, be IjOrd Chancellor. " As to our warlike concerns, I have not heretofore been very particular in writing about them, in my letters to Scotland, suppos- ing it highly probable, that you would have earlier accounts irom Boston, New- York and Philadelphia, than any I can send you, living at so great a distance from any of the sea ports. Nevertheless, seeing you propose my sending you some account of the present posture of affairs, I would say, that it appears to me, that notwith- standing some remarkable favours of heaven, of which we are very unworthy, it has in the general been a year of great frowns of Providence on British America. Notwithstanding our success at Nova Scotia, and in having the better in the battle near Lake George, and taking the French General prisoner; yet, considering the advantages the enemy hath obtained against us, by General Braddock's defeat, especially in gaining over and confirming the In- dians on their side, and disheartening and weakening our friends, and what we have suffered from our enemies, and how greatly we are weakened and almost sunk with our vast expenses, especially in New England, and the blood as well as money we have expend- ed ; I say considering these things, and how little we have gained by our loss and trouble, our case is no better, but far worse, than it was in the beginning of the year. At least, I think it certain, that we have attained no advantage, in any wise, to balance our trouble and expense of blood and treasure. The expedition to the east- ward has been remarkably successful, but the other three expedi- tions, that against the French forts on the Ohio, that against Niag- ara, and that against Crown Point, have all been unsuccessful, as to their main designs. And though the army under General John- son had a kind of victory over the French, and took the Baron Dieskau, their General, prisoner; yet we suffered very greatly in the battle, and the taking of the French General probably was the saving of his army. For, by telling a lie to our army, viz. that the French were in constant expectation of being greatly enforced by a large body, that marched another way, and had appointed to meet them near that place, our army was prevented from pursuing the enemy, after they had repelled them; which, if they had done, the French might have been under great advantages to have cut them off, and prevented the return of almost all of them to Crown Point, which could be no otherwise than through the water in their battcaux. Our army never proceeded any farther tlian the place of their engagement ; but, having built a fort there, near Lake George, alias, Lake St. Sacrament, after they had built an- other near Hudson's River, about fourteen miles, on this side and 552 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. left garrisons, has lately returned. As also has the army under Gene- ral Shirley, (who went with designs against Niagara,) after having built some vessels of force in the Lake Ontario, and strengthened the fortifications at Oswego, and sent for the remains of General Braddock's army to Albany, there to go into winter quarters. The Governours of the several Provinces, in the latter part of the last month, had a meeting to confer together, concerning our warlike affairs, and to agree on a plan of operations to be recommended to the government at home for the next year. But I have heard nothing of their determinations. The Indians have not done much mischief on the frontiers of New England, since our army have been about us; but have been dreadful in their ravages, on tlie back settlements of Virginia and Pennsylvania. " It is apparent that the ministry at home miss it very much, in sending over British forces to fight with Indians in America, and in sending over British officers, to have the command of our Ameri- can forces. Let them send us arms, ammunition, money and shipping ; and let New England men manage the business in their own way, who alone understand it. To appoint British officers, over them, is nothing but a hindrance and discouragement to them. Let them be well supplied, and supported, and defended by sea, and then let them go forth under their own officers and manage in their own way, as they did in the expedition against Cape Breton. All the Provinces in America seem to be fully sensible, that New Eng- land men are the only men to be employed against Canada ; as I had opportunity abundantly to observe, in my late journey to New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia. However, we ought to re- member that neither New England men, nor any other,are any thing, unless God be with us j and when we have done all, at finding fault with men and instruments employed, we cannot expect prosperity, unless the accursed thing be removed from our camp. " God has lately frowned on my family, in taking away a faithful servant, who was a great help to us ; and one of my children has been under threatening infirmities, but is somewhat better. I de- sire your prayers for us all. " My wife joins with me, in affectionate and respectful salutations to you and Mrs. Erskine. "I am. Rev. and dear Sir, " Your obliged brother, " and affectionate friend, "Jonathan Edwards." The effect of the war on the Indian Mission, will be seen from the following letter to Mr. McCuHoch. LtVS. OP PRKSIDHNT EDWARDS. 55o ^* Stockhridge, jJpril 10, 1756. ••' Rev. and dear Sir, " I thank you for your favour of August, 1755, witli Mr. Imries' letter, which came to hand in the latter part of the last month. It recommends a man, especially a minister of the gospel, to me, to see in him evidences of a disposition to he searching into the prophecies of Scripture, relating to the future advancement of Christ's kingdom on earth. It looks as though he was a man, who felt concern for Christ's kingdom and interests in the world ; as though he were one of those, who took pleasure in the stones, and favoured the dust of Zion. But it has proved by events, that many divines, who have been of this character, have been over forward to fix the times and the seasons, which the Father hath put in Iiis owii power. However, I will not positively charge Mr. Imries with this, before I see what he has to ofFer, in proof of those things- which he has advanced. I think that neither I, nor any other per- son, that knows no more than what is contained in his letter, of the reasons that he builds his opinions upon, have any opportunity to judge of those opinions. And therefore I should think it a pity, that his private letter to Mr. Hogg was published to the world, be- fore his reasons were prepared for the press. This letter has been reprinted in Boston: but coining abroad, with so little men- tion of the grounds of his opinion, it gives occasion to the profane to reproach and ridicule it, and its author. " VVith respect to Mr. liawley, and ?Jr. Brainerd, and their In- dians, concerning which you desire to be informed ; the Corres- pondents have altered their determination, from time to time, witli respect to Mr. Brainerd and his Indians. They seemed inclined at first to their removal to fVawwoming, alias, Wyoming, and then to Onohquaga, and then to Wyoming again ; and finally, about a twelvemonth ago, tliey wholly dismissed him from employ as a mis- sionary to the Indians, and pastor to the Indian Church at Bethel. I cannot say I am fully satisfied with their conduct in doing this so hastily; nor do 1 pretend to know so much, concerning the reasons of their conduct, as to have sufficient grounds positively to condemn their proceedings. However, the congregation is not wholly left, as sheep without a shepherd, and are in part committed to the care of Mr. William Tennent, who lives not far ofi^", and is a faithful, zealous minister, who visits them, and preaches to them, once a week ; but I think not often upon the sabbath. The last fall, I was in New Jersey and Philadelphia, and was present at a meeting of the Correspondents ; when Mr. Tennent gave an agreeable ac- count of the then present state of these Indians, with respect to re- / ligion, and also of their being in better circumstances, as to thei^ lands, than they had been. Mr. Brainerd was then at Newark widi his family, where he had been preachinq;, as a probationer for set- tlement, ever since Mr. Burr's dismission from that place, on ac- VoL. I. 70 554 LIFE ©F PRESIDENT EDWARDS. count of his business as President of tlie College. But whether Mr. Brainerd is settled, or like to settle there, I have not heard. At the forementioned meeting of the Correspondents, I used some arguments, to induce them to re-establish Mr. Brainerd, in his for- mer employ with his Indians, and to send them to Onohquaugha. But I soon found it would be fruitless to urge the matter. What was chiefly insisted on, as an insuperable obstacle to Mr. Brainerd's going, with his family, so far into ttie wilderness, was Mrs. Brain- erd's very infirm state. Whether there was indeed any sufficient objection to such a removal, at that time, or no ; divine Provi- dence, has, since that, so ordered the state and consequences of the war, subsisting here in America, that insuperable obstacles are laid in the way of their removal, either to Onohquauga, Wow- woming, or any other parts of America, that way. The French, by their indefatigable endeavours with the nation of the Delawares, -so called, from their ancient seat about Delaware river, though now chiefl}' residing on the Susquehannah and its branches, have stirred them up to make war on the English ; and dreadful have been the ravages and desolations, which they have made of late, on ,^^he back parts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. They are the prin- cipal nation, inhabiting the parts about Susquehannah river, on which both Wyoming and Onohquauga stand. The latter indeed is above the bounds of their country, but yet not very far from them : and the Delaware Indians are frequently there, as they go to and fro ; on which account there is great danger, that Mr. Hawley's mission and ministry there will be entirely broken up. Mr. Hawley came from there about two months ago, with one of my sons, about ten years old ; who had been there with him near a twelvemonth, to learn the Mohawk language. He has since been to Boston, to consult the Commissioners for Indian affairs, thtit have employed him, and returned : and yesterday went from my house, to meet some of his Indians, at an appointed time and place in the Mohawk country ; to determine with them, whether it will be safe for him to return to abide with them. If not, yet will he be under the pay of the Commissioners till next fall, and the issue be seen of the two expeditions now in prosecution, one against Crown Point, the other against the French forts at Frontenac and Niagara, near Lake Ontario ; which may possibly make a great al- teration, as to the state of the war with the Indians. If Mr. Haw- ley determines not to return to Onohquauga this spring, he will probably go as chaplain to the Indians, in General Shirley's army, in the expedition to Lake Ontario. " You speak of the vast superiority of the numbers of the Eng- lish, in America, to those of the French ; and that some therefore think, the settlements of tlie former are in no gi-eat danger from the latter. Thtjugh it be true, that the French are twenty times less than we are in number, yet it may be a question, whether other LlfE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 555 ihings, in which they exceed us, when all jointly considered, will not more than counterbalance all our excess of numbers. They vastly exceed us in subtlety and intrigue, in vigilance and activity, in speed and secrecy ; in acquaintance with the continent of North America, in all parts west of the British settlements, for many hun- dred leagues, the rivers, lakes and mountains, the avenues and passes; and also in the influence they have among the various tribes and nations of Indians, and in their constant skill, and indefatigable diligence in managing them, to alienate them from the English, attach them firmly to themselves, and employ them as their tools. Beside the vast advantage they have, in time of war, in having all united under the absolute command of one man, the Governour of Canada ; while we are divided into a great many distinct govern-' ments, independent one of another, and, in some respects, of clash- ing interests : interests, which unspeakably clog and embarrass our affairs, and make us, though a great, yet an unwieldly, unmanagea- ble body, and an easy prey to our vigilant, secret, subtle, swift and active, though comparatively small, enemy. " As to a description of the situation of those parts you mention, I can give you no better than you have, in many that abound in Great JBritain. With respect to the situation of Stockbridge, it is not in the Province of New York, as you have been informed, but in the utmost border of the Province of Massachusetts, on the west, next to the Province of New York ; about 40 miles west of Connecticut river, about 25 miles east of Hudson's river, and about 35 miles south east from Albany : a place exposed in this time of war. Four persons were killed here, in the beginning of Sep- tember, 1754, by Canada Indians ; which occasioned a great alarm to us, and to a great part of New England. Since then, we have had many alarms ; but God has preserved us. " I desire your prayers that we may still be preserved, and that God would be with me and my family, and people, and bless us in all respects. IMy wife and family join with me, in their respects to you and yours. " I am, dear Sir, your affectionate brother and servant, "Jonathan Edwards. In consequence of the ill success attending the British arms, du- j ing the campaign of '56, the danger ol the frontiers became ex- Hreme, and the friends of Mr. Edwards were, for a time, exceedingly anxious for his personal salety. Mr. Bellamy, at this period, sent liim the following kind invitation, to look to Bethlem, as the place of retreat, for himself and his family. " Bethkm, May 31, 1756. " Dear Sir, "I ;;iii in pain, fearing our army agamst Crown Point will be f'efeatpd. God onlv knows, how it will be. Y&isr ©\vtj discretion 556 lilffE ©F PRESIDENT EDWARBS. will make you sufficiently speedy, to secure yoursell and family. We stand as ready to receive you, and any of your family, to all the comforts our house affords, as if you were our children. I am greatly interested in your safety. — ^I am concerned for Mr. Haw- ley. I fear he will be too venturesome, and fling away his life for nothing. — I wish, if you know how to get one along, you would send him a letter. — Our youngest child still remains somewhat unwell. The Indian boys grow more and more easy and content, but they love play too well — are very ignorant — and very stupid, as to the things of religion — and in Arithmetic, when I would teach them any thing that is a little difficult, they are soon discouraged, and don't love to try. So I take them off, and put them to writing again — designing, by little and little, to get them along. They will not endure hardship, and bend their minds to business, like English boys. It seems they were never taught their Catechism : Shall I teach it ? I have got three Bibles ; but have not yet given them to the boys, they are so ignorant. I expect you will give me any in- structions you think proper ; and remain. Rev. Sir, " Your unworthy friend and servant, "J. Bellamy." vX It is probable that Mr. Edwards began his Treatise on Original Sin, about this period, and that he devoted the leisure hours of the Summer, autumn and winter, to the preparation of that work. The date of the author's Preface, May 26, 1757, shows the time when it was finished for the press. The views of Mr. Edwards, in this Treatise, are these : that there is a tendency in human nature, prevailing and effectual, to that sin, which implies the utter ruin of all ; that this tendency ori- ginates in the sin of Adam, of which the whole race are imputed the partakers ; and that tliis tendency consists, in their being left of God, at their original, in the possession of merely human appetites and passions, in themselves "innocent," and without the influx of those superior principles, which come from divine influences. The only guilt, attributed by him to mankind, before they come to the exer- cise of moral agency themselves, is that of participating in the apos- tasy of Adam, in consequence of the original constitution of God,, which made him and his race " one." He supposes this tendency to sin, pertaming to men, at their ori- ginal, to constitute the subject of it a sinner, only, because he re- gards him as a participator in that sin, by which Adam apostatized, with his whole race. This tendency, he calls "sinful," " corrupt," " odious," etc., because it is a tendency " to that moral evil, by which, tlie subject of it becomes odious in the sight of God.*' (Part I. Chap. II. Sec. III.) He supposes that infants, who have ^is tendency in their nature, are, as yet, " sinners, only by the one act or offence of Adam ;" and, tliat " they have not renewed the LIFE OP PRKSIDKNT EDWARD9. 55*7 act of sin themselves." (Part I. Ciiap. IV.) He utterly denies any positive agency of God, in producing sin ; and resolves the ten- dency to sin, hito the " innocent principles" of human nature ; (which God might create, wiJiout sin ;) and the withholding of that positive influence, from which spring superior and divine prin- ciples : — which act oi withholding, is not inlusing, or positively cre- ating, any thing. These " innocent principles" — such as hunger and thirst, love and hatred, desire and fear, joy and sorrow, and self-love, as distinguished from selfishness, — which are necessary to the nature of man, and belong to him, whether holy or sinful, are not, in his view, sin. They barely constitute the ground of cer- tainty, that the being, who has them, will sin, as soon as he is ca-». pable of sinning, if that positive influence, from which spring supe- rior and divine principles, is withheld ; and, in this relation, tiiey are spoken of, under the general designation, "a tendency," "a propensity," etc. to sin. The views of Imputation, contained in this work, are such, as had been long and extensively entertained ; yet, some of them, certainly, are not generally received, at present. With this excep- tion, the Treatise on Original Sin is regarded as the standard work, on the subject of which it treats ; and is doubtless the ablest de- fence of the doctrine of human depravity, and of the doctrine that that depravity is the consequence of the sin of Adam, which has liitherto appeared. t^ The father of Mr. Edwards, as the reader may remember, on account of the increasing infirmities of age, had requested his peo- ple to settle a colleague h. the ministry in 1752, but continued to preach to them regularly until the summer of 1755, when he was in his eighty-seventh year. The following letter, probably the last ever written to him by his son, shows the gradual decline of his health and strength, during the two following years. "To the Rev. Timothy Edwards, East Windsor. " Stockbridge, March 24, 1757. *' Honoured Sir, " I take tliis opportunity just to inform 'you, that, through the goodness of God, we are all in a comfortable state of health, and that we have heard, not long since, of the welfare of our children in New Jersey and Northampton. I intend, God willing, to be at Windsor some time near the beginning of June ; proposing then to go a journey to Boston. I intended to have gone sooner : but I foresee such hindrances, as will probably prevent my going till that time. We rejoice much to hear, by Mr. Andrewson, of your being so well, as to be able to baptize a child at your own house the Sabbath before last. We all unite in duty to you and my honoured mother, and in respectful and affectionate salutations to 558 LlFt; OF PRESIDENT Ei)iVAK£>S. sisters and cousins ; and in a request of a constant remembrance in your prayers. " I am, honoured Sir, "Your dutiful son, " Jonathan Edwards." Not long after Mr. Edwards had forwarded to Mr. Erskine his vindication of himself,* against the charge of having advanced, in the Freedom of the Will, th€ same views of Liberty and Necessity, with those exhibited by Lord Kaimes ; he received from his friend a pamphlet, entitled " Objections to the Essays on the Principles of Morality and Natural Religion examined ;" in which the opinion was directly advanced, that, if it were really true, (as Mr. Edwards had insisted and demonstrated in the Freedom of the Wdl,) that there is no Laherty of Contingence, nor Self-determining Power in the Will, as opposed to Moral JVecessity, or the Certain Connec- tion between motives and volitions ; yet it was best for mankind, that the truth, in this respect, should not be known, because, in that case, they would not regard eitlier themselves, or others, as de- serving of praise or blame for their conduct. In the following let- ter, Mr. Edwards exposes the folly and absurdity of this opinion j and explains, in a remarkably clear and convincing manner, the practical hearing of the great principles advanced in the Freedom of the Will, on the subject of salvation. This letter might well have been published at the time, and circulated through the Church at large. And we recommend it to the frequent and prayerful pe- rusal both of those clergymen, who cannot clearly comprehend the distinction between Physical, Rnd Moral, Inability, and of those, who do not perceive the importance of explaining and enforcing this dis- tinction from the desk ; as exhibiting the consequences of repre- senting im})enitent sinners, to be possessed of any other Inability to repent and believe, than mere Unwillingness, in a manner too aw- ful to be resisted, by a conscientious mind. " To Mr. Erskine. " Stockbridge, August 3, 1757. " Rev. and dear Sir, "In June last, I received a letter from you, dated January 22, 1757, with "Mr. Anderson's complaint verified," and " Objections to the Essays* examined." For these things, I now return you my hearty thanks. " The conduct of the vindicator of the " Essays," from objec- * See Vol. II. pp. 290—300. * Essays on the principles of Morality and Natural Religion, by Lord Kaimes. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EBVVAJU)S. 559 lious made against them, seems to be very odd. Many things are produced from Calvin, and several Calvinistic writers, to defend what is not objected against. His book is almost wholly taken up about that, w inch is nodiing to the purpose ; perhaps only to anuise and blind the common people. According to your proposal, I hav^e drawn up something, stating the difference between my hypothesis, and that of the Essays ; which I have sent to you, to be printed in Scotland, if it be thought best ; or to be disposed of as you think proper. f I have written it in a letter to you : and if it be publish- ed, it may be as " A letter from me to a minister in Scotland." Lord Kaimes's notion of God's deceiving mankind, by a kind of in- vincible or natural instinct or feeling, leading them to suppose, that they have a liberty of Contingence and Self-determination offViU, in order to make them believe themselves and others worthy to be blamed or praised for what they do, is a strange notion indeed ; and it is hard for me to conjecture, what his views could be, in publishing such things to the world. " However, by what I have heard, some others seem to be so far of the same mind, that they think, that if it be really true, that there is no self-determining power in the will, as opposed to any such moral necessity, as 1 speak of, consisting in a certain connex- ion between motives and volitions, it is of mischievous tendency to say any thing of it ; and that it is best that the truth in this matter should not be known, by any means. I cannot but be of an ex- tremely different mind. On the contrary, I think that the notion of Liberty, consisting in a Contingent self-determination of the Will, as necessary to the morality of men's dispositions and actions, is almost inconceivably pernicious ; and that the contrary truth is one of the most important truths of moral philosophy, that ever was dis- cussed, and most necessary to be known ; and that for want of it, those schemes of morality and religion, which are a kind of Infidel schemes, entirely diverse from the virtue and religion of the Bible, and wholly inconsistent with, and subversive of, the main things belonging to the gospel scheme, have so vastly and so long pie- vailed, and have stood in such strength. And I think, whoever imagines that he, or any body else, shall ever see the doctrines of grace effectually maintained against these adversaries, till the truth in this matter be settled, imagines a vain thing. For, allow these adversaries what they maintain in this point, and I think they have strict demonstration against us. And not only have these errors a most pernicious influence, in the public religious controversies, that are maintained in the world ; but such sort of notions have a more fatal influence many ways, on the minds of all ranks, in all trans- actions between God and the"r souls. The longer I live, and the t See the letter iii Vol. II. pp. 290—300. 560 LIFE OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. more I have to do with the souls of men, in the work of the minis- try, tiie more I see of this. Notions of this sort are one of the main hindrances of the success of the preaching of the word, and other means of grace, in the conversion of sinners. This especial- ly appears, when the minds of sinners are affected with some con- cern for their soulb, and they are stirred up to seek tlieir salvation. Nothing is more necessary for men, in such circumstances, than thorough conviction and humiliation ; than that their consciences should be properly convinced of their real guilt and sinfulness in the sight of God, and their deserving of his wrath. But who is there, that has had experience of the woi*k of a minister, in dealing with souls in such circumstances, that does not find that the thing, that mainly prevents this, is men's excusing themselves with their own inability, and .the moral necessity of those things, wherein their ex- ceeding guilt and sinfulness in the sight of God, most fundamental- ly and mainly consist : such as, living from day to day, without one spark of true love to the God of infinite glory, and the Fountain of all good ; their having greater complacency, in the little vile things of this world, than in him; their living in a rejection of Christ, with all his glorious benefits and dying love ; and after all the exhibition of his glory and grace, having their hearts still as cold as a stone towards Him ; and their living in such ingratitude, for that infinite mercy of his laying down his life for sinners. They, it may be, think of some instances of lewd behaviour, lying, dishonesty, in- temperance, profaneness, etc. But tlie grand principles of iniqui- ty, constantly abiding and reigning, from whence all proceeds, are ail overlooked. Conscience does not condemn them for those things, because they cannot love God of themselves, they cannot be- lieve of themselves, and the like. TJiey rather lay the blame of these things, and their other reigning wicked dispositions of heart, to God, and secretly chaige him with all the blame. These things are very much, for want of being thoroughly instructed, in that great and important truth, that a had toill, or an evil disposition of heart, itself, is wickedness. It is wickedness, in its very being, na- ture and essence, and not merely ihe occasion of it, or the deter- mining influence, that it was at first owing to. Some, it may be, will say, " they own it is their fault that they have so bad a heart, that they have no love to God, no true faith in Christ, no gratitude to him, because they have been careless and slothful in times past, and have not used means to obtain a better heart, as they should have done." And it may be, they are taught, " that they are to blame for their wickedness of heart, because they, as it were, brought it on themselves, in Adam, by the sin which he voluntarily committed, which sin is justly charged to their account ;" which perhaps they do not deny. But how far are these things from be- ing a proper conviction of their wickedness, in their enmity to God and Christ. To be convinced of tlie sin of something that, long LIFK OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 561 ago, was the occasion of their enmity to God ; and to be convinced of the wickedness of tlie enmity itseU'; are quite two things. And if sinners, under some awakening, find the exercise of corruption of heart, as it appears in a gre;it many ways ; in their meditations, prayers, and otlier religious duties, and on occasion of their fears of hell, etc. etc. ; still, this notion of then- inability to help it, excusing them, will keep them from proper conviction of sin herein. Fears of hell tend to convince men of the hardness of their hearts. But then, when they find how hard their hearts are, and how I'ar from a proper sensibility and affection in things of religion; they are kept from properly condemning themselves ior it, from the moral neces~ sity, or inability, which attends it. For the very notion of hard- ness of heart, implies moral inability. The harder the heart is, the more dead is it in sin, and the more unable to exert good affections and acts. Thus the strength of sin, is made the excuse for sin. And thus I have known many under fears of hell, justifying, or ex- cusing, themselves, at least implicitly, in horrid workings of enmity against God, in blasphemous thoughts, etc. " It is of great importance, that they, that are seeking their sal- vation, should be brought off from all dependence on their own right- eousness : but these notions above all things prevent it. They jus- tify themselves, in the sincerity of their endeavours. They say to themselves, that they do what they can ; they take great pains ; and though there be great imperfection in what they do, and many evil workings of heart arise, yet these they cannot help : here moral ne- cessity, or inability, comes in as an excuse. Things of this kind have visibly been the main hindrance of the true humiliation and conversion of sinners, in the times of awakening, that have been in this land, everywhere, in all parts, as I have had opportunity to ob- serve, in very many places. When the gospel is preached, and its offers, and invitations, and motives, most powerfully urged, and some hearts stand out, here is their strong hold, their sheet-anchor. Were it not for this, tliey would either comply ; or their hearts would condemn them, for their horrid guilt in not complying. And if the law of God be preached in its strictness and spirituality, yet conscience is not properly convinced by it. They justify them- selves with their inability ; :and the design and end of the law, as a school-master, to fit them for Christ, is defeated. Thus both the law and the gospel are prevented from having their proper efiect. " The doctrine of a Self-determining Will, as the ground of all moral good and evil, tends to pre^•ent any proper exercises of faith in God and Christ, in the affair of our salvation, as it tends to prevent all dependence upon them. For, instead of this, it teaches a kind of absolute independence on all those things, that are of chief importance in tliis affair; our righteousness depending originally on our own acts, as self-determined. Thus our own holiness is from ourselves, as its determining cause, and its original and high- VoL. I. 71 562 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. est source. And as for imputed righteousness, that should have any merit at all in it, to be sure, there can be no such thing. For self-determination is necessary to praise and merit. But what is imputed from another is not from our self-determination or action. And truly, in this scheme, man is not dependent on God ; but God is rather dependent on man in this affair : for he only operates consequentially in acts, in which he depends on what he sees we determine, and do first. " The nature of true faith implies a disposition, to give all the glory of our salvation to God and Christ. But this notion is incon- sistent with it, for it in effect gives the glory wholly to man. For that is the very doctrine that is taught, that the merit and praise is his, whose is the original and effectual determbation of the praiseworthy deed. So that, on the whole, I think it must be a miracle, if ever men are converted, that have imbibed such no- tions as these, and are under their influence in their religious concerns. " Yea, these notions tend effectually to prevent men's ever seek- ing after conversion, with any earnestness. It is manifest, that men never will be in earnest in this matter, till their consciences are awakened, and they are made sensible of God's anger, and their danger of suffering the terrible effects of it. But that stu- pidity, which is opposed to this awakening, is upheld chiefly by these two things : theiv insensibility of their guilt, in what is past, and present ; and their flattering themselves, as to what is future. These notions of liberty of indifference, contingence, and self-de- termination, as essential to guilt or merit, tend to preclude all sense of any great guilt for past or present wickedness. As has been ob- served already, all wickedness of heart is excused, as what, in it- self considered, brings no guilt. And all that the conscience has to recur to, to find any guilt, is the first wrong determination of the will, in some bad conduct, before that wickedness of heart existed, that was the occasion of introducing or confirming it. Which determination arose contingently from a state of indifference. And how small a niatter does this at once bring men's guilt to, when all the main things, wherein their wickedness consists, are passed over. And indeed the more these principles are ])ursued, the more and more must guilt vanish, till at last it comes to nothing, as may easily be shown. "And with respect to self-fiattery and presumption, as to what is future, nothing can possibly be conceived more directly tending to it, than a notion of a liberty, at all times possessed, consisting in a power to determine one's own will to good or evil ; which implies a power men have, at all times, to determine them to repent and turn to God. And what can more effectually encourage the sinner,, in present delays and neglects, and embolden him to go on in sin, in a presumption of having his own salvation at all times at his com- LIFE OK PRKSIDENT EDWARDS. 563 mand ? And this notion of self-determination and self-dependence, tends to prevent, or enervate, all prayer to God for converting grace ; for why should men earnestly cry to God for his grace, to determine their hearts to that, which they must be determined to of themselves. And indeed it destroys the very notion of con- version itself. There can properly be no such thing, or any thing akin to what the scripture speaks of conversion, renova- tion of tlie heart, regeneration, etc. if growing good, by a nmn- ber of self-determined acts, are all that is required, or to be ex- pected. " Excuse me. Sir, for troubling you with so much on this head- I speak from the fulness of my heart. What I have long seen of the dreadful consequences of these prevalent notions every where, and what I am convinced will still be their consequences so long as they continue to prevail, fills me with concern. I therefore wish that the affair were more thoroughly looked into, and searched to the very bottom. " I have reserved a copy of this letter, and also of my other to you, dated July 25, intending to send them to Mr. Burr, to be by him conveyed, by tlie way of New- York or Philadelphia. Look- ing on these letters as of special importance, I send duplicates, lest one copy should fail. The pacquet, in which I inclose this, I cover to Mr. Gillies, and send to Boston, to the care of Mr. Hyslop, to be conveyed to Mr. Gillies. But yet have desired him, if he has a more direct opportunity, to convey tlie pacquet to Edinburgh, by the way of London, dien to put a wrapper over the whole, inscribed to you; and to write to you, desiring you to break open the pacquet, and take out the letters which belong to you. " You will see, Sir, something of our sorrowful state, on this side of the water, by my letter to Mr. M'Culloch. O, Sir, pray for us 5 and pray in particular, for " Your affectionate and obliged " Friend and brother, " Jonathan Edwards.'- CHAPTER XXX. Death of President Burr. — His character. — Mr. Edwards cho- sen his successor. — Letters of Mrs. Burr, — To a gentleman in Scotland — To a gentleman in Boston — To her Mother. — Let- ter of Mr. Edwards, to the Trustees of the College. — Letter of Mrs. Burr, to her father. — Letter to Dr. Bellamy. — Council dismiss Mr. Edwards. — Inauguration as President. — First Sermon at Princeton. — Sickness. — Death. — Letter of Dr. Ship- pen. — Letters of Mrs. Edwards, and of her daughter, to Mrs. Burr. — Death of Mrs. Burr. — Death of Mrs. Edwards. The Rev. Aaron Burr, President of the College at Princeton, and the son-in-law ol" Mr. Edwards, died, on the 24th of Septem- ber, 1757, two days before the public Commencement. He was a native of Fairfield, Connecticut, was born in 1716, and was graduated at Yale College, in 1735. In 1738, he was ordained, as pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Newark. In 1748, he was unanimously elected President of the College, as successor to Mr. Dickinson. Though possessed of a slender and delicate con- stitution, he joined, to uncommon talents for the dispatch of business, a constancy of mind, that commonly secured to him success. The flourishing state of the College, at the time of his death, was chief- ly owing to his great and assiduous exertions. Until the autumn of 1755, he discharged the duties, both of President and Pastor of the Church.* Mr. Burr was greatly respected, in every station and relation of life. He was a man of acknowledged talents, of sound, practical good sense, of unimpeachable integrity, and of ar- dent piety. Polished in his manners, he had uncommon powers in conversation, and possessed the happy art, of inspiring all around him with cheerfulness. As a reasoner, he was clear and solid ; and as a preacher, animated, judicious, fervent and successful. He had warm affections, was greatly endeared to his family and friends, and was open, fair and honourable, in all his intercourse with mankind. During the period of his Presidency, he secured the high esteem and confidence of all, who were interested in the College. — In the latter part of July, or the beginning of August, being in a low state of health, he made a rapid and exhausting vi- * In the autumn of 1756, or early in 1737, the College was removed f" rrinceton. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 5€l5 'sit to Stockbridge, in a very Iiot, sultry season. He soon returned to Priiuetou, and went immediately to Ehzabethtown ; where, on the 19lh of August, he made an attempt, before the Legislature, to procure the legal exemption of the students trom military duty. On the 21st, at Newark, being much indisposed, he prcociied an extemporaneous funeral sermon, in consequence ol a deail; ia the fauiily ot his successor. He tlien returned to Princeton, and, in a few ftays, went to Philadelpiiia, on the business of liie Cu"!!e;{;e. Ou tlie \ypy, his disorder took the form ol an intermittent lever. On his return, he learned that his friend, Governor Belcher, died at Elizabethtown, on the 31st of August, and that he hatl been desig- nated, to })reach the funeral sermon. His wife, perceiving his in- creasing illness, besought him to spare himself, and decline the un- dertaking ; but he felt himseli hound, if possible, to peilorm it. Having devoted the aliernoon of Sept. 2d, to the task of preparing the sermon, in the midst ot a iiigh fever, which was succeeded by delirium in the night, he rode the next day to Elizabetlitowni, about forty miles, and, on the 4th, in a state of extreme languor and ex- haustion, when it was obvious to every one, that he ought to have been confined to a sick bed, he with great difficult)^ preached the sermon. Ale returned to Princeton the following day ; and his disorder immediately assumed the character of a fixed and violent fever, seated on the nerves. At the approach of death, that gos- pel, which he ht;d preached to others, gave him unfailing support. He was patient and resigned, and cheered with the livehest hope of a htippy immortality. The Corporation of the College met, two d?ys after his death, and on the same day made choice of Mr. Edwards, as his successor. Some of the circumstances, connected with the sickness and death of her husband, are alluded to in tlie following letter from Mis. Burr, to a gentleman in Scotland, written soon after Mr. Burr's decease. " Honoured Sir, " I flatter myself I shall not be thought intrusive, if I acknow- ledge, in a few lines, the receipt of your letter, dated in August, to my late dear husband, which reached me, after he was beyond the reach of all mortal things. The affectionate regard that you ex- press for one, who was dearer to me than my own liie, was extreme- ly affecting to me; nor can J forgive myself, if I neglect to ac- knowledge it, in terms of lively gratitude. You, Sir, had a large share, with me, in that dear good mnn's heart, which he often ex- pressed, with the warmest affection. I thought it might not be im- proper, to lay your letter before the Trustees, as they were then convened, and it chiefly concerned the College ; and then I sent it to my honoured father, the Rev. Mr. Edwards, who is chosen to succeed my dear husband ; which, 1 hope, will be grateful to the 50l3 LIFE OV fRESIBENT EDWARDS. friends of the College, in Scotland. I here inclose you, Sir, tire last attempt, my dear husband made, to serve God in public, and to do good to his fellow-creatures — a Sermon, that he preached at the funeral of our late excellent Governor. You will not think it strange, if it has imperfections ; when I tell you, that all he wrote on the subject, was done in a part of one afternoon and evening, when he had a violent fever on him, and the whole night after, he was irrational. " Give me leave to beg an interest in your prayers, at the throne of Grace, for a poor, disconsolate widow, and two fatherless or- phans. Please to present, with great respect, my kindest regard to your lady and daughters. " I am, honoured Sir, " Your most obliged and humble servant, " Esther Burr." The two following extracts from letters, written, soon after the death of Mr. Burr, will show the strength of her own feelings, ai well as her religious sentiments, and the exercises of her heart. The first is from a letter to a near friend of the family, in Boston. " Your most kind letter of condolence gave me inexpressible de- light, and, at the same time, set open afresh all the avenues of grief, and again probed the deep wound death has given me. My loss — Shall I attempt to say, how great my loss is — God only can know — And to him alone, would I carry my complaint. — Indeed, Sir, I have lost all that was, or could be desirable, in a creature. — I have lost all, that ever I set my heart on in this world. — I need not enlarge, on the innumerable amiable qualities of my late dear husband, to one that was so well acquainted with him, as you were ; however pleasing it is to me, to dwell on them. — Had not God supported me, by these two considerations ; first, by showing the right he has to his own creatures, to dispose of them when, and in what manner he pleases ; and secondly, by enabling me to follow him beyond the grave, into the eternal world, and there to view him, in unspeakable glory and happiness, freed from all sin and sorrow ; 1 should, long before this, have been sunk among the dead, and been covered with tlie clods of die valley. — God has wise ends, in all that he doth. This thing did not come upon me by chance ; and I rejoice, that I am in the hands of such a God." The other is from a letter to her mother, dated at Princeton, Oct. 7, 1757. After giving some account of Mr. Burr's death, and representing the sense she had of the greatness of the loss, which she and her children had sustained j she writes in the fol- lowing words : " No doubt, dear madam, it will be some comfort to you to hear^ LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARnS. 56T that God has not iitterly forsaken, although he has cast down. I would speak it to the glory oi God's name, that I tliink he has, in an uncommon degree, discovered himself to be an all-suflicient God, a full fountain of all good. Although all streams were cut off, yet the fountain is left full. — I think 1 have been enabled to cast my care upon him, and have iound great peace and calmness in my mind, such as this world cannot give nor take. — I have had uncommon freedom, and nearness to the throne of grace. God has seemed sensibly near, in such a supporting and comfortable manner, that I think I have never experienced the like. God has helped me to review my past and present mercies, with gome heart-afiectinf de- gree of thankfulness. ^ " I think God has given me such a sense of the vanity of the world, and uncertainty of all sublunary enjoyments, as I never had before. The world vanishes out of my sight ! Heavenly and eter- nal things appear much more real and important, than ever before. I feel myself to be under much greater obligations to be the Lord's, than before this sore affliction. — The way of salvation, by faith in Jesus Christ, has appeared more clear and excellent ; and I have been constrained to venture my all upon him ; and have found great peace of soul, in what I hope have been the actings of faith. Some parts of the Psalms have been very comforting and refresh- ing to my soul. — 1 hope God has helped me to eye his hand, in this awful dispensation ; and to see the infinite right he has to his own, and to dispose of them as he pleases. " Thus, dear madam, I have given you some broken hints of the exercises and supports of my mind, since the death of him, whose memory and example will ever be precious to me as my own life. O, dear madam ! I doubt not but I have your, and my honoured father's prayers, daily, for me ; but, give me leave to entreat you both, to request earnestly of the Lord, that I may never despise his chastenings, nor faint under this his severe stroke ; of which I am sensible there is great danger, if God should only deny me the supports, that he has hitherto graciously granted. " O, I am afraid I shall conduct myself so, as to bring dishonour on my God, and the religion which I profess ! No, rather let me die this moment, than be left to bring dishonour on God's holy name. — I am overcome — I must conclude, with once more beg- gmg, that, as my dear parents remember themselves, they woufd not forget their greatly afflicted daughter, (now a lonely widow,) nor her fatherless children.— My duty to my ever dear and hon- oured parents, and love to my brothers and sisters. " From, dear madam, " Your dutiful and affectionate daughter, " Esther Burr." **The news of his appointment to the Presidency," says Dr. 568 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. Hopkins, " was quite unexpected, and not a little surprising, to Mr. Ed'.vards. He looked on himself, in many respects, so unqualified for that busniess, that he wondered, that gentlemen ot so good judg- ment, and so well acquainted with him, as he knew some ol the Trustees were, should thmk of him for that place. He had many objections, in his own mind, against undertakmg the business, both from his unfitness, and his particular circumstances ; yet could not certainly determine, that it was not his duty to accept it. The lol- lowing extract of a letter, which he wrote to the Trustees, will give tiie reader a view of his sentiments and exercises, on this oc- casion, as well as of the great designs he was deeply engaged in, and zealously prosecuting." " Stockbridge, Oct. 19, 1757. " Rev. and Hon. Gentlemen, " I was not a little surprised, on receiving the unexpected notice, of your having made choice of me, to succeed the late President Burr, as the Head of Nassau Hall. — I am much in doubt, whetlier 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 inconven- iences, and great detriment, which may be sustained, by my re- moving, with my numerous family, so far from all the estate I have in the world, (without any prospect of disposing of it, under pre- sent circumstances, but with great loss,) 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 com- fortable situation, for a subsistence in this place ; and the expense I must immediately be at, to put myself into circumstances, tolera- bly comporting with the needful support of the honours of the of- fice I am invited to ; which will not well consist with my ability. " But this is not my main objection. The chief difficulties in my mind, in the way of accepting this important and arduous office, are tliese two : First, my own defects, unfitting me for such an under- taking, many of which are generally known ; beside others, of which my own heart is conscious. — I have a constitution, in many re- spects peculiarly unhappy, attended with flaccid solids, vapid, sizy and scarce fluids, and a low tide of spirits ; often occasioning a kind of childish weakness and contemptibleness of speech, presence, and demeanor, with a disagreeable dulness and stiffness, much unfit- ting me for conversation, but more especially for the government of a college. — This 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 ac- tivity, alertness, and spirit of government ; especially as succe eding one so remarkably well qualified in these respects, giving occasion to every one to remark the wide difference. I am also deficient in LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 5G0 some parts of learning, particularly in Algebra, and the higher parts of Mathematics, and in the Greek Classics ; 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 de- light of my life. " And here, honoured Sirs, (emboldened, by the testimony I have now received of your unmerited esteem, to rely on your candour,) I will with freedom open myself to you. " My method of study, from my first beginning the work of the ministry, has been very much by writing ; applying myself, in this way, to improve eveiy important hint ; pursuing the clue to my ut- most, when any thing in reading, meditation, or conversation, has been suggested to my mind, that seemed to promise light, in any w-eighty point ; tluis penning what appeared to me my best thoughts, on innumerable subjects, for my own benefit. — The longer I prose- cuted my studies, in this method, the more habitual it became, and the more pleasant and profitable I found it. — The farther I travelled in this way, the more and wider the field opened, which has occa- sioned 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 tilings against most of the prevailing 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 continued a triumph, with so little control, when it ap- pears so evident to me, that there is truly no foundation for any of this glorying and insult. I have already published something on one of the main points in dispute between the Arminians and Cal- vinists : and have it in view, God willing, (as I have already signi- fied to the public,) in like manner to consider all the other contro-^ verted points, and have done much towards a preparation for it. — But beside these, I have had on my mind and heart, (which 1 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 throuii into the form of a history; consi- dering the afiair 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 to be, of all others, the grand design ol" God, and the summum and ultimum of all the divine operations and decrees ; particularly considering all parts of the grand scheme, in their historical order. — The order of their existence, or their being brought lordi to view, in the course of divine disj>ensations, or the wonderful series of successive acts and events ; be&;inning from eternity, and descending from thence to the great work and succes- sive dispensations of the infinitely wise God, in time, considering tho chief events coming to pass in the church nrGod. and revolmions Vol. [. 72 57® LIFE GF PRESIDENT EBWARDS. in the Vvorld of mankind, affecting the state of the church and th© aff.ir of redemption, which we have an account of in history or prophecy ; till at last, we come to the general resurrection, last judg- ment, and consummation of all things; when it shall be said, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. — Concluding ray work, with the consideration of that perfect state of things, which shall be finally settled, to last for eternity. — ^This his- tory will be carried on with regard to all three worlds, heaven, earth and hell ; considering the connected, successive events and altera- tions 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 ; a method which appears to me the most beautiful and en- tertaining, wherein every divine doctrine will appear to the greatest advantage, in the brightest light, in the most striking manner, shew- ing the fldmirable contexture and harmony of the whole. -' I have also, for my own profit and entertainment, done much towards another great work, whicli I call the Harmony of the Old and JVe?^ Testament, in three parts. The first, considering the Prophecies of the Messiah, hisredeniption and kingdom ; the evi- dences of their references to the Messiah, etc. comparing them all one with another, demonstrating their agreement, true scope, and sense ; also considering all the various particulars wherein those prophecies have their exact fulfilment; showing the universal, pre- cise, and admirable correspondence between predictions and events. The second part, considering the Types of tlie Old Testament, !^hewing the evidence of their being intended as representations 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 pre- cept. In the course of this work, I find there will be occasion for an explanation of a very great part of the holy Scriptures ; 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 their proper use and improvement. — I have also many other things in liand, in some of which I have made great progress, which I will not trouble you with an account of. Some of these things, if divine providence favour, I should he willing to attempt a publication of. So far as I myself am able to judge of what talents I have, • for benefitting my fellow creatures by word, I think I can write bet- ter than I can speak. " My heart is so much in these studies, that I cannot find it in my heart to be willing to put myself into an incapacity to pursue them any more in the future part of my life, to such a degree as I must, if I un- dertake to go through the same course of employ, in the office of pre- sident, that Mr. Burr did, instructing in all the languages, and taking the whole care of the insU'uction of one of the classes, in all parts of LUTE OB* PRKSI1>ENT EDAVARDS* ^71 teorning, besides his other labours. If I should see lis;ht to deter- mine 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 j and to be subservient to the school, as to their order and methods of study and instruction, assisting, my- self, in the immediate instruction in the arts and sciences, (as discre- tion should direct, and occasion serve, and the state of things require,) especially of the senior class ; and added to all, should be willing to do the whole work of a professor of divinity, in public and private lectures, proposing questions to be answered, and some to be dis- • cussed 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 myself in, by instructing odiers. " On the whole, I am much at a loss, with respect to the way of 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 would be sorry for afterwards. Nevertheless, I think tlie greatness of the affair, and the regard due to so worthy and venerable a body, as that of tlie trustees of Nassau Hall, requires my taking the matter into se^ rious consideration. And unless you should aj)pear to be discoura- ged, by the things which I have now represented, as to any farther expectation from me, I 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 appears that they consent to leave me at liberty, with respect to the business they have employ- ed rae in here." Soon after the death of President Burr, Mr. Edwards addressed a letter to his greatly afflicted daughter, fraught with all the affec- tionate instruction and consolation which such a father could im- part.* To this she returned the following answer : " To the Rev. Jonathan Edwards, Stockbridge. " Princeton, A'ov. 2, 1757. "To my ever honoured father, "HoNorRED Sir, "Your most affectionate, comforting letter, by my brother Par- sons, was exceedingly refreshing to me ; although I was somewhat damped by hearing, that I should not see you until spring.f But * Unfortunately this Icttor is lost. +Wlieii Mr. Edwards wrote tho letter to which she refers, he did not thijfk »)f going to Princeton till spring; hut he aflcrwavds detcnriined ofherwi^o. 57i LiFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. it is my comfort in this disappointment, as well as under all my af- fliction, tliat God knows what is best,formp, and for his own glory. Perhaps I counted too much on the company, and conversation, of such a near and dear affectionate father and guide. I cannot doubt but all is for the best ; and I am satisfied that God should order the affair of your removal, us shall be for his glory, whatever be- comes of me. " Since I wrote my mother a letter, God has carried me through new trials, and given me new supports. My little son has been sick with a slow fever, ever since my brother left us, and has been brought to the brink of the grave ; but, 1 hope in mercy, God is bringing him back again. I was enabled, after a severe struggle with nature, to resign the child with the greatest freedom. God showed me that the children were not my own, but his, and that he had a right to recall what he had lent, whenever he thought fit ; and that I had no reason to complain, or say that God was hard with me. This silenced me. But O how good is God. He not only kept me from complaining, but comforted me, by enabling me to offer up my child by faith, if ever I acted faith. I saw the ful- ness there was in Chi'ist for little infants, and his willingness to ac- cept of such as were offered to him. " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not ;" were comforting words. God also showed me, in such a lively manner, the fulness there was in himself of all spiritual blessings, that I said, " Although all streams were cut off, yet so long as my God lives, I have enough.'' He enabled me to say, " Although thou slay me, yet will I trust in thee." In this time of trial, I was led to enter into a renewed and explicit covenant \^^th God, in a more solemn manner than ever be- fore ; and with the greatest freedom and delight, after much self- examination and prayer, I did give myself and my children to God, with my whole heart. Never, until then, had I an adequate sense of the privilege we are allowed in covenanting with God. This act of soul left my mind in a great calm, and steady trust in God. A few days after this, one evening, in talking of the glorious state my dear departed husband must be in, my soul was carried out in such large desires after that glorious state, that I was forced to re- tire from the family to conceal my joy. When alone I was so transported, and my soul carried out in such eager desires after perfection and the full enjoyment of God, and to serve him unin- terruptedly, that I think my natuie would not have borne much more. I think, dear Sir, I had that night, a foretaste of heaven. This frame continued, in some good degree, the whole night, I slept but little, and when I did, my dreams were all of heavenly and divine things. Frequently since, I have felt the same in kind, though not in degree. This was about the time that God called me to give up my child. Thus a kind and gracious God has been with me, in six troubles and in seven. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 573 *' But, O, Sir, what cause of deep humiliation and abasement of soul, have I, on account of remaining corruption, which I see working continually in me, especially pride. O, how many shapes does pride cloak itself in. Satan is also busy, shooting his darts. But, blessed be God, those temptations of his, that used to over- throw me, as yet, have not touciied me. I will just hint at one or two, if I am not tedious as to length. — When I was about to renew my covenant with God, the suggestion seemed to arise in my mind, "It is better you should not renew it, than break it when you have : what a dreadful thing it will be, if you do not keep it." My reply was, " I did not do it in my own strength." Then the suggestion would return, " How do you know that God will help you keep it." But it did not shake me in the least. — Oh, to be delivered from the power of Satan, as well as sin ! I cannot help hoping the time is near. God is certainly fitting me for himself; and when I think that it will be soon, that I shall be called hence, the thought is transporting. " I am afraid I have tired out your patience, and will beg leave only to add my need of the earnest prayers of my dear and ho- noured parents, and all good people, that I may not at last be a cast-a-way ; but that God would constantly grant me new supplies of divine grace. I am tenderly concerned for my dear brother Timothy, but I hope his sickness will not be unto death, but for the glory of God. — Please to give my duty to my honoured mother, and my love to all my brothers and sisters. " I am, honoured and dear Sir, " With the greatest respect, " Your affectionate and dutiful daughter, " Esther Burr." While Mr. Edwards was in the state of suspense, alluded to in his letter to the Trustees of the College, he determined to ask the advice of a number of gentlemen in the ministry, on whose judg- ment and friendship he could rely, and to act accordingly. One of those invited, on this occasion, was his old and fahhful friend, and former pupil, Mr. Bellamy, of Bethlem ; to whom, having receiv- ed from him, on the last day of November, two letters, dated on the 12th and 17th of that month, he returned, on the next day, the following answer ; which, while it refers to the subject of the Coun- cil, shows also, in a very striking manner, with what ease and rea- diness, he could throw a clear and certain light, on any dark and difficult passage of the word of God. ^^ StockhruJge, Dec. 1, 1757. " Rev. and dear Sir, " Yesterday, I received your two letters, of the 12th and 17th of Nov. ; but I saw and heard nothing of Mr. Hill. I thank you for 574 LIFE OK PRESIDENT EBW^KDS. your concern, that I may be useful in the world. — ^I lately Wrote you a letter, informmg you of our choice of a Council, to sit here on the 21st of this month ; and inclosed in it a letter missive to Mr. Brinsmade, who is one of tlie Council. I hope, before this time, you have received it. Don't fail of letting me see you here ; for I never wanted to see you more. " As to the question you ask, about Christ's argument, in John X, 34 — 36, I observe, ^^ First. That it is not all jjrinces of the earth, who are called gods, in the Old Testament ; but only the princes of Israel, who ruled over God's people. The princes, who are called gods, in Psalm 82, here referred to, are, in the same sentence, distinguish- ed from the princes of the nations of the world — "I have said. Ye are gods ; but ye shall die like men,, and fall like one of the princes^ " Secondly. That the reason, why these princes of Israel were called gods, was, that they, as the rulers and judges of God's Is- rael, were types and figures of Him, who is the True King of the Jews, and the Prince of God's people, who is to rule over the house of Jacob forever, the Prince and Saviour of God's churchy or spiritual Israel, gathered from all nations of the earth ; who is God indeed. The throne of Israel, or of God's }>eople, properly belonged to Christ. He only was the proper Heir to that throne ; and therefore, the princes of Israel are said to sit upon the throne of the Lord, 1 Chron. xxix. 23 ; and the kingdom of Israel, un- der the kings of the house of David, is called the kingdom of the Lord. 2 Chron. xiii. 8. And because Christ took the throne, as the Antitype of those kings, therefore he is said, Luke i. 32, to sit upon their throne. — Thus, the princes of Israel, in the 82d Psalm, are called gods, and sons of God, or " all of them children of the Most High;^^ being appointed types and remarkable representa-. tions of the true Son of God, and in him^ of the true God. They were called gods, and soiis of God, in the same manner as the Le- vitical Sacrifices were called an Atonement for sin, and in the same manner as the Manna was called the Bread of Heaven, and An- gels^ Food. These things represented, and, by special divine de- signation, were figures, of the true Atonement, and of Him who was the true Bread of Heaven, and the true Angels' Food ; in the same sense as Saul, the person especially pointed out in the 82d Psalm, is called " the i.ordh anointed,''^ or (as it is m the origi- nal) Messiah, or Christ, which are the same. And it is to be ob- served, that these typical gods, and judges of Israel, are particu- larly distinguished from the true God, and true Judge, in the next sentence, Ps. Ixxxii. 8, " Arise, O God, thou JudCxE of the earth ; for thou shalt inherit all nations." — This is a wish for the coming, of that King, that should reign in riditeousness, and judge right- eously; who was to inherit the Gentiles, as well as the Jews; and LIFE OF PRESIDENT KDWAR9S. 575 the words, as tlicy stand in connexion with the two preceding verses, import thus much — " As to you, the temporal princes and judges of Israel, you are called gods, and sons of God, being exalted to the place of kings, judges, and saviours of God's peo- ple, the Kingdom and Heritage of Christ; but you shall die like men, and fall like other princes ; whereby it appears that you are truly no gods, nor any one of you tlie true Son of God, which your injustice and oppression also shows. But Oh, that He, who is truly God, the Judge of the earth, the true and just Judge and Saviour, who is to be King over Gentiles as well as Jews, would come and reign !" — It is to he observed, that when it is said in this verse- — " Arise, O GocT' — the word rendered God, is Elohim — ihe same used m verse 6, " I have said, Ye are gods,^^- — I have said, Ye are elohim. " Thirdly. As to the words of Christ, in John x. 35, " If he called thera gods, unto whom the word of God came," I sup- pose that, by the word of God coming to these princes of Israel, is meant, their being set forth by special and express divine designa- tion, Jo he types, or figurative significations of God's Mind. Those things, which God had appointed to be types, to signify the mind of God, were a Visible Word. Types are called the word of the Lord — as in Zech. xi. 10, 1 1, and in Zech. iv. 4 — 6. — The word of God came to the princes of Israel, both as they, by God's ordering, became subjects of a typical representation of a divine thing, which was a visible word of God ; and also, as this was done by express divine designation, as they were marked out to this end, by an express, audible and legible word, as in Ex. xxii. 28, and Ps. Ixxxii- 1 ; and besides, the thing, of which they were appoint- ed types, was Christ, who is caljed " the Word of God.^^ — Thus, the word of God came to Jacob, as a type of Christ, 1 Kings xviii. 31, "And Elijal took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of .Jacob, unto whom the word ok the Lord came, saying, Israel shall be thy name." — The word Israel is Prince of God ;— ^J^cob being, by that express divine designation, appointed as a type of Christ, the true Prince of God, (who is called, in Isa. xlix. 3, by the name of Israel,) in his prevailing in his wrestling with God, to save himself and Jiis family from destruction by Esau, who was then coming against him, and obtaining the blessing for himself and his seed. — Now, " Fourthly. Christ's argument lies in these words, The Scrip- fare cannot be broken. That word of God, by which they are call- ed gods, as types of Him who is truly God, must be verified, wliich they cannot be, unless the Antitype be truly God. — They are so called, as types of the Messiah, or of the Anointed One, (which is the same,) or tlie Sanctified or Holy One, or Him that was to be se7it ; \\ hich were all known names, among the Jews, for the Messiah. CSop Dan. ix. 24, 25 ; Ps. jxxxix. 19, 20 ; Ps. xvi. 10 , John ix, o70 Lirt OF PRESIDKNT EDWARDS. 7.) But it was on this account, that those types or images of the Messiah were called gods, because He, whom they represented, was God indeed. If he were not God, the word by which they were called gods could not be verified, and must be broken. As the word, by which the Legal Sacrifices were called an Atone- ment, and are said to atone for sin, was true in no other sense, than as they had relation to the Sacrifice of Christ the true Atonement. If Christ's Sacrifice had not truly atoned for -sin ; the word, which called the types or representations of it an atonement, could not be verified. So, if Jesus Christ had not been the true Bread from Heaven, and Angels' Food indeed ; the Scripture which called the type of him, the Bread from Heaven, and Angels' Food, would not have been verified, but would have been broken. " These, Sir, are my thoughts on John x. 34, etc. "I am yours, most affectionately, " J. Edwards. *'P. 5^. Dec. 5. — The opportunity for the conveyance of my letters, to the ministers chosen to be of the Council, your way, not being very good ; I here send other letters, desiring you to take the charge of conveying them, with all possible care and speed." The gentlemen invited to the Council, at his desire, and that of his people, met at Stockbridge, January 4, 1758;* and, having heard the application of the agents of the College, and their reasons in support of it ;f Mr. Edwards' own representation of the matter; and what his people had to say, by way of objection, against his re- moval ; determined that it w^as 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 appeared uncommonly moved and affected with it, and fell into tears on the occasion, which was very unusual for him, in the presence of oth- ers ; and soon after, he said to the gentlemen who had given their advice, that it w^as matter of wonder to him, that they could so easily, as they appeared to do, get over the objecfions he had made against his removal.J But, as he thought it his duty to be direct- ed by their advice, he should now endeavour cheerfully to under- take it, believing he was in the way of his duty. *I have ascertained the names of only three of the members of the Council — Mr. Bellamy, Mr. Brinsmade, and Mr. Hopldns. This date is riffht, though it differs from that mentioned in the letter to Mr Bellamy. "f The agents of the College were, Rev. Messrs. Caleb Smith and John Brainerd. \ The Council, at the request both of the Enghsh and Indian congrega- tions at Stockbridge, addressed a letter to the Commissioners in Boston, requesting that the Rev. John Brainerd might be appointed Mr. Edwards' successor: — the Housatonnucks offering land for a settlement to the In- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 577 "Accordingly, having had, by the application of the Trustees of tlie College, the consent of the Commissioners of the " Society in London, for propagating the Gospel, in New England, and the parts adjacent," to resign their mission ; he girded up his loins, and set olF from Stockbridge for Princeton, in January. He left his family at Stockbridge, not to be removed till the spring. He had two daughters at Princeton ; Mrs. Burr, and Lucy, his eldest daughter, that was unmarried. His arrival at Princeton was to the great satisfaction and joy of the college. And indeed all the great- est friends to the college, and to the interests of religion, were high- ly satisfied and pleased with the appointment." It was a singular fact, that, soon after his arrival at Princeton, he heard the melancholy tidings of the death of his father. It oc- curred on the 27th of January, 1758, in the 89th year of liis age. " The corporation met as soon as could be with convenience, after his arrival at the college, when he was, by them, fixed in tlie president's chair. While at Princeton, before his sickness, he preached in the college-hall, sabbath after sabbath, to the great ac- ceptance 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 tliought proper, upon 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 delivered what they had to say, that they spoke of it with the great- est satisfaction and wonder. " During this time, Mr. Edwards seemed to enjoy an uncom- mon degree of tlie presence of God. He told his daughters he once had great exercise, concern and fear, relative to his engaging in that business ; but since it now appeared, so far as he could see, that he was called ot God, to that place and work, he did cheer- fully 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 Princeton, and likely to spread. And as Mr. Ed- wards had never had it, and inoculation was then practised with great success in those parts, he proposed to be inoculated, if the diaii congregation at Cranberry, New Jersey, if they would remove to Stockbridge : — and another letter to the Trustees of the College, rcquest- ino- that they would use their collective and individual influence, to procure the appointment of Mr. Brainerd, and his removal to Stockbridge. * The first sermon, whicli he preached at Princeton, was on the Un- changeableness of Christ, in Vol. VIII. It was upwards of two liours in the delivery ; but is said to have been listened to with such profound at- tention, and deep interest, by the audicjice, that they were unconscious of the lapse of time, and surprised that it closed so soon. Vol. I. 73 578 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. physician Bhould advise to it, and the corporation would give their consent. Accordingly, by the advice of the physician, and the consent of the corporation, he was inoculated February 13th. 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 pustules in his throat, the obstruction was such, that the medicines necessary to check the fever, could not be administered. It therefore raged till it put an end to his life, on the 22d of March, 1758, in the 55tli year of his age. " After he was sensible that he could not survive that sickness, a little before his death, he called his daughter to him, who attended him in his sickness, and addressed her in a few words, which were immediately taken down in writing, as near as could be recollected, and are as follows : — " Dear Lucy, It 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 continue forev- " er : and I hope she will be supported under so great a trial, and " submit cheerfully to the will of God. And as to my children, " you are now like to be left fatherless ; which I hope will be an " inducement to you all, to seek a Father, who will never fail you. " And as to my funeral, 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 disposed of to charitable uses."* " He said but very little in his sickness : but was an admirable instance of patience and resignation, to the last. Just at the close of hfe, as some persons, who stood by, expecting 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 religion in general ; to their surprise, not imagining that he heard, or ever would speak another word, he said, " Trust in God, and ye need not fear." These were his last words. What could have been more suitable to the occasion ! And what need of more! In these there is as much matter of instruction and support, as if he had written a volume. This was the only consolation to his bereaved friends, deeply sensible, as they were of the loss^ which they, and the church of Christ, had sustained in his death : God IS ALL-SUFFICIENT, AND STILL HAS THE CARE OF HIS CnURCH.f * President Burr, ordered, on his death bed, that his funeral should not be attended with pomp and cost ; 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 fashionable funeral, above the necessary cost of a decent one, should be given to the poor, out of his estate. f The reader may wish to see the notice taken of the death of Mr. Ed- wards, at the time when it occurred. The following is the account of it, LIFE OF PRESinENT EBWAUDS. 579 "He appeared to have the uninterrupted use of his reason to the last, and died with as much cahiiness and composure, to all appear- ance, as that with which one goes to sleep." The physician, who inoculated and constantly attended him, in his sickness, addressed the following letter to Mrs. Edwards, on this occasion : "To Mrs. Sarah Edwards, Stockbridge. ''Princeton, March 22, 1758. *' Most dear and very worthy Madam, " I am heartily sorry for the occasion of my writing to you, by this express, but I know you have been informed, by a line from your excellent, lovely and pious husband, that I was brought here to inoculate him, and your dear daughter Esther, and her children, for the small-pox, which was then spreading fast in Princeton; and that, after the most deliberate and serious consultation, with his nearest and most religious friends, he was accordingly inoculated with them, the 23d of last month ; and although he had the small- pox favourably, yet, having a number of them in the roof of his mouth and throat, he could not possibly swallow a sufficient quantity of drink, to keep off a secondary fever, which has proved too strong for his feeble frame ; and this afternoon, between two and three o'clock, it pleased God to let him sleep in that dear Lord Jesus, whose kingdom and interest he has been faithfully and painfully serving all his life. And never did any mortal man, more fully and clearly evidence the sincerity of all his professions, by one continu- ed, universal, calm, cheerful resignation, and patient submission to the divine will, through every stage of his disease, than he ; not so much as one discontented expression, nor the least appearance of murmuring, through the whole. And never did any person expire with more perfect freedom from pain ; — not so much as one dis- torted hair — but in the most proper sense of the words, he fell asleep. Death had certainly lost its sting, as to him. "Your daughter, Mrs. Burr, and her children, through the mer- cy of God, are safely over the disease, and she desires me to send in the Boston Gazette, of April 10, 1750. — " On Wednesday, the 22d of last month, died, by inoculation, at Nassau Hall, an eminent servant of God, the Rev. pious, Mr. Jonathan Edwards, President of the College of New Jersey ; a gentleman of distinguished abilities, and an heavenly temper of mind : a most rational, generous, catholic and exemplary christian, admi- red by all who knew him, for his uncommon candour and disinterested bene- volence; a pattern of temperance, meekness, patience and charity; always steady, calm and serene; a very judicious and instructive preacher, and a most excellent divine. And, as he lived, cheerfully resigned to the will of Heaven, so he died, or ratiier, as the Scriptures emphatically express it, with respect to good men, hrfcll asleep in Jesus, without the least appear- ance of pain." 580 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. her duty to you, the best of mothers. She has had the small-pox the heaviest of all, whom I have inoculated, and little Sally, far the lightest ; she has but three in her face. I am sure it will prove ser- viceable to her future health. "I conclude, with my hearty prayer, dear Madam, that you may be enabled to look to that God, whose love and goodness you have experienced a thousand times, for direction and help, under this most afflictive dispensation of his providence, and under every other difficulty, you may meet with here, in order to your being more perfectly fitted for the joys of heaven, hereafter. "I am, dear Madam, "Your most sympathizing " And affectionate friend, " And very humble servant, " William Shippen." This letter reached Mrs. Edwards, while in a feeble state of health, when she was preparing to pay a visit, first to her sister, Mrs. Hopkins, at West Springfield, and then to her mother, Mrs. Edwards, of Windsor, in consequence of the death of Mr. Edwards' father. What her feelings were, and tliose of her family, under this unexpected and overwhelming dispensation, can be more easily conceived than described. " She had long told her intimate friends, that she had, after long struggles and exercises, obtained, by God's grace, an habitual wil- lingness to die herself, or part with any of her most near relatives. That she was willing to bring forth children for death ; and to resign up him, whom she esteemed so great a blessing to her and her fa- mily, her nearest partner, to the stroke of death, whenever God should see fit to take him. And when she had the greatest trial, in the deatli of Mr. Edwards, she found the help and comfort of such a disposition. Her conduct on this occasion, was such as to excite the admiration of hef friends; it discovered that she was sensible of the great loss, which she and her children had sustained in his death ; and, at the same time, showed that she was quiet and resigned, and had those invisible supports, which enabled her to trust in God with quietness, hope, and humble joy." A few days afterwards, she addressed the following Letter to Mrs. Burr. '' Stockbridge, April 3, 1758. " My very dear Child, "What shall I say ! A holy and good God has covered us with a dark cloud. O that we may kiss the rod, and lay our hands on our mouths ! The Lord has done it. He has made me adore his goodness, that we had him so long. But my God lives ; and he LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAPtDS. 581 has my heart. O what a leo;ac.y my husband, and your father, has left us ! We are all given to God ; and there I am, and love to be. " Your ever affectionate mother, " Sarah Edwards." On the same sheet, was the following letter from one of her daughters. "My dear Sister, " My mother wrote this, with a great deal of pain, in her neck, which disabled her from writing any more. She thought you would be glad of these few lines from her own hand. " O, sister, how many calls have we, one upon the back of an- other. O, I beg your prayers, that we, who are young in this family, may be awakened and excited to call more earnestly on God, that he would be our Father and friend forever. " My father took leave of all his people and family as affection- ately, as if he knew he should not come again. On the Sabbath after- noon, he preached from these words, — M^e have no continuing city, therefore let us seek one to come. The chapter that he read was Acts the 20th. O, how proper ; what could he have done more. When he had got out of doors he turned about, — " I commit you to God," — said he. — I doubt not but God will take a fatherly care of us, if we do not forget him. " I am your ever affectionate sister, " Susannah Edwards." « Stockhridge, Jpril 3, 1758. " Mrs. Burr and her children were inoculated, at the same time that her father was, and had recovered when he died. But after she was perfectly recovered, to all appearance, she was suddenly seized with a violent disorder, which carried her off in a hw days ; and which, the physician said, he could call by no name, but that oi a messenger, sent suddenly, to call her out of the world. She died, April 7, 1758, sixteen days after her father, in the 27th year of her age. She was married to Mr. Bm-r, June 29, 1752. They had two children, a son and a daughter. " Mrs. Burr exceeded most of her sex, in the beauty of her person, as well as in her behaviour and conversation. She disco- vered an unaffected, natural freedom, towards persons of all ranks, with whom she conversed. Her genius was much more than com- mon. She had a lively, sprightly imagination, a quick and pene- trating discernment, and a good judgment. She possessed an un- common degree of wit and vivacity ; which yet was consistent with pleasantness and good nature ; and she knew how to be facetious and sportive, without trespassing on the bounds of decorum, or of strict and serious religion. In short, she seemed formed to please, 582 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. and especially to please one, of Mr. Burr's taste and character, in whom he was exceedingly happy. But what crowned all her ex- cellencies, and was her chief glory, was Religion. She appear- ed to be the subject of divine impressions, when seven or eight years old ; and she made a public profession of religion, when about fifteen. Her conversation, until her death, was exemplary, as becometh godliness." — She was, in every respect, an ornament to her sex, being equally distinguished for the suavity of her man- ners, her literary accomplishments, and her unfeigned regard to re- ligion. Her religion did not cast a gloom over her mind, bufmade her cheerful and happy, and rendered the thought of death trans- porting. She left a number of manuscripts, on interesting subjects, and it was hoped they would have been made public ; but they are now lost. * Mrs. Edwards did not long survive her husband. In Septem- ber, she set out, in good health, on a journey to Philadelphia, to take care of her two orphan grand-children, which were now in that city ; and had been, since the death of Mrs. Burr. As they had no relations in those parts, Mrs. Edwards proposed to take them into her own family. She arrived there, by the way of Princeton, Sept. 21, in good health, having had a comfortable journey. But, in a few days, she was seized with a violent dysen- tery, which, on the fifth day, put an end to her Hfe, October 2d, 1758, in the 49th year of her age. She said not much in her sickness ; being exercised, most of the time, with violent pain. On the morning of the day she died, she apprehended her death was near, when she expressed her entire resignation to God, and her desire tliat he might be glorified in all things ; and that she might be enabled to glorify him to the last : and continued in such a tem- per, calm and resigned, till she died. Her remains were carried to Princeton, and deposited with those of Mr. Edwards. Thus they, who were in their lives remarkably lovely and pleasant, in their death were not much divided. Here, the father and mother, the son and daughter, were laid together in the grave, within the space of a little more than a year ; though a few months before, their dwelling was more than 150 miles apart : — two Presidents of the same College, and their consorts, than whom, it will doubtless be hard to find four persons, more valuable and useful ! By these repeated strokes, following in quick succession, the American Church, within a few months, sustained a loss, which probably, in so short a space of time, will never be equalled. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards lived together, in the married state, above thirty years ; in which time, they had eleven children, three sons, and eight daughters. The second daughter died, Feb. 14, LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWAHDS. 583 1 748. The third daughter was Mrs. Burr. The youngest daugh- ter, Elizaheth, died soon after her parents.* The Trustees of the College erected a marble monument, over the grave of Mr. Edwards, which has the following inscription : M. S. Revcrendi admodum Viri, JONATHAN EDWARDS, A. M. Collegii Novae CsBsarisc Pra?sidis. Natus apud Windsor Connecticutensium V. Octobris. A. D. MPCCm, s. V. Patre Reverendo Timotheo Edwards oriiindus, CoUegio Yalensi educatus; Apud Northampton Sacris initiatus, xv Februarii, MDCCXXVI-VII. lUinc dimissus xxii Junii, mdccl. Et Munus Barbaros instituendi accepit. Praises Aulaj Nassovicje creatus xvi Februarii, MUCCLVIII. Dcfunctus in hoc Vico xxii Martii sequentis, s. n. iEtatis LV, heu nimis brevis! Hie jacct mortalis pars. Qualia Persona qusris, Viator? Vir Corpore procero, sed gracili, Studiis intensissimis, Abstincntia, et SeduUtatc, Attenuato. Ingenii acumine, Judicio acri, et Prudentia, Secundus Nemini Mortalium. Artium liberahum et Scientiarum peritia insignia, Criticoruni sacrorum optimus, Theologus eximius, Ut vix alter a?qualis ; Disputator candidus ; Fidei Cliristiance Propugnator validus ct invictus; Conconiator gravis, serius, discriminaus; Et, Deo ferente, Successu Felicissimus. Pietate pra^clarus, Moribus suis scverus, Ast aliis aequus et bcnignus. Vixit dilectus, vencratus — Sed, ah ! lugendus Moriebatur. Quantos Geniitus discedens ciebat! II cu Sapientia tanta! heu Doctrina ct Rcligiol Aniissum plorat Collegium, plorat ct Ecclesia: At, CO recepto, gaudet Ccelum. Abi, Viator, et pia sequere Vestigia. •* Sco Appendix K, CHAPTER XXXI. Concluding Remarks. The writer of the preceding pages regrets, at least as sincerely as any of his readers, that the collection of facts, which they con- tain, is not more fidl and complete ; yet, in consequence of the long interval, which has elapsed since the death of President Edwards, they are all, which, after much time, and labour and travel, he has been able to discover. Such as they are, tliey constitute, with his writings, the body of materials, from which we are to form our es- timate of his character, as an intelligent and moral being. In revievdng them, it is delightful to remember, in the outset,- that, so far as the human eye could judge, the individuals of both the families from which he derived his descent, were, as far back as we can trace them, distinguished for their piety. Each married pair, in both lines, with that care and conscientiousness, which so generally marked the Pilgrims of New England, and their Puritan ancestors, trained up their children in the fear of God ; and con- tinued, through life, to supplicate daily the Divine favour, on them and their descendents, in all succeeding generations. Their prayers, ascending separately and successively indeed, were yet embodied in their influence, and from Him, who " showeth mercy to thousands of generations of them that love him, and keep his commandments," called down concentrated blessings on their common offspring. So full, so rich, were these blessings, as bestowed on the subject of this memoir, that, perhaps, no one example on record furnishes a stronger encouragement to parents, to wrestle with God for tlie ho- liness and the salvation of their posterity. It was owing to the moral influence thus exerted, and to the Di- vine favour thus secured, that, when we review the childhood and youth of Mr. Edwards, we find them not only passing with- out a stain upon his memory, but marked by a purity and excel- lence, rarely witnessed at so early a period of life. The religious impressions, made upon his mind in childhood, were certainly fre- quent, deep, and of long continuance, and had a powerful effect upon his ultimate character ; yet the estimate, formed of their real nature by different persons, will probably be different. His own estimate of them was, unquestionably, that they were not the result of real religion. The circumstances, which led him to this conclusion, were these LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 585 two : — First, That, after he had cherished the hope of his own conversion, tor a considerable period, and had experienced a high degree of joy, in what he regarded as communion with God, he lost imperceptibly this spirituality of mind, reUnquished for a season the " constant performance" of the practice of secret prayer, and che- rished many affections of a worldly and sinful character : — Second- ly, That, when he recovered from this state of declension, his views of divine truth, particularly those connected with the Sove- reignty oX God, were in many respects new, and far more clear and delightful, than any which he had previously formed. Without calling in question the fact, that a given individual has, on some accounts, decidedly superior advantages forjudging of his own christian character, than others enjoy ; and without presuming to decide on the correctness of the estimate, thus formed by Mr. Edwards ; it may not be improper to state various circumstances, which lead me to suspect, that it may perhaps have been errone- ous: 1. The declension, of whirh he complains, appears to have been chiefly, or wholly, a declension in the state of the affections. 2. Those impressions began, when he was seven or eight years of age, and were so powerful and lasting, as to render religion the great object of attention, for a number of years. As made on the mind of such a child, they were very remarkable, even if we sup- pose them to have resulted in piety. 3. The season of his de- clension commenced soon after his admission to college, when he was twelve years of ag«. That a truly pious child, in consequence of leaving his early religious connections and associations, and es- pecially the altar and the incense of the parental sanctuary, of re- moving to a new place of residence, of entering on a new course of life, of forming new acquaintances and attachments, of feeling the strong attractions of study, and the powerful incentives of ambi- tion, and of being exposed to the new and untried temptations of a pubhc seminary ; should, for a season, so far decline fiom his pre- vious spirituality, as to lose all hope of his own conversion, is so far from being a surprizing event, that, in ordinary cases, it is perhaps to be expected. Piety, at its commencement in the mind, is usu- ally feeble ; and especially is it so, in the mind of a child. How often are similar declensions witnessed, even at a later age. Yet the subject of such backsliding, though, during its continuance, he may well renounce the hope of his conversion, does not usually re- gard the period of his recovery, as the commencement of his chris- tian life. — 4. He had not, at this period, made a public profession of religion ; and, of course, was not restrained from such declen- sion by his own covenant, by communion with christians, or by the consciousness, that, as a visible christian, his faults were subjected to the inspection and the censure of the surrounding world. 5. Though charitable in judging others, he was at least equally severe in judging himself. 6. He appears, at a very early period, to have Vol. I. 74 586 I^IFE OV PRESIDENT EDWARDS. formed views of the purity of the christian character — of the de- gree of freedom from sin, and of the degree of actual holiness, requisite to justify the hope of conversion — altogether more eleva- ted in their nature, than the truth will warrant. 7. That his views of divine truth — particularly of the Sovereignty of God — should have opened, after the age of twelve, with so much greater clear- ness and beauty, as to appear wholly new, was to have been ex- pected from the nature of the case. 8 At a subsequent period, when his mind was incessantly occupied by the unusual perplexi- ties of his tutorship, he complained of a similar declension. 9. The purity, strength and comprehensiveness, of his piety, as exhi- bited immediately after his public profession of Christianity, was so much superior to what is frequently witnessed, in christians of an advanced standing, as almost to force upon us the conviction that it commenced, — not a few months before, at the time of his sup- posed conversion, but — at a much earlier period of life. Rare in- deed is the fact, that holiness is not, at its commencement in the soul, " as a grain of mustard-seed, which is the least of all seeds ;" and though in the rapidity of its growth, it differs widely in different soils, yet time is indispensably necessary, before its fruits can cover the full-grown plant, like the clusters on the vine. — These conside- rations, and particularly the last, have led me to believe, that the early religious impressions of Mr. Edwards are to be regarded, as having been the result of a gracious operation of the Spirit of God, upon his heart. Under this happy influence, exerted in childhood, his character was formed. It prompted hira then to study the Scriptures, to love prayer, to sanctify the sabi)ath, and to pay an unusual attention to the duties of religion. It inspired him with reverence towards God, and made him afraid to sin. It rendered him conscientious in the performance of every relative duty, in manifesting love and grati- tude, honour and obedience, towards his parents, kindness and cour- teousness towards his sisters, and the other companions of his child- hood, respect and deference to his superiors, and good will to all around him. It led him also, at a very early period, to overcome that aversion to mental labour, which is so natural to man, and to devote himself with exemplary assiduity to the great duty, daily assigned him, of storing his mind with useful knowledge. Some of our readers, we are aware, may perhaps regard the recollections of his earlier years, as of little importance ; but those, who cherish common sympathies, with the whole body of evangelical christians, in the deep interest which they feel in his character and efforts, and who reflect, that the foundation of that character and of those ef- forts was then laid, will require of us no apology for thus exhibiting the comparative innocence and purity, the docility and amiableness, the tenderness of conscience, the exemplary industry, and the ar- LIFE OF PRESIDEKT EDWAKDS. 587 Uent thirst for knowledge, vvliich characterized this vernal season of his life. The developement of mental superiority, in the childhood and youth of Mr. Edwards, was certainly uncommon, if not singular. Boys of the age of eleven and twelve, even when receiving every aid from their parents and instructors, and when feeling the influ- ence of all the motives, which they can present, are usually unwil- ling, in any branch of natural science, to examine, so as thoroughly to comprehend, the discoveries and investigations of others. Still more unwilling are they to make this examination, when no such aid is furnished, and no such inducements are presented. But rare indeed is the instance, in which the attention of such a boy has been so far arrested, by any of the interesting phenomena, in either of tlie kingdoms of nature, that he has been led, without prompting, and without aid, to pursue a series of exact observations and discoveries, as to the facts themselves ; to search out their causes ; and, as the result of the whole, to draw up and present a lucid, systematic and well digested, report of his investigations. — The examination of the character and habits of the Wood-spider, made of his own accord by Edwards, at the age specified, and pursued through a long series of observations and deductions, evin- ces a power of attention, and an accuracy of conclusion, which would have qualified him at that time, if possessed of the proper instruments and specimens, for almost any investigations of Natural History. The Report of it, also, if we except the childishness of some of its phraseology, which, indeed, only adds to its interest, is as well arranged and luminous, as the well-written papers, which we now find in the Journals of Science. Perhaps it may be ques- tioned, whether higher evidence of a mature and manly mind, in so young a child, has hitherto been presented to the world. After the lapse of a little more than a year, just as he attained the age of fourteen, we find him entering on pursuits of a still higher character. Few boys of that age hav^e suflicient strength of intel- lect, to comprehend the Essay on the Human Undekstanding. Of those who have, but a small proportion can be persuaded to read it ; and a much smaller, still, are found to read it voluntarily, and of choice. We find Edwards, however, at this period of lile, not only entering on this work, of his own accord, and with deep inte- rest, but at once relinquishing every other pursuit, that he may de- vote himself wholly to the philosophy of the mind ; and, to use his own language, " enjoying a far higher pleasure in the perusal oi its pages, than the most greedy miser finds, when gathering up hand- fuls of silver and gold, from some newly discovered treasure." Nor is this all. While reading the work of Locke, he presents himself before us, not as a pupil, nor simply ns a critic ; but in the higher character of an investigator, exploring for himscll the uni- verse of minds, and making new and inleiosllny; discoveries. Fot- 588 LIFE OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. lunately his investigations are preserved, and may be compared with the efforts of other distinguished men, at the same period of life, in other countries and in other ages. And if any one of all those efforts discovers greater perspicacity and mental energy, than the " Notes on the Mind ;" particularly, the articles entitled. Being, Space, Motion, Genus, the Will, and Excellency ; we are yet to learn where it is to be found, and who was its author. The discus- sion of the very important and difhcult question, in the last of these articles, What is the Foundation of Excellencv — of Excel- lency in its most enlarged acceptation, in things material and spi- ritual, in things intellectual, imaginative and moral, — is not only original, as to its youthful author, and profound, but is even now, we believe, in various respects, new to the investigations of philo- sophy.* The Notes on Natural Science, furnish similar proofs of high mental superiority ; and, by their variety of topics, their general accuracy, and their originality, evince a power and comprehension, discovered by only here and there an individual, when possessed of the full maturity of his faculties. His habits of thinking and reasoning, at this time of life, appear to have been as severe, as exact and as successful, as those of the most accomplish- ed scholars usually are, in the vigour of manhood. The plan of study, itself, which he then formed, — of studying with his pen; and of immediately, and of course, employing the principles of the sci- ence he was examining, which had been already detailed and de- monstrated by others, in the discovery of new principles, — is at least equal evidence of the same superiority. So vigorous was the men- tal soil, that the seeds of thought could not be implanted therein, without being quickened at once, and made to grow into a rich and abundant harvest. Lookmg at these two series of Notes, in con- nection with the plan of study under which they grew, and then comparing them, by the aid of recollection, with the efforts of other children and youths of uncommon promise ; we instinctively ask, When, and where, has the individual lived, who has left behind him substantial proofs, that he has possessed, at the same age, a mind moie powerful, comprehensive or creative ? These conclusions are only confirmed, by the survey of his suc- ceeding years. Though drawn away from the entire devotion of his mind to his collegiate studies, by (what were to him) the alluring blandishments of Mental philosophy, he yet sustained in his clasi^ the first standing as a scholar ; and, though leaving college when sixteen, he was not too young to receive its highest honours. Hav- ing entered the desk at eighteen, he was, after a few trials, designa- ted by a number of gentlemen of a superior character, for a very *The last arliclc under this head, is obviously the fuundation of the n" thor's subsequent Treatise on tlie Nature of True Virtue. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 589 important and difficult station ; to which, as well as to various other interesting fields of labour, he received most pressing invitations. The extraordinary difficulties and perplexities of the college, while he was one of its officers, sufficient as they were to have over- whelmed a common mind, only served to furnish him and his col- leagues a fairer opportunity, to show forth the superiority of their own character. By their wisdom and fidelity, the college was preserved and enlarged, when in imminent donger of ruin ; and the period of their administration will ever be regarded, as one of the most important eras in its history. While the review of the childhood and youth of Mr, Edwards thus forces upon us the conviction, that, in the early developement of extraordinary mental powers, he has had few equals ; and enables us to reflect, wuh pleasure, tiiat these powers were never prostituted to folly, or to vice, but, from the beginning were faithfully devoted to the great end for which they were given ; it also leads us to re- mark, that his character, as a moral being, was thoroughly iormed and established, at a very early period of life. Like a dutiful child, he listened, indeed, to the counsels of his parents, as to the principles by which his conduct should be regulated ; but lie aiso examined for himself the foundations of those principles, and, hav- ing discovered that they were firm and immoveable, formed out of them a series of rules, for the systematic regulation of his own con- duct. These rules, particularly as exemplified in the journal of his daily life, evince not only a pure and transparent sincerity, and the greatest openness of soul towards God ; as well as an inspection, metaphysically accurate, of his own mind, and a thorough acr|uaint- ance with his ow'n heart ; but a knowledge of his duty, — to God, his fellow-men and himself, — and a conscientiousness in pcrformina; it, which are usually the result of great wisdom and piety, combi- ned with long experience. They grew^, obviously, out of a dispo- sition to turn every occurrence of life to a religious use, and thus to grow wiser and better, continually, under the course of discipline, to which the providence of God subjected him. They appear to have been made under the immediate inspection of the Omniscient eye, with a solemn conviction that he was an immortal being, form- ed to act on the same theatre with God, and angels, and the just made jierfect, in carrying forward the kingdom of holiness and joy, in its ever enlarging progress. Viewing himself, as just entering on this career of glory, he adopted, for the permanent direction of his course, the best and noblest resolution, that an intelligent being can form ; — " Resolved, That I will do whatsoever I think to be most to the glory of God, and my own good, profit and pleasure, in the whole of my duration; without any consideration of //te /m/e, whe- ther now, or never so many myriads of ages hence : resolved, to dd whatsoever I think to be my duty, and most for the good and ad- vantage of mankind in general : resolved, so to do, whatever diffl- 3S)0 LIFK OF PKKSIWENT EDWARDS. cutties I meet with, how many soever, and how great soever." In the spirit of this resolution, we find him, with all the earnestness of which he was capable, giving up himself to God, — all that he was, and all that he possessed, — so as habitually to feel that he was in no respect his own, and could challenge no right to the faculties of his body, to the powers of his mind, or the affections of his heart ; receiving Christ as a prince, and a saviour, under a solemn cove- nant to adhere to the faith and obedience of the gospel, however hazardous and difficult the profession and practice of it might be ; and taking the Holy Spirit as his teacher, sanctifier and only com- forter. And, in accordance with both, we find him, at this time, regularly making the glory of God the great end for which he liv- ed ; habitually trusting in God, to such a degree, as to feel no imeasiness about his worldly condition ; maintaining the most open and confidential intercourse with his Maker ; cherishing exalted thoughts of Christ and his salvation ; feeling himself to be a part of Christ, and to have no separate interest from his ; exercising a filial and delightful sense of dependence on the Holy Spirit, for the daily communication of his grace ; regarding communion with God as the very life and sustenance of the soul ; delighting in praising God, and in singing his praises, and as much when alone, as in the company of others ; often observing days of secret fasting, that he might discover, and repent of, and renounce every sin ; maintain- ing a constant warfare against sin and temptation ; frequently re- newing his dedication of himself to God ; conversing daily and familiarly with his own death and his own final trial ; rejoicing ha- bitually in the divine perfections and the divine government ; reve- rentially acknowledging the divine hand in all the works of nature, and in all the events of providence ; exhibiting a calm and sweet submission to the divine will under all the aflPiictions of life, so that he could regard afflictions as real and great blessings ; and enabled so to live with God. from day to day, and from hour to hour, as to be delightfully conscious of his presence, to refer his inmost mind to the inspection of his eye, to value his approbation above all things else, to cherish a joyful sense of union to him, to converse with him, as a father, concerning his wants, infirmities and sins, his dan- gers, duties and trials, his joys and sorrows, his fears and desires, his hopes and prospects, and to commune with him in all his works and dispensations, in his perfections and his glory. And, as the result of this, we find the Spirit of God unfolding to him the won- ders of divine truth ; vouchsafing to him joyful and glorious discov- eries of the perfections of God, as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit ; enabling him to live, as in the immediate presence and vision of the things that are unseen and eternal; and communicating to him a joyful assurance of the favour of God, and of a title to future glory. ^ This state of his heart towards God, prepared him for a just es- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 591 timate of his own character, for the formation of the best habits, and for a conscientious and faitJiful government over himself. The daily and careful survey of his sins, by the light of the divine holi- ness, enabled him to discover the deceitliilness of his own heart, and led him habitually to abhor himself, to form none but humbling and abasing views of his own attainments in piety, and to esteem others better than himself. There was something extremely deli- cate in his constitution ; which always obliged him to the exactest rules of temperance, and every method of cautious and prudent living. His temperance was the result of principle. It was not the mere ordinary care and watchfulness of temperate people, but such a degree of self-denial, both as to the quantity and quality of his food, as left his mind, in every part of the day, alike unclouded in its views, and unembarrassed in its movements. We have seen, from his diary, that he rose at a very early hour, throughout the year ; that, in the morning, he considered well the business and studies, of the day, resolved to pursue that which was the most im- portant ; that his habits of punctuality were exact and thorough ; that he husbanded his time, as the miser guards his choicest treasures ; not losing it even in his walks, his rides, or his journeys ; and not allowing himself to leave his study for the table, if his mind would thereby lose its brighter moments, and it^ happier sequences of thought and discovery ; and that, in consequence of this regularity of life, and an exact and punctilious regard to bodily exercise, he was enabled to spend an unusual portion of every day, in severe and laborious mental application.* Let it also be remembered, by every clergyman, that notwithstanding the exact discipline to whicli his mind had been subjected, by the course of his education, and by his long devotion to metaphysical pursuits, he continued his at- tention to mathematical studies, as a source, alike, of recreation and improvement, throughout the whole of his ministerial life. The habits of his religious life, which he formed in his youth, were not less thorough and exact. His observation of the sabbath was such as to make it, throughout, a day of real religion ; so that not only were his conversation and reading conformed to the great design of the day, but he allowed himself in no thoughts or medi- tations, which were not decidedly of a religious character. It was his rule, not only to search tlie Scriptures daily, but to study them so steadily, constantly and frequently, as tliat he might perceive a regular and obvious growtli in his knowledge of them. By prayer and self-application, he took constant care to render them the *On a preceding page it is stated, on theautliority of Dr. Hopkins, that he regularly spent thirteen hours, every day, in close'study. After receiv- ing the invitation to Princeton, he told Jiis "eldest son, that he iiad formanv years spent fourteen hours a day in study; and mentioned the necessity o"f giving up a part of this time to other pursuits, asoneof his chief obicctions against accepting the office of President. 692 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWVKDS, means of progressive sanctification. He made a secret of his prn %'ate devotions, observes Dr. Hopkins, and therefore they cannot be particularly known ; though 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 apart time for serious, devout meditations on spiritual and eternal things, as part of his re- ligious exercises in secret. It appears from his Diary, that his stated seasons of secret prayer were, from his youth, three times a day, — h. his journeys, as well as at home. He was, so far as can be known, much on his knees in secret, and in devout reading of God's word, and meditation upon it. And his constant, solemn converse witli God, in these exercises of secret religion, made his face, as it were, to shine before others. His appearance, his countenance, his words and whole demeanour, were attended with a seriousness, gravity and solemnity, which was the natural, genuine, indication and ex- pression, of a deep abiding sense of divine things on his mind, and of his living constantly in the fear of God. His watchfulness over himself — over his external conduct and over his secret thoughts and purposes — was most thorough and exemplary. The fear of God, and a consciousness of his own weakness, made him habitu- ally apprehensive of sin, and led him most carefully to avoid every temptation. His self-examination was regular, universal, and in a sense constant. Every morning he endeavoured to ioiesee, and to guard against, the dangers of the day. Every night he carefully reviewed the conduct of his mind, during its progress, and enquir- ed, wherein he had been negligent ; what sin he had committed ; wherein lie had denied himself; and regularly kept an account of every thing, which he found to be wrong. This record he review- ed at the close of the week, of the month, and of the year, and on the occurrence of every important change in Me ; that he might know his own condition, and that he might carry his sins in humble confession before God. Whenever he so much questioned whe- ther he had done his duty, as that the quiet of his mind was there- by disturbed, he regularly set it down, that he might examine its real nacure ; and, if found in any respect to be wrong, might put it away. Every course of conduct, which led him in the least to doubt of the love of God; every action of his mind, the review of which would give him uneasiness in the hour of death, and on his ^ final trial ; he endeavoured, with all his strength, to avoid. Every obvious sin, he traced back to its original, that he might afterward know where his danger lay. Every desire, which might prove the occasion of sin, — the desire of weahh, of ease, of pleasure, of in- fluence, of fame, of popularity, — as well as every bodily appetite, he strove not only to watch against, but habitually and unceasingly to mortify ; regarding occasions of great self-denial as glorious op- portunities of destroying sin, and of confirming him.self in holiness ; and uniformly finding that his greatest mortificatior^swere succeeded LIFE OF I-RESIUENT EDWARDS. 593 by the greatest comforts. On the approach of affliction, he search- ed out the sin, which he ou.i2;ht especially to regard, as calling for such a testimony of the divine displeasure, that he might receive the chastisement with entire submission, and be concerned about jiothing but his duty and his sin. The virtues and sins of others led him to examine himself, whether he possessed the former, and whether he did not practice tiie latter. Thus his whole hfe was a itontinued course of self-examination; and in the duty of secret fasting, and humiliation, wliich he very frequently observed, — a duty enjoined by Christ, on his followers, as explicitly, and in tlie same terms, as the duty of secret prayer ; enjoined too, for die very purpose of discovery, confession, and purification, — he was accus- tomed, widi the greatest unreservedness of which he was capable, to declare his ways to God, and to lay open his soul before him, all his sins, temptations, difficulties, sorrows and fears, as well as his desires and hopes; that the light of God's countenance might shine upon him without obstruction. The fear of God had a controlling influence, also, in regulating his intercourse with mankind. The basis of that intercourse, in all the relations of life, and indeed of his whole character, was evan- gelical integrity, — a settled unbending resolution to do what he thought right, whatever self-denial or sacrifices it might cost him. This trait of character he early discovered, in the unfavourable esti- mate, which he formed, of his youthful attainments in religion ; and in the severe judgment, which he passed upon the period of his offi- cial connection with college, as a period of marked declension in his christian life. He discovered it, during that connection, in his most conscientious and honourable efforts to promote the w elfare of that institution, under uncommon difficulties and trials. He disco- vered it during his ministry at Northampton, in the very laborious performance of every ministerial duty, and in his firm and fearless defence of the truth, in o])position to numbers, power and influence. He discovered it eminently in the affair of his dismission. His conscience at first hesitated, as to die law fulness of the prevailing mode of admission 1o the church. Sdll, he regarded the question as altogedier doubtful. It had been once publicly discussed ; his • own colleague and grandfather, who had introduced it at North- ampton, being one of the combatants ; and the victory had been supposed to be on Ids side, and in fnvour of the exisUng mode. The churches of the county had adopted it ; and the whole cur- rent of public opinion, — die united voice of wealth, fashion, num- bers, learning and influence, — was in its favour. If he decided against continuing the pracfice, all these would certainly be com- bined against him ; his people would demand his dismission, before a tribunal which had prejudged the case ; his only means of sup- porting a young and numerous family would be taken away, at a Vol. I. Tfi 594 I.TFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. time of life, when an adequate provision for their wants would pro bably involve him in extreme embarrassment. Yet none of these things moved him ; and his only anxiety was, to ascertain and to perform his duty. He discovered it, in the same manner, in the controversy at Stockbridge. There, the same influence, which, in the former case, had effected his dismission, he knew would be combined against him, with increased hostility, and in all probability would deprive his family a second time of their support ; unless he sat quietly by, and saw the charities of christian philanthropy per- verted to sources of private emolument. But in such a crisis he could not deliberate for a moment. " He had a strict and inviolable regard to justice, in all his deal- ings with his neighbours, and was very careful to provide things honest in the sight of all men ; so that scarcely a man had any deal- ings with him, who was not conscious of his uprightness. " His great benevolence to mankind discovered itself, among other ways, by the uncommon regard he showed to liberality, and charity to the poor and distressed. He was much in recommend- ing this, both in his public discourses, and in private conversation. He often declared it to be his opinion, that professed christians were greatly deficient in this duty, and much more so than in most other parts of external Christianity. He often observed how much this is spoken of, recommended and encouraged, in the holy Scriptures, especially in the New Testament. And it was his opinion, that every particular church ought, by frequent and liberal contributions, to maintain a public stock, that might be ready for the poor and necessitous members of that church ; and that the principal busi- ness of deacons is, to take care of the poor, in the faithful and judi- cious improvement and distribution of the church's contributions, lodged in their hands. And he did not content himself with merely recommending charity to others, but practised it much himself: though, according to his Master's advice, he took great care to con- ceal his acts of charity ; by which means, doubtless, most of his alms-deeds will be unknown till the Resurrection, but which, if known, would prove him to have been as honourable an example of charity, as almost any that can be produced. This is not mere conjecture, but is evident many ways. He was forward to give, on all public occasions of charity ; though, when it could properly be done, he always concealed the sum given. And some instances of his giving more privately have accidentally come to the know- ledge of others, in which his liberality appeared in a very extraor- dinary degree. One of the instances was this : upon his hearing that a poor obscure man, whom he never saw, or any of his kind- "Yed, was, by an extraordinary bodily disorder, brought to great straits; he, unasked, gave a considerable sum to a friend, to be de- livered to the distressed person ; having first required a promise of him, that he would let neither the person, who was the object of his LirE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 595 charity, nor any one else, know, by whom it was given. This may serve both as an instance of his extraordinary charity, and of his great care to conceal it."* Not less exemplary was his practice of the kindred virtue of hos- pitality, so much enjoined on all christians, in the sacred scriptures. As his acquaintance was very extensive, his house was the frequent resort of gentlemen from all parts of the colonies ; and the friend, and the stranger of worth, ever found a kind and cordial welcome at his table, and in the midst of his family. " He was thought by some to be distant and unsociable, in his manners; but this was owing to the want of a better acquaintance. He was not, indeed, a man of many words, and was somewhat re- served in the company of strangers, and of those, on whose can- dour and friendship, he did not know that he could rely. And this was probably owing to two causes. First, the strict guard he set over his tongue, from his youth. From experience and obser- vation he early discovered, that the sins of the tongue, make up a very formidable proportion of all the sins committed by men, and lead to a very large proportion of their remaining sins. He there- fore resolved to take the utmost care, never to sin with his tongue ; to avoid not only uttering reproaches himself, but receiving them, and listening to them from others; to say nothing for the sake of giving pain, or wounding the feelings or reputation of others ; to say nothing evil concerning them, except when an obvious duty required him to do it, and then to speak, as if nobody had been as vile as himself, and as if he had committed the same sins, or had the same infirmities or failings, as others ; never to employ himself 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 ; and to make sure of that mark of a perfect man, given by James, " If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able, also, to bridle the whole body." 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 in all his words ; which led him contbrmably to an apostolic pre- cept, to be, above many others, slow to speak. Secondly, this was in part, the effect of his bodily constitution. He possessed but a comparatively small stock of animal life : his spirits were low, and he had neither the vivacity nor strenth of lungs to spare, that would have been requisite in order to render him what might be called an affable, sprightly companion, in all circles. They, who have a great flow of animal spirits, and so can speak *" As both the giver, and the object of his charity, are dead, and all the ends of the prop >sed secrecy are answered; it is thought not inconsistent with the above mentioned promise, to make known the fact, as it is here related." 596 LIKE OF PKKSIDENT EjDVVAttDS. with more ease, and less expense, and exhaustion, tlian otlieis, may doubtless, lawfully engage in free conversation, in all companies, for a lower end than that which he proposed : e. g. to please, or to render themselves agreeable to others. But not so he, who has not such an abundant supply : it becomes him to reserve what he has, for higher and more important service. Besides, the want of animal spirit, lays a man under a natural inability of ex- ercising that freedom of conversation, at all times, and in what- ever company he is, which those possessed of more vivacity na- turally and easily glide into ; and the greatest degree of humility and benevolence, of good sense and social feeling, will not remove this obstacle. " He was not forward to enter into any dispute before strangers, and in companies, where there might be persons of different senti- ments ; being sensible that such disputes are generally unprofitable and often sinful, and of bad consequence. He thought he could dispute to the best advantage with his pen ; yet he was always free to give his sentiments, on any subject proposed to him, and to re- move any difficulties or objections offered by way of enquiry, as lying in the way of what he looked upon to be the truth. But how groundless, with regard to him, the imputation of being distant and unsociable was, his known and tried friends best knew. They al- ways found him easy of access, kind and condescending ; and though not talkative, yet affable and free. Among those, whose candour and friendship he had experienced, he threw off all that, which to others, had the appearance of reserve, and was most open and communicative : and was always patient of contradiction, while the utmost opposition was made to his sentiments, that could be made by any arguments or objections, whether plausible or solid. And indeed he was, on all occasions, quite sociable and free, with all who had any special business with him. " His conversation with his friends was always savoury and pro- fitable : in this he v/as remarkable, and almost singular. He was not accustomed to spend his time with them in evil speaking, or foolish jesting, idle chit-chat, and telling stories; but his mouth was that of the just, which bringeth forth wisdom, and whose lips dispense knowledge. His tongue was as the pen of a ready writer, while he conversed about important heavenly and divine things, of which his heart was so full, in a manner so new and ori- ginal, so natural and familiar, as to be most entertaining and in- structive, so that none of his friends could enjoy his company without instruction and profit, unless it was by their own fault. " He was cautious in choosing his intimate friends, and there- fore had not many, diat might properly be called such ; but to them he showed himself friendly in a peculiar manner. He was, indeed, a faithful friend, and able above most others to keep a secret. To them he discovered himself, more than to Lirt: ov 1'KI:sii>i-:nt edwahos. 597 olliers, and led theiu into his views and ends in his conduct in par- licular instances : by which they had al)undant evidence that ho well understood human nature, and that his general reserved- ness, and many particular instances of his conduct, which a stran- ger might impute to ignorance of men, were really owing to his uncommon knowledge of mankind. "In his family, he practiced that conscientious exactness, which was conspicuous in all his ways. He maintained a great esteem and regard for his amiable and excellent consort. Much of the tender and affectionate was expressed in his conversation with her, and in all his conduct towards her. He was often visited by her, in his study, and conversed 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 season for this, commonly, was in die evening, after prayers in the family, just before going to bed. As he rose very early himself, he was wont to have his family up betimes in the morning ; after which, before they entered on the business of the day, he attended on family prayers ; when a chapter in the bible was read, commonly by can- dle-light in the winter ; upon which he asked his children ques- tions, according to their age and capacity; and took occasion to explain some passages in it, or enforce any duty recommended, as he thought most proper. " He was careful and thorough in the government of his chil- dren ; and, as a consequence of this, they reverenced, esteemed and loved, him. He took the utmost care to begin his govern- ment of them, when they were very young. When they first discovered any degree of self-will and stubbornness, he would attend to them, until he had thoroughly subdued them, and brought them to submit. Such prudent discipline, exercised with the greatest calmness, being repeated once or twice, was generally sufficient for that child; and effectually established his parental audiority, and produced a cheerful obedience ever after. " He kept a watchful eye over his children, that he might admo- nish them of they? ?-5^ wrong step, and direct them in the right way. He took opportunities to converse with them singly, and closely, about the concerns of their souls, and to give them warnings, ex- hortations and directions, as he saw them severally need." The salvation of his children was his chief and constant desire, and aim, and effort concerning them. In the evening, after tea, he custom- arily sat in the parlour, with his family, for an hour, unbending from the severity of study, entering freely into the feelings and concerns of his children, and relaxing into cheerful and animated conversa- tion, accompanied frequently with sprighdy remarks, and sallies of wit and humour. But, before retiring to his study, he usually gave the conversation, by degrees, a more serious turn, addressing his children, A\ith great tenderness and earnestness, on the subject of 593 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. their salvation ; when the thought, that they were still strangers to religion, would often affect him so powerfully, as to oblige him to withdraw, in order to conceal his emotions. — " He took much pains to instruct his children, in the principles and duties of religion, in which he made use of the Assembly's Shorter Catechism : not merely 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 to this was on the evening before the sab- bath. And, as he believed that the sabbath, or holy time, began at sunset, on the evening preceding the first day of the week, he or- dered his family to finish all their secular business by that time, or before ; when all were called together, a psalm was sung, and prayer offered, as an introduction to the sanctification of the sab- bath. This care and exactness effectually prevented that intruding on holy time, by attending to secular business, which is too com- mon even in families, where the evening before the sabbath is pro- fessedly observed. " He was utterly opposed to every thing like unseasonable hours, on the part of young people, in their visiting and amusements ; which he regarded as a dangerous step towards corrupting them, and bringing them to ruin. And he thought the excuse offered by ma- ny parents, for tolerating this practice in their children, — that it is the custom, and that the children of other peojile are allowed thus to practice, and therefore it is difficult, and even impossible, to restrain theirs, — was insufficient and frivolous, and manifested a great de- gree of stupidity, on the supposition that the practice was hurtful and pernicious to their souls. And when his children grew up, he found no difficulty in restraining them from this improper and mis- chievous practice ; but they cheerfully complied with the will of their parents. He allowed none of his children to be absent 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 of their friends came to visit them. If any gentleman desired to address either of his daughters, after the requisite introduction and preliminaries, he was allowed all proper opportunities of becoming thoroughly acquainted with the manners and disposition of the young lady, but must not in- trude on tlie customary hours of rest and sleep, nor on the religion and order of the family." Perhaps there never was a man more constantly retired from the world, giving himself to reading and contemplation ; and it was a wonder that his feeble frame could subsist, under such fatigues, daily repeated, and so long continued. Yet, upon this being allu- ded to by one of his friends, only a few months before his death, he said to him, " I do not find, but that I now am as well able to bear the closest study, as I was thirty years ago ; and pan go through die LIFE OF PUESIDENT ED\VAlil>3. 599 exercises of the pulpit, with as little uneasiness or difllculty." — In his youth, he appeared health}^, and with a good degree of vivacity, but was never robust. In middle life, he appeared very much ema- ciated, by severe study, and intense mental application. — In his person, he was tall of stature, and of a slender form.* He had a high, broad, bold forehead, and an eye unusually piercing and lu- minous j and on his whole countenance, the features of his mind — perspicacity, sincerity and benevolence — were so strongly impress- ed, that no one could behold it, without at once discovering the clearest indications of great intellectual and moral elevation. His manners were those of the christian gentleman, easy, tranquil, modest and dignified ; yet they were the mnnners of the student, grave, sedate and contemplative ; and evinced an exact sense of propriety, and an undeviating attention to the rules of decorum. " He had," observes one of his cotemporaries, " a natural steadi- ness of temper, and fortitude of mind ; which, being sanctified by the Spirit of God, was ever of vast advantage to him, to carry him through difficult services, and to support him under trying afflic- tions, in the course of his life. — Personal injuries, he bore with a becoming meekness, and patience, and a disposition to forgiveness.'* — According to Dr. Hopkins, himself an eye-witness, these traits of character were eminently discovered, throughout the whole of his long-continued trials at Northampton. His own narrative of that transaction, his remarks before the Council, his letters relating to it^ and his farewell sermon, all written in the midst of the passing oc- currences, bespeak as calm, and meek, and unperturbed a state of mind, as they would have done, had they been written by a third person, long after the events took place. — " The humility, modesty and serenity of his behaviour, much endeared him to his acquain- tance, and made him appear amiable in the eyes of such, as had the privilege of conversing with him. — The several relations sustained by him, he adorned with exemplary fidelity ; and was solicitous to fill every station with its proper duty. — In his private walk as a christian, he appeared an example of truly rational, consistent, uni- form religion and virtue; a shining instance of the power and effi- cacy of that holy faith, to which he was so firmly attached, and of which he was so zealous a defender. He exhibited much of spiri- tuality, and a heavenly bent of soul. In him, one saw the loveliest appearance — a rare assemblage of christian graces, united with the richest gifts, and mutually subserving and recommending one an- other." " He had an uncommon thirst for knowledge, in the pursuit of which he spared no cost nor pains. He read all the books, espe- cially books treating of theology, that he could procure, from which * His height was about six feet one inch. GOO t.IFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. he could hope to derive any assistance, in the discovery of truth. And in this, he did not confine hiuiseU" to authors of any particular sect or denomination ; but even took much pains to procure the works of the most distinguished writers, who advanced views of religion or morals, most contrary to his own principles ; particularly the ablest Araiinian, Socinian and Infidel, writers. But he studied the Bible more than all other books, and more than most other di- vines do." He studied the Bible, to receive implicitly what it teaches ; but he read other books to examine their soundness, and to employ them as helps in the investigation of principles, and the discovery of truth. His uncommon acquaintance with the Bible, appears in his Sermons, in his Treatises, — particularly in the treatises on the Affections, on the History of Redemption, on United and Extraordinary Prayer, on the Types of the Messiah, on the Quali- fications for Communion, and on God's Last End in the Creation, — in his Notes on the Scriptures, and in his Miscellaneous Observa- tions and Remarks. Any person who will read his works with close attention, and then will compare them with those of other theological writers, since the days of the Apostles, will easily be satisfied that no other divine has as yet appeared, who has studied the scriptures more thoroughly, or who has been more successful in discovering the mind of the Holy Spirit. He took his religious principles from the Bible, and not from Treatises, or Systems of theology, or any work of man. On the maturest examination of the different schemes of faith, prevailing in the world, and on com- paring them with the sacred scriptures, he adhered to the main ar- ticles of the Reformed Religion, with an unshaken firmness and with a fervent zeal, yet tempered with charity and candour, and governed by discretion. Few men are less under the bias of edu- cation, or the influence of bigotry : few receive the articles of their creed so little upon trust, or discover so much liberality or tho- roughness in examining their foundation. His principles have been extensively styled Calvinistic, yet they differ widely, from what has usually been denominated Calvinism, in various important points; particularly, in all immediately connected with Moral Agen- cy; and he followed implicitly, if any man ever followed, the apos- tolic injunction, to call no man, Father, by receiving nothing on human authority, and examining scrupulously every principle, which he adopted. He thought, and investigated, and judged for himself; and from the strength of his reasoning powers, as well as from his very plan of study, he became truly an original writer. As we have already sufficiently seen, reading was not the only, nor the chief, method, which he took, of improving his mind ; but he devoted the strength of his time and of his faculties to writing, without which no student, and, be it remembered, no clergyman, can make improvements to the best advantage. He preached ex- tensively on subjects, continued through a series of discourses : — ma- LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 00 L of his Treatises having been a course of sermons actually delivered from die desk. In this pracdce, every clergyman who has a mind fit- ted for invesUgation, would do well to follow him. " Agreeably to the 11th Resolution, he applied himself, with all his might, to find out Truth: he searched for it as for silver, and digged for it as for hidden treasures. Every thought, on any subject, which appeared to him worth pursuing and preserving, he pursued as far as he then could, with a pen in his hand. Thus he was, all his days, like the industrious bee, collecdng honey from every opening flower, and storing up a stock of knowledge, which was indeed sweet to him, as honey and the honey-comb." "As a scholar, his intellectual furniture exceeded what was com- mon, under die disadvantages experienced at that time, in these i-emote colonies. He had an extensive acquaintance with the arts and sciences — with classical and Hebrew literature, with physics, mathematics, history, chronology, etliics and mental phi- losophy. By the blessing of God on his indefatigable labours, to the last, he was constandy treasuring up useful knowledge, both human and divine. " Thus he appears to have been uncommonly accomplished for the arduous and momentous province to which he was finally called. And had his precious life been spared, there is every reason to be- lieve, diat he would have graced the station on which he had but entered, and proved a signal blessing to the College of New-Jer- sey, and dierein extensively served his generation according to the will of God." His inattention to his style is certainly to be regretted. In earlier life, he appears to have thought neatness and correctness in writing, of litde consequence,* and to have sent his works to the press, very much in the state in which they were first written. Let it here be remembered, that the cultivation of style was not then attended to, in the colonies ; that the people at large were accustomed to discourses, written in the plainest manner ; and that it is extremely doubtful, whether, in tiie then existing state of the country, it would have been possible for him, to have devoted much attendon to the style of his sermons, without gready dimin- ishing their amount of impression. About the time of his leaving Northampton, he received one of the works of Richardson, f which he read with deep interest, and regarded as wholly favourable to good morals and purity of character. The perusal of it led him to attempt die formadon of a more correct style, his previous in- attendon to which, he then deeply regretted ; and in this attempt he had much success. The style of the F'reedom of the "Will, *See Preface to Five Sermons, Vol. V. pp. 349, 350. fSiR Charles (JRANnT>oN. T had this anecdorp through hi? pldest son. Vol. I. 7(1 602 LIKE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. though obviously that of a student, and not of a man of the world, is otherwise as correct, as that of most of the metaphysical trea- treaties, to be found in the language. The same is true, generally, of the Treatise on Original Sin ; although it was in the press when he died, and never received his last corrections.* In the two highest excellencies of style, perspicuity and precision, he wag probably never excelled. Of the powers of his mind, enough, perhaps, has been said already. They were certainly very varied, and fitted him for 1 high distinction, in any of the pursuits of learning or science. — 1 His memory was strong, exact, uniform and comprehensive. — ^ His imaginadon was rich and powerful. I know that the contrary opinion has extensively prevailed, and that for three reasons. First, he paid little or no attention to his style of writing ; Secondly, he never cultivated his imagination, and never indulged it but spar- ingly, and probably in no instance, for mere ornament. Thirdly, his great works are treatises on metaphysical subjects. A writer, I without imagination, always thinks and writes in a dry manner; and, \ if his powers are great, Uke those of Aristotle, he writes like a pure intelligence. Those, who are conversant with the writings of Edwards, need not be informed, that all his works, even the most metaphysical, are rich in illustration, or that his sermons abound with imagery of every kind, adapted to make a powerful and lasdng impression. In his earlier writings, this faculty of his mind was suffered to act with less restraint. The first production of his pen, on the materiality of the soul, is a constant play of im- I agination and wit. The boy, who could speak of the spiders of the forest, as " those wondrous animals, from whose glistening web, so much of the wisdom of the Creator shines :" — who, in describing their operadons, could say, " I have seen a vast multi- tude of little shining webs, and glistening strings, brightly reflect- ing the sun-beams, and some of them of great length, and of such a height, that one would think they were tacked to the vault of the heavens, and would be burnt like tow in the sun :" — and who, in exposing the absurdity of the supposiuon, that there can be absolutely Nothing, observes, " When we go to form an idea of perfect Nothing, we must not suffer our thoughts to take sanctuary in a mathematical point, but we must think of the same, that *The Treatises on the Affections, and on United Extraordinary Prayer, are the most incorrect of all his works, published by himself. In his ser- mons, published in his life time, somewhat of the limae labor is discerni'ile. The works, published by his son, Dr. Edwards, in this country, are but little altered from the rough draught ; but those first published in Edinburgh, are, generally, more so. The History of Redemption, was considerably corrected by my farher. and afterwards thrown into the form of a Treatise by Dr. Erskine. The sermons, published by Dr. Hopkins, are the leaet '^orrect »f aH his works. LIFE OF PKESinENT EDWARDS. G03 the sleeping rocks do dream of;" — possessed an imagination, at once rich, brilliant and creative. — His taste, if we do not refer to style of writing, but merely to the judgment of the mind, con- cerning all the varieties of sublimity and beauty, was at once deli- cate and correct. — Few of mankind, hidierto, have possessed either invention, ratiocination or judgment, in so high a degiee; and it is difficult to say, for which of these he is most distinguished. In comparing him with the metaphysicians of the old world, we must not forget his, and their, respective advantages for the cul- ture of the mind. He was born in an obscure village, in which the ancient reign of barbarism, was only beginning to yield to the inroads of culture and civilization; in a colony comprizing but here and there a settlement; and in a country, literally in its infancy, constituting, with the exception of now and then a white plantation, one vast continuous forest, and distant three thousand miles, from Europe, the seat of arts, refinement and knowledge. He was educated, at a seminary, but three years older than himself; which had as yet no domicil, and which furnished advantages totally inferior to those, now enjoyed at the respecta- ble academies of New England. The rest of his life was passed amid the cares of a most laborious profession, and on the very frontiers, (and the latter part of it in the very midst,) of savage life; with no libraries to explore, and with no men of eminence, with whose minds, his could come into daily contact. His greatest work was written in four months and a half while each Sabbath he delivered two sermons to his English flock, and two others, by interpreters, to two distinct auditories of Indians, and catechized the children of both tribes, and carried on all the correspondence of the mission, and was forced to guard against the measures of a powerful combination, busily occupied in endeavouring to drive him from his office, and thus to deprive his family of their daily bread. — With these things in view, instead of drawing any such comparison myself, I will refer my readers to the opinion of a writer of no light authority on such a subject, — I mean Dugadd Stewart ; — who, after having detailed the systems of Locke, and Lmbnitz, and Berkeley, and Condillac, speaks thus of the subject of this memoir: — "There is, however, one Metaphysician, of whom America has to boast, who, in logical acuteness and subtlety, does not yield to any disputant bred in the universities oi' Europe. 1 need not say that I allude to Jonathan Edwards.'' ^■ Mr. Edwards acquired a very high character, as a divine and as a preacher, during his life. " Among the. luminaries of the church, in these American regions." says one of his cotemporaries,''^ *I suppnse the writer referred to here, nnd in v;irloi;s nthor plrsrcs. fc hv.w heen Dr. Finley. (304 LIKE OF PEESIDENT EDWAKDS. he was justly reputed a star of the first magnitude : thoroughly versed hi all the branches of theology, didactic, polemic, casuistic, experimental and practical. In point of divine knowledge and skill, he had few equals, and perhaps no superior : at least in those for- eign parts." — "Mr. Edwards," says Dr. Hopkins, "had the most universal character of a good preacher, of almost any minister in America. There were but few that heard him, who did not call him a good preacher, however they might dislike his religious principles, and be much offended at the same truths when deliver- ed by others ; and most people admired him, above all the preach- ers that ever they heard." His character as a laborious and faith- ful minister, and especially as a powerful and successful preacher, if we mav judge from the history of his life, and of the time in which he lived, was such, for many years before his death, as to leave him here without a competitor.* This was owing chiefly to his jireaching and pastoral labours ; for most of his laboured pro- ductions were published, either a little before, or after, his death ; yet, long ere this, his fame as a preacher and minister of Christ, had ])eivaded the colonies, and was extensively known in Great Britain. Until within these few years, there were many living wit- nesses, who had heard him in their youth, and who distinctly re- membered the powerful impresssions* left on their minds by his preaching, and particularly described his appearance in the pulpit, the still, unmoved solemnity of his manner, the weight of his sen- timents first fixing the attention, and then overwhelming the feelings, of his audience. One of his youthful auditors, afterwards a gen- tleman of great respectability, informed ray father, that he was pre- sent, when he delivered the sermon, in the History of Redemption, in which he describes the Day of Judgment ; and that so vivid and solemn, was the impression made on his own mind, that he fully supposed, that, as soon as Mr. Edwards should close his discourse, the Judgo would descend, and the final separation take place. The late Dr. West, of Stockbridge, who heard him in his child- hood, in that village, gave me an account generally similar, of the effects of his preaching. On one occasion, when the sermon ex- ceeded two hours in its length, he told me that, from the time that Mr. Edwards had fairly unfolded his subject, the attention of the audience was fixed and motionless, until its close ; when they seem- ed disappointed that it should terminate so soon. There was such a bearing down of truth upon the mind, he observed, tliat there was no resistijig it. — In his own congregation, the visible effects of *For many of tlie veniarks on the diaractor of Mr. Edwards, as a pri'aclicr anil writer, I am indebted to a well written review of the Worces- ter edition of his work.?,. in the Christian Spectator; but tliey are usiial]r so blended with my own. that itls imuossible to desiqfnate the passasres. LIFE OF PRESIDENT BDWARDS. 605 his preaching were such, as were never paralleled in New England. Often, also, he was invited to great distances to preach ; and these occasional sermons sometimes produced a wonderful effect. One of these instances, which occured at Enfield, at a time of great religious indifference there, is thus mentioned hy the Rev. Dr. Trumbull. " When they went into the meeting house, the appear- ance of the assembly was thoughtless and vain. The people hardly conducted themselves with common decency. The Rev. Mr. Edwards, of Northampton, preached; and before the sermon was ended, the assembly appeared deeply impressed, and bowed down with an awful conviction of their sin and danger. There was such a breathing of disti'ess and weeping, that the preacher was obliged to speak to the people and desire silence, that he might be heard." This was tlie commencement of a general and powerful revival of religion. To what, it may not improperly be asked, are this reputation and this success to be ascribed. It was not to his style of writing: that had no claims to elegance, or even to neatness. — It was not to his voice : that, far from being strong and full, was, in consequence of his feeble healtli, a little languid, and too low for a large assembly ; though reheved and aided by a proper emphasis, just cadence, well placed pauses, and great clearness, distinctness and precision of enunciation. — It was not owing to attitude or gesture, to his ap- jjearance in the pulpit, or to any of the customary arts of eloquence. His appearance in the pulpit was with a good grace, and his delive- ry easy, perfectly natural, and very solemn. He wrote his ser- mons ; and in so fine and so illegible a hand, that they could be read only by being brought near to the eye. "He carried his notes with him into the desk, and read most that he wi'ote : still, he was not confined to them ; and, if some thoughts were suggested to him while he was preaching, which did not occur to him when writing, and appeared pertinent, he would deliver them with as great pro- priety and fluency, and often with greater pathos, and attended with a more sensibly good effect on his hearers, than what he had writ- ten."* While preaching, he customarily stood, holding his small *" Tliough, as lias been observed," says Dr. Hopkins, " he was wont to rL'ad so considerable a part of what he delivered, yet lie was far from think- ing this the best way of preaching in general; and looked upon using his notes, so much as he did, a deficiency and infirmity, and in the latter part of liis hfe, lie was inclined to think it had been better, if he iiad never been accustomed to use his notes at all. It appeared to him, that jireaching wholly without notes, agreeably to the custom in most Prot?stant coun- tries, and in what seems evidently to ha\e been the manner of tlie .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 ; nnd supposed that no one, who had talents, equal to the work of the mni- istrv, wns incapable of speaking memoriter, if he took suitable pains for this 606 LIFE &V PRESIDENT EDWARDS. manuscript volume in his left hand, the elbow resting on the cush- ion or the Bible, his right hand rarely raised but to turn the leaves, and his person almost motionless. — It was not owing to the picture|^ of fancy, or to any ostentation of learning, or of talents. In his preaching, usually, all was plain, familiar, sententious and practical. One of tbe positive causes of his high character, and great suc- cess, as a preacher, was the deep and pervading solemnity of his mind. He had, at all times, a solemn consciousness of the pre- sence of God. This was visible in his looks and general demean- our. It obviously had a controlling influence over all his prepara- tions for the desk ; and was most manifest in all his public services. Its effect on an audience is immediate, and not to be resisted. " He appeared," says Dr. Hopkins, " with such gravity and solem- nity, and his words were so full of ideas, that few speakers have been able to command the attention of an audience as he did." — His knowledge of the bible, evinced in his sermons — in the number of relevant passages, which he brings to enforce every position, in his exact discernment of the true scope of each, in his familiar ac- quaintance with the drift of the whole scriptures on the subject, and in the logical precision with which he derives his principles from them — is probably unrivalled. — His knowledge of the human heart, and its operations, has scarcely been equalled by that of any uninspired preacher. He derived this knowledge from his familia- rity with the testimony of God concerning it, in the Bible ; from his thorough acquaintance \vith his own heart ; and from his pro- found knowledge of Mental philosophy. The effect of it was, to enable him to speak to the consciousness of every one who heard him ; so that each one was compelled to reflect, in language like that of the woman of Sychar, " Here is a man, who is revealing to me the secrets of my own heart and hfe : Is not this man from God ?" — His knowledge of theology was so exact and universal, and the extensiveness of his views and of his information was so great, that, while he could shed unusual variety and richness of thought over every discourse, he could also bring the most striking and impressive truths, facts and circumstances, to bear upon the point, which he was endeavouring to illustrate or enforce. — His aim, in preparing and delivering his sermons, was single. This is so obvious, that no man probably ever suspected him of writing or delivering a sermon, for the sake of display, or reputation. From the first step to the last, he aimed at nothing but the salvation of his 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 painsto commit them to memory : which though, it would^ require a great deal of labour at first, yet would soon become easier by use, and help him to speak more correctly and freely, and be of ^reat service to him all his days." LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 607 hearers, and at the glory of God as revealed in it. This enabled him to bring all his powers of mind and heart to bear on this one object. — His feelings on this subject were most intense. The love of Christ constrained him ; and the strong desire of his soul was, that they for whom Christ died might live for Him who died for them. " His woids," says Dr. Hopkins, " often discovered a great degree of inward fervour, without much noise or external emo- tion, and fell with great weight on the minds of his hearers ; and he spake so as to reveal the strong emotions of his own heart, which tended, in the most natural and effectual manner, to move and af- fect others." — The plan of his sermons is most excellent. In his introduction, which is always an explanation of the passage, he ex- hibits uncommon skill, and the sagacity, with which he discovers, and the power, with which he seizes at once, the whole drift and meaning of the passage in all its bearings, has rarely if ever been equalled. In the body of the discourse, he never attempts an elaborate proof of his doctrine, from revelation and reason ; but rather gives an explanation of the doctrine, or places the truth on which he is discoursing, directly before the mind, as a fact, and paints it to the imagination of his hearers. In the application, where he usually lays out his strength, he addresses himself with peculiar plainness to the consciences of his hearers, takes up and applies to them minutely all the important ideas contained in the body of the discourse, and appropriates them to persons of different characters and situations in hfe, by a particular explanation of their duties and their dangers ; and lastly, by a solemn, earnest and impressive ap- peal to every feeling and active principle of our nature. He coun- sels, exhorts, warns, expostulates, as if he were determined not to suffer his hearers to depart, until they were convinced of their duty, and persuaded to choose and to perform it. — His g7'aphic manner of exhibiting truth, is, perhaps, his peculiar excellence. The doc- trines of the gospel, in his hands, are not mere abstract proposi- tions, but living realities, distinctly seen by the author's faith, and painted with so much truth, and life, and warmth of colouring, as cannot fail to give his hearers the same strong impression of them, which already exists in his ov^ti mind. — With all this, he preached the real truth of God, in its simplicity and purity, keeping nothing back, with so much weight of thought and argument, so much strength of feeling, and such sincerity of purpose, as must enlighten every understanding, convince every conscience, and almost con- vert every heart. — I enquired of Dr. West, Whether Mr. Edwards was an eloquent preacher. He replied, " If you mean, by elo- quence, what is usually intended by it in our cities ; he had no pre- tensions to it. He had no studied varieties of tlie voice, and no strong emphasis. He scarcely gestured, or even moved ; and he made no attempt, by the elegance of his style, or the beauty of his pictures, to gratify the taste, and fascinate the imagination. But, if 608 lilFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS* you mean by eloquence, the power of presenting an important truth beibre an audience, with overwhelming weight of argument, and with such intenseness of feeling, that the whole soul of the speaker is thrown into every part of the conception and delivery ; so that the solemn attention of the whole audience is rivetted, from the beginning to the close, and impressions are left that cannot be effaced ; Mr. Edwards was the most eloquent man I ever heard speak." — As the result of the whole, we are led to regard him as, beyond most others, an instructive preacher, a solemn and faithful preacher, an animated and earnest preacher, a most powerful and impressive preacher, in the sense explained, and the only true sense, a singularly eloquent preacher, and, through the blessing of God, one of the most successful preachers since the days of the Apostles. It ought here to be added, that the Sermons of Mr. Ed- wards have been, to his immediate pupils, and to his followers, the models of a style of preaching, which has been most signally bles- sed by God to the conversion of sinners, and which should be looked to as a standard, by those, who wish like him to turn many to righteousness, that with him tliey may shine, as the stars, forever and ever. " His prayers," says Dr. Hopkins, " were indeed extempore. He was the farthest from any appearance of a form, as to his words and manner of expression, of almost any man. He was quite sm- gular and inimitable in this, by any, who have not a spirit of real and undissembled devotion ; yet he always expressed himself witli decency and propriety. He appeared to have much of the grace and spirit of prayer ; to pray with the spirit and with the under- standing ; and he performed 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 loifig in his prayers : an error which, he obser- ved, was often hurtful to public and social prayer, as it tends rather to damp, than to promote, true devotion." His practice, not to visit his peoj)le in then: own houses, except in cases of sickness or affliction, is an example, not of course to be imitated by all. That, on this subject, ministers ought to consult their own talents and circumstances, and visit more or less, accord- ing to the degree in which they can thereby promote the great ends of their ministry, cannot be doubted. That his time was too pre- cious to the Church at large, to have been devoted, in any conside- rable degree, to visiting, all will admit. Yet it is highly probable, that, if he had been somewhat less in his study, and seen his people occasionally m the midst of their families, and known more of their circumstances and wants, and entered more into their feelings ; his hold on their affections would have been stronger, and more per- manent. Certainly this will be true with ministers at large. — ^In other pastoral duties, in preaching public and private lectures, in extraordinary labours during seasons of attention to religion, and in LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 609 conversing with the anxious and enquiring ; he was an uncommon example of faithfuhiess and success. " At such seasons, his study was thronged with persons, who came to lay open their spiritual concerns to him, and seek his advice and direction. He was a pe- culiarly skillful guide to those, who were under spiritual difficulties ; and was therefore sought unto, not only by his own people, but by many at a great distance." For this duty, he was eminently fit- ted, from his own deep personal experience of religion, from his unwearied study of the word of God, from his having had so much intercourse with those, who were in spiritual troubles, from his un- common acquaintance with the human heart, with the nature of conversion and with revivals of religion, and from his skill in detect- ing, and exposing, every thing like enthusiasm and counterfeit reli- gion. How great a blessing was it to a church, to a people, and to every anxious enquirer, to enjoy the counsels and the prayers of such a minister ! But it is the Theological Treatises of Mr. Edwards, especially, by which he is most extensively known, to which he owes his com- manding influence, and on which his highest reputation will ulti- mately depend. It is proper, therefore, before we conclude, to sketch his character as a theologian and controversialist, and to state the actual effects of his writings. As a theologian, he is distinguished for his scriptural views of divine truth. Even the casual reader of his works can scarcely fail to perceive that, with great labour, patience and skill, he deri- ved his principles from an extensive and most accurate observation of the word of God. The number of passages, which he adduces from the scrijitures, on every important doctrine, the critical atten- tion he has evidently given them, the labour in arranging them, and the skill and integrity, widi which he derives his general conclusions from them, is truly astonishing. We see no intermixture of his own hypotheses; no confidence in his own reason, except as apphed to the interpretation of the oracles of God ; nor even that disposi- tion to make extended and momentous inferences, which charac- teri/-es some of his successors and admirers. Another characteristic of his dieology, is the extensiveness of his views. In his theology, as in his mind, there was nothing narrow ; no partial, contracted views of a subject : all was simple, great and sublime. His mind was too expanded, to regard the distinctions of sects and churches. He belonged, in his feelings, to no church, but the Church of Christ ; he contended for nothing, but the Truth ; he aimed at nothing, but to promote holiness and salvation. The effect of his labours so exactly coincides widi the effects of the gospel, that no denomination can ever appropriate his name to itself, or claim him as its own. Vol. I. 77 610 I,1K£ OF PKLSIDENT EDWARDS. Viewing Mr. Edwards as a controversialist, the most excellent, if not the most striking, trait in his character, is his integrity. Those, who have been most opposed to his conclusions, and have most powerfully felt the force of his arguments, have acknowledged that he is a perfecdy fair disputant. He saw so certainly the truth of his positions, and had such confidence in his ability to defend them by fair means, that the thought of employing sophistry in- their defence never occurred to him. But, if he had felt the want of sound arguments, he would not have employed it. His con- science was too enlightened, and his mind too sincere. His aim, in all his investigations, was the discovery and the defence of Truth. He valued his positions, only because they were true ; and he gave them up at once, when he found that they were not sup- ported by argument and evidence. Another trait in his character, as a reasoner, is originality, or invention. Before his time, the theological writers of each given class or party, had, with scarcely an exception, followed on, one after another, in the same beaten path ; and, whenever any one had deviated from it, he had soon lost himself in the mazes of er- ror. Mr. Edwards had a mind too creative, to be thus depend- ent on others. If the reader will examine carefully his controver- sial and other theological works, and compare them with those of his predecessors on the same subjects ; he will find that his positions are new, thathis definitions are new, that his plans are new, that his argu- ments are new, that his conclusions are new, that his mode of reasoning and his methods of discovering truth are perfectly his own ; and that he has done more to render Theology a New Science, than, with per- haps one or two exceptions, all the writers, who have lived, since the days of the Fathers. Another characteristic of his controversial writings is the excel- lent spirit, which every where pervades them. So strikingly is this true, that we cannot but urge every one, who peruses them, to examine for himself, whether he can discover, in them all, a soli- tary deviation from christian kindness and sincerity. By such an exammation he will discover in them, if I mistake not, a fairness in proposing the real point in dispute, a candour in examining the arguments of his opponents, in stating their objections, and in suggesting others which had escaped them, and a care in avoiding every thing like personality, and the imputation of unworthy mo- tives, rarely paralleled in the annals of controversy. It should here be remembered, that he wrote his Treatise on the Affections, and his several works on Revivals of Religion, in the very heat of a violent contest, which divided and agitated this whole country ; that in his Treatises on the Freedom of the Will, on Original Sin, and on Justification, he handles subjects, which unavoidably awaken the most bitter opposidon in the human heart, and opposes those, who had boasted of their victories, over what he believed to be the LIFE OF PRESIUKNT EUWARUS. 611 rause of truth, " with no little glorying and insult ;" that his Trea- tise on the Qualifications for Communion, was written amid all the violence, and abuse, and injury of a furious parochial controversy; and that, in the Answer to Williams, he was called to reply to the most gross personalities, and to the most palpable misrepresenta- tions of his arguments, his principles and his motives. He has, I know, been charged with sometimes handling his an- tagonists, with needless severity. But let it be remembered, that his severity is never directed against their personal character, but merely against their principles and arguments ; that his wit is only an irresistible exposition of the absurdity which he is opposing ;* that he stood forth as the champion of truth, and the opponent of error ; and that, in this character, it was his duty not merely to prostrate error, but to give it a death blow, that it might never rise again. But the characteristic of his controversial, and indeed of all his theological, writings, which gives them their chief value and effect, is the unanswerahleness of his arguments. He not only drives his enemy from the field, but he erects a rampart, so strong and im- pregnable, that no one afterwards has any courage to assail it; and his companions in arms find the great work of defending the positions, which he has occupied, already done to tlieir hands. This impossibility of answering his arguments, arises, in the first place, from the strength and conclusiveness of his reasoning. By first fixing in his own mind, and then exactly defining, the meaning of his terms, by stating his propositions with logical precision, and by clearly discerning and stating the connection between his pre- *Few men have possessed a greater fiind of genuine wit, tlian Mr. Ed- wards. In early life, he found it difficult to restrain it. Tiie clear reduc- tio ad absurdum, to which he subjects every scheme and argument of his antagonists, in the Freedom of the Will, is usually a brilliant example of true logical wit. The x\nswer to Williams abounds with it. I doubt whether the annals of Metaphysics can show a finer specimen of it, than the following; which is the conclusion of his exposure of the metaphysical notion of an Action, or Act, as defined by Chubb, and his associates"; "So that, according to their notion of an Act, considered with regard to its consequences, these following things are all essential to it; viz. That it should he necessary, and yet not necessary ; that it should be from a cause, and yet from no cause ; that it should be the fruit of choice and de- sign, and yet not the fruit of choice and design; that it feliould be the be- g-inninff of motion or exertion, and yet consequent on previous exertion ; that it should be, before it is ; that it should spring immediately out of indiffer- ence and cqiulibrimn, and yet be the effect o^ preponderatlon ; that it should be «e//'-originated, and also have its original from somcthins: else; that it is what the mind causes ilse/f of lis own will, and can produce or prevent ac- cording to its choice or pleasure, and yet what the mind has no power to prevent, precluding all previous choice in the afl:air. " So that an Act, according to their metaphysical'notion of it, is some- thing of which there is no idea; it is nothing but a confusion of the mind. 612 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. mises and conclusions, he has given to metaphysical reasoning, very much of the exactness and certainty of mathematical demonstra- tion. Another cause of the unanswerable character of his reasonings, is, that he usually follows several distinct trains of argument,, which all terminate in the same conclusion. Each of them is satisfactory ; but the union of all, commencing at different points, and arriving at the same identical result, cannot fail to convince the mind, that that result is not to be shaken. A third cause of this is, that he himself anticipates, and effectu- ally answers, not only all the objections that have been made, but all that apparently can be made, to the points for which he con- tends. These he places in the strongest light, and examines under every shape, which they can assume, in the hands of an evasive antagonist, and shows that, in every possible form, they are wholly inconclusive. A fourth cause is his method of treating the opinions of his opponents. It is the identical method of Euclid. Assuming them as premises, he w'ith great ingenuity shows, that they lead to palpa- ble absurdity. He demonstrates that his opponents are inconsistent with themselves, as well as with truth and common sense ; — and rarely stops, until he has exposed their error to contempt and ridi- cule. This unanswerableness of Mr. Edwards' reasonings, in his con- troversial works, has been most publicly confessed. The Essay on the Will treats of subjects the most contested, within the limits of theology ; and, unless it can be answered, prostrates in the dust the scheme of doctrines, for which his antagonists so earnestly con- excited by words without any distinct meaning, and is an absolute non-en- tity; and that in two respects : 1. There is wof/im^ in the world that ever was, is, or can be, to answer the tilings which must belong to its descrip- tion, according to what they suppose to be essential to it. And, 2. There neither is, nor ever was, nor can be, any notion or idea to answer the word, as they use and explain it. For if we should suppose any such notion, it would many ways destroy itself. But it is impossible that any idea or notion should subsist in the mind, whose very nature and essence, which constitutes it, destroys it. — If some learned philosopher, who has been abroad, in giv- ing an account of the curious observations he had made in his travels, should say, " He had been in Terra del Fuegu, and there had seen an ani- inal,Jwhich he calls by a certain name, that begat and brought forth himself, and yet had a sire and dam distinct from himself; that he had an appetite, and was hungry before he had a being; that his master, who led him, and go- verned himat his pleasure, was always governed by him, and driven by him where he pleased ; that when he moved, he always took a step before the first step; that he went with his head first, and yet always went tail fore- most ; and this, though he had neither head nor tail:" it would be no im- pudence at all, to tell such a traveller, though a man of profound learning, that he himself had no idea of such an animal as he gave an account of, and never had, nor ever would have." LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 613 tend. Yet hitherto, it stands unmoved and unassailed ; and the waves of controversy break harmless at its base.* The Treatise on Original Sin, though written chiefly to overthrow the hypothesis of an individual, is perhaps not less conclusive in its reasonings. That he succeeded in that design, as well as in establishing the great principles for which he contends, will not be doubted by any one who examines the controversy ; and is said to have been vir- tually confessed, in a melancholy manner, by Taylor himself. He had indiscreetly boasted, in his larger work, diat it never would be answered. The answer was so complete, that it admitted of no reply. His consequent mortification is said to have shortened his days. Whether it was true, or not, that the grasp of his antagonist was literally death ; it was at least death to the controversy. The Treatise on the Qualifications for Communion, attacked the most favourite scheme of all the lax religionists of this country, the only plausible scheme, ever yet devised, of establishing a communion between light and darkness, between Christ and Belial. They re- garded this attack with indignation, from one end of the country to tlie other. One solitary combatant appeared in the field ; and, being left in a state of irrecoverable prostration, he has hitherto found no one adventurous enough to come to his aid. The Trea- tise, and Reply, of Mr. Edwards, by the conclusiveness of their reasoiings, have so changed the opinion and practice of tlie clergy, and the churches, of New England, that a mode of admission, once almost imiversal, now scarcely finds a solitary advocate. But it may not unnaturally be asked, What are the Changes in Theology, which have been effected by the writings of President Edwards. It gives me peculiar pleasure that I can answer this question, in the words of his son, the late Dr. Edwards, President of Union College, Schenectady. "IMPROVEMENTS IN THEOLOGY, " MADE BY PRESIDENT EDWARDS, AND THOSE W HO HAVE FOLLOW- ED HIS COURSE OF THOUGHT. "1. The important question, concerning the Ultmate End of the Creation^ is a question, upon which Mr. Edwards has shed much light. For ages, it had been disputed, whether the end of crea- tion was the happiness of creatures themselves, or the declarative glory of the Creator. Nor did it appear that the dispute was likely to be brought to an issue. On the one hand, it was urged, that reason declared in favour of the former hypothesis. It was said that, as God is a benevolent being, he doubtless acted under * Dugald Stewart, alluding to it in conversation, is said, on good authori- ty, to have spoken of it thus : — "• Edwards on the Will, a work which never was answered, and which never will be answered." 614 LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. the influence of his own infinite benevolence in the creation ; and that he could not but form creatures for the purpose of making them happy. Many passages of scripture also were quoted in sup- port of this opinion. On the other hand, numerous and very ex- plicit declarations of Scripture were produced to prove that God made all things for his own glory. Mr. Edwards was the first, who clearly showed, that both these were the ultimate end of the creation, that they are only one end, and that they are really one and the same thing. According to him, the declarative gloiy of God is the Creation, taken, not distributively, but collectively, as a sys- tem raised to a high degree of happiness. The Creation, thus raised and preserved, is the Declarative Glory of God. In other words, it is the exhibition of his Essential Glory. " 2. On the great subject of Liberty and JVecessity, Mr. Edwards made very important improvements. Before him, the Calvinists^ were nearly driven out of the field, by the Arminians, Pelagians, and Socinians. The Calvinists, it is true, appealed to Scripture, the best of all authority, in support of their peculiar tenets. But how was the Scripture to be understood ? They were pressed and embarrassed by the objection, — That the sense, in which they inter- preted the sacred writings, was inconsistent with human liberty, moral agency, accountableness, praise and blame. It was conse- quently inconsistent with all command and exhortation, with all reward and punishment. Their interpretation must of course be erroneous, and an entire perversion of Scripture. How absurd, it was urged, that a man, totally dead, should be called upon to arise and perform the duties of the living and sound — that we should need a divine influence to give us a new heart, and yet be com- manded to make us a new heart and a right spirit — that a man has no power to come to Christ, and yet be commanded to come to him on pain of damnation ! The Calvinists themselves began to be ashamed of their own cause and to give it up, so far at least as relates to Liberty and Necessity. This was true especially of Dr. Watts and Dr. Doddridge, who, in their day, were accounted leaders of the Calvinists. They must needs bow in the house of Rimmon, and admit the Self-determining Power ; which, once ad- mitted and pursued to its ultimate results, entirely overthrows the doctrines of Regeneration, of our Dependence for renewing and sanctifying grace, of Absolute Decrees, of the Saints' Perseverance, and the whole system of doctrines, usually denominated the Doc- trines of Grace. — But Mr. Edwards put an end to this seeming triumph of those, who were thus hostile to that system of doctrines. This he accomplished, by pointing out the difference between JVat- ural and Moral, Necessity and Inability, by showing the absurdity, the manifold'contradictions, the inconceivableness, and the impossi- bility, of a Self-determining Power, and by proving that the essence LIFE OF PRESIDIlX"!- EDWARDS. 015 of the Virtue and Vice, existing in the disposition of the heart and the acts of the will, lies not in their cause, but in their nature. Therefore, though we are 7wt the efficient causes of our own acts of will, yet they may be either \'irtuous or vicious ; and also that Liberty of Contingence, as it is an exemption from all previous cer- tainty, implies that free actions have no cause, and come into exis- tence by mere chance. But if we admit that any event may come into existence by chance, and without a cause, the existence of the World may be accounted for in this same way ; and Atheism is established. — Mr. Edwards and his followers, have further illustra- ted this su bject by showing, that /ree action consists in volition itself, and that liberty consists in spontaneity. Wherever, therefore, there is volition, there is free action; wherever there is spontaneity there is liberty ; however, and by whomsoever that liberty and spontaneity are caused. Beasts, therefore, according to their measure of intel- ligence, are as free as jMen. Intelligence, therefore, and not liberty, is the only tiling wanting, to constitute them moral agents. — The power of self-determination, alone, cannot answer the purpose of them who undertake its defence ; for self-determination must be free from all control and pre\aous certainty, as to its operations, otherwise it must be subject to what its advocates denominate a fa- tal necessity, and therefore must act by contingence and mere chance. But even the defenders of self-determination themselves, are not\\illing to allow the principle, that our actions, in order to be free, must happen by chance. — Thus Mr. Edwards and his follow- ers understand, that the whole controversy concerning liberty and necessity, depends on the explanation of the word liberty, or the sense in which that word is used. They find that all the senses in which the word has been used, with respect to the mind and its acts, maybe reduced to these two : 1. Either an entire exemption from previous certainty, or the certain futurity of the acts which it will perform: or2. Spontaneity. — ^Those, who use it in the former sense, cannot avoid the consequence, that, in order to act freely, we must act by chance, which is absurd, and what no man will dare to avow. If then Liberty means an exemption from an influ- ence, to which the will is, or can be opposed, every volition is free, whatever may be the manner of its coming into existence. If, furthermore, God, by his grace, create in man a clean heart and holy volitions, such volitions being, by the very signification of the term itself, voluntary, and in no sense opposed to the divine influ- ence which causes them, they are evidently as free as they could have been, if they had come into existence by mere chance and without cause. We have, of course, no need of being the efficient causes of those acts, which our wills perform,to render them either virtuous or vicious. As to the liberty, then, of self-determination or contingence, it implies, as already observed, that actions, in order to be free, must have no cause ; but are brought into existence by Cl() LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. chance. Thus have they illustrated the real and wide difference between JVatural, and Moral, Necessity. They have proved that this difference consists, not in the degree of previous certainty that an action will be performed — but in the fact, that natural necessity admits an entire opposition of the will, while moral necessity im- plies, and, in all cases, secures, the consent of the will. It follows that all necessity of the will, and of its acts, is of the moral kind ; and that natural necessity cannot possibly affect the will or any of its exercises. It likewise follows, that if liberty, as applied to a moral agent, mean an exemption from all previous certainty that an action will be performed, then no action of man or any other creature can be free ; for on tliis supposition, every action must come to pass without divine prescience, by mere chance, and con- sequently without a cause. — Now, therefore, the Calvinists find themselves placed upon firm and high ground. They fear not the attacks of their opponents. They face them on the ground of rea- son, as well as of Scripture. They act not merely on the defen- sive. Rather they have carried the war into Italy, and to the very gates of Rome. — But all this is peculiar to America; except that a few European writers have adopted, from American authors, the sentiments here stated. Even the famous Assembly of divines had very imperfect views of this subject. This they prove, when they say, "Our first parents, being left to the freedom of their own will, fell from the state wherein they were created ;" — and " God fore- ordained whatsoever comes to pass, so as the contingency of second causes is not taken away, but rather established." — These divines unquestionably meant, that our first parents, in the instance, at least, of their fall, acted from self-determination, and by mere contingence or chance. But there is no more reason to believe or even suppose this, than there is to suppose it true of every sinner, in every sin which he commits. " 3. Mr. Edwards very happily illustrated and explained 21ie Mature of True Virtue, or Holiness. — ^What is the Nature of True Virtue, or Holiness ; — In what does it consist ; — and. Whence arises our obligation to be truly virtuous or holy ; — are questions which moral writers have agitated in all past ages. Some have placed virtue in Self-love ; — some in acting agreeably to the Fit- ness of things ; — some in following Conscience, or Moral Sense ; — some in following Truth ; — and some in acting agreeably to the Will of God. Those, who place or found virtue in Fitness, and those, who found it in Truth, do but use one synonymous word for another. For they doubtless mean moral fitness, and moral truth ; these are no other than virtuoiis fitness, and virtuous truth. No one would pretend that it is a virtuous action to give a man poison, because it is a fit or direct mode ol destroying his life. No person will pretend that the crucifying of Christ was virtuous, be- I^IFB OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. ^1* :ause it was true, compared with the ancient P'opljecies.-T« bund virtue in acting agreeably to Conscience, or Moral bense, ustifies the persecutfons of christians by Sau of Tarsus as well as 1 >^reat proportion of heathenish idolatry .-If we ^und virtue in >he mil of God, the question arises, Whether the will of God be 5ur rule, because it is in fact what it is, wise, good and benevolent ; or whether it be our rule, merely because it is his will, without any consideration of its nature and tendency : and whether it would be a rule equally binding, as to observance, if it were foohsh and ma- licious.---Mr. Edwards teaches, that virtue consists in Benevolence. He proves that every voluntary action, which, in its general ten- dency and ultimate consequence, leads to happiness, is virtuous; and that every such action, which has not this tendency, and does not lead to this consequence, is vicious. By happiness, m tlii5 case, he does not mean the happiness oithe agent only, or princi- pally, but happiness in general, happmess on the large scaie. Vir- tuous or holy benevolence embraces both the agent himself and others— all intelligences, wherever found, who are capable ot a rational and moral blessedness. AH actions, proceeding irom such a principle, he holds to he Jit, or agreeable to the fitness oj things— a-reeable equally to reason, and, to a well-informed conscience, or moral sense, and to 7noral truth;— 2.ud agreeable especially to the will of God, who " is Love," or Benevolence.— In this scheme ot vatue or holiness, Mr. Edwards appears to have been original Much indeed had been said, by most moral writers, m tavour ot benevolence. Many things they had published, which imply, m their consequences, Mr. Edwards' scheme of virtue. But no one before him had traced those consequences to their proper issue. No one had formed a system of virtue, and of morals, built on that foundation. . « 4. Mr. Edwards has thrown much light on the enquiry concern- ing The Origin of Moral Evil. This question, comprehending the influence, which the Deity had in the event of moral e\^l, has always been esteemed most difficult and intricate. That God is the author of sin, has been constandy objected to the Calvini^s, as the consequence of their principles, by their opponents, lo avoid this objection, some have holden that God is the author oi- the sinful act, which the sinner commits, but that the smner himsel] is the author of its sinfulness. But how we shall abstract the sin- fubess of a malicious act from the malicious act itself ; and how God can be the author of a malicious act, and not be the author ol the malice, which is the sinfulness of that act ; is hard to be conceiv- ed. Mr. Edwards rejects, with abhorrence, the idea that God either is, or can be, the agent, or actor, of sin. He illustrates arid explains this difficult subject, by showing that God may dispose things in such a manner, that sin will certainly take place in conse- VOL. I. "^^ 618 LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. quence of such a disposal. In maintaining this, he only adheres to his own important doctrine of moral necessity. The divine dispO' sal, by which sin certainly comes into existence, is only establishing a certainty of its future existence. If that certainty, which is no other than moral necessity, be not inconsistent with human liberty ; then surely the cause of that certainty, which is no other than the divine disposal, cannot be inconsistent with such liberty. "5. The followers of Mr. Edwards have thrown new and im- portant light upon The Doctrine of Atonement. It has been com- monly represented, that the atonement which Christ made was the^ payment of a debt, due from his people. By this payment, they were purchased from slavery and condemnation. Hence arose this question,— If the sinner's debt be paid, how does it appear that there is any pardon or grace in his deliverance ? — The followers of Mr. Edwards have proved, that the atonement does not consist in the payment of a debt, properly so called. It consists rather in doing that, which, for the purpose of establishing the authority of the divine law, and of supporting in due tone the divine govern- ment, is equivalent to the punishment of the sinner according to the letter of the law. Now, therefore, God, without the prostra- tion of his authority and government, can pardon and save those who believe. As what was done to support the divine government, was not done by the sinner, so it does not at all diminish the free grace of his pardon and salvation.* " 6. With respect to The Imputation of Adam's Sin, and The Imputation of Chrisfs Righteousness, they have made similar im- provements.— The common doctrine had been, that Adcmi's sin is so transferred to his posterity, that it properly becomes their sin. The righteousness of Christ, likewise, is so transferred or made over to the believer, that it properly becomes his righteousness. To the believer it is reckoned in the divine account. — On this the question arises, How can the righteousness or good conduct of one person be the righteousness or good conduct of another. If in truth, it cannot be the conduct of that other ; how can God, who is Omniscient, and cannot mistake, reckon, judge or think, it to be the conduct of that other ? — 'The followers of Mr. Edwards find relief from this difficulty, by proving that to impute righteous^ ness, is in the language of Scripture to justify ; and that, to impute the righteousness of Christ, is to justify on account of Christ's righteousness. The imputation of righteousness can, therefore, be ♦The three Sermons of Dr. Edwards, on the Atonement, are the founda- tion of all that has hitherto appeared, in the explanation of these lon^- contested and obscure, but now established, points, LIFE OF President edwards. 619 DO transfer of righteousness. They are the beneficial Consequences of righteousness, which are transferred. Not therefore the right- eousness of Christ itself but its beneficial consequences and ad- vantages, are transferred to tJie believer.— In the same manner tliey reason with respect to the imputation of Adam's Sin. The baleful consequences of Adam's sin, which came upon himself, came also upon his poterity. These consequences were, that, after his first transgression, God left him to a habitual disposition to sin, to a series of actual transgressions, and to a liableness to the curse of the law, denounced against such transgression. — The same consequences took place with regard to Adam's posterity. By di vine constitution, they, as descending from Adam, become like himself, the subjects of a habitual disposition to sin. This dispo- sition is commonly called original depravity. Under its influence they sin, as soon as, in a moral point of view, they act at all. This depravity, this disposition to sin, leads them naturally to a series of actual transgressions, and exposes them to the whole curse of the law. — On this subject Two Questions have been much agitated in the christian world : — 1 . Do the posterity of Adam, unless saved by Christ, suffer final damnation on account of Adam's sin ? — and, if this be asserted, how can it be reconciled with justice ? — 2. How shall we reconcile it with justice, that Adam's posterity should be doomed, in consequence of his sin, to come into the world, with a habitual disposition themselves to sin ? — On the former of these questions, the common doctrine has been, that Adam's posterity, unless saved by Christ, are damned on account of Adam's sin, and that this is just, because his sin is imputed or transferred to them. By imputation, his sin becomes their sin. When the justice of such a transfer is demanded, it is said that the constitution, which God has established, makes the transfer just. To this it may be re- phed, that in the same way it may be proved to be just, to damn a man without any sin at all, either personal or imputed. We need only resolve it into a sovereign constitution of God. From this difficulty the followers of Mr. Edwards relieve themselves, by holding that, though Adam was so constituted the federal head of his posterity, that in consequence of his sin they all sin or become sinners, yet they are damned on account of their ovm personal sin merely, and not on account of Adam's sin, as though they were individually guilty of his identical transgression. This leads us to the second question stated above : — viz. How shall we reconcile it with perfect justice, that Adam's posterity, should, by a divine constitution be depraved and sinful, or become sinners, in consequence of Adam's apostacy ? — But this question involves no difficulty, beside that, which attends the doctrine of Divine Decrees. And this is satisfactory ; because for God to decree that an event shall take place, is, in other words, the same thing as, if he make a constitution, under the operation of which that event slwll takt? 626 Lrt-E OF PRESIDENT EDV«rARD«. place. If God has decreed whatever comes to pass, he decreed the fall of Adam. It is obvious that, in equal consistency with justice, he may decree any Other sin. Consequently he may decree that every man shall sin ; and this too, as soon as he shall become capable of moral action. Now if God could, con- sistently with justice, establish, decree, or make a constitution, according to which this depravity, this sinfulness of disposition should exist, without any respect to Adam's sin, he might evi- dently, with the same justice, decree that it should take place in con- seqmnce of Adam's sin. If God might consistently with justice decree, that the Jews should crucify Christ, without the treachery of Judas preceding, he might with the same justice decree, that they should do the same evil deed, in consequence of that treach- ery.— Thus the whole difficulty, attending the connection between Adam and his posterity, is resolved into the doctrine of the divine decrees ; and the followers of Mr. Edwards feel themselves placed upon strong ground — ground upon which they are willing, at an) time, to meet their opponents. — They conceive, furthermore, that, by resolving several complicated difficulties into one simple vindi- cable principle, a very considerable improvement is made in the- ology. Since the discovery and elucidation of the distinction, be- tween natural and moral necessity, and inability ; and since the ef- fectual confutation of that doctrine, which founds moral liberty on self-determination ; they do not feel themselves pressed with the objections, which are made to divine and absolute decrees. "7. With respect to The State of the Unregenerate, The Use of Means, and The Exhortations, which ought to be addressed to the Impenitent, the disciples of Mr. Edwards, founding themselves on the great principles of Moral Agency established in the Free- dom of the Will, have since his day made considerable improve- ment in Theology. — This improvement was chiefly occasioned by the writing of Robert Sandeman, a Scotchman, which were pub- lished after the death of Mr. Edwards. Sandeman, in the most striking colours, pointed out the inconsistency of the popular preachers, as he called them ; by whom he meant Calvinistic di- vines in general. He proved them inconsistent, in teaching that the unregenerate are, by total depravity, "dead in trespasses and sins," — and yet supposing that such sinners do often attain those sincere desires, make those sincere resolutions, and offer those sincere prayers, which are well pleasing in the sight of God, and which are the sure presages of renewing grace and salvation. He argued, that, if the unregenerate be dead in sin, then all that they do must be sin ; and that sin can never be pleasing and ac- ceptable to God. Hence he taught, not only that all the exercises and strivings of the unregenerate are abominable in the Divine view, but that there is no more likelihood, in consequence of theii' LIVE OF PKESIDENT EDWARDS. 621 Strictest attendance on the means of grace, that they will become partakers of salvation, than there would be in the total neglect of those means. These sentiments were entirely new. As soon as they were published, they gave a prodigious shock to all serioas men, both clergy and laity. The addresses to the unregenerate, which had hitherto consisted chiefly in exhortations to attend on the outward means of grace, and to form such resolutions, and put forth such desires, as all supposed consistent with unregeneracy , were examined. It appearing that such exhortations were addresses to no real spiritual good ; many ministers refrained from all exhorta- tions to the unregenerate. The perplexing enquiry with such sin- ners consequently was — " JVhat then have ive to do ? All we do is sin. To sin is certainly wrong. We ought therefore to remain still, doing nothing, until God bestoiv upon us renewing grace. In this state of things. Dr. Hopkins took up the subject. He inquired particularly into the exhortations delivered by the inspired writers. He published several pieces on The character oj the Unregenerate ; on Using the Means of Grace; and on The Exhortations, which ought to be addressed to the Unregenerate. He clearly showed that, akhough they are dead in depravity and sin, yet, as this lays them under a mere Moral Inability to the exercise and practice of true holiness, — and as such exercise and practice are their unquestion- able duty, — to ^Ais duty they are to be exhorted. Tothis duty only, and to those things which imply it, the inspired writers constantly exhort the unregenerate. Every thing short of this duty is sin. Never- theless, " as faith cometh by hearing," those, who " hear," and at- tend on the means of grace, even in their unregeneracy, and from natural principles, are more likely than others to become the sub- jects of Divine grace. The scriptures sufficiently prove, that thi^ is the constitution, which Christ has established. It likewise ac- cords perfectly with experience and observation, both in apostolic and subsequent ages. "8. Mr. Edwards greatly illustrated The JVature of Experimental Religion. He pointed out, more clearly than had been done be- fore, the distinguishing marks of genuine christian experience, and those religious affections and exercises, which are peculiar to the true christian. The accounts of christian affection and experience, which had before been given, both by American and European writers, were general, indiscriminate and confused. They seldom, if ever, distinguished the exercises of self-love, natural conscience, and other natural principles of the human mind under conviction of divine truth, from those of the new nature, given in regeneration. In other words, they seldom distinguished the exercises of the sinner under the law work, and the joys afterwards often derived from a groundless persuasion of his forgiveness, from those sincere and. evangelical affections, which are peculiar to the real convert. 622 LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. They did not show how far the unregenerate sinner can proceed in religious exercises, and yet fall short of saving grace. But this whole subject, and the necessary distinctions with respect to it, are set in a striking light by Mr. Edwards, in his Treatise concerning Religious Affections. " 9. That our religious affections must be disinterested, was ano- ther branch of the improvements made by Mr. Edwards. The word disinterested — is, indeed, capable of such a sense, as af- fords a ground of argument against disinterested affections j and scarcely perhaps is an instance of its use to be found, in which it does not admit of an equivocation. It seems to be a mere equivocation to say, that disinterested affection is an im- possibility ; and that, if we are not interested in favour of religion^ we are indifferent with respect to it, and do not love it at all. But who ever thought that, when a person professes a disinterested re- gard for another, he has no regard for him at all.* The plain meaning is, that his regard for him is direct and benevolent, not selfish, nor arising from selfish motives. In this sense, Mr. Ed- wards maintained, that our religious affections, if genuine, are disin- terested ; that our love to God arises chiefly — ^not from the motive tliat God has bestowed, or is about to bestow, on us, favours, whe- ther temporal or eternal, but — from his own infinite excellence and glory. The same explanation applies to the love, which every truly pious person feels for the Lord Jesus Christ, for every truth of di- vine revelation, and for the whole scheme of the Gospel. Very different from this is the representation, given by most theological writers, before Mr. Edwards. The motives presented by them, to persuade men to love and serve God, to come unto Christ, to repent of their sins, and to embrace and practice religion, are chiefly of the selfish kind. There is, in their works, no careful and exact dis- crimination upon this subject. " 10. He has thrown great light on the important doctrine of /2e- generation. Most writers before him, treat this subject very loose- ly. They do indeed describe a variety of awakenings and con- victions, fears and distresses, comforts and joys, as implied in it ; and they call the whole. Regeneration. They represent the man before Regeneration as dead, and no more capable of spiritual ac- tion, than a man naturally deadis capable of performing those deeds, which require natural life and strength. From their description, a person is led to conceive, that the former is as excusable, in his omis- sion of those holy exercises, which constitute the christian charac- ter and life', as the latter is, in the neglect of those labours, which cannot be performed without natural life. From their account, no * The whole difficulty is removed by reflecting that disinterested is the converse of selfish ; and uninterested, the converse of interested. LIFE OP PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 623 one can determine in what the change, effected by regeneration, consists. They do not show the enquirer, whether every awaken- ed and convinced sinner, who afterwards has lively gratitude and joy, is regenerated ; or whether a gracious change of heart implies joys of a peculiar kind : Neither, if the renewed have joys peculiar to themselves, do the teachers, now referred to, describe that peculiarity ; nor do they tell from what motives the joys, that are evidence of regeneration, arise. They represent the whole man, his understanding, and his sensitive faculties, as renewed, no less than his heart and affections. According to them generally, ihis change is effected by light. As to this indeed they are not per- fectly agreed. Some of them hold, that the change is produced, by the bare light and motives exhibited in the gospel. Others pre- tend, that a man is persuaded to become a christian, as he is per- suaded to become a friend to republican government. Yet others there are, who hold that regeneration is caused, by a supernatural and divine light immediately communicated. Their representation of this seems to imply, and their readers understand it as implying, an immediate and new revelation. But according to Mr. Ed- wards, and those who adopt his views of the subject, regeneration consists in the communication of a new spiritual sense or taste. In other words, a new heart is given. This communication is made, this work is accomplished, by the Spirit of God. It is their opinion, that the intellect, and the sensitive faculties, are not the immediate subject of any change in regeneration. They believe, however, that, in consequence of the change which the renewed heart expe- riences, and of its reconciliation to God, light breaks in upon the understanding. The subject of regeneration sees, therefore, the glory of God's character, and the glory of all divine truth. This may be an illustration. A man becomes cordially reconciled to his neighbour, against whom he had previously felt a strong enmity. He now sees the real excellencies of his neighbour's character, to which he was blinded before by enmity and prejudice. These new views of his neighbour, and these difl'erent feelings towards him, are the consequence of the change : its evidence, but not the change itself. — At the same time, Mr. Edwards and others believe that, in saving experience, the sensitive faculties are brought under due regulation by the new heart or holy temper. None of the awakenings, fears, and convictions, which precede the new heart, are, according to this scheme, any part of Regeneration ; though they are, in some sense, a preparation for it, as all doctrinal know- ledge is. The sinner, before regeneration, is allowed to be totally dead to the exercises and duties of the spiritual life. He is never- tlieless accounted a moral agent. He is therefore entirely blame- able in his impenitence, his unbelief, and bis alienation from God. He is therefore, with perfect propriety, exhorted to repent, to be- come reconciled to God in Christ, and to arise from his spiritual 624 LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARBii. death, that " Christ may give him light." — According to this system^ regeneration is produced, neither by moral suasion, i.e. by the argu- ments and motives of the Gospel, nor by any supernatural, spiritual light; but by the immediate agency of the Holy Spirit. Yet the light and knowledge of the Gospel are, by Divine constitution, usually necessary to regeneration, as the blowing of the ram's horns was necessary to the falling of the walls of Jerico ; and the moving of the stone, from the mouth of the sepulchre, was necessary to the raising of Lazarus." Thus it appears, that Mr. Edwards taught us in his writings, in a man- ner so clear, that mankind h-ave hitherto been satisfied with the in- struction, Why God created this material and spiritual Universe ; — What is the nature of that Government which he exercises over Minds, r.nd how it is consistent with their perfect freedom ; — What is the Nature of that Virtue, which they must possess, if they are to secure his approbation ; — What is the Nature, the Source, the Extent, and the Evidences of that Depravity, which characterizes Man, as a fallen being ; — ^What is the Series of Events, by which his Redemption is accomplished ; — What are the Qualifications for thiit Church, to which the redeemed belong ; — What are the Grounds, on which they are justified ; — What are the Nature and Evidences of that Religion, which is imparted to them by the Spirit of grace ; — What are the Nature and Effects of that Revival of religion, which accompanies an effusion of his divine influences on a people ; — And what are the Inducements to United and Extraordinary Prayer, that such effusions may be abundantly enjoyed by the Church of God.* — By what is thus said, we do not intend, that all his reasonings are solid, or all his opinions sound and scriptural ; but we know of no writer, since the days of the Aposdes, who has bet- ter comprehended the Word of God ; who has more fully unfolded the nature and design of the revelation of his mind, which it con- tains ; who has more ably explained and defended the great doc- trines, which it teaches, who has more clearly illustrated the religion which it requires ; who has done more for the purification and en- largement of that church which it establishes ; or who, in conse- quence of his unfoldings of divine truth, will find, when the work of every man is weighed in the balances of eternity, a larger number to be, his hope, and joy, and crown of rejoicing in that day." — And wlien we remember, in addition to all this, that we can probably select no individual, of all who have lived in that long period, who has manifested a more ardent or elevated piety towards God, a warmer or more expanded benevolence towards Man, or greater * For a Catalogue of the works of Mr. Edwards, pnbliehed previous to this edition, BPe Appendix L. LIFE OF PRESIDENT EDWARDS. 625 purity, or disinterestedness, or integrity of character — one, who gave the concentrated strength of all his powers, more absolutely, to the one end of glorifying God in the salvation of Man ; — and then re- flect, that at the age ofjifty-four, in the highest vigour of all his faculties, in thefulnessof his usefulness, when he was just entering on the most important station of his life, he yielded to tlie stroke of death ; we look towards his grave, in mute astonishment, unable to penetrate those clouds and darkness, which hover around it. One of his weeping friends* thus explained this most surprizing dispen- sation : — " He was pouring in a flood of light upon mankind, which their eyes, as yet, were too feeble to bear." — If this was not the rea- son ; we can only say — " Even so, Father ! for so it seemed good in thy sight." Dr. Finley. Vol. I. TP FAREWELIi SERMON. A Farewell Sermon, preached at the first Precinct in Northampton, after the people's public rejection of their minister, and renouncing their relation to him as Pastor of the Church there, on June 22, 1 750; Occasioned by difference of sentiments, concerning the requisite Qualifications of members of the Church, in complete standing; By Jonathan Edwards, A. M. Acts XX. 1 8. Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, af- ter what manner I have been with you, at all seasons. Ver. 20. And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you : but have showed you, and have taught you pubhcly, and from house to house. Vei. 26, 27. Wherefore I take you to record this day, that T am pure from the blood of all men ; for I have not shunned to declare unto you all the Counsel of God. Gal. iv. 15, 16. Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? For I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. Am I therefore be- come your enemy, because I tell you the truth. Boston : Printed and Sold by S. Kneeland, over against the Prison in Queen-Street. 1751. PREFACE. It is not unlikely, that some of the readers of the following Sermoa may be inquisitive, concerning the circumstances of the difference be- tween me and the people of Northampton, that issued in that sejjara--- tioti between me and them, which occasionecF the preaching of this Farewell Sermon. There is. by no means, room here for a full ac- count of that matter. But yet it seems to be proper, and even neces- sarv, here, to correct some gross misrepresentations, which have been abundantly, and, it is to be feared, by some affectedly and industriously, made, of that difference : such as. That I insisted on persons being assured of their being in a state of salvation, in order to my admitting them into the Church ; that I required a particular relation of the me- thod and order of a person's inward experience, and of the time and PREFACE ffO FAREWELL SERMON. 627 manner of his conversion, as the test of his fitness for Christian com- munion ; yea, that 1 have undertaken to set up a pure church, and to make an exact and certain distinction between saints and hypocrites, by a pretended infalHble discerning the state of men's souls ; that in these things I had fallen in with those wild people, who have lately ap- peared in New England, called Separatists ; and that 1 myself was be- come a grand Separatist ; that I arrogated all the power of judging of the QuaHfications of candidates for Communion, wholly to myself, and insisted on acting by my sole authority, in the admission of members in- . to the Church, etc. ^ In opposition to these slanderous representations, I shall, at present, only give my reader an account of some things, which I laid before the Council, that separated between me and ray people, in order to their having a just and full account of my principles, relating to the af- feir in controversy. Long before the sitting of the Council, my people had sent to the Rev. Mr. Clark of Salem Village, desiring him to write in opposition to my principles. Which gave me occasion to write to Mr. Clark, that he might have true information what my principles were. And in the time of the sitting of the Council, I did, for their informa- tion, make a public declaration of my principles, before them and the Church, in the meeting house, of the same import with that in my letter to Mr. Clark, and very much in the same words. And then, afterwards, sent in to the Council, in writing, an extract of that letter, containing the information I had given to Mr. Clark, in the very words of my letter to him, that the Council might read and con- sider it at their leisure, and have a more certain and more satisfactory knowledge what my principles were. The extract which I sent in to them, was in the following words : " I am often, and I do not know but pretty generally, in the coun- try, represented as of a new and odd opinion, with respect to the terms of Christian communion, and as being for introducing a peculiar way of my own. Whereas, I do not perceive that I differ at all from the scheme of Dr. Watts, in his book, entitled. The rational foundation of a Christian Church, and the terms of Christian Communion ; which he says, is the common sentiment and practice of all reformed churches. I had not seen this book of Dr. Watts', when i published what I have written on the subject ; but yet, I think my sentiments, as I have expressed them, are as exactly agreeable to what he lays down, as if I had been his pupil. Nor do I at all go beyond what Dr. Doddiidge plainly shows to be his sentiments, in his B.isc and Progress of Religion, and his Sermons on Regeneration, and his Paraphrase and Notes on the New Testament. Nor indeed. Sir, when I consider the sentiments you have expressed \n your letters to Major Pomroy and Mr. Billing, can I perceive, but that they come exactly to the same thing which I maintain. You suppose, the Sacra- ments are not converting ordinances : but that, as seals of the Cove- nant, they presuppose conversion, especiallif in the adult ; and that it is visible saintship, or in other words, a credible profession of faith and repentance, a solemn consent to the Gospel covenant, joined jrifh a (328 PREFACE TO FAKEWELL SERMON. good conversation, and competent vieasure of Christian knowledge, is what gives a Gospel right to all sacred ordinances, but that it is ne- cessary to those that come to these ordinances^ and in those that profess a consent in the Gospel covenant, that they be sincere in their profes- sion, or at least should think themselves so. — The great thing which I have scrupled in the established method of this Church's pioceeding, and which T dare no longer go on in, is their publicly assenting to the form of I words, rehearsed on occasion of their admission to the com- munion, without pretending thereby to mean any such thing, as a heartv consent to the terms of the Gospel covenant, or to mean any such faith or repentance as belong to the covenant of grace, and are the grand conditions of that covenant ; It being, at the same time that the words are used, their known and established principle, which they openly profess and proceed upon, that men may and ought to use fhese words, and mean no such thing, but something else of a nature far in- ferior ; which I think they have no distinct determinate notion of ; but something consistent with their knowing that they do not ciioose God as their chief good, but love the world more than him, and that they do not give themselves up entirely to God, but make reserves ; and in short, knowing that they do not heartily consent to the Gospel cove- nant, but live still under the reigning power of the love of the world, and enmity to God and Christ. So that the words of their public profession, according to their openly established use, cease to be of the nature of any profession of Gospel faith and repentance, or any pro- per compliance with the covenant : for it is their profession, that the worris, as used, mean no such thing. The words used, under these circumstances, do at least fail of being a credible profession of these things. — I can conceive of no such virtue in a certain set of words, that it is proper, merely on the making of these sounds, to admit per- sons to Christian Sacraments, without any regard to any pretended meaning of those sounds : nor can I think, that any institution of Christ has established any such terms of admission into the Christian Church. — It does not belong to the controversy between me and my people, how particular or large the profession should be, that is re- quired. I should not ■ hoose to be confined to exact limits as to that matter : but, rather than contend, I should content myself with a few words, briefly expressing the cardinal virtues or acts, implied in a hearty compliance with the covenant, made (as should appear by en- quiry into the person's doctrinal knowledge) understandingly ; if there were an external conversation agreeable thereto : yea, I should think, that such a person, solemnly making such a profession, had a right to be received as the object of a public charity, however he him- self might scruple his own conversion, on account of his not remem- bering the time, not knowing the method of his conversion, or finding so much remaining sin, etc. And, (if his own scruples did not hin- der his coming to the Lord's Table,) I should think the minister or church had no right to debar such a professor, though he should say he did not think himself converted. For I call that a profession of godliness, which is a profession of the grent things wherein godli- ness consists, and not a profession of his own opinion of his good e.state. " Northainpton, May 7, 1750." PREFACE TO FAREWELL SERMON. 62?> Thus far my letter to Mr. Clark. The Council having heard that I had made certain draughts of the Covenant, or Forms of a public Profession of Religion, w'lic^h 1 stood ready to accept of, from the candidates for Church Conuminion, they, for their further information, sent for them. Accordingly i sent them four distinct draughts or foinis, which I had drawn u|) al.out a twelve- month before, as what I stood ready to acce})t of, (any one of them) rather than contend, and break with my peojilo. The two sliortest of these forms are here inserted, for the satisfaction of the reader. They are as follows : " I hope I do truly find a heart to give up myself wholly to God, ac- cording to the tenor of that covenant of grace, which was sealed in my baptism ; and to walk in a way of tliat obedience to all the command- ments of God, which the covenant of grace requires, as long as I live.'' Another, " I hope I truly fiind in my heart a willingness to comply with all the commandments of God, which recjuire me to give up myself wholly to liin^^and to serve him with my body and my spirit. And do accord- ingly now promise to walk in a way of obedience to all the command- ments of God, as long as I live." Such kind of professions as these I stood ready to accept, rather than contend and break with my people. Not but that I think it much more convenient, that ordinarily the public profession of religion^ that is made by Christians, should be much fuller and more particular. And that, (as I hinted in my letter to Mr. Clark,) 1 should not choose to be tied up to any certain torm of words, but to have liberty to vary the expressions of a public profession, the moie exactly to suit the sen- timents and experience of the professor, that it might be a more just and free expression of what each one linds in his heart. And, moreover, it must be noted, tiiat I ever insisted on it, that itbe- lonrred to ine as a Pastor, before a profession wns accepted, to have full liberty to instruct the candidate in the meaning of the terms of it, and in the nature of the things proposed to be professed ; and to en- quire into his doctrinal understanding of these things, according to my best discretion ; and to caution the person as I should think needful, against rashness in making siu-h a profession, or doing it mainly for the credit of himself or his family, or from any secular views whatsoever, and to put him on serious selfexainination, and searching his own heart, and prayer to God to search and enlighten him, that he may not be hypocritical and deceived in the profession he makes ; withal pointing forth to him the many ways in which professors are liable to be deceived. Nor do I think it improper for a minis(nr, in such a case, to enquire and know of tlie candidate what can be remembered of the circum- stances of his Christian ex]>orience ; as this may tend much to illus- trate his profession, and give a minister great advantage for proper 030 FAREWELL SERMON. instructions: though a particular knowledge and remembrance of the time and method of the first conversion to God, is not made the test of a person's sincerity, nor insisted on as necessary in order to his be- ing received into full charity. Not that I think it at all improper or unprofitable, that in some special cases a declaration of the particular circumstances of a person's first awakening, and the manner of his convictions, illuminations and comforts, should be publicly exhibited before tlie whole congregation, on occasion of his admission into the Church ; though this be not demanded as necessary to admission. I ever declared against insisting on a relation of experiences, in this sense, (viz. a relation of the particular time and steps of the opera- tion of the Spirit, in first conversion,) as the term of communion : yet, if, by a relation of experiences, be meant a declaration of experi- ence of the great things wrought, wherein true grace and the essen- tial aots and habits of holiness consist ; in this sense, I think an ac- count of a person's experiences necessary, in order to his admission into full Comm>mion in the Church. But that in whatever enquiries are made, or whatever account is given, neither minister nor church are to set up themselves as searchers of hearts, but are to accept the serious solemn profession of the well-instrurted professor, of a good life, as best able to determine what he finds in his own heart. These things may serve in some measure to set right those of my readers, who have been misled in their apprehensions of the state of the controversy, between me and my people, by the forementioned misrepresentations. FAREWELL SERMON. II. CORINTHIANS, I. 14. ■J < also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are pour rejoicing, even as ye also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jaus. The Apostle, in the preceding part of the chapter, declares what great troubles he met with, in the course of his ministry. In the text, and two foregoing verses, he declares what were his comforts and supports, under the troubles he met with. There are four things in particular. 1. That he had approved himself to his own conscience, v. 12. For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in sim- plicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you wards. 2. Another thing he speaks of as matter of comfort, is, that as he had approved himself to his own conscience, so he had also to the con- sciences of his hearers, the Corinthians to whom he now wrote, and that they should approve of him at the day of judgment. 3. The hope he had of seeing the blessed fruit of his labours and sufferings in the ministry, in their happiness and glory in that great day of accounts. FAREWELL SERMON. 631 4. That in his ministry among the Corinthians, he had approved himself to his Judge, who would approve and reward his faithfulness in that day. These three last p;>,rticulars are signified in my text and the prece- ding verse ; and indeed all the four are implied in the text : It is im- plied, that the Corinthians had acknowledged him as their spiritual father, and as one that had been faithful among them, and as the means of their future joy and glory at the day of Judgment, and one whom they should then see, and have a joyful meeting with as such. It is implied, that the apostle expected, at that time, to have a joyful meeting with them, before the Judge, and, with joy, to behold their glory, as the fruit of his labours ; and so they would be Ms rejoicing. It is implied also, that he then expected to be approved of the great Judge, whc'i he and they should meet together before Him ; and that he would then acknowledge his fidelity, and that this had been the means of their glory ; and that thus he would, as it were, give them to him as his crown of rejoicing. But this the Apostle could not hope for, unless he had the testimony of his own conscience in his favour. And therefore the words do imply, in the strongest manner, that he had approved himself to his own conscience. There is one thing implied in each of these particulars, and in every part of the text, which is that point I shall make the subject of my present discourse, viz : Doctrine. Ministers, and the people that have been under their Gaie, must meet one another, before Christ's tribunal, at the day of judgment. Ministers, and the people that have been under their care, must be parted in this world, how well soever they have been united : If they are not separated before, they must be parted by death : And they may be separated while life is continued. We live in a world of change, where nothing is certain or stable ; and where a little time, a few revolutions of the sun, brings to pass strange things, surprising alterations, in particular persons, in families,.in towns and churches, in countries and nations. It often happens, that those, who seem most united, in a little time are most disunited, and at the greatest distance. Thus ministers and people, between whom there has been the greatest mutual regard and strictest union, may not only differ in their judg- ments, and be alienated in affection ; But one may rend from the other, and all relation between them be dissolved ; the minister may be removed to a distant place, and they may never have any more to do, one with another, in this world. But if it be so, there is one meet- ing more that they must have, and that is in the last great day of ac- counts. Here I would shew, I. In what manner, ministers and the people which have been un- der their care, shall meet one another at the day of judgment. II. For what purposes. III. For what reasons God has so ordered it, that ministers and their people shall then meet together in such a manner, and for such purposes. I. I would shew, in some particulars, in what manner ministers an