Jonathan Edwards defends and criticizes The Great Awakening. His congregation becomes outraged that he bars the Lord’s Supper. Edwards is removed as pastor of Northampton.
Show Notes
The Great Awakening 1740-1742
Emotional Excesses
Old Lights
New Lights
The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God (1741)
Spirit’s true work can be distinguished as:
1. Greater esteem for Christ
2. Operates against the interest of Satan’s kingdom (encouraging & establishing sin)
3. Greater regard for the truth and divinity of the Scriptures
4. Brings men to the light of truth
5. Excites love to God and men
Some Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival (1742)
1. Shows is A Glorious Work of God
2. Obligations to Acknowledge
3. Promoters have been injuriously accused
4. Promoters need to be corrected (longest section)
5. How it ought to be promoted
Religious Affections (1746)
1. Pendulum had swung back to understanding in response to The Great Awakening
2. Defends true religion against the idea that it is by understanding alone
3. Explains and exhorts the necessity of experience
In December 1741 Samuel Hopkins begins staying in his home for a time
Sarah Edwards helps him see the work of Christ in himself
Jonathan was quiet and reserved with strangers
Friends “found him easy of access, kind and condescending; and though not talkative, yet affable and free. Among such whose candor and friendship he has had experienced, he threw off the reserve, and was most open and free.”
He was attentive with his daughters and sons
He would take his daughters, individually, with him on horseback rides
He and his sons would go out into nature to study and enjoy it
Family would gather in the parlor after tea “cheerful and animated conversation”
Sabbath Keeping
Psalm Singing
Communion Controversy
Edwards stops the cheap admissions
Outrage from congregation
Edwards preaches to them
He is removed as pastor
He becomes their interim pastor for 5 months
Leaves to become a missionary to the Mohawk Indians in Stockbridge
Links
Brief Overview Biography
The Unwavering Resolve of Jonathan Edwards by Steven J. Lawson
In-Depth Biography
Jonathan Edwards: A New Biography by Iain Murray
The Works of Jonathan Edwards
The Works of Jonathan Edwards published by Banner of Truth
Video Example of Edwards’ “Miscellanies”
YouTube video by Matthew Everhard
Jonathan Edwards - Part 4 | The Traditions for the Future Podcast #11