Sermons and Discourses, 1739–1742 (The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Vol. 22 | WJE)
Overview
The sermons and discourses in this volume chart the rise and decline of the Great Awakening in Jonathan Edwards’ parish in Northampton, Massachusetts, and beyond. A leading figure of the revival period, Edwards delivered potent and wide-ranging sermons during the years 1739–42. In this volume the transcript of the original manuscript of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is reproduced for the first time, along with the text of its first printed edition.
Seeking to nourish the emerging revival spirit, Edwards preached on the glory of saints in heaven, the dangers and opportunities of the unregenerate on earth, and the torment of the damned and devils in hell. As the revival progressed he became ever more critical of participants’ behavior, and with its decline he attempted—without success—to compel godliness.
Top Highlights
“There is nothing that keeps wicked men, at any one moment, out of hell, but the mere pleasure of God.” (Page 405)
“2. It implies that they were always exposed to sudden unexpected destruction.” (Page 404)
“I. There is no want of power in God to cast wicked men into hell at any moment” (Page 405)
“3. Another thing implied is that they are liable to fall of themselves, without being thrown down by the hand of another” (Page 404)
“That the reason why they are not fallen already, and don’t fall now, is only that God’s appointed time is not come.” (Page 404)
About the Authors
Harry S. Stout is Jonathan Edwards Professor of American Christianity at Yale University and General Editor of The Works of Jonathan Edwards.
Nathan O. Hatch is President of Wake Forest University.
Kyle P. Farley is Dean of Jonathan Edwards College, Yale University.