by
 
About The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume One  by Jonathan Edwards
The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume OneTitle: http://www.ccel.org/ccel/edwards/works1.htmlURL: Edwards, Jonathan (1703-1758)Author(s): 2002-10-24Date Created: Elizabeth Goodman (Markup)Contributor(s): All; Biography; Practical; Sermons; Theology;CCEL Subjects: BX7117LC Call no:
Christian DenominationsLC Subjects: Protestantism
Post-Reformation Other Protestant denominations
p. 6
impressions and account of his experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 14
Mental habits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 22
Scriptures. Commencement of his preaching. Resolutions. . . . . . . . . .
p. 32CHAPTER IV. His Diary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 49
narrative continued. Diary concluded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 58
CHAPTER VI. Settlement in the ministry at Northampton. Situation of things
at the time of his settlement. Attention to religion in the parish. 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 publication. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 69
CHAPTER VII. Remarkable revival of religion, in 1734, and 1735. Its extent
and power. Manner of treating awakened sinners. Causes of its decline.
Religious controversy in Hampshire. Death of his sister Lucy. Characteristics
of Mrs. Edwards. Remainder of personal narrative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 83
CHAPTER VIII. Narrative of Surprising Conversions. His views of revivals.
Five Discourses. Mr. Bellamy, a resident in his family. Extra-parochial
labours of Mr. Edwards. Sermon at Enfield. Funeral Sermon on the Rev.
W. Williams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 89
CHAPTER IX. Commencement of a second great revival of religion, in the
spring and summer of 1740. Visit of Mr. Whitefield at Northampton.
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 New-Haven. 'Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the
Spirit of God.' Prefaces by Mr. Cooper and Mr. Willison. Mr. Samuel
Hopkins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER X. Temporary abatement of religious attention. Letter to Mr.
Bellamy. Missionary tour. Success at Leicester. Mr. Hopkins becomes a
member of his family. Mr. Buell's successful labours at Northampton. Mr.
iii
 
Edwards's narrative of the revival at Northampton, in 1740-1742. Covenant
entered into by the church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 112
CHAPTER XI. Mrs. Edwards. Her solemn self-dedications. Her uncommon
discoveries of the Divine perfections and glory; and of the excellency of
Christ. Remarks concerning them. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER XII. Extent of the revival of 1740-1742. Auspicious opening.
Opposed by its enemies, and injured by its friends. “Thoughts on the Revival
in New England. ” Attestations of numerous ministers. Causes of its decline.
Influence of Mr. Whitefield, Mr. Tennent, and others. Influence of Mr.
Edwards's publications in Scotland. Great revival of religion there. His
correspondents in that country. Letter to Mr. M'Cullock. Answer to do. Letter
from Mr. Robe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Churches--Letter to Rev. Mr. Whiman. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 153
CHAPTER XIV. Mistakes extensively prevalent at this time, as to the nature
and evidences of true godliness. “Treatise on Religious Affections.” Design
and character of the work. Republished abroad. Letter from Mr. Gillespie
concerning it. Letter from Mr. Edwards to Mr. M'Cullock. Reply to Mr.
Gillespie. Proposal made in Scotland, for united extraordinary prayer. Efforts
of Mr. Edwards to promote it. Letter to Mr. M'Cullock. “Humble Attempt to
promote Extraordinary Prayer”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 177
CHAPTER XV. Arrival of David Brainerd at Northampton. His sickness and
death at the house of Mr. Edwards. His papers. Death of Jerusha, the
second daughter of Mr. E. Her character. Correspondence 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 him. Second Letter from Mr. Gillespie.
Letter to Mr. M'Cullock. Letter to Mr. Erskine. Letter from Mr. Willison. Life
and diary of Brainerd. Letters to Messrs. Erskine, M'Cullock, 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 . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 227CHAPTER XVI. Commencement of difficulties at Northampton . . . . . . .
p. 233CHAPTER XVII. Account of difficulties at Northampton continued . . . . .
p. 242
CHAPTER XVIII. Letter to Mr. M'Cullock—to Mr. Erskine. Account of the
troubles at Northampton concluded. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 275
CHAPTER XX. Letter to Sir W. Pepperell. Letter to Lady Pepperell. Letter
to his father. Arrival of Mr. Hawley. Increasing importance of Indian
establishments. Schemes of its enemies. Firm stand taken by Mr. Edwards.
Letter to Mr. Oliver. Letter to commissioners. Difficulties of the mission.
iv
 
Answer to Mr. Williams. Letter to the people of Northampton. Marriage of
Mr. and Mrs. Burr. Letter To Mr. Erskine. Letter to Mr. Hollis. Letter to Mr.
Hubbard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHAPTER XXI. 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'Cuulloch. Report of Indian agent. Reply of Mr.
Edwards. Further defeat of the enemies of the mission . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 323
CHAPTER XXII. 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. 'Freedom of the Will.' Letter to
Mr. Erskine. Proposals 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. Edwards. Entire defeat of enemies of mission.
Return of remaining Mohawks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 340
CHAPTER XXIII. Sickness of Mr. Edwards. “God's Last End in Creation.”
“Nature of Virtue.” Mr. Edwards's 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'Cullock. Letter of Dr. Bellamy.
“Treatise on Original Sin.” Letter to his father. Letter to Mr. Erskine. . . . . .
p. 363
CHAPTER XXIV. 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.
Edwards, to the trustees of the college. Letter of Mrs. Burr, to her father.
Letter to Dr. Rellamy. 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. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 384CHAPTER XXV. Concluding remarks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 418A Farewell Sermon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 452
NO.II. Particulars as to the Life and Death of Mr. Richard Edwards, the
grandfather of Jonathan Edwards. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 459NO.III. Account of the Children of Timothy and Esther Edwards. . . . . . .
p. 461NO.IV. Remarks in Mental Philosophy. The Mind.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 504NO.V. Family and Descendants of President Edwards . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 509NO. VI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 512
IV. a careful and strict inquiry into the prevailing notions of the freedom of
will. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
v
 
p. 514Preface.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 517
I. Wherein are explained and stated various Terms and things belonging
to the subject of the ensuing Discourse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 517SECTION I. Concerning the Nature of the Will . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 520SECTION II. Concerning the Determination of the Will. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 526
Impossibility, Inability, &c. and of Contingence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 531
SECTION IV Of the distinction of natural and moral Necessity, and
Inability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 536
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 539
II. Wherein it is considered, whether there is or can be any such sort of
Freedom of Will, as that wherein Arminians place the essence of the Liberty
of all Moral Agents; and whether any such thing ever was or can be
conceived of. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 539
SECTION I. Showing the manifest inconsistence of the Arminian notion
of Liberty of Will, consisting in the Will's self-determining Power. . . . . .
p. 542
SECTION II. Several supposed ways of evading the foregoing reasoning,
considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION III. Whether any Event whatsoever, and Volition in particular,
can come to pass without a Cause of its existence. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 551
SECTION IV. Whether Volition can arise without a Cause, through the
activity of the nature of the soul. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 554
SECTION V. Showing, that if the things asserted in these Evasions should
be supposed to be true, they are altogether impertinent, and cannot help
the cause of Arminian Liberty; and how, this being the state of the case,
Arminian writers are obliged to talk inconsistently. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 557
SECTION VI. Concerning the Will determining in things which are perfectly
indifferent in the view of the mind. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 562
SECTION VII. Concerning the notion of Liberty of Will, consisting in
Indifference. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 569
SECTION VIII. Concerning the supposed Liberty of the Will, as opposite
to all Necessity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 572
SECTION IX. Of the Connexion of the Acts of the Will with the Dictates
of the Understanding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION X. Volition necessarily connected with the influence of Motives;
with particular observations of the great inconsistence of Mr. Chubb's
assertions and reasonings about the Freedom of the Will. . . . . . . . .
p. 587
SECTION XI. The evidence of God's certain Foreknowledge of the
Volitions of moral Agents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
SECTION XII. God's certain Foreknowledge of the future volitions of
moral agents, inconsistent with such a Contingence of those violations
as is without all Necessity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 613
SECTION XIII. Whether we suppose the volitions of moral Agents to be
connected with any thing antecedent, or not, yet they must be necessary
in such a sense as to overthrow Arminian Liberty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 615
III. Wherein is inquired, whether any such Liberty of Will as Arminians hold,
be necessary to Moral Agency, Virtue and Vice, Praise and Dispraise,
&c.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
praise-worthy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 619
SECTION II. The Acts of the Will of the human soul of Jesus Christ,
necessarily holy, yet truly virtuous, praise-worthy, rewardable, &c. . . . .
p. 629
SECTION III. The case of such as are given up of God to sin, and of
fallen man in general, proves moral Necessity and Inability to be consistent
with Blameworthiness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 634
moral Inability to obey. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 644
SECTION V. That Sincerity of Desires and Endeavours, which is supposed
to excuse in the non-performance of things in themselves good,
particularly considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 649
SECTION VI. Liberty of Indifference, not only not necessary to Virtue,
but utterly inconsistent with it; and all, either virtuous or vicious habits or
inclinations, inconsistent with Arminian notions of Liberty and moral
Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION VII. Arminian notions of moral Agency inconsistent with all
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 660
IV. Wherein the chief grounds of the reasonings of Arminians, in support
and defence of the fore-mentioned notions of Liberty, Moral Agency, &c.
and against the opposite doctrine, are considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 660
SECTION I. The Essence of the virtue and vice of dispositions of the
heart, and acts of the Will, lies not in their Cause, but their Nature. . . . .
p. 668
SECTION II. The Falseness and Inconsistence of that metaphysical notion
of Action, and Agency, which seems to be generally entertained by the
defenders of the Arminian Doctrine concerning Liberty, moral Agency,
&c. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 676
SECTION III. The reasons why some think it contrary to common Sense,
to suppose those things which are necessary to be worthy of either Praise
or Blame. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
 
p. 681
SECTION IV. It is agreeable to common sense, and the natural notions
of mankind, to suppose moral Necessity to be consistent with Praise and
Blame, Reward and Punishment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 687
SECTION V. Objections, that this scheme of Necessity renders all Means
and Endeavours for avoiding Sin, or obtaining Virtue and Holiness, vain,
and to no purpose; and that it makes men no more than mere machines,
in affairs of morality and religion, answered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 692
SECTION VI. Concerning that objection against the doctrine which has
been maintained, that it agrees with the Stoical doctrine of Fate, and the
opinions of Mr. Hobbes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 694SECTION VII. Concerning the Necessity of the Divine Will. . . . . . . . .
p. 700
SECTION VIII. Some further objections against the moral Necessity of
God's Volitions considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
SECTION IX. Concerning that objection against the doctrine which has
been maintained, that it makes God the Author of Sin. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 726SECTION X. Concerning sin's first Entrance into the world. . . . . . . . .
p. 731
SECTION XI. Of a supposed Inconsistence between these principles and
God's moral character.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 735
SECTION XII. Of a supposed tendency of these principles to Atheism
and Licentiousness. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 738
SECTION XIII. Concerning that objection against the reasoning, by which
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 751APPENDIX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 752
SECTION XV. Containing Remarks on the Essays on the Principles of
Morality and Natural Religion, in a Letter to a Minister of the Church of
Scotland. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
V. DISSERTATION ON THE END FOR WHICH GOD CREATED THE
WORLD.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 772CHAPTER I. What Reason dictates concerning this affair. . . . . . . . . .
p. 773SECTION I. The general dictates of reason. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 778SECTION II. What reason supposes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 781SECTION III. How God regards himself. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 786SECTION IV. Some objections considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 796CHAPTER II. What may be learned from the Holy Scriptures. . . . . . . . .
p. 797SECTION I. Scripture makes God his last end. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 798SECTION II. Concerning a just method of arguing. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
viii
 
p. 801SECTION III. Particular texts of Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 813SECTION IV. God created the world for his name, &c. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 819SECTION V. Communication of good to the creature. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 823SECTION VI. What is meant by the glory of God, &c. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 831SECTION VII. God's last end is but one. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 841VI. A DISSERTATION ON THE NATURE OF TRUE VIRTUE. . . . . . . . .
p. 842CHAPTER I. Concerning the essence of true virtue. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 851CHAPTER II. How love respects different beings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 857CHAPTER III. Concerning the secondary beauty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 864CHAPTER IV. Of self-love and its influence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 872CHAPTER V. Natural conscience, and the moral sense. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 878CHAPTER VI. Of particular instincts of nature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 882CHAPTER VII. The reasons of many mistakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 893CHAPTER VIII. Whether virtue be founded in sentiment. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 899VII. The great christian doctrine of original sin defended. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 903
Advertisement, containing a brief account of this book and its author, by
the first editor.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 908The author's Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 910PART I. Evidences of Original Sin from Facts and Events. . . . . . . . . .
p. 910CHAPTER I. The Evidence of the Doctrine from Facts. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 911SECTION I. All men tend to sin and ruin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 920SECTION II. Universal sin proves a sinful propensity. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 926SECTION III. This tendency most corrupt and pernicious. . . . . . . . .
p. 930SECTION IV. All men sin immediately, &c. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 934SECTION V. All have more sin than virtue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 940SECTION VI. Men's proneness to extreme stupidity, &c. . . . . . . . .
p. 947SECTION VII. Generality of mankind, wicked. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 955SECTION VIII. Great means used to oppose wickedness. . . . . . . .
p. 969SECTION IX. Several evasions considered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 981CHAPTER II. Arguments from universal Mortality. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 991PART II. Proofs of the Doctrine from particular parts of Scripture. . . . . .
p. 991CHAPTER I. Observations on the three first Chapters of Genesis. . . . .
p. 992SECTION I. Concerning Adam's original righteousness. . . . . . . . . .
p. 1002SECTION II. Death threatened to our first parents. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1008SECTION III. Adam a federal head, &c. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1020
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ix
 
p. 1036SECTION II. Observations on Rom. iii. 9-24. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1043SECTION III. Observations on Rom. v. 6-10. and Eph. ii. 3 . . . . . . .
p. 1053CHAPTER IV. Containing observations on Rom. v. 12. &c. . . . . . . . .
p. 1054SECTION I. Remarks on Dr. Taylor's way of explaining this text. . . . .
p. 1073SECTION II. The true scope of Rom. v. 12, &c. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1083PART III. Evidence of the Doctrine from Redemption by Christ. . . . . . .
p. 1083CHAPTER I. Proofs from Redemption by Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1089CHAPTER II. Proof from Application of Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1097PART IV. Containing Answers to Objections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1097PART IV. Containing Answers to Objections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1100CHAPTER II. God not the Author of Sin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1109CHAPTER III. The Imputation of Adam's Sin stated. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1126CHAPTER IV. Several other Objections answered. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1144
PARTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1145Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1149
PART I. Concerning the nature of the Affections and their importance in
Religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1155SECTION II. True religion lies much in affections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1169SECTION III. Inferences from the doctrine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1173
PART II. Showing what are no certain Signs that Religious Affections are
truly gracious, or that they are not. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1173SECTION I. Raised very high, are no sign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1177SECTION II. Great effects on the body, are no sign. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1180SECTION III. Fluency and fervour, are no sign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1182SECTION IV. That they are not excited by us, is no sign. . . . . . . . . .
p. 1186SECTION V. That they come with texts of Scripture, is no sign. . . . . .
p. 1189SECTION IV. That they are not excited by us, is no sign. . . . . . . . . .
p. 1191SECTION VII. Religious affections of many kinds, are no sign. . . . . .
p. 1194SECTION VIII. Joys following in a certain order, are no sign. . . . . . . .
p. 1203SECTION IX. Much time and zeal in duty, are no sign. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1205SECTION X. Much expression of praise, is no sign. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1207SECTION XI. Great confidence, is no certain sign. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1217SECTION XII. Affecting relations, are no sign. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1224
PART III. Showing what are distinguishing Signs of truly gracious and holy
Affections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1227SECTION I. Gracious affections are from divine influence. . . . . . . . .
p. 1254SECTION II. Their object is the excellence of divine things. . . . . . . . .
x
 
p. 1264
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1273SECTION IV. They arise from divine Illumination. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1291SECTION V. They are attended with a conviction of certainty. . . . . . .
p. 1305SECTION VI. They are attended with evangelical humiliation. . . . . . .
p. 1325SECTION VII. They are attended with a change of nature. . . . . . . . .
p. 1329SECTION VIII. They beget and promote the temper of Jesus. . . . . . .
p. 1338SECTION IX. Gracious affections soften the heart. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1343SECTION X. They have beautiful symmetry and proportion. . . . . . . .
p. 1353SECTION XI. False affections rest satisfied in themselves. . . . . . . . .
p. 1358SECTION XII. Their fruit is Christian practice. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1375SECTION XIII. Christian practice is the chief sign to others. . . . . . . .
p. 1386SECTION XIV. Christian practice is the chief sign to ourselves . . . . . .
p. 1415APPENDIX to the Treatise on the Affections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1417LETTER I. To Mr. Gillespie, in answer to objections. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1425II. To Mr. Gillespie, in answer to further objections. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1435IX. NARRATIVE OF SURPRISING CONVERSIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1438Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1454
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1475SECTION III. This work further illustrated in particular instances. . . . . .
p. 1490
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1493PART I. A glorious Work of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1494SECTION I. We should judge of it by its effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1496SECTION II. We should judge by Scripture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1507SECTION III. We should not judge of the whole by a part. . . . . . . . .
p. 1515SECTION IV. Nature of the work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1520SECTION V. Nature of the work in a particular instance. . . . . . . . . .
p. 1527SECTION VI. The work glorious. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1531
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1536
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1540SECTION III. The danger of slighting the work. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1549SECTION IV. Obligations of rulers and others to promote the work. . . .
xi
 
p. 1559
PART III. Wherein the zealous Promoters of this Work have been injuriously
blamed. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1576PART IV. What things are to be corrected and avoided. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1580SECTION I. Spiritual pride. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1593SECTION II. Wrong principles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1610SECTION III. Ignorance of inward experiences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1620SECTION IV. Of censuring professing Christians. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1627SECTION V. Errors relative to lay-exhorting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1632SECTION VI. Errors relative to singing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1636PART V. What ought to be done to promote this work. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1637SECTION I. We should remove stumbling blocks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1641SECTION II. What should be done to advance it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1650SECTION III. Some things that concern all. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1661XI. INQUIRY CONCERNING QUALIFICATION FOR COMMUNION. . . . .
p. 1664Preface by the Author.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1668Preface by the Author's American friends. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1669Advertisement to the Edinburgh edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1670PART I. The Question stated and explained. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1676PART II. Reasons for the Negative of the Question. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1677SECTION I. Church members should be visible saints. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1690SECTION II. Profession of religion. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1695SECTION III. Profession should be of real piety. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1705SECTION IV. Reason requires a hearty profession. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1710SECTION V. Christ requires it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1715SECTION VI. Primitive admissions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1720SECTION VII. The epistles prove it. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1731SECTION VIII. Members united by brotherly love. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1734SECTION IX. Qualifications for the Lord's supper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1739PART III. Objections answered. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1740OBJ. I. The churchy is the school of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1742OBJ. II. Israel was God's people. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1747OBJ. III. Jews partook of the Passover. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1754OBJ. IV. John's disciples made no profession of piety. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1756OBJ. V. Many are called, but few chosen.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1757OBJ. VI. Wheat and tares grow together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1758OBJ. VII. Case of Judas.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1760OBJ. VIII. No certain rule given. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1760OBJ. IX. If grace be required, it must be known. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1765OBJ. X. Perplexity occasioned.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1766OBJ. XI. All duties of worship holy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xii
 
p. 1771OBJ. XIV. Unsanctified persons may live as saints. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1772OBJ. XV. Better admit hypocrites than exclude saints. . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1774OBJ. XVI. Hypocrites will be admitted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1775OBJ. XVII. True saints doubt of their state. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1776OBJ. XVIII. Men's opinion of themselves no criterion. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1777OBJ. XIX Infant baptism.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1780OBJ. XX. Some have been converted at the sacrament. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1785Appendix. Mr. Foxcroft's letter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1800
IN REPLY TO THE REV. SOLOMON WILLIAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1804Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1808SECTION I. What is the question? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1812SECTION II. Degrees of evidence. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1821PART II. Examination of Mr. Williams's scheme. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1822SECTION I. His concessions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1825SECTION II. Consequences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1840SECTION V. Mr. W. inconsistent with Mr. Stoddard. . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1846SECTION VI. Visibility without probability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1850SECTION VII. A converting ordinance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1853SECTION VIII. Of sincerity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1862SECTION IX. Public covenanting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1871PART III. Remarks on Mr. Williams's Reasoning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1872SECTION I. Method of disputing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1876SECTION II. Misrepresentations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1885SECTION V. Assertions instead of arguments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1887SECTION VI. Sacramental actions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1889SECTION VII. Begging the question. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1893SECTION VIII. Mr. W. begs the question. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1896SECTION IX. Mr. W. is inconsistent with himself. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1902SECTION X. Other inconsistencies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1905SECTION XI. Arguments hostile to both sides. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1908SECTION XII. The passover and circumcision. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1911SECTION XIII. Of Judas's communicating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xiii
 
p. 1918SECTION XV. Of coming without a known right. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1922SECTION XVI. Tendency to perplexity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1925SECTION XVII. Of commanding to partake. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1931Appendix. A letter to the people of Northampton. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1937XIII. A HISTORY OF THE WORK OF REDEMPTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1938Preface.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1939Advertisement.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1948PERIOD I. From the Fall to the Incarnation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1949PART I. From the Fall to the Flood. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1959PART II. From the Flood to the calling of Abraham. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1965PART III. From Abraham to Moses.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1974PART IV. From Moses to David.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 1989PART V. From David to the Babylonish Captivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2009PART VI. From the Captivity to Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2030PART VII. Improvement of the First PERIOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2037PERIOD II. From Christ's Incarnation to his Resurrection. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2038PART I. Of Christ's Incarnation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2043PART II. The Purchase of Redemption. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2060PART III. Improvement of the Second PERIOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2068PERIOD III. From Christ's Resurrection the End of the World. . . . . . . .
p. 2069SECTION I. Scriptural Representations of this PERIOD. . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2076SECTION II. How Christ was capacitated for effecting his Purpose. . . . .
p. 2079SECTION III. Established Means of Success. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2083SECTION IV. How the Success was carried on. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2085PART I. To the Destruction of Jerusalem. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2091PART II. To the Time of Constantine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2100PART III. To the Rise of Antichrist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2103PART IV. To the Reformation.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2109PART V. To the present Time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2121PART VI. Improvement of past Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2129PART VII. To the Fall of Antichrist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2140PART VIII. To the End of Time.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2147PART IX. The General Judgment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2156PART X. Improvement of the Whole.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2166XIV Five discourses on the soul's eternal salvation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2169Preface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2253DISCOURSE. II. Pressing into the Kingdom of God. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xiv
 
p. 2359DISCOURSE. III. Ruth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2370DISCOURSE. IV. The Justice of God in the Damnation of Sinners. . . . . .
p. 2398DISCOURSE. V. The Excellency of Jesus Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2424XV THEOLOGICAL QUESTIONS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
p. 2445Index of Pages of the Print Edition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xv
 
 
iii T H E W O R K S O F
J O N A T H A N E D W A R D S
Jonathan EdwardsThe Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume One
 
 
3 Murrayfield Road, Edinburgh EH12 6EL
PO Box 621, Carlisle, Pennsylvania 17013, USA
First published 1834
This edition published 1974 Reprinted 1976 Reprinted 1979 Reprinted 1984 Reprinted 1987 Reprinted 1990 Reprinted 1992 Reprinted
1995
The Bath Press, Avon
 
THE present Edition of the WORKS OF JONATHAN EDWARDS will be found more complete
than any other previously submitted to the Public.
1. It contains all the matter included in the first collected American edition that which was
published at Worcester, and is regarded in the United States as the only one entitled to confidence.
2. The various original extracts from the diary and papers of Edwards, first published in America,
by his descendant Sereno E. Dwight, in the year 1830, are here incorporated.
3. Several smaller pieces, printed originally in a separate form, and not hitherto included in any
collection of the Works, are here introduced.
4. The valuable notes of Dr. Williams have been added.
5. The whole has been carefully revised by collation of all the previous editions
Bungay, January 1834.
 
OF 
J O N A T H A N E D W A R D S , A . M .
5
 
BIRTH—PARENTAGE—EARLY RELIGIOUS ADVANTAGES—SERIOUS IMPRESSIONS AND ACCOUNT OF HIS EXPERIENCE.
Few individuals ever appeared in the church of God who have merited, and actually received,
higher tributes of respect than Jonathan Edwards. His intellectual powers were of no common order,
and his industry in the cultivation of those powers is strongly marked in that wide extent of most
important knowledge which he possessed. If we consider him as ranking with Hartley, Locke, and
Bacon, in the scale of intellect, we shall have little apprehension of his title to such distinction being
disputed. His mighty mind grasped with ease those subjects at which others faltered. He saw truth
almost intuitively, and was equally keen in the detection of error in all its varied shades.—This
distinguished man claims admiration, not merely on the ground of uncommon strength of intellectual
powers, and intense application of mind, rewarded by proportionate acquirements, but also as a
most humble and devoted servant of Christ; bringing all he had received into his service, and living
only to him. His soul was indeed a temple of the Holy Spirit, and his life uniformly manifested all
the simplicity, purity, disinterestedness, and elevated character of the gospel of Christ. The glory
of God was his supreme object, whether engaged in his devotional exercises, his studies, his social
intercourse, the discharge of his public ministry, or in the publication of his writings. All inferior
motives seem to have been without any discernible influence upon him. He entered fully into the
expressive language of Paul—“The love of Christ constraineth me.” “For me to live is Christ.” His
personal example will long instruct, excite, and encourage, and his writings will necessarily be
most highly esteemed so long as the love of truth prevails.
It has been justly observed, “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 generations, is comparatively small; and, even of this small number, the great body
have been indebted for their superior efficiency, at least in part, to extraneous circumstances, while
very few can ascribe it to the simple strength of their own intellect. 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. Born in an obscure colony, in the midst of a wilderness,
and educated at a seminary just commencing its existence; passing the better part of his life as the
pastor of a frontier village, and the residue as an Indian missionary in a still humbler hamlet; he
discovered, and unfolded, a system of the divine moral government, so new, so clear, so full, that
while at its first disclosure it needed no aid from its friends and feared no opposition from its
enemies, it has at length constrained a reluctant world to bow in homage to its truth.” 1
Jonathan Edwards was born on the 5th of October, 1703, at Windsor, on the banks of the
Connecticut. His father, the Rev. Timothy Edwards, was minister of that place about 60 years. 2
1 Life prefixed to the American edition of the Works of Jonathan Edwards, 1830.
2 Appendix. No. I.
 
He died in January, 1758, in the 89th year of his age, not two months before this his only son. He
was a man of great piety and usefulness. On November 6th, 1694, he married Esther Stoddard,
daughter of the reverend and celebrated Solomon Stoddard, of Northampton, in the 23rd year of 
her age. They lived together in the married state above sixty-three years. Mrs. Edwards, our author’s
mother, was born June 2nd, 1672, and lived to about ninety years of age, (some years after her son,)
a remarkable instance of the small decay of mental powers at so advanced an age. This venerable
couple had eleven children; one son, the subject of these memoirs, and ten daughters, four of whom
were older, and six younger, than himself.
From the highly spiritual character and intellectual attainments of his parents, it might naturally
xii
be expected that his early education would be attended with no common advantages; this was the
fact. Many were the prayers presented by parental affection that this only and beloved son might
be filled with the Holy Spirit; from a child know the Holy Scriptures; and be great in the sight of 
the Lord. They who thus fervently and constantly commended him to God, manifested equal
diligence in training him up for God. Prayer excited to exertion, and exertion again was encouraged
by prayer. The domestic circle was a scene of supplication, and it was a scene of instruction. In the
abode of such exemplary servants of God, instruction abounded; that which the eye saw, as well
as that which the ear heard, formed a lesson. There was nothing in the example of those who taught
to diminish the force of instruction; there was nothing in social habits which counteracted the
lessons of wisdom, and infused those principles which in after-years produced the fruit of folly and
sin. On the contrary, there was every thing to enlarge, to purify, and to elevate the heart, and at the
same time to train the mind, to those exercises of thought from which alone eminent attainments
can be expected.
The faithful religious instructions of his parents “rendered him when a child familiarly conversant
with God and Christ, with his own character and duty, with the way of salvation, and with the nature
of that eternal life which, begun on earth, is perfected in heaven.” Their prayers were not forgotten,
and their efforts did not remain without effect. In the progress of childhood he was in several
instances the subject of strong religious impressions. “This was particularly true some years before
he went to college, during a powerful revival of religion in his father’s congregation. He, and two
other lads of his own age, who had the same feelings with himself, erected a booth in a very retired
spot in a swamp, for an oratory, and resorted to it regularly for social prayer. This continued for a
long period; but the impressions ultimately disappeared, and in his own view, were followed by
no permanent effects of a salutary nature.” The precise period when he regarded himself as entering
on a religious life he no where mentions, nor has any record been found of the time when he made
a publick profession of religion. Even the church with which he became connected would not
certainly be known, were it not that on one occasion he alludes to himself as a member of the church
in East Windsor. From various circumstances, it seems that the time of his uniting himself to it was
not far from the time of his leaving college. Of the views and feelings of his mind, on this most
important subject, both before and after this event, there is a most satisfactory and instructive
7
 
account which was found among his papers in his own hand-writing, and which was written near
twenty years afterwards for his own private benefit. It is as follows:
“I had a variety of concerns and exercises about my soul from my childhood; but I had two
more remarkable seasons of awakening, before I met with that change by which I was brought to
those new dispositions, and that new sense of things, that I have since had. The first time was when
I was a boy some years before I went to college, 3 at a time of remarkable awakening in my father’s
congregation. I was then very much affected for many months, and concerned about the things of 
religion, and my soul’s salvation; and was abundant in religious duties. I used to pray five times a
day in secret, and to spend much time in religious conversation with other boys; and used to meet
with them to pray together. I experienced I know not what kind of delight in religion. My mind
was much engaged in it, and had much self-righteous pleasure, and it was my delight to abound in
religious duties. I, with some of my school-mates, joined together and built a booth in a swamp, in
a very retired spot, for a place of prayer. 4 And besides, I had particular secret places of my own in
the woods, where I used to retire by myself; and was from time to time much affected. My affections
seemed to be lively and easily moved, and I seemed to be in my element when I engaged in religious
duties. And I am ready to think, many are deceived with such affections, and such a kind of delight
as I then had in religion, and mistake it for grace.
“But, in progress of time, my convictions and affections wore off, and I entirely lost all those
affections and delights, and left off secret prayer, at least as to any constant preference of it; and
returned like a dog to his vomit, and went on in the ways of sin. Indeed, I was at times very uneasy,
especially towards the latter part of my time at college, when it pleased God to seize me with a
pleurisy; in which he brought me nigh to the grave, and shook me over the pit of hell. And yet it
was not long after my recovery, before I fell again into my old ways of sin. But God would not
suffer me to go on with any quietness; I had great and violent inward struggles, till after many
conflicts with wicked inclinations, repeated resolutions, and bonds that I laid myself under by a
kind of vows to God, I was brought wholly to break off all former wicked ways, and all ways of 
known outward sin; and to apply myself to seek salvation, and practise many religious duties, but
without that kind of affection and delight which I had formerly experienced. My concern now
wrought more inward struggles and conflicts, and self-reflection. I made seeking my salvation the
main business of my life. But yet, it seems to me, I sought it after a miserable manner which has
made me sometimes since to question, whether ever it issued in that which was saving; being ready
to doubt whether such miserable seeking ever succeeded. I was indeed brought to seek salvation,
in a manner that I never was before; I felt a spirit to part with all things in the world, for an interest
in Christ. My concern continued, and prevailed, with many exercising thoughts and inward struggles;
but yet it never seemed to be proper, to express that concern by the name of terror.
3 As he entered college at twelve years of age, this was probably when he was sever or eight.
4 The place where the booth was built is known at East Windsor
8
 
“From my childhood up, my mind had been full of objections against the doctrine of God’s
sovereignty, in choosing whom he would to eternal life; and rejecting whom he pleased; leaving
them eternally to perish, and be everlastingly tormented in hell. It used to appear like a horrible
doctrine to me. But I remember the time very well when I seemed to be convinced, and fully
satisfied, as to this sovereignty of God, and his justice in thus eternally disposing of men, according
to his sovereign pleasure. But never could give an account how, or by what means, I was thus
convinced, not in the least imagining at the time, nor a long time after, that there was any
extraordinary influence of God’s Spirit in it; but only that now I saw further, and my reason
apprehended the justice and reasonableness of it. However, my mind rested in it; and it put an end
to all those cavils and objections. And there has been a wonderful alteration in my mind, with
xiii
respect to the doctrine of God’s sovereignty, from that day to this; so that I scarce ever have found
so much as the rising of an objection against it, in the most absolute sense, in God showing mercy
to whom he will show mercy, and hardening whom he will. God’s absolute sovereignty and justice,
with respect to salvation and damnation, is what my mind seems to rest assured of, as much as of 
any thing that I see with my eyes; at least it is so at times. But I have often, since that first conviction,
had quite another kind of sense of God’s sovereignty than I had then. I have often since had not
only a conviction, but a delightful conviction. The doctrine has very often appeared exceedingly
pleasant, bright, and sweet. Absolute sovereignty is what I love to ascribe to God. But my first
conviction was not so.
“The first instance, that I remember, of that sort of inward, sweet delight in God and divine
things, that I have lived much in since, was on reading those words, 1 Tim. i. 17.. Now unto the
King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
As I read the words, there came into my soul, and was as it were diffused through it, a sense of the
glory of the Divine Being; a new sense, quite different from any thing I ever experienced before.
Never any words of Scripture seemed to me as these words did. I thought with myself, how excellent
a Being that was, and how happy I should be, if I might enjoy that God, and be rapt up to him in
heaven; and be as it were swallowed up in him for ever! I kept saying, and as it were singing, over
these words of Scripture to myself; and went to pray to God that I might enjoy him; and prayed in
a manner quite different from what I used to do, with a new sort of affection. But it never came
into my thought, that there was any thing spiritual, or of a saving nature, in this.
“From about that time I began to have a new kind of apprehensions and ideas of Christ, and
the work of redemption, and the glorious way of salvation by him. An inward, sweet sense of these
things, at times, came into my heart; and my soul was led away in pleasant views and contemplations
of them. And my mind was greatly engaged to spend my time in reading and meditating on Christ,
on the beauty and excellency of his person, and the lovely way of salvation by free grace in him.
I found no books so delightful to me, as those that treated of these subjects. Those words Cant. ii.
1.. used to be abundantly with me, I am the rose of Sharon, and the lily of the valleys. The words
seemed to me sweetly to represent the loveliness and beauty of Jesus Christ. The whole book of 
Canticles used to be pleasant to me, and I used to be much in reading it, about that time; and found
9
 
from time to time an inward sweetness, that would carry me away in my contemplations. This I
know not how to express otherwise, than by a calm, sweet abstraction of soul from all the concerns
of this world; and sometimes a kind of vision, or fixed ideas and imaginations, of being alone in
the mountains, or some solitary wilderness, far from all mankind, sweetly conversing with Christ,
and wrapt and swallowed up in God. The sense I had of divine things, would often of a sudden
kindle up, as it were, a sweet burning my heart, an ardour of soul, that I know not how to express.
“Not long after I first began to experience these things, I gave an account to my father of some
things that had passed in my mind. I was pretty much affected by the discourse we had together;
and when the discourse was ended, I walked abroad alone, in a solitary place in my father’s pasture,
for contemplation. And as I was walking there, and looking upon the sky and clouds, there came
into my mind so sweet a sense of the glorious majesty and grace of God, as I know not how to
express.—I seemed to see them both in a sweet conjunction; majesty and meekness joined together:
it was a sweet, and gentle, and holy majesty; and also a majestic meekness; an awful sweetness; a
high, and great, and holy gentleness.
“After this my sense of divine things gradually increased, and became more and more lively,
and had more of that inward sweetness. The appearance of every thing was altered; there seemed
to be, as it were, a calm, sweet cast or appearance of divine glory, in almost every thing. God’s
excellency, his wisdom, his purity, and love, seemed to appear in every thing; in the sun, moon,
and stars; in the clouds and blue sky; in the grass, flowers, trees; in the water and all nature; which
used greatly to fix my mind. I often used to sit and view the moon for a long time; and in the day,
spent much time in viewing the clouds and sky, to behold the sweet glory of God in these things:
in the mean time singing forth, with a low voice, my contemplations of the Creator and Redeemer.
And scarce any thing, among all the works of nature, was so sweet to me as thunder and lightning:
formerly nothing had been so terrible to me. Before, I used to be uncommonly terrified with thunder,
and to be struck with terror when I saw a thunder-storm rising; but now, on the contrary, it rejoiced
me. I felt God, if I may so speak, at the first appearance of a thunderstorm; and used to take the
opportunity, at such times, to fix myself in order to view the clouds, and see the lightnings play,
and hear the majestic and awful voice of God’s thunders, which oftentimes was exceedingly
entertaining, leading me to sweet contemplations of my great and glorious God. While thus engaged,
it always seemed natural for me to sing or chant forth my meditations; or, to speak my thoughts in
soliloquies with a singing voice.
“I felt then great satisfaction as to my good estate; but that did not content me. I had vehement
longings of soul after God and Christ, and after more holiness, wherewith my heart seemed to be
full, and ready to break; which often brought to my mind the words of the psalmist, Ps. cxix. 28.
 My soul breaketh for the longing it hath. I often felt a mourning and lamenting in my heart, that I
had not turned to God sooner, that I might have had more time to grow in grace. My mind was
greatly fixed on divine things; almost perpetually in the contemplation of them. I spent most of my
time in thinking of divine things, year after year; often walking alone in the woods, and solitary
places, for meditation, soliloquy, and prayer, and converse with God; and it was always my manner,
10
 
at such times, to sing forth my contemplations. I was almost constantly in ejaculatory prayer,
wherever I was. Prayer seemed to be natural to me, as the breath by which the inward burnings of 
my heart had vent. The delights which I now felt in the things of religion, were of an exceedingly
different kind from those before mentioned, that I had when a boy; and what then I had no more
notion of, than one born blind has of pleasant and beautiful colours. They were of a more inward,
pure, soul-animating, and refreshing nature. Those former delights never reached the heart; and
did not arise from any sight of the divine excellency of the things of God; or any taste of the
soul-satisfying and life-giving good there was in them.
My sense of divine things seemed gradually to increase, till I went to preach at New York;
xiv
which was about a year and a half after they began: and while I was there I felt them very sensibly,
in a much higher degree than I had done before. My longings after God and holiness were much
increased. Pure and humble, holy and heavenly, Christianity appeared exceedingly amiable to me.
I felt a burning desire to be, in every thing, a complete Christian; and conformed to the blessed
image of Christ; and that I might live, in all things, according to the pure, sweet, and blessed rules
of the gospel. I had an eager thirsting after progress in these things; which put me upon pursuing
and pressing after them. It was my continual strife, day and night, and constant inquiry, how I
should be more holy, and live more holily, and more becoming a child of God, and a disciple of 
Christ. I now sought an increase of grace and holiness, and a holy life, with much more earnestness
than ever I sought grace before I had it. I used to be continually examining myself, and studying
and contriving for likely ways and means how I should live holily, with far greater diligence and
earnestness than ever I pursued any thing in my life; but yet with too great a dependence on my
own strength; which afterwards proved a great damage to me. My experience had not then taught
me, as it has done since, my extreme feebleness and impotence, every manner of way; and the
bottomless depths of secret corruption and deceit there was in my heart. However, I went on with
my eager pursuit after more holiness and conformity to Christ.
“The heaven I desired was a heaven of holiness; to be with God, and to spend my eternity in
divine love, and holy communion with Christ. My mind was very much taken up with contemplations
on heaven, and the enjoyments there; and living there in perfect holiness, humility, and love; and
it used at that time to appear a great part of the happiness of heaven, that there the saints could
express their love to Christ. It appeared to me a great clog and burden, that what I felt within I could
not express as I desired. The inward ardour of my soul seemed to be hindered and pent up, and
could not freely flame out as it would. I used often to think, how in heaven this principle should
freely and fully vent and express itself. Heaven appeared exceedingly delightful, as a world of love;
and that all happiness consisted in living in pure, humble, heavenly, divine love.
“I remember the thoughts I used then to have of holiness; and said sometimes to myself, ‘I do
certainly know that I love holiness, such as the gospel prescribes.’ It appeared to me, that there was
nothing in it but what was ravishingly lovely; the highest beauty and amiableness—a divine beauty;
far purer than any thing here upon earth; and that every thing else was like mire and defilement in
comparison of it.
 
“Holiness, as I then wrote down some of my contemplations on it, appeared to me to be of a
sweet, pleasant, charming, serene, calm nature; which brought an inexpressible purity, brightness,
peacefulness, and ravishment to the soul. In other words, that it made the soul like a field or garden
of God, with all manner of pleasant flowers; enjoying a sweet calm, and the gently vivifying beams
of the sun. The soul of a true Christian, as I then wrote my meditations, appeared like such a little
white flower as we see in the spring of the year; low and humble on the ground, opening its bosom
to receive the pleasant beams of the sun’s glory; rejoicing, as it were, in a calm rapture; diffusing
around a sweet fragrancy; standing peacefully and lovingly, in the midst of other flowers round
about; all in like manner opening their bosoms to drink in the light of the sun. There was no part
of creature-holiness that I had so great a sense of its loveliness, as humility, brokenness of heart,
and poverty of spirit; and there was nothing that I so earnestly longed for. My heart panted after
this—to lie low before God, as in the dust; that I might be nothing, and that God might be all, that
I might become as a little child.
“While at New York, I sometimes was much affected with reflections on my past life, considering
how late it was before I began to be truly religious; and how wickedly I had lived till then: and
once so as to weep abundantly, and for a considerable time together.
“On January 12, 1723, I made a solemn dedication of myself to God, and wrote it down; giving
up myself, and all that I had, to God; to be for the future in no respect my own; to act as one that
had no right to himself, in any respect. And solemnly vowed to take God for my whole portion and
felicity, looking on nothing else as any part of my happiness, nor acting as it were; and his law for
the constant rule of my obedience; engaging to fight with all my might against the world, the flesh,
and the devil, to the end of my life. But I have reason to be infinitely humbled, when I consider
how much I have failed of answering my obligation.
“I had, then, abundance of sweet religious conversation, in the family where I lived, with Mr.
John Smith, and his pious mother. My heart was knit in affection to those in whom were appearances
of true piety; and I could bear the thoughts of no other companions, but such as were holy, and the
disciples of the blessed Jesus. I had great longings for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the
world; and my secret prayers used to be, in great part, taken up in praying for it. If I heard the least
hint of any thing that happened in any part of the world, that appeared, in some respect or other, to
have a favourable aspect on the interests of Christ’s kingdom, my soul eagerly catched at it, and it
would much animate and refresh me. I used to be eager to read public news-letters, mainly for that
end; to see if I could not find some news favourable to the interest of religion in the world.
“I very frequently used to retire into a solitary place on the banks of Hudson’s river, at some
distance from the city, for contemplation on divine things and secret converse with God; and had
many sweet hours there. Sometimes Mr. Smith and I walked there together, to converse on the
things of God; and our conversation used to turn much on the advancement of Christ’s kingdom
in the world, and the glorious things that God would accomplish for his church in the latter days.
I had then, and at other times, the greatest delight in the Holy Scriptures of any book whatsoever.
Oftentimes in reading it every word seemed to touch my heart. I felt a harmony between something
12
 
in my heart, and those sweet and powerful words. I seemed often to see so much light exhibited by
every sentence, and such a refreshing food communicated, that I could not get along in reading;
often dwelling long on one sentence, to see the wonders contained in it; and yet almost every
sentence seemed to be full of wonders.
“I came away from New York in the month of  April, 1723, and had a most bitter parting with
Madam Smith and her son. My heart seemed to sink within me, at leaving the family and city,
where I had enjoyed so many sweet and pleasant days. I went from New York to Wethersfield by
xv
water; and as I sailed away, I kept sight of the city as long as I could. However, that night, after
this sorrowful parting, I was greatly comforted in God at West Chester, where we went ashore to
lodge: and had a pleasant time of it all the voyage to Saybrook. It was sweet to me to think of 
meeting dear Christians in heaven, where we should never part more. At Saybrook we went ashore
to lodge on Saturday, and there kept the sabbath; where I had a sweet and refreshing season walking
alone in the fields.
“After I came home to Windsor, I remained much in a like frame of mind as when at New York;
only sometimes I felt my heart ready to sink with the thoughts of my friends at New York. My
support was in contemplations on the heavenly state; as I find in my diary of May 1, 1723. It was
a comfort to think of that state, where there is fulness of joy; where reigns heavenly, calm and
delightful love, without alloy; where there are continually the dearest expressions of this love;
where is the enjoyment of the persons loved, without ever parting; where those persons who appear
so lovely in this world will really be inexpressibly more lovely, and full of love to us. And how
secretly will the mutual lovers join together, to sing the praises of God and the Lamb! How will it
fill us with joy to think, that this enjoyment, these sweet exercises, will never cease, but will last
to all eternity!”
Thus deep, decided, and powerful were the operations of divine grace upon the mind of this
eminent servant of Christ. That his understanding was much enlightened in the things of God, and
his heart deeply affected by them, are circumstances which will immediately strike the attention
of every serious observer. There was in him a holy anxiety to obtain the most satisfactory testimony
to a change of heart: for this purpose he closely and diligently examined himself; he had no
inclination to shun this self-inquiry. Personal examination seems to have been considered by him
as a pleasing as well as a momentous exercise. Many professors revolt at the thought of such inward
survey; they content themselves with looking (and that hastily) at external matters, but they will
not look within, though this neglect be at the peril of eternal good. The feelings with which men
regard the duty of personal examination, may justly be viewed as an accurate criterion of their
spiritual state, for in proportion to their concern for eternity, will be their disposition to try
themselves; or in other words, in the same measure in which grace exists, will there be a desire of 
fully ascertaining its existence and progress. Upon a review of the statement given by Mr. Edwards
as to his early religious experience, it is evident that he was not one who could satisfy himself upon
any insufficient grounds: not a symptom of carelessness or of presumption can be discerned; he
looked upon himself with a holy jealousy; he thought, he read, he conversed, and above all he
13
 
prayed, that he might be enabled more accurately to search his own heart, and thus escape the
danger of self-deception, and be convinced by proofs which would stand the test of the judgment
of God, that he was a child of light, a subject of holiness, and an heir of glory. And thus studying
himself under the penetrating light of the word, and the gracious influences of the Spirit of God,
he acquired that exact knowledge of the various inward exercises and outward displays of the
christian character, which enabled him in after-years, with such skill, to separate delusive appearances
from those which are solid, and to mark the strong difference between the mere professor of the
name of Christ, and the actual partaker of the power of the gospel. It was in these early years of 
his life that those correct views were formed which afterwards expanded in his admirable treatise
on Religious Affections.
INTELLECTUAL PROGRESS—EARLIEST PRODUCTIONS—ENTRANCE AT COLLEGE—MENTAL HABITS.
A Statement has been given principally from the pen of Mr. Edwards himself of his religious
views in youth, and it will be proper before that subject be resumed, to advert to his intellectual
progress at the same period. It is delightful to contemplate the simultaneous advancement of 
knowledge in the mind and of piety in the heart None can reasonably imagine that there is an
opposition between these things; and all whose minds are open to conviction will be persuaded,
that the growth of piety is most conducive to the increase of the best treasures of earthly wisdom.
Religion strengthens the powers of man; it never enfeebles them. It at once cuts off those guilty
pleasures, and those unworthy pursuits, which not merely impede the progress of the understanding,
but in many cases are absolutely fatal to its energies; and it forms those mental habits, as well as
produces that outward propriety of conduct, which are most favourable to the cultivation of man’s
noblest faculties. It would be easy to record a lengthened list of names enrolled with never-fading
honour, both in the schools of science, and in the church of God. The gospel of Christ has uniformly
been the friend of solid learning, nor are those persons the judicious friends of the gospel, who are
disposed to disparage the exertions and acquirements of intellect. The christian church dreads the
veil of darkness, but it rejoices in the light.
The same parental kindness and wisdom, which, under God, guided the mind of Jonathan
Edwards to the knowledge and love of things eternal, were also much discovered in the direction
of his powers to useful objects of earthly science. When only six years of age, the study of the Latin
language engaged his attention under the care of his father, and occasionally that of his elder sisters.
No account is preserved of his progress in his studies at that early period, but his high standing as
a scholar on his admission to college, as well as afterwards, and his thorough knowledge of the
Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, prove at once his own diligence as a student at this time, and the accuracy
and fidelity of his father’s instructions.
14
 
“From his remaining manuscripts, it is evident that his father’s family were fond of the use of 
xvi
the pen, and that he and his sisters were early encouraged by their parents to make attempts, not
only in letter writing, but in other species of composition. This course, though rarely pursued with
children, is eminently advantageous; and in the case before us, was obviously followed by the best
results. While it increased the mutual affection of the brother and the sisters, it also served to
strengthen their minds, and to impart exactness both of thought and expression. The earliest effort
of his pen appears to have been written on the following occasion. Some one in the vicinity, probably
an older boy than himself, had advanced the opinion, that the soul was material, and remained with
the body till the resurrection; and had endeavoured to convince him of its correctness. Struck with
the absurdity of the notion, he sat down and wrote the following reply; which, as a specimen both
of wit and reasoning in a child of about ten years of age, may fairly claim to be preserved. It is
without date, and without pointing, or any division into sentences; and has every appearance of 
having been written by a boy just after he had learned to write.
“I am informed that you have advanced a notion, that the soul is material, and attends the body
till the resurrection; as I am a professed lover of novelty, you must imagine I am very much
entertained by this discovery; (which, however old in some parts of the world, is new to us;) but
suffer my curiosity a little further. I would know the manner of the kingdom before I swear
allegiance: 1st, I would know whether this material soul keeps with (the body) in the coffin, and if 
so, whether it might not be convenient to build a repository for it; in order to which I would know
what shape it is of, whether round, triangular, or four-square; or whether it is a number of long fine
strings reaching from the head to the foot; and whether it does not live a very discontented life. I
am afraid when the coffin gives way, the earth will fall in and crush it; but if it should choose to
live above-ground, and hover about the grave, how big is it?—whether it covers all the body; what
it does when another body is laid upon it: whether the first gives way; and if so where is the place
of retreat. But suppose that souls are not so big but that ten or a dozen of them may be about one
body; whether they will not quarrel for the highest place; and, as I insist much upon my honour
and property, I would know whether I must quit my dear head, if a superior soul comes in the way:
but above all, I am concerned to know what they do, where a burying-place has been filled twenty,
thirty, or an hundred times. If they are a-top of one another, the uppermost will be so far off, that
it can take no care of the body. I strongly suspect they must march off every time there comes a
new set. I hope there is some other place provided for them but dust. The undergoing so much
hardship, and being deprived of the body at last, will make them ill-tempered. I leave it with your
physical genius to determine, whether some medicinal applications might not be proper in such
cases, and subscribe your proselyte, when I can have solution of these matters.”
The following letter to one of his sisters, written at twelve years of age, is the earliest dated 
effort of his pen which has been discovered.
“To Miss Mary Edwards, at Hadley.
15
 
“Dear sister,
“Through the wonderful goodness and mercy of God, there has been in this place a very
remarkable outpouring of the Spirit of God. It still continues, but I think I have reason to think is
in some measure diminished, yet I hope not much. Three have joined the church since you last
heard; five now stand propounded for admission; and I think above thirty persons come commonly
on Mondays to converse with father about the condition of their souls. It is a time of general health
here. Abigail, Hannah, and Lucy have had the chicken pox and are recovered. Jerusha is almost
well. Except her, the whole family is well.
“Sister, I am glad to hear of your welfare so often as I do, I should be glad to hear from you by
letter, and therein how it is with you as to your crookedness.
“Your loving brother,
“jonathan e.”
He was educated, until he entered college, at home, and under his father’s personal instruction;
while his older sisters were daily pursuing their respective branches of study in his immediate
presence. Their father having been distinguished as a scholar, was able to give them, and actually
gave them, a superior education. In all their various pursuits, the mind of their brother, as it opened,
would of course be more and more interested; and thus at length he would easily and insensibly
acquire a mass of information far beyond his years. The course of his education may in this way
have been less systematic, indeed, and less conformed to rule, than that ordinarily given in the
school. At the same time it was more safe; forming him to softer manners, gentler feelings, and
16
 
purer affections. In his circumstances, also, it was obviously more comprehensive and universal;
and while it brought him acquainted with many things which are not usually communicated until
a later period, it also served to unfold the original traits of his mind, and to give it that expansion,
which is the result of information alone. One characteristic, of which he has not generally been
suspected, but which he possessed in an unusual degree, was a fondness minutely and critically to
investigate the works of nature. This propensity was not only discovered in youth and manhood,
but was fully developed in childhood, and at that early period was encouraged and cherished by
the fostering hand of parental care.
He entered Yale college in New-Haven, in September, 1716, before he was thirteen years of 
age. The college was then in its infancy, and various untoward circumstances had greatly impeded
its growth. It was first planted at Saybrook, and then partially removed to Kenilworth, to the house
of its first rector, until his death in 1707. From that time the Rev. Mr. Andrews, of Milford, one of 
the trustees, was rector pro tempore, upwards of twelve years; and the location of the college was
a constant theme of contention between the towns of New-Haven, Saybrook, Wethersfield, and
Hartford, until 1716; when the vote of the trustees, the donation of Mr. Yale, and the vote of the
legislature of the colony, fixed it permanently at New-Haven. In the collegiate year 1716-1717,
thirteen of the students resided at New-Haven, fourteen at Wethersfield, and four at Saybrook. The
temporary presidency of Mr. Andrews continued until 1719; and as he was the acting minister of 
Milford, his oversight of the college, and his influence over the students, must of course have been
exceedingly imperfect. The government of the institution, virtually and necessarily, was chiefly in
xvii
the hands of the tutors: who, as young men without experience and a knowledge of mankind, could
not usually be found qualified for so difficult a trust. Some time in the year 1717, the extreme
unpopularity of one of the tutors occasioned a general insurrection of the students, who were at
New-Haven, against the government of the college: and in one body they withdrew from New-Haven,
and joined their companions at Wethersfield. At the commencement in that year, eight of the senior
class returned to New-Haven, to receive their degrees of the regular college government; while
five received theirs irregularly at Wethersfield. There is no evidence that Jonathan Edwards took 
part in these disturbances. He went however with his companions to Wethersfield, and continued
there until 1719. While there, he gained a high character and standing in his class. His father, writing
to one of his daughters, under date of Jan. 27, 1718, says, “I have not heard but that your brother
Jonathan is also well. He has a very good name at Wethersfield, both as to his carriage and his
learning.” While at Wethersfield, he wrote to one of his sisters the following letter; which, as it is
a document relating to an interesting event in the history of the college, may not improperly be
preserved.
17
 
“dear sister,
“Of all the many sisters I have, I think I never had one so long out of my hearing as yourself;
inasmuch as I cannot remember, that I ever heard one tittle from you, from the time you last went
up the country, until the last week, by Mr. B. who then came from Northampton. When he came
in, I truly rejoiced to see him, because I fully expected to receive a letter from you by him. But
being disappointed, and that not a little, I was willing to make that, which I hoped would be an
opportunity of receiving, the same of sending. For I thought it was a pity, that there should not be
the least correspondence between us, or communication from one to another, when at no farther
distance. I hope also that this may be a means of exciting the same in yourself; and so, having more
charity for you than to believe that I am quite out of your mind, or that you are not at all concerned
for me, I think it fit that I should give you some account of my condition, relative to the school. I
suppose you are fully acquainted with our coming away from New-Haven, and the circumstances
of it. Since then we have been in a more prosperous condition, as I think, than ever. But the council
and trustees, having lately had a meeting at New-Haven concerning it, have removed that which
was the cause of our coming away, viz. Mr. Johnson, from the place of a tutor, and have put in Mr.
Cutler, pastor of Canterbury, president; who, as we hear, intends very speedily to be resident at
Yale college, so that all the scholars belonging to our school expect to return there, as soon as our
vacancy after the election is over.
“I am your loving brother in good health,
“jonathan edwards.”
 
While a member of college, he was distinguished for the uniform sobriety and correctness of 
his behaviour, for diligent application to his studies, and for rapid and thorough attainments in
learning. In the second year of his collegiate course, while at Wethersfield, he read Locke on the
Human Understanding, with peculiar pleasure. The uncommon strength and penetration of his
mind, which admirably qualified him for profound thought and metaphysical investigation, began
to be discovered and exerted even at this early age. From his own account of the subject, he was
inexpressibly entertained and delighted with that profound work, when he read it at the age of 
fourteen, enjoying a far higher pleasure in the perusal of its pages, “than the most greedy miser
finds, when gathering up handfuls of silver and gold, from some newly discovered treasure.” To
studies of this class he from that time devoted himself, as to those in which he felt the most intense
interest. Still, however, he applied himself, with so much diligence and success, to the performance
of his assigned duties, as to sustain the first standing in his class, and to secure the highest
approbation of his instructors.
Mr. Cutler went to New-Haven early in June 1719, at the opening of the summer term, to enter
on the duties of his office as rector; and the students, among whom was Jonathan Edwards, returned
to the college. The following letter from the rector to his father, will show the character which he
had acquired while at Wethersfield, and the trying circumstances of the college.
“ New-Haven, June 30, 1719.
“rev. sir,
“Your letter came to my hands by your son. I congratulate you upon his promising abilities and
advances in learning. He is now under my care, and probably may continue so, and doubtless will
so do if he should remain here, and I be settled in the business I am now in. I can assure, Rev. Sir,
that your good affection to me in this affair, and that of the ministers around you, is no small
inducement to me; and if I am prevailed on thereby, it shall be a strong motive to me to improve
my poor abilities, in the service of such hopeful youths as are with us. They may suffer much from
my weakness, but they shall not from my neglect. I am no party man, but shall carry it, with an
equal hand and affection, to the whole college; and I doubt not, but the difficulty and importance
of the business will secure me your prayers, and those of all good men, which I do much value and
desire.
19
 
of your prayers,
“Your humble servant
“t. cutler.”
The following characteristical letter, written to his father in his third collegiate year, will not
be uninteresting to the reader.
“To the Rev. Timothy Edwards, Pastor of the Church
at East Windsor.
 
“ever honoured sir,
“I received, with two books, a letter from yourself, bearing the date of July 7th; and therein I
received, with the greatest gratitude, your wholesome advice and counsel; and I hope I shall, God
helping of me, use my utmost endeavours to put the same in practice. I am sensible of the
preciousness of my time, and am resolved it shall not be through any neglect of mine, if it slips
without the greatest advantage. I take very great content under my present tuition, as all the rest of 
the scholars seem to do under theirs. Mr. Cutler is extraordinarily courteous to us, has a very good
spirit of government, keeps the school in excellent order, seems to increase in learning, is loved
xviii
and respected by all who are under him; and when he is spoken of in the school or town, he generally
has the title of President. The scholars all live in very good peace with the people of the town, and
there is not a word said about our former carryings on, except now and then by aunt Mather. I have
diligently searched into the circum