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A Faithful Narrative of the Surprising Work of God

Jonathan Edwards

Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was an influential Congregational minister, often referred to as America's greatest theologian. Born in Conneticut to religious and well-educated parents (his father was a Congregational pastor), he initially studied at home (including Latin, Greek, and Hebrew), before graduating from Yale in 1720. He was well-read, and became familiar with the philosophical and scientific currents of the day (the writings of Newton, Locke, and Henry More). In 1727 he was ordained pastor in Northampton, Massachusetts, alongside his grandfather Solomon Stoddard, where he ministered until 1750. During this period Edwards' preaching, along with that of George Whitefield, became part of what is called the First Great Awakening. This is reflected in his powerful sermons from the 1730's and 40's. The later writings, many published after his death, show a more mature and deepened thought, touching with profound insight upon matters of theology, human psychology, and morality.

A first-hand examination of the nature of conversion and spiritual experience during the Great Awakening.

This work, published in 1737, originated as a letter to Benjamin Colman, a Congregational pastor in Boston, one year earlier. It was an attempt to examine and describe the nature of the spiritual awakening taking place in the Northampton revivals (most intense in 1734-35, and again in 1740-41). This relatively early work is in many ways a precursor to more detailed and ambitious studies of the psychology of religious experience which Edwards undertook – such as Thoughts Concerning the Present Revival of Religion (1743) and the Treatise on Religious Affections (1746).

    The present work offers a simple three-fold division:

1. An introductory statement
2. Discussion of the manner and nature of conversion
3. Particular examples of conversions

     In all, a most interesting "case study" of Christian conversion and experience during the First Great Awakening in America.

Inspirational & Devotional

Spiritual Awakening