Required reading
Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 13.
My summary
Today we hear about:
(i) Branierd's arrival;
(ii) Edwards' opinion on what should be done with withdrawing members;
(iii) Edwards' defence of Whitefield from false allegations;
(iv) ordination and induction sermons;
(v) Edwards' views on prophecy.
What grabbed me
I really liked the humility shown by Edwards in his advice to another minister.
After sharing what his views, he closed the letter with:
'Thus, dear Sir, I have freely communicated to you some of my thoughts, with regard to some of the concerns of this difficult day, which prove a trouble to you; not however with any aim at directing your conduct, but merely to comply with the request to which I have alluded. I am fully sensible, that I am not the pastor 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 which will be acceptable in his sight,
I remain, Rev. Sir,
Your friend and brother,
JONATHAN EDWARDS.'
Pastors should seek advice from other pastors when necessary, but ultimately the best person to know how to handle a situation in his own church is the minister himself.
Next week's reading
Read Chapter 14.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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