Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Vol I of the Works - XV - Chapter 15

Required reading
Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 15.

My summary
Today we hear about:

(i) David Brainerd's death (and the publication of his diary by Edwards);

(ii) Jerusha Edwards' death;

(iii) Stoddard's death;

(iv) Edwards' preparations for the composition of 'The Freedom of the Will' and related discussions;

(v) missionary work, particularly to the Indians;

(vi) an association of ministers;

(vii) Mary Edwards' spiritual state.

What grabbed me

I liked the account of Edwards' late arrival to a church service during a minister's prayer for him.

But I was also grabbed by the agreements of the association of ministers.  I particularly liked this principle:

'We must lay aside disgusts one with another, and study brotherly love, that it may revive and continue; we must endeavour to be as near as we can of one mind, and go on harmoniously; and then we shall be the more strongly united in all, but especially in our present proceedings. There must be respectful treatment one of another, of the persons and character of one another; and we must be careful of ministerial character; which is of greater consequence than at first sight may appear. And when we have occasion to dispute, let it be under a very strict guard, avoiding all censuring reflections.'

Ministers should always relate to one another in Christian love.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 16.

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.