Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Vol I of the Works - XVIII - Chapter 18

Required reading
Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 18.

My summary.

After a few remarks about the state of religion in the country from Edwards, most of today's reading is taken up with the aftermath of his dismissal.

We hear about:

(i) Edwards' filling the pulpit in Northampton despite his dismissal;

(ii) Edwards' meekness despite the pain;

(iii) the dire straits of Edwards' family as a result of the dismissal;

(iv) the possibility of starting another church in Northampton with Edwards' sympathisers;

(v) the furious response of his former church to such a proposal;

(vi) the penitence of one member of the church;

(vii) the blessings that came from Edwards' dismissal, particularly his written works.

What grabbed me

The matter for today described yet another sad period in the life of the body of Christ.

But there were some silver linings to the dark cloud, particularly the concluding comments from the editor: 'On the whole it is evident, that while the dismission of Mr. Edwards was, in itself considered, an event greatly to be regretted, it was at the same time, in every part of it, most honourable to himself, and proved in its ultimate consequences an essential blessing to the church of God. Probably no one event, of apparently malignant aspect, ever did so much towards reforming the churches of New England. Many difficult subjects of theology, also, needed at that time to be thoroughly examined and illustrated; and to this end, some individual of expanded views and profound penetration, as well as of correct faith and elevated piety, was to be found, who could give the strength of his talents and his time to these investigations. The providence of God had selected Mr. Edwards for this important office; but so numerous and engrossing were the duties of the ministry at Northampton, that, had he remained there, he could not have fulfilled it but in part. To give him abundant opportunity and advantage for the work assigned him, he was taken from that busy field at the best time of life, when his powers had gained their greatest energy, when the field of thought and inquiry had been already extensively surveyed, and when the labours of the pulpit were fully provided for and anticipated; and was transferred to the retirement and leisure of a remote frontier village. There he prepared, within a little period, four of the ablest and most valuable works which the church of Christ has in its possession.'

We must always trust in God's providence, despite the pain of present suffering.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 19.

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