Narrative of Surprising Conversions in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - IV - Section III

Required readingNarrative of Surprising Conversions in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Section III.

My summary.

Edwards concludes the work with two testimonies and also a brief account of the waning of the revival.

Firstly we hear about a young woman, Abigail Hutchinson.  She was awakened after a prolonged mourning over her sin.  We also learn about her response to her serious illness and approaching death.

The second account is about Phebe Barlet, who was awakened at age four.  Edwards gives details of her surprising conversion and her spiritual interests afterwards. 

Then Edwards finishes with a summary of the withdrawal of the Spirit from the town, which was manifested by particular works of Satan.

What grabbed me

Today's reading was a real treat.  

The account of little Phebe was especially heart-warming.  I particularly liked hearing of her interest in hearing the preached Word: 'From this time there appeared a very remarkable abiding change in the child. She has been very strict upon the Sabbath; and seems to long for the Sabbath-day before it comes, and will often in the week time be inquiring how long it is to the Sabbath-day, and must have the days between particularly counted over, before she will be contented. She seems to love God's house, and is verv eager to go thither. Her mother once asked her, why she had such a mind to go? whether it was not to see fine folks? She said, No, it was to hear Mr. Edwards preach. When she is in the place of worship, she is very far from spending her time there as children at her age usually do, but appears with an attention that is very extraordinary for such a child. She also appears very desirous at all opportunities to go to private religious meetings; and is very still and attentive at home, during prayer, and has appeared affected in time of family-prayer. She seems to delight much in hearing religious conversation. When I once was there with some strangers, and talked to her something of religion, she seemed more than ordinarily attentive; and when we were gone, she looked out very wistfully after us, and said, I wish they would come again! Her mother asked her, why? Says she, I love to hear 'em talk.'

Small children can be keen to hear preaching too, even that of Jonathan Edwards!

Next week's reading

Commence Thoughts on Revival by reading The Preface and Sections I & II of Part I.

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