Misrepresentations Corrected and Truth Vindicated in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - III - Part II continuned

Required reading
Misrepresentations Corrected and Truth Vindicated in Vol I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue Part II by reading Sections V, VI and VII.

My summary.

Mr Williams is still under the knife today.

Edwards takes issues with Williams' assertions that:

(i) unsanctified men may speak true, and profess a hearty consent to the terms of the covenant of grace;

(ii) we may admit members into the church of Christ without and against probability of true piety;

(iii) the Lord's supper is a converting ordinance.

 

What grabbed me

I enjoyed Edwards' appeal to common sense: 'This notion of admitting members into the church of Christ without and against probability of true piety, is not only very inconsistent with itself, but very inconsistent with what the common light of mankind teaches in their dealings one with another. Common sense teaches all mankind, in admission of members into societies, at least societies formed for very great and important purposes, to admit none but those concerning whom there is an apparent probability, that they are the hearty friends of the society, and of the main designs and interests of it; and especially not to admit such concerning whom there is a greater probability of their being habitual fixed enemies. But thus it is, according to Mr. S.'s and Mr. W.'s doctrine, as well as the doctrine of the Scripture, with all unsanctified men, in regard to the church of Christ. They are enemies to the head of the society, enemies to his honour and authority, and the work of salvation in the way of the gospel; the upholding and promoting of which is the main design of the society. The church is represented in Scripture as the household of God, in a peculiar manner intrusted with the care of his name and honour in the world, the interests of his kingdom, the care of his jewels, and most precious things. And would not common sense teach an earthly prince not to admit into his household, such as he had no reason to look upon so much as probable friends and loyal subjects in their hearts; but rather friends and slaves in their hearts to his enemies and competitors for his crown and dignity? The visible church of Christ is often represented as his city and his army. Now would not common sense teach the inhabitants of a besieged city to open the gates to none, but those concerning whom there is at least an apparent probability of their not being enemies? And would any imagine, that in a militant state of things it is a likely way to promote the interest of the war, to fill up the army with such as are more likely to be on the enemies' side in their hearts, than on the side of their lawful and rightful prince, and his faithful soldiers and subjects.'

You don't knowingly admit a fox into the hen house so why don't you treat God's house with even greater sensitivity?

Next week's reading

Conclude Part II by reading Sections VIII and IX.

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