History of the Work of Redemption Vol I of the Works - Edwards - XV - Period III continued

Required readingHistory of the Work of Redemption in Vol I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Part V of Period III.

My summary.

Today Edwards gives us an account of the success of redemption from the reformation to the present time.

Edwards speaks of:

1. The Reformation itself; 

2. The opposition which the devil made to the Reformed church; 

3. The success there has been of the gospel in one place and another in the present time; 

4. The state of things is now in the world with regard to the church of Christ, and the success of his purchase.

What grabbed me

I always enjoy hearing about the beginning of the Reformation: 'The first thing to be taken notice of is the Reformation itself. This was begun in Germany, about the year fifteen hundred and fifteen, by the preaching of Martin Luther, who being stirred in his spirit to see the horrid practices of the popish clergy—and having set himself diligently to inquire after truth by the study of the Holy Scriptures, and the writings of the ancient fathers of the church—very openly and boldly decried the corruptions and usurpations of the Romish church in his preaching and writings. He had soon a great number who fell in with him; among whom was the Elector of Saxony, the sovereign prince of the country to which he belonged. This greatly alarmed the church of Rome; it rallied all its force to oppose him and his doctrine, and fierce wars and persecutions were raised against it. But yet it went on by the labours of Luther and Melancthon in Germany, Zuinglius in Switzerland, and other eminent divines, who were contemporary with Luther; particularly Calvin, who appeared after the beginning of the Reformation, but was one of the most eminent reformers.'

What a wonderful work of God!

Next week's reading

Read Part VI of Period III.

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