Five discourses on the soul's eternal salvation in Vol I of the Works - Edwards - VIII - Second discourse continued

Required reading
Five discourses on the soul's eternal salvation in Vol I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue the Second Discourse (Pressing into the Kingdom of God) by reading the paragraph beginning 'But here I would particularly direct myself to several sorts of persons'.

My summary.

Today we continue Edward's second discourse which is on "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it." (Luke 16:16)

We now begin the application section with Edwards' answers to the following objections:

1. Some may be ready to say, We cannot do this of ourselves; that strength of desire, and firmness of resolution, that have been spoken of, are out of our reach;

2. Some may object, that if they are earnest, and take a great deal of pains, they shall be in danger of trusting to what they do; they are afraid of doing their duty for fear of making a righteousness of it.

Then Edwards gives the following directions on how we should press into the kingdom of God:

1. Be directed to sacrifice every thing to your soul's eternal interest;

2. Be directed to forget the things that are behind;

3. Labour to get your heart thoroughly disposed to go on and hold out to the end;

4. Improve the present season of the pouring out of the Spirit of God on this town.

What grabbed me

I enjoyed the appeal at the end of today's reading: 

'God is now calling you in an extraordinary manner: and it is agreeable to the will and word of Christ, that I should now, in his name, call you, as one set over you, and sent to you to that end; so it is his will that you should hearken to what I say, as his voice. I therefore beseech you in Christ's stead now to press into the kingdom of God! Whoever you are, whether young or old, small or great; if you are a great sinner, if you have been a backslider, if you have quenched the Spirit, be who you will, do not stand making objections, but arise, apply yourself to your work! Do what you have to do with your might. Christ is calling you before, and holding forth his grace, and everlasting benefits, and wrath is pursuing you behind; wherefore fly for your life, and look not behind you!'

Amen!

Next week's reading

Conclude the Second Discourse (Pressing into the Kingdom of God).

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