Firstly we hear about the state of New England at the time. In particular, how the unregenerate had been permitted to be members of the church and that Arminianism was spreading.
Secondly we hear about the preaching of Edwards and the remarkable conversions that resulted.
I enjoyed Tracy's assessment of the people at the time of the Great Awakening.
I was particularly interested to read about the close relationship of Arminianism and Roman Catholicism: 'for there was then a horror of Arminianism, such as it is difficult now to understand. Men had not then forgotten the tremendous evils that had grown out of the doctrine of salvation by works. They remembered, that under its influence men had ceased to trust in Christ for salvation, and had learned to trust in the merits of penances and offerings prescribed by the priests. The history of popery had taught them, that the doctrine of salvation by works makes the great mass of the people slaves of the priesthood ; for, as they must learn from the priests what works will save them, they are made to believe that they must do what the priests prescribe, or perish everlastingly. The same history had taught, that when a priesthood attains such power, bad men will press into it, and it will soon become corrupt and anti-christian. Hence one argument almost constantly used against Arminianism in those days was, its tendency to prepare the way for popery. Hence John Wesley, for preaching Arminianism, was even accused of being a Jesuit in disguise.'
Once you start to believe that it is 'your' decision that made you a Christian, you're stepping very closely to 'your' works righteousness.
Read Chapter 2 (Revivals of 1739, 1740).
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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