Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Vol I of the Works - XIV - Chapter 14

Required reading
Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards in Volume I of the Works by Jonathan Edwards (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Chapter 14.

My summary
Today's reading is mainly concerned with correspondence about Edwards teaching on revival and also political situations.

The editor initially provides background for the writing of the treatise on on the nature of true religion.  It was written to help people understand whether people are wheat or chaff.

The letter by Mr Gillespie raises a few issues with the treatise and asks whether people can be saved:

(i) without any spiritual light;

(ii) if  they are caught in sin;

(iii) if they have fallen away.

Edwards response made a defense of his positions.

What grabbed me

I enjoyed the exposition of Romans 8 which Edwards gave in response to Gillespie.  Particularly the comments about sin in relation to God's sovereignty: 

'1. That notwithstanding the truth of the apostle's declaration in Rom. viii. 28. Christians have cause to lament their leanness and unfruitfulness, and the fact that they are guilty of so much sin, not only as it is to the dishonour of God, but also as it is likely to redound to their own eternal loss and damage.

2. That nothing can be inferred from this promise, which is calculated to set aside or make void the influence of motives to earnest endeavours to avoid all sin, to increase in holiness, and abound in good works, from an aim at a high and eminent degree of glory and happiness in a future world.'

God's sovereignty is never an excuse for engaging in sin.

Next week's reading
Read Chapter 15.

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