Saturday, March 22, 2014
Commemoration
Jonathan Edwards, Teacher, Missionary to Native Americans,
d. 1758
Reflection
“The sense I had of divine things would often of a sudden
kindle up, as it were, a sweet burning in my heart; an ardor of soul, that I
know not how to express.” Thus Jonathan Edwards summed up a profound religious
experience of “so sweet a sense of the glorious majesty and grace
of God.” Though he is known today for his fiery sermon, “Sinners in the Hands
of an Angry God,” the rest of his writing and preaching had more to do with
God’s love than God’s wrath. Gifted with an immense intellect, Edwards entered
Yale at age 13. At 23, he became assistant pastor to his grandfather Samuel
Stoddard at Northampton Congregational Church, eventually succeeding him. His
powerful preaching on justification resulted in a religious revival, stressing
holy love that proves itself by practical results. Despite his increasing
reputation (and perhaps in some measure because of it), relations with his
congregation became strained, and they dismissed him in 1750, after which time
he went to the frontier of Stockbridge as a missionary to the Native Americans,
enduring hardships with language, illness, conflict with personal enemies, and
Indian wars. In 1757 he was named President of the College
of New Jersey (later Princeton University).
Prayer
Gracious God, Thank you for the witness of your servant,
Jonathan Edwards. Inspire your people with the sweetness of your majesty and
grace, and fill us with holy ardor. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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