God, his Thoughts concerning the present revival of religion in New England,—and his Treatise on religious affections. All which might be justly considered by the church of Christ as a wise and friendly voice behind them, saying. "This is the way, walk therein;" especially the last-mentioned Treatise, which is esteemed by many to be the best that has been written on the subject; setting the distinction between true and false religion in the most clear and striking light. And to the same purpose is The Life of the Rev. David Brainerd, with reflections and observations; published by Mr. Edwards in 1749.

Mr. Edwards was, what some would call, a rigid Calvinist. Those doctrines of Calvinism which have been most objected against, and given the greatest offence, appeared to him scriptural, reasonable, and important; and he thought that to abandon them, was, in effect, to abandon all. He therefore looked upon those who, calling themselves Calvinists, were for palliating the matter, that they might conform it more to the taste of those who are most disposed to object against it,

as really giving up and betraying the cause they pretended to espouse; and as paving the way not only to Arminianism, but to Deism. For if these doctrines, in the "whole length and breadth" of them, be relinquished, he did not see where an individual can rest, with consistency and safety, short of Deism, or even Atheism itself; or rather, universal Scepticism.He judged that nothing was wanting but to have these doctrines properly stated, and judiciously defended, in order to their appearing most agreeable to reason and common sense, as well as doctrines of revelation; and that this therefore was the only effectual method to convince, or silence, and put to shame, the opposers of them. All will be able to satisfy themselves of the truth of this by reading his works, and especially his volumes on The Freedom of the Will, and Original Sin.

In this view of things, he thought it of importance that ministers should be very careful in examining candidates for the ministry, with respect to their principles, as well as their religious dispositions and

morals. And on this account he met with considerable difficulty and opposition, in some instances. His opinion was, that an erroneous, or unfaithful minister, was likely to do more injury than good to the church of Christ; and therefore he could not participate in the introduction of any one to the ministry, unless he appeared sound in the faith, and manifested, to the judgment of charity, a disposition to be faithful.

CHAP. IV.

His Departure from Northampton, with the Occasion and Circumstances of it.

WHATEVER belongs to man, or more correctly, whatever is properly his own, bears the mark of mutability. Mr. Edwards's labours at Northampton were crowned, at different periods of his ministry there, with signal success. But a root of bitterness sprung up, and many were defiled. The transactions contained in this chapter, though unpleasant, may afford, to a serious and reflecting mind, much instruction. If

that people were more depraved than chris tian churches in common, after enjoying for so long a period the stated instructions and prayers of so eminent a pastor; how great the depravity of human nature, to be capable of such ingratitude and such a reverse! Thus it was with Ephraim of old; "When I would," saith God, "have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness, or the evils, of Samaria." But if the people in question were no more depraved than ourselves, let us learn caution, and beware of unreasonable and inordinate attachment to customs -let us contemplate with proper emotions the instability of all human affairs, and the folly and danger of trusting in man-let us reflect that we depend on God for the preservation of the closest friendships-and that the best ministers, without the continued sup ply of the Holy Spirit on the minds of their people, have no sure interest in their af fections; people, to whom they have been most useful, and who have been long most attached to them.-Human nature has occasionally shewn itself in every age to be the

same. After the most extraordinary manifestation of divine power and goodness, "The whole congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness." And after the most awful and impressive instructions, the Lord had to say to Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves."

For many years Mr. Edwards was very happy in the love and esteem of his people, and there was, during that period, the greatest prospect of his living and dying so. Indeed, he was almost the last minister in all New England that would have been thought likely to be opposed by his people. But the event proved how incompetent we are to decipher those consequences which depend on human volitions.--In the year 1744, about six years before the final rupture, Mr. Edwards was informed that some young persons in the town who were members of the church, had books in their possession which they employed to promote lascivious and obscene discourse among