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Letter to Mr. Erskine.
"Northampton, May 20, 1749.
rev. and dear sir,
The day before yesterday, I received your letter of February 14th,
with a pacquet, containing the pamphlets you mention in your letter;
for which I am greatly obliged to you. I have not yet had opportunity
to read these books, but promise myself much entertainment by them,
from the occasions on which they were written, and the subject they
are upon. The last letter I received from you before this, was dated
April 6, 1748, so that I suppose the two letters you say you wrote to
me, since those which I acknowledge the receipt of, have miscarried,
which I much regret, as I much value what comes from your hand.
In one of your last letters which came to hand, you desire to be
particularly informed concerning the state of religion, in these parts
of the world, and particularly concerning the mission to the Indians,
and the infant college in New Jersey. As to the affair of preaching
the gospel to the Indians, Mr. Spencer went, the last fall, far into
the western wilderness; to the Oneidas, one of the tribes of Indians
called the Six Nations, living on Susquehannah river, towards the head
of the river; to a place called by the Indians Onohohquauga, about 180
miles south-west from Albany on Hudson's river, where he continued
through the winter; and went through many difficulties and hardships,
with little or no success, through the failing of his interpreter; who
was a woman that had formerly been a captive among the Caghnawauga
Indians in Canady, who speak the same language with those Oneidas,
excepting some small variation of dialect. She went with her husband,
an Englishman, and is one of the people we here call Separatists; who
showed the spirit he was of there in that wilderness, beyond what was
known before. He differed with and opposed Mr. Spencer in his
measures, and had an ill influence on his wife; who I fear was very
unfaithful, refusing to interpret for Mr. Spencer more than one
discourse in a week, a sermon upon the sabbath; and utterly declined
assisting him in discoursing and conversing with the Indians in the
week time. And her interpretations on the sabbath were performed very
unfaithfully, as at last appeared. So that Mr. Spencer came away in
discouragement in the spring, and returned to Boston, and gave the
corporation there, who employed him, an account of his unexpected
difficulties and disappointments; and became obliged to them to wait
three months, to see if they could procure a fellow missionary, and
another interpreter, to go with him to the Indians; which I believe is
not much expected. If these are not obtained within the limited time,
Mr. Spencer is free from any further engagements to them. Mr. Spencer
is now preaching at Elizabeth-town in New Jersey, in the pulpit of the
late Mr. Dickinson; and I believe is likely to settle there. He is a
person of very promising qualifications: and will hopefully in some
measure make up the great loss that people have sustained by the death
of their former pastor.
As to the mission in New Jersey, we have from time to time had
comfortable accounts of it; and Mr. John Brainerd, who has the care of
the congregation of christian Indians there, was about three weeks ago
at my house; and informed me of the increase of his congregation, and
of their being added to from time to time by the coming of Indians
from distant places, and settling in the Indian town at Cranberry, for
the sake of hearing the gospel; and of something of a work of
awakening being all along carried on among the Indians to this day;
and of some of the new comers being awakened; and of there being
instances, from time to time, of hopeful conversion among them; and of
a general good and pious behaviour of the professing Indians. But he
gave an account also of some trouble the Indians meet with, from some
of the white people; and particularly from Mr. Maurice, the chief
justice of the province, a professed deist; who is sueing them for
their lands under pretext of a will, made by their former king; which
was undoubtedly forged. However, he is a man of such craft and
influence, that it is not known how the matter will issue.
I have heard nothing new that is very remarkable concerning the
college in New Jersey. It is in its infancy; there has been
considerable difficulty about settling their charter. Gov. Belcher,
who gave the charter, is willing to encourage and promote the college
to his utmost; but differs in his opinion concerning the constitution,
which will tend most to its prosperity, from some of the principal
ministers that have been concerned in founding the society. He insists
upon it that the governor, for the time being, and four of his
Majesty's council for the province, should always be of the
corporation of trustees; and that the governor should always be the
president of the corporation. The ministers are all very willing that
the present governor, who is a religious man, should be in this
standing; but their difficulty is with respect to future governors,
who they suppose are as likely to be men of no religion, and deists,
as otherwise. However, so the matter is settled, to the great
uneasiness of Mr. Gilbert Tennent in particular, who it is feared will
have no further concern with the college on this account. Mr. Burr,
the president of the college, is a man of religion and singular
learning, and I hope the college will flourish under his care.
I have taken a great deal of pains in communicating to others, in
various parts, the pleasing accounts you and my other correspondents
in Scotland gave me last year of things of promising aspect on the
interest of religion, on your side of the ocean: which have been very
affecting to pious ministers and people in New England, and also in
the provinces of New York and New Jersey; and hope some considerable
good has been done by such tidings; particularly in animating many in
the duty of extraordinary united prayer for a general revival of
religion, and promoting the Concert for Prayer proposed from Scotland;
which prevails more and more in these parts of the world; which,
together with some other things in some places, are cause of
thankfulness, and bode well to the interests of Zion, (of which I have
given a more particular account in my letters to Mr. M'Laurin, Mr.
Robe, and Mr. M'Culloch, sent with this,) though it be in general a
very dead time as to religion, and a time of the prevailing of all
manner of iniquity.
I shall send orders to Boston, that one of my books on Mr. Brainerd's
life may be sent to you with this letter; if any of them are ready, as
I hope they are, or will be very speedily.
I have nothing very comfortable to inform you of concerning the
present state of religion in this place. A very great difficulty has
arisen between my people, relating to qualifications for communion at
the Lord's table. My honoured grandfather Stoddard, my predecessor in
the ministry over this church, strenuously maintained the Lord's
supper to be a converting ordinance; and urged all to come, who were
not of scandalous life, though they knew themselves to be unconverted.
I formerly conformed to his practice; but I have had difficulties with
respect to it, which have been long increasing; till I dared no longer
to proceed in the former way; which has occasioned great uneasiness
among my people, and has filled all the country with noise, which has
obliged me to write something on the subject, which is now in the
press. I know not but this affair will issue in a separation between
me and my people. I desire your prayers, that God would guide me in
every step of this affair. My wife joins with me in respectful
salutations to you and your consort.
I am, dear Sir, your obliged and affectionate
Brother and servant,
jonathan edwards."
Letter to Mr. M'Culloch
"Northampton, May 23, 1749.
rev. and dear brother,
The last letter I received from you was dated Feb. 10, 1748, to which
I wrote an answer the latter end of last summer; which I suppose you
received, because I perceive by letters sent me this spring, by some
others of my correspondents, your neighbours, they had received
letters I sent to them at the same time, and in the same packet. Your
letters to me have been very acceptable; I should be glad to receive
them oftener.
The letter I last received from you, and others that came with it,
were peculiarly agreeable, on account of the good news they contained
concerning Messrs. West and Littleton, the Archbishop of Canterbury,
some in the royal family, the stadtholder, &c. These things I have
taken a great deal of pains to communicate to others; and they have
been very entertaining, and I hope profitable to many. I was at the
pains to extract from all the letters I received at that time, those
things which appeared with a favourable aspect on the interest of
religion in the world, and to draw various copies to send to different
parts, to such as I supposed would be most likely to be entertained
and improved by them, and to do good with them; and I believe they
have been of great benefit, particularly to excite and encourage God's
people, in the great duty of praying for the coming of Christ's
kingdom, and to promote extraordinary united prayer, in the method
proposed in the Memorial from Scotland. I read these articles of good
news to my own congregation, and also to the association of ministers
to which I belong, when met on one of the quarterly seasons for
prayer; and read them occasionally to many others; and sent a copy of
one of the forementioned abstracts to Connecticut, which was carried
into various parts of that government, and shown to several ministers
there. I sent one to Mr. Hall of Sutton, a pious minister about the
middle of this province; who, according to my desire, communicated it
to other ministers, and I suppose to his people. I sent a copy to Mr.
Rogers of Kittery, I suppose about seventy miles to the eastward of
Boston; who in reply wrote to me, and in his letter says as follows:
`Yours of the 22d Dec. came not to my hand till the 19th of this; with
which I was well pleased, and had some sweet sense of the sovereign
free grace of God in the instances you mentioned, with some going
forth of heart after further displays of it, in the mighty and noble
of our nation, and the great ones of our own country; and indeed, that
the kingdom of our exalted Redeemer might prevail in all the world.
And, dear Sir, I am full in the belief, that so many of the Lord's
people agreeing upon a time to unite in prayer for the pouring out of
the Holy Spirit, and the coming of the Redeemer's kingdom, is from the
Lord; and cannot but hope the day draws near, when he will pour out
water upon the thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground; as also, that
all his ministers and people, who are engaged in so delightful a work,
for so noble an end, will give him no rest, till he shall make his
Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a name and a praise in the earth.'
I sent another copy into New Jersey to Mr. John Brainerd, missionary
to the Indians there, with a desire that he would communicate it to
others as he thought would be most serviceable.
He writes in answer, March 4, 1748, as follows: `I received yours of
Jan. 12, on sabbath morning Feb. 5, and desire to acknowledge your
kindness with much thankfulness and gratitude. It was a great
resuscitant, as well as encouragement, to me; and I trust, has been so
to many others, in these parts, who are concerned for the prosperity
of Zion. The next Tuesday after, (as perhaps, Sir, you may remember,)
was the quarterly day appointed for extraordinary prayer; upon which I
called my people together, and gave them information of the most
notable things contained in your letter. And since I have endeavoured
to communicate the same to several of my neighbouring ministers, and
sundry private Christians, as I had opportunity. I have also thought
it my duty to send an extract, or rather a copy of it, to Gov.
Belcher. I have likewise (for want of time to transcribe) sent the
original to Philadelphia by a careful hand, that the Rev. Mr. Gilbert
Tennent might have the perusal of it; where a copy was taken, and the
original safely returned to me again. I cannot but hope that this
letter, as it contains many things wherein the power and goodness of
God do appear in a most conspicuous manner, will be greatly
serviceable in stirring up the people of God in these parts, and
encouraging their hearts to seek his face and favour, and to cry
mightily to him, for the further outpouring of a gracious Spirit upon
his church in the world. For my part, I think the remarkable things
which your letter contains, might be sufficient to put new life into
any one who is not past feeling; and as a means to excite a spirit of
prayer and praise, in all those who are not buried in ignorance, or
under the power of a lethargic stupor. And it is looked upon, by those
whom I have had opportunity to converse with, whether ministers or
private Christians, that what God has done is matter of great
thankfulness and praise, and might well encourage his people to lift
up the hand of prayer, and be instant therein.'
Mr. Davenport, minister of a church in Elizabeth-town in New Jersey,
writes thus upon it, in a letter dated April 1, 1749: `I thank you for
sending your letter to our Brainerd open, that I might see it, which I
took a copy of; and have found it again and again refreshing and
animating. I read it to the ministers who met at my house for prayer,
on the first Tuesday of February, and sent it afterwards to Long
Island: Mr. Rivel took a copy of it, and read it in his congregation
on the Island.'
I hope, dear Sir, these things will encourage you to continue your
correspondence, and to go on to give me information of whatever
appears in your parts of the world favourable to the interests of the
kingdom of Christ. It will not only be entertaining to me; but I shall
endeavour, whenever I receive such tidings, to communicate it for the
entertainment and profit of God's people, as I have opportunity. I
must refer you, dear Sir, to my letters to other correspondents in
your neighbourhood, for other particulars relating to the state of
religion in these parts of the world. And hope, when you are before
the throne of grace, you will not forget
Your very affectionate friend,
And brother and servant,
jonathan edwards."
Letter to Mr. Robe.
"Northampton, May 23, 1749.
rev. and dear sir,
Mr. M'Laurin, in a letter I received from him the last week, dated
March 10th, 1749, informs me of a letter you had written to me, sent
to him; which he had taken care of. This letter, by some means or
other, has failed, and has never reached me. I intend to make inquiry
after it, to see if it has not been left at Boston, and forgotten to
be sent. I have reason to hope (though I have not received your
letter) that you and your family are well, because Mr. M'Laurin and
Mr. Erskine (the only correspondents from whom I have received letters
this time) inform me of nothing to the contrary.
As to the present state of religion in these parts of the world, it is
in the general very dark and melancholy. But yet there are some things
which appear comfortable and hopeful; particularly, the Concert for
extraordinary Prayer for the coming of Christ's kingdom, is spreading
and prevailing--and we hear of awakenings and revivals of religion in
some places. We have had accounts, from time to time, of religion's
being in a flourishing state, in the Indian congregation in New
Jersey, under the care of Mr. John Brainerd; of the congregation's
increasing, by the access of Indians from distant parts; of a work of
awakening carried on among the unconverted, and additions made to the
number of the hopefully converted, and the christian behaviour of
professors there. Mr. Brainerd was at my house a little while ago, and
represented this to be the present state of things in that
congregation. I had a letter from Mr. Davenport, (who is settled now
as a minister over a congregation belonging to Elizabeth-town, in New
Jersey,) dated April 1, 1749, wherein he says as follows: `Mr. Lewis
told me, that there has been a remarkable work of conviction
prevailing in his place, ever since last December. I think he spoke of
about forty under soul concern, a considerable number of them under
strong convictions, and some hopefully converted. I heard lately a
credible account of a remarkable work of conviction and conversion,
among whites and negroes, at Hanover in Virginia, under the ministry
of Mr. Davies, who is lately settled there, and has the character of a
very ingenious and pious young man; whose support, in his preparation
for service, Mr. Robinson [31] contributed much, if not mostly to; and
on his death-bed gave him his books, &c.
Mr. Buell, of East Hampton, on Long Island, was here last week, and
gave me an account of a very considerable work of awakening at this
time in his congregation, especially among the young people; and also
of a yet greater work at Bridgehampton, under the ministry of one Mr.
Brown, a very pious and prudent young man, lately settled there. These
congregations are both pretty large. He also gave an account of
religion's continuing in a very prosperous state at a part of
Huntington, another town on Long Island, where there was a great and
general awakening, last year.
An association of ministers, between this and Boston, seem of late to
have applied themselves somewhat earnestly, to invent means for
promoting religion. The following is a copy of something they have
agreed upon for this end, as it was sent to me, by a minister that
lives that way.
"The sum and substance of the answers, given by the association, to
this question, What things shall be done by us, for preventing the
awful threatening degeneracy and backsliding in religion, in the
present day?
These, we apprehend, may be reduced to the following heads, viz. Those
that respect ourselves personally; those which concern the
association, as such; and those which relate to our people, in our
respective churches and congregations.
I. As to what respects ourselves personally.
1. We ought surely to get a deep and affecting sense of this: Whether
there is not in ourselves defection, and great danger of further
degeneracy; for otherwise, we shall with little heartiness undertake,
or earnestness endeavour after, reformation.
2. We are not to think it amiss, that we ourselves be excited to look,
with a proper attention and concern, into our own estate, into our own
experiences in the divine life, and into what little proficiency we
make, or declension we fall into, ourselves.
3. We must by all means see to it, that we be sound and clear in the
great doctrines of the gospel, which are the life of our holy
religion; (we here intend, those doctrines which are exhibited in our
excellent Westminster Catechism and Confession of Faith;) and that we
all boldly and impartially appear in the defence thereof: at the same
time we must take heed and beware of the dangerous errors which many
have run into; particularly the Arminian and Neonomian on the one
hand, and the Antinomian and Enthusiastical on the other.
4. We must be very faithful in every part of our ministerial works,
and make conscience to magnify our office. In a particular manner, we
must take good heed to our preaching; that it be not only sound, but
instructive, savoury, spiritual, very awakening and searching, well
adapted to the times and seasons which pass over us; labouring
earnestly herein. We must therefore dwell much upon the doctrines of
repentance and conversion, the nature, necessity, and evidence
thereof; and much urge the duty of self-examination, and open the
deceits of the heart; bringing the unconverted under the work of the
law, that they may be prepared to embrace the offer of the gospel.
Moral duties must be treated of in an evangelical strain; and we must
give unto every one his portion, and not shrink from it, under the
notion of prudence; particularly, in the important duty of reproving
sinners of all sorts, be they who they will. Again, we must not be
slighty in our private conference with souls, and examining candidates
for the communion, or other special privileges; and we must carefully
and wisely suit our endeavours to the several ages and conditions of
persons, the elder and younger; and in a very particular manner, we
must set ourselves to promote religion among our young people. And, in
a word, we must see whether we are animated to all these things by the
grace of God in us.
5. We are impartially to see what evils are to be found among
ourselves, and remove them. Let us be seriously thoughtful, whether
(among our defects) we have not been, in some respect or other, the
blamable means of discouragement to those who have been under
religious concern; or whether we have not given strength and boldness
to the ungodly, when we have been testifying against the extravagances
and disorders of the late times.
6. We must be conscientiously exemplary in our whole behaviour and
conversation. It is necessary that we be serious and grave, as what
highly becomes gospel bishops. And especially, we must be very
watchful over our frame and conduct on the Lord's day. We must
therefore look well to our sabbatizing, both at home and abroad, both
before our own and other people. Our example is of vast consequence,
in magnifying our office before recommended.
7. We ought to stir up the gifts which are in us, and to grow more and
more, according to the sacred injunction, 2 Tim. i. 6.
8. We should follow all our endeavors with fervent prayer to God;
especially our labours in preaching and teaching: the seed of the word
is to be steeped in tears.
II. As to what concerns the association as such.
1. We must lay aside disgusts one with another, and study brotherly
love, that it may revive and continue; we must endeavour to be as near
as we can of one mind, and go on harmoniously; and then we shall be
the more strongly united in all, but especially in our present
proceedings. There must be respectful treatment one of another, of the
persons and character of one another; and we must be careful of
ministerial character; which is of greater consequence than at first
sight may appear. And when we have occasion to dispute, let it be
under a very strict guard, avoiding all censuring reflections.
2. That we manifest our approbation of the Westminster Assembly's
Catechism, as containing an excellent system of divinity; and we
purpose to preach agreeably to the doctrines of the Bible exhibited
therein.
3. As we must be very careful of our conversation in general as above
said; so especially must we be respecting our conduct while together
in association.
4. It is proposed that a course of our association be turned into
fasts, upon this great account.
5. We agree to be more especially fervent, in continual prayer for the
advancement of the kingdom of Christ.
6. Some special, new, and prudent care must be taken to guard our
pulpits.
7. It is proposed, that we agree to endeavour to introduce the public
reading of the Holy Scriptures. The manner and time to be left to
discretion.
III. With regard to what may be done among the people we stand related
to.
1. We conceive that whatever public exercises are to be agreed on, or
whatever concerns the public, the people are to be informed and
acquainted with our design.
2. That it be earnestly recommended to the people, to consider the
worth of their privileges, and the danger of being deprived of them;
which there is, partly by the spreading of evil doctrines among them,
and partly by the conduct of too many people towards their ministers.
3. Let pragmatical, factious spirits, fomenting division, be duly
frowned upon.
4. We must guard them against the temptations of their several
employments, and the special seasons wherein they are most exposed.
5. We must consider what evils there are to be found among them, which
do especially need reforming; as the profanation of the Lord's day,
which is enough to destroy all religion; tavern-haunting,
company-keeping, chambering, uncleanness, profaneness, &c.; and we
ought loudly to testify against them. And that what we do may be
effectual, let us endeavour to convince their consciences of the evil
of sin, and of these sins.--We are not to fail to warn people solemnly
against the dreadful guilt of unthankfulness under God's signal
mercies, and of incorrigibleness under heavy and sore judgments. Could
we in wisdom do it, we should also warn them against their oppressing
the Lord's ministers in their maintenance.
6. Let us endeavour to revive good customs and practices among them;
particularly, the ancient good practice of catechising, family order,
worship, and government, religious societies under good regulation,
godly conference and conversation among Christians; and in brief,
whatever is laudable and of good tendency.
7. Church discipline should be revived; brotherly watchfulness, and
admonition; nor are we to forget to take special care of the children
and youths of the flock.
8. We may do well to engage, as far as we are able, all persons of
distinction and influence to unite with us in this work of
reformation; e.g. justices, school-masters, candidates for the
ministry; and especially to assist us by their example.
9. Solemn renewal of covenant hath been advised to, as very useful
upon this occasion; (vid. Synod, 1679, for Reformation;) but we leave
this to each one's discretion.
Finally, in these things we should think ourselves bound to exert
ourselves, and use uncommon fervency, to preserve what remains of
religion, and prevent further decay.
October, 1748.
Thus far this association.
The members of this association, as their names were sent to me, are
as follows:
The Rev. Messrs. Loring, of Sudbury; Cushing, of Shrewsbury; Parkman,
of Westborough; Gardiner, of Stow; Martyn, of Westborough; Stone, of
Southborough; Seecomb, of Harvard; Morse, of Shrewsbury; Smith, of
Marlborough; Goss, of Boston; Buckminster, of Rutland; Davis, of
Holden.
I must refer you, dear Sir, for other particulars relating to the
state of religion, in these parts of the world, to my letters to my
other correspondents in your neighbourhood.
My wife and family join with me in very affectionate and respectful
salutations to you and yours. Desiring an interest in your prayers for
us all, and for this part of the Zion of God,
I remain, dear Sir,
Your affectionate brother,
And obliged friend and servant,
jonathan edwards."