of matters of fact, together with his own internal exercises, expressed in his own words; and is desired. not to look on the following composure so much an act of friendship to the dead, as of kindness to the liv ing; it being only an attempt to render a life that has been greatly useful, yet more so. And as this is designed for the reader's good, he is desired to remember, that if he gets no benefit hereby, is not made wiser nor better, gains no skill or disposition to live an holy and useful life, all is in vain to him. In this world, so full of darkness and delusion, it is of great importance, that all should be able to distinguish between true religion and that which is false. In this, perhaps, none has taken more pains, or laboured more successfully, than he whose life is set before the reader. And it is presumed, that his religious resclutions, exercises, and conduct here exhibited, will serve well to exemplify and illustrate all that he has wrote on this subject. Here pure and undefiled relig.. ion, in distinction from all counterfeits, appears in life and practice, exhibiting a picture which will tend to instruct, strengthen, and comfort all those, who, in their religious sentiments and exercises, are built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, of which Jesus A 2. Jesus Christ is the chief corner-stone; while their hearts and practices, in some measure, answer to it, as in water, face answereth to face. And here, they who have hitherto unhappily been in darkness and delusion, in this infinitely important affair, may have matter of instruction and conviction. This is a point about which, above many others, the Protestant world is in the dark, and needs instruction, as Mr Edwards was more and more convinced, the longer he lived; and which he was wont frequently to observe in conversation. If, therefore, these his remains are adapted to answer this end, and may be con sidered as a word behind all to whom they shall come, "saying, THIS IS THE WAY, walk ye in it,” and shall in this view, be blessed to many, it will be a relief under one of the greatest calamities that attend the Christian world, and promote that important end, so worthy the attention and pursuit of all; and in which he, from whom this mantle falls, was zealous. ly engaged, and which he pursued to the end of his life. In this view, especially, is the following life offered to the public, with an earnest desire, that every reader may faithfully improve it to this purpose; while he candidly which he may obferve to be chargeable on the compiler; who is, he knows, in a great degree unequal to what is here attempted. PART I. Studies divinity,-takes licence and preaches at Is: chofen tutor of Yale-College, Is fettled in the work of the miniftry at North- Containing extracts from his private writings, &c. Sect. II. Extracts from his private diary, Sect. III. A brief reflection on the foregoing Sect. IV. An account of his converfion, expe. Containing a history of his life, from his entering on the work of the ministry, to his death. Temperance in eating and drinking, and early rifing, His ftudiousness, and manner of pursuing his - Government and inftruction of his children, Strict obfervance of the Sabbath, Inviolable regard to truth and juftice, His friends, and his treatment of them, Accomplishments and eminency as a preacher, Free from worldly cares, and his manner of in- Sect. II. His difmiffion from Northampton, with Their treatment of Mr. Edwards in fome inftances, Difficulty of agreeing on a council, A council is agreed upon, and he is difmiffed, The greatnefs of Mr Edwards's trial, and his ftea- ib. The charity of his friends in Scotland on this oc- 711 The friendship of fome of his people at Northamp- Sect. |