Diary - Northampton Pastorate - 1726
Jonathan Edwards reflects on his spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of early rising, meditation, and practical applications of divine insights.
Jonathan Edwards reflects on his spiritual journey over the past few years, noting moments of revival and divine contemplation. He emphasizes the importance of rising early for spiritual practices, uninterrupted time for studying the Scriptures, and practical application of divine truths in daily life. Edwards also highlights the need to meditate on specific subjects such as sin, future judgment, and the promises of Scripture to deepen one's understanding and faith.
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AT NORTHAMPTON PASTORATE
Sept. 26, 1726. 'Tis just about three years, that I have been for the most part in a low, sunk estate and condition, miserably senseless to what I used to be about spiritual things. 'Twas three years ago, the week before commencement; just about the same time this year, I began to be somewhat as I used to be.
Jan. 1728. I think Christ has recommended rising early in the morning, by his rising from the grave very early.
Jan. 22, 1734. I judge that it is best, when I am in a good frame for divine contemplation, or engaged in reading the Scriptures, or any study of divine subjects that, ordinarily, I will not be interrupted by going to dinner, but will forego my dinner rather than be broke off.
April 4, 1735. When at any time, I have a sense of any divine thing, then to turn it in my thoughts, to a practical improvement. As for instance, when I am in my mind, on some argument for the truth of religion, the reality of a future state, and the like, then to think with myself, how safely I may venture to sell all, for a future good. So when, at any time, I have a more than ordinary sense of the glory of the saints in another world; to think how well it is worth my while to deny myself, and to sell all that I have for this glory, etc.
May 18. My mind at present is never to suffer my thoughts and meditations, at all to ruminate.
June 11. To set apart days of meditation on particular subjects; as sometimes, to set apart a day for the consideration of the greatness of my sins; at another, to consider the dreadfulness and certainty of the future misery of ungodly men; at another, the truth and certainty of religion; and so, of the great future things promised and threatened in the Scriptures.
Sermon Outline
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I
- Reflection on spiritual decline
- Importance of early rising for spiritual growth
- Commitment to uninterrupted divine contemplation
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II
- Practical improvements from divine insights
- Valuing future glory over present comforts
- Denial of self for spiritual gain
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III
- Setting aside time for meditation
- Contemplation of personal sinfulness
- Understanding the fate of the ungodly
Key Quotes
“'Tis just about three years, that I have been for the most part in a low, sunk estate and condition.” — Jonathan Edwards
“I judge that it is best, when I am in a good frame for divine contemplation, to not be interrupted.” — Jonathan Edwards
“To set apart days of meditation on particular subjects.” — Jonathan Edwards
Application Points
- Prioritize your mornings for spiritual practices to foster growth.
- Reflect on divine insights and apply them to your daily life.
- Set aside specific times for meditation to deepen your understanding of faith.