Jonathan Edwards on Revival Paperback – October 1, 1984

Jonathan Edwards stands as a giant in Christian literature and history. Particularly among the Reformed Christian camp, he is mentioned in the same breath as Calvin and Luther. Fortunately, he wrote often, and there are no translation barriers to make his works less accessible in English.On Revival is a collection of three works: "A Narrative of Surprising Conversions," "The Distinguishing Marks of a Work of the Spirit of God," and "An Account of the Revival of Religion in Northampton 1740-1742." The first and last are letters; the middle is a treatise or long sermon (if by long you accept 75 pages!).Edwards systematically details the amazing movement of the Spirit of God in Boston and on the east coast, focusing particularly on the years 1732 and following (in "Narrative") and 1740-1742 (in the piece by the same name). In one sense, then, these are historical accounts, with Edwards serving as narrator, highlighting the movement of God among people he pastored and walked with daily.More importantly, though, this is Edwards work on what revival meant to him, practically and especially theologically. He spends great time in "Marks" detailing not just what marks a revival, but what does not disqualify a revival from being true. In other words, he deals with diversities of how the Spirit of God moves; over-zealousness toward the lost; fear of hell; and errors in doctrine; and insists that all are not on their own enough to say, "Such-and-such is not really experiencing a revival."These works are immensely helpful in, first, illuminating what revival looked like 300 years ago; and second, detailing the various workings of the Holy Spirit throughout history apart from the works recorded in Scripture during apostolic times. You get a sense of Edwards' being a continuist rather than a cessationist, at least to some degree; as well as his view on fear of hell being a useful device in moving a man or woman toward heaven.The only drawback with this work is that, by the time you're finished, you're going to get some repetitive sections. 160 pages on revival, in three different works, can be at time a bit mono-themed. The repetition is good and profitable, and serves to reinforce Edwards points. However, there are definitely times when you'll need to focus to not drift over a paragraph or two that are substantially the same as you've already read.

Interesting read that was assigned for my classes

What this country needs more than anything is revival. It has happened before and it can happen again but in an even greater way. Jonathan Edwards talks about revival in America's past as an eye witness.

J Edwards is one of my spiritual mentors.His walk with the world is an example of what is still happening in this Christian society today

He had a good understanding of God's word and expresses it beautiflly

Gave great insight and depth to the topic at hand. It was well written and a joy to read. I will read it again soon.

Outstanding collection. Important information for the student of American Religious History.

A great read. Very astute insights into the nature of revival.

Thoroughly sound but very heavy going.

Ghood

Excellent. Pertaining to today

Superb.

When this book shipped it got lost in shipping and was late on arrival. It did not come until after the final estimated date. BUT, this company made it right by following through where it had gone to. Weather played a major factor in it being late so not their fault at all but they took ownership of the problem to make right what was late.Thank-you for the integrity as a store.Vern