The religious affections

Jonathan Edwards was one of the few truly great theologians of the English-speaking world, an intellectual and spiritual giant. When he began his ministry at Northampton, Massachusetts, New England had drifted from the Puritanism of its founders. Resisting the current trend, Edwards preached the whole counsel of God, and God plainly honoured his testimony. Yet to all appearances his life ended in tragedy; voted out of his pastorate by the people of Northampton, he died of fever at Princeton, only two months after taking over as President of the College. Edwards is perhaps best known as the theologian of revival, a subject on which he was uniquely qualified to write, by reason of his theological grasp and a first-hand experience of awakenings. Of his several treatises in this field, The Religious Affections ranks as the ‘magnum opus’. The author’s object in this book is to distinguish between true and false religion by showing the marks of a saving work of the Holy Spirit in men. In his Preface, Edwards stresses the importance of using ‘our utmost endeavours clearly to discern…wherein true religion does consist’. For ’till this be done, it may be expected that great revivings of religion will be but of short continuance’.

Publisher: Banner of Truth
Type: Paperback
ISBN: 9780851514857

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Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758) was a pastor, theologian, and missionary. He is generally considered the greatest American theologian. A prolific writer, Edwards is known for his many sermons, including "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God," and his classic A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections. Edwards was appointed president of the College of New Jersey (later renamed Princeton University) shortly before his death.

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‘I first started reading Jonathan Edwards in the early 90’s. It completely revolutionized not only my life, but also my ministry. I could write out a long list of all of his works of his that I have read. Edwards was the first to clearly explain not only the doctrines of grace to me, but also to show the “sweetness” of God’s sovereignty. In my opinion, The Religious Affections is the greatest book ever written outside of the Bible itself; I have read it seven times. I did my Doctoral Dissertation on the Gracious Affections. Edwards’ book is so thorough and clear and biblical and God-glorifying that in my mind nothing even comes close to it in all of the writings before or since. It tames Charismatic excess (“Enthusiasts”), but also goes far further than nearly all Reformed Christians are willing to think or permit. It is stretching, yet thoroughly biblical. If Edwards was Pastor of the typical Reformed church today, he would be fired. Edwards is without a doubt, the most influential theologian in my life.’ David D. Edgington