"Few there be that
find it." -- Matthew 7:14
Not dated. From
Grosart’s “Unpublished Writings.” It will be observed from the facsimile
that this Sketch of a Sermon is written on the leaf of a letter. Very many of
Edwards’s MSS. are thus written on all manner of kinds and scraps of paper.
Doctrine.
’Tis a hard thing to find the right way to Heaven.
I.
There is a way to Heaven.
God has opened a door.
II.
There is but one right way.
III.
’Tis a hard thing to find this one right way.
Appears:
In that there are so few that find the way.
Though all have so
much need to find.
Though so many desire
to find and seek after it.
Though so many think
they have found.
................so many
are mistaken.
That many of those that do
find it, first take a great deal of pains.
Some for a long time.
Many prayers.
Many difficulties.
Reason:
Negatively, not that God hasn’t has not called us.
“
“ very plain in itself.
Reasons:
Many wrong ways.
Like traveling through a
great wilderness.
Full of
difficulties...dangers....
But one right way.
A narrow way.
Many wrong ways.
Mention some of the wrong
ways.
Do right in some things
only.
Outward Religion only.
Affections that go away.
Religious out of regard to
men.
Religious only out of fear
of hell.
........from self-love.
Don’t love God for
Himself.
Trust in their own
righteousness.
Depend on the good opinion
of others.
Apt to think themselves
convicted when they are not.
High pride: apt to think
well of themselves.
A little good looks great.
Don’t see what is bad.
How many things men often
think are Conversion.
2. Men’s own lust blinds
’em.
The way is good and plain.
Right way is what men
don’t like.
Up-hill.
Contrary to all their lusts.
..... to their pride.
..... to their worldliness.
.................
sensuality.
.................
slothfulness.
Enmity against God.
Wrong ways are
Easy.
Broad.
Down-hill.
3. Devils.
Blind them and deceive them.
4. Things of this world
blind ’em.
5. Wicked men implead (?)
’em.
Application.
What a great mercy to have
the Word of God.
Mercy that God has appointed
ministers.
Great need of Prayer —
Never without God’s help.
Don’t trust... v. 22...
What need of God’s power
and striving.
Directions.
Pray earnestly.
Not trust.....[As above, v.
22.]
Take advice.
Begin soon.
Hold on and hold out.
Don’t take hope too
soon.
In every thing follow the
Word of God.
You need to be much
concerned.
Added to Bible Bulletin Board's Jonathan Edwards Collection by:
Tony Capoccia
Bible Bulletin Board
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Columbus, New Jersey, USA, 08022
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