Synopses & Reviews
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was a pastor and theologian incolonial America who preached with zeal and theological insight, placing great emphasis on the impact that preaching could have onits listeners. Widely recognized as one of America's foremostthinkers, he is probably best known for his sermon Sinners in theHands of an Angry God, which demonstrates his central concern forthe salvation of souls. Indeed, Edwards believed that all ministerswere on a divine errand to offer the Gospel to sinners.
Gregory Wills and Richard Bailey gathered nine sermons (all butone previously unpublished) that Edwards delivered, in which hecharges new ministers to exert a faithful ministry, delineates thetasks involved in preaching, and also challenges preachers anddeacons to take up the work to which the Lord calls them. GregoryWills and Richard Bailey establish the historical context forEdwards's own ministry and describe the setting in which hepreached each sermon. George Marsden, professor of history at NotreDame, has written a penetrating and helpful historical introductionto this important study of Jonathan Edwards.
Veteran pastors and new ordinands alike will be challenged toremain faithful in working for the salvation of the souls throughgospel preaching. These sermons define the nature and task of suchservice, both then and now. Pastors today will find Edwards's wordsto be a challenge to return to the basic call of saving sinners bypreaching the Word.
Synopsis
Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) was a pastor and theologian in colonial America who preached with uncommon zeal and theological insight, conveying his passion through his choice of words, not the character of his delivery. Best known for his sermon "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God, " which demonstrates his central concern for the salvation of souls, Edwards believed that this primary concern must be held by all called to the "divine errand" of saving sinners.
Gregory Wills and Richard Bailey gathered nine previously unpublished ordination sermons that Edwards delivered charging others to be faithful in the gospel ministry. These sermons define the nature and task of such service, both then and now. Pastors today will find Edwards's words to be a challenge to rerum to the basic call of saving sinners by preaching the Word.
George Marsden, professor of history at Notre Dame, has written a penetrating and helpful historical introduction to this important study of Jonathan Edwards.