Various “Uses” of, Christian Happiness: What I’m Learning from Reading Jonathan Edwards’ Early Sermons

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In this post I am highlighting the way Jonathan Edwards applied Isaiah 3:10 in what may have been his first sermon, Christian Happiness. Isaiah 3:10 states,

“Say unto the righteous, it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings.”

After an introduction centering on reasonable beings choosing things that are best for them, Edwards develops doctrine with two propositions. Then he moves to the section titled, “USE,” and is developed with the following inferences (see Kimnach, pp. 301-305; my brief comments are bracketed):

Inf. I. Then we may infer that the godly man need not be afraid of any temporal afflictions whatsoever [since it shall be well with him].

Inf. II. Hence we may see the excellent and desirable nature of true godliness [because it provides such happiness].

Inf. III. We may hence learn that to walk according [to] the rules of religion and godliness is the greatest wisdom [because it leads to the most happiness].

Inf. IV. Hence learn the greatest goodness of God in joining so great happiness to our duty [it certainly is good of God to create such a system where even duty is delight!].

Inf. V. We hence learn [what] we are to do for a remedy when we are under affliction: even embrace religion and godliness.

Notice that Edwards applies Scripture through logical inferences: since Isaiah 3:10 is true, these five things are also true.

I found it interesting that in these five inferences, Edwards did not prooftext. He knew the logic could stand alone.

Before Sunday you might think about how your method of application is similar or different from what you see above. While Edwards isn’t the God of all things sermonic, his methods may be helpful despite representing a different age.

May our Lord receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus as a result of the way we interpret and apply Scripture (Ephesians 3:21).

Randal

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Categories: application, argument, pastoral preaching, Preaching of Jonathan Edwards
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Your thoughts?

2 thoughts on “Various “Uses” of, Christian Happiness: What I’m Learning from Reading Jonathan Edwards’ Early Sermons”

  1. Interesting application… different words, but I said something similar just recently. 😉 I didn’t use his excellent inferring, though. But there are interesting features to his application. It is looking to God, i.e. God-centered, but also practical in the sense that here is something beyond do what you feel in the moment, i.e. it is kind of transcending specific applications, but at the same time, immediately applicable to whatever one’s current situation may be. Oh, and I can see people nodding in agreement at the realization of how they’ve seen this in their own lives. 🙂 (both the positive and the negative–“amen” and “oh me”)

    Reply

    • Thanks for the observations about what Edwards was doing (“God-centered,” etc.). Especially helpful was the part about the inferences “transcending specific applications” but still applicable in a number of ways. In other Edwards’ sermons he does give more specifics and more prooftexting, but not in this first one. As always, thanks for reading and interacting!

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