“Christian Happiness” could be Jonathan Edwards’ first sermon. It’s based on Isaiah 3:10.

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

I’ve been enjoying reading Edwards’ sermons as a devotional act, but also as an exercise in rhetorical analysis (what Edwards does in order to move his listeners to act). Last week I listed the following five inferences listed under the heading, “USE” (my explanations in brackets). This represents Edwards’ foray into formal application.

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.

Then Edwards moves immediately from inferences to exhortations. Note the shift from “we” to “you.” If he’s preaching to the choir, he’s preaching to directly to specific choir members:

“Exh. 1 To the ungodly: to forsake his wickedness and to walk in the ways of religion.” Edwards speaks directly to this attendee: “You have now heard of the happiness of the religious man…as you never yet experienced; you never yet….You…you have….You now…you are invited to such a happiness….Be persuaded, then, to taste and see how good it is” (p. 305).

Edwards is direct in challenging this kind of listener not to fool themselves into “thinking yourself happy in wallowing and rolling yourselves in the mire. You perhaps think yourselves mighty happy in enjoying your hateful and abominable lusts…those be not the pleasures of man” (p. 305).

I wonder if before Sunday you and I will be brave enough to challenge those who, maybe despite their profession of faith, are only overhearing worship. Let’s consider speaking directly to them so God receives glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21).

Randal