Guest “blogger” J Edwards on Zeal and Resolution

The following comes from the writings of Jonathan Edwards on Revival and speaks much to our day as well. You can read more in its context at http://books.google.com/books?id=qbQOAAAAIAAJ&pg=PA386&lpg=PA386&dq=jonathan+edwards+zeal+and+resolution&source=bl&ots=5xM2Rjj1sX&sig=G1QEgUwZP5WC4tJVFV4bzR9Q__o&hl=en&ei=GaEvSprmI4PUNJOl6IcK&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3.

“Two things that are exceeding needful in ministers, as they would do any great matters, to advance the kingdom of Christ, are zeal and resolution. The influence and power of these things, to bring to pass great effects, is greater than can well be imagined: a man of but an ordinary capacity, will do more with them, than one of ten times the parts and learning, without them : more may be done with them, in a few days, or at least weeks, than can be done without them in many years. Those that are possessed of these qualities, commonly carry the day, in almost all affairs.

Most of the great things that have been done in the world of mankind, the great revolutions that have been accomplished in the kingdoms and empires of the earth, have been chiefly owing to these things. The very sight or appearance of a thoroughly engaged spirit, together with a fearless courage and unyielding resolution, in any person that has undertaken the managing any affair amongst mankind, goes a great way towards accomplishing the effect aimed at.

It is evident that the appearance of these things in Alexander, did three times as much towards his conquering the world, as all the blows. that he struck. And how much were the great things that Oliver Cromwell did, owing to these things. And the greater things that Mr. Whitefield has done, every where, as he has run through the British dominions (so far as they are owing to means), are very much owing to the appearance of these things, which he is eminently possessed of. When the people see these things apparently in a person, and to a great degree, it awes them, and has a commanding influence upon their minds; it seems to them that they must yield ; they naturally fall before them, without standing to contest or dispute the matter ; they are conquered as it were by surprise.

But while we are cold and heartless, and only go on in a dull manner, in an old formal round, we shall never do any great matters. Our attempts, with the appearance of such coldness and irresolution, will not so much as make persons think of yielding: they will hardly be sufficient to put it into their minds ; and if it be put into their minds, the appearance of such indifference and cowardice does as it were call for and provoke opposition. Our misery is [a lack] of zeal and courage ; … it prevents our attempting any thing very remarkable, for the kingdom of Christ.

Hence, oftentimes it has been, that when any thing very considerable, that is new, is proposed to be done for the advancement of religion, or the public good, many difficulties are found out, that are in the way, and a great many objections are started, and it may be, it is put off from one to another; but nobody does any thing. And after this manner good designs or proposals have oftentimes failed, and have sunk as soon as proposed. Whereas, if we had but Mr. Whitefield’s zeal and courage, what could not we do, with such a blessing as we might expect.

Zeal and courage will do much in persons of but an ordinary capacity ; but especially would they do great things, if joined with great abilities. If some great men, that have appeared in our nation, had been as eminent in divinity, as they were in philosophy, and had engaged in the Christian cause, with as much zeal and fervor as some others have done, and with a proportionable blessing of Heaven, they would have conquered all Christendom, and turned the world vipside down.

We have many ministers in the land that do not want for abilities; they are persons of bright parts and learning; they should consider how much is expected, and will be required of them, by their Lord and Master, and how much they might do for Christ, and what great honor and how glorious a reward they might receive, if they had in their hearts a heavenly warmth, and divine heat, proportionable to their light.”