Jonathan Edwards, the greatest American
Saturday, 10. January 2009, 20:39:58
Jonathan Edwards is a fairly common name. When I used the web to search for entries with his name, the first return google presented is a singer/songwriter from Minnesota. But The Jonathan Edwards was next and the is endeavor to prove he's "the greatest American" is something google isn't really needed for. Suffice it to say that both secular and religious authorities have held the same opinion.
On 5 October 1703, Jonathan Edwards [JE] was born the fifth child of Timothy and Esther Williams. Preceded by four sisters and followed by six more, JE would be the lone son among the Williams' brood of eleven. Both his parents grew up with deep Christian foundations, although this wasn't unusual in pre-19th cent. New England. Esther Stoddard's family was politically influential as well, the Stoddard name being prominent across New England. Notably, her father was the eminent Solomon Stoddard, Northampton's acclaimed and excellent minister for more than 50 years (beginning in 1669.) Besides giving his daughter Mary's hand to him, JE's father-in-law played a significant role in his development later on. (which I'll get to "later on.")
Growing up, JE's closest friendship was with his sister Jerusha, seven years his junior. Nearly opposites in temperament, they shared an identical devotion and emphasis on their Christianity. This combination helped forge a bond uncommon among even the best of friends. Her death in December of 1729, at 19, was a significant blow to Edwards. But knowing Who she believed in, and the conviction that He keeps the hearts of His followers before and after the grave, was something JE took confidence in. Four months later, the birth of a second child and his first daughter further helped his heart's mending.
I know it's clear that I'm a fan of JE. His accomplishments and contributions to contemporaries and later generations are too many and varied to cover in ten thousand blog entries. In fact, I think besides my Savior Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul, Jonathan Edwards is the person I most look forward to knowing in heaven.
Next time I will write about Edwards' education and conversion.
Until then, Soli Deo Gloria.
On 5 October 1703, Jonathan Edwards [JE] was born the fifth child of Timothy and Esther Williams. Preceded by four sisters and followed by six more, JE would be the lone son among the Williams' brood of eleven. Both his parents grew up with deep Christian foundations, although this wasn't unusual in pre-19th cent. New England. Esther Stoddard's family was politically influential as well, the Stoddard name being prominent across New England. Notably, her father was the eminent Solomon Stoddard, Northampton's acclaimed and excellent minister for more than 50 years (beginning in 1669.) Besides giving his daughter Mary's hand to him, JE's father-in-law played a significant role in his development later on. (which I'll get to "later on.")
Growing up, JE's closest friendship was with his sister Jerusha, seven years his junior. Nearly opposites in temperament, they shared an identical devotion and emphasis on their Christianity. This combination helped forge a bond uncommon among even the best of friends. Her death in December of 1729, at 19, was a significant blow to Edwards. But knowing Who she believed in, and the conviction that He keeps the hearts of His followers before and after the grave, was something JE took confidence in. Four months later, the birth of a second child and his first daughter further helped his heart's mending.
I know it's clear that I'm a fan of JE. His accomplishments and contributions to contemporaries and later generations are too many and varied to cover in ten thousand blog entries. In fact, I think besides my Savior Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul, Jonathan Edwards is the person I most look forward to knowing in heaven.
Next time I will write about Edwards' education and conversion.
Until then, Soli Deo Gloria.
WIDGETIZE