Works of Jonathan Edwards Volume 1

This is not a review of The Works of Jonathan Edwards, which at any rate is simply outstanding and which nearly every person -- Christian and non-Christian, elder and young convert, apologist and truth seeker, scholar and layman -- would likely do well to read and digest, but rather a note for those interested in purchasing the currently listed, two-volume Hendrickson edition (ISBN 1-56563-085-8). The Works of Jonathan Edwards is not the complete works of Jonathan Edwards. A couple of the other reviewers must have accidentally overlooked this fact, but it's understandable given the already immense size of the anthology. Nevertheless, all of Jonathan Edwards' most well-known religious works are indeed included: "Resolutions"; "Freedom of the Will"; "The End For Which God Created the World"; "The Nature of True Virtue"; "Religious Affections"; "Narrative of Surprising Conversions"; "Thoughts on the Revival of Religion in New England"; "A History of the Work of Redemption"; "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd"; and of course "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." In addition, there are plenty of lesser known religious works from Edwards' youth to shortly before his death to occupy the interested reader in godly thought and reflection. Regarding the various sermons and other writings that would complete the Edwards collection, but which are unfortunately not contained herein, for the most part these can be found online via a quick Google search (i.e., only Edwards' more obscure works are not to be found online, as far as I can tell). Speaking of which, you can view the table of contents as well as the entire work itself online for free too at the Christian Classics Ethereal Library, for instance, if you want to see for yourself what's specifically included in this collection before purchasing it. That said, although The Works of Jonathan Edwards is available for free online, in my opinion it is far more convenient to have the printed version, as I'm personally more comfortable reading with a book (whatever its size) in my lap than in front of a computer screen. Of course, if you want the definitive edition, which would include all twenty-three volumes of Edwards' works published to date (including his non-religious works on varied topics such as John Locke, science, etc.), you will have to purchase Yale University's edition of the same name. But that will cost you an arm and a leg, plus there's a considerable amount of secular academic criticism, which you may or may not find helpful. For example, the Yale volume on "The Life and Diary of David Brainerd" compares Brainerd's original diary with Edwards' edited version of the diary, claiming in the process that Edwards edited it in such a way as to make Brainerd conform to a preconceived notion of "saintliness." However, if you're keen on purchasing the Yale edition, the best available price I've been able to find is at Solid Ground Christian Books, which by the way is an excellent bookstore.

Freedom of the Will, Religious Affections, The End for Which God Created the World, The Nature of True Virtue, Original Sin Defended, Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God...they're all here and much more. These are some of the most influential Christian writings of all time within the Calvinist branch of Christendom. The resurgence of Calvinism and the tremendous rise in Edwardsian studies in both Christian and secular academia make this two volume set of his works an essential addition to anyone's library. With nearly 1000 pages in each volume, there's more here than you will probably ever read. However, because of so many discourses, treatises, and sermons, the print size is very small -- in order to fit all of the material into the two volumes. Also, this is a fascimile reprint of a 19th century edition, so the font quality is mediocre. Other than those drawbacks, this is an excellent set and a great value. The multi-volume Yale collection will cost you over a thousand dollars, while all you'll ever want is in this collection. In my opinion, the greatest addition to this set is the Memoirs of Jonathan Edwards. This is the closest you'll get to receiving a personal look at his life of faith. They greatly enhance the intellectually-weighty theological works and the inspiring (and likewise brilliant) sermons. Jonathan Edward's title as "America's greatest theologian" (or simply "America's theologian") is well-deserved. Don't let the "fire and brimstone" caricature dissuade you.

This Hendrickson edition is a remake of the Banner of Truth Edition from 1984 (a 2 Vol. Set). All of the works of Edwards are included. In this work Edwards' memoirs, sermons, theological treatises, miscellaneous discourses, and short observations are included. Everything and anything written by Edwards (including his most famous works and the lesser known short works) are present. This is the ultimate primary text to own from Edwards.Brace yourself. Edwards can write some of the most simplistic theological thoughts and some of the most complicated theological thoughts and have one follow the other in a single paragraph. This volume will fill your days with hours of great reading, most of which you will have to reread, and then read again to get a grasp of what Edwards is trying to say. There are certain works, herein, that I have read a dozen times and have yet to fully grasp what Edwards is communicating (though that is no cause to ever stop trying). Edwards discusses issues such as the human will, freedom, predestination, the attributes of God, sin, original sin, salvation, the Church, marriage, love, time, etc. Even topics that one would never give much thought to, such as indetermination, are included in these pages. Edwards has a way with words that can often times be staggering - to think that someone could write in such a manner. If you are wanting to read Edwards' works then here they are all in one text. But I must warn you that these pages will change your thinking and your life forever!

Martyn Lloyd-Jones said that he was "tempted, perhaps foolishly, to compare the Puritans to the Alps, Luther and Calvin to the Himalayas, and Jonathan Edwards to Mount Everest!" (The Puritans: Their Origins and Successors, p. 355). I concur. Nothing in my library holds such a storehouse of wealth, as do these two hefty tomes. Edwards was a brilliant theologian, a zealous evangelist, an astute philosopher, a warm hearted pastor, and an eye-witness (and one of the primary instruments causing) the first Great Awakening. If you want theology at its richest go to Edwards' "End for Which God Created the World." IF you want a passion for souls, read his "Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God." If you are interested in well-articulated philosophy at its finest, peruse "The Nature of True Virtue." If you want biography geared to cultivate godliness in your own heart, read "The Life of David Brainerd." If you want pastoral counsel concerning the state of your soul, you will find nothing better than "The Religious Affections." And if you want to know what a REAL revival looks like, study "A Narrative of Surprising Conversions." (And those works are less than half of what is in here!) If my house were burning, I would probably grab for these two books second only to the Bible. To get Edwards is to get theology. So get Edwards!

This is perhaps the most valuable set of books you will ever buy as a Christian. Jonathan Edwards' breathtaking analysis of the things of God will sweep you off of your feet. I have come to this set of books time and time again for insight, profound reflection, and personal renewal. I would challenge you to read the works of Jonathan Edwards, especially if you are an Arminian. Edwards presents the absolute sovereignty of God with impeccable clarity, logic and argument. If read in faith, you will never be the same. Be sure to get this Banner of Truth set, as the Yale set is far too costly.