They say there is a young lady in [New Haven] who is

beloved of that Great Being, who made and rules the

world, and that there are certain seasons in which

this Great Being, in some way or other invisible,

comes to her and fills her mind with exceeding sweet

delight; and that she hardly cares for any thing,

except to meditate on him--that she expects after a

while to be received up where he is, to be raised up

out of the world and caught up into heaven; being

assured that he loves her too well to let her remain

at a distance from him always.

There she is to dwell with him, and to be ravished

with his love and delight for ever. Therefore, if

you present all the world before her, with the

richest of its treasures, she disregards it and

cares not for it, and is unmindful of any pain

or affliction.

She has a strange sweetness in her mind, and

singular purity in her affections; is most just and

conscientious in all her conduct; and you could not

persuade her to do any thing wrong or sinful, if

you would give her all the world, lest she should

offend this Great Being.

She is of a wonderful sweetness, calmness, and

universal benevolence of mind; especially after this

Great God has manifested himself to her mind. She

will sometimes go about from place to place, singing

sweetly; and seems to be always full of joy and

pleasure; and no one knows for what.

She loves to be alone, walking in the fields and

groves, and seems to have some one invisible always

conversing with her. -Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) (In Sereno Dwight's _ The Works of President Edwards_ Volume 1, [1830]. Note: The young lady described by Jonathan Edwards was Sarah Pierrepont, who became his wife in 1727.)

The way to Heaven is ascending; we must be content

to travel up hill, though it be hard and tiresome,

and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh. -Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) _The Christian Pilgrim_

The heart is like a viper: hissing, and spitting

poison at God. -Jonathan Edwards (1703-1758) _The Freedom Of The Will_ [1754]

Let us rest our souls on the comfortable thought that the mind of Christ is always the same. If we are true believers, let us know that He looks at our graces more than at our faults, that He pities our infirmities, and that He will not deal with us according to our sins. Never had a master such poor, weak servants as believers are to Christ--but never had servants such a compassionate and tender Master as Christ is to believers!

Surely we cannot love Him too well. We may come short in many things. We may fail in knowledge, courage, faith, and patience. We may stumble many times. But one thing let us always do. Let us love the Lord Jesus with heart, soul, mind, and strength. Whatever others do, let us "remain true to Him," and cleave to Him with purpose of heart. Happy is he who can say with Peter, however humbled and ashamed, "Lord, you know that I love you." (John 21:15.)~ J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on the Gospels: Luke volume 2 , [Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth, 1998], 405, 406

Many are willing that Christ should be something, but few will consent that Christ should be everything.- Alexander Moody Stuart