A revival-ready social environment

A revival-ready social environment

"At such a day as this, God especially calls his people to the exercise of extraordinary meekness and mutual forbearance. Christ appears, as it were, coming in his kingdom, which calls for great moderation in our behavior toward all men: “Let your moderation be known to all; the Lord is at hand” (Phil 4:5). The awe of the Divine Majesty, that appears present or approaching, should dispose us to this moderation and deter us from the contrary. For us to be judging one another and behaving with fierceness and bitterness toward one another, when he who is the Searcher of all hearts, to whom we must all give an account, appears so remarkably present, is exceedingly unsuitable. Our business at such a time at this should be at home, searching and condemning ourselves and taking heed to our own behavior. If there is glorious prosperity for the church of God approaching, those who are the most meek will have the largest share in it."

Jonathan Edwards, Works, I:421.