In reading a letter that Jonathan Edwards wrote to Rev. Dr. Benjamin Colman, I came across an interesting passage, in which Edwards writes about the new converts in his church and their affection for the Lord’s Day. I found the whole section to be challenging as these people were characterized by a genuine love of divine things, but this quotation was especially in light of a recent sermon I heard.

The preaching of the Word is greatly prized by them; they say they never heard preaching before: and so are God’s Sabbaths, and ordinances, and opportunities of public worship. The Sabbath is longed for before it comes; some by only hearing the bell ring on some occasion in the week time, have been greatly moved, because it has put them in mind of its ringing to call the people together to worship God. But no part of public worship has commonly had such an effect on them as singing God’s praises. They have a greater respect to ministers than they used to have; there is scarcely a minister preaches here but gets their esteem and affection.

I exhort us to catch a little bit of the flame that burned so strong with our 18th century brethren. Love the Lord, His people, and His day.