Full purpose of heart

On September 10, 1741, Edwards delivered the Yale commencement address titled "The Distinguishing Marks." The address was published in The Great Awakening with William Cooper's 1741 preface, which follows:

I say, it seems reasonable to suppose, there may be some particular appearances in the work of conversion, which are not common at other times, when yet there are true conversions wrought; or some circumstances attending the work may be carried to an unusual degree and height. 

If it were not thus, the work of the Lord would not be so much regarded and spoken of; and so God would not have so much of the glory of it: nor would the work itself be like to spread so fast; for God has evidently made use of example and discourse in the carrying of it on.

And as to the fruits of this work (which we have been bid so often to wait for), blessed be God!

—so far as there has been time for observation they appear to be abiding. I don't mean that none have lost their impressions, or that there are no instances of hypocrisy and apostasy. Scripture and experience lead us to expect these at such a season. It is to me matter of surprise and thankfulness that as yet there have been no more. 

But I mean that a great number of those who have been awakened are still seeking and striving to enter in at the strait gate [Matthew 7:13]. The most of those who have been thought to be converted, continue to give evidences of their being new creatures, and seem to cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart. 

To be sure, a new face of things continues in this town; though many circumstances concur to render such a work not so observable here, as in smaller and distant places. Many things not becoming the profession of the Gospel are in a measure reformed. Taverns, dancing schools, and such meetings as have been called assemblies, which have always proved unfriendly to serious godliness, are much less frequented. Many have reduced their dress and apparel, so as to make them look more like the followers of the humble Jesus. 

And it has been both surprising and pleasant to see how some younger people, and of that sex too which is most fond of such vanities, have put off the bravery of their ornaments, as the effect and indication of their seeking the inward glories of the King's daughter. Religion is now much more the subject of conversation at friends' houses, than ever I knew it. The doctrines of grace are espoused and relished. Private religious meetings are greatly multiplied. The public assemblies (especially lectures) are much better attended, and our auditories were never so attentive and serious. 

There is indeed an extraordinary appetite after the sincere milk of the Word.

Note: the nonbiblical phrase "full purpose of heart" appears 6 times in the Book of Mormon and 3 times in the Doctrine and Covenants. It appears in Joseph's journal and Oliver Cowdery's charge to the original Twelve Apostles.