Friday, January 31, 2025

Alma 12 annotated

This is also posted at

https://www.mobom.org/bm-kjv-and-je-alma-12

Annotation of Alma 12 – preliminary

Alma 12 is a good example because it shows that a high percentage of Book of Mormon language is also KJV language. Few of the KJV words/phrases are not also found in Edwards, including the so-called "blended" passages.

The blue Book of Mormon words/phrases in the annotation are nonbiblical and also not found in Edwards. In some cases noted below, the nonbiblical language is close to Edwards (e.g., plural instead of singular). There are several examples in the Book of Mormon of paraphrased or misquoted passages from the KJV that are identical to paraphrased or misquoted KJV passages in Edwards' works.

The red words/phrases are nonbiblical Book of Mormon wording that are also found in Edwards' works.

Purple are nonbiblical Book of Mormon words/phrases similar to Edwards.

Naturally, Edwards is not the only person who ever used this nonbiblical Book of Mormon terminology. English is a common language or we couldn't understand one another. But the ready availability of Edwards' works in Palmyra during Joseph's youth indicates that Edwards was a possible source for Joseph's vocabulary that he used when translating the plates.

 

Bold = KJV 

Blue = nonbiblical BofM/D&C w/o JE (If unique to this instance, no footnote is given)

Red = nonbiblical BofM/D&C and JE 

Purple = nonbiblical BofM/D&C similar to JE

 

Chapter 12

 

Alma speaks to Zeezrom—The mysteries of God can be given only to the faithful—Men are judged by their thoughts, beliefs, words, and works—The wicked will suffer a spiritual death—This mortal life is a probationary state—The plan of redemption brings to pass the Resurrection and, through faith, a remission of sins—The repentant have a claim on mercy through the Only Begotten Son. About 82 B.C.

 

1 Now Alma, seeing that[1] the words of Amulek had silenced[2] Zeezrom, for he beheld that Amulek had caught him[3] in his lying and deceiving[4] to destroy him, and seeing that he began to tremble[5] under a consciousness[6] of his guilt[7], he opened his mouth[8] and began to speak unto him, and to establish the words of Amulek, and to explain things beyond, or to unfold[9] the scriptures beyond that which[10] Amulek had done.

2 Now the words that Alma spake unto Zeezrom were heard by the people round about[11]; for the multitude was great, and he spake on this wise[12]:

3 Now Zeezrom, seeing that thou hast been taken in[13] thy lying and craftiness[14], for thou hast not lied unto men[15] only but thou hast lied unto God[16]; for behold, he knows all thy thoughts[17], and thou seest that thy thoughts are made known unto us by his Spirit[18];

4 And thou seest that we know that thy plan[19] was a very subtle[20] plan, as to the subtlety[21] of the devil, for to lie and to deceive this people[22] that thou mightest set them against us, to revile[23] us and to cast us out—

5 Now this was a plan of[24] thine adversary, and he hath exercised his power[25] in thee. Now I would that ye should remember[26] that what I say unto thee I say unto all[27].

6 And behold I say unto you all that this was a snare[28] of the adversary[29], which he has laid[30] to catch this people, that he might bring you into subjection[31] unto him, that he might encircle[32] you about with his chains, that he might chain you down to everlasting destruction[33], according to the power of his captivity[34].

7 Now when Alma had spoken these words, Zeezrom began to tremble more exceedingly[35], for he was convinced[36] more and more[37] of the power of God[38]; and he was also convinced that Alma and Amulek had a knowledge of him[39], for he was convinced that they knew the thoughts and intents[40] of his heart[41]; for power was given[42] unto them that they might know of these things according to the spirit of prophecy[43].

8 And Zeezrom began to inquire of them[44] diligently, that he might know more concerning[45] the kingdom of God[46]. And he said unto Alma: What does this mean[47] which Amulek hath spoken concerning the resurrection of the dead[48], that all shall rise from the dead[49], both the just and the unjust[50], and are brought to stand[51] before God[52] to be judged according to their works[53]?

9 And now Alma began to expound[54] these things[55] unto him, saying: It is given unto many to know the mysteries of God[56]; nevertheless they are laid under[57] a strict command[58] that they shall not impart[59] only according to[60] the portion of his word which he doth grant unto the children of men[61], according to the heed and diligence[62] which they give unto him.

10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart[63], the same receiveth the lesser portion[64] of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full[65].

11 And they that will harden their hearts[66], to them is given the lesser portion[67] of the word until they know nothing[68] concerning[69] his mysteries[70]; and then they are taken captive[71] by the devil[72], and led by his will down to destruction[73]. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell[74].

12 And Amulek hath spoken plainly[75] concerning death[76], and being raised from this mortality[77] to a state of immortality[78], and being brought before[79] the bar of God[80], to be judged according to our works[81].

13 Then if our hearts have been hardened, yea, if we have hardened our hearts against the word[82], insomuch that it has not been found in us[83], then will our state[84] be awful[85], for then we shall be condemned[86].

14 For our words will condemn us[87], yea, all our works[88] will condemn us; we shall not be found[89] spotless[90]; and our thoughts[91] will also condemn us; and in this awful state[92] we shall not dare to[93] look up to[94] our God; and we would fain[95] be glad if we could command the rocks and the mountains to fall upon us[96] to hide us from[97] his presence.

15 But this cannot be; we must come forth[98] and stand before him[99] in his glory[100], and in his power, and in his might, majesty, and dominion[101], and acknowledge to[102] our everlasting shame that all his judgments are just[103]; that he is just[104] in all his works[105], and that he is merciful[106] unto the children of men, and that he has all power to save[107] every man that believeth on his name and bringeth forth fruit meet for repentance[108].

16 And now behold, I say unto you then cometh a death, even a second death[109], which is a spiritual death[110]; then is a time that whosoever dieth in his sins, as to a temporal death[111], shall also die a spiritual death; yea, he shall die as to things pertaining[112] unto righteousness.

17 Then is the time[113] when their torments[114] shall be as a lake of fire and brimstone[115], whose flame ascendeth up forever and ever[116]; and then is the time that[117] they shall be chained down[118] to an everlasting destruction, according to the power[119] and captivity of Satan, he having subjected them[120] according to his will[121].

18 Then, I say unto you, they shall be as though[122] there had been no redemption made[123]; for they cannot be redeemed[124] according to God’s justice; and they cannot die, seeing there is no more corruption[125].

19 Now it came to pass that when Alma had made an end of[126] speaking these words[127], the people began to be more astonished[128];

20 But there was one Antionah, who was a chief ruler among them, came forth and said unto him: What is this that[129] thou hast said, that man should rise from the dead[130] and be changed from[131] this mortal to an immortal state[132], that the soul can[133] never die[134]?

21 What does the scripture mean, which saith that God placed cherubim and a flaming sword[135] on the east of the garden of Eden[136], lest our first parents[137] should enter and partake of the fruit of the tree of life[138], and live forever[139]? And thus we see that there was no possible chance that they should live forever.

22 Now Alma said unto him: This is the thing which I was about to explain[140]. Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit[141], according to the word of God[142]; and thus we see[143], that by his fall[144], all mankind[145] became a lost and fallen people.

23 And now behold, I say unto you that if it had been possible[146] for Adam to have partaken of the fruit of the tree of life at that time, there would have been[147] no death[148], and the word would have been void[149], making God a liar[150], for he said: If thou eat thou shalt surely die[151].

24 And we see that death comes upon[152] mankind, yea, the death which[153] has been spoken of by Amulek, which is the temporal death; nevertheless there was a space granted unto man[154] in which he might repent[155]; therefore this life became a probationary state[156]; a time to prepare[157] to meet God[158]; a time to prepare[159] for that endless state[160] which has been spoken of by us, which is after the resurrection of the dead.

25 Now, if it had not been[161] for the plan of redemption[162], which was laid from the foundation of the world[163], there could have been no resurrection of the dead; but there was a plan of redemption laid, which shall bring to pass[164] the resurrection of the dead, of which has been spoken[165].

26 And now behold, if it were possible[166] that our first parents[167] could have gone[168] forth and partaken[169] of the tree of life[170] they would have been[171] forever miserable[172], having no preparatory state[173]; and thus the plan of redemption would have been frustrated[174], and the word of God would have been void[175], taking[176] none effect[177].

27 But behold, it was not so[178]; but it was appointed unto men[179] that they must die[180]; and after death[181], they must come to judgment[182], even that same judgment[183] of which we have[184] spoken, which is the end[185].

28 And after God had appointed[186] that these things should come[187] unto man[188], behold, then he saw that it was expedient[189] that man should know[190] concerning the things[191] whereof he had appointed unto[192] them;

29 Therefore he sent angels[193] to converse with them[194], who caused men[195] to behold of his glory.

30 And they began from that time forth[196] to call on his name[197]; therefore God conversed with men, and made known unto them[198] the plan of redemption, which had been prepared[199] from the foundation of the world; and this he made known[200] unto them according to their[201] faith and repentance[202] and their holy works[203].

31 Wherefore, he gave commandments[204] unto men, they having first transgressed the first commandments[205] as to things which were temporal[206], and becoming as gods, knowing good from evil[207], placing themselves in a state to act[208], or being placed in[209] a state to act according to their wills[210] and pleasures, whether to do evil or to do good[211]

32 Therefore God gave unto them[212] commandments, after having made known[213] unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil[214], the penalty[215] thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death[216] as to things[217] pertaining unto[218] righteousness; for on such[219] the plan of redemption could have no power[220], for the works of justice[221] could not be destroyed[222], according to the supreme[223] goodness of God[224].

33 But God did call on men, in the name of his Son, (this being[225] the plan of redemption which was laid[226]) saying: If ye will repent, and harden not your hearts[227], then will I have mercy[228] upon you, through mine[229] Only Begotten Son[230];

34 Therefore, whosoever repenteth[231], and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins[232]; and these shall enter into my rest[233].

35 And whosoever will harden his heart[234] and will do iniquity[235], behold, I swear in my wrath[236] that he shall not enter into my rest.

36 And now, my brethren, behold I say unto you, that if ye will harden your hearts[237] ye shall not enter into the rest of the Lord[238]; therefore your iniquity[239] provoketh him[240] that he sendeth down his wrath[241] upon you as in the first[242] provocation[243], yea, according to his word[244] in the last[245] provocation as well as the first, to the everlasting destruction of your souls[246]; therefore, according to his word, unto the last death[247], as well as the first.

37 And now, my brethren, seeing we know[248] these things, and they are true[249], let us repent, and harden not our hearts, that we provoke not[250] the Lord our God[251] to pull down[252] his wrath upon us[253] in these his second commandments which he has given unto us[254]; but let us enter into the rest of God, which is prepared according to his word.

(Alma 12–12:37)

 



[1] OT (8) NT (7) BM (18) DC (2) JE (250)

[2] BM (1) JE (14) JE: “those oracles were now silenced and struck dumb, and gave no more answers.”

[3] OT (6) NT (5) BM (1) JE (4)

[4] NT (2) BM (1) DC (2) JE (30) JE: “There are many ways that men have of deceiving one another in trading, not by downright lying, that yet are not right in the sight of God”

[5] BM (4) PGP (1)

[6] BM (5) JE (250) J”E (Brainerd): “They seem to have no consciousness of sin and guilt,” “he will Repay em according to their Consciousness of Guilt they shall see”

[7] BM (1) JE (13) JE: “a man can't be said to be thoroughly sensible of his guilt till he is sensible of that he deserves hell”

[8] NT 5) BM (5) JE (9)

[9] BM (3) DC (3) JE (10) « unfolded » BM (4) DC (4) JE (30) JE: “The mysteries that are in it, and the mysteries of God's Providence, will be all unfolded !" “the church is not as yet arrived to that perfection in understanding the Scriptures, as we can imagine is the highest that God ever intended the church should come to. There are a multitude of things in the Old Testament which the church then did not understand, but were reserved to be unfolded to the Christian church, such as the most of their types and shadows and prophecies, which make up the greatest part of the Old Testament; so I believe there are many now thus veiled, that remain to [be] discovered by the church in the coming glorious times. 

[10] BM (2) JE (9)

[11] OT (3) BM (1) JE (4)

[12] OT (1) NT (6) BM (8) DC (3) PGP (1) JE (15)

[13] OT (12) NT (3) BM (4) DC (1) JE (250)

[14] OT (1) NT (4) BM (5) DC (3) JE (15)

[15] NT (1) BM (1) JE (1) NT: ”thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God” (Acts 5:4)

[16] BM (3)

[17] BM (2)

[18] OT (1) NT (3) BM (1) JE (130) NT : « But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit” (1 Corinthians 2:10)

[19] BM (42) DC (3) PGP (2) JE (170)

[20] BM (2) DC (1) PGP (1) JE (100)

[21] BM (2) JE (50) JE : « was cunningly chosen by the devil to be the instrument of the temptation. The Bible tells us that Satan chose him because of his subtlety “

[22] BM (3)

[23] OT (1) Nt (1) BM (18) DC (4) JE (30)

[24] BM (2) JE (6)

[25] BM (1) JE (2)

[26] NT (1) BM (21) JE (17) NT: “Only they would that we should remember the poor”(Galatians 2:10)

[27] NT (1) BM (1) DC (7) PGP (1)

[28] OT (40) NT (6) BM (5) DC (3) JE (250) JE : « They were in the devils snare. The devil as he is a malicious so is a subtil adversary”

[29] BM (2) DC (1) JE (2)

[30] BM (1) DC (1) JE (15)

[31] OT (3) NT (1) BM (3) JE (25)

[32] BM (5) DC (1)

[33] NT (1) BM (9) JE (40)

[34] BM (1) JE: “when once Christ has thus rescued them from captivity , he by his mighty power defends them’

[35] NT (2) BM (1) JE (6)

[36] OT (1) NT (3) BM (18) JE (1000+)

[37] OT (7) NT (3) BM (2) JE (360) JE : « they are growing in the knowledge of God, so they are more and more convinced of their ignorance”

[38] NT (14) BM (56) DC (12) JE (200)

[39] OT (1) NT (3) BM (2) JE (35)

[40] NT (1) BM (3) DC (2) JE (1) NT : « a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

[41] “intents of his heart” OT (1) BM (2)

[42] NT (5) BM (1) JE (15)

[43] NT (1) BM (18) DC (2) PGP (2) JE (40)

[44] BM (2) JE (1)

[45] « know more concerning » BM (1) ; « concerning the kingdom of God” NT (2) BM (1)

[46] NT (69) BM (37) DC (14) PGP (2) JE (180)

[47] BM (1) JE « what does he mean”

[48] NT (11) BM (18) DC (5) JE (50)

[49] “rise from the dead” NT (3) BM (7) DC (1) “all shall rise from the dead” BM (3) JE: “All these shall now rise from the dead” “all men shall rise from the dead”

[50] BM (1) JE (5) JE paraphrasing Acts 24 :15 « there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust (Acts 24:15)

[51] BM (8) DC (1)

[52] “stand before God” NT (1) BM (8) DC (1) JE (10)

[53] BM (8) DC (1) JE (7) JE : «  we are told in Scripture that men shall at the last day be judged according to their works” paraphrasing Rev 20:12 “"And the dead were judged out of those things that were found written in the books, according to their works"

[54] OT (1) BM (7) DC (7) JE (14)

[55] “expound these things” BM (2)

[56] NT (1) BM (8) DC (3)

[57] BM (1) PTP (1) JE (30) JE : « the want of spiritual light or sight does not loose from the obligation one is laid under by the divine command to believe instantly on Christ”

[58] BM (2) JE (2)

[59] BM (1) DC (1)

[60] BM (5) JE (9)

[61] BM (1) DC (1) “children of men” OT (23) BM (131) DC (39) PGP (15) JE (130)

[62] BM (3)

[63] OT (1) BM (3) JE (2)

[64] BM (2)

[65] OT (2) NT (1) BM (1) DC (2) JE (120)

[66] OT (1) BM (24) DC (5) JE (20)

[67] BM (2)

[68] OT (1) NT (3) BM (4) JE (90)

[69] “nothing concerning” NT (1) BM (7) JE (2)

[70] “concerning his mysteries” BM (1) “his mysteries” BM (4) JE (1)

[71] OT (3) NT (1) BM (7) JE (40) JE : « taken captive is a lively emblem of the way of the devil with many wicked men”

[72] “captive by the devil” BM (1) JE (2) JE: “mankind were universally taken Captive by the devil.”

[73] BM (3) JE (5) JE: “they are cast down to destruction in a moment” JE paraphrases Psalms 73:18 “thou castedst them down into destruction (Psalms 73:18)

[74] BM (6) DC (1)

[75] BM (4) JE (4)

[76] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “then speak particularly concerning DEATH

[77] NT (1) BM (4) DC (1) JE (140) JE : « what is faith, that it should raise men above the level of mortality” “their mortality was destroyed and they put on immortality

[78] BM (1) JE (2) JE : » he had a prospect of her being the mother of mankind in a state of immortality , living in deed, living and never dying.”

[79] NT (1) BM (1) JE (1)

[80] BM (6) JE : « God’s bar »

[81] BM (1) JE (2)

[82] OT (1) BM (5) JE (4) JE: “to harden their hearts against the word that is preached”

[83] BM (1) JE (2) JE : « he nature of that religion which God requires of us, and must be found in us,”

[84] OT (1) BM (1) JE (60)

[85] “state be awful” BM (1)

[86] BM (1) DC (3) JE (15)

[87] NT (2) BM (3) JE (17) NT : « heart condemn us” JE: “our knowledge will only condemn us , and not save us”

[88] OT (1) NT (1) BM (3) JE (80)

[89]“found spotless” BM (4)

[90] BM ()12) DC (2) JE (29)

[91] BM (1) JE (90) JE: “Thus sometimes judging, intends only judging in our thoughts; at other times, testifying and declaring judgment. So such words as justify, condemn, accept, reject, prize, slight, approve, renounce, are sometimes put for mental acts, at other times for an outward treatment.”

[92] BM (4) JE (2) JE : « lead 'em at such a time seriously to reflect on their own awful state

[93] NT (2) BM (1) JE (90)

[94] BM (2) JE (9) JE (Brainerd) « look up to the "Father of mercies"”

[95] OT (1) NT (1) BM (1) PGP (1) JE (30)

[96] BM (2) JE (1)

[97] NT (1) BM (1) JE (7) Note: “feign” OT (2) NT (1) JE (80) JE : « I would fain be at this in my own case” “they would fain be saved”

[98] BM (1) JE (2) JE : « They will have no time to put on their garments. They therefore that ben't found with them on, must come forth naked.”

[99] OT (4) BM (5) JE (15) JE : « when we come to stand before him

[100] OT (1) NT (1) BM (5) DC (1) JE (100)

[101] BM (1) JE (2) JE: “he now appears in such glorious majesty and dominion in heaven”

[102] BM (1) JE (4)

[103] BM (2)

[104] OT (2) BM (1) JE (30)

[105] OT (6) NT (2) BM (4) JE (70)

[106] BM (1) JE (3)

[107] BM (2) JE (2)

[108] BM (2) JE (4) JE : « to be exceeding careful to bring forth fruit meet for repentance

[109] NT (4) BM (6) DC (2) JE (75)

[110] BM (8) JE (40) JE : “On those that had part in the first resurrection, or spiritual resurrection, the second death had no power, that is, the spiritual death “ “I think 'tis evident, the first resurrection is a spiritual resurrection, and the second death is a spiritual and eternal death

[111] BM (7) DC (1) JE (140)

[112] NT (4) BM (13) DC (11) PGP (1) JE (80)

[113] BM (5) JE (7)

[114] BM (1) JE (35) JE: “where the smoke of their torments is said to ascend ÎµÎ¹Î¶ τους αιωνας των αιωνων”

[115] NT (1) BM (10) DC (1) JE (17) NT : « cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” (Revelation 20:10)

[116]“for ever”  NT (2) JE (3) “forever” BM (5) JE (6)

[117] “then is the time that” BM (3)

[118] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “Fain would they be active as a flame of fire, but they find themselves, as it were, hampered or chained down

[119] “power of Satan” NT (1) BM (2) PGP (1) JE (45)

[120] BM (3) JE (3)

[121] OT (4) NT (2) BM (9) JE (35)

[122] OT (2) NT (1) BM (1) JE (8)

[123] BM (4)

[124] BM (1) DC (1)

[125] BM (1) JE (1)

[126] OT (37) NT (1) BM (28) JE (21)

[127] OT (2) BM (4) JE (3)

[128] BM (2)

[129] OT (8) NT (2) BM (3) JE (4)

[130] NT (3) BM (7) DC (1) JE (24)

[131] OT (1) BM (4) JE (40) JE: “Changed from an evil state to a Good one”

[132] BM (2) DC (1) JE (5) JE : « the things of this present mortal state, and all temporal enjoyments, must give place to a future immortal state

[133] “soul can never die” BM (1)

[134] NT (1) BM (2) JE (60) JE : « tis impossible, that the soul, wherein it is, should sink and perish: 'tis an immortal seed; 'tis eternal life begun; and therefore, they that have it, can never die

[135] BM (2) PGP (1) Note: 1830 BM used biblical “Cherubims.” BofM paraphrases “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life. (Genesis 3:24) BM and JE use “cherubims and the flaming sword” “flaming sword” OT (1) BM (3) PGP (1) JE (37)

[136] OT (1) BM (1) PGP (1) JE (3)

[137] BM (13) JE (160)

[138] BM (5) JE (20) JE : « the fruit of the tree of life was not yet produced, but that it was revealed to Adam that after a while, that tree should produce fruit, that whosoever eat of [it] should live forever, ”

[139] BM (4) PGP (1) JE (65) « live for ever” OT (12) NT (2) JE (13) NOTE: JE and BM use “forever” instead of biblical “for ever.”

[140] BM (1) JE (1) NOTE : JE in sermon.

[141] BM (6) DC (1) JE (100) JE : «  our first parents understood, when fallen, that the tempter, in persuading them to eat the forbidden fruit” “Our first parents, by eating the forbidden fruit , "broke all the ten commands at once”

[142] BM (5) JE (8)

[143] BM (24) JE (34) JE : « Thus we see how the light of the gospel which began to dawn immediately after the fall

[144] BM (1) PGP (1) JE (5) JE : « Man's misery by his fall

[145] OT (1) BM (20) DC (1) PGP (3) JE (570) JE : « It actually proved, that all mankind became sinful”

[146] NT (1) BM (1) JE (9)

[147] BM (2) JE (70)

[148] OT (1) BM (1) DC (1) JE (20)

[149] BM (3)

[150] BM (1) JE (1) JE : « one that wickedly makes God a liar

[151] OT (10) BM (1) PGP (3) JE (50)

[152] BM (1) JE (4) JE: “If you die and death comes upon you and finds you unprepared”

[153] BM (1) JE (6) JE: “to suppose that the death which he here speaks of as coming on mankind by Adam's sin”

[154] BM (2) “space granted, time granted”

[155] BM (1) JE (2)

[156] BM (3) JE (6)

[157] BM (2) JE (8) JE : “all that God did from the first fall of man to that time to prepare the way for it”

[158] BM (3) JE (1)

[159] BM (2) JE (10)

[160] BM (1) JE (2)

[161] OT (2) BM (3) DC (1) JE (65)

[162] BM (17) JE used the term “work of redemption” instead. JE (Brainerd) « I saw more of God in the wisdom discovered in the plan of man's redemption.”

[163] NT (10) BM (22) DC (10) PGP (3) JE (130)

[164] BM (2) JE (1)

[165] BM (15) DC (2) JE (120)

[166] NT (5) BM (10) DC (2) JE (45)

[167] «first parents » BM (13) JE (160) « our first parents” BM (11) JE (135)

[168] BM (1) JE (3)

[169] BM (5) JE (2)

[170] OT (3) NT (3) BM (15) PGP (4) JE (190) JE : “Let us therefore, who are all partakers of that misery of the fall, embrace the glad tidings. As you have heard, the offer is free: nothing required now but going and taking of the fruit of the tree of life ”

[171] BM (18) DC (2) PGP (2) JE (900)

[172] BM (1) JE (2) JE : « it will be forever miserable . God is the fountain of happiness, and to be separated from him is the greatest misery.“

[173] BM (3) JE (10) JE : « Before things were in a kind of preparatory state , but now they are in a finishing state.”

[174] BM (3) DC (2) JE (90)

[175] BM (3) “void” OT (20) NT (4) BM (3) DC (2) PGP (2) JE (230)

[176] « taking none effect » BM (1)

[177] OT (2) NT (6) BM (1) DC (1) JE (12)

[178] NT (1) BM (1) JE (30)

[179] NT (1) BM (2) JE (6) NT: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27)

[180] “They must die” BM (1) JE (30); “must die” OT (4) BM (2) JE (130) JE: “When the appointed time for men to die comes, they must die

[181] BM (1) JE (110) JE: “as it is appointed to men once to die in consequence of their sin, and after death is but one judgment

[182] BM (1) JE (9) JE: “we commonly say Christ will come to judgment at the end of the world”

[183] NT (1) BM (2) JE (2)

[184] BM (1) JE (35) JE: “seemed to be sure of their purpose, of which we have spoken already.’

[185] BM (2) JE (15) JE: “the passing a right judgment of these things within himself, which is the end of human trials” [suggesting that “end” means purpose or objective.”

[186] BM (1) JE (20)

[187] BM (2)

[188] “come unto man” BM (2)

[189] NT (1) BM (11) DC (2) JE (1)

[190] NT (2) BM (1) JE (1)

[191] NT (1) BM (11) DC (1) JE (10)

[192] OT (4) NT (2) BM (7) DC (49) PGP (2) JE (25)

[193] BM (2)

[194] BM (1) JE (18)

[195] OT (1) BM (1)

[196] OT (2) NT (1) BM (10) DC (2) PGP (4) JE (4)

[197] BM (4) JE (2) JE: “Praise the Lord, call on his name

[198] BM (11) DC (5) JE (1)

[199] BM (3)

[200] OT (1) NT (1) BM (1) JE (8)

[201] “according to their faith” BM (12) DC (3)

[202] BM (5) DC (1) JE (80)

[203] BM (1) JE (5)

[204] BM (1) DC (1)

[205] BM (1) JE (2)

[206] NT (1) BM (22) DC (18) PGP (2) JE (1600)

[207] BM (2)

[208] BM (2)

[209] BM (1) JE (2) JE: “the End of our being Placed in this state is that we might here be in a state of Probation

[210] BM (3) JE (1)

[211] OT (1) BM (1)

[212] NT (1) BM (1)

[213] NT (1) BM (1) JE (3)

[214] BM (1) JE (2)

[215] BM (1) DC (2) JE (70)

[216] BM (3) JE (2)

[217] BM (9) JE (4)

[218] “pertaining unto” OT (1) BM (4) DC (1) “pertaining to” OT (1) NT (6) BM (11) DC (24) PGP (4) JE (170)

[219] OT (4) NT (1) BM (1) JE (300)

[220] OT (3) NT (1) BM (10) DC (3) JE (40)

[221] BM (2) JE (2)

[222] BM (2)

[223] “supreme goodness” BM (1) “supreme” NT (1) BM (3) DC (1) JE (800)

[224] OT (1) NT (1) BM (13) JE (140)

[225] BM (2) DC (1) JE (120)

[226] NT (1) BM (2) DC (1) JE (5)

[227] NT (3) BM (5) DC (1) JE (7)

[228] OT (2) BM (2) JE (2) OT: “with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee” (Isaiah 54:8)

[229] “through mine Only Begotten Son” BM (2)

[230] NT (5) BM (5) DC (10) PGP (3) JE (120)

[231] BM (4) DC (1)

[232] BM (1) DC (1) “remission of sins” NT (7) BM (7) DC (11) PGP (3) JE (120)

[233] OT (1) NT (3) BM (2) DC (1) JE (8)

[234] OT (1) BM (3) JE (2)

[235] OT (2) NT (1) BM (8) DC (1) JE (3)

[236] BM (1) JE (2) JE: “Unto whom I swear in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest." paraphrasing Psalm 95 :11 “Unto whom I sware in my wrath that they should not enter into my rest. (Psalms 95:11)

[237] OT (1) BM (3) JE (7)

[238] “the rest of the Lord” BM (6)

[239] OT (1) BM (5) DC (1) JE (8)

[240] OT (1) BM (1) JE (1)

[241] BM (3) JE (2)

[242] “first provocation” BM (1)

[243] OT (6) NT (2) BM (3) JE (80)

[244] BM (16) JE (2) JE: “and have done the will of God, and according to his Word , in setting forward such an affair at this day”

[245] “last provocation” BM (1)

[246] “destruction of your souls” BM (1)

[247] BM (1) DC (1)

[248] BM (1) JE (4)

[249] BM (10) DC (8) PGP (1) JE (30)

[250] NT (2) BM (1) JE (1)

[251] OT (89) NT (3) BM (8) DC (1) JE (80)

[252] OT (2) NT (1) BM (5) JE (30)

[253] BM (1) JE (1) JE: “if we go on in sin, he will destroy us, and cast us out of his sight, and pour his wrath upon us

[254] BM (1) JE: “that which he has given to us on purpose…”


Sunday, January 19, 2025

scriptures to be unfolded

 the church is not as yet arrived to that perfection in understanding the Scriptures, as we can imagine is the highest that God ever intended the church should come to. There are a multitude of things in the Old Testament which the church then did not understand, but were reserved to be unfolded to the Christian church, such as the most of their types and shadows and prophecies, which make up the greatest part of the Old Testament; so I believe there are many now thus veiled, that remain to [be] discovered by the church in the coming glorious times. 

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Background: American Universities and Edwards

 

Christianity and the American University

https://www.standingforfreedom.com/2023/10/christianity-and-the-american-university/?twclid=26zan8hmhboh4o3k32qdjdnpze 


One hundred years ago, American universities still formally affirmed their Christian character and Christian values had a natural and expected place in American higher education. What happened?


American higher education rests upon the foundation of biblical Christianity. From their beginnings, American colleges emphasized scriptural literacy, Christian moral principles, salvation through Jesus Christ, and a biblical worldview. While these initial commitments may have shifted over time, the foundations are rock-solid.

Puritans established Harvard College in 1636, shortly after arriving in Massachusetts Bay. Harvard’s mission statement, given in 1642, was clearly evangelical: “Everyone shall consider as the main end of his life and studies, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life. John 17:3.” The Harvard motto, from 1650, emphasized its core Christian commitment: “In Christi Gloriam” (“For the glory of Christ).” Over long decades, conservative Puritan ministers served as Harvard’s presidents.

Almost all Ivy League institutions had similar beginnings. They were established by conservative Connecticut Congregationalists (Yale), pro-Awakening New Jersey Presbyterians (Princeton), devout Rhode Island Baptists (Brown), and mission-minded New Hampshire evangelicals (Dartmouth). These schools shared common commitments to the authority of the Word of God, the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and the need for a Christian influence in society.

These early schools promoted a broad sense of calling and service. Many were designed to train faithful clergy. Massachusetts Puritans established Harvard, for instance, “dreading to leave an illiterate ministry to the churches, when our present ministers shall lie in the dust.” But Christian colleges also prepared students for careers in business, law, medicine, and education.

American colleges also encouraged independence and patriotism. During the American Revolution, British leaders complained that colleges were “seedbeds of sedition.” Longtime Princeton president John Witherspoon was a member of Congress, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and an advocate for American freedom. He was also a dedicated churchman and evangelist. His 1776 “Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men,” the most famous sermon of the Revolutionary generation, included a passionate call for salvation before weighing any political considerations.

Early colleges were anchored in the American evangelical tradition. Great American evangelist and theologian Jonathan Edwards enthusiastically supported the pro-revival College of New Jersey (Princeton) and, at the end of his life, served as its president. Edwards’ grandson Timothy Dwight served as president of Yale College and, in 1802, was the catalyst for a remarkable campus awakening. The Yale Revival was a key component of the Second Great Awakening that transformed American society in the early 19th century. New Christian colleges popped up across the American frontier, founded by denominations born or invigorated by the Awakening.

Even public institutions had a vigorous Christian influence. The Rev. William McGuffey served as professor of moral philosophy at the University of Virginia. Best known for his “McGuffey’s Readers,” used to educate untold millions of American schoolchildren, he also taught essential elements of Christian morality and doctrine to students at Mr. Jefferson’s college.

Americans held a common conviction that true education rested, somehow, upon a biblical foundation and Christian principles. The great American universities, which grew to prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, shared traditional mainline Protestant standards. James Duke’s great endowment of 1924 included a clear mission statement: “The aims of Duke University are to assert a faith in the eternal union of knowledge and religion set forth in the teachings and character of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.”

One hundred years ago, American universities still formally affirmed their Christian character.

Then things changed. Prior to the 20th century, Christian values had a natural and expected place in American higher education. Over the next century, colleges and universities abandoned or muted the spiritual and religious messages of their founders. Increasingly committed to liberalism, secularism, humanism, and statism, cultural elites grew hostile to biblical Christianity. Some modernists now argue that faith-based institutions are antithetical to the spirit of American education.

In the midst of this cultural deterioration, Liberty University is refreshingly unique. Its Christian mission is clear. Its fundamental standards are unaltered. Its purpose — to Train Champions for Christ — remains constant. The doctrinal fidelity and Christian focus that make Liberty exceptional today was once commonplace in early American colleges. Liberty University resolutely stands on the biblical principles and Christian commitments that made our nation great.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Rational gospel knowledge

 

The more you have of a rational knowledge of the things of the gospel, the more opportunity will there be, when the Spirit shall be breathed into your heart, to see the excellency of these things, and to taste the sweetness of them. 

The heathens, who have no rational knowledge of the things of the gospel, have no opportunity to see the excellency of them; and therefore the more rational knowledge of these things you have, the more opportunity and advantage you have to see the divine excellency and glory of them.

Again, the more knowledge you have of divine things, the better will you know your duty; your knowledge will be of great use to direct you as to your duty in particular cases. 

You will also be the better furnished against the temptations of the devil. For the devil often takes the advantage of persons' ignorance to ply them with temptations, which otherwise would have no hold of them.

By having much knowledge, you will be under greater advantages to conduct yourselves with prudence and discretion in your Christian course, and so to live much more to the honor of God and religion. 

Many who mean well, and are full of a good spirit, yet, for want of prudence, conduct themselves so as to wound religion. 

Many have a zeal of God, which does more hurt than good, because it is “not according to knowledge” (Romans 10:2). 

The reason why many good men behave no better in many instances, is not so much that they want grace, as that they want knowledge.

Beside, an increase of knowledge would be a great help to profitable conversation. It would supply you with matter for conversation when you come together, or when you visit your neighbors: and so you would have less temptation to spend the time in such conversation as tends to your own and others' hurt.


Sunday, January 5, 2025

Mist of darkness

A letter from Jonathan Edwards.


StockbridgeOctober 30, 1755Madam,

I have very lately seen a gentleman, who has, not long since, been in London and Norwich in England, and conversed with many persons of note in each place, and with those of your particular acquaintance in the latter. 

And from the informations he has given me, concerning what he heard in both those places, especially in Norwich, I have reason to think that you have wrote and sent thither, that which has been much to the disadvantage of my reputation: which is the occasion of my writing this letter to you, the design of which is not to demand satisfaction, or to testify my resentment; but in calmness and charity to say something for myself, and in meekness to plead my cause, with one whom (however she has thought and spoke ill of me, and I have suffered much by her means, without cause) I can embrace in my charity, as a true follower of the Blessed Lamb of God. 

I am so sensible of the exceeding infirmity, we are the subjects of in the present state, that what I have heard lately and formerly of what you have expressed with warmth of spirit, to the disadvantage of my character (as I think unjustly) don't make it difficult with me to make large allowance, for what I know of the circumstances you have been in, since you came into this part of the world, greatly tending to prejudice you; 

and to introduce, and fix in your mind the most disadvantageous ideas of my temper and conduct, in many respects. 

I suppose I am well sensible, what has been abundantly said of me, by some persons, concerning my natural temper; and the light in which my behavior, in many instances of it, has been continually represented. Nor am I insensible, what parts of my conduct, both before and since I have been at Stockbridge, but especially since, have been looked upon as chiefly obnoxious to censure, by those whose representations you have been most in the way of.

'Tis no part of my present aim, to detract in the least from the character of those persons, or to endeavor to restore and support my own character on the spoils of theirs; but only to entreat you, Madam, sedately to consider, what may come to pass, through the general great infirmity of mankind, in this present state of imperfection, darkness and confusion; 

what diverse, and even opposite opinions of persons and things, men, even of good character, often receive, and strongly and zealously maintain. 

And especially, how often this happens in their opinions of persons that have acted in a public capacity, and very important station; 

and in the passages and incidents of whose lives, have occurred things that have been extraordinary, and beside the common course of events, and which have made much noise in the world, unusually attracting the observation, and engaging the attention and conversation of a country, and that in this case, it will be hard to form a right judgment: 

especially if such a person's conduct is so much, and so long the subject of talk, that in the issue, there is a division into different parties, of opposite opinions concerning the matter, and the affair is clouded with the dust of controversy, managed with zeal and earnestness; 

as often is the case. 

And that also sometimes things fall out exceeding unhappily between persons and families, in the general of good character, so that misunderstandings arise, prejudices are strangely imbibed, and strongly fixed. 

And though there be no real, or at least no great foundation, still the prejudice subsists; and by some means or other, a kind of mist of darkness is maintained, causing things to be viewed on each side in very false colors: in which, probably, the grand enemy of the peace and welfare of mankind has a great hand.

It is not hard to conceive that in such case, it may be next to impossible for a stranger, that comes from a far country, and falls wholly among one of these opposing parties, or misunderstanding families and at the very juncture when the controversy is at the greatest height; 

to view things in a true and clear light, or to avoid being greatly blinded, and strongly prejudiced, in the first forming and fixing a judgment of the affair; 

especially if it be fixed soon, without time for much circumspection, or any long deliberation. 

A person, Madam, of your discerning, and who has had your opportunities, must needs have observed much of this kind in the world. 

Therefore I would entreat you to consider whether this may not possibly be your case with respect to me. 

So it has pleased God to order in his providence, that my life has been attended with a succession of such incidents of various kinds, as have, for more than twenty years past, been the subjects of much noise in the country; 

about which others have been divided in their sentiments, and men's spirits have been engaged, with no small warmth, especially in some families. 

And I would pray you, Madam, to consider that you are a stranger in the country; and therefore cannot judge of such affairs, as if you had always lived in the country, and had, from the beginning, been acquainted with its affairs; the rise of different parties, the tempers, views, interests and manners of different combinations and families; the first original of misunderstandings, which are subsisting between persons of various sorts and sets; and that your lot, from your first arrival hither, or rather before your arrival, was cast among (or rather in union with) those who have been on one side, with regard to my affairs; and that you never have properly had any opportunity to hear what I have to say for myself, or to know how things would appear to you, if I were to have opportunity of free and full conversation with you.

If this had been, and I had been heard with candor, and you had a view of the story of my life, from the beginning, with all the circumstances of those passages of it, about which so much has been said, and with relation to which I have been so much blamed by some; 

you might probably have had quite other thoughts; 

and many things which now appear very dark and mysterious, might have been explained, and have appeared very intelligible to you; 

and you might be convinced that you have truly misapprehended facts, and misconceived of the principles and spirit from which I have acted, in many instances. 

Not that I am so vain as to pretend that my conduct has been so pure, that I have had no cause of self-reflection and humiliation before God. 

But this he knows, who searches my heart; that I have long made it my great care to approve myself to him, and to act in such a manner, and from such principles, as have been prescribed in the excellent rules which have been given, and the amiable and perfect example which has been set by him who is the Lamb of God, and light of the world. 

And this I know, that if, in the important business I am employed in, I have acted, as some suppose, from private resentment, from implacableness of spirit, or stiffness and willfulness of temper, or an assuming disposition, and fondness of rule and authority, or any principle of a like kind; 

I must have acted very contrary to the spirit and nature of the Christian religion, and extremely unbecoming the character of a minister of Jesus Christ; and never can expect to be justified before my great Master and judge.

But I forbear; perhaps any expressions which may seem to denote a confidence of my own integrity, may be thought to arise from ignorance of my own heart. 

And I confess that experience teaches me, the need of constantly maintaining of a watchful and jealous eye over my own heart, with humble prayer to God for light to enable me to judge truly of myself. 

But this I will venture to affirm with confidence, that if I have acted from such unchristian principles, and without an hatred of all remains of 'em in myself and habitual, earnest hungerings and thirstings after that righteousness, and true Christian piety and virtue, which consists in the contrary amiable dispositions of heart; 

attended with earnest cries to God, with many tears, as the infinite fountain and sovereign bestower of such precious endowments; 

it must be because I have been extremely and totally blinded concerning myself. 

My desire is, and has long been, that God would search me and prove my heart, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. 

I desire to speak and act at all times, as having in view the account which I have shortly to give to that omniscient and righteous judge, who is not liable to be blinded by vain pretenses and professions, nor mislead by prejudices and misinformations.

I doubt not, Madam, but that you thought you had sufficient grounds for the judgment you have formed of my temper and conduct, and the report you have made of them. 

But I would entreat that there may yet be room for reflection and consideration, whether it is not possible that you may have apprehended things much worse than they are. If you should still think it your duty to persist in the same representations, which you have heretofore made to my disadvantage; and it should happen hereafter by divine providence that you should, by some means, come to be convinced, that you had wounded and greatly wronged an innocent person, and a minister of Jesus Christ; 

who, notwithstanding all that had been judged and said by others concerning him, had indeed been acting in the fear of God, with tenderness of conscience, endeavoring in all things to acquit himself to the divine acceptance; 

and was influenced by quite other principles than you imagined; 

would not this deeply affect a mind endowed with a truly Christian humility, candor and benevolence of heart, such as I charitably believe you are possessed of? 

However, if you never should have this conviction in this world of darkness, as possibly you may not I hope I shall always feel the same readiness to forgive you, which hitherto I have found; 

though I know myself to be much injured, and may perhaps greatly suffer through your report to my disadvantage. 

I shall comfort myself with hopes of the time when all God's people shall meet together in an unembarrassed, unalloyed charity, in a world of such clear and perfect light as shall abolish all misunderstandings, and even the strongest prejudices and dissipate the thickest clouds, through which many of them now view one another [under a] very false and disadvantageous light.

I know not, Madam, what construction you may put upon my writing as I now do. I know, when once persons have imbibed a deep prejudice against others, it has a tendency to cause them to look on everything they say or do in quite another light, than otherwise they would do. 

But I ask your candor; and I ask your prayers, that God would take away what he sees amiss in my heart. If I am so ill a person as you have conceived, I need your prayers the more.

I condole with you the loss you have sustained in the death of Col. [Elisha] Williams, your honorable consort; for whose sake you left your dear native land and crossed a vast ocean, to dwell in a strange land; and who doubtless, was under God, the greatest support and comfort of your life. 

That God would now appear as your mighty support and comforter, in your bereaved, desolate circumstances and sanctify the late death of this your nearest relation, and other relations, to you and me, is the sincere prayer of, Madam,

Your most respectful and humble servant,Jonathan Edwards.

http://edwards.yale.edu/archive?path=aHR0cDovL2Vkd2FyZHMueWFsZS5lZHUvY2dpLWJpbi9uZXdwaGlsby9nZXRvYmplY3QucGw/Yy4xNTo0OC53amVvLjE4NTA3NDguMTg1MDc1My4xODUwNzU2


Thursday, January 2, 2025

Restoration of the Church in the latter days.

 

Most of the remarkable deliverances and restorations of the church of God, that we have account of in the Scripture, were in answer to prayer. 

So was the redemption of the church of God from the Egyptian bondage (Exodus 2:23 and Exodus 3:7). The great restoration of the church in the latter day, is often spoken of as resembled by this; as in Isaiah 64:1–4Isaiah 11:11Isaiah 11:15–16Isaiah 43:2–3Isaiah 43:16–19Isaiah 51:10–11Isaiah 51:15Isaiah 63:11–13Zechariah 10:10–11Hosea 2:14–15

It was in answer to prayer, that the sun stood still over Gibeon, and the moon in the valley of Aijalon [Joshua 10:12], and God's people obtained that great victory over their enemies: in which wonderful miracle, God seemed to have some respect to a future more glorious event to be accomplished for the Christian church, in the day of her victory over her enemies, in the latter days; even that event foretold Isaiah 60:20. "Thy sun shall no more go down, neither shall thy moon withdraw itself." 

It was in answer to prayer, that God delivered his church from the mighty host of the Assyrians, in Hezekiah's time; which dispensation is abundantly made use of, as a type of the great things God will do for the Christian church in the latter days, in the prophecies of Isaiah. 

The restoration of the church of God from the Babylonish captivity, as abundantly appears both by scripture prophecies and histories, was in answer to extraordinary prayer; see Jeremiah 29:10–14, and Jeremiah 50:4–5Daniel 9 throughout; Ezra 8:21 ff.; Nehemiah 1:4–11Nehemiah 4:4–5, and Nehemiah 9 throughout. 

This restoration of the Jewish church, after the destruction of Babylon, is evidently a type of the glorious restoration of the Christian church, after the destruction of the kingdom of Antichrist; which (as all know) is abundantly spoken of in the Revelation of St. John, as the antitype of Babylon. Samson, out of weakness, received strength to pull down Dagon's temple, through prayer [Judges 16:28–30]. 

So the people of God, in the latter days, will out of weakness be made strong, and will become the instruments of pulling down the kingdom of Satan, by prayer.

...

As 'tis the glory of the church of Christ, that she, in all her members, however dispersed, is thus one, one holy society, one city, one family, one body; so it is very desirable, that this union should be manifested, and become visible; and so, that her distant members should act as one, in those things that concern the common interest of the whole body, and in those duties and exercises wherein they have to do with their common Lord and Head, as seeking of him the common prosperity. 

It becomes all the members of a particular family, who are so strictly united, and have in so many respects one common interest, to unite in prayer to God for the things they need: it becomes a nation, in days of prayer, appointed by national authority, at certain seasons, visibly to unite in Prayer for those public mercies that concern the interest of the whole nation: so it becomes the church of Christ, which is one holy nation, a Peculiar people, one heavenly family, more strictly united, in many respects, and having infinitely greater interests that are common to the

-- 366 --

whole, than any other society; I say, it especially becomes this society, visibly to unite, and expressly to agree together in prayer to God for the common prosperity; and above all, that common prosperity and advancement that is so unspeakably great and glorious, which God hath so abundantly promised to fulfill in the latter days.

It is becoming of Christians, with whose character a narrow selfish spirit, above all others, disagrees, to be much in prayer for that public mercy, wherein consists the welfare and happiness of the whole body of Christ, of which they are members, and the greatest good of mankind. And union or agreement in prayer is especially becoming, when Christians pray for that mercy, which above all other things concerns them unitedly, and tends to the relief, prosperity and glory of the whole body, as well as of each individual member.

.....

If these things that have been spoken of, are intended in the prophecy of the sixth vial, it affords, as I conceive, great reason to hope that the beginning of that glorious work of God's Spirit, which in the progress and issue of it, will overthrow Antichrist, and introduce the glory of the latter days, is not very far off.


http://edwards.yale.edu/archive?path=aHR0cDovL2Vkd2FyZHMueWFsZS5lZHUvY2dpLWJpbi9uZXdwaGlsby9nZXRvYmplY3QucGw/Yy40OjUud2plby4xMTIyMDUz