The Surprising Work of God

by Jonathan Edwards
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Part One - Part Two - All Jonathan Edwards Sermons (Mega Deep Voice)
My Summary:
Jonathan Edwards some years after the Great Awakening took to the pen to defend and record the conversions that happened during the Revival. He gives many accounts of how conversion started with the fear of God and conviction of Sin to the moment when Jesus set them apart with bands of loving kindness.

Unlike today's church which is quick to simply count decisions these conversions came under Calvinistic preaching and Jonathan Edwards also records the lasting fruit of the Holy Spirit in these new converts.

Things that stood out:
1. Young Men and Women Seeking the Truth
This revival was mainly about the young men and women of the town. In the eve of the revival the youth were all talking about Arminianism. (It's up to man to choose)

"... But it seemed, contrary to their fear, that Arminianism was strongly overruled ... Many who considered themselves to be in a Christ-less condition seemed to be awakened by the controversy"

It is tremendous when young men and women are concerned about making their calling and election sure and being conformed to the likeness of Christ.

2. Very aware of Sin in their lives
The first chapter shows just how concerned Northampton was with Sin. In all accounts the sinner wanted to hear from Jesus if they were saved not their own declaration of themselves or the declaration of someone else, only Jesus.

3. Salvation
There were as many different accounts of salvation as there were conversions. One thing they all had in common was Jesus making himself known to the sinner as part of their salvation and the peace and glory when this happens.

4. The Holy Spirit withdrawing
You can tell that even though amazing events were being recorded of the works of the Holy Spirit Jonathan Edwards was always conservative and not over exaggerating. Conversions gradually became less and Northampton and the surrounding districts almost consumed by the Holy Spirit gradually had problems creeping in when the Holy Spirit withdrew. Such as suicides and false teachers emerging.

Conclusion
A great read considering that the book is incredibly cheap ($5) Great for those who want to know what true salvation is and the work of the Holy Spirit in conversion.