1794 JONATHAN EDWARDS. A Treatise on Religion Affections - Psychology of Revival and Religion

A wonderfully bound early example of one of the Edwards' most durable works; his psychology of conversion. 

In the aftermath of the Great Awakening, as converts began to peel off and return to their former ways, Edwards began to explore what it meant to be "converted" in terms of one's personhood, motivations, i.e. the "affections." In England and America, Whitefield was preaching his New Birth sermon; Doddridge published Rise and Progress of Religion in the Soul; and Wesley took up a similar strain. All of these were aimed at urging hearers to encounter something that was supernaturally transformation.

Edwards, in his own unique way wanted to explore the psychological, personed impact of that change. How might one know, what was the nature of, etc., this "New Birth." He speaks in the language of desire, renewed desires, or a right ontology for desire. It's a beautiful, hearth-searching work of enduring value. 

Edwards, Jonathan. A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections in Three Parts. Part First. Cocnerning the Nature of the Affections; and their Importance in Religion. Part Second. Shewing what are no Certain Signs that Religious Affections are Gracious, or that they are not. Part Third. Shewing what are Distinguishing Signs of Truly Gracious and Holy Affections. Boston. Printed for B. Larkin, J. White, Thomas and Andrews, etc., 1794. 406pp.

Superbly executed period style speckled calf with plain strip tooling and morocco label. Excellent binding. Title is toned at head and base, text moderately toned with occasional foxing and small stain to foredge of text block. A wonderful copy and in a state ready for many years of continued use.