Jonathan Edwards

Date of Birth: October 5, 1703

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: March 22, 1758

Biography

Jonathan Edwards was born on October 5, 1703, in East Windsor, Connecticut, and is widely regarded as one of America’s most important and original philosophical theologians. A preacher, theologian, and missionary to Native Americans, Edwards played a critical role in shaping the First Great Awakening and is known for his fire-and-brimstone style of preaching. Edwards was the fifth of eleven children and his father, Timothy Edwards, was a minister. His mother, Esther Stoddard, was the daughter of the influential Rev. Solomon Stoddard. Jonathan showed early academic promise and entered Yale College at the age of 13. He graduated in 1720 and continued his studies in theology, earning a master’s degree. In 1727, Jonathan Edwards was ordained and began his ministerial career in Northampton, Massachusetts, where he succeeded his grandfather, Solomon Stoddard. His most famous sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” was delivered in 1741 and is a classic example of the fire-and-brimstone style of preaching that characterized the Great Awakening. Edwards married Sarah Pierpont in 1727, and they had 11 children. He was known for his devout spirituality and rigorous intellectualism, writing many theological works including “A Treatise Concerning Religious Affections” and “The Freedom of the Will.” In 1758, Edwards became the president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University), but his tenure was short-lived as he died later that year from a smallpox inoculation.

5 Interesting Facts about Jonathan Edwards

1. Jonathan Edwards is considered one of the most significant theologians in American history.

2. He was a key figure in the First Great Awakening, a series of religious revivals in the American colonies.

3. Edwards’ sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” is one of the most famous sermons in American history.

4. He wrote extensive theological works, influencing not only religious thought but also the development of American philosophy.

5. Edwards served as the president of the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) for a brief period before his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jonathan Edwards

1. “God glorifies Himself towards the creatures in two ways: 1. By appearing to…their understanding. 2. In communicating Himself to their hearts, and in their rejoicing and delighting in, and enjoying the manifestations which He makes of Himself.”

2. “The way to heaven is ascending; we must be content to travel uphill, though it be hard and tiresome, and contrary to the natural bias of our flesh.”

3. “Resolution One: I will live for God. Resolution Two: If no one else does, I still will.”

4. “The seeking of the kingdom of God is the chief business of the Christian life.”

5. “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Jonathan Edwards was primarily a clergyman and academic, and there are no records of significant personal wealth. His contributions were more intellectual and spiritual rather than financial.

Children

Jonathan Edwards and his wife Sarah Pierpont had 11 children together. Their notable children include Esther Edwards Burr, who was the mother of future U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, and Jonathan Edwards Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a prominent theologian.