Jonathan Edwards with His Children

S. E. DWIGHT

Jonathan Edwards (1703–1758), a minister in colonial Massachusetts, was known for his powerful sermons and tireless evangelism. Edwards was one of the most influential and original theologians of the day, and his razor-sharp mind was equaled by his superhuman work ethic. Edwards commonly spent thirteen hours a day in his study, often starting work at 4:30 in the morning, but as S.E. Dwight made clear in his account, he always prioritized his relationship with his family. When we think of Jonathan Edwards we tend to think of his famous sermon “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God,” but when he dealt with his children, Edwards was attentive and loving.

In his family, he practiced that conscientious exactness which was conspicuous, in all his ways. He maintained a great esteem and regard for his amiable and excellent consort. Much of the tender and kind was expressed in his conversation with her, and conduct towards her. He was wont frequently to admit her into his study, and converse freely with her on matters of religion; and he used commonly to pray with her in his study, at least once a day, unless something extraordinary prevented.

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The time for this, commonly, was just before going to bed, after prayer in the family. As he rose very early himself, he was wont to have his family up betimes in the morning; after which, before they entered on the business of the day, he attended on family prayer: when a chapter in the Bible was read, commonly by candle-light in the winter; upon which he asked his children questions according to their age and capacity; and took occasion to explain some passages in it, or enforce any duty recommended, as he thought most proper.

He was careful and thorough in the government of his children; and, as a consequence of this, they reverenced, esteemed, and loved him. He took special care to begin his government of them in good time. When they first discovered any considerable degree of self-will and stubbornness, he would attend to them till he had thoroughly subdued them and brought them to submit. Such prudent discipline, exercised with the greatest calmness, being repeated once or twice, was generally sufficient for that child; and effectually established his parental authority, and produced a cheerful obedience ever after.

He kept a watchful eye over his children, that he might admonish them of the first wrong step, and direct them in the right way. He took opportunities to converse with them in his study, singly and closely, about their souls’ concerns; and to give them warning, exhortation, and direction, as he saw need . . .

He was a great enemy to young people’s unseasonable associating together for vain amusements, which he regarded as a dangerous step towards corrupting and bringing them to ruin. And he thought the excuse many parents make for tolerating their children in it, (viz. that it is the custom, and the children of others practice it, which renders it difficult, and even impossible to impose restraint,) was insufficient and frivolous; and manifested a great degree of stupidity, on supposition that the practice was hurtful and pernicious to their souls. And when his children grew up, he found no difficulty in restraining them from this mischievous custom; but they cheerfully complied with the will of their parents. He allowed none of his children to be from home after nine o’clock at night, when they went abroad to see their friends and companions; neither were they permitted to sit up much after that time, in his own house, when any came to make them a visit. If any gentleman desired acquaintance with his daughters, after handsomely introducing himself, by properly consulting the parents, he was allowed all proper opportunity for it; but was not to intrude on the proper hours of rest and sleep, nor the religion and order of the family.