by Adriaan Neele & Brandon Crawford

In 1736 Edwards preached on Ps. 65:2, “Tis the character of the Most High God, that he is a God that answers prayer,” on the “occasion of [scarlet fever] epidemical sickness at the eastward” [of Boston]. He reminded his auditors that “The Most High is a God that hears prayers”; therefore “let us pray for others, as well for ourselves,” he said, and “especially…for the outpouring of his Spirit both on ourselves and others.” The sermon was published as “The Most High a Prayer-hearing God,” in Practical Sermons never published before (Edinburgh, 1788), and as De allerhoogste God is een hoorder der gebeden (Utrecht, 1793) in the Dutch Republic during the smallpox epidemy in the Dutch Republic. [1]

Then, during the winter of 1739/40, Edwards was planning a visit to Hadley, Massachusetts, to observe a time of fasting and prayer with his ministry colleague Isaac Chauncy. Chauncy and his church were seeking direction in the selection of a younger minister to come alongside him.  However, when Edwards learned of a measles outbreak in Hadley, he decided to cancel his trip. The following is Edwards’ letter informing Chauncy of his change of plans. Edwards’s thoughts on the nature of infectious disease, on the impact of underlying health conditions in one’s ability to fight infection, and on the usefulness of social distancing to mitigate a viral outbreak, seem particularly relevant given the times in which we live.

Rev. and Honored Sir,

I fully intended to come to Hadley the next Wednesday, and to have assisted in keeping the fast, as I have been desired, provided it had been safe passing the river. But I have since heard that the measles is in the town, which is a distemper that I am unwilling to expose myself to, both as I am loath to have it myself, so infirm as I am, if I can avoid it, and also as I would be unwilling to bring it into my numerous family, especially under my wife’s present circumstances.[2] And having heard that it is a distemper that is often given in persons’ breath, to great numbers at meeting, before the persons that give it are taken ill themselves, I think myself in prudence and duty, not called to expose myself.

Wishing you God’s smiles and blessing in that important affair that your people now are seeking direction about; and that they may be so directed in their choice as may be much for your comfort, I remain, honored Sir,

Your son and servant,

Jonathan Edwards.

[1] Jonathan Edwards, De allerhoogste God is een hoorder der gebeden. Of eene leerreeden over Psalm LXV:3. Uitgesprooken op eenen vast- en bede-dag (Utrecht; Wed. A. Stubbe, 1793); Utrechtsche Courant Feb. 25, March 13, April 1, 1793. Cf. Nederlandsch tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Amsterdam: H.A. Frijlink, 1867), I:273.

[2] Sarah Edwards was pregnant with Susannah at the time.