Jonathan Edwards was one of the greatest scholars the 17th century has ever produced – a God-fearing man, former president of Princeton University and pastor. He and her wife Sarah had 11 children. They were considered a model family.
Studies about their family show that over 1400 of their descendants followed Edwards’ legacy. They contributed much to the society.
Not many people know, however, the story of Jonathan Edwards’ grandmother who got pregnant by another man, shortly after she got married. For the rest of her life, she lived a life of sexual immorality.
In addition, her life was characterized by a lot of rage and violence. She murdered her own child. Her own brother, in a fit of rage, killed their other sister using an ax.
Jonathan Edwards was well acquinted with the realities of sin. After giving his life to Jesus, he made a decision to take his family a different direction.
Two things he did as his kids were growing up:
1. Purposeful interaction.
Every single day, he would spend at least an hour with one of his 11 children. He was actively involved in their lives.
2. Intentional discipline.
Understanding that “folly is bound up in the heart of the child” which is why disciple and correction was part of their home. (Prov. 22:15)
But rules without relationship leads to rebellion.
Which is why much time was invested in the Edwards’ home mentoring and discipling their children.
As a result, generations of God-fearing men and women came from the Edwards’ lineage.
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