A discussion and analysis of some of the most important figures in the nineteenth century connection between the State of Maine and the Kingdom of Hawai'i concerning the annexation of Islands of Hawai'i by the United States on August 12, 1898.

Edwards and the Edwardseans gathers into a single volume eight of the author’s previously published articles and chapters. Suitable as either a basic or supplementary text for interested lay people and graduate students, this book serves as an introduction to the central spiritual and theological interests of Jonathan Edwards and to the long shadow those interests cast on his eponymous followers. The first four chapters (Part One) focus on Jonathan Edwards—his formative role in the Great Awakening, his biblical understanding of conversion, his perspective on petitionary prayer, and his influence on missionary endeavors. The following four chapters (Part Two) trace a well-defined theological movement from Edwards to his second- and especially third-generation followers. The impact of this movement resulted in the creation of a distinct theological culture that, over two generations, was institutionalized in informal seminaries or “schools of the prophets” in colleges attended by New Divinity students and staffed by New Divinity presidents and in missionary outreach both at home and abroad. Taken together, these chapters introduce theological subjects that mattered most to Edwards and his disciples: spiritual revival, conversion, the Bible, prayer, and extending the kingdom of God.

Noted historian Barton sets the record straight on the lies and misunderstandings that have tarnished the legacy of Thomas Jefferson.

"This volume of rare sermons and documents makes an unprecedented contribution to our understanding of the 'New England Theology' as it emerged from Jonathan Edwards and continued through Edwards Amasa Park. The introduction, prepared by two seasoned Edwards scholars, represents an acute and thought-provoking analysis of the intellectual and rheological underpinnings of the New England Theology. A rich, absorbing, and always engaging collection, this volume will be of great interest to Edwards scholars and general readers alike." --Harry S. Stout, Yale University "One of the problems in studying American theology in the eighteenth and nineteenth century is that many of the sources are not easily available. The New England Theology is a marvelous anthology of central writings. Aficionados may quibble because some valuable material was left out, but this is a great collection. The introductions and editorial work of the editors are also helpful and fair minded." --Bruce Kucklick, University of Pennsylvania "This volume, collecting the major representative writings of the American disciples of Jonathan Edwards, is the first of its kind and long overdue. In the hands of Sweeney and Guelzo, the 'New Divinity' movement emerges here as a grand story, told in the medium of theology that both reflected and shaped the new republic." --Kenneth P. Minkema, Yale University "Although both historians and the general public have become increasingly fascinated by Jonathan Edwards, many know little about the thinkers who tried to carry on his legacy. Douglas Sweeney and Allen Guelzo should be commended for assembling a marvelous collection of writings." --Catherine A. Brekus, University of Chicago Divinity School "In these judicious selections accompanied by crisp and illuminating introductions, Sweeney and Guelzo ably identify the vitality and scope of the New England Theology. If you want to know something of the flavor and substance of America's first indigenous theology, this volume is the place to begin." --David W. Kling, University of Miami "This collection of the New England Theology's primary texts clearly reveals both the continuing presence of Edwardsean thought and the diversity of its expression in the century following Jonathan Edwards's death." --Ava Chamberlain, Wright State University

"In one blow this stout book replaces all previous vague, brief, and seriously erroneous summaries of the origins of missions in America . . . a definitive treatment."Ralph D. Winter"Contemporary Christian missions, desperately in need of a theology of mission, will benefit form a serious study of this book. Neglected episodes of missionary history are eruditely exploited to provide theological undergirding . . . Missiology . . . needs this stabilizing historical doctrinal emphasis."Justice C. Anderson"Charles Chaney makes an important contribution to the understanding of the development of the American missionary movement from its beginning . . . He demonstrates the unity and interaction of Indian, home and overseas missions in a single worldwide enterprise. Here is a wealth of knowledge organized and interpreted for our illumination which will give almost every reader an entirely new understanding of the mission of the American church."R. Pierce Beaver"I am writing to express my enthusiasm in view of the publication of The Birth of Missions in America. I shall be making use of it in my classes . . . a solid work in a neglected area and time period that will meet a need."Hugo H. Culpeper". . . an immense volume . . . meticulously documented and representing exhaustive research. It presents the most excellent primary source material that this reviewer has seen in a long time."Helen E. Falls

This book is a historical look at the life and theology of Charles Fletcher Dole. It argues that while Dole’s radical theology was the source of his civic engagement, his iteration of the social gospel was to some extent also shaped and delimited by the socio-economic position he occupied.

This set of essays offers a fresh look at how Edwards's ideas were transmitted, received, and reworked in the different phases of the life of the New England Theology. They also trace the way in which his thought, and that of his intellectual progeny, had an international impact on the shape of theology in the UK, Europe, and Asia, and on present-day Reformed theology.