“Directions for the Acquisition of Christian Knowledge”
https://ccel.org/ccel/edwards/works2.vi.iii.vii.html
1. Be assiduous in reading the Holy Scriptures. This is the fountain whence all knowledge in divinity must be derived. Therefore let not this treasure lie by you neglected. Every man of common understanding who can read, may, if he please, become well acquainted with the Scriptures. And what an excellent attainment would this be!
2. Content not yourselves with only a cursory reading, without regarding the sense. This is an ill way of reading, to which, however, many accustom themselves all their days. When you read, observe what you read. Observe how things come in. Take notice of the drift of the discourse, and compare one scripture with another. For the Scripture, by the harmony of its different parts, casts great light upon itself.
We are expressly directed by Christ, to search the Scriptures, which evidently intends something more than a mere cursory reading. And use means to find out the meaning of the Scripture. When you have it explained in the preaching of the word, take notice of it; and if at any time a scripture that you did not understand be cleared up to your satisfaction, mark it, lay it up, and if possible remember it.
3. Procure, and diligently use, other books which may help you to grow in this knowledge. There are many excellent books extant, which might greatly forward you in this knowledge, and afford you a very profitable and pleasant entertainment in your leisure hours. There is doubtless a great defect in many, that through a lothness (unwillingness, averse) to be at a little expense, they furnish themselves with no more helps of this nature. They have a few books indeed, which now and then on sabbath-days they read; but they have had them so long, and read them so often, that they are weary of them, and it is now become a dull story, a mere task to read them.
4. Improve conversation with others to this end. How much might persons promote each other’s knowledge in divine things, if they would improve conversation as they might; if men that are ignorant were not ashamed to show their ignorance, and were willing to learn of others; if those that have knowledge would communicate it, without pride and ostentation; and if all were more disposed to enter on such conversation as would be for their mutual edification and instruction.
5. Seek not to grow in knowledge chiefly for the sake of applause, and to enable you to dispute with others; but seek it for the benefit of your souls, and in order to practice.—If applause be your end, you will not be so likely to be led to me knowledge of the truth, but may justly, as often is the case of those who are proud of their knowledge, be led into error to your own perdition. This being; your end, if you should obtain much rational knowledge, it would not be likely to be of any benefit to you, but would puff you up with pride: 1 Corinthians 7:1 “Knowledge puffeth up.”
6. Seek to God, that he would direct you, and bless you, in this pursuit after knowledge. This is the apostle’s direction, James 1:5 “If any man lack wisdom, let him ask it of God, who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not.” God is the fountain of all divine knowledge: Proverbs 2:6 “The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.” Labour to be sensible of your own blindness and ignorance, and your need of the help of God, lest you be led into error, instead of true knowledge: 1 Corinthians 3:18 “If any man would be wise, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.”
7. Practise according to what knowledge you have. This will be the way to know more. The psalmist warmly recommends this way of seeking knowledge in divine truth, from his own experience: Psalm 119:100 “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” Christ also recommends the same: John 7:17 “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.”
“Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”, July 8, 1741
https://www.gracegems.org/SERMONS2/Edwards_sinners.htm
There is nothing which keeps wicked men at any one moment out of Hell, but the mere pleasure of God…his sovereign pleasure, his arbitrary will, restrained by no obligation, hindered by no manner of difficulty.
The sword of divine justice is every moment brandished over (wicked men’s) heads, and it is nothing but the hand of arbitrary mercy, and God's mere will, which holds it back.
Unsaved men are held in the hand of God, over the pit of Hell! They have deserved the fiery pit, and are already sentenced to it! And God is dreadfully provoked, his anger is as great towards them as to those that are actually suffering the executions of the fierceness of his wrath in Hell! And they have done nothing in the least to appease or abate that anger. Neither is God in the least bound by any promise to hold them up one moment!
The devil is waiting for them! Hell is gaping for them! The flames gather and flash about them, and would gladly lay hold on them, and swallow them up! The fire pent up in their own hearts is struggling to break out! They have no saving interest in Christ the Savior; and there are no means within reach which can be any security to them. In short, they have no refuge, nothing to take hold of! All which preserves them every moment is the mere arbitrary will, and unobliged forbearance of an incensed God!
There are the black clouds of God's wrath now hanging directly over your heads, full of the dreadful storm, and filled with thunder. And were it not for the restraining hand of God, it would immediately burst forth upon you! The sovereign pleasure of God, for the present restrains his rough wind; otherwise it would come with fury, and your destruction would come like a whirlwind, and you would be blown to Hell like the chaff of the summer threshing floor!
Now you have an extraordinary opportunity, a day wherein Christ has thrown the door of mercy wide open, and stands calling and crying with a loud voice to poor sinners; a day wherein many are flocking to him, and pressing into the kingdom of God. Many are daily coming; many who were very lately in the same miserable condition that you are in, are now in a happy state, with their hearts filled with love to him who has loved them, and washed them from their sins in his own blood, and rejoicing in hope of the glory of God. How awful is it to be left behind at such a day! To see so many others feasting—while you are pining and perishing! To see so many rejoicing and singing for joy of heart—while you have cause to mourn for sorrow of heart, and howl for vexation of spirit! How can you rest one moment in such a condition? Are not your souls as precious as the souls of others who are flocking to Christ?
http://articles.ochristian.com/preacher102-1.shtml
Works Volume 1
https://ccel.org/ccel/e/edwards/works1/cache/works1.pdf
Volume 2