“As the Cold Increases . . .”

Abstract A once-prevalent misinterpretation of Edwards’s millennial feature is his anticipation of its imminence. While he agreed with those who held an imminent millennialism in many aspects, Edwards was convinced of a long but gradual advancement of the divine redemptive work before the millennium. Several factors were at work: his awareness of the complexity of the work of redemption, his expectation of the final universal revival, and his belief in the divine wisdom, sovereignty, and glory manifested in the progressive realization of the millennial kingdom. Anticipating an earthly millennium that will be realized in the distant future and highlighting its apolitical features, Edwards diverged from many of his optimistic colleagues who were expecting an imminent inauguration of a golden age. In his millennialism, Edwards rejected the over-optimism of the Reformation and Puritan ages.