24 Facts About Nathanael Emmons

Nathanael Emmons, sometimes spelled Nathaniel Emmons, was an American Congregational minister and influential theologian of the New Divinity school.

Nathanael Emmons lived for many years thereafter, dying of old age at Franklin on the 23rd of September 1840.

Nathanael Emmons developed an original system of divinity, somewhat on the structural plan of that of Samuel Hopkins, and, in Emmons's own belief, contained in and evolved from Hopkinsianism.

Nathanael Emmons's system declared that holiness and sin are free voluntary exercises; that men act freely under the divine agency; that the slightest transgression deserves eternal punishment; that it is through God's mere grace that the penitent believer is pardoned and justified; that, in spite of total depravity, sinners ought to repent; and that regeneration is active, not passive, with the believer.

Nathanael Emmons was a founder and the first president of the Massachusetts Missionary Society, and was influential in the establishment of Andover Theological Seminary.

Nathanael Emmons's Works were published in 6 vols.

Nathanael Emmons never cared for labor, and intended in some way to escape it if possible.

Nathanael Emmons graduated in 1767, in the same class as John Treadwell, John Trumbull, and several other of the noted New England natives.

Nathanael Emmons lost his father about three months before his graduated, inheriting only a bequest for defraying the expenses of his education.

Nathanael Emmons devoted a few months to the business of teaching, and then went to reside with the Rev Nathan Strong of Coventry, Connecticut, as a theological student.

Nathanael Emmons further described the feelings that led him to pursue a career in the ministry:.

Nathanael Emmons spoke publicly and without hesitation in favor of independence, which caused some hostility in his congregation, which was considerably divided on the issue.

Nathanael Emmons went through some financial distress during the war, due to the irregular and partial payment of his salary.

Nathanael Emmons considered himself an intellectual theologian, rather than an orator, and sought to influence his parishioners with reasoned arguments rather than stirring speeches.

Nathanael Emmons studied from twelve to seventeen hours a day, seldom leaving his study for anything but meals, rest, and his parochial duties.

Nathanael Emmons was described as "a man of strong convictions and an indomitable will, which gave to his character an aspect of sternness, of chilly dignity".

In 1775, Nathanael Emmons married Deliverance, daughter of Moses French, of Braintree, Massachusetts, who was said to have been "a pattern of prudence, condescension, benevolence, and faithfulness".

Nathanael Emmons's recorded reflections on the occasion show that, while his heart was deeply smitten, it was full of humble trust in the Divine wisdom and goodness.

Nathanael Emmons found her to be a companion not only distinguished for her excellent intellectual and moral qualities, but of such exemplary domestic habits as to relieve him, in a great measure, from the ordinary cares of his family.

In 1831, Nathanael Emmons married for the third time, to the widow of the late Rev Edmund Mills of Sutton, Massachusetts.

In May 1827, Nathanael Emmons fainted at the pulpit, in the midst of his discourse, and had to be carried home.

Nathanael Emmons was able on the next Sabbath, to finish his discourse.

Nathanael Emmons's resignation was accepted with some objections, but Emmons continued ministering in private.

Nathanael Emmons's funeral was held the following Monday, and a sermon was preached by the Rev Thomas Williams, from Ecclesiastes XII, 9; which was published.