A Living Spring Perpetually Springing": Jonathan Edwards’ Natural Imagery, Onto-Types, and the Rise of Ecotheology

Abstract

In this spiritually alluring quote from the last sermon of Charity and Its Fruits, “Heaven Is a World of Love,” Edwards paints a luxurious word picture describing the vibrancy of life eternal shared with God. The vocabulary Edwards uses in just this one passage alone draws rich and familiar imagery from nature in phrases such as, “a living spring perpetually springing,” “a flame which never decays,” “a river which ever runs, and is always clear and full,” and “a garden of love.” These poetic descriptors lift the spirit to an elevated state of faith and hope