Mr. Edwards was what by some is called a rigid Calvinist. Those doctrines of Calvinism, which have been most objected against, and given the greatest offense, appeared to him as scriptural, reasonable, and important as any; and he thought, that to give them up, was in effect to give up all. And therefore he looked upon those who call themselves Calvinists, that were for palliating [moderating and toning down] the matter, by, as it were, trimming off the knots of Calvinism, that they might conform it more to the taste of those who are most disposed to object against it, were really giving up and betraying the cause they pretended to espouse; and were paving the way, not only to Arminianism, but to Deism. For if these doctrines, in the whole length and breadth of them, were relinquished, he did not see where a man could set his foot down, with confidence and safety, short of Deism, or even Atheism itself, or rather universal Skepticism.
He judged [it necessary only] to have these doctrines properly stated, and defended judiciously and well, in order to their appearing most agreeable to reason and common sense, as well as the doctrines of revelation; and that this therefore was the only effectual method to convince, or silence and shame the opposers of them.
–Samuel Hopkins’ Life of Jonathan Edwards. Excerpt courtesy of Calvary Baptist Church.