Jonathan Edwards, pastor of the prestigious Northampton, Massachusetts, Congregational Church, was a leading figure of the eighteenth century First Great Awakening. Religious leaders, like the famous preacher George Whitefield, traveled great distances to meet with him and discuss theological matters.

Yet even a man of Edwards's credentials wasn't exempt from criticism. When Edwards sought assurance that those in his congregation had experienced genuine conversion, a group of discontented church members took exception. They launched a slanderous campaign against him that ultimately led to his dismissal from the church he'd made famous. Edwards assumed a modest pastorate in the small frontier town of Stockbridge. One of the greatest theological minds and most devout pastors in American history was forced out of his church by malicious detractors.

Eventually Jonathan Edwards was vindicated before his critics. Some of his most vocal opponents publicly confessed their sinfulness in attacking their godly minister. Ultimately, Princeton University hired Edwards as its president.