N01147:135
A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of…
A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of which, is, to encourage unsanctified persons (while such) to approach the holy table of the Lord, is examined and confuted. With an appendix, showing what Scripture ground there is to hope, that within a very few years there will be a glorious reformation of the church throughout the world. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Six lines of Scripture texts]A dissertation, wherein the strange doctrine lately published in a sermon, the tendency of which, is, to encourage unsanctified persons (while such) to approach the holy table of the Lord, is examined and confuted. With an appendix, shewing what Scripture ground there is to hope, that within a very few years there will be a glorious reformation of the church throughout the world. / By I. Mather, D.D. ; [Six lines of Scripture texts]
Boston: printed by B. Green for Benj. Eliot, 1708
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
4. That which is most worthy our taking notice of, is what has lately been done in Germany. We that live in a remote American Wilderness may well be strangers to some considerable motions & transactions in other Parts of the World. Nevertheless, we are informed of a Notable Reformation advanced in several Provinces in Germany. Not ⟨p. 106⟩long since, a number of Students in the University of Lipsick, gathered into a Private College for the Promoting of Scripture Knowledge, by means whereof real & practical Christianity was much advanced. As this New Reformation has obtained a footing in divers Provinces in Germany, so especially in that part of Saxony, which belongs to the King of Prussia, & in other Parts of the Dukedom of Brandenburg. The chief instrument in Promoting this work was, that Excellently Learned, and Holy Man Dr. Spener, he is lately Deceased, to the unspeakable Loss of the Churches in that part of the world. Next to him, Dr. Frank has been an Eminent Instrument. Not above Fourteen years ago, viz. in the year 1694. there was by the Favour of the King of Prussia, an University opened in the City of Hall in Saxony. This is in a few Years time (which is wonderful) become the most flourishing of all the Protestant Academies in Germany; Four Years since, there were above 3000 Students there. This Famous Academy is under the Inspection of Three Learned Doctors in Divinity, who make it their business to promote Religion, as well as Learning; and Enquire into the Spiritual State of the Young Scholars, especially of such as are designed for the Ministry; Admonishing them, that they are not to take up the Ministry as a Trade, or to get a Living thereby, but to Promote the Glory of God in the World, & the Salvation of the Souls of men. By means thereof, many happy Instruments are sent forth, who make it their Design to promote Christian Knowledge & Practice. There has also been an Hospital lately Erected at Glauca near Hall, wherein many ⟨p. 107⟩poor Children are advantaged with a Pious Education. Concerning this Hospital, many things little less than miraculous, have been credibly reported. Such Instances of the Power of Faith and Prayer, as have been very Remarkable. It can not be supposed, but that Satan & his Instruments will rage at these Attempts for a Greater Reformation, in the Churches which are called Reformed.