N01147:136
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.
The Chief Instruments in Promoting it, having declared, that a Corrupt Clergy, who had only a Form of Godliness without the Power of it, were the great Obstructors of that Purity and Piety which ought to be Endeavoured after, they brought upon themselves a Storm of Indignation from that Tribe of men, who in a way of Derision called the Reformers, by the Name of Pietists. And Antipietists charged them with Fanaticism, nay with Heresy: Hereupon the King of Prussia appointed Commissioners, to enquire into the Doctrine, Principles, & Practices of those who were Nick-named Pietists, & the Commissioners found them to be men Solid & Orthodox, and such as really deserved to be Esteemed Pious men. The History of these things is that which very few in New-England have had any Knowledge of; and I have therefore been the more willing to take notice thereof. There has been nothing Parallel to it, since the First Reformation, near Two Hundred Years ago. The Relator, in a Book Translated into English & Printed at London 1705. Declares these things to be of indubitable Truth, and judgeth them to be among the Greatest Transactions at this Day in the World.
Some have observed, That in these Latter Ages, each Century has been attended with considerable ⟨p. 108⟩Motions in the World, respecting Religion. So it was Three Hundred & Fifty Years ago in England, when Wycliffe was raised up to testify against the Idolatries of the Church of Rome. And his great Patron, the Duke of Lancaster, said to the Bishop of London, (†)I will bring down the Pride, not of you alone, but of all the Prelates in England. And Great Commotions there were near the beginning of the next Century, when John Huss, & Jerome of Prague were Martyred, & Perfidiously Murdered, contrary to the Emperors promise of safe Conduct, through the Instigation of a Popish Council. Some have thought, that Huss was inspired when he said at his Death, You may Kill the Goose, (Huss in the Bohemian Language, signifieth a Goose) but an Hundred Years hence, a Swan (Luther signifieth a Swan) will appear, and you shall not Kill him: Which came to pass accordingly. Also Jerome of Prague told them, You shall Answer for this an Hundred years hence. In the following Century, Luther & Zwinglius were the principal Instruments in Reforming Germany & Switzerland. The beginning of the Last Century was Remarkable, as for the Wars in Germany, especially in Bohemia on the account of Religion; so for the attempts of some Eminent Divines to revive Primitive Christianity. In that Pious design, Dr. Gerhard, and Dr. Meisner, Professor in the University at Wittenberg, were engaged. He had an intention of opening a Practical College, for the Students in that University, or a Collegium Pietatis; but the obtaining of what he desired, was reserved for another Age.