N01147:149
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.
PROP. I. That whatever God hath promised will in the appointed time be certainly performed. Gods Promises are all true Promises, 2 Sam. 7. 28. Thou hast promised, and thy Words are True, faith David. There is no Deceit, nor is there any mistake in Divine Predictions or Promises, Rev. 22. 6. These sayings are faithful and true, what ever God hath spoken shall faithfully and truly be performed, if God hath promised, the thing is as certain to be done, as if it were already accomplished. Hence as to the great Promise concerning the coming of Christ, the Prophet speaks, as Isa. 9 6. Unto us a Child is born: Although' he did utter those Words above seven Hundred years, before Christ was born into the World, yet he faith, unto as a Child is born, the Thing is as certain to be done, as if already done. Although' it may seem Improbable, and to the Judgment of Men Impossible, that such a Thing should ever be, yet if God has promised it, his Wonderful Works will accomplish it. It was very unlikely, that David should come to enjoy the Kingdom, such an obscure man as he was, when Soul had a Mighty Army to oppose him, and Children of his own to be his Successors, all these things notwithstanding, God, that had promised it, did bring it to pass. And this God also doth in the Time which He had prefixed, Isa. 60. ult. One shall become a Thousand, and a little One shall become a great Nation, the Lord will hasten it in its Time. A very Improbable thing, that a little One should become a great Nation, nevertheless this was to be in the Time appointed. Hence it is said Ha•. 2. 4. The Vision is for an appointed Time, it will speak and not Lie, tho' it Tarry, wait for it, it will come and not Tarry. It will not Tarry beyond the appointed Time. Although' it may Tarry longer than Men have supposed or desired, notwithstanding that, it will not tarry a Day, or an Hour longer than Gods appointed Time, then it will come, and will not lye. Exod. 9. 5, 6. The Lord appointed ⟨p. 114⟩a set Time, saying, to morrow the Lord shall do this Thing in the Land, and on the morrow God did that Thing, He did not only do the Thing He said He would do, but on the very Day He said it should be Done. But the Truth of this Proposition is evident from several Things.