N01147:164
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.
What should the Exhortation be? Let it be in the Words of Christ to Thomas, Joh. 20. 27. Be not faithless, but believing. As to Gods Promises, be not faithless but believing. As to Promises made to particular ⟨p. 125⟩Believers, & as to the Promises made to the Church of God, & the Glorious Times that are hastening on the World, be not faithless but Believing. Something by way of Encouragement let me speak; and something by way of Caution and Counsel.
What should the Exhertation be? Let it be in the Words of Christ to Thomas, Joh. 20. 27. Be not faithless, but believing. As to Gods Promises, be not faithless but believing. As to Promises made to particular ⟨p. 125⟩Believers, & as to the Promises made to the Church of God, & the Glorious Times that are hastening on the World, be not faithless but Beliveing. Something by way of Encouragement let me speak; and something by way of Caution and Counsel.
Consi. 1. It is certain that the Church of God upon Earth shall have a happy Day of it. Great shall be the Peace and Prosperity of the People of God, throughout the World. Those Things shall come to pass that will make the Times Happy. Good Rulers make happy Times; and God hath Promised that Blessing to His People, Isa. 49. 23. Kings shall be thy Nursing Fathers, & Queens thy Nursing Mothers, & that Promise of Judges, as at the First, and Counsellors as at the Beginning, is yet to be fulfilled in a more glorious manner than ever has been known upon the Earth. What an Happy Change have we seen of late, in our own Land & Nation? What sad Times were there a few Years ago, when the vilest Debaucheries were openly Practised. When Prisons were filled with Good men. When faithful Ministers of God were not permitted to Preach the Gospel. Things are much better there, now; & they will be better than they are. The First Christian Emperor that ever was in the World came out of Britain, viz. Constantine the great. I am persuaded God has signal Mercy in store for that Land. Yea, & a Revolution is hastening on the whole World, which will make it look with quite another face than it does at present, For, The Mountain of the Lords House shall be Established in the Top of the Mountains, and shall be exalted above the Hills,