N01147:167
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 Light concerning these Truths is wondrously broke out upon the World in this last Age. In the former Ages, few of the Lords Worthies had their Hearts inclined to study the Revelation Great Calvin though one of the best, and most Judicious Interpreters that ever wrote on the Bible, professed, he could not tell what to make of that obscure Portion of the Sacred Book. But in this Century, in the which God hath cast our Lot, to be, many have been searching into those formerly sealed Mysteries, & have made great discoveries. It is said, Dan. 12. 4. Seal the Book till the Time of the end, many shall run to and fro, and Knowledge shall be Increased. In this Last Age, there have been many Discourses, & Knowledge is Increased. A Sign that the Time of the End is at hand, Rev. 22. 10. Seal not the Sayings of the Prophecy of this Book, for the Time is at Hand. Do we not see, That the Day Star is risen. The light begins to prevail, a Blessed Sign, that the Glory of the Lord will shine upon the World ere long. I might have added, that the expectations which are raised in the minds of men, concerning some great Work of God, near to be accomplished, seem to be Ominous. Travellers say, that the Turks & Jews have strange Sentiments in their Spirits of ⟨p. 128⟩Great Changes hastening on the World. And which is more, there are many amongst the Fearers of the Lord that have so. When the Time of Christs first coming drew nigh, there was Waiting and great expectation of it, Joh. 4. 25. There was then a looking for Redemption in Israel, Luk. 2. 26, 38. That might be the inducing cause, which made many Jews about this Time come from all parts to dwell at Jerusalem. Act. 2. 5. So doubtless there will be in many the like hopes before the great Redemption, when the Lord will appear the second time to Salvation.
The Light concerning these Truths is wondrously broke out upon the World in this last Age. In the former Ages, few of the Lords Worthies had their Hearts inclined to study the Revelation Great Calvin though one of the best, and most Judicious Interpreters that ever wrote on the Bible, professed, he could not tell what to make of that obscure Portion of the Sacred Book. But in this Century, in the which God hath cast our Lot, to be, many have been searching into those formerly sealed Mysteries, & have made great discoveries. It is said,