N01446:129
A guide to Christ. Or, The way of directing souls that are under the…
A guide to Christ. Or, The way of directing souls that are under the work of conversion. Compiled for the help of young ministers: and may be serviceable to private Christians, who are enquiring the way to Zion. / By Solomon Stoddard, A.M. and Pastor of the church in Northampton. ; With an epistle prefixed, by the Reverend Dr. Increase Mather.
Boston: printed by J. Allen for N. Boone, 1714
Directions How to guide Souls through the Work of Conversion.
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.
2. To war• him that he don't run into the same error again; for he is still under the reigning power of a self-righteous spirit, and may get a false opinion of Conversion again. Some do several, times strike upon that rock, therefore he must be cautioned not to be deceived with the appearances ⟨p. 33⟩of grace; nor to give way to the flattery of his own heart; if he should take up such a persuasion again, it is doubtful that he would not be delivered, relapses are dangerous; and if he should begin to think so, it were best to advise with those that can inform him, before he be confirmed in such an opinion.
2. To war• him that he don't run into the same error again; for he is still under the reigning power of a self-righteous spirit, and may get a false opinion of Conversion again. Some do several, times strike upon that rock, therefore he must be cautioned not to be deceived with the appearances ⟨p. 33⟩of grace; nor to give way to the flattery of his own heart; if he should take up such a perswasion again, it is doubtful that he would not be delivered, relapses are dangerous; and if he should begin to think so, it were best to advise with those that can inform him, before he be confirmed in such an opinion.
3. To lead him into the understanding of his own badness, and insufficiency to help himself. This is an advantageous time to drive him out of himself, and bring on the work of Conversion. When he sees his own hypocrisy, the best way is to follow, till he is quite emptied of himself; it is good policy to improve a victory, and to help him to a thorough sight of himself, that he may be prepared for Christ.
3. To lead him into the understanding of his own badness, and insufficiency to help himself. This is an advantageous time to drive him out of himself, and bring on the work of Conversion. When he sees his own hypocrisie, the best way is to follow, till he is quite emptied of himself; it is good policy to improve a victory, and to help him to a thorow sight of himself, that he may be prepared for Christ.