N01446:179
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.
Another Argument is, that his terror did not ⟨p. 54⟩begin when other mens did. Many others have been smitten in the Preaching of the Word, the Word of God has been like a sharp sword in their heart; but his troubles came from the examples of others, or from some affliction, or from his fall into some sin: But he may be told,
That it is all one from what occasion his troubles did arise, provided that he be but convinced of the absolute necessity of present Reconciliation, and be but earnest in his endeavours after that: Though the Word be a principal means of Conversion, yet God may bless what means he will to do the work, Luke. 3.10, 12, 14. Jer. 2.24. Examples fails, and Afflictions have a great tendency this way. Whatever be the means of mens Reformation, yet if men be reformed it is well: God would have men to make use of Providences as well as Ordinances, there is a voice of God in them, Mic. 6.9.
Another Argument is, Because he does not see the evil of Sin. He sees a great deal of danger, but he does not see the evil of sin, he thinks that other men see more than he sees; but he may be told,