N01446:294
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.
1. The Doctrine of the Law and Gospel may be set before him. They may be somewhat explained and cleared up: It is fit men should be remembered of the Rule they are to be judged by. Many times when the Rule is clearly laid down. Conscience makes application, and witnesses to men how it is with them, Heb. 4.12. The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, &c.
1. The Doctrine of the Law and Gospel may be set before him. They may be somewhat explained and cleared up: It is fit men should be remembred of the Rule they are to be judged by. Many times when the Rule is clearly laid down. Conscience makes application, and witnesses to men how it is with them, Heb. 4.12. The Word of God is quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword, &c.
2. Promises may be applied conditionally. He may be told, That if he have been thoroughly broken off from himself, and brought to rely upon Christ, God has accepted of him; that if his heart have been drawn by Gospel Encouragements to rely on Christ, he is out of danger; that if Gods Glory be upon his heart indeed, he is an heir of Glory; he may be told, that only his own Conscience can tell what the workings of his heart have been: That if he be not mistaken, but has indeed made Christ his refuge, all his sins are pardoned.
2. Promises may be applied conditionally. He may be told, That if he have been thorowly broken off from himself, and brought to rely upon Christ, God has accepted of him; that if his heart have been drawn by Gospel Encouragements to rely on Christ, he is out of danger; that if Gods Glory be upon his heart indeed, he is an heir of Glory; he may be told, that only his own Conscience can tell what the workings of his heart have been: That if he be not mistaken, but has indeed made Christ his refuge, all his sins are pardoned.