N01446:49
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 danger of a Natural Condition is to be solemnly set before them; though their terrors seem to be great, yet they need to be greater; men must have so much terror as to bring them to a separation from sin: therefore there is need to represent their danger in the most lively and dreadful way, that the sense thereof may pierce their heart deeply; if they be but thoroughly scared, they will be brought to an universal Reformation: Isa. 2.20, 21.
1. The danger of a Natural Condition is to be solemnly set before them; though their terrors seem to be great, yet they need to be greater; men must have so much terror as to bring them to a separation from sin: therefore there is need to represent their danger in the most lively and dreadful way, that the sense thereof may pierce their heart deeply; if they be but thorowly scared, they will be brought to an universal Reformation: Isa. 2.20, 21.
2. They are to be urged to Reformation: their duty in this matter is to be particularly pressed upon them, their Consciences must be stirred to part with all sin, as Christ urged the Jews, Mat. 5.29. If thy right eye offend thee pluck it out. For the neglect of Reformation will put a stop to the work, &c they will not get forward in the work of Humiliation, till they are Reformed; as the first Concoction prepares for the second, so Reformation does for Humiliation: Men must overcome the next and more immediate difficulties before they overcome those that are remote: he that will not part with sinful practices, will not yield himself into the hands of Justice: if they don't reform, they put the work to a stand; yea, such men do aggravate their own sorrows, for trouble will lie upon them, till their hearts are brought to be humbled, and their terrors will be multiplied, if they belong to God, till they are persuaded to reform: