N01625:143
Three sermons lately preached at Boston. I. Showing the virtue of Christs blood to…Three sermons lately preached at Boston. I. Shewing the vertue of Christs blood to…
Three sermons lately preached at Boston. I. Showing the virtue of Christs blood to cleanse from sin. II. That natural men are under the government of self-love. III. That the Gospel is the means of conversion. : To which a fourth is added, to stir up young men and maidens to praise the name of the Lord. / By Solomon Stoddard A.M. Pastor of Northampton.Three sermons lately preached at Boston. I. Shewing the vertue of Christs blood to cleanse from sin. II. That natural men are under the government of self-love. III. That the Gospel is the means of conversion. : To which a fourth is added, to stir up young men and maidens to praise the name of the Lord. / By Solomon Stoddard A.M. Pastor of Northampton.
printed by B. Green for Daniel Henchman, 1717
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.
DOCTRINE.
The Gospel is the Means of Conversion.
GOD created the World without any instrument, but in Conversion he make use of the Gospel as his instrument. The Gospel is but an instrument, for many that enjoy the Gospel never are Converted: but the Gospel is the instrument in this work; the Gospel is not a Physical instrument, but it is a Moral instrument of Conversion. There is no expectation that Men should be Converted ⟨p. 67⟩that do not enjoy the Gospel; there may be Reformation without the Gospel, but not Conversion, for the Gospel is the instrument of Conversion. The Gospel is not the Means only to bring Nations to the Profession of the faith, but also to bring Men into a state of Grace. Conversion prepares Men for pardon of Sin, and heavenly Glory, and the Gospel is the instrument of this work. The Gospel is very serviceable to Men after they are Converted: it is very useful for the increase of Grace and Consolation; but it is also the instrument of Conversion. God don't deal with Men as stocks and stones by mere force; but he deals with them as with reasonable Creatures. He convinces them and so prevails on them: and the Gospel is the instrument whereby he works. Psal. 110.2. The Lord shall send the rod of his strength out of Zion. The Gospel is there called the Rod of his strength, because he Converts Men by it. Jam. 1.18. Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth. The Gospel is called the word of Truth by way of excellency: And when God sent Paul to Preach the Gospel, he sent him to Convert Men.