N01667:128
Practical truths, plainly delivered
Practical truths, plainly delivered: wherein is showed, I. That true believers on Jesus Christ, shall as certainly enjoy everlasting life in heaven, as if they were there already. II. That there is a blessed marriage between Jesus Christ the son of God, & the true believer. III. That men are infinitely concerned, not only to hear the voice of Christ, but that they do it, to day. IV. The work of the ministry, described, in an ordination sermon. / By Increase Mather, D.D. ; [Seven lines of Scripture texts]Practical truths, plainly delivered: wherein is shewed, I. That true believers on Jesus Christ, shall as certainly enjoy everlasting life in heaven, as if they were there already. II. That there is a blessed marriage between Jesus Christ the son of God, & the true believer. III. That men are infinitely concerned, not only to hear the voice of Christ, but that they do it, to day. IV. The work of the ministry, described, in an ordination sermon. / By Increase Mather, D.D. ; [Seven lines of Scripture texts]
printed by B. Green for Daniel Henchman, 1718
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. There are many that Enjoy the light of the Gospel; which is the ordinary Medium by which God works Grace in the Souls of Men, and so brings them unto Eternal Salvation by bringing the Gospel to them, ⟨p. 74⟩which is called, The Gospel of our Salvation, Eph. 1.13. As for such as have not the light of the Gospel, they have no Day, 'tis always Night with them; they see no light but sit in darkness and in the region of the shadow of death. But as for such as have the Gospel, 'tis Day with them. The Sun is risen upon them, even the Sun of Righteousness which has healing under his wings, Mal. 4.2. There was a time when for many Ages only one Nation had the light of Gods Word shining upon them; and they had but Moon light Comparatively. He showed his Word to Jacob, he hath not dealt so with any Nation. That blessed light shined but on a little spot of ground, not two hundred Miles; as to the rest of the World, darkness covered the Earth, and gross darkness the People. But since Christ has come into the World, many parts of the Earth have been enlightened with the Gospel. 1 Joh. 2.8. The darkness is past, and the true light now shines. The knowledge of Christ, which the Gospel brings to the World is truly light, and the most glorious light that ever shone on the Earth. Now they that Enjoy the Gospel have a Day of Grace and Salvation offered to them. For the Gospel offers Grace wherever it comes. It is the Grace of God that brings Salvation, and has appeared to all Men. The Gospel proclaims the Mercy of Heaven to Sinners on the Earth. Christ then declares to ⟨p. 75⟩them, that there Sins shall be forgiven and their Souls saved, if they will hear his Voice. It makes a free offer of Life to Condemned Sinners; yes to all that come within the hearing of it, if they will accept of it on gracious Gospel terms. Rev. 22.17. Whosoever will let him take the water of Life freely.
1. There are many that Enjoy the light of the Gospel; which is the ordinary Medium by which God works Grace in the Souls of Men, and so brings them unto Eternal Salvation by bringing the Gospel to them,