N01667:152
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.
USE, II. Of Exhortation.
Oh! that every One that hears me this day, would say and do as David did, Psal. 119.60. I made haste and delayed not to keep thy Commandments. Shall we be more unreasonable, than some Creatures which have not reason, which nevertheless in Summer provide for Winter. And shall not Men with Rational and Immortal Souls, whilst they have Time provide for Eternity! Doleful is their State who may say, and must say, as Jer. 8.20. The Harvest is past, the Summer is ended, and we are not saved.
Consider, 1. As yet you have a day? The day of Grace is not done. That Sun is not ⟨p. 92⟩set. Although' as to some of you, 'tis far spent, since Age has over-taken you; nevertheless, you are yet in the Land of the Living, and therefore it is not too late for you to hear the Voice of Christ. It is possible for an Old Sinner to be Converted and Saved. Was not Manasseh such an One? I could tell you of a very Pious Old Man, who would often say with admiration at the Grace of God towards him, If I had dyed before I was Seventy Years Old I had gone to Hell. Think of this, you that have continued in your Sins, until grey Hairs are upon you Hast thou one foot in the Grave! O hear the Voice of Christ before the other foot is there also. Others of you are in the Morning of your Age, The Voice of Christ to you is that in Eccles. 12.1. Remember Now thy Creator in the days of thy Youth. Now harden not your hearts. Think not to say within your selves, we will Repent and Turn to God in Jesus Christ, when Old Age has over-taken us. It may be thou shalt not live to Age. And you Children hearken. Christ speaks to you. Is it not Christ that says, Come you Children hearken to me, I will teach you the fear of the Lord,