N01667:211
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
The Work of the Ministry described, in an Ordination Sermon. › USE.
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.
2. Rest not in Gifts without Sanctifying Saving Grace. A Man that has good Natural Parts, and a Strong Memory, may by Reading and Study obtain a Rare Gift of Preaching, so as to be admired and applauded and make a great Noise in the World, but what is it all, if he has not Grace in his Soul? Does not the Apostle say, That if he could Speak with the Tongue of Men and Angels, and had the gift of Prophesy, and understood all Mysteries, if he had not the Grace of Love to God and Man, he should be notwithstanding those eminent accomplishments, but as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal, which has a taking sound with it, 1 Cor. 13.1, 2. Quid prodest esse peritum et periturum. If a Man should gain the Applause of the whole World, what is he advantaged, if he loose himself, or be cast away. Gifts may make a Man useful to ⟨p. 132⟩others, but if they are not Sanctified they will aggravate the Condemnation of the Man that has been adorned with them. Many who helped to build the Ark were drowned in the flood. So many who by Means of their Ministerial gifts have helped to build the Church will perish Eternally. All the World will see that this is true at the last day, when not a few but many shall say to Christ, Lord, have not we Prophesied in thy Name, and in thy Name done wonderful works; and Christ will say to them for all that you were workers of iniquity, and therefore depart from me, I know you not, Matth. 7.23. Oh! remember the awful words of the Apostle, 1 Cor. 9.27. Lest that by any Means, when I have Preached to others, I my self should be a cast away.
2. Rest not in Gifts without Sanctifying Saving Grace. A Man that has good Natural Parts, and a Strong Memory, may by Reading and Study obtain a Rare Gift of Preaching, so as to be admired and applauded and make a great Noise in the World, but what is it all, if he has not Grace in his Soul? Does not the Apostle say, That if he could Speak with the Tongue of Men and Angels, and had the gift of Prophesy, and understood all Mysteries, if he had not the Grace of Love to God and Man, he should be notwithstanding those eminent accomplishments, but as sounding brass and a tinkling symbal, which has a taking sound with it,