N01667:52
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.
Being made so much better than the Angels, he has by inheritance obtained a more excellent Name than they, for unto which of the Angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son. God has set the Man Christ Jesus at his own right hand in Heaven, which is a dignity above the highest Angel in Heaven. The ⟨p. 35⟩highest Arch Angel is his Servant, and will appear to be so before all the World, when he shall at the Command of Christ, blow the Trump of God, and Summon all Mankind to appear before his Judgment Seat, 1 Thes. 4.16.
But there are two things in the Text and Doctrine before us which declare the surpassing Excellency and Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1. He is the object of Faith: One to be believed on. Joh. 14.1. Ye believe on God, believe also in me. That's a greater thing than may be said of any other Man, nor might it be said of Christ if he were not more than a Man. We may not trust in any other for the Salvation of our Souls. It would be a cursed thing to do so. Jer. 17.5. Cursed be the man that trusteth in man. But to trust in Christ is a blessed thing. Psal. 2.12. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him. This proves that Christ is more than a Man, as being the object of Religious Worship. For Faith is a special thing in that inward Worship of Soul, which is an honour too great for any Creature to receive. As all Religious Service, so in special believing, which is internal Worship, must be placed on no other object but God. Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. We may not Worship an Angel.