N01667:84
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.
There is the Initiation and the Consummation of this Marriage. The Initiation of it is in this World. As soon as a Man does believe his Soul is Married to Christ. The Apostle therefore says to the Corinthians 2 Cor. 11.2. I have espoused you to one Husband, that I may present you as a chaste Virgin unto Christ. The great work of the Ministers of the Gospel is to bring Souls to Christ; to woo and win Souls to Christ, therefore called the Friends of the Bridegroom, Joh. 3.29. The Truth before us is Evident.
There is the Initiation and the Consummation of this Marriage. The Initiation of it is in this World. As soon as a Man does believe his Soul is Married to Christ. The Apostle therefore sayes to the Corinthians 2 Cor. 11.2. I have espoused you to one Husband, that I may present you as a chast Virgin unto Christ. The great work of the Ministers of the Gospel is to bring Souls to Christ; to woo and win Souls to Christ, therefore called the Friends of the Bridegroom, Joh. 3.29. The Truth before us is Evident.
For,
1. The Scripture does declare that there is a Spiritual Conjugal Relation between the Lord and his People. Jer. 3.14. I am Married to you, saith the Lord. Isai. 54.5. Thy Maker is thy Husband, the God of the whole Earth shall he be called. That Implies that his Church shall be among the Gentiles; that he would be not only the God of the Jews, but of the Gentiles also. The Lord directs his Church to call him Ishi, the English of which word is, My Husband,