N01667:92
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.
It was customary among the Jews, that Married People were first Espoused, and then they were esteemed Husband and Wife; and in due time the Marriage was completed. In this Life Believers are Espoused to Christ. At his Second coming will be the Consummation of the Marriage. Christ will then come as a Bridegroom. Matth. 25.5. The Bridegroom is come, go ye out to meet him. Then the Church of Christ is every way suitable for him, bedecked with Grace & Glory, and all Sin and Imperfection taken away. Rev. 10.7. The Marriage of the Lamb is come, and his Wife has made her self ready. It will be so at the last day, then the Church will have on all her Ornaments. Isai. 61.10. ⟨p. 55⟩Covered with a Robe, with the garments of Salvation, as a bride adorneth her self with her Jewels. Then the Church will appear a glorious Church indeed. Eph. 5.27. Christ will present her a glorious Church without spot or wrinkle or any such thing. Then comes the blessed Marriage Supper. Rev. 19.9. Blessed are they that are called to the Marriage supper of the Lamb. This blessedness is intimated to Believers when they come to the Lords Table. Luk. 22.29, 30. I appoint to you a Kingdom (says Christ) You shall eat and drink with me at my Table in my Kingdom; You shall fit upon thrones. This is signified and represented to Believers in this holy Ordinance, of the Lords Supper. At the last day Christ and his Church will be together and live together, and never more be separated for so much as one day: they shall ever be with the Lord. Rev. 21.2, 3. New Jerusalem comes down from God our of Heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband: And the Tabernacle of God is with men, and he shall dwell with them. Christ who is God shall dwell with them: They shall be with Christ during the dispensation of the last Judgment, which will not be as many imagine a day of Twenty-four hours only, but doubtless will continue a long time. Eminent Divines suppose it will last for a thousand Years. And all that time Believers shall be with Christ; and after that they shall go to Heaven together. The Husband and Wife dwell together in the same