Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

3. The Gospel doth require, not only such fruit as hath been expressed, but moreover, that men should he abundant therein: I say, an abundant fruit-bearing is requisite for men, living under the gracious Dispensation of the Gospel. Hence the Apostle in this Epistle to the Hebrews, chap, 12. v. 14. &c. doth from this Argument press unto Holiness, even because they were not under the Law, but under the Gospel. Holiness (saith he) was required under the Law, but how much more under the Gospel? The more God hath done for you, the more ought you to do for him: That special favour which the Lord hath bestowed on you, in bringing you under the gracious Dispensation of the Gospel, should be an engagement upon your hearts to so much the more Holiness. It is a great measure of Holiness, which the Lord look: for from New-Testament-Believers; therefore did Christ say, Bear much fruit, so shall ye be my Disciples, John 15.8. Men do not act as becometh the Disciples of Christ, except they bring ⟨p. 64⟩forth much fruit; they do not walk as becometh the Gospel, except they be very holy. New-Testament-Believers have (ordinarily) a far greater measure of light and knowledge in Divine things communicated to them, than was given (ordinarily) to Old-Testament-Believers; and therefore more Faith and Holiness is required to be found in them. God did bear with such Infirmities, Ignorances, Carnalities in his people, in the days of old, before the coming of Christ, as he will not bear with now under the Gospel: It is requisite, that men should be answerable to the Dispensations of God towards them, Luke 12.48. Unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall much be required; and to whom men have committed much, of him they'll ask the more. Now they that are entrusted with the Gospel, and Ordinances thereof, much is committed to them: If seed be sown in a rich soil, men expect much fruit; they that are planted in the House of the Lord, as all that enjoy the Gospel and Ordinances thereof in their power, purity and glory, are so, are planted in a rich soil indeed. Ground which is plentifully watered, should be abundantly fruitful: They that live under the blessed ⟨p. 65⟩distillations of Gospel-Ordinances, are plentifully watered, Isa 49.10. He shall lead them by the springs of water: What are those springs of water, but the Soul-refreshing Promises and Ordinances of the Gospel?