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

2. They that live unprofitably under the means of Grace, are in fearful danger of the curse. This is expressed in the Text, when its said, that such an one is nigh unto cursing; every moment of his life, the Eternal Curse is ready to seize upon his Soul; he is as nigh to the execution of the Curse, as he is to death, which in a moment shall overtake him. As there is but one step between him and death, so there is but one step between him and the Curse. In this respect it is true, that all sinners (I mean all that in respect of their state are such) are nigh unto cursing: But more ⟨p. 72⟩especially this is true concerning such sinners, as live unprofitably under the precious means of Grace; hence is that, 1 Cor. 16.22. If any man love not the Lord Jesus, let him be Anathema Maranatha: By one that loveth not the Lord Jesus Christ, is meant such persons as are spoken of in my Text, even Despisers of the Gospel; men that have heard of the excellency of Jesus Christ, and yet care not for him; now so living, and so dying, Let him be Anathema Maranatha: As if it were said, Let him be accursed in Heaven, and accursed on Earth, curse him all ye Angels in Heaven, curse him all ye Saints on Earth, and let those curses remain on him, until Dooms-Day. Moreover, God is wont to be quick and speedy in punishing sinners under the Gospel: So Mal 3.5 I will be a [swift] witness against you: It is there spoken against Carnal Gospellers, So Revl. 2 5 In this respect, Gospel despisers are truly said to be nigh unto cursing.

2. They that live unprofitably under the means of Grace, are in fearful danger of the curse. This is expressed in the Text, when its said, that such an one is nigh unto cursing; every moment of his life, the Eternal Curse is ready to seize upon his Soul; he is as nigh to the execution of the Curse, as he is to death, which in a moment shall overtake him. As there is but one step between him and death, so there is but one step between him and the Curse. In this respect it is true, that all sinners (I mean all that in respect of their state are such) are nigh unto cursing: But more ⟨p. 72⟩especially this is true concerning such sinners, as live unprofitably under the precious means of Grace; hence is that,