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

THE holy Apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, although they were sent forth, with a largeness and fullness of Power, (their Commission extending it self as far as every Creature, that is, every Man, (for the Hebrews were wont to call Man by that name of Creature) or men of all sorts, and in all places; the Lord having said to them, Go ye into all the World & Preach the Gospel to every Creature: he that believeth and is baptized, shall be s•ved; but he that believeth not, shall be damned:) Nevertheless it is evident not only from those that write the Lives and Travels of the Apostles, but also from the sacred Scriptures, that they did by mutual Consent, divide the World among themselves, each taking a several part thereof, as h•s more special Charge. Hence is that Rule, Line, Measures, which we read of ⟨p. v⟩2 Cor. 10.14, 15, 16. intimating that those that were invested with Apostolical Authority, yet had one this, and another that portion of the World, measured out as his more peculiar. Allotment to Travel and Labour in John's more peculiar Charge was in the lesser Asia; Paul taketh the Gentiles, and Peter the Jewish World before him, Gal 2.7, 8, 9. Accordingly we find them not only by word, but also by Epistle, specially endeavouring the good of those amongst whom their appropriated charge lay. John doth by the Commandment of Christ write to the seven Asiatic Churches. Paul directs most of his Epistles to believing Gentiles. Peter being Conversant in Babylon (which was saith Scaliger Asianae metropolis) doth from thence write to the dispersed Jews whose welfare (above others) he did seek to promote. And this last mentioned Apostle doth in his second Epistle, not only say, I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though you knew them, and be established in the present truth; yea, I think it meet as long as I am in this Tabernacle, to stir you up by putting you in remembrance. But he doth moreover add. I will endeavour, that after my decease you may be able to have always these things in remembrance. For both which he gives the reason knowing that shortly I must put off this my Tabernacles This Apostolical Practice is (& should be), a