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

We come then unto the second thing, that is, to enquire, How it doth appear, that the number of those that find the way to life is comparatively but a small number?

Now for Answer unto that Enquiry, several things may be mentioned, which are Evidences and clear Demonstrations of the truth of this point.

1. Because those that do enjoy the Word and outward means of Grace, are comparatively but few. God hath appointed the means & the end to go together; therefore where he intends that end of Eternal Life, he is wont to bestow the means which himself hath appointed, in order to the attainment of that end; Hence is that, 1 Tim. 2.4. God will have all men (that is to say, men of all sorts, as the Context doth manifest) to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth; those two go together, even Salvation and the knowledge of the Truth. The Apostle saith, that the Jews would have hindered them from preaching to the Gentiles, that they might be saved, 1 Thes. 2.16. ⟨p. 182⟩which plainly declares, that without Preaching (according to ordinary Dispensation) there is no Salvation This is certain, that there is no Salvation without Christ, Acts 4.12. It was Austin's saying, that he that doth think that one may be saved without Christ, it may well be questioned whether that man shall himself be saved or no. And there is no Salvation by Christ, without Faith in him: This is Life Eternal to know (that is, to believe on) Jesus Christ,