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

You heard in the first Argument, that there are but few outwardly called, compared with the rest of the World, yet but few elected amongst such called ones. Therefore as for the way to life, Few there be that find it.

3. This truth is also manifest, in that those things which are necessary in order unto life, are rarely attained. To instance, Repentance is necessary in order unto life (as but now was intimated) therefore is that Ezek. 18. ult. Turn and live ye; so that there is no living without Turning. But true Repentance is a rare thing; so rare, as that in the Prophet Jeremies time, there was upon the matter none at all, Chap. 8. vers. 6. I hearkened and heard, but no man repented of his wickedness; every one turned to his course, &c. No man (saith he) repented him; that is to say, they were very few, even so few, that they seemed none at all. As ⟨p. 187⟩Solomon speaketh concerning Repentance for that sin of Uncleanness, that he found but one man of a thousand, that repented of it; Eccles. 7.28. And in another place he saith, None that go in to her return again, neither take they hold of the paths of life, Prov. 2.19. So it is measurably true concerning Repentance for other sins. Again, you heard, that Faith in Christ is requisite in order unto Eternal life. The sum of the whole Gospel is contained in those few words, Mark 16.16. He that believeth shall be saved, and he that believeth not shall be damned. But true faith is a rare thing, therefore is that Isa. 53.1. Who hath believed our report? So that even amongst those unto whom the report of the Gospel cometh, there are but few that believe in truth: To presume is common, but to believe is rare. You have heard also, that Holiness is required in order unto life. That Text is plain, and the words are peremptory,