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

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, Heb. 12.14. Without holiness no man shall see the Lord. No man, be he high or low, shall see the Lord of life; and therefore no man shall inherit Eternal life, without Holiness. But holy men and women are rarely found, 1 John 5.19. The Apostle there saith, that the whole World lieth in Wickedness. Yea, even amongst those who are Pretenders unto Holiness, there are but few that have the thing in reality,