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

Use 3. If these things be so: Oh, how then should that solemn Exhortation of the Apostle take place in all our hearts, Phil. 2.12. Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling? Since there are but few saved, and many perish: Oh how should we seek after Life and Salvation with fear and trembling? Let me spread before you a few Awakening and Encouraging Considerations, and so conclude.

Ʋse 3. If these things be so: Oh, how then should that solomn Exhortation of the Apostle take place in all our hearts, Phil. 2.12. Work out your own Salvation with fear and trembling? Since there are but few saved, and many perish: Oh how should we seek after Life and Salvation with fear and trembling? Let me spread before you a few Awakening and Encouraging Consierations, and so conclude.

Consider. 1. That many are miserably deceived about this matter. Men may, and many do think themselves in the way to life, whenas they are posting to destruction; They think themselves something when they are nothing, Gal. 6.3. Therefore Solomon saith, There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death, Pro. 14.12. Doubtless if you could speak with ⟨p. 203⟩those in Hell, and ask them why they were such fools as to walk in that way which did lead them into Eternal flames, the greatest part of those forlorn Souls would answer, We little thought it! we hoped we had been in a good way, we never imagined, that when once our Souls were out of our bodies, that then they must be in this place of Torment; I say many are thus deceived, and no marvel: for,

Consider. 1. That many are miserably deceived about this matter. Men may, and many do think themselves in the way to life, whenas they are posting to destruction; They think themselves something when they are nothing,