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

It is needful that ⟨p. xxi⟩gravity, humility, and the fear of the Lord should be conspicuous in such, whose Relation engageth them to be in word and in Conversation, an Example not only to the World, but even of believers themselves.

It is needful that ⟨p. xxi⟩gravity, humility, and the fear of the Lord should be conspicuous in such, whose Relation ingageth them to be in word and in Conversation, an Example not only to the World, but even of believers themselves.

And when the Lord giveth you such as are Pastors after his own heart, feeding you with knowledge and understanding, see that you encourage them in the Lord's work, and grieve them not, for that will be unprofitable for you; you may quench the Lord's Spirit in them by grieving their Spirits. What a thousand pities is it, that when the Lord hath raised up men of rare parts and choice Spirits filling them with Heavenly Treasure, that they should have their hearts broken, & be brought to the grave with Sorrow? I speak not for my self, Brethren; For as for me, I deserve that nothing else but necessities, distresses, discouragements, reproaches, slanders, should be my portion, because I am the chief of Sinners; But I beseech you, let not others who are men of God, and Servants of Jesus Christ, I say, let not Gods m•n & Christ's Servants be so dealt with, lest the•r M•ster who hath said, he that despiseth you, despiseth me, see i• and be displeased: Verily at whose hands soever the Lord Bear with such thing in New-England Professors: He will not be•• with it.

And when the Lord giveth you such as are Pastors after his own heart, feeding you with knowledge and understanding, see that you encourage them in the Lord's work, and grieve them not, for that will be unprofitable for you; you may quench the Lord's Spirit in them by grieving their Spirits. What a thousand pities is it, that when the Lord hath raised up men of rare parts and choice Spirits filling them with Heavenly Treasure, that they should have their hearts broken, & be bro't to the grave with Sorrow? I speak not for my self, Brethren; For as for me, I deserve that nothing else but necessities, distresses, discouragements, reproaches, slanders, should be my portion, because I am the chief of Sinners; But I beseech you, let not others who are men of God, and Servants of Jesus Christ, I say, let not Gods mn & Christ's Servants be so dealt with, lest ther Mster who hath said, he that despiseth you, despiseh me, see i and be dispeased: Verily at whose hands soever the Lord Bear with such thing in New-England Professors: He will not be with it.