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

But a little to enlarge here; there are two things especially that show the difficulty which is in obtaining Salvation: And ⟨p. 242⟩that therefore it is to be sought after with fear and trembling.

But a little to enlarge here; there are two things especially that shew the difficulty which is in obtaining Salvation: And ⟨p. 242⟩that therefore it is to be sought after with fear and trembling.

1. In that there are many Impediments to hinder a man from coming into, or from going on in the way of salvation. There are many and mighty Enemies unto Salvation. As now the Devil is one Enemy to Salvation, his name is Abaddon, and Apollyon, that is, a Destroyer: Christ and Satan are most contrary in Nature, Properties and Works; Christs work is to be a Saviour of Souls, but the Devils work is to be a Destroyer of Souls. And this is a mighty Enemy; hence the Scripture speaketh of the power of the Enemy, and the Apostle saith, We wrestle not with flesh and blood, that is, not with weak Enemies, but with Principalities and Powers, even with strong and potent Enemies, Eph. 6.13. And also a most subtle Enemy, therefore compared, not only to a Serpent, but to an Old Serpent, Rev. 12.9. because of his exceeding subtlety. Now if a man hath a potent and politic Enemy to watch all opportunities against, this calls for fear and care, lest his Enemies should be his ruin. Satan labours by fraud to hinder the Salvation of sinners; thence sometimes he persuades them, that they are in the way of Salvation, when as it is not so; and sometimes he persuadeth a sinner, that it is soon enough, & too soon for to look after Salvation: Thus he ruins many by Presumption. Also he labours to hinder the Salvation of Souls by ⟨p. 243⟩