N01911:341
Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…
Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D. teacher of a church at Boston, in New-England ; With a preface by Dr. Owen.Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D. teacher of a church at Boston, in New-England ; With a praeface by Dr. Owen.
Boston: printed by John Allen for John Edwards, 1721
Title page typeset from the transcription.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The Apostle in this Context is exhorting to peace and unity, and then saith, Work out your own Salvation: Why, what's that to the business of Salvation? Oh yes very much, for Divisions do exceedingly hinder Salvation-work: Therefore it is that the Devil maketh it his main design to sow discord amongst Christians, because he l••••eth that the work of God will never go forward as it should do, if there be Contentions and Schisms amongst the Lords people. Alas, when it is thus, mens time & spirits will be taken up about parties, that every one instead of working out his own Salvation, will be studying and busying himself how he may promote the interest of his own party & faction: I tremble to think what account many amongst us will be able to give unto Christ another day in this respect.
The Apostle in this Context is exhorting to peace and unity, and then saith, Work out your own Salvation: Why, wha't that to the business of Salvation? Oh yes very much, for Divisions do exceedingly hinder Salvation-work: Therefore it is that the Devil maketh it his main design to sow discord amongst Christians, because he l••••eth that the work of God will never go forward as it should do, if there be Contentions and Schisms amongst the Lords people. Alas, when it is thus, mens time & spirits will be taken up about parties, that every one instead of working out his own Salvation, will be studying and busying himself how he may promote the interest of his own party & faction: I tremble to think what account many amongst us will be able to give unto Christ another day in this respect.
Now for Motives here,
Consider. 1. The possibility which is in this thing which you are exhorted unto. Indeed it is an hard matter for men to work out their own Salvation (as but now was proved unto you) yet it is possible: If you will abound in the work of the Lord, your labour shall not be in vain,