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

Propo. IV. In true Conversion, the Soul […] turned to God in Christ. In all changes •here is the term to which, as well as the •erm from which the change is. Thus in conversion, the former Proposition was ••pressive of the term from which; this is expressive of the term to which the sinner is charged: We have them both mentioned, Acts 26.19 where the Conversion of the Gentiles is called, not only a turning from Satan and darkness, but unto God: Therefore it is said of John Baptist, that he should ••rn many of the children of Israel unto the Lord ••eir God, Luke 1.16. because he was Instrumental towards their Conversion: God went forth with John Baptists Ministry to the Conversion of many Souls, therefore he is said, to turn many to the Lord: And very often Conversion is called, a turning to ⟨p. 12⟩the Lord, Deut. 30.10. Hos 12.6. Conversion is an undoing the work of sin; sin is a departure from God; So Conversion is a going to him again. Hence the Converting Prodigal said, he would go to his father, Luke 15.18. By these two parts, or terms, is the whole nature of Conversion described; see Isa 55.7. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: These words are expressive of the first part of Conversion; sc. when the Sinner is turned from evil, and that not only as to his way, or outward conversation, but in his own thoughts, and inward disposition of heart; it followeth, and let him return to the Lord—To our God: These words are expressive of the other and positive part of Conversion Moreover, this turning must be to God in Christ; for true Conversion is an Evangelical work; Though a man should repent with a Legal Repentance, and turn to God in a Legal way, this is no Conversion, if Christ be not turned unto and God, even the Father in him. The Jews did thus return, yet they Converted not, because they sought God out of Christ,