N09311:73
The nature of saving conversion, and the way
The nature of saving conversion, and the way wherein it is wrought. By the Rev'd. learned, and eminently pious, Mr. Solomon Stoddard of Northampton, New-England, first published A.D. 1719.
Boston: : Printed for and sold by Edmund Sawyer, at his house in Newbury., 1770
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.
This may appear by these things,
1. From the shortness of the time wherein this discovery is made. There is but a very little time between the opening of the eyes, and the hearts closing with Christ, and the discovery is wont to last but a little time; and so it is impossible that he should have a distinct remembrance of every thing that he saw. The Spouse gives a very particular description of Christ in figurative expressions, Cant. 5. from v. 16. ad fin And so Godly men are able to do from what they find in the word of God; but they can remember but a little account of what they saw at that time. If a man cast up his eyes to heaven, he sees a multitude of stars; but is not able to give a particular account of what he saw of the several stars and constellations. So, if a man should cast his eye upon a beautiful Person, he is much affected with his beauty; but he can't give a particular account of all his features, the comeliness of his forehead, ⟨p. 46⟩eyes, cheeks and lips, nor give a description of them. If a man should cast his eye upon a Garden wherein their is a variety of flowers, he may be much affected with it, yet not able to tell particularly what sorts of flowers he saw. Or if he should cast his eye upon a curious piece of Embroidery, he may perceive immediately that there is much curiosity in it; but he cannot give an account of all the colours and resemblances that he cast his eye upon. Thus it is when men's eyes are opened. They see the way of salvation to be a glorious way, but they cannot tell particularly all that they saw; they had but a transient sight, and could not take such distinct notice of things, as to lay them up in their memory.