N09311:85
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.
I. The soul sees the reason and foundation of spiritual carriages. Holy carriages are very reasonable; but whatever is presented before men to persuade them, nothing will have any efficacy on them, until God gives spiritual light; for naturally they are blind, they are at a loss about the reality of those things, tho' they make a continual profession of them: But when God shines into their hearts with the light of life, they are convinced of those things that are the foundations of such carriages. They counted them probable before, but now they are evident to them.
I. The soul sees the reason and foundation of spiritual carriages. Holy carriages are very resonable; but whatever is presented before men to perswade them, nothing will have any efficacy on them, until God gives spiritual light; for naturally they are blind, they are at a loss about the reality of those things, tho' they make a continual profession of them: But when God shines into their hearts with the light of life, they are convinced of those things that are the foundations of such carriages. They counted them probable before, but now they are evident to them.
1. They see the foundations of faith in Jesus Christ. When the eyes of men are opened they see the gracious Nature of God, that he can have mercy on whom he will have mercy, that he can find in his heart to have compassion on them, though they he mere creatures and uncapable to be any profit to him, though they cannot recompense him; and though sinful creatures, whatever be the number and aggravation of their sins: they see that there is an excellency in the loving kindness of God, Ps. 36 7.
1. They see the foundations of faith in Jesus Christ. When the eyes of men are opened they see the gracious Nature of God, that he can have mercy on whom he will have mercy, that he can find in his heart to have compassion on them, though they he meer creatures and uncapable to be any profit to him, though they cannot recompence him; and though sinful creatures, whatever be the number and aggravation of their sins: they see that there is an excellency in the loving kindness of God,