A Guide to Christ, Or, the Way of Directing Souls That Are Under the Work of Conversion: Compiled for the Help of Young Ministers, and May Be ... Christians Who Are Inquiring the Way to Zion

by Increase Mather

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: Evangelism, Theology

204 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2003

About the author

Increase Mather was a Puritan minister who was involved with the government of the colony, acting as ambassador-extraordinary to the courts of England. He served as President of Harvard College from 1692 to 1701, and with his son, Cotton Mather was involved in the Salem witch trials.

Reviews

[Robert II · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fascinating look into 16th and 17th century counseling for anxious and awakened sinners. The reader will find in this work many concepts that are missing from what is termed in the 21st century, "decisional regeneration". There were no "sinners prayers" in these days, but a careful coming through to God so as to best insure genuine regeneration. For those that may not know, Solomon Stoddard was grandfather to Jonathan Edwards.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first heard of Solomon Stoddard when it was referenced multiple times in Jonathan Edwards' book Religious Affections. This is definitely not your modern touchy feely book on how to accept Christ into your heart. It is more akin to the Lord Jesus' approach to sinners who came to Him seeking how they could earn eternal life or seek His favor. They were challenged, sometimes insulted, and made to focus on their sin more than their good deeds. That is what Stoddard does. Modern preachers are satisfied that someone prayed the prayer and attend church and use Christian lingo. They are happier when they clean up their lives and seem to be getting sanctified. But Stoddard pokes holes even in these good signs, not demanding professors meet his standards, but to examine themselves before Christ and not be satisfied with false conversion, trusting in their humility or confession, or any good works. He lays out 40 or so situations that a believer may be faced with and offers steps to take to go to Christ. Of special value are his recommendations for visiting the dying. Oh, no comfort is offered to the suffering if it cannot be assured that he is among the honestly converted. He says, "It is very fit he should be remembered of his sinful life, and the dreadfulness of that punishment that hangs over his head; which may be set before him in an affecting manner, that if it be possible he may be terrified, and made sensible of those eternal miseries that are coming upon him." Only a pastor who truly loves the dying man would dare do this today. This book is a must read for young pastors and old. Stoddard's experience must not be lost or ignored.