A Guide to Christ; Or, the Way of Directing Souls That Are Under the Work of Conversion

by Solomon Stoddard

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1827 edition. Excerpt: ... A guide to Christ Solomon Stoddard The following Sketch of the character of the author of thii work, is taken from "Allen's American Biographical and Historic it Dictionary." DEGREES Solomon Stoddard, minister, of Northampton, Massachusetts, was born in Boston in 1643, and was the eldest son of Anthony Stoddard, esuuire. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1662 He was afterwards appointed a fellow. His health being impaired, he went to Barbadoes, as chaplain to Gov. Serle, and preached to the dissenters on that island near two years. After his return, being ordained September 11. 1672, as successor to Mr. Mather at Northampton, he continued in that place till his death, February 11, 1729, in the eighty-sixth year of his age. As a preacher, his discourses were plain, experimental, searching, and argumentative. He was blessed with great success. He used to say, that he had live harvests; and in these revivals there was a general cry, what must I do to be saved? He was so diligent in his studies, that he leit a considerable number of sermons, which he had never preached. He wrote so fine a hand, that one hundred and fifty of his discourses are contained in a small duodecimo, manuscript volume, which with the greatest ease may be carried in the pocket. He published the doctrine of instituted churches, London, 4to. 1700, in which he advanced some sentiments that were not very well received in this country, such as the following; that the Lord's table should be accessible to all persons not immoral in their lives; that the power of receiving and censuring members is vested, exclusively, in the elders of the church; and that synods have power to excommunicate and deliver from church censures. He published also the danger

Genres: Evangelism, Theology

28 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2003

About the author

1800-1847

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.