A Guide to Christ Or The Way of Directing Souls that Are Under the Work of Conversion

by Solomon Stoddard

""A Guide to Christ"" or ""The Way of Directing Souls that Are Under the Work of Conversion"" is a religious text written by Solomon Stoddard, a Puritan minister and theologian in colonial America. The book serves as a guide for individuals who are seeking to convert to Christianity and find their way to Christ. It provides practical advice and guidance for those who are struggling with the process of conversion, including how to deal with doubts and fears, how to pray effectively, and how to live a Christian life. Stoddard draws on his own experiences as a minister and his deep knowledge of scripture to offer insights and encouragement to those on the path to spiritual transformation. The book is written in a clear and accessible style, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of Christianity and their relationship with God.1742. That preparation for Christ is necessary before the soul can be united to him by faith, in an undoubted truth. Men must be convinced of their being sinners, or they will not be in bitterness for it. Sin must be bitter to them, or they will not forsake it. As long as they love their sins, it is impossible that they should believe in Christ. This volume was compiled for the help of young ministers, and may be serviceable to private Christians who are inquiring the way to Zion. Written in Old English.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

Genres: Evangelism, Theology

122 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.