Systematic Theology

Mather, C. – What Must I Do To Be Saved?

Posted on by David Cox

What Must I Do To Be Saved?
by Cotton Mather

Cotton Mather (February 12, 1663 – February 13, 1728). B.A. 1678 (Harvard College), M.A. 1681; honorary doctorate 1710 (University of Glasgow), was a socially and politically influential Puritan minister, prolific author, and pamphleteer. He attended Boston Latin School, and graduated from Harvard in 1678, at only 15 years of age. After completing his post-graduate work, he joined his father as assistant Pastor of Boston’s original North Church. Author of more than 450 books and pamphlets, Cotton Mather’s ubiquitous literary works made him one of the most influential religious leaders in America. Mather set the nation’s “moral tone,” and sounded the call for second and third generation Puritans, whose parents had left England for the New England colonies of North America to return to the theological roots of Puritanism. His major works are: Continue reading →

Marsh, W. – Antichrist Detected

Posted on by David Cox

Antichrist detected
A Sermon preached in St. Thomas’s Church, Birmingham.
by the Rev. William Marsh, D.D. Rector. 1841.

This is a very short 1 chapter work which is a 3 point sermon on the Antichrist. Marsh’s points are:

I. The characteristics of the opponents of Christ.
II. The best means of detecting them.
III. The evidence they afford to the truth of Christianity. Continue reading →

Miller-Evidence from Scripture & History of Second Coming of Christ

Posted on by David Cox

Evidence from Scripture and History of the Second Coming of Christ

by William Miller [1842]

This is a collection of lectures by William Miller (1782-1849), a 19th century preacher who managed to convince himself and thousands of others that Jesus would return in 1844. Born a Baptist, he became a Deist and Freemason. After he fought in the war of 1812, he had a spiritual epiphany, and was called back to Baptism. After much study, Miller became convinced that Biblical chronology pointed to the immiment end of the world, and in 1832, was confident enough to publicize his beliefs.

As the deadline approached, his followers grew into a huge movement. The calculations were refined by his disciples, and October 22, 1844 was determined to be the day. As that date approached, Millerites sold their homes and business, and flocked to the hills to await the last judgement. Of course, nothing out of the ordinary occurred, and most of Miller’s followers melted away as quickly as they had joined. This became known as ‘the Great Disappointment.’ However, the concept of the imminent return of Jesus has been a major component of evangelical Christian thought for the past century. Few have been so bold as to set an actual date certain for the end of the world. Most millennialists today simply point to various signs and portents to suggest that the end is near. Continue reading →