Meaning: The quote "What Must I Do to Be Saved? It is impossible to ask a more weighty Question! It is deplorable that we hear it asked with no more Frequency, with nor more Agony." by Cotton Mather, a prominent 17th-century Puritan minister and theologian, encapsulates the urgency and significance of the question of salvation in Christian theology. This quote reflects Mather's fervent belief in the importance of salvation and his concern that the question of salvation is not being asked with the seriousness it deserves.

Cotton Mather was a key figure in the religious and intellectual life of colonial New England. He was known for his influential sermons, writings, and advocacy for the Puritan way of life. Mather's upbringing in a devout Puritan family and his extensive education in theology and classical languages shaped his deep commitment to the principles of Puritanism and his concern for the spiritual wellbeing of his community.

The quote highlights the central tenet of Christian faith regarding salvation, which is the deliverance from sin and its consequences, and the attainment of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. The question "What Must I Do to Be Saved?" has been a fundamental inquiry in Christian thought and practice since the early days of the faith. It reflects the existential and spiritual yearning of individuals to find meaning, redemption, and assurance of their ultimate destiny.

Mather's use of the word "weighty" in the quote underscores the gravity and profound significance of the question. The concept of salvation carries immense theological, moral, and existential implications in Christianity. It addresses the fundamental human condition of sin, the need for reconciliation with God, and the hope for eternal life. Mather's emphasis on the weightiness of the question serves as a reminder of the gravity of spiritual matters and the eternal consequences at stake.

Furthermore, Mather's lament about the lack of frequency and agony with which the question of salvation is asked reflects his concern for the spiritual apathy and complacency he observed in his community. In the context of colonial New England, Mather witnessed a wide range of spiritual attitudes and practices, from genuine religious devotion to indifference and nominal adherence to Christian beliefs. His exhortation for a more frequent and agonizing contemplation of the question of salvation reflects his desire to awaken his audience to the urgency of their spiritual condition.

In contemporary Christian theology and practice, the question of salvation remains a central focus of preaching, teaching, and personal reflection. The quote by Cotton Mather continues to resonate with believers and theologians as a reminder of the profound significance of salvation and the need for a deep, earnest engagement with its implications.

In conclusion, the quote "What Must I Do to Be Saved? It is impossible to ask a more weighty Question! It is deplorable that we hear it asked with no more Frequency, with nor more Agony." by Cotton Mather encapsulates the urgency and significance of the question of salvation in Christian theology. It reflects Mather's fervent belief in the weightiness of the question and his concern for the lack of earnest consideration of the matter in his community. Mather's quote serves as a poignant reminder of the profound theological and existential implications of the question of salvation and its enduring relevance in Christian thought and practice.