A70554:141
Early piety, exemplified in the life and death of Mr. Nathanael Mather, who ...…
Early piety, exemplified in the life and death of Mr. Nathanael Mather, who ... changed earth for heaven, Oct. 17. 1688 whereto are added some discourses on the true nature, the great reward, and the best season of such a walk with God as he left a pattern of.
London: printed by J. Astwood for John Dunton, 1689
THE LIFE and DEATH OF Mr. NATHANAEL MATHER. › Part 3: III. His DEATH.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
There was an Incision, with mature Advice made into the Tumour, about a Month before his Expiration, which gave good hopes of his Recovery into a capacity of serving the Church of God; but the Circulation, which was now given unto the putrid Juices which his Blood, through his continual and sedentary Studies, had been annoyed withal, soon enkindled a Fever, which burnt asunder the thread of this pious Life.
There was an Incision, with mature Advice made into the Tumour, about a Month before his Expiration, which gave good hopes of his Recovery into a capacity of serving the Church of God; but the Circulation, which was now given unto the putrid Juices which his Blood, through his continual and sedentary Studies, had been annoyed withal, soon enkinded a Fever, which burnt asunder the thread of this pious Life.
One might suppose, that such a Walk with God as the Reader has newly had Portrayed before him, should End in Raptures, and Ecstasies of Assurance; but I am to tell him, That this young Person had them not. And there wanted not Reason for it. For his Natural Distemper disposed him to what is contrary to Joy; but his Deep Humility had a greater share in the Jealousies and Suspicions which he would still cherish of himself. He was indeed so afraid of being an Hypocrite, that he would scarce allow himself to be called a Christian, and he did not care so ⟨p. 57⟩much as to tell any of his own Experiences, no, nor his Inclinations, unless to one or two Divines, who kindly refreshed him with their daily Visits; and with them too he would uphold his Discourse only in Latin, if any one else were by.
One might suppose, that such a Walk with God as the Reader has newly had Pourtrayed before him, should End in Raptures, and Extasies of Assurance; but I am to tell him, That this young Person had them not. And there wanted not Reason for it. For his Natural Distemper disposed him to what is contrary to Joy; but his Deep Humility had a greater share in the Jealousies and Suspicions which he would still cherish of himself. He was indeed so afraid of being an Hypocrite, that he would scarce allow himself to be called a Christian, and he did not care so