A70554:41
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 2: II. His PIETY.
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.
II. His PIETY.
Tho' a fine Carriage was the least thing that ever he affected, yet a Good Nature made him dear to those that were familiar with him. He was always very obliging and officious, and more ready to do, than others could be to ask a good turn at his hands: But he was above all happy, by being Early in pure Religion.
The Common Effects of such a Pious Education, as the Family in which he lived afforded unto him, were seen even in his Childhood; and secret Prayer became very betimes one of his Infant Exercises. He does in his Mss. particularly take notice of a Scripture Copy set for him when he learned to Write, as a thing that had much Efficacy on him; but when he was Twelve (or more) Years old, more powerful Convictions did the Spirit of God set home upon him than he had been used unto; some Records therefore I find in his Papers, with this Clause in the Head of ⟨p. 9⟩the Account, Rejoice O my Soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with thee. Now it was that he allowed his Pen to write these, among other Expressions of his Trouble about his Estate.
The Common Effects of such a Piou• Education, as the Family in which he lived afforded unto him, were seen even in his Childhood; and secret Prayer became very betimes one of his Infant Exercises. He does in his MSs. particularly take notice of a Scripture Copy set for him when he learned to Write, as a thing that had much Efficacy on him; but when he was Twelve (or more) Years old, more powerful Convictions did the Spirit of God set home upon him than he had been used unto; some Records therefore I find in his Papers, with this Clause in the Head of