N00213:15
A call from heaven to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherein…A call from heaven to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherin…
A call from heaven to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherein is showed, I. That the children of godly parents are under special advantages and encouragements to seek the Lord. : II. The exceeding danger of apostasy, especially as to those that are the children and posterity of such as have been eminent for God in their generation. : III. That young men ought to remember God their creator. / By Increase Mather, teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Nine lines of quotations]A call from heaven to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherin is shewed, I. That the children of godly parents are under special advantages and encouragements to seek the Lord. : II. The exceeding danger of apostasie, especially as to those that are the children and posterity of such as have been eminent for God in their generation. : III. That young men ought to remember God their creator. / By Increase Mather, teacher of a church in Boston in New-England. ; [Nine lines of quotations]
Boston: printed by John Foster, 1679
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.
As for the ensuing Discourse, if the Reader expect any thing rare, or curious therein, he will find himself disappointed. I neither can if I would, nor am I willing to do what I can, in such a way. I would rather let the world see, that I am of Luther's judgement, who judged him the ablest Preacher quipueriliter, trivialiter, populariter, simplicissimèdocet. And it is a comfort to think, that such Simple Discourses, which they that account themselves the Wits of the World, look upon as Babbling, will either be blessed by Christ for the Conversion and Edification of Souls, or turn for a Testimony to the Speaker. And what can a Christian desire more, then to be unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved & in them that perish? And that after he is fallen asleep, and gathered unto his Fathers, others shall bear witness that be served his own Generation according to the will of God?
As for the ensuing Discourse, if the Reader expect any thing rare, or curious therein, he will find himself disappointed. I neither can if I would, nor am I willing to doe what I can, in such a way. I would rather let the world see, that I am of Luthers judgement, who judged him the ablest Preacher quipueriliter, trivialiter, populariter, simplicissimèdocet. And it is a comfort to think, that such Simple Discourses, which they that account themselves the Wits of the World, look upon as Babling, will either be blessed by Christ for the Conversion and Edification of Souls, or turn for a Testimony to the Speaker. And what can a Christian desire more, then to be unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved & in them that perish? And that after he is fallen asleep, and gathered unto his Fathers, others shall bear witness that be served his own Generation according to the will of God?
Some years are past, since notice was given of this intended Publication, (and indeed since these Sermons (such as they are) were both preached, and thus transcribed) If I had had nothing else to mind, but what is here presented, doubtless it would not have stuck in the birth so long: ⟨image ?⟩those that are acquainted with my employments, together with my extreme Hebetude, and inability to the performance of any good ork, will not wonder that it cometh forth no sooner. My Brothers Dying Exhortation to the Rising Generation, hath been Printed and reprinted, and the good of souls thereby promoved, and will (I believe) be some addition to his crown and glory, in the blessed day (which God in mercy grant that it may come quickly) when the Son of God shall give to every man, according as his work shall be. The Lord saw good to remove my Brother out of this into a better world, before he had fully expressed what was in his heart, respecting this Generation. I have so much the more reason to bend my knees, before the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, in all humble thankfulness, for that he hath lengthened the thread of my life to this day, and given me to endeavour the finishing of what my Brother happily began, though whether with the like success, is with him unto whom it belongs to give the Increase.