N00254:438
Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness
Practical truths tending to promote the power of godliness: wherein several important duties, are urged, and the evil of divers common sins, is evinced; delivered in sundry sermons. / By Increase Mather, teacher of a church at Boston in New-England. ; [Ten lines of Scripture texts]
printed by Samuel Green upon assignment of Samuel Sewall, 1682
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.
Some it may be will say, but how shall we help it?
Ans. 1. As helps against this evil, there are some things that men should remember to observe before they come to hear the Word. Beware of excessive toiling and moiling in the World, because that doth incline to sleepiness. And remember to be temperate in all things. When men overcharge themselves with meat and drink, and then come to hear the Word Preached, no wonder if they fall asleep, when they should be hearing for their Souls benefit. And if you find your selves inclined to this evil, remember so pray much against it before you come to hear. I doubt common sleepers at Sermons, remember not this. Did they pray earnestly ⟨p. 219⟩against this infirmity the Lord would give them power and victory over it. You must be watchful in order unto prayer, and you must pray that you may become watchful.
2. At the time of Hearing, some things are to be done as helps against this Evil.
Strive against it when first you begin to drowse, shake off a sleepy frame. Stir up your selves to hear the Word, as well as to call upon the Name of God,