N00318:228
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 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 N. England.A call from heaven, to the present and succeeding generations or A discourse wherein 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 N. England.
Boston: printed by R.P. i.e for I. Brunning i.e, 1685
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
Doct. That One of the greatest blessings promised in the Covenant of grace, is, That the Lord will pour his Spirit upon the Children and posterity of his Servants.
Now for the clearing of this Doctrine, Four things may be enquired into: 1. What is here meant by the Spirit? 2. What is implied in this pouring the Spirit? 3. How it doth appear that the Pouring of the Spirit upon Children is a great blessing: 4. The Reason why the Lord hath made such a Promise.
Quest. 1. What is here meant by the Spirit?
Answ. The Spirit is not here taken in a personal sense? although it be a glorious Truth, that the Holy Ghost himself doth dwell in the Hearts of Believers, *yet he is not as to his ⟨p. 169⟩Person said to be poured on men for so he is equally in all the Saints: whereas this expression of pouring the Spirit intimates a larger communication of him to some, than to others. Wherefore the Phrase is Metonymical, that being affirmed of the Cause, which is proper to the Effect. In respect of his effects and Operations the Holy Ghost is poured forth upon his Servants.