N00427:104
The present state of New-England. Considered in a discourse on the necessities and advantages…
The present state of New-England. Considered in a discourse on the necessities and advantages of a public spirit in every man; especially, at such a time as this. Made at the lecture in Boston 20.d. 1.m. 1690. Upon the news of an invasion by bloody Indians and French-men, begun upon us. / By Cotton Mather. ; [Two line epigram in Latin]
Boston: printed by Samuel Green, 1690
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.
And that no attempt towards Reformation, may want that Assistance which all good men will be willing to give thereunto, 'tis hoped that the Ministers of God will to the public Reading of this Proclamation, adjoin their own fervent Labours, not only for the Rebuking and Suppressing of those Provoking Evils, which are marked for common Hatred: but also to witness against the more Spiritual Sins, which fall not so much under the cognizance of Humane Laws, namely, such as Unbelief, Worldliness, Heresy, Pride, Wrath, Strife, Envy, and the Neglect of communion with God, in both Natural and Instituted Worship, and the Contempt of the everlasting Gospel, with a shameful want of due Family-Instruction, which are the Roots of Bitterness in the midst of us.
And that no attempt towards Reformation, may want that Assistance which all good men will be willing to give thereunto, 'tis hoped that the Ministers of God will to the publick Reading of this Proclamation, adjoyn their own fervent Labours, not only for the Rebukeing and Suppressing of those Provoking Evils, which are marked for common Hatred: but also to witness against the more Spiritual Sins, which fall not so much under the cognizance of Humane Laws, namely, such as Vnbelief, Worldliness, Heresy, Pride, Wrath, Strife, Envy, and the Neglect of communion with God, in both Natural and Instituted Worship, and the Contempt of the everlasting Gospel, with a shameful want of due Family-Instruction, which are the Roots of Bitterness in the midst of us.
Moreover, after the Example of Pious Rulers commended in Sacred Writ; the Churches every where are hereby advised to give utmost Encouragement unto the ⟨p. 51⟩Faithful and Watchful Pastors of their Souls; to seek (where they lack) a full Settlement and Enjoyment of such Officers, as the Lord Jesus Christ has appointed for their Edification; to reflect seriously and frequently on their Covenants, to sharpen their Discipline against those that walk disorderly; and immediately to compose their Differences and Contentions (if such there be) whereby any of them may be distempered and enfeebled, that so they may become Terrible as an Army with Banners.