N00427:105
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.
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.
Furthermore it is Expected that the several Towns within this Jurisdiction do speedily furnish themselves with all fit means for the good Education of Youth, and take special care to avoid Factions & Quarrels in their other Town Affairs; and all Plantations are strictly forbidden to continue without the Advantages of having the Word of God constantly preached unto them, or without a Sincere and Active Industry, to obtain the Presence of the Lord Christ in all His blessed Ordinances.
Furthermore it is Expected that the several Towns within this Jurisdiction do speedily furnish themselves with all fit means for the good Education of Youth, and take special care to avoid Factions & Quarrels in their other Town Affairs; and all Plantations are strictly forbidden to continue without the Advantages of having the Word of God constantly preacht unto them, or without a Sincere and Active Industry, to obtain the Presence of the Lord Christ in all His blessed Ordinances.
And Finally, this whole People are hereby advertised, that if these Essays for an universal Reformation, shall be obstructed (as those in the days of the Reforming Josiah were) by Mens being settled on their Lees, and hating to be Reformed, they can reasonably look for no other issue than this, that the jealous God will punish them yet seven times more for their iniquities: But, that if the God of Heaven shall grant unto them the Grace to Remember whence they are fallen, and Repent and do the first Works, it will give a greater Prospect of Prosperity, than can arise from the best Counsels, and biggest Armies.