N00441:95
Fair weather. Or Considerations to dispel the clouds, & allay the storms, of discontent
Fair weather. Or Considerations to dispel the clouds, & allay the storms, of discontent: in a discourse which with an entertaining variety, both of argument and history, lays open, the nature and evil of that pernicious vice, and offers diverse antidotes against it; / by Cotton Mather. ; Whereto there is prefixed a catalogue of sins against all the commandments, whereof all that would make thorough work of repentance, especially at this day when the God of heaven so loudly calls for it, should make their serious and sensible confessions before the Lord; with an humble and fervent address unto this whole people, there-about.Fair weather. Or Considerations to dispel the clouds, & allay the storms, of discontent: in a discourse which with an entertaining variety, both of argument and history, layes open, the nature and evil of that pernicious vice, and offers diverse antidotes against it; / by Cotton Mather. ; Whereto there is prefixed a catalogue of sins against all the commandments, whereof all that would make thorough work of repentance, especially at this day when the God of heaven so loudly calls for it, should make their serious and sensible confessions before the Lord; with an humble and fervent address unto this whole people, there-about.
Boston: printed by Bartholomew Green for Benjamin Harris, 1692
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.
First, Let me Recommend Faith, as that Grace, which brings, Perfect Peace, unto him that ha's it. Faith will keep us, as from Fainting, so from Fretting, under our Afflictions. By Faith, let us Live upon Gods Promise in the New Covenant. There are Great and Precious Promises, which God ha's given us, for the Contenting of our Souls; and now, although we have nothing else, yet let ⟨p. 77⟩these be, Our Heritage, and the Rejoicing of our Heart. What a Promise is that in Heb 1 3. 5. Be Content with such things as ye have; for He hath said, I will rever leave thee, nor forsake thee. Mark the Preceding Verse, and you may see, That Married People are Eminently concerned in this Promise of God. Marriage is Honourable, says the Apostle; Yea, but say many, Tis Change […] too; & as the Family Grows, Discontent will do so too. Well, says the Lord, But I […] never leave thee nor forsake thee; Be but Content, and I'll provide for all the Family! See also, Psal. 84 1•. and Psal. 34, 10. with many more such, Faithful sayings. By Faith likewise, let us Realize Our Portion in a more Glorious World. Persuade your selves, of the Portion which you have in those Things that, Eye hath not seen, Ear hath not heard, and Heart hath not Conceived. It was said, in Heb. 10. 34. Ye took •••fully, the Sp•••ing of your Goods, knowing in your selves, that ye have in Heaven, a better and an Enduring Substance. […], we should be deserted by all the Friends we had in the ⟨p. 78⟩World, yet let us Know, That we have Him for our Friend, who says, Am not I better unto thee, that Ten Sons? or than Ten Worlds? Let us Know that though we have little Money, yet we have, The Pearl of Great Price. Let us Know, that though we have hardly Rage of Cover us, yet we have, The White and clean Linen which is the Righteousness of the Saints. Though our Names here are Spit upon; yet let us Know, we have, Names Written in Heaven. And though our House be a Cottage, and perhaps an Hired one, yet let us Know, In our Fathers House, there are many Mansions. O be Content with such a Portion! You'll say, How shall I know this? I Reply, Thus; Try whether these Considerations will Kill your Discontent, and Extirpate that Root of Bitterness out of your Souls. If you […], They'll Do; That is a Sign that such Considerations do belong unto you; you are the Heirs of such Consolations.