N00524:46
The day, & the work of the day. A brief discourse, on what fears…
The day, & the work of the day. A brief discourse, on what fears we may have at this time to quicken us; what hopes there are at this time to comfort us: and what prayers would be likely to turn our prayers into hopes. With reflections upon time and state, now come upon the Church of God, and collections of certain prophecies relating to the present circumstances of New-England. Uttered on a fast, kept in Boston, July 6th. 1693. / By Cotton Mather.
Boston: printed by B. Harris, 1693
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.
CASE.
What is the END of PRAYER?
We know, It is not for the Information of Almighty God, that we Spread our Ails before Him; ⟨p. 25⟩nor do we plead with Him, to move in Him, any Affections or Compassions like those which are in our selves. But then,
One End of Prayer, is, That we may Reverently Realize the Attributes of that God, who is greatly to be had in Reverence by those that come about Him. 'Tis a Veneration of God, as well as a Petition to God. Our God whose Throne is in the Highest Heavens, would be Enthroned in the High Thoughts of our Souls; now 'tis by Prayer that we are put upon the Forming of such God-Adoring Thoughts. It was said, of a very praying man, in Heb. 11. 27. He saw Him, who is Invisible. In Prayer 'tis, that we, Lift up our Eyes, and so we have a more Distinct Sight of the Unseen God, in the serious and suitable Thoughts of Him, so Raised in our minds.