N00528:183
Winter-meditations directions how to employ the leisure [sic] of the winter for the glory…Winter-meditations directions how to employ the liesure [sic] of the winter for the glory…
Winter-meditations directions how to employ the leisure [sic] of the winter for the glory of God. : Accompanied with reflections, as well historical, as theological, not only upon the circumstances of the winter, but also, upon the notable works of God, both in, creation, and providence: especially those, which more immediately concern every particular man, in the whole course of his life: and upon the religious works, wherewith every man should acknowledge God, in and from the accidents of the winter. / By Cotton Mather. ; With a preface of the Reverend, Mr. John Higginson.Winter-meditations directions how to employ the liesure [sic] of the winter for the glory of God. : Accompanied with reflections, as well historical, as theological, not only upon the circumstances of the winter, but also, upon the notable works of God, both in, creation, and providence: especially those, which more immediately concern every particular man, in the whole course of his life: and upon the religious works, wherewith every man should acknowledge God, in and from the accidents of the winter. / By Cotton Mather. ; With a preface of the Reverend, Mr. John Higginson.
Boston: printed by Benjamin Harris over-against the Old-Meeting-House, 1693
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.
Let us also be Thankful for our FUEL. There have been Pagans that have sometimes worshipped the Fire as a God. But it would well became Christians, to Worship the True God with manifold Praises for the Advantages which we have against our Cold by the Fire. Our Indians have thought the Fire must needs be a God; because when a poor man is ready to perish with Cold in the Winter, one Spark of it, will in a few minutes blaze out so comfortably as to save the Life of him. Instead of so Rude a Fancy, it beseems us to-say, There is much of God in the Fire: His Greatness, and His Bounty may be seen Sparkling in it. Be Thankful; and at the same time, Let us Entreat of our God, That we may be Baptised with the Fire of His Holy Spirit, which will make us, Fervent in Spirit Serving the Lord.
Let us be thankful for Our HOUSES too. We are not left now to lodge abroad in the Cold, with none but the Ground for our Bed, the Snow for our Coverlid, and the Sky for our Canopy: nor are we obliged unto such Wretched Wigwams as were the best Habitations of the Barbarous Natives ⟨p. 45⟩that were here before us. How well are we lodged in the Winter; and neither by Burnings nor by Earthquakes, forced out of Doors? Be thankful; and at the same time let us entreat of our God, that we have a Mansion in our Heavenly Fathers house forever. The Keenest Winters in the world, have been made very tolerable by peoples making some Rooms of their Houses under the Earth, and keeping themselves in such subterraneous Rooms. But let the Winters which call us to give thanks, for our warm Houses on the Earth, cause us to be Concerned for, An house Eternal in the Heavens.
And let us be Thankful for our TABLES. How many Warm Dishes, have we to cherish us, whereby we are strengthened against the Cold of the winter? And how many Refreshing Draughts to Refocillate our Enfeebled Spirits? Be thankful, & entreat of God, that we may be admitted unto His Feast of Fat things full of Marrow, and of Waves on the Lees, well-Refined, the feast whereat, There will be no taking away.