N00528:202
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.
The SIXTH Article in our Commemoration may be, The Benefits of God, relating to the Earthly VOCATIONS and EMPLOYMENTS, which Heaven has cast upon us. 'Tis a Blessing to have a Calling. Tho' our Sweat be mentioned in our Curse, yet our Curse, would be far greater than it is, if it were not for our Sweat. 'Tis many ways Advantageous, both for our inward and our outward Man, that we should, with Quietness work, & Eat our own Bread. Let it be enquired of us, as it was of the Sons of Jacob, of what Occupation are you? We have an Occupation; and Blessed be God, it is not only a Lawful but a Gainful Occupation. It was the Benediction upon the Tribe of Judah, Let his Hands be sufficient for him. Since we are of this Tribe, let us indeed be found in the Tribe of Judah, or of Praising ones. But more than this; we have an Agreeable Occupation. 'Tis no little kindness of our God unto us, when we come to love, to like, to choose our daily Business; when our Business is made our pleasure, and we do not come to it, as the Bear unto the stake. The Lord said, Behold, I have created the Smith, who blows the Coats in the Fire, and bringeth forth an Instrument for his Work. Thus 'tis God •at Spirits one man for this Work, and ⟨p. 57⟩another man for that work; and when a mans Lot falls to him in that Work, whereto he has been particularly Spirited, this is the kind work of God And that which Augments this kindness of God, is, that we can so follow the work of our calling, as to maintain ourselves, and yet we have Time to mind the affairs of our Souls too; we can without pinching, allow one whole Day in a week, for soul-work; and be at Lectures & Meetings every week, for more of that work: & every Day in our Houses, and Closets, do something further at that work; and so, Work out our own salvation. Yea, some of us, have an Honourable Vocation also: We have either in the Government, or in the Ministry, such a station that many thousands may fare the better for us! These are thing that call for the most grateful Resentments of our Souls. But then.
The SIXTH Article in our Commemoration may be, The Benefits of God, relating to the Earthly VOCATIONS and EMPLOYMENTS, which Heaven has cast upon us. 'Tis a Blessing to have a Calling. Tho' our Sweat be mentioned in our Curse, yet our Curse, would be far greater than it is, if it were not for our Sweat. 'Tis many wayes Advantageous, both for our inward and our outward Man, that we should, with Quietness work, & Eat our own Bread. Let it be enquired of us, as it was of the Sons of Jacob, of what Occupation are you? We have an Occupation; and Blessed be God, it is not only a Lawful but a Gamful Occupation. It was the Benediction upon the Tribe of Judah, Let his Hands be sufficient for him. Since we are of this Tribe, let us indeed be found in the Tribe of Judah, or of Praising ones. But more than this; we have an Agreeable Occupation. 'Tis no little kindness of our God unto us, when we come to love, to like, to choose our daily Business; when our Business is made our pleasure, and we do not come to it, as the Bear unto the stake. The Lord said, Behold, I have created the Smith, who blows the Coats in the Fire, and bringeth forth an Instrument for his Work. Thus 'tis God at Spirits one man for this Work, and