N00528:211
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.
Here is our work. But now for the Obstruction of this work in the Winter, there is a frequent Abuse of that Scripture, in Mat. 9. 1•. I will have Mercy and not Sacrifice. The Deceitful Hearts of Men pretend the Duties of Mercy, to Plunge themselves into the most horrible Instances of Cruelty; I mean, they make themselves a Sacrifice to the terrible Justice and Vengeance of God. But I say, Go ye, and Learn what that meaneth! It is true, That Mercy to our selves, may adjust the CIRCUMSTANCES of our Duties, or, the Exteriors, in the AFFIRMATIVES of Religion. It is not pleasing to God, that we should be really Cruel to our selves. Gods Commands do not commonly oblige us to overthrow the Health of our own Bodies. We cannot be Righteous at all, except we Deny our selves; but when we come to Destroy our selves, by Excesses in the Manner of Doing, what must be Done, tho ⟨p. 65⟩we should be Destroyed for it, then we become Righteous Overmuch.
Here is our work. But now for the Obstruction of this work in the Winter, there is a frequent Abuse of that Scripture, in Mat. 9. 1•. I will have Mercy and not Sacrifice. The Deceitful Hearts of Men pretend the Duties of Mercy, to Plunge themselves into the most horrible Instances of Cruelty; I mean, they make themselves a Sacrifice to the terrible Justice and Vengeance of God. But I say, Go ye, and Learn what that meaneth! It is true, That Mercy to our selves, may adjust the CIRCUMSTANCES of our Duties, or, the Exteriours, in the AFFIRMATIVES of Religion. It is not pleasing to God, that we should be really Cruel to our selves. Gods Commands do not commonly oblige us to overthrow the Health of our own Bodies. We cannot be Righteous at all, except we Deny our selves; but when we come to Destroy our selves, by Excesses in the Manner of Doing, what must be Done, tho ⟨p. 65⟩we should be Destroy'd for it, then we become Righteous Overmuch.