N00528:220
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.
This I am sure of; that all our Accommodations all the winter long, will be very much the Sweeter, if not also the Surer, unto us, for our having first Liberally Imparted a Share unto out Honest Neighbours, that were altogether Destitute of such Accommodations. We read, in a certain place, concerning, The Treasures of Snow. One of the Ancients does expound those Treasures to be, Worldly Riches which the next Shower of Calamity will wash away, like a Snow-Drift, and leave only some dirt, behind in the owners heart. Why, if we would not have our Treasures, to milt, and wast, like those of the Snow, employ those Treasures for the Consolation, of the miserable, whose miseries are increased by the Snow.
This I am sure of; that all our Accommodations all the winter long, will be very much the Sweeter, if not also the Surer, unto us, for our having first Liberally Imparted a Share unto out Honest Neighbours, that were altogether Destitute of such Accommodations. We read, in a certain place, concerning, The Treasures of Snow. One of the Ancients does expound those Treasures to be, Worldly Riches which the next Shower of Calamity will wash away, like a Snow-Drift, and leave only some dirt, behind in the owners heart. Why, if we would not have our Treasures, to milt, and wast, like those of the Snow, employ those Treasures for the Consolation, of the miserable, whose miseries are encreased by the Snow.
CHRISTIANS, If you answer your Worthy Name, both the Word of CHRIST and the Day of CHRIST, find awful Resentments with you. Well then; You are in that Word Informed, and Assured, with what Glories in that Day, all your GOOD WORKS will be acknowledged. This Winter, feed a Starving Neighbour, and a sensible Jesus will then say, I am feasted. And the effect of it will be, that he will invite you to the Fat things of His House, yea, to the Delicious Feast, which he has in His Eternal Mountain. Again, This Winter Lodge an Harbourless Neighbour, and a sensible Jesus will say, I am entertained. You will not only, ⟨p. 72⟩like some, Entertain Angels unawares, but, The Lord of Angels, Himself. Further, This Winter •othe a Naked Neighbour, and a sensible Jesus will say, I have Robes put upon me. 'Twill be as if you had Adorned the Temples of God. Moreover, This Winter Comfort a Sick Neighbour, and a sensible Jesus will say, 'Tis I that am Refreshed. So, you that have Considered the Poor shall have your own Beds turned by the Lord for you, in your own Sickness. Finally, This Winter, come to a Neighbour in Prison, and you'll come to a sensible Jesus there. What you do for the Redemption of Captives, will be done to the Great Lord-Redeemer. They are the worst of Misers, whom such Motives, will not persuade unto somewhat of Liberality! But behold, the Winter it self also comes in as one of our Motives. The wise man said in