N00528:23
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.
[1 Tim. 4. 7.] Exercise thy self unto Godliness. Now that is done by a frequent practice of those Duties, which have a Tendency to the promoting of the Power of Godliness, in our selves and others; and which through the Blessing of God, will not fail to attain that End: amongst which there are none more useful than Meditation, self-Examinations and […] Prayer: These are not only Enjoined by the Word, but Confirmed by the Experience of all the Saints, bearing witness to this great Truth, that there is no maintaining the Life and Power of Godliness without a diligent practice and frequent Exercise of the fore-named Holy Duties; and therefore any Contribution of help towards any of these, and in particular that of Meditation, deserveth a thankful acceptance from all the People of God.
[1 Tim. 4. 7.] Exercise thy self unto Godliness. Now that is done by a frequent practice of those Duties, which have a Tendency to the promoting of the Power of Godliness, in our selves and others; and which through the Blessing of God, will not fail to attain that End: amongst which there are none more useful than Meditation, self-Examinations and 〈…〉 Prayer: These are not only Enjoyned by the Word, but Confirmed by the Experience of all the Saints, bearing witness to this great Truth, that there is no maintaining the Life and Power of Godliness without a diligent practice and frequent Exercise of the fore-named Holy Duties; and therefore any Contribution of help towards any of these, and in particular that of Meditation, deserveth a thankful acceptance from all the People of God.
The Object of Meditation [God revealing himself in his Work and Works] is of a large Extent; the particularizing of some of the Works of God in Creation and Providence, considered ⟨image ?⟩with the adjunct of Time wherein they do Exist, and Expressing what the Word says of those Works in their Times and Seasons, is of singular use to fix the Volatile and Voluble Mind of Man unto profitable Meditations with Application to ourselves: as a Godly Man once said, Show me any Creature, and I will show thee God.