N00528:27
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.
Now in all the forementioned respects, this present pious and ingenious Treatise doth recommend it self to every Intelligent Reader, as a singular & seasonable help to Improve the time of the Winter Season in such an Exercise of Godliness, as directeth us how to observe the Works of God therein, & to acknowledge God in them, & by comparing the Word and Works of God together to have suitable (either set or occasional) Meditations on the Wisdom & Power, the Greatness & Goodness of God, and this with Application to our selves, and our own Duties, so as to raise our hearts and affections to the Fear and Love & Service of that God, who is God over all blessed for evermore. Upon which Ground I cannot forbear wishing that the Reverend Author of this, would do the like in relation to the other three Seasons of the Year; being assured that the Holy Scriptures are as rich in furnishing Materials for Spiritual Meditations on the Works of God proper to the Spring, the Summer and the Autumn, as well as to the Wintertime.
Now in all the forementioned respects, this present pious and ingenious Treatise doth recommend it self to every Intelligent Reader, as a singular & seasonable help to Improve the time of the Winter Season in such an Exercise of Godliness, as directeth us how to observe the Works of God therein, & to acknowledge God in them, & by comparing the Word and Works of God together to have suitable (either sett or occasional) Meditations on the Wisdom & Power, the Greatness & Goodness of God, and this with Application to our selves, and our own Duties, so as to raise our hearts and affections to the Fear and Love & Service of that God, who is God over all blessed for evermore. Upon which Ground I cannot forbear wishing that the Reverend Author of this, would do the like in relation to the other three Seasons of the Year; being assured that the Holy Scriptures are as rich in furnishing Materials for Spiritual Meditations on the Works of God proper to the Spring, the Summer and the Autumn, as well as to the Wintertime.
And truly, I cannot but give thanks to God, and Congratulate our New-England, that He hath Raised up such a Learned, Pious, and Ingenuous Person amongst the Ministers of our Third Generation, and hath poured out his Spirit upon him, and hath Enabled him not only to an Exemplary Diligence in the Work of the Ministry both publicly and privately amongst his Own People with great Success; but also to Write so many Useful Treatises on several Subjects, relating to the great Concernments of the Souls of all men, and of the State of Religion amongst us at this day; which I doubt not but they have been, are and will be acceptable and profitable to the good people of this Generation, and those that shall succeed.