N00569:114
Early religion. Urged in a sermon. the duties, wherein, and the reasons wherefore, young…
Early religion. Urged in a sermon. the duties, wherein, and the reasons wherefore, young people should become religious. Whereto are added, the extracts of several papers, written by several persons, who are dying in their youth, left behind them those admonitions for the young survivors; with brief memoirs relating to the exemplary lives of some such, that have gone from hence to their everlasting rest. / By Cotton Mather. ; [Two lines of Scripture text]Early religion. Urged in a sermon. the duties, wherein, and the reasons wherefore, young people should become religious. Whereto are added, the extracts of several papers, written by several persons, who are dying in their youth, left behind them those admonitions for the young survivers; with brief memoirs relating to the exemplary lives of some such, that have gone from hence to their everlasting rest. / By Cotton Mather. ; [Two lines of Scripture text]
Boston: printed by B.H. i.e for Michael Perry, 1694
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.
In the Fifth place you shall have his Advice to a Friend, for his Relief against Blasphemous Thoughts. 'Twas written in these brief Terms.
In the Fifth place you shall have his Advice to a Friend, for his Releif against Blasphemous Thoughts. 'Twas written in these brief Terms.
I address this Answer to your Request. Take Notice, No Temptation befalls you, but what is common to men: And it is usual with God, when He is Converting of a sinner, to leave him unto This Temptation. Know also, That Christ Himself was Assaulted with, such Thoughts. If they drive you to Despair, plead, That you allow them not. They are but your Crosses, as long as you hate them; however there may also be much of your Corruption in them. I advise you, to observe the scope of Satan in this Temptation; which is to Rob God of the Glory of His Grace. Wherefore Do not Conceal it; neither do you Reason with the Devil about it. When these thoughts arise, tho' you are to be Humbled, and pray for pardon; yet you are not to be Dejected. But labour to Cross them with good thoughts, just contrary to them. Make Conscience of the Duties which God requires in order to your Victory; patiently submit unto the Correcting Hand of God; but be Thankful it is ⟨p. 80⟩no worse; and be willing to stay Gods Time for Deliverance. During the Hour and Power of Darkness, avoid Solitariness; and avoid Idleness; and Holily tho' not Haughtily, Deride the Devil; so you shall do do well.
I address this Answer to your Request. Take Notice, No Temptation befals you, but what is common to men: And it is usual with God, when He is Converting of a sinner, to leave him unto This Temptation. Know also, That Christ Himself was Assaulted with, such Thoughts. If they drive you to Despair, plead, That you allow them not. They are but your Crosses, as long as you hate them; however there may also be much of your Corruption in them. I advise you, to observe the scope of Satan in this Temptation; which is to Rob God of the Glory of His Grace. Wherefore Do not Conceal it; neither do you Reason with the Divel about it. When these thoughts arise, tho' you are to be Humbled, and pray for pardon; yet you are not to be Dejected. But labour to Cross them with good thoughts, just contrary to them. Make Conscience of the Duties which God requires in order to your Victory; patiently submit unto the Correcting Hand of God; but be Thankful it is