N00595:50
Memoria Wilsoniana. Or, Some dues unto the memory of the truly Reverend & renowned…
Memoria Wilsoniana. Or, Some dues unto the memory of the truly Reverend & renowned Mr. John Wilson, the first Pastor of Boston: who expired August. 7. 1667. Aged, 79. Paid by Cotton Mather. ; [Two lines of Latin quotation]
Boston : Printed for and sold by Michael Perry, at his shop, under the west end of the Town-House, in Boston, in N.E., 1695
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
After Mr. Wilsons arrival at New-England, his Wife, who had Left off bearing of Children for many years, brought him another Daughter; which Lamb, was indeed unto him, as a Daughter; and he would present her unto other Ministers, for their Blessing, with Great Affection, Saying, This is my New-England Token! But this Child, fell Sick of a Malignant Fever, wherein She was gone so far, that every one despaired of her Life; Except her Father, who called in several Ministers, with other Christians, unto a Fast, on that Occasion; and hearing the Prayers of Mr. Cotton for he, found his Heart so Raised, that he Confidently declared, While I heard, Mr. Cotton at Prayer, I was Confident the Child should Live! And the Child accordingly did Live; yea, She is to this Day alive, a very Holy Woman, Adorned, like them of Old Time, with a Spirit of Great Price!
After Mr. Wilsons arrival at New-England, his Wife, who had Left off bearing of Children for many years, brought him another Daughter; which Lamb, was indeed unto him, as a Daughter; and he would present her unto other Ministers, for their Blessing, with Great Affection, Saying, This is my New-England Token! But this Child, fell Sick of a Malignant Feaver, wherein She was gone so far, that every one despaired of her Life; Except her Father, who called in several Ministers, with other Christians, unto a Fast, on that Occasion; and hearing the Prayers of Mr. Cotton for he, found his Heart so Raised, that he Confidently declared, While I heard, Mr. Cotton at Prayer, I was Confident the Child should Live! And the Child accordingly did Live; yea, She is to this Day alive, a very Holy Woman, Adorned, like them of Old Time, with a Spirit of Great Price!
The Blessings Pronounced by Mr. Wilson, upon many Persons and Affairs, were observed so Prophetical, and especially his Death-bed Blessings upon his Children and Grand-children were so, that the most Considerable Persons in the Country, thought it not much, to come from far, and bring their Children with them, for the Enjoyment of his Patriarchal Benedictions. For which cause, Mr. Thomas Shepard, in an Elegy upon him, at his Death, Pathetically thus Expressed it; Whoso of Abraham, Moses, Samuel, Reads, Or of Elijah's or Elisha's Deeds, Would surely say, Their Spirit and Power was his, And think there were a Metempsychosis. As Aged John, th' Apostle used to Bless The People, which they Judged their Happiness, So did we count it worth our Pilgrimage Unto him for his Blessing, in his Age.