N00683:91
A good man making a good end. The life and death, of the Reverend…
A good man making a good end. The life and death, of the Reverend Mr. John Baily [i.e., Bailey], comprised and expressed in a sermon, on the day of his funeral. Thursday. 16.d. 10.m. 1697. / By Cotton Mather. ; [Two line epigram in Latin]
printed by B. Green for Michael Perry, 1698
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.
Being of late in so ill a Frame, I spent some Time, to seek the Fair Face of Jesus Christ; and I did, on purpose, Address my self to Him, who is the most Admirable Saviour. I left my self with Him; my Mind, Heart, Mouth; especially my Conscience. Oh! how many Wonders are to be wrought in me! I know, the Loving, and wonder-working Jesus can do them all.
At another Time.
I spent some Time alone in Prayer, from 8 to 3. I was much tired. Oh! that I might wait for Returns, and never more turn to Folly. I can't tell how God should Admit me near Him, considering how I have grieved His Spirit. Having Prayed in the Morning in the Family, I Retired; and first Sought at large unto God for Help to go through the day: especially begging Repentance, and not only so, but Faith; That I might not rest in the bare work; That Satan might get no Advantage after it; That I might have Reason to desire more such days. Then after a little Meditation, and Breathing, I went to Prayer again, only to Confess my Sin before God, and to set my Soul as before the Lord; Labouring to Judge and Loath my self, for all my Sin, from first to last. God helped a little; but Oh! that my Heart was broken in pieces, and Humbled to the Dust. After a little more Meditation, I went to Prayer, in way of Petition, and that at large. Oh! Lord, hear me, and give me the Wisdom that I want. I hope God will hear, pity, pardon, and help me. After a little more Meditation, I fell to Praise & Bless God for my Mercies, by Sea and Land; but was somewhat short in this part, for which I am sorry. At last, I Concluded all, in Praying for the Church of God in general, for ⟨p. 47⟩London, Lancashire, and Limerick; and for New-England also. Here I brought all my Relations to the Lord. Oh, Lord, Accept of me, and my poor Services in Christ. Oh! that I may Watch afterward, and never more be sensual, unbelieving, Proud, nor Hypocritical Lord, say, Amen.