N01015:120
A faithful man, described and rewarded. Some observable & serviceable passages in the life…
A faithful man, described and rewarded. Some observable & serviceable passages in the life and death of Mr. Michael Wigglesworth. Late Pastor of Maldon [i.e., Malden]; who rested from his labours, on the Lords-Day, June 10th. 1705. In the seventy fourth year of his age. : And memorials of piety, left behind him among his written experiences. : With a funeral-sermon preached (for him) at Maldon; June 24. 1705. / By Cotton Mather. ; [Two lines of quotation in Latin]
Boston: printed by B. Green for Benj. Eliot, 1705
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.
XXVIII. I have found such vile and blasphemous Injections of Satan into my mind, and such carnal Conceptions, and bodily Apprehensions of God, even in my Drawings near unto Him, and I had no power to Resist them, they were so sudden; that they did even make my Flesh to Tremble, and drive me almost to desperate Thoughts sometimes, that these could never be cured so long as Lived in this World, and made me fear lest I should Live long here, to be ever and anon Stared in ⟨p. 37⟩the face, by such horrible abominations. I sought God earnestly for help against these; and found some help. Could I ask in Faith without Wavering, there is Redeeming Mercy with God, and He will Redeem such as hope in Him.
XXIX. It pleased God to draw near unto my Soul, when I saw the Administration of BAPTISM; bidding me look back to my Baptism, and see the Lord JESUS there setting His Seal upon me, and making a Covenant with me, to become Mine, if, when I came to years of Understanding, I would own His Covenant, and be willing to accept of that Grace which He had Sealed unto me. My Soul answered, Lord! That Grace, and that Son of God, I desire to Embrace! Why, God is willing on His part, yea, stands with both His Arms open to Receive thee; This administered a great deal of comfort to my Heart, and Strengthening to my Feeble Faith.
XXIX. It pleased God to draw near unto my Soul, when I saw the Administration of BAPTISM; bidding me look back to my Baptism, and see the Lord JESUS there setting His Seal upon me, and making a Covenant with me, to become Mine, if, when I came to years of Understanding, I would own His Covenant, and be willing to accept of that Grace which He had Seal'd unto me. My Soul answered, Lord! That Grace, and that Son of God, I desire to Embrace! Why, God is willing on His part, yea, stands with both His Arms open to Receive thee; This administred a great deal of comfort to my Heart, and Strengthening to my Feeble Faith.