Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

and therefore I beseech those of you that have been guilty here, for the Lords sake to reform this evil. Oh it is a sad thing that such a practice should prevail in New-England that once was, and ever ought to be, a Land of Uprightness. Yet I hear, that the rising Generation, are many of them, tainted with this vice, not only in this great Town, but in many places in the Country: This is a sad and sure sign of Degeneracy in the rising Generation; For twenty years ago, there was no such practice known amongst Children born and bred in New-England: And therefore that now it should be so common, doth testify against young ones that they are degenerate Plants. I have not spoken this out of the least prejudice against any that hath been guilty this way only that so this evil might be repented of, or however that I might be a witness for God this day in this particular.

and therefore I beseech those of you that have been guilty here, for the Lords sake to reform this evil. Oh it is a sad thing that such a practice should prevail in New-England that once was, and ever ought to be, a Land of Ʋprightness. Yet I hear, that the rising Generation, are many of them, tainted with this vice, not only in this great Town, but in many places in the Countrey: This is a sad and sure sign of Degeneracy in the rising Generation; For twenty years ago, there was no such practice known amongst Children born and bred in New-England: And therefore that now it should be so common, doth testifie against young ones that they are degenerate Plants. I have not spoken this out of the least prejudice against any that hath been guilty this way only that so this evil might be rep•nted of, or however that I might be a witness for God this day in this particular.

Use 2. Exh••tion, Oh labour •o improve present seasons of Grace: And for that end consider seriously a few things▪