A call from Heaven to the present and succeeding generations, or, A discourse wherein is shewed I. That the children of godly parents are under special advantages and encouragements to seek the Lord, II. The exceeding danger of apostasie, especially as to those that are the children and posterity of such as have been eminent for God in their generation, III. That young men ought to remember God their creator / by Increase Mather ...

To the Reader.

THE Wise Man doth justly condemn the folly of those, that are alwayes saying and complaining, what is the cause that the former dayes were bet∣ter then these? Not that he doth approve of a spirit insensible of the evils, Sins, Judgments, De∣generacy of the times wherein we live; only there is in men an aptness to Morose Repinings, like the Poets Old man, Laudator temporis acti, se pu∣••r••; which is not from wisdome; such complaints often proceeding from ignorance in History, or non-observation of the vices in those of former, and virtues in some of the present Generation, who are endued Antiqua fide, priscis moribus. And for any upon this ground to murmure at the providence of God, for casting their lot to fall into an age of troubles, as if the most High did not ballance humane affairs, with such an equal distribution of blessings as ought to be, is foolish Arrogance in wretched Mortals, so to take upon them, to teach him whose ways are unsearchable▪ Well may the wise man say to such Querulists, Thou dost not wisely enquire concerning this mat∣ter. All this notwithstanding, some times are more corrupt, dark and miserable then can be

said of all. nor did Solomon ever say or think otherwise. As Nebuchadnezzars image had a golden head, and iron feet, so there are golden and iron Ages. And albeit Golden times are a coming, when Jerusalem shall be holy, and stran∣gers pass through her no more, when David shall be Prince for ever, yet are we, upon whom the ends of the world are come, in an Iron Age, the Divine Oracle having told us, that in the last dayes perillous times shall come; yea the dregs of those times are now at hand. They that have their thoughts exercised to discern things of that na∣ture, feel it, and bewail it, that there is a wofull decay of Religion throughout the world, yea, throughout the Protestant World. The Profes∣sors of this Age, have more of Light and Notion, but less of love and Zeal and Power, then did ap∣pear in the Martyrs, and blessed Puritans (for time was when the Saints were known by that honourable Nickname) that are gone before us. And let it be our Prayer and endeavour, that they who shall stand upon the Stage of this world as soon as we are gone, may be and doe better then their Predecessors, that there may be no cause to think of what sometimes an Heathen expressed, Aetas Parentum, pejor Avis, tulit nos nequiores, mox daturos Progeniem vitiosiorem.

What shall come on the Rising Generation in New-England, is with Him that knoweth all things,

The present Aspect of Providence is dismal on more accounts then one; especially in that God hath been removing the Pillars of this Generati∣on, even those that have stood in the Gap, and would have done much towards keeping out a Deluge of overflowing Judgements. It is not ten years since Mitchel died (not to speak of o∣thers, whom this Generation lost at that time, for one such stroke seldome goeth alone) and all New-England shook when that Pillar fell to the ground. For all this, his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still: Of late he that holds the Stars in his right hand, hath caused some of our brightest Lights to set; and is not that a sign of darkness to follow? Such Rebukes of God make the Pillars of Heaven to tremble. And what shall we say, when the Lord is threat∣ning to dry up that fountain, whose streams have made glad the City of God? Poor New-En∣gland! Shall the day come, when there will be none to guide thee, of all the Sons thou hast brought forth? Doubtless, the Lord will not as yet, wholly cast off a Generation that are the Po∣sterity of his faithfull Servants, that forsook all for Christ, and that they might leave their Chil∣dren under the blessed wings of the Lord Jesus. Nevertheless, how low he may bring this Gene∣neration, and how long it shall continnue, who can say? Only it is likely to be untill men shall say,

Blessed is he that cometh in the Name of the Lord.

As for the ensuing Discourse, if the Reader expect any thing rare, or curious therein, he will find himself disappointed. I neither can if I would, nor am I willing to doe what I can, in such a way. I would rather let the world see, that I am of Luthers judgement, who judged him the ablest Preacher qui pueriliter, trivialiter, populariter, sim∣plicissimè docet. And it is a comfort to think, that such Simple Discourses, which they that account themselves the Wits of the World, look upon as Bablong, will either be blessed by Christ for the Conversion and Edification of Souls, or turn for a Testimony to the Speaker. And what can a Christian desire more, then to be unto God a sweet savour of Christ in them that are saved & in them that perish? And that after he is fallen asleep, and gathered unto his Fathers, others shall bear witness that be served his own Generation according to the will of God?

Some years are past, since notice was given of this intended Publication, (and indeed since these Sermons (such as they are) were both preached, and thus transcribed) If I had had nothing else to mind, but what is here presented, doubtless it would not have stuck in the birth so long: But

those that are acquainted with my employ∣ments, together with my extream Hebetude, and inability to the performance of any good work, will not wonder that it cometh forth no sooner. My Brothers Dying Exhortation to the Rising Generation, hath been Printed and reprint∣ed, and the good of souls thereby promoved, and will (I believe) be some addition to his crown and glory, in the blessed day (which God in mercy grant that it may come quickly) when the Son of God shall give to every man, according as his work shall be. The Lord saw good to remove my Brother out of this into a better world, be∣fore he had fully expressed what was in his heart, respecting this Generation. I have so much the more reason to bend my knees, before the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, in all humble thankfulness, for that he hath lengthened the thread of my life to this day, and given me to endeavour the finishing of what my Brother happily began, though whether with the like success, is with him unto whom it belongs to give the Increase.

It is the most glorious work in the World, (the Angels of heaven think so, & would be glad if they might be so improved) to have an hand in the Conversion, and consequently in the Salvation of precious immortal Souls. May this poor Labor,

or any other weak and worthless endeavours of mine, be in the least conducing that way, my design and desires are attained. I trust in Christ it shall be so.

Increase Mather.

Boston. 3. m. 16. d. 1679.