Practical truths tending to promote the power of Godliness wherein several important duties are urged and the evil of divers common sins is evinced : delivered in sundry sermons / by Increase Mather ...

TO THE SECOND CHƲRCH and CON∣GREGATION at BOSTON in NEW-ENGLAND.

Most Dearly Beloved,

COncerning the Reasons inducing to the Publica∣tion of these Sermons, besides the desires of ma∣ny among your selves (who have readily undertaken for the charge of this Impression) and of others also; in remote corners of this wilderness (whose judgement I value) that have importuned one to write on some of these Subjects; together with the 〈…〉〈…〉 suc∣cess which God was pleased to give unto su〈…〉〈…〉 of them when first Preached; I must confess, that the considera∣tion of the Subjects themselves here treated upon, was principal in moving me thereunto. It it not easie to err in overmuch inculcating that great duty of PRAYER, in the constant, and conscionable practice whereof, so much of Religion doth consist. And I must say, that if any amongst you shall omit what God requires of you in ••••at respect, either in your Families or in your Closets, both the words that have been spoken to you in the Congregation, full many a time, and this Publication also, will witness against you at the last day. And as for

that Sacred Ordinance of the Lords Supper, there are some truly godly ones, that upon one pretence or other, wrong the Name of Christ, and their own Souls also, by living in the neglect of so great an Institution. And there are more that don't endeavour to prepare them∣selves for it. Yea, it is to be feared that amongst those that do come unto, there are many who eat and drink un∣worthily at the Lords Table. Partly for that they do not so clearly understand, the Nature, Meaning, and Pro∣per Design of those Holy Mysteries, as ought to be. But chiefly for want of that Habitual, or (if not so) Actual preparation which is necessary when persons draw so near unto God, as in that solemn and sacred Ordinance, they do. So that insisting on such a Subject may not seem unprofitable, or unseasonable. I know that many wor∣thy Ministers of Christ, have written thereon, as of late, Mr. Doolittle, Mr. Burroughs, Mr. Vines; and amongst them of the former ••ge Mr. D••d. Mr. Hildersam, Mr. Ro∣gers, Mr. Dyke, have been famous, and done worthily in their Discourses about the Lords Supper, as well as in their other works which praise them in the Gates. And (notwithstanding the accuracy attending the Sermons of some in these dayes) I acknowledge my self to be an Admirer of the Solidity, and Spiritual Wisdome appear∣ing in the Books of those that lived in the Age before us. But there are not many of you, that have the Treatise•• mentioned in your Hands or Houses. Or, if you have, it is not impossible but that the Lord may bless these Ser∣mons also (such as they are) unto your Spiritual Edifi∣cation. As for the other Subjects here discoursed on, they have been rarely (some of them not at all, so far as I have understood) handled by others in their Sermons; and yet I am mistaken, if there be not special cause to in∣sist thereon in this place, and at this time.

I shall not in this Epistle, leave any words of more pe∣culiar Advice with you, having done that already, in ano∣ther

Dedication to your selves, written ten years ago, when I did not think of living until this day. All that I have to add at present, is to encourage you in well-doing. And if I (who, you will all say, have not been wont to flatter you) take notice of some vertues, wherein the the Lord hath caused you to excel, and shine as lights un∣to others, I trust I shall therein, follow the holy Example of the Lord Jesus Christ, who doth not only reprove the failings, but take notice of the Graces in His Churches, before all the world. Let me then say, that there are se∣veral things wherein you have (through the Grace of Christ) been exemplary, and wherein the Lord hath owned you, unto mine, and other mens admiration. Let God in Christ Jesus alone have all the glory!

One thing wherein you have set a good Example, is, in that four years ago, you set apart a day for no other cause but only that so you might, by Fasting and Prayer, cry unto the Lord, for converting Grace to be poured down upon the souls of our poor Children. You were told for your encouragement (in the Sermon which was then Preached) that within the space of seven years before that near upon fourscore persons had presented themselves, and declared before the Church what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 had done for their Souls. Let me now add, that since your agree∣ment to keep that day of Fasting and Prayer, there have appeared upwards of seventy more (the most of them of the Rising Generation) who have publickly expressed the Experiences which they have had of the work of God upon them, in convincing them of t••eir ••isery by nature, and in helping them to come unto Jesus Christ, and to close with him according to the terms of the Gospel. And besides all th••se, there is a considerable number of young persons, belonging to this Congre∣gation, with whom I have had occasion, personally to treat, and concerning whom I am perswaded God hath

begun a good work in them, and will finish it until the day of Christ. This is a great answer of Prayer! And many among your selves have been so much affected with it, as to importune me that there might be a Day set apart publickly to praise the Lord for the great things that he hath done for us, and for our Children. Some peculiar considerations, have made me less willing to comply with your desires in that matter. Neverthe∣less, I thought it my duty, in all humility, thus publickly to take notice of the Grace of God towards us, that so His Name may have the glory of it, both whilest I am alive, and after I am dead: And that your selves and o∣thers may be encouraged to pray; yea, to set dayes apart, to Fast and Pray, until the Spirit from on High be poured down upon the Souls of Children.

Another thing, wherein the Lord hath enabled you to set a good Example, is, in that you were (though not the first, yet) among the first, that did above two years ago, solemnly renew their Covenant, to walk with God as the Gospel requireth. And as you did then visibly, and unanimously own the Lord, so hath he since the same day, visibly owned you, more then formerly, not only in giving you to s•••• some special answers of Prayer; But in that God hath since that time, within the compass of less then two years, added to your number above three∣score Sou〈…〉〈…〉 O that God would help us ever to keep Covenant wi•••• him; that so he may not be provoked to do us hurt, a〈…〉〈…〉 he hath done us good.

I must also mention one thing more, wherein you have been exemplary, and that is, your love, and respect to those who have been over you in the Lord. I many times think, there is not a Congregation in New-England more unhappy then your selves, in respect of a weak and sinful, and unworthy Teacher: Nor a Minister in

New-England more happy then my self, in re••spect of a loving, and obedient People.

I cannot forget how you sasted and prayed my life, when I was fick thirteen years ago. And again, when I was brought near unto the Grave by bodily infirmities but two years past. If these Sermons (which were all Preached since that) or any other endeavours of mine, have been blessed for spiritual good to any of you, I hope you shall not repent of those Prayers, either now or at the last day.

I may truly say that concerning you, which I know not whether any other Minister in the Land can say of his People (tis possible some of them may say as much, though I am sure all cannot) viz. That I ha••e not (to my remembrance) for these many years, made any pro∣posal to you, but the generality of you have readily (ex∣cept only in one thing hearkened unto me. The rea∣son of which, hath not been, that I have been sparing to put you upon things, which I believed would be plea∣sing in the sight of God; nor hath it been for any wis∣dome that I have more then any living, and therefore it must needs proceed from that gracious inclination, wherewith the Lord hath endowed you.

Indeed, there is one thing, that I have often urged upon you, but could not obtain your consent, and con∣currence with me. I have often times desired you to look after some settled and constant help for me, in the work of the Ministry, and have proposed several to y•••• for that end; but you did not see cause to comply with my Motion therein: but instead of that, you have set your eyes and hearts upon one, whom I, tis true, (only from relative considerations) was very backward to con∣sent unto his improvement, in the same Congregation with my self: Yet have I no reason to find fault with you in this matter; but rather to thank you for your love,

since the person whom you have urgently, and unani∣mously desired is my Son, who hath laboured in the work of the Gospel among you these two years. I would pray you not to take it ill, that I have been so slow in concurring with your desires respecting such an one, considering that my aversness (which many of you seemed to be troubled at) proceeded not from want of love to your selves, who have so many wayes obliged me, that I cannot think my Son, or any thing that is mine, too good or too dear for you; and therefore upon the continued unanimity of your call, I have been passive therein. And I am really sensible of your affection ma∣nifested towards my self in the great love, and respect you have shewed to one so (no man in this world more) nearly related to me.

When I was, the last year, upon the doleful breach made on the Colledge, by the death of New-Englands SAMƲEL, solicited to remove from you, in order to at∣tending that which is indeed a great Service (but I cannot say, a greater then what God hath here advantaged me with, if I have an heart to improve my opportunities where I am) i•• another place, the sense of the kind∣nesses, I have received from you, hath made such an im∣pression upon my Spirit, as that I never had the least in∣clination to leave you, without your own free consent thereunto.

If I knew how to requite your love, I would do it? I have no other way to manifest my longi••gs after you all, but by Prayers day and night for you, and by Writing as well as by publick Ministrations, and personal instru∣ctions (so far as time and strength will permit) to en∣deavour that I may promote the spiritual, and eternal welfare of you and yours. It ha's been my constant wish, that I might live and do good after I am dead, I

••ust I shall by these Sermons (as well as others formerly published) be speaking to you after I am in my Grave; and to your Children also, yea, to the Children that are yet to be born.

The Lord grant that both Speaker and Hearers, Wri∣ter and Readers, may rejoyce together in the day of Christ, in that they have not laboured in vain! and whilest I am living with you, let not one Soul amongst you, that feareth God, forget or neglect one day or night, to pray for me in particular, Who am

Your loving (though unworthy) Teacher: INCREASE MATHER.

Boston in New-England, 19 day of 5. Moneth, (vulgo) July. 1682.