FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY Dividoo Section f-f-ii.' / I i i »w« UxXow^ l^ ^n*^^ -/- J/t. 3^)4 V7f /^ H-A . Jy:? n'- ■ « ^^0 ri/ ^ ' 1 » /a; ^UE /u. 7 , Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library http://archive.org/details/diarycotton02math COLLECTIONS OF THE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Committee of Publication CHARLES FRANCIS ADAMS NATHANIEL PAINE BARRETT WENDELL WORTHINGTON CHAUNCEY FORD ThcTOWNof lU) s r () N I'ltlinteil All JJoin ;A> ^ tm-7iH, z.OUSoutJ, ,i'f;„ y..(7iU ,/ K,„it„„J / iTAi" T.Bnittlt.f' aiiM, ity.f il^^^al'i'n 1711' \:lh„.lunl/, ,j,„- Yi.Fi-fnch _ 171/*' r South CffamorXXni l.;:..Br„l: te/lTi-.hry 7?^.w / n 000 praple (ilea I Files. yfteond jfijti Thrd ,0-,,, J-'ourtli lO'Si tiflh ll;),< En^ru,,^ a-nd rr,-,il,.,{ Jy fr„ Jj,„-,„y Hoft,.n >; £ i 7 y 2 J„IJ l^ O^' J^A,„_Bayi^r Uni VfulfPrirc u,i,«,n/l y n-v,ai.„./, ^/,'r,mayhA,„/aUArUar/^nunl^^t< A MAR 30 1932 y/ ^ 00a00acl)U0ett0 f^i^totical ^ocietp OToIIcctiong SEVENTH SERIES — VOL. VIII DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 1709 — 1724 Pablictlieli at X\t Cbarge of tl)e PeaboUp JonU BOSTON PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY MDCCCCXII Gift JOV ' 2 ne THE -PLIMPTON -PBEBS [W-D-O] NOBWOOO • MASS • U • B • A CONTENTS PAGE Diary, 1709 i Letters. 1709, December 16. To Samuel Penhallow .... 34 Books sent for distribution. Proposals to be scattered. 1 7 10, April 4. To Samuel Penhallow 34 Intelligence. Packet for his brother. New Roxburyisms. Stoddard's answer. 1710, May 22. To Samuel Penhallow 35 Gratitude. Expedition against Port Royal. Impeachment of Sacheverell. Emerson's return. 1710-11, January I. To Samuel Penhallow .... 37 Assurances of friendship. Wickedness among sailors. An account desired. Death of Jerusha OUver. Dl\ry, 1711 39 Letters. 1711, December 25. From Benjamin Colman .... 169 Watts's poetry. Has dared emulate. An object of charity. 1711-12, January 11. To Samuel Penhallow .... 169 Sending of books. Methods for securing the publication of Pastoral Desires. 171 1-12, January 28. To Samuel Penhallow .... 170 His friendship. Archer to be seen. 1712, April 17. To Samuel Penhallow 171 Intelligence from Europe. 1 71 2, July 28. To Samuel Penhallow 174 Gratitude for safety. Prospect of peace in Europe. Gov- ernor of New England. Success of his lecture. 171 2, September i. To Samuel Penhallow 174 Embargo on inteUigence from Europe. Scandal in the church. 1712, September 19. To Samuel Penhallow .... 175 Sends some books for distribution. Trees found in digging a well. V vi contents Letters. page 171 2, September 22. To Samuel Penhallow .... 176 Indian inroads. Peace in Europe. Rumored loss of Caribbee Islands. 171 2-13, January 26. To Samuel Penhallow .... 176 Introduces Timothy Thornton. Sends Reynold's book. Dlary, 1713 178 Letters. 1 7 13, October 21. To Samuel Penhallow 290 Present of honey. Arrival of Francis Nicholson. Attends an ordination. Measles in the town. 1713, December 24. To Samuel Penhallow 291 * Letters of charity. Two sympathizing sisters of Hampton. 1714, October 12. To Sir Welllvm Ashurst 292 Grand revolution of August. The governorship. Arrival of Hobby. 1714, October 15. To Sir Charles Hobby 294 Assurances of friendship. Message from the governor. Wishes for his prosperity. 1714, December 22. To Sir Peter King 295 Condition of New England. Bills of credit. Projection of a bank. Asks his countenance. 1714-15, January 25. To John Frizzell 298 In behalf of Increase. Wishes to sail on one of his vessels. Pledges of good conduct. 1715, . To Sir William AsHUKST 299 Delay in letters. Introduces his son, Increase. 1715, April 14. To Daniel Williams, etc 300 Accession of King George. Proposed address from minis- ters. Messengers to be sent, but delayed. Sends address and memorial. 1715, February or March. Address to Ministers . . . 301 An address to the King. Action of Church of Scotland. Misrepresentations. Asks for opinion. 1715, . To Mrs. Lydia George 303 Prospect of being loved. Will await her wisdom. Cause of impression and of tenderness. Country agrees. Asks liberty to speak with her. 1715, March 21. Memorandum 305 An evening with Mrs. George. 1715, March 23. To Thomas Craighead 306 contents vu Letters. page Mrs. George has forbidden him to write. Will wait her pleasure. Reasons against another interview. No room for censures. Assurances of vast regard. 1715, . To Mrs. Lydia George 308 A love letter. 1715, . To Thomas Reynolds 309 Sends "New Offer" on Biblia Americana. Wishes three to undertake its publication. Suggests John Lawrence as printer. His own qualifications. 171S, • To .310 Mutual services. The "New Offer." Annotations on the Bible. His orthodoxy. To supervise the printing. Pros- pects of subscriptions. 1715, May 4. To Jeremiah Dummer 313 No cause for decay of friendship. E.xplains his conduct. Balances of equity. His Biblia Americana. Opposition of Non-Conformists. 1715, May 10. To Daniel Williams 315 The address to the King. Corrupt state of the Christian world. 1715, . To Daniel Williams 316 The address to the King. Ruined Carolina. Biblia Americana. Joseph Parsons. 1715, June 20. To 316 James Sherman. Qualifications and wishes. 1715, June 9. From Thomas Reynolds 317 Books and letter. Disappointment on Biblia Americana. Riots in London. McNish and the Board for Foreign ' Plantations. Increase Mather. 1715, June 20. To 319 Church at New Haven. At loss for a candidate. Advises taking one near at hand. Admonitions and wishes. 1715, June 27. To 321 Recommends Joseph Noyes for New Haven church. His father endorses. 1715, July. To Thomas Craighead ? 321 Gratitude for his aid. His approaching marriage. 1715, July 23. From Samuel Mather 322 His voyage to London. Poor condition of Increase. What he has done for him. Price of a Vertue head. Vm CONTENTS Letters. page 1715, August. To Increase Mather 323 Wishes him to return. Ad\dce on his conduct. 1 715, August. To Samuel Mather 324 Thanks for his care of Increase. Return to be hastened. Frugality enjoined. His Christian Virtuoso. 1715-16. To Mrs. Samuel Mather 325 Feminine virtues. Gratitude for kindness to Increase. 1715, August 19. To William Brattle 326 His bereavement. In position of a sacrificer. Sends a book. 1715, September 17. To Robert Wodrow 326 Sends a packet of books. John Wise, a disturber. Mis- directed labors of Society for Propagation of Gospel. Indian outbreak in Carolina. Murder of Cochran. Situa- tion of New England. Approach of the Kingdom of God. 1715, October 18. To Sir William Ashurst 330 The Biblia Americana. Opposed by booksellers and Dis- senters. Letters in America. Prospects of subscribers. Is in doubt what to do. The Christian Virtuoso and the Royal Society. 1715, December 2. To Anthony William Boehm . . . 332 Books and money. Empire of Antichrist to end. Books to be distributed. Diary, 1716 334 Letters. 1715-16, February 21. To Atherton Mather .... 403 Needs money. Asks for same treatment as is accorded to others. 1715-16, February 23. To Rowland Cotton .... 403 Appeal from Chatham. Right to another hearing. Ad- vises a settlement. Preaching of H. Adams. 1716, Matrch. To Harvard College 405 Recommends Lange's Medicina Mentis. An endorse- ment. 1716, . To Anthony William Boehm 406 Acknowledgment of books. Sends letters and gold. Effects of Pietism. 1716, May-June. Memorial to General Court . . 407 Vote of compensation to agents. Neglect of his father. Claims for recognition. contents ix Letters. page 1716, . To • • •• 408 Compensation of agents. Position of his father. Justice of the claim. 1716, June. To Ann Wyrlev 410 Her humbling circumstances. Fortunate death of Howell. Sends money. Commends Mrs. Pitson. 1716, August 6. To Anthony William Boehm . . . 411 Enjoyment of correspondence. His Magnolia and Pietism. English Plantations in America. Disturbing missionaries of Church of England. His Lapis e Monte. The Biblia Americana. 1 716, . To Jeremiah Dummer 414 Never spoken injuriously of him. Charges against him. The Address from the ministers. 1716, October 31. To Henry Walrond 415 Situation of his own church. Offence given by the Church of England. His pubHcations. Biblia Americana and Lapis e Monte. 1 716, November. To Oliver Noyes 417 Concerning the Governor. As to changing the Agent. The charges of Brand. What was said of him. Personal friendship for Dummer. 1716, November 12. To ELiHtr Yale 419 Tailer's return. Sends some books. 1 7 16, . To William Ashurst 420 The governor and the General Assembly. Consideration for Dummer. 1716, November 20. To Ward 421 Introduces Samuel Sewall. Books from Holland. Writ- ings of Crenius. 1716, December 27. From Samuel Penhallow .... 422 Wentworth's nomination. 1 7 16-17, January. To John Squire 423 His reception and treatment. Ill requital on his part. Invites him to his house. 1716-17, January 10. From John Squire 424 The Church of Scotland. As to communion with him. His violence of opinion. Persecution. 1716-17, January 22. To Joseph Parsons 426 Proposed settlement over church. His indiscreet slanders. x contents Letters. page Disturbances created. Delay in the New North Church. Advice on his conduct. 1716-17, January. To John Squire 429 Church of Scotland and Toryism. Has no time for alter- cation. 1716-17, February I. To Benjamin Colman 430 His letter on Parsons and its publication. Foxcroft and the Church of England. 1716-17, March 21. To Joseph Parsons 431 Advises him not to persist. Reasons against his hopes. Diary, 1717 435 Letters. i7i6-i7,March5. To Sir William Ashurst 510 The Biblia Americana. Hopes for its publication. A new party. Indian affairs. 1717, October 26. To Thomas Prince 512 Requests him to call on his father. A candidate for the church declines. Diary, 1718 514 Letters. 1719, December 25. To Thomas Prince 596 A sheet on the aurora borealis. Gives it to him for publi- cation. 1719, . To Thomas Prince 597 Delay of Green in printing. Wishes to make some correc- tion. Sends a manuscript for his perusal. 1720, July 5. To Daniel Neal 598 His History of New England and that of Oldmixon. Grati- tude of the country. His own printing activities. 1720, November 8. Brief on Howell Est.ate .... 599 Wishes to be released from his bonds of administration. His unhappy situation. Diary, 1721 601 Letters. 1720-21, February 12. To Thomas Prince 681 Failure at the Lecture. Cannot serve again. Wishes Cooper to take his place. 1721, April 28. To Sir William Ashurst 682 His Itidia Christiana. Wishes to withdraw from the Board. Neglect of his proposals. contents xi Letters. page 1 72 1, October 15. To Thomas Prince 683 Manuscript to be sent to Holland. 1721-22, February 24. To Thomas Prince 683 Baptism of Ezer. 1722, May. To Thomas Prince 683 On publishing a sermon. 1722, June 12. To Thomas Prince 684 Publication of his Minister. As to embellishments. 1722, . To Thomas Prince 685 On distributing his Minister. 1722, July 7. To Thomas Prince 685 Wishes Sewall to attend a conference on the Sacred Proph- ecies. 1722-23, February 19. To Thomas Prince 686 Questions on curiosities. 1723, June 16. To Thomas Prince 686 Consideration of slaves. Outlines of a lecture on the sub- ject. 1723, July 19. To Thomas Prince 688 Samuel Mather's oration. 1723, August 23. From Samuel Sewall 689 On death of Increase Mather. 1723, October 21. To Gurdon Saltonstall 689 On propagating pure Christianity. A church at Provi- dence. 1723, November 5. To Jedidiah Andrews 690 Sends some books. Dr. William's will. His Parentator. 1723, November 5. To Thomas Hollis 691 Books sent to him. Prostitution of the Society for Prop- agation of Gospel. His relations with Governor Shute. Reform of singing. Spirit of anger. 1723-24, January 14. To Isaac Noble 694 An Indian War. Some apostate ministers. Cry of peace. Diary, 1724 696 Letters. 1723-24, February 28. Advertisement 790 On Daniel Willard's creditors. 1724, March 31. To John Dean 791 On preaching a sermon on the shipwreck of 1710. Price of service. Reasons for not meeting his wish. Xll CONTENTS Letters. page 1724, April I. To Thomas Prince 792 Ministers are unbrotherly. About to take an important' step. The State of Religion. 1724, April 4. To William Dummer 792 Disobedience of his command. Aversion of the Govern- ment. Withdrawal from pubUc exhibitions. Measures taken by his enemies. His Parentator. 1724, April II. To John Wentworth 795 The church at Portsmouth. Admonition against con- tentions. 1724, April 22. To Thom.\s Bradbury 796 His Parentator. Ill condition of some ministers. Influ- ence of the Church of England. Reformation in singing. Cutler's church and Leslie's pamphlet. Reynold's contro- versy with Brown. 1724, July I. To Isaac Winslow 798 Condolence on death of children. 1724, July 13. To Thomas Br.adbury 800 Treatment from the Dummers. His Boanerges. Urges its pubUcation. 1724, July 16. To Isaac Greenwood 801 Wishes his return. Prospect of employment at the College. His Boanerges. 1724, August 3. ToGurdon Saltonstall 802 Burnet's History. Church at Providence. The Mohegan Indians. A new earth. 1724, August 31. To Gurdon Saltonstall 804 A story of a mad woman. Introduces his son Samuel. End of the man of sin. 1724, . To Mrs. Gurdon Saltonstall 806 Condolence for loss of husband. Sends the sermon on him. 1724-25, March 20. To William Dummer 807 As to the Indians. Appointment of a visitor, Martha's Vineyard and Punkapoag. Change in the Board. 1724-25, March 6. To Benjamin Colman 809 Concern for the College. Opportunity to secure a charter. Urges Colman to go to England. 1725-26, January 31. To Thomas Prince 811 Doing but little. Publication of his Agricola. CONTENTS Xlll Letters. page 1726, Aprils. To Thomas Prince 812 Importance of his Ratio Disciplinae. MS. dispersed but recovered. Its publication. 1726, May 23. To Thomas Prince 813 Gives State of Religion to the press. 1726, October 26. To Rowland Cotton 813 Persecution by Stone. Statement of facts regarding Samuel Osborn. 1726-27, January 13. To Thomas Prince 815 Admonition to Nathaniel Clap. His waste of time on neg- lected letters. 1726-27, January 24. To Thomas Prince 816 Against Isaac Watts. Advice against indolence. His Agricola. Texts Used by Mather 819 Index 829 ILLUSTRATION The Town of Boston in New England, by Captain John Bonner, 1722 Frontispiece DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 2 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER SO foolish and shallow a Creature, as not He only, but His People also know me to be, and so filthy a Creature as tis known to Him that I am. The Affairs wherein I may be concerned for the next Year, I now also did committ unto the L[or]d. About this Time, a small Accident befel me which look'd like a very particular Answer of Prayer. Tho' I am furnished with a very great Library yett see- ing a Library of a late Minister in the Town to be sold, and a certain Collection of Books there, which had it may be above six hundred single Sermons in them; I could not for- bear wishing myself made able to compass such a Treasure. I could not forbear mentioning my Wishes in my Prayers before the Lord; that in case it might be a Service to His Interests, or to me in serving His Interests, He would enable me in His good Providence, to purchase the Treasure now before me. But I left the Matter before Him, with the profoundest Resignation willing to be without every Thing that He should not order for me. Behold, a Gentleman, who a year ago treated me very ill ; but I cheerfully forgave him ! carried me home to dine with him ; and upon an acci- dental Mention of the Library aforesaid, he, to my Sur- prize, compelled me to accept of him a Summ of Money, which enabled me to come at what I had been desirous of. 1 5 J. 12 m. Tuesday. This Day, the Reforming Societies mett all together, and kept it as a Day of Prayer. To bewayl our Unfruitfulness; and obtain Pardon thro' the Blood of Jesus, with Grace and Strength, to bring forth more Fruit. It was a good Day. The Lord helped me to carry on the Exercises of the Afternoon. I preached near two Hours; a Sermon about Good Works. 4 c?. I m. [March.] Friday. I sett apart this Day, for the Duties wherewith a Day of Prayer and Fasting is to be carried on. MARCH, 1708-09 3 There was nothing very remarkable, either in the Occa- sions, or in the Exercises of the Day. But there is one Thing, which I desire to take Notice of. My Life has been strangely filled with Temptations. But I have been lately Tempted with a new Assault from Hell, violently made upon me. I am assaulted with Sollicitations to look upon the whole Christian Religion, as — (I dare not mention, what!) Wherefore, I now cried unto the Lord, for the Quenching of \htst fiery Darts; and for my Pra^serva- tion from the least Approach towards that Blasphemy which would be the unpardonable Sin. And I earnestly professed before the Lord, my Resolutions, that I will adore His Glori- ous Christ, as the Son of God, and employ my Life in dili- gent, exquisite, rapturous Endeavours, to serve Him unto the uttermost. As for the dark Things that occurr, in His Providence; and the unaccountable Proceedings of that glori- ous One, in His Government of His Church, and His Per- mission of ill Things to be suffered, yea, and which is worse, to be done, by His own most faithful Servants; and His Per- mission of Evil Spirits, to do astonishing Things for a con- siderable While, in the Countenancing and Encouraging of Christianity. I did resolve humbly to rely upon his un- searchable Wisdome; and make it part of my Homage unto Him, to beleeve Him wise and just and good, and confess myself unable to judge of His Dispensations, but refer all unto a Time, when He shall please to entertain His People in another World, with a Discovery of what He has done and meant, in His former Dealings with the World. For, what He does, tho' / know not now, I shall know hereafter. I found a wonderful Peace, in being thus resolved. I found this Faith, to be my best Wisdome. The Damp which there began to grow upon my Piety and Useful- ness, vanished. The Flame revived; and I went on with Joy in my usual Methods of a flaming Zeal, to do good abundantly. 4 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER About this Time, thro' the Largeness of my Family, and the Negligence of those that should have been concerned for me, and perhaps from some other Causes, I fell into some Wants and Straits. I had not Cloathes fitt to be worn; I was cloathed with Rags; (which, O Lord, I acknowl- edge, that such a Sluggard as I am, deserve to be!) And one or two of my Children are no better accommodated. This Poverty thus pinching and humbling of me, had some very grievous Temptations in it. But the Lord presently helped me, not only to bear my Poverty with Patience, but even to rejoice in it; sweetly to rejoice in these Considera- tions. First. Oh ! my Conformity to my Glorious Lord JESUS CEK.IST, it is, how agreeable ! how desirable ! Poverty was one special and signal Article of His Condition in the World. And particularly, He was robb'd of His Garments. Why, why then should I complain of the Want of Garments! Any thing that makes my Condition resemble His, tis acceptable to me! Secondly. Tho' I am cloth'd with Rags, yett I am Owner of the most splendid and glorious Robe in the World. My Saviour has invested me with the matchless Robe of His Righteousness; wherein I stand before the Holy God. O Priviledge, enough to swallow up all Uneasiness at the meannest Habit, that ever any Person was abased withal ! Thirdly. Tho' I can gett no better Clothes than Rags for myself, yett the Lord honours me, by making me the happy Instrument of cloathing other people. The Poor have numberless Releefs, out of my Purse, and by my Means from others, and the Naked are cloathed. Such Considerations brought me, not only to Submission but even to Cheerfulness, under my HumiHations. I re- solved, I would bear my Trials, with the Frames of true, vital, joyful, Christianity; and wait on the Lord with a MAYjiyoQ 5 Beleef of the sixth Chapter of Matthew, and be any Thing that God will have me to be. The Work of Repentance in me, and a Resolution to be Rich in good Works, was quickened on this Occasion. 24 d. I m. Thursday. A public Fast; in which I enjoy'd merciful Assistences of God. id. 2 m. [April.l Friday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting, in Secret; on such Occasions as use to employ me this way. Nothing very remarkable occurred in either of these Dayes. The Evening before the latter of them, I could not but observe, that if I had not had a very earthly Heart, I might lead an heavenly Life. I counted, from the Beginning of the Evening, to the Time of my going to Rest, (the Occasions for the Sick, and for Marriages, &c. were so many,) I had been called to pray no less than ten Times; to make no less than ten several Prayers. This Month has rolled away, with little remarkable in it. Special Services, attempted or purposed, are hinted in my Book of daily Memorials. After my Lecture, on 21 d. 2 ni.I was taken ill; and by Illness confined, from the Services of the Lord's-Day. But in the next Week, I recovered.' 29 d. 2 m. Friday. I enjoy'd more of Heaven, than at some Times, in the Prayers of this Day; which Day I sett apart, as usually. My Faith in the glorious Jesus, as both my Sacrifice and Advocate, was lively. And I was assured, that my great Saviour would own me, as one of His people. 4 J. 3 m. [May.] Wednesday. This Day, the Lord em- ploy'd me in a special Service for Himself, and for His People, and beyond my Expectation. I was to carry on 'April 26. "Visited Cotton Mather, who has been indisposed." Sewall, Diary, ii. 253. O DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the Exercises of a Day of Prayer at Maiden.^ In the IMorn- ing when I arrived there, the principal People gave me to understand, that the Church (both the male and female Part of it,) had been together, and proposed this Day, solemnly to renew their Covenant with God, and one another; and to confess their Sins, particularly their late, long sinful Contentions, and forgive one another, and ask Forgiveness of God and of one another; and bring themselves most explicitly under other Engagements for further Instances of Piety, which the Declensions of the Time invited them to take more particular Notice of. They desired me to furnish them, with an Instrument expressive of these holy Purposes; which I did that Morning. It was also their Desire that I would manage the Action, which was to be done this Day, with all possible Solemnity. Having at Noon, between the Meetings, further prepared the Church, for what was anon to be done; anon, in the Close of the Afternoon, I went thro' the solemn x\ction; in which, and in the several Speeches, which I made upon the several Parts of it, I enjoy'd most precious Assistences from the Lord. There was a most gracious and powerful Presence of God, in the Assembly; and this Day, will be a Day much remem- bred among the People, who were concerned in it, or Spec- tators of what was transacted on it. Oh! sovereign Grace! How wonderfully doest thou continue, to employ the Chief of Sinners! 1 1 (Z. 3 m. Wednesday. My dear Son Samuel, was last Friday, taken very sick, of a Feavour, which proves very grievous and mortal, to our Children. The Sickness of the Child growes upon him so far, that the Physicians, begin to conclude he will dye, to despair of his Life. Beholding the Angel of Death with a drawn Sword thus ' In 1708 David Parsons was called to the church at Maiden, but does not appear to have come before April, 1709, or been ordained till summer. Corey, History of Maiden, 470. See p. 9, infra. Mather's text is given on p. 30, infra. MAY, 1709 7 over my Family, I sett apart this Day (tho' myself also much Indisposed,) for Prayer with Fasting before the Lord. I bewayled the Sins, by which the Life of my Children, and of this dcsireable Child, has been forfeited. I besought the Pardon of them, thro' the Blood of the Lamb of God; and I pleaded that Blood, as a Family-Sacrifice. I resigned the Child unto the Lord; submitted unto whatever Disposal, the infinite Sovereignty and Faithfulness of God, should make of the Child. I was first and most of all concerned, that the Soul of the Child might be bound up in the Bundle of Life, and that I and mine, might reap spiritual Benefits and improve in Piety, from what befalls the Child. I de- clared, that I did not ask, that the Child might live, and be a Rebel and a Traitor to God; no, I had rather have him dy in his Infancy, than live in cursed and lothsome Wickedness. And then, I presented my Petition for the Life of the Child. This Petition, with the Child himself, I putt into the Hands of the glorious Advocate, whom I by Faith saw in the Heavens concerned for me; when this Faith came into Exercise, I found my Mind strangely quieted about the Child, and about the Issue of the Danger now upon him. That my Prayers might be the more effectual, I was willing to have Alms accompany them. Both my Prayers and my Alms, I putt into the Hands of my Advocate, that He sprinkling of them with His Blood, they may be my acceptable Praeparations for the Mercies of the Lord. So, I sent unto the Press, an Essay to advance Knowl- edge and Goodness among Children, and resolved that I would have a considerable Share in the Expence of the Impression. And thus also, from the Evil that befalls, and afiflicts my Child, there will arise much good, unto many other Children. On this Day, the Child gave some Hopes of Revival. 8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER But the Day following his Feavour growes to an Extremity. Wherefore on 13 d. 3 m. Friday. I kept another Day, of Prayer with Fasting, in my Study, for the Life of my Son, and for the Compassion of Heaven to all my Family. I had also some other Errands unto Heaven. One was, that I might obtain the Presence of the Lord with me, in the Services of the next Week. Another was, that I might be sheltered from the Malice of our Governour, and Council, and Clergy, who suspect me, to have an hand, in a Book newly come over, which does expose and chastise their criminal Mismanagements. A great Expedition that is now forming, from Great Britain, and all these Colonies, against our French Neigh- bours, was another Matter which I had to spread before the Lord.i And the sick Families in my next Vicinity, do like- wise bespeak my Supplications for them, as well as my own. Among other Considerations with me this Day, one was, that my Saviour has Healing in His Wings. Now, His good Angels are His Wings. I relied on Him then, to send one of His good Angels, to do good, and bring some Help and Health, to my dying Child. On this Day, the Child began to revive. The Essay, which I published on this Occasion, has in it, several Instruments of Piety, besides the Abridgment of the Assemblies Catechism. Especially, The Desires of the Repent- ing Beleever on the Ten Commandments. It is entituled, The Summ of the Matter. 16 (/. 3 w. Mottday. My Wife watch'd last Night, (as she had done every other Night) with the languishing Child. In the Morning between six and seven a clock, she sud- denly fell into her Travail, and quickly, (in a few Minutes ' April 30. as Sewall records, the "Queens Letter is read in Council about the Canada Expedition, and Col. Vetch's Instructions, to which exact Obedience is commanded." MAY, 1709 9 and before that more than one or two of the Neighbours could run in unto her, and before that she could reach her own Chamber, and safely) she was delivered of a SON.' There was a great Complication of Mercies, in all the Cir- cumstances of this Matter. And now, the Gracious Lord, instead of taking one Son from me, has given another to me; whom I also humbly dedicate and consecrate unto Him. It is a time of Exercise in my Family. An epidemical Feavour is raging in my Neighbourhood. Several of my Children, are threatned with the Beginnings of it; as well as one of them is but slowly, and at a languishing Rate, recovering from it. But thro' the Compassion of my heavenly Father, all goes over. And this Week, the Lord employes me, and strengthens me, to do several public Services. On the Wednesday, I preached a Sermon, at the Ordina- tion of a Pastor, in Maiden^ On the Thursday, I preached the Lecture, to a great Assembly in Boston. The Service of the Sick, is also very heavy. But the Lord mercifully carries me through all. 22 J. 3 m. Lord's-Day. After those Thoughts and Acts of Piety, which were proper for such an holy Occasion, I did this Day baptise my Son, and I call'd his Name Nathanael; as much for the Signification of the Name, as because I had a valuable Brother and Uncle of the Name. In the ensuing Week,'' the Lord made use of me, at the Convention of the Ministers, both on Wednesday and on Thursday; to speak many Things, (especially in Prayer with them, on both of those Dayes) which may have a Tendency to serve the Interests of His Kingdome. The Ministers, devoting the Time they were together 1 Nathanael. ' David Parsons. See p. 6», supra. * Election was on May 25, the sermon being preached by Grindall Rawson, of Mendon. His text was Jer. xiii. 16. lO DIARY OF COTTON MATHER on Thursday, unto Prayer; and I foreseeing, that I should meet with much Interruption on the Day following; I did not sett apart Friday, as I use to do. In the Month of June, there did not occur much, that I had either Cause, or Time, to insert in these Memorials.' * " 20 d. 4 m. [June.] Monday. Divers votes passed at a Church Meeting. "Whereas there are several Members of this Church, who on various pretences, do not attend on the Ordinances of the Lord, here dispensed; and their disorderly walking herein is offensive to the Church; " It is desired, that the Elders of the Church speak or send unto them, to make them sensible of their Error and their Duty, and oblige them to take an orderly Dismission, where it is fitt they should have it, unto some other Church, walking in the Order of the Gospel. And the Elders of the Church are desired, in the Name of the Church, to sign a Dismission for them. "And where any do refuse, one way or another, to do their duty, it is desired, that report may be made unto the Church, in order to further Proceeding. "Whereas a Woman belonging to this Church, whose name is Miller, has been seduced unto something of Quakerism, but the Church is informed, that her Cir- cumstances have peculiar Temptations in them: It is desired, that the Elders of the Church, and so many of the Brethren, as may in their Charity be moved unto it, use as many Methods as they can for her Recovery. And that, if in si.x Months' time, she be not brought out of her Entanglement, a Report be made unto the Church, that so our Duty towards her, may be further considered. "One whose Xame is William Perry, having long since pretended that another Brother, whose name is Benjamin Gypson, had defamed him; but the DiEference was made up between them: nevertheless, after the Reconciliation, Perry took a fancy that an Apprehension expressed by some people of his being sometimes crazy-headed, had its original in something spoken by Gypson, or somebody before that Reconciliation, he withdrew from the Communion of the Church, and from so much as joining with the public Worship on the Lord's-Dayes in the Assembly. Continuing in this Course, he was more than once or twice privately dealt withal; but he treated all with much Inconsistency and Obstinacy. He now appeared before the Church, and was charged as guilty of, "A most palpable Breach of Covenant with the Church of God; "An implacable Spirit of Malice towards a Brother that has done him no Wrong; " A slandering and belying the Officers of the Church and others, as not having done him Justice. "His Behaviour before the Church was such, as gave much Dissatisfaction, and obliged as many as then expressed themselves, to declare that they look'd on him as distracted. "It was desired, that the Elders of the Church, with the Deacons, and any others whom they may see Cause to consult on this Occasion, enquire further into the State of the said William Perry; and make Report unto the Church, that they may proceed accordingly. In the mean time, the Church declared him to be sus- pended from the Communion. JUNE, 1709 II I procured the Reprinting of several Composures, for the prseserving and promoting of Piety, both in our Army and our Navy now going against Canada. My, Souldier told what he shall do; and my, Golden Curh.^ These I dis- perse to as good Purpose as I can; and I study other Methods, to pursue the same Designs of Piety. My pubhc Prayers and Sermons are adapted unto the present great Occasion. And I enjoy a precious Presence of the Lord with me in them. It pleased the Holy One, to take away to a better World, my dear Friend, Mr Jonathan Pierpont, the painful, faith- ful, useful and humble Minister of Reading. I was enli- vened somewhat by his Death to pursue my Services, with yett more of Industry.^ His Flock had a Day of Prayer, after his Death; (on Jun. 22.) Then I served them; all the Exercises of the Afternoon were performed by me; wherein I enjoy 'd a very great Assistance of the Lord, and in a very great Assembly. The spirit of the Holy One came upon the "Whereas the arrears of a Legacy piously bequeathed by Mr. Samuel Scarlett unto this Church have not been paid for very many years, it is desired and directed, that Messieurs Foster, Howard, Clark, Winlhrop, Hutchinson, Ruck, Martyn, be joined with the Deacons, to inspect the State of that Affayr, and advise what is to be done, that it may be brought into some certain reasonable Issue. And that in case, a Composition be judged advisable, the Church be further informed of the Matter, before anything be concluded on." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, 11. ' Ye Soldier told what he shall do, was first issued in 1707. The title of the issue of 1709 had taught in place of told. The Golden Curb; or. Sober Checks given to Rash Passions, formed part of Mather's Batteries upon the Kingdom of the Devil, printed in London, in i6gs. In this new issue the title read A Golden Curb, for the Mouth, which with an Head- strong Folly, rushes into the Sins of Profane Swearing and Cursing. Boston, John Allen, 1709, p. 12. It has no separate title-page. The manner in which Mather exerted his efforts to secure the publication of his sermons is well illustrated in his letter to John VVinthrop, December 16, 1707 printed in 4 Proceedings viii. 406, and 10 Dr. Penhallow, p. 169, infra. ^ He was the fourth minister of Reading, son of Robert and Sarah (Lynde) Pierpont of Roxbury. Some extracts from an early journal are given in Eaton, History of Reading, 104 n. Sewall says his death "was a very great Loss!" 12 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Chief of Sinners, and there was a memorable Solemnity in the Congregation. I think, I may also say, I exercised some Faith in the ascefided Jesus for them. Inasmuch as I kept one Fast this Week already, (at Reading) I did not keep another, on the Friday following, as else in Course, I should have done. I nevertheless enjoy'd a precious Communion with the Lord, at His holy Table. I conversed with each of the three Persons in the Eternal Godhead. I addressed the three Prayers, unto the three glorious Persons. But still in the Beginning of each Prayer, acknowledged that Person to be the God, who is the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that so, I might not erro- neously separate them, when I distinguish'd them. I won- dered at this Grace, that when those three glorious Persons were from all Eternity conversing with one another, they would now bring such \dle Creatures, as we are, into an heavenly Conversation with them. I celebrated the partic- ular Things done by each Person, for His People. I glorified each Person, with such Praises, and such Desires, as were adapted unto our Consideration of the Deity subsisting in it. I was carried into the Suburbs and Earnests of Heaven, by this evangelical Action. Herein also, as in a thousand and a thousand other Things, the Lord is my Teacher. ^ Oh! lett me love Him, who is thus ripening of me, for the heavenly World! The Month of Jidy, brings with it, as little as the former. Only, on 2 2 (/. 5 m. [Jidy.] Friday. I sett apart the Day, for Prayer with Fasting before the Lord, and had some sweet Conversation with Heaven in the Day. The Lord is again favoring me, with precious and mul- 1 Two lines struck out in this place. AUGUST, 1709 13 tiplied Opportunities, to bring forth Fruit, and serve Him, in the Way of the Press. I shall have Opportunity, quickly to take Notice of several Essayes, which the Glorious Lord, allowes the Chief of Sinners, to make, for the Service of His Kingdome. One thing that I now do is this. I am extremely concerned, that they who lay hold on the Covenant in our Churches, especially in my own, may be saved from the Snares of a wretched Formality, in what they do, and be made very sensible of the great Obligations which are laid upon them, to lead a life of serious Religion. I therefore preached a Sermon upon Sins against the ever- lasting Covenant; and then, I fitted it for the Press, and printed it.' It is entituled. The Bonds of the Covenant. My Design is, to lodge it in the Hands of all that have offered themselves unto the Covenant in my own Church, or that shall do so. And also to send it into most of the Towns in the Countrey, with some Intimations, to have it lent, on that Occasion. Moreover, having preached ^ a Sermon about, Commu- ning with our own Hearts, there were devout Hearers, who desired that they might be furnished with Copies of it; and offered the Expence of the Impression. So I fitted this for the Press also; and entituled it. Work within Doors.^ 20 d. 6 m. [August.] Friday. This Day I sett apart, as usually before the Celebration of the Eucharist; for Prayer with Fasting, in my Study. But Nothing very remarkable occurr'd, relating to it. I enjoy'd something of Heaven. It left some heavenly Impressions upon me. I am so full of Employments; and in such an happy way of continually every day, doing a Variety of Services, ' This seems to refer to the sermon preached on July 17. See p. 31, infra. * Preached June ig. See p. 30, infra. 'Printed by T. Green, 1709. 14 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER which yett I do not ask to have remembred, that I have not the Liesure which else I might have to replenish these Memorials. Tis possible, I may, if I liv^e to the End of the Year, make some Recapitulation. One going from hence for Englajid, about this Time, I did committ into his Hands, an Essay to be there pub- lished; under the Title of, A Man of Reason. The Design of it, is to show, that Men ought to hearken to Reason, and therefore to the Maxims of Religion. But there was another Peece of Work, in which my Heart was at tliis Time, very much engaged. I have of late, begun a Method, of lodging Books, which may be Instru- ments of Piety, in all the Vessels of any Burden, that may sail out of these Colonies. But now, that I may be more accommodated, with Instruments for my purpose, I fitted for the Press a Discourse, designed first of all, to awaken the unregenerate Sailour, out of his dangerous Condition, sleep- ing on the Top of a Mast in tJie midst of the Sea; and then to provide and direct a various Emplo}Tnent for him. I fitted the Work, with Admonitions of Piety, fetched out of the various Objects and Actions aboard; and with Devotions accommodated unto the various Occasions of the Mariner; and with Proposals for the keeping of good Orders in the Vessels. I convey'd it unto the Press, with a Resolution that by the Hands of the Naval Officers, in our several Ports, there should be lodged convenient Numbers of these Books, in every Vessel that clears and sails from them. WTio can tell, what may be done.-^ Whether some of the Elect of God may not be found out upon the Waters! It is entituled, The Mariners Companion and Counsellour.* Moreover, I considered, that the glorious Mystery of the Trinity, tho it be one of the first Articles in our holy Religion, yett is not enough liv'd upon. Tis a Mystery of Godliness; and a practical Improvement of it, in and for ' The Sailours Companion, etc. Printed by B. Green, for Samuel Gerrish. SEPTEMBER, 1709 I5 the Life of Christianity, I thought, would much tend unto the Advancement of Godliness. I thought, it would be a Service unto Religion, and unto many Christians, if I answered the Desires of some, who asked me to publish a Discourse, wherein I practically improved and applyed the Doctrine of the Trinity, and plainly brought it into the Life of Christianity. Accordingly, I fitted for the Press, and gave to the Printer, such a Discourse; entituled; A Christian Conversing with the Great Mystery of Christianity.^ 2 d. J m. [September.] Friday. The other Ministers of the Neighbourhood, are this Day feasting with our wicked Governour; ^ I have, by my provoking Plainness and Free- dom, in telling this Ahab of his wickedness, procured myself to be left out of his Invitations. I rejoiced in my Liberty from the Temptations, with which they were encumbred, while they were eating of his Dainties and durst not reprove him. And, considering the Power and Malice of my Ene- mies, I thought it proper for me, to be this day Fasting, in Secret, before the Lord. Accordingly, I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting. And the special Intention of the Day was, to obtain my Deliverance and Protection, from the Enemies, which hate me with a cruel Hatred, and sometimes breath out Cruelties. I mentioned their Names unto the Glorious Lord, who has promised me to be my Shield. I pray 'd for Mercies to be bestow'd upon them, and yett I pray'd, that my precious Opportunities to be serviceable, may not ly at their Mercy. I entreated this Favour, with my whole Heart, that I may make a good Use of their Enmity, and that I may rather do the more Good because of it. I sang agreeable Psalms, and left my Cause with the Lord, resolving to conform unto that Word; Prov. 20. 22. Say not thou, I 1 Printed by T. Green. ^ Joseph Dudley. l6 ' DIARY OF COTTON MATHER will recompense Evil; but wait on the Lord, and He shall save thee. 14 d. 7 m. Thursday. It was now a General Fast, thro' the Province. 1 I enjoy 'd a precious Presence of the Lord, with me in the Services of the Day. But in Conformity to what I have once and again press'd upon others, I did, among other Services of this day, sett myself to consider, What further have I to do, in that Work of Reformation, either upon myself, or among others, which the heavy Judg- ments of God upon our People, have so long been calling for ? The principal Articles and Purposes, which I could now pitch upon, were these. I. In myself: I observe, the peculiar Spirit, and Error of the Time, to be Indifferency in Religion. I would therefore be more zelous, more active, than ever, more sollicitous about my own Sal- vation, and that Sin may be discouraged in the World. I would be exceeding watchful against all Impurity, and the least Glance of my ISIind that way, shall but provoke me to holy Contemplations and Resignations. I would be afraid of too easily and suddenly taking up evil Reports; which is a very common IMiscarriage among us. I would endeavour a more prudent and early Dispatch of my Studies for the Lord's-Day; that I may better enjoy the Saturs-day Evening and employ it in some religious Exercises, with such as are imder my Charge. II. In my Family: Besides the numberless Wayes, which I am using to carry on a good Education there, I would use if I can, more of a continual Dropping, of the Maxims of Piety on those under my Charge; and this particularly in the way of occasional Reflection, to make the Maxims more easily and more dura- bly remembred with them. 'Error for isth. See p. 32, infra. SEPTEMBER, lyog I7 And I renew my Purpose of praying successively with each of my Folks alone, after I have engaged their Consent and Purpose, to be the Lord's, III. In my pubhc Circumstances : I would, besides my careful Visits, in my Flock, to incul- cate those Lessons of Godliness, which I may see their special Circumstances recommending unto them, express in certain Prayers and Sermons, a great Concern, in a way of Pitty, for several Sorts of ensnared ones among my People, who do not pitty themselves. It may be, God will sanctify this Way of treating them, and awaken them to pitty themselves. I would also bear, and procure to be born due Testimo- nies, against all prevailing Iniquities in the Land. And I would compose and publish many Essayes, accom- modated unto the Interests of Christianity in the Land; such as may find out all Sorts of People, in the several Wayes, wherein they may be sett athinking on such Things, as may be for the Glory of God. 23 d. 7 m. Friday. This Day, I undertook a Journey to the Town of Bridge-water. My Design was to comfort and honour, a pious, aged, afflicted Servant of God, Mr. James Keith, the Minister of the Place. ^ And to answer the Desire of the people in that Place, who flatter me with Hopes that by preaching there, I may do some sensible Service to the Interests of languishing Religion. I made many Prayers over the Journey; and humbled myself before the Lord, that so the fond Expectations of the People might produce no Inconvenience; and I resigned the whole Affair before me, to the Conduct of the Lord, whose are all my Wayes. Inasmuch as the Journey was for the Service of the Blessed Jesus, the second Adam, I hoped, that no Curse would attend it. * He was the first minister of Bridgewater, a Scotchman, educated at Aberdeen, and came to New England in 1662. He was ordained in 1664, and died July 23, 1719. II- 2 l8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER The Lord smiled upon my Journey, in all the Circum- stances of it wonderfully. I travelled in a Calash. I had above thirty Miles to go. Much of the Road, was very bad, rough, dangerous Way. Yett I gott to the Journey's End, safe, and long before Night. I preach'd both Parts of the Lord's Day, and with great Assistences from above. On Monday, my Journey homewards, was yett more comfortable. It was dispatch'd in a Uttle Time, and admi- rably accommodated. 6 (f . 8 m. [October.] Thursday. The Lord is multiplying the Testimonies of His Favour to me. He showes me many Tokens for good, at the Sight whereof my Adversaries are ashamed. The wicked see what is done for me; they see it and are grieved; they gnash their Teeth, and melt away. On the Occasion of some Judgments which God has dispensed on some Sinners (especially, Drunkards) in my Neighbourhood, I thought, that I would watchfully endeav- our an holy Improvement of them. I preached a sermon at the Lecture, on that Subject, how Sinners are punished in their very Sins themselves.^ But after I had greatly humbled myself before the Lord, and my Spirit had been reduced into prceparatory Frames of Contrition and Repent- ance, I enjoy'd a mighty Presence of the Lord with me. There was a vast Assembly of People; perhaps of some Hundreds more than the great House could hold. The Spirit of the Lord came upon me, and quickened me, and strengthened me, and enabled me to discharge the Servace I had now before me. And I hope, the Minds of the peo- ple had uncommon Impressions made upon them. 14 c?. 8 w. Friday. This Day, I sett apart for Prayer with Fasting, (and Alms) in secret before the Lord. '"Mr. C. Mather preaches from Prov. 14. 14. Backslider in heart shall be filled with his own Ways. Mentioned the indulgence of Adonijak; the prophet Micajah; not the prophet, but the King was hurt by his Estrangement." Sewall, Diary, n. 266. See p. 32, infra. NOVEMBER, 1709 IQ It was a Day, in which I received some inexpressible Satisfactions from Heaven, that my Sins are all pardoned. I also felt the sanctifying Work of the Holy Spirit upon me; which furnishes me with a Witness in myself, to the Truths of Christianity. In this way, I kept waiting for what Advice may be coming to me from Englafid; and for my Defence against my Enemies; and for a Blessing on my Family and my Ministry. The Glorious Lord, goes on, in a marvellous Manner, to employ me in glorifying of Him, and to testify His Acceptance of me, in my bearing Testimonies for Him. I preached a Sermon at the Lecture,^ in the Audience of the General Assembly, on the Street or Market-place of the City of God, being Pure Gold; and I bore due Testimonies against the Corruptions of the Market-place. 1 fiU'd the Sermon with Testimonies for God and Right, and against the Sins of Dishonesty, and the Snares of Intemperance; and added my Hopes for a City of God, yett to be seen in America. I thought it might serve the Interests of Piety and Equity, to spread these Testimonies, into every Part of the Countrey. Providence favoured my Intentions; and the Discourse was published ; under the Title of, Theopo- Lis Americana. An Essay, on the Golden Street of the Holy City; publishing a Testimony against the Corruptions of the Market-place; with some good Hopes of Better Things to he yett seen in the American World.'' After the Publication, there was care taken to disperse the Book, into every Town of all these Colonies; and into some other Parts of America. II d. gm. [November.] Friday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayers (in Secret,) with Alms, before the Lord. As the Intentions of the Day, had nothing in them * November 3. See p. 32, infra. •It was published by B. Green, in 1710. Sewall notes on November 25: "Theopolis Americana is finished, the last half-sheet printed off. I stitched me up a Book, and sent the Revd. author one to compleat his." 20 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Remarkable, to distinguish them, from the other Dayes, which I have kept of later Time, so neither had the Employments or Enjoyments of the Day. But in this way, I kept waiting for the Mercies of the Lord, unto me, and mine, and unto all His People. 24 d. 9 m. Thursday. A Week ago, my little Son Nathanael, was taken very sick of a Feavour, v^^th a griev- ous Oppression, (as it seem'd on his Breast and Stomach,) but after some time, he seemed somewhat releeved and revived; the Physicians concluded, he would live. I had a strange and sinful Stupidity on my mind. I did not pray for his Life, with such Agony, as I have used for my spared Children. I did not sett apart a Day of Prayer for his Life, as I could, and should have done. In the Night, and as the Dawn of this Day approached, the Child began to have the evident Symptoms of Death upon it. I rose, and with several successive Prayers, resign'd it unto the Lord. This Day, was a public Thanksgiving for the Mercies of Heaven to the Province in the Year, that is past. I laid aside the Subject I intended; and in the Morning I com- posed a Sermon on, i. Sam. i. 7. She wept, atid she did not eat, i.e. of the Thank-offering: prosecuting that Observa- tion, that a sense of Affliction was oftentimes an Hinderance to the work of Thanksgiving ; but that it ought not to be so. My Son died about Noon. My Sermon in the Afternoon proved very acceptable, and seasonable, and serviceable. The Lord helped me on this Occasion to glorify Him with Resignation, and with many studies how to make the Death in my Family, profitable unto myself, and unto my Family. I attended the Funeral on the Day following; and there were many merciful Circumstances accompanying of it. Wanting a Book, to be lodg'd and left, with such as are in sorrowful Circumstances of Affliction; inasmuch as all the Impressions of my former Essayes that way, are dis- posed of; I gave to the Bookseller, a Lecture, which is fitted DECEMBER, 1709 21 up into an agreeable Book, for such Persons; and I design immediately to purchase forty-shillings worth of them, (and afterwards, if I live, many more,) to be dispersed among the Aflflicted. It is entituled. The Cure of Sorrow.^ About this time, a nameless and unknown Gentleman, sent me his Desire, (with what was needful to defray the Charge of it,) that a paragraph in my Theopolis Americana, relating to the Abuse and Excess of Rum, should be printed by itself, and sent into every Part of the Countrey. I ordered, that there should be annexed unto it, certain Pro- posals, relating unto that Matter, to be considered by religious and ingenious Men, in every Part of the Land. The paper is entituled. Proposals of some Consequence; humbly ofered to the publick,from a private Hand. gd. 10 m. [December.] Friday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayers (and Alms) as I use to do. One special Intention of the Day, was that I might obtain Mercy for my Family, and spiritual and eternal Advantage unto all the Souls in it, from the Death which has lately been sent into it; and a prospering Direction, and Assistence of Heaven, for the good Education of my surviving Children. Thus I went on for the Rest of this Month, after my poor Manner, endeavouring to serve Christ and to do good. Nothing very observable occurred in the Actions, or Acci- dents of the Month; except perhaps, what may be hinted, in the daily Memorials of my Purposes. Indeed, I added one thing unto the Devotions of my Family. For, whereas we catechise, and read, and sing, and pray, usually in the Beginning of the Evening; I now add this; that we sing a short Psalm, or Hymn, together, the last thing we do, before our going to Bed.^ 1 Printed by B. Green in 1709. ' ^^ Susanna Fling, having fallen into scandal, by an unlawful conversation with the man, whom five months after she married, she this day offered those public and open expressions of Repentance, which were accepted." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, 11. 22 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 6d. iim. [January.] Friday. I sett ap^rt this Day for Prayers (with Fasting) and abundant Alms; on such Occa- sions as use to bring me thus before the Lord. I was ill; and in Hazard of a Feavour, from a Cold contracted by my Visits to the Sick, in very bad Weather. But I sang the Beginning of the forty first Psahn. And my Malady van- ished beyond Expectation. I enjoy'd a mighty Presence of the Lord with me, in one Action after this. Having intimated in a Sermon about the Sins of Youth, my Purpose the next Lord's-day ' to deal faithfully with the Neighbours, about the Sins and Snares of our young People, and as one who knowes the Terror of the Lord; a vast Assembly came together from all Quarters of the Town. The Spirit of the Glorious Lord came upon me, with His precious and powerful Influences. I preached a long Sermon, and it was heard with much Attention, with much Affection. And tho' I expected much Malice and Mocking from some of the Hearers, I was happily dis- appointed of my Expectation. The Things delivered, had a great Impression on the Hearers, and good Effects of Religion and Reformation followed. ^ 3 J. 12 m. [February.] Friday. I sett apart this Day also, for Prayers (with Fasting) and abundant Alms. Particularly, (as usually) to prepare for Interviews with * January 22. See p. 33, infra. ' " At a Church-Meeting held lod. 11 m. 1709, Tuesday, this vote was passed, Netnine conlradicenle. "The Church, considering the Encumbrance of a course of Law, to recover their just Right in Mr. Scarlett's pious Legacy to them, and being wiUing to sett an Exemple of all Christian and possible Moderation and Compassion to an Orphan, do consent that the Committee, already employ'd about this Afifayr, namely Messieurs Foster, Howard, Clark, Winthrop, Hutchinson, Ruck, Martyn, with the three Deacons, shall be entrusted and empowered by the Church, to proceed and finish that matter, and make all the legal Provision that shall be necessary; so that the Church may have clear of all Encumbrance, at least the summ of one hundred and fifty pounds in money, or province Bills. "At this Meeting, Eliza Rcnmore offered her poenitent Acknowledgement of her Offence in striking a Neighbour. Which the Church accepted." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, n. FEBRUARY, I709~I0 23 Heaven, on the Lord's-Day (and the Lord's Supper,) approaching. Which I enjoy'd unto some Satisfaction. That this year might prove with me, a pretty bearing Year, I concluded it, with two PubKcations more by the way of the Press. The Designs of them, will be sufficiently apprehended from the Titles of them. The one is entituled; The Heavenly Conversation. An Essay upon the Methods of Conversing with a Glorious CHRIST in every Step of our Life. With Directions upon that CASE, How may the Consideration of CHRIST, be brought into all the Life of a Christian.''- The other is entituled ; Dust and Ashes. An Essay upon. Repentance to the Last; Advising a watchful Christian upon that CASE; How to keep alive the Daily Exercise of REPENT- ANCE, to the End of his Life! ^ My Intention was to lodge these Treatises in the Hands of many of the Ministers, throughout the Countrey. I represented, the Methods of Piety proposed in these Essayes, as being the true American Pietism. I considered that the People who are shortly to be the ^tone cutt out of the Mountain, will be a People of these Principles and Practices. And I was willing, to contribute unto the Shaping of that People; and furnish them with Instruments of Piety, that may be of Use among them. I shall also endeavour to send these things unto Dr. Franckius, in Saxony. What remains is, to make some Recapitulation, of my Proceedings, on the Devices of Good which I form and write in the Morning of each Day in the Week, on the Quaestion for the Day. I shall not here transcribe all the particular De- vices and Purposes, thus produced; but only touch on a few, that may give some Intimation how my Year has rolled along. * These works were issued without author's name. ' Published by B. Green in 1710. 24 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I. The Quaestion every Lard's-day Morning, was, what Service to be done for my Saviour, in the Flock whereof I am the Pastor. Here I purposed, that I would endeavour much Service in my occasional Visits. Learning (from the Bills putt up, or otherwise,) who has received any special Mercy, I would visit them, and agree with them on some special Return of Glory to God. Learning who are in any singular Affliction, I would visit them, and propose unto them some singular Fruits of Repentance and Obedience. The Hatuimaids of the Lord that are near their Travail, I would visit, and make their Circumstances an awakening Occasion to settle the Peace of their Souls. That I would use more than ordinary Endeavour to rescue the Children of the Covenant, from the wof ul Formahty, with which many of them lay hold on the Covenant. That I would in the most pathetical and emphatical Wayes imaginable, warn the young people, against the Snares of Death, whereby many are endangered. That I would labour mightily to begett a Temper of Benignity in the Neighbourhood ; and among other Methods for it, preach as winningly as I can, on the Duties of good Neighbourhood. That I would sett up a Charity-School, and make it a precious Opportunity of Good unto many Children. Par- ticularly, visit it often, and instruct the Children and give pecuniary Rewards unto them, when they have learn't the good Things, which I sett 'em to learn. That I will animate an Addition to the Religious Societies in the Neighbourhood. That I would write a Letter unto the principal Person in each of the Religious Societies (or at least mention the Matter to them,) expressing my Desire, that the Societies would sug- gest unto me, what Subjects they most want or wish, to hear publickly preached on ; and preach accordingly. &c. &c. &c. FEBRUARY, 1709-IO 25 II. Every Munday Morning, what to be done in my Family ? Here, among many other things, I purposed, That I would order the Children to read over the Mother's Catechism, written by Mr. Baxter, in the most profitable Manner .* That to increase in my Family, their Attention to, and understanding of, the Scriptures, each Person shall have a Bible in their hands, and read the Verse, as I am going to make my Observations upon it. That the Children shall have their Apartments well- fitted up, in which they may read, and write, and pray. That I would oblige each of the Children, to retire, and ponder on that Quaestion, what should I wish to have done if I were now adying! And report unto me their Answer to the Quaestion; of which I may take unspeakable Advantage, to inculcate Piety upon them. That I would cause those of the Children who can write, ever now and then, to draw up a Prayer in writing, and shew it unto me. By which Means, I may see, how far they consider the State of their own Soids: and it may bring them to consider it. I would particularly putt them upon drawing up of Prayers, against such Miscarriages of Temptations, as they may be most of all in a Danger of. That I would spend the Saturs-day Evenings in the most exquisite Wayes of instilling Piety into my Family, by suc- cessively taking each Person alone into my Study, and there Talking and Praying with them. And alwayes make that Evening an Opportunity of Praying with my Wife, before the Commimion of the Lord' s-T able, and preparatory to it. That I would labour to discharge unto my Son-in-Law, * First published in 1701. No American issue seems to have been pub- lished before 1729. 26 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the Duty of a Father, m a most exemplary manner; see that he be tenderly used, and well-provided for. Assist his Education; and instil the Lessons of Piety into him, with all possible Assiduity. &c. &c. &c. III. On Tuesday Morning, I came to consider two QucBstions alternately. On the First week, I thought; wJiat Service to he done for Christ, and my Relatives abroad? Here, I contrived several things to be done, that I may assist some aged Relatives in their Praeparation for the heavenly World. And, I contrived to find out my most distant Relatives and reach them w^th Books of Piety, and such Things as may be useful to them. And some of my Sisters, having their Husbands abroad; I constantly, at least once a week, visited their Famihes, and pray'd with them. &c. &c. &c. But then, every other Week, instead of my Relatives, I considered my Enemies. I singled out my personal Enemies, as many of them, as I can know of, and considered, what good may I do unto them? I am in the Way of it, and I have made good Progress in the Way; that I shall not know that I have one Adversary in the World, but w^hat I have explicitly charged my Soul, to take heed of all personal Revenge of him; yea, I have actually done some good Office for him. I will not here mention the Persons, or the Purposes; because tis better they should be forgotten. IV. Every Wednesday Morning, my Quaestion was, what Service to be done for Christ, and the Interest of His Kingdome, in the Countrey, or among other People? Here, I scattered Books of Piety, about the Countrey; yea, in all the Towns of these Colonies. Books, upon such Intentions of Religion, as appeared most necessary and seasonable to be prosecuted. FEBRUARY, 1709-IO 27 I did the like for all the Vessels, of Burden, that sail out of these Colonies. I pubhshed, near as many Books, as there have been Montlis in the Year. I send Numbers of Books, to serve the Designs of Relig- ion, in the other Plantations. Yea, in England, in Scotland, in Ireland, in Saxony. And many Services were done for particular Churches here and there; for which there weie frequent Occasions administred. V. Every Thursday Morning; what Service in and for the Societies? Here, many Things were done, to stop the Torrent of Wickedness. Proposals for general Advantage, were hence made unto the General Assembly. More Charity-Schools were erected; and the Methods of supporting them agreed upon, A new Society Jar the Suppression of Disorders, was formed. I proposed a Method, that every Person in the Reforming Societies, might be obliged in their Turn, to mention some thing, that be a Proposal of Consequence to the main Inten- tion. I visited the other Religious Societies; and where some of them were languishing I preached, on Eccl. 4. 9. Two are better than one; the Benefit of Associations for relig- ious Purposes. VI. Every Friday Morning, what particular Objects of Compassion have I to do good unto? Here, I fiU'd my List, successively, with afflicted People. And, I did what I could for them. Unto the same List, I added, particular Persons, who in regard of their Souls ensnared by the Destroyer, called for my particular Labours to address them, and rescue them. 28 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER VII. My last Quaestion, and that for the Satureday Morning, has been; What remains to be done for the Kingdome of God in my OWN Heart and Life ? I thought, That I am favoured with surprising and uncommon Opportunities, to pubhsh many Books of Piety. There is nothing of so much Concernment for me, as to take effectual Care, that my own Books, do not at last prove my o\^^l Con- demnation, by my failing in those Points of Piety, which I commend unto others. Wlierefore, (with Prayers to be dehvered from so great a Confusion) I would, on the Lord's Day Evenings read over my owti Books of Piety, and work them over again upon my Heart; that my Soul may be exquisitely conformed unto them. That whatever bodily Infirmities I labour (or can call to Mind, that I have laboured) under, I would make them the Occasions and Incentives of some Dispositions and Puri- fications in my Soul, which they may agreeably mind me of; and I would sett myself to consider what. That I would, at my Meals, think more frequently and thoroughly on the super -essential Bread, the Food that endures to everlasting Life. That I would invent agreeable Mottoes, and have every Room, in my House furnished with them; as Admonitions of Piety and good Management, for myself and others. That I would sett myself more distinctly to consider, first, what were the more special Sins, and Crimes of my Youth ; And thereupon, what more special Service I should now do for the Kingdome of God, in the directest Contrariety and Contradiction to my former Sins. Then, to consider, what Reproaches I have mett withal; and thereupon, what Services 1 should be awakened thereby to do for the Kingdome of God. Yea, that when I hear of any Abuse offered me, I would instead of giving way to any Passion, presently sett myseK FEBRUARY, 1709-10 29 to think, what good to he gott by it? What use to be made of it? That I would sometimes insist on that Enquiry, what do I that no Hypocrite ever did? And many more such things. Sic volvitur Annus. The Course of my Public Ministry. 13 d. 12 m. [February.] 1708. I preached, in the Forenoon, (being suddenly putt upon it, and with scarce an Hour's Warning by my Father's Illness,) on 2. Thess, 3. 5. An Heart directed into the Love of God. In the Afternoon (in my Course of handling select Passages, in the first Epistle of John:) on i. Joh. 4. 8. How God is Love. 20 d. 12 m. I preached, on Prov. 21. 25. The Desire of the Slothful. (Some having Desired a sermon on the Subject.) 24 d. 12 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Isa. 6. 5. The Methods of carrying on a Life of Repentance, as long as we hve. 27 J. 12 m. I preached on i. Joh. 4. 18. How Love brings us into a, fearless Condition. 6 d. I tn. [March.] 1709. I preached on, i. Joh. 4. 9. The Love of God in sending His only Son into the World that we may live. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 13 d. I m. I preached, on i. Joh. 5. 3. The Commandments of God not grievous to the Children of God. 20 d. I m. I preached on Prov. 23. 34. The unregenerate Sleep- ing in a dangerous Condition, and not sensible of it. 24 d. I m. Thursday. A General Fast. I preached on Lam. 3. 25. The* Goodness of God, unto them that seek Him, and wait for Him. 27 d. I m. I preached on, i. Joh. 5. 4. Overcoming the World. 2,d. 2 m. [April.] I preached on 2. Cor. 13. 5. The Advantages and Inferences to be made, from our knowing ourselves. \0d.2m. I preached, on, i. Joh. 5. 14. A Beleever praying according to the Will of God, and finding the Answer of his Prayers. (When my Sermon was near three quarters finished, a Fire breaking forth in the Town, broke up the Assembly. When the Assembly returned, after the Fire was conquered, I went on, and preached another Sermon, an extemporaneous Essay, from Job. 20. 26. on that Case, what shall we do, that we may escape the Judgments of God, by Fire consuming our Habitations? Much Notice was taken of this latter Sermon.) 30 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 17 d. 2 m. I preached on i. Joh. 5. 14. and went on, where I left off the last Lord's-day; and added a Discourse on five remarkable Cases, about our making Prayer, and God's Hearing it. 21 d. 2 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Job. 13. 6. That Men ought to hearken to Reason. Applying it unto certain Maxims of Piety. I d. 3 w. [May.] I preached on, i. Joh. 5. 6. Our Saviour coming under the Advantages, both of Water and of Blood. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 4 c?. 3 w. Wednesday. I preached, on a Day of Prayer at Maiden, on I. Joh. 5. 14. And assisted the Flock, in Renewing their Cov- enant. 8 d. 3 f». I preached, on Job. 5. 24. That Case, how a good Man should so visit his Habitation, as not to Sin. 15 d. ;^m. I preached, on, Jer. 30. 15. Sin, the Cause of Afflic- tion. (A Time of much Affliction, especially by Sickness, in the Neighbourhood. ) 18 d. 3 w. Wednesday. I preached, at the Ordination of a Pas- tor, in the Church at Malde?t; on Psal. 147. 2. The Lord Building up Jerusalem. ig d. 2i m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Hos. 6. i. The Repentance necessary for a wounded People. And applied it unto the great Expedition, which is now forming, for Canada. 22 J. 3 w. I preached, on Ezek. 16. 21. My Children. The Lord owning the Children of His People, as His own Children. (And I baptised my Son, Nathanacl.) 29 d. T,m. I preached on, i. Joh. 5. 19. The whole World lying in Wickedness. $d. 4 m. [June.] I preached, on Rev. 2. 19. Our Lord's know- ing, who serves Him, and what Service they do for Him. (On the Death of my dear Friend, Mr. Pierpont, the Pastor of Reading.) 12 d. 4 m. I preached, on i. Joh. 5. 21. The Idols that endanger us; the Spiritual Idolatry, from which we are to keep ourselves. 16 d. 4 w. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on, Heb. i. 13. Our Saviour making His Enemies His Footstool. With relation to the great Expedition against the Idolaters of Canada. 19 d. 4 m. I preached on, Psal. 4. 4. The great E.xercise of Communing with our own Hearts. 22 d. 4 m. Wednesday. I preached at Reading, on Rev. 2. 19. where a Fast was kept, for the Death of their Minister and about the Calling of another. FEBRUARY, 1709-IO 3I 26 d. 4 m. I preached, on i. Joli. 5. 7. The Testimony given by the three Persons in God, unto the Character, and Religion of our Saviour. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 3 d. 5 m. [July.] I preached, A. M. to the South-Church, on Job. 5. 24, P. M. to the North Church, on Prov. 23. 7, The Char- acter of ISIen, fetch'd from the Thoughts, which their Uearts are fill'd withal. 10 d. $ m. I preached on Prov. i. 32. The Prosperity of un- godly People, thro' their own Foolishness destructive to them. 14 d. 5 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture on Jer. 4. 18. Sin the procuring Cause of Affliction; applying it, to our public Cir- cumstances. 17 (f. S w. I preached on, Isa. 24. 5. Violations of the ever- lasting Covenant. Proposing solemn Admonitions, to the many among us, who with too much Formality and Forge tfulness, enter into the Covenant. 24 d. 5 m. I preached, on Rev. 7. 16. The Time, when the People of God, shall not complain oi any distressing Heat upon them. (It now being a very hott, faint, sultry Time.) 31 d. K,m. I preached on, Psal. 25. i. The main Business of every distressed one, with the Lord; and the main of his Business, to lift up a distressed Soul to the Lord. (Intending if God will, a Course of Sermons on the Psalm, in this Time of many Distresses.) T d. 6 m. [August.] I preached on, Jer. 13. 23. The Danger and Mischief, of evil Custotnes. I concluded with Warnings to our Ethiopians. IX d. 6 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture on, i. Sam. i. 15. 18. Pouring out the Soul to the Lord, the Cure of Sadness. 14 d. 6 m. I preached on, Psal. 25. 2. Acknowledging the Lord as our God, and then Trusting in Him. 21 d. 6 w. I preached on, i. Joh. 5. 8. The three Witnesses on Earth, to the Truth of Christianity, (And I administred the Eucha- rist.) 28 d. 6 m. I preached on, Psal. 25. 2. Our being ashamed of Sin; but being delivered from the Shame of disappointed Hopes. 4 rf. 7 m. [September.] I preached on Prov. 4. 27. The avoiding of Extremes and Errors on both hands. 8 d. y m. Thursday. 1 preached the Lecture, on Prov. i. 24, 28. Sins retaliated in their Punishments; and the Lord's punishing our Deafness to His Calls, by His being as deaf to our Cries. (Praepara- tory to a General Fast, the next Week.) 32 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER lid. y m. I preached, A. M. at the Old Church, on Luk. 24. 32. The warning Efficacy, which the Words of Christ may and should have on the Hearts of Men. And P. M. at the North Church, on Psal. 119. 176. The Description of a returning Sinner. isd. 7 m. Thursday. A General Fast. I preached on, Psal. 25. 2. The Calamity of being under the Triumphs of our Enemies; and the Way to be delivered from the Calamity, by getting into good Terms with Heaven. 18 d. y m. I preached on, Prov. 23. 17. That Sinners are to be (not envied, but) piiiied. Several objects of Pitty among them specified. 25 d. y m. I preached at Bridgwater, A. M. on Luk. 24. 32. And, P. M. on Jer. 8. 6. 2 d. 8 m. [October.] I preached on Job. 14. 10. The State of Man, (where is he?) after he has given up the Ghost. Several Deaths having happened the last Week in my Neighbourhood. 6 d. 8 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Prov. 14. 14. Sinners (filled with their own Wayes,) having in their very Sins them- selves, the Punishment of their Sins. (Occasion'd by strange Things befalling some Sinners among us.) gd.8 m. I preached, on Luk. 24. 32. The warning Efficacy in the Words of our Saviour. 16 d. 8 m. I preached, i. Joh. 5. 10. The Witness within; the Testimony to the Truth of Christianity, which we have in a work of Grace, within us. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 23 d. 8 m. I preached on, Psal. 25. 3. Prayer for others as well as ourselves; and a concern that others may not be discouraged in Piety by any thing in us; and the Enemies of good Men, without a Cause; and Sinners asham'd, because they are causelessly so. And who are Waiters on God. 30 d. 8 m. I preached on Act. 10. 44. The Holy Spirit falling on the Hearers of the Word, while they are Hearing of it. 3 J. 9 w. [November.] Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Rev. 21. 21. The Street of the City, pure Gold; against Corruptions in the Market-Place. (The General Assembly then sitting.) 6d.gm. I preached on Psal. 25. 4. The Wayes of God; the Wayes that we shall not be ashamed of; and a Desire to be taught those Wayes. 13 d.gm. I preached on Gen. 20. 11. The Dangers of Places, in which there is not the Fear of God. 20 d.gm. V preached on Psal. 25. 5. Reiterated Prayers, and FEBRUARY, 1709-IO 33 Knowledge in order to Practice; and the Necessity of being led by God; and the Christian Religion being the Truth of God, and plead- ing in praying; and Salvation turning on our keeping the Wayes of God; and waiting on Him, all the Day. 24 d. 9 m. Thursday. A public Thanksgiving for the Mercies of the Year. I preached on, i,. Sam. i. 7. She wept and did not eat. That a Sense of Afitiiction is often an Hindrance to the Work of Thanksgiving; but should not be so. (My Son Nathanael, dying about Noon, made the Discourse in the afternoon, seasonable and observeable.) 27 d. 9 w. I preached, on Ps. 25. 5. How God is the God of our 'Salvation. I d. 10 m. {December.} Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Jer. 18. 2. The Sovereignty of God; how tis to be acknowledged; par- ticularly in the Condition of our Families. 4 d. 10 m. I preached, on Jam. i. 27. The Offices of good Neighbourhood; labouring to inspire a Temper of Benignity into the Neighbourhood. The Time of the Year makes it a special Oppor- tunity. II d. 10 m. I preached on Cant. 2. 16. The glorious Priviledge, of an Interest in the only Saviour. (And I administred the Eucha- rist.) 18 d. 10 m. I preached, on Tit. 2, 14. Our Saviour's giving Himself. 25 d. 10 m. I preached on Psal. 25. 6. The experienced, and everlasting Mercies and Bounties of God; how to be improved for our Encouragement. 29 d. 10 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Luk. 10. 29. The Duties of good Neighbourhood. I d. II m. [January.] I preached, on Luk. 13. 8. One Year more of Divine Patience, by Intercession obtained for the Unfruitful. Taking advantage from the Time, {New-Years Day,) to inculcate Instructions of Piety, which it is proper to begin the year withal. 8^. II w. I preached on Tit. 2. 14. Our Saviour's Redeeming us from all Iniquity. 15 d. II m. I preached on Psal. 25. 7. The Sins of Youth, what to do, that they may be not remembrcd, but pardoned. 22 d. II m. I preached a second time, on Ps. 25. 7. The Lord gloriously helped me, to bear my Testimonies against the Sins of Youth, which threaten the young People in my Neighbourhood. A vast Assembly of yovmg People, from all Parts of the Town, came n-3 34 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER together on this Occasion; and my Testimonies foimd a great Accept- ance, and beyond my Expectation. 26 d. XI m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Gal. 2. 20. Living by the Faith of the Son of God; and the excellent Methods to fill a Life with Acknowledgments of a Glorious CHRIST, and have Thoughts of Him in all Manner of Conversation. 2gd. 11m. I preached on, Psal. 25. 8. The Goodness and Faith- fulness of God; particularly appearing, in showing Sinners the Way to Blessedness: and what is the Way, $d. 12 m. [February.] I preached on Tit. 2. 14. The redeemed, becoming a purified, and pectdiar People. And I administred the Eucharist. To Samuel Penhallow. m.h.s. Boston, 16 d. 10 m. [December.], 1709. Sir, — You have alwayes allow'd me, all possible Freedom with you; and I have alwayes practis'd it. I continue to do so. And I Entreat that by your obliging Hand, there may be convey'd the Little Books, of the Golden Street, unto those, unto whom I have directed them. The Books of Sober Considerations I Entreat you, to disperse where you think, there may be most occasion for them. The other paper of Proposals, I am desired by a Nameless Gentleman (I could never Learn, who; tho' when I saw the Second Leaf, I could Easily call to Mind, who was the Author of what fell into the Hands of the unknown Gentleman;) to scatter; and I Leave this Parcel of them, unto your Discretion, for the Dispersion of them. I pray the glorious Redeemer to multiply His Blessings, on your person and Family. I am, Syr, Ever and heartily your Servt. Co. Mather. To Samuel Penhallow. m.h.s. Boston, 4d. 2 m. [April], lyogfio]. Sir, — If I prove Troublesome, tis your most obUging Invita- tion, that has made me so. We suppose the Fleet not yett sailed. I humbly entreat you. Sir, to make this Packet, (unto my Brother,) MAY, I 7 lO 35 find Mr Emerson; unto whose care I corrunitt it, as being partly indeed for his Service ; that is, to recomend him unto what my Brother may do for him. If you meet not with Mr Emerson I pray, lett Mr Stoddard have it ; who has already a Cargo of my providing. We have no manner of Newes ; that is to say, public. Ever now and then, we discover New Roxburisms but those whether committed here, or at Piscataqua, (when you take People in their way,) must not as yett be talk'd of. I don't understand, that the publication of Mr Stoddard's pre- tended Answer goes forward.^ I pray your Acceptance of an Opening Temple^ and wish you a part in it. I am, Syr, Your hearty Servt, Co. Mather.' To Samuel Penhallow. m.h.s. Boston. 22 d. 3 m. [May.], 1710. My Honoured Friend, — After a thousand Obligations which you have heretofore laid upon me, you have by your late kind Pres- ents, entred pretty far into another Chiliad. Should I write you as many Letters of Thanks, as I have obhgations, I should make you but an ill Requital, and but oppress and injure you with a Load of Acknowledgments. In one word, I thank you, I love you, I wish I could serve you. I proceed unto the next Part of my Duty; which is to inform you. That the Arrival of our Ingenuous, Generous, and prosperous Friend, Capt. Wentworth, surprizes us with a large Cargo of Intelli- gence. I will offer you nothing, that you may expect from our public Newes Letter. But, we may every day expect the Dragon, as a Forerunner, of Six Men of War, with a thousand Marines, of whom etc. Col. Nicolson is General, to pursue an Expedition, first against Port-royal} The * Solomon Stoddard's An Appeal to the Learned, a reply to Increase Mather, and printed this year. ^ The Temple Opening, printed in lyog. ' "g d. 2 in. [April] 1710. This Day a Confession of William Perry, express- ing a Repentance of his Error and Evil, in withdrawing from the Communion of the Church, was offered unto the Church, and accepted." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, 11. * Palfrey, History of New England, iv. 277. 36 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER Arrival of our Mast-fleet, and the Maqua's, may perhaps, a little retard, and alter, some of the Motions and Measures, but the thing will go on ; and you will foresee that it is like to be a Summer of extreme Distress unto us. The Parlaiment, were willing to exert a Trial of skill, on the High-flyers in the Nation ; and impeached one Sacheverel before the House of Lords, for some fiery Sermons, which he pubUshed. He had a long Trial of ten Dayes ; And the Friends of his Cause in the House of Lords, were so many, that a very easy Sentence was passed upon him ; of three years suspension from the preaching Part of his priestly Function. Immediately an High-Church Mob was raised, by some Incendiaries ; who did horrid Things, and puU'd down six Presbyterian Meeting-houses, {Burgesses, Bradbiiries, etc.) and were proceeding to pull down the Bishop of Salisburies House, and endless Outrages ; But the City Trained Bands suppressed the formidable Tumult. Almost all Men of Thought, expect a Civil War ; at least, as soon as Opportunity shall be given for it, by a Peace with France; which now is diverted, until some further Decisive Action.^ What remains is, to comfort you, concerning a Good Friend of ours, in whose Welfare we have both reckoned our selves Concerned. Mr Emerson is returned. And I cannot learn any other, but that he has behaved himself honourably, and come off with a very good Reputation. Several eminent Persons write unto me concerning him ; and all of them, very respectfully. He is, you know, of a vivid, and active Genius ; and of an hearty Inclination to Do Good. So far as I can understand, he has done it ; and has endeavoured all good Offices to the Publick as he has had opportunity. I beleeve, his Friends, (as well as his Talents,) to be such, that, if his own Flock do not give him a very agreeable Reception, he may soon, much mend his Condition and Serviceableness, on the other side of the Atlantic. It will be some Difficulty for him, to reach Piscataqua, till he hath spent a little Time here, in doing and settling some Affairs, of Consequence to others as well as himself, here ; for there are many who rely upon him, for his Guidance, and Advice, and Management in their Affairs. If he don't hurry home, his Conduct must not be censured. I will add no more at this Time. I commend you to the Pro- • The story is briefly told in the Dictionary of National Biography, l. 81. JANUARY, lyio-ii 37 tection and Comunion of our only Saviour. And I am, Syr, Your very obliged Servt. Co. Mather.^ To Samuel Penhallow. m.h.s. Boston i d. ii m. [January.], 1710-11. My honoured Friend, — It is not in flourishing and flatter- ing Words, but in very speaking Matter of Fact, that I continually declare, my Esteem for your Person and Conduct, and my entire Satisfaction in your good Affection to me. Tis from hence, that I ever presume upon such Points of a Friend- ship and Freedom with you, as I do not with any Person in your Province, nor with many in the whole world. I readily subscribe this Testimony, that I find you a Constant, Faithful, and useful Friend. And I now address you with a Request which I would make to none but such a Friend. On the astonishing Exemple of outrageous wickedness among the Sailors and Strangers lately broke into your Neighbourhood, and the Quick and Strange Destruction brought by the Judgments of God upon some of them, I Entertained a great Auditory, with a Lecture on the Last Thursday. The publication of the Sermon is desired; and I am willing to grant the Desire. But it ought to be accompanied with an Expressive and Punctual Relation of the horrid Matter, and such an one, as being well attested, may be Relied upon. The Least material Mistake, may be a great Inconvenience. Now, no Man more able than you, to furnish me. Write me then, this week, a Letter that shall give me the Story with all the Circumstances, which you think proper to have Exposed unto the world. Yea, and such a Letter, as may (except you forbid me,) be joined with my Sermon. For truly, Syr, I am not ashamed of appear- ing very publickly in your Company, if you are not afraid of appear- ing in mine. And thus much for that Affayr.^ ^ "4d. 4m. [Jutie.], 1710. David Norton, having been overtaken with a scandalous Degree of Drunkenness, the Church this day accepted his poenitent and ingenuous Confession." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, n. ' This must refer to Compassions called for, but there is no letter from Pen- hallow in it. 38 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER My dear, and youngest Sister, Jerusha Oliver, is now lying dead (in Childbed of her first Child,) and to-morrow to be interr'd. She was an Exemple of shining Piety from her Infancy and has left admi- rable Memorials of it, with her Pen, whereof she was a considerable Mistress. I mention this ; because your Good Affection, makes the Concerns of our Family your own.* God continue to you, your excellent and amiable Consort ; and give you much Comfort in all your Children. May the Knowledge and Image and Service of a glorious Christ, exceedingly Beautify them all. I am, Syr, Your very obliged Servt, Co. Mather. Tis to be feared, Capt Hobby can continue but a little while. * Mather printed a tract about the Christian experiences of Mrs. Oliver, entitled Memorials of Early Piety, 171 1. 171 1 THE XLIXth year OF MY LIFE 12 d. 12 m. [February.] 17 10. Munday. Should the Chief of Sinners live to the End of this Year, I shall have seen a Jubilee of Years. It becomes me to begin the Year, with a Sort of Jubilation; and to spend this Day in Songs of Praise unto the God of my Life. I began the Day, with Cries to Heaven, for Help to go thro' the heavenly Work of praising the glorious One. I laboured all the Day long to multiply on all Occurrences and Occasions, the heavenward Ejaculations of a praising Soul. I attended my usual Exercises in the Religion of the Morning. I then deeply humbled myself before the Lord, for the Sins of my past Life ; and particularly, the more notable Sins of the last Year ; most of all, my criminal Idleness and Barrenness ; that I have done so little Good, in Comparison of what I might have done. I confessed myself worthy of all the Afflictions which I have suffered all this while ; yea, of all the Affictions, Distresses and punishments, which I can see any Sinners any where languishing under. I own'd the shining Displayes of sovereign and marvellous Grace in all the Favours that Heaven bestowes upon me. I sang agreeable Psalms now and then in the Day. I proceeded unto Meditations and Acknowledgments of the Mercies which my past Life has been brightened withal. Especially, in that having obtained Help from God I continue to this Day. And I am free from grievous and painful and horrible Diseases. And my Family is in comfortable Circumstances. And I have been fetch'd a foolish and filthy Creature from forlorn Wretchedness, and made a Preacher of the everlasting Gospel, and accommodated with an Utterance and a Library beyond most in the World. I have had precious Opportunities to preach the glorious Gospel ; in very great Assemblies ; my Auditory is alwayes one of the greatest that is ordinarily seen among the People of God. My Writings also, have [39] 40 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER been published, and accepted, (near two hundred several Times,) and serviceable to the best Interests. And tho' I have had cruel Enemies I have been strangely preserved from their Power and Malice ; and victorious over it. I then considered the more particular Blessings which crowned the last Year unto me. The Smiles I have had on my Family ; and the Helps in my Ministry; the Triumphs of my continued Service- ableness over the Attempts of my Adversaries to hurt it. And the Strength added unto my Serviceableness, by the CiviUty I received from the University of Glasgow.^ I adored the Grace of God in these Things ; and considered the Intercession of my Saviour as procuring of them for a Sinner, who is worthy of nothing but sore Plagues and of long Continuance. Afterwards, considering how I am endebted unto my admirable Jesus, for all the Favours of Heaven, I perused with Dehberation, and suitable Meditations and Resolutions, my Proposals for living by the Faith of the Son of God. And then I did on my Knees before the Lord, express my Dispositions, to make my daily Flights unto my Jesus, as my Sacrifice and my Advocate ; and rely upon His Providence to supply me, and protect me and comfort me ; and sett His Exemple alwayes before me, and make my Conformity to Him, even in Sufferings and Abasements, my sweet Satisfaction ; and be acted from a Principle of Obedience to Him in all Things; and be filled with continual Thoughts of Him. That I might arrive yett more perfectly to these Things, I resigned myself up to His holy Spirit, and requested Him to take Possession of me. Anon, that I might glorify the great God, in each of His three Persons, I pondered the distinct Acknowledgments thereof, in my Treatise of, A Christian Conversing with the Greatest of Mysteries. And then I did in my Prayers distinctly make those Acknowl- edgments. Besides these Things, I call'd to Mind, who had been special Instruments used by God, in doing of me Kindnesses, in the year now expired. I blessed God for them, and pray'd for a Blessing of God upon them. And then I gave Thanks for the Ministry of the holy Angels, and the good Offices which had been done for me, by those Ministers doing the Pleasure of the Lord. Finally. I made this an Opportunity to bring my Petitions unto the God of my Praise : in some special and important Articles. More especially, that some, eminent and opulent Persons may be raised • The degree of Doctor of Divinity, conferred in 1710. FEBRUARY, I7IO-II 4I up ; to forward the Publication of my Biblia Americana. And, that my Serviceableness may not be overwhelmed by the Floods of the ungodly whereof I am afraid; but some Token for Good be shown unto me, which may cause them that hate me to be ashamed. And, that the Lord may be glorified in the Conversion of that poor Jew, for whom I was concerned now sixteen or seventeen Years ago ; and towards whom the Dispensations of Heaven have been singular and wonderful. I concluded with Prayers, that the Year upon which I am now entring may be filled with the Blessings of Goodness ; that I may be comfortably carried along to the End of the Year. But, that if my Death come upon me this Year, it may prove happy, and easy, and joyful. Arriving to the Question, What shall I render to the Lord? I considered, that I should be answering this Question, every Day of my life; the Morning of every Day would bring an expUcit Answer to it. And whereas I have heretofore noted every Day my Con- trivances to do good, in other papers, and then transferred the Prin- cipal of them unto the End of these Memorials at the End of the Year, I would for the future, save that Labour, and note them, in the Midst of these Papers, and in the Order that I think upon them. There is no need of my repeting here, the Questions assigned for each Day of the Week. My Answer to each of them, will be a Good Devised, for which a G. D. will be the Distinction in these Memorials. 2.1 G. D. Unto the Sacrifices of the Lord's-Day Evening in my Family, I would often add this; take a Book of Piety, and make each of the capable Children read some short pungent Passage in the hearing of all that are present, and then apply it, firstly to the Readers, and also to all the Hearers; that they may be taught the way of Life, with a most awakened Attention unto it. 3. G. D. I have a little Nephew, for whom I have not hitherto done all that I have to do, towards his Con- version and Salvation. His Name is J. C.^ my wife's ' In carrying this plan of a daily entry into effect, Mather uses the day of the week, and thus begins to number again with every seven. To assist the reader in fixing the exact day, the Sunday's entries are fully dated by month and day of the month. 2 Clark. 42 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER Brother's Son. I will send for him; and bestow on him the little Book of the Religion of the Morning; with the Life of little Von Extor,^ and suitable Admonitions and Encouragements. 4. G. D. By a Vessel now going for Carolina, and thence for Scotland, I would send some Instruments of Piety, especially my Bonifacius and my Religion of the Morning, and my Sister's Memorials of Early Piety, unto those Hands thro' whom they may, if God please, do good unto many others. 5. G. D. One of our Societies for the Suppression of Disorders, have thro' I know not what Feebleness, dis- banded. I would, by the means of an active Person or two, try to revive it. G. D. When any good Thing is agreed and resolved in a Society, where I happen to be present, I would alwayes take special Care that there be some or other alwayes appointed for to execute the Resolutions. Many good Things miscarry, because there are not particular Hands, to whom there is assign'd the Execution of them. 6. G. D. An aged and pious Man, fallen into great Penury, (Koi'ai^).^ I will procure needful Garments for him. A Godly young Man, a Ship-carpenter, having been long languishing in a Consumption, (lyyep^oXX)^ I -will stir up some good Men of his profession ; to releeve his Necessities. There is a poor Woman, (TaXjccp) * to be taken care of. 7. G. D. When I visit a sick Person, I would use to fetch an Admonition, relating to the moral Distempers in my own Heart and Life, analogous to something that I may see in the Circumstances of the Sickness, upon the Person, whom I go unto. I would think ; What Thing • Christlieb Leberecht von Extor, son of the physician to the King oi Prussia. See Mather, Man eating the Food of Angels, 17 10. ' Conant. • IngersoU. * Walker. FEBRUARY, 171O-II 43 amiss in my own Soul and Walk, should I he led now to depre- cate? I would make this Deprecation, an Article of my Prayers to God. And why not an Article of my Prayers with the visited Person ; and of my Discourses also, my Addresses to the Person? The Diseases that Sin has brought on our Spirits, worse than any on our Bodies; and the Releef we may find in our admirable Saviour. 17-18 c?. 12 m. I kept something of a Vigil, to obtain with Prayers and Psalms, in, and after the middle of the Night, certain special Favours of the Lord. Most espe- cially, that my Serviceableness may be rescued from the Mischiefs my Adversaries intend unto it, and that my glorious Lord would appear with some comfortable Testi- monies for me. I pleaded, that I durst not make any Essayes for my own Defence, much less for my own Revenge, lest I should in any measure take my Cause out of His Hands, where I desired entirely to leave it. 1. [Febniary i8.] G. D. I would renew my ancient Care of the Flock in this one Point. I will have the Cata- logue of the Communicants in our Church, Yea, and of all that have entred into the Covenant ; lying before me. And I will take my proper Times, to spread the Names of them all successively before the Lord ; and ask for them the Blessings of Goodness, and such Blessings as may appear to me most suitable for them. This will give me an Opportunity for much Exercise of Goodness ; and lead me also to find out the Condition of the Flock. G. D. Being to baptize two Negro's ;' I would make it an occasion to glorify the great Saviour of all men, in several Instances; especially in such Admonitions to that black Part of the Flock, as may be needful for them. 2. G. D. It will be a great Service and Honour unto my little Daughters to have them very good Mistresses of 'James and Ruth are the names given in the MS. Records oj the Second Church, but no further information is given. 44 DIARYOFCOTTON MATHER their Pens. I will prosecute and cultivate this Point of their Education, with all possible Encouragement. 3. G. D. There is a Merchant in this Town, who has been wickedly, absurdly, sordidly abusive to me. It lies in my Power many Wayes to hurt him. I will totally ab- stain from doing the least Hurt unto him. I will earnestly pray unto God, for all Sorts of Blessings upon him ; and particularly, that the Danger of his Breaking, and coming to nothing, may be prevented. And I will sett myself to invent wayes to do him good Offices. No sooner had I written these Words, but there was a pretty Occurence in the Family, which carried with it a fine Picture and Emblem and Incentive of the Disposition, which I am endeavouring. My little Son Sammy, did not carry it so kindly to his little Sister Lizzy, as I would have had him. I chid him for his Crossness, and gave her a Peece of Pomecilron, but would give none to him, to punish him for his being so cross to her. I had no sooner turn'd my back, but the good-condition'd Creature fell into Tears, at this Punishment of her little Brother, and gave to him a Part of what I had bestowed upon her. 4. G. D. It would be a great Service to the Kingdome of God, if the Funerals, that are so frequent among us, were made greater Instances and Incentives of Religion. A Discourse on that CASE, What should be the Behaviour of a Christian at a Funeral? may be of good Use among us. At the Lecture, I may, if God please endeavour it.^ 5. G. D. I propose to send for a principal Person or two, belonging to each of the religious Societies of young Men, and consult with them together, about the State of the Societies, and what may be done for the Growth of them, and for the best carrying on their Exercises. 6. G. D. There is an aged Gentleman, who has very * Two years later he printed an essay upon A Christian Funeral, and the conduct of a Christian at a funeral. FEBRUARY, lyiO-II 45 little to subsist him, (PauXti's).' I will study [to] make his Life comfortable to him, and have him at my Table every Week, and as often as he pleases. 7. G, D. The mysterious Nature and Working of Prj^e, and Self, in my depraved Soul, must be my most ex- quisite Study; and I must be restless until I find the Dispositions thereof mortified in me by a superiour and Coelestial Principle; and I must proceed, not only to a constant Rebuke of my Sin in all the Motions of it, but also to do those Actions wherein it shall be evident unto me, that Grace has had the Upperhand of Sin. How else can I be meet for the Inheritence of the Saints in Light? 1. [February 25.] G. D. What if I should preach a Sermon, about the Errands upon which the Faithful should come unto the Table of the Lord, and Methods of bringing them? Our People need greatly to be instructed and quickened in this matter; and if they wisely did their Duty herein, it would greatly promote Piety among us! What if I should afterwards publish the Sermon, and scatter it into the Families of the Neighbourhood, and throughout the Countrey? 2. G. D. My Consort is now near her Time, I will order my Prayers for her and with her, and my Discourse and Carriage to her, after such a Manner, as may best suit her present Circumstances. 3. G. D. To an aged Gentlewoman, related unto my Wife, (Mrs. TapS) 2 I will immediately write a Letter, that may assist her Preparation for the heavenly World; and send some agreeable Books unto her. 4. G. D. There are some Gentlemen, who are willing upon Funerals in their Families, to devote some of the Money, they save out of the needless Expences on such Occasions, imto the Service of our three Charity-Scholes, and the Education of poor Children. I would move, that » Rawlins. « Ward. 46 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER the three Gentlemen who are the Stewards for the Sup- porters of the said Scholes, may miite m calhng on the Gentlemen proper to be address'd for their Bounty on such Occasions ; and receive then the Direction of the several associated Supporters, concerning the Disposal thereof. 5. G. D. There is a bereaved Church in our Neigh- bourhood, running into Divisions and Confusions, by delay- ing to invite a worthy Minister among them. What if I should prevail with the neighbouring ISIinisters, to join with me, in writing a monitory Letter unto them, to prevent the Devices of Satan, which are operating on them? 6. G. D. A poor young Woman, the vdie of a sober young Man, gone to sea for the Releef of his Poverty, (Mo/acre) ' is in the Straw, very Indigent. I will send in Releefs unto her. 2d. im. [March.] 171 1. Friday. This Day I sett apart, for Prayers with Alms, and Fasting before the Lord ; that I might obtain His Favours on my Family and my Min- istry ; and Abundance of Grace ; with the Pardon of all my Miscarriages. I mett with many Hindrances (by Company coming in upon me) in the Duties of the Day ; which made me fear that I had not sett about the Duties with a due Preparation and Application ; for which this may be a Chastisement upon me; and I humbled myself accordingly. 7. G. D. When any Thing begins to raise any Ebulli- tion of Anger in me, I would endeavour to allay it, by one or both of these Considerations. First, What provocations have I given to the Great God, like those, but infinitely greater than those, which I receive of them that are about me? And, What was the Meekness and Wisdome of my blessed Jesus, when He was provoked by the Contradiction of Sinners ? ' Morse. MARCH, lyio-ii 47 1. [March 4.] G. D. Should not I do well, to take the Number of those who have died in our church ; and make ifa Hvely Argument and Incentive to quicken Piety in the Survive rs? 4d. I m. Lords-day. My great Errand unto the Lord at His Table, was, to renew my Hold of the everlasting Covenant. Methoughts, I now saw more clearly than ever, that the Covenant of Grace, is but the Covenant of Redemp- tion between God the Father and our Saviour applied unto Us. And that my Saviour is He, who has engaged for me unto His eternal Father, that I shall 'beleeve and repent, and be holy in all Manner of Conversation, and be found in the sincere Discharge of the Duty which the Covenant has prescribed as the Way unto Salvation : and that what I have to do, is by His Assistence to consent, that the blessed Jesus be my Saviour, and that I be united unto Him as unto the Head of all His People, and that He shall by the efficacious Grace of His holy Spirit, bring me to my Duty, and help me in it, and make me prayerful, and watchful, and fruitful, and zealous of good Works ; and anon raise me from the Dead. And I consented accordingly. And then sealed it. 2. G. D. It is high Time for me, to draw up for my Daughter Katharin, the main Questions relating to the Experiences of Conversion and of Piety, and oblige her with her Pen to answer them : and so bring her forward unto the Covenant of God, and the Communion of His holy Table. 3. G. D. I can't call to mind any one Person in the World, who has injured me, and Abused me, but I have requited them Good. AU I can think of this Morning is, to continue in this Disposition, with the Help of the divine Grace, and continually lay hold on all Occasions, as they may occur, to overcome Evil with Good. 4. G. D. A remarkable Relation of a Distress under- 48 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER gone and a Deliverance received by some sea-faring People, is putt into my Hands. I will endeavour the Publication of it in such a Manner, as may not only glorify the Powet, and Wisdome, and Goodness of God ; but also do good, especially among that sort of People.^ 5. G. D. I would procure a strict Enquiry, about the late way of Admission into the particular Church-State, practised among our Christian Indians ; lest it should (which I hear) degenerate into a very lax Proceedure. I would also obtain it, that the Oppressions of some English upon those Indians, (which I hear a fresh com- plained of) may be exactly enquired into. 6. G. D. There is a poor Scotch young Woman, who is near her lying in, and is destitute of all Necessaries and Conveniencies. I will send her some Releef, and move my Wife (who is near her own lying in) to do so too ; and stir up the Neighbours to join in releeving of her. There are some others in the like Circumstances, for whom I would be in the like Manner concerned. 7. G. D. I am afraid, lest while I am conversing with my Neighbours, (tho' it be alwayes with the Intentions of doing some Good unto them) I may, ere I am aware, be betray'd into some Degree of Slothfulness, which may be a Prejudice unto my greater Usefulness. Wherefore, when I am abroad among my Neighbours, I would often putt that Question to myself, Would it not be more pleasing unto my glorious Lord, that I should he in my Study at this Time? If I find myself in a Temper and Vigour to be carrying on greater Services in my Study, I would break off the most agreeable Conversation, and fly thither, with a Zeal of redeeming the Time, upon me. I. [March 11.] G. D. Tho' I often encourage Liber- ality in Almsgiving, yett upon further Consideration I find, that I have not spoken enough. I propose therefore to * See p. 71, infra. MARCH, lyio-ii 49 Discourse yett more distinctly and more cogently upon it ; and press my Flock with a new Vigour, to be liberal in their Expences upon pious Uses. 2. G. D. My Son Increase is now of Age enough, to know the Meaning of Consideration. I would now more than ever, oblige him to attend upon me, at such Times of the Day, as can be best spared for it. And I would never lett him spend many Minutes with me, without entring upon a Point of Conversation, that may instruct him, and enrich him, so that he may be the wiser and the better for it. 3. G. D. Think, what Subjects, my aged Father may do most good by studying and insisting on : and whatever Subjects I find him at work upon, look out for him, as many good Writers thereon, as I can, to entertain him with a grateful Variety in his Meditations. 4. G. D. The People of the Scotch Nation in this Town, form a Society, which have a Quarterly Meeting. That Society have a Bank, for the Releef of their Poor. Since the University of Glasgow, have taken such Notice of me, as they have lately done, I have some Claim to an Admis- sion into their Society. This Admission may give me a precious Opportunity to do good unto them, and by them unto many others. I will take the matter into considera- tion, and proceed and project (if Heaven allow of it,) what Good may be done by this new Opportunity. 5. G. D. I am concerned for the Welfare of the great Grammar School of the Town. I would unite Counsils with a learned, pious, honourable Visitor of the School, to intro- duce diverse good Intentions into it. This among the rest ; that Castalio, and Posselius, be brought into the School ; ^ ' Sebastian Castalio [Chateillon] (i5i5?-i563), writer of Sacred Dialogues for the Instruction of Youth, and Johann Posselius (1528-1591). No work of cither writer had been republished in America at this time ; and this may have been one of the reasons for Mather's preference. A school book would have a certain market, and, of course, a preface would be required, recommending the work to II -4 50 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER and that the Lads for their Latin Exercises, turn into Latin such Things as may befriend the Literests of Christianity, in their Hearts and Lives ; — particularly, the Quaestions and Answers, in our Supplies from the Tower of David. 6. G. D, A Man who has been commander of a Vessel, (KoXXap)i is fallen into a distracting Trouble of Mind; another Neighbour, who is altogether distracted (Kt(T€)2 has a Family thereby in great Affliction. I will consider these Objects of Compassion, and I will study and con- trive as well as I can, to make their Condition comfortable. 7. G. D. I am now so sick, that I have not Presence of Mind and Vigor of Thought, enough to project a good Answer, unto the Question, which I would this iMorning think upon. My Sickness will help to make me yett more sick of this World. It must also quicken my Dispatch of what must be done before I go out of the world. 17 J. im. Prostrate in the Dust before the Lord, I declared with Tears, (among other Things,) my sweet Satis- faction, with all those afflicting and abasing Circumstances, which might produce in my Condition at any time, a Con- formity to what was in the Condition of my once abased Saviour. But then my Soul was filled with Joy, in an Expectation, that my glorified Saviour, will one Day bring me to partake with Him, in the Glories of the heavenly world. I. [March 18.] G. D. I hear of some yoimg Men in my Flock, who abandon themselves to the ruinous Courses of Gaming ; and who especially betake themselves thereto, for the Quieting of their Minds, when they meet with any Thing in the public Sermons that proves troublesome to their Consciences. Oh ! lett me with all possible Fervency, and Compassion, dispense to them the Warnings of God. the student and enlarging upon the opportunities thus given. I am unable to learn that either writer was introduced by Mather in his lifetime. I Collar. » Keyes ? MARCH, lyiO-II 51 2. G. D. To accomplish my little Daughters for House- keeping, I would have them, at least once a week, to pre- pare some new Thing, either for Diet, or Medicine ; which I may show them described, in some such Treatise as the Family Dictionary. And when it is prepared, I will also make some Remarks of Piety, in a way of occasional Reflec- tion upon it. 3. G. D. My Mother is now entred the seventieth Year of her Age. What shall I do, that I may assist her Preparation for her Appearance before the Lord? I will discourse with her ; as prudently and as takingly as I can, on that illustrious Point ; and I will putt into her Hands to read, what may be most agreeable and serviceable for her. 4. G. D. A lively Discourse about the Benefit and Importance of Education, should be given to the Countrey. The Countrey is perishing for want of it ; they are sinking apace into Barbarism and all Wickedness. It should be considered of. 5. G. D. Shall not I do well, to write a Letter unto one or two of the principal Ministers in Connecticut-Colony ; concerning the fearful Circumstances, into which the Love of Rum, has brought several, even of their principal Min- isters, and by Consequence very many of the miserable People? And awaken them, to dispense their laweful Admonitions ? The Consequences of the affected Bottel, in that Colony, as well as in ours, are beyond all Imagination. 6. G. D. A poor Woman in my Neighbourhood ('OXXai/S) 1 labouring under Distraction ; her Family must needs labour under Necessities. I will procure for them some Releef. The Deacon of the Church of Wenam, is also worse than Distracted ; and the Pastor and the Church, are embroiled by him, in Abundance of Trouble.^ This » Holland. 'Rev. Joseph Gerrish (1650-1720) was the pastor at Wenham. 52 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER furnishes me with Occasions for me to do many charitable Offices, which I shall watch to do, for them all. 7. G. D. Many, many Things I have to do ; many Things of the greatest Consequence. I shall either leave them undone, or do them not well, or miss the Time of doing them, if I do not with much Resignation unto it, obtain the heavenly Conduct. I would therefore now more than ever, putt this Article most explicitly and expressively, into my morning-Prayers; Oh! Lett me he led unto those Works which it would be well for me to do this Day, and be helped in the doing of them! 24 d. I m. Satureday. I have been of late, much afflicted and enfeebled with Sickness in my Stomach ; a palled, and a pained Stomach. I would be awakened from hence, to bewayl my Want of a Stomach for the Service of God, and for Meditations on my Saviour. I have not had a due Appetite for the best Objects and Actions ; nor have I duely relished them. I would bewayl my not being sick of Sin, as I ought to have been ; and my being more sick of laborious Perseverance in some duties, than I should have been. The Offences of my Stomach in the Intem- perance of the Table, are also to be bewayled. A Pardon of these Miscarriages, thro' the Blood of the great Sacrifice, and the Grace to carry better, are to be more pursued by me, than a Deliverance from my bodily IMalady, and in the first Place obtained. In the Evening, I attended the Devotions of a Vigil. Therein I sought unto the Lord, for the Pardon of all my Iniquities. I beleeved, and received His pardoning Mercy, and I relied on the Merit of my glorious Advocate, thro' whom it comes unto me. I then told my strong Redeemer, that the Floods of the Ungodly made me afraid. I fear'd lest the Power and Malice of my Enemies might ruine my Serviceableness. I cast myself Entirely into the Protec- tion of my strong Redeemer, and I besought Him to show MARCH, lyii 53 me a Token for Good, that they who hate me, may see and be ashamed. Particularly, I pray'd, that a remarkable Remorse, and Horror of Conscience, may be sent into one of them, from the Spirit of the Lord; from whence there might arise a Testimony for me. 1. [March 25.] G. D. Some of the Neighbourhood, not having Seats to their Minds in our Assembly, run to a Congregation, which is held in the Meetinghouse of the Anabaptists. 1 Hereby, they never see the Baptism of the Lord administred, nor hear the pathetical and affectionate Prayers made on that Occasion ; They miss an Ordinance, in which a gracious Presence of the Lord, is to be looked for. I should in the most proper and prudent Wayes I can contrive, make these unadvised People sensible of the Wrong they do their own Souls, in wandring where they do. 2. G. D. I find, it will be necessary or convenient for me, almost every Night, to take an Account of my Chil- dren, what they have been doing in the Day, and how they have spent their Time ; and make it an Occasion of continual Admonitions of Piety unto them. Especially for Cresy. 3. G. D. I have a Nephew, becoming a prentice to a Goldsmith, (Bapdokoixee Tpeev)^ and now I would (with agreeable Advice accompanying of it) putt into his Hands, my Book of, A Good Master well-served,^ as a continual Monitor unto him, of his Duty. 4. G. D. To take some Scores of my Treatise on, The Trinity and on, Christianity demonstrated,* (and make agree- able Dedications) and send them unto the Universities in Scotland; particularly to that of Glasgow, may be a sensible * The First Baptist Church in Boston was constituted May 28, 1665, and Rev. Ellis Callender was in charge at this time. It did not enjoy a building of its own until some years after. * Bartholomew Green, son of Maria Mather and Bartholomew Green. * Printed in 1696. * Printed in 1710. 54 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER Service to the Interests of Religion there; and so I shall, if the Lord please, endeavour it. 5. G. D. My Purpose, is, to draw up a List of the many Societies whereto I belong, and have Distinctions by which I may denominate them ; and then with my weekly Deliberations upon Good Devised for them, distinctly con- sider them in their Order, and what shall be done in them, or for them. I drew up the List this Morning, and found them above twenty. 6. G. D. There is an hopeful Candidate of the Min- istry, (A^epee) 1 who is destitute of Books. I will begin his Library by bestowing some valuable Books upon him, out of my o^\^l. There is also a Man and his Wife in my Neighbourhood, (Po^ep) 2 who have long languished under Sickness and now conflict with distressing Poverty. I will myself releeve them, and procure for them Releef in the Charity of others. 7. G. D. My Garden, I would make it a Place of such Devotions, and I would employ all the Trees, and Herbs in it, and all the Circumstances of it, in such a devotionary Way, to produce Acknowledgments of the great God and of His Christ, in my Mind, that it shall be unto me a Sort of an earthly Paradise, and putt (as far as may be attained here) unto such an Use, as the new Earth will be by the Saints in the World to come. ST- d. 1 m. Satureday. I have lett this Week pass, with- out keeping a Day of Prayer with Fasting, in my Study : because I kept such a Day on the last Wednesday, with a great Company of Christians, who mett at the House lately forsaken by the Death of the two most eminent Persons in my Neighbourhood.^ Where their Children desired me to preach on Psal. xxvii. 10. the Care which the Lord gra- ciously takes of Orphans. But then, in the Night following ' Avery ? * Rober ? ' John and Abigail Foster. APRIL, I 7 I I 55 this Day, I applied myself, unto the Devotions of a Vigil; in which I kept crying and singing unto the Lord, until after Midnight ; and spred before the Lord, the same Cases that I brought unto Him in such Devotions, a week ago; but with growing and greater Comforts. I felt the Opera- tions of the Spirit of Grace and of Supplications upon me, in these Exercises ; and some Assurances of my Acceptance with the Lord. In this Vigil, I entirely devoted myself unto the Service of the blessed JESUS ; I resolved upon spending the rest of my little Time, in the most assiduous Endeavours, to render and procure all possible Homage unto my lovely JESUS ; I purposed, that I would myself live continually in the Thoughts of the Son of God, and contrive all the Methods that I can to bring my precious JESUS, to be more considered, and acknowledged and magnified in the World. I own'd my Unworthiness to be employ'd in such honourable Service, but I ask'd for a Display of sovereign Grace in the matter. I resign'd myself up unto the Spirit of God, and of my glorious JESUS, to be kept from Errors, and to be led and help'd on, to such Things as might be for the Glory of my Saviour. So I cast myself, with a triumphant Faith, on His Providence and Protection! There was another Thing, which in this Vigil, I besought of the Lord. I besought Him, that His holy Spirit might go mightily to work in the Assembly, which I serve with my weekly Ministrations ; that He would not withdraw from this Assembly, but make a marvel- lous Descent upon us, and do wondrously among us, especially upon our young People, that a Christ may be formed in them. Yea, that He would in His Providence order Things to fall out, which may administer unto me, notable Occasions to apply the Maxims of Piety, with an uncommon Pimgency unto the Souls of the People in the Neighbourhood. [This Petition had before the year Expired, many and marvellous Answers given to it.] ' I. [April I.] G. D. It would be well for me, often to do, what I have lately done ; When the People of my Flock are all asleep in their Beds, I will have my Vigils, in which I will cry mightily unto the Lord, that the Spirit '■ This paragraph is written in the margin. 56 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER of Grace may make a gracious Descent upon our Congre- gation, and do wonderful Things upon the Souls of our Children there. 1 d. 2 m. [April.] Lord's-day. At the Lord's Table, my first Errand was, to consider my blessed Jesus, as purchasing for me a part in the heavenly World, the Pardon of my Sin, that would shutt me out of it, and the Grace to quahfy me for an Admission into it ; and accordingly I made my Appli- cation unto Him. My second Errand was, to obtain those two Blessings of Purity in Heart and Life, and Activity in the Service of God. I bewayled my Distempers, which ly in the want of these Things, I beheld my lovely Jesus, as purchasing by His Blood, the Pardon of my Sins wherein the Cure of my Distempers must begin ; and then, the Grace, to abhor all Sin, to dread and shun every sinful Pollution ; the Grace also, that would render me lively in the Works of God, quicken me in all Obedience, dispose me to redeem my Time at the best rate imaginable. And since I found myself in a Disposition to employ the Blood of my Saviour unto such Purposes, it was powerfully bom in upon my mind, that I had a Right unto it. I applied myself hereunto accordingly. But then I thought, IMeditations on the Sor- rowes which my Saviour suffered for my Pollutions, and on the astonishing Vigour wherewith He went thro' the work His Father call'd Him to, would be sanctified Means to obtain the Grace I was now pursuing after, I did now also employ some Time in those Meditations. A fortnight ago, I was taken so sick, that I could not study; for which Cause I was compelled to preach a Ser- mon, which lay by me, already prepared, on Gal. iv. 19. Little Children, of whom I travail in Birth again, till Christ he formed in you. I could not then finish what I intended ; so there was reserved for me an agreeable Opportunity; this Day to address the Children of [the] Flock, upon the APRIL, lyii 57 great Intention, of having a Christ formed in them ; and to do it with a travailing Agony. I had a secret Imagina- tion above a Fortnight ago, that while I should be in this Travail, I should receive the Blessings of another Travail, in my own Family. It fell out so ; my Consort was de- tained at home, in the sensible Approaches of her Travail, this Afternoon ; and with all the agreeable Circumstances that such a Matter could admitt of, and most encouraging Answers to our Prayers, just after seven a Clock, she was delivered of a Daughter; an Infant of a very promising Aspect. 2. G. D. And so I have a new Article provided, for the weekly Quaestion of Munday Morning, to go upon. The Good Devised for my newborn Daughter, is first of all, to give her up unto the Lord, with all Solemnity of holy Dedication. Then, to take a sweet Satisfaction in the Thought of having the Kingdome of My Great Saviour enlarged, by the Addition of this Child unto it. And one thing more ; to putt upon her the Name of her deceased Aunt JERUSHA ; whose Name is by her published Memo- rials of Early Piety, rendred precious among the People of God. 3. G. D. My Elder Sister,^ being a Widow, I will sett myself to take all possible Care of her; and I will also comfort her with my Visits and my Prayers, as often as I find myself capable. 4. G. D. Which of the Tribes of Israel, have I left yett unserved? The Orphans. They are numerous and aflElicted. I know not how soon, I may be of the Number, or by leaving my own Children, may increase the Number. I have an Opportunity to publish a Book for Orphans. I will ask the Help of Heaven to Compose the Book, in as agreeable and profitable a Manner, as may be. 5. G. D. Why may not I order the Printer who pub- 1 Maria (Mather) Green. 58 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER lishes my Discourse about and unto Orphans, that he would print and bind a particular Hundred, or two thereof, to be lodged in every Town of these Colonies, with a. Given to he lent in mourning Families, upon them ? 6. G. D. In my Book for Orphans, I will move the Orphans who are brought into the Possession of good Estates, to make this one special and speedy Consideration with them ; What shall I do for poor Orphans ? And contrive some signal Expence and Action for the Releef of such, 7. G. D. I propose, as soon as I can, to acknowledge and glorify the great God, in a solemn Thanksgiving, for the sensible Displayes and Favours of His interposing Providence unto the World of Mankind in general ; in diverse remarkable Instances, and especially some, on the Score of which the glorious One, has hardly ever yett received any distinct Praises from among the Children of Men. How comfortably may I carry on the Part of an holy Priesthood, in such an Action ! About this Time, it was desired, that I should committ unto the Press, a Discourse, of Counsels and Comforts for Orphans. I look'd on it, as a further and precious Oppor- tunity, to proceed in my fulfilling of my Ministry. So I fitted the Discourse for Publication : under the Title of, Orphanotrophium, Or, The Orphan well-provided for. An Essay, on the Care taken in the Divine Providence, for Children, when their Parents forsake them; With Proper Advice to both Parents and Children, that the Care of Heaven may be the more conspicuously and comfortably obtained for them,^ I. [April 8.] G. D. Many in my Flock, are lately advised of new and great Losses at Sea; they lose Rela- tives and other Interests. It will be a seasonable and a serviceable Thing for me, now to strike in, and suit their Condition in the public Prayers and Sermons, with such > It was the sermon preached March 28, 1711, a day of prayer kept by the children of John and Abigail Foster. Printed by B. Green, 1711. APRIL, lyii 59 Hints as may have a Tendency to their getting a great Deal of Good, by the Losses they meet withal. 8 d. 2 m. Lords-Day. Having first in Secret, with all Solemnity, dedicated my Little Daughter (with the rest of my Children) unto the Lord, I openly and publickly renew'd the Dedication, at her Baptism. I then declared, what we did, when we had our children Baptised ; admiring the Free-Grace of God, in taking our Children into His Covenant, and so laying Hold on the Covenant for them, and resolving with His Help, to do our Part, that they may know and serve the only Saviour, and have a Part in Him. I called the Child's Name, Jerusha ; to admonish her, if she lives, that she should walk in the Steps of Piety, which were taken by my deceased Sister of that Name, the Memorials of whose Piety are published and preserved among the People of God. ' 2. G. D, I am considering what I am to do for the Welfare of my Children. I am shortly to leave them Orphans in an evil World. The grand Provision that I am to make for my Orphans, is in the following Deed of Betrustment, which prostrate in the Dust, I spread before the Lord, and beseech Him to look upon it, O my great and good Saviour, and thou Son of God, in my glori- ous Jesus : and the Lord in whom the Fatherless find Mercy. The principal Satisfaction and Consolation, with which I receive the Children, which the Lord graciously gives unto me, at their Birth into the World, is, the Prospect of more Subjects for my Saviour, and the Propagation and Continuation of His Kingdome in the World. For this Purpose, tis my own strong and full Purpose, to do my Part, that my Children may know their Saviour, and serve Him with a perfect Heart and a willing Mind ; and I will earnestly cry unto Him, to produce a Work of His Grace in their Souls, and to take them under the perpetual Conduct of the Spirit of Grace, that they may do so. Now I firmly beleeve, that the World is under the Government of my admirable Saviour ; He sitts at the Right Hand of God, and ^ See p. 57, supra. 6o DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the affairs of the divine Providence are under His Administration. He does particularly employ the Ministry of His mighty Angels, in governing the Children of Men ; and yett more particularly make them the Guardians of His little Ones ; most of all, when in His Providence He makes them fatherless Children. O Orphans well- provided for! Wherefore, O my Saviour, I committ my Children unto thy saviourly and fatherly Hands. I pray to thee, that thy gracious Providence may, I trust in thee, that it will, be concerned for them. Oh! Lett nothing be wanting to them, that shall be good for them! Oh! cause them to fear thee, to love thee, to walk in thy Wayes, and make use of them to do good in their Generation : Oh ! Be thou their Friend, and raise them up such Friends as may be necessary for them, and in a convenient Manner supply all their Necessities. Give thy Angels the Charge of them ; and when their Father and their Mother forsake them, then do thou take them up. This is the Supplication, this the Resignation, this the Depend- ence of, /".-», Cotton Mather. 3. G. D. I have a Kinsman, who is IMinister of Say- brook, and who has also an Opportunity to do good unto the Colledge there.' I will send unto him our Bonifacius,^ and some other Things, that may prove Instruments of good unto him, and through him unto others. 4. G. D. It is complain'd unto me, that in the Places, where Churches are gathered, under the unhappy Govern- ment of N. York, the Pelagian Doctrines are so obtruded on the People by their Neighbours of the Ch[urch] of E[ngland] profession, that it is become a dangerous Crime to bear a due Testimony to the Doctrines of Grace. I would therefore procure some little Essayes for the Defence of the labouring Truths, to be printed here, and sent thither, that they may be scattered among the people, for their Preservation from the Error of the Wicked. ii/i2 d. 2 w. Wednesday /Thursday. Tho* I am enter- ' Rev. Azariah Mather (1685-1737), soa of Rev. Samuel Mather and Hannah, daughter of Robert Treat. He served as a tutor in the college at Saybrook. 'Printed in 17 10. APRIL, I7II 6l ing upon the Duties of a general Fast, yett I was desirous to be employ'd this Night in the Duties and Actions of a Vigil. In this Interview with Heaven, having first received the pardon- ing Mercy of God, and the Blood of my Saviour as purchasing and procuring the Passage thereof unto me ; I proceeded then to entreat for a Favour of the Lord, whereof I confessed my greatest Unworthi- ness. I beheld my admirable JESUS, as the promised Messiah of God, and Redeemer of Men; I beheld Him as taken into a personal Union with the second Person in the eternal Godhead ; I beheld Him, as having once offered Himself a sacrifice to divine Justice, and now enthroned at the right Hand of God, and governing the World, unto the more visible Judgment whereof He will one Day make His Appearance ; and having all the mighty Angels of the Heavens under His illustrious Authority. I entertained His Religion, as the Truth of God, and a Revelation forever to be relied upon ; All faithful Sayings and worthy of all Acceptation. I bewayl'd it, that so few among sinful and woful Mankind are yett acquainted with Him; that in baptised Nations, and in our own wicked one, there are so many who deny Him, and deride Him; that among the Professors of His Name, He is no more known, and lov'd, and priz'd, and honoured with a zelous Obedience. The Favour which I now begg'd with Tears, lying prostrate in the Dust before the Lord, was, that He who with Triumphs of sovereign Grace in it, had already employ'd such a foolish and filthy Creature, as I am, in Services for the King- dome of my Saviour; would now employ me to do some signal Services for His Glory. I desired, that I might myself, be first con- tinually and exceedingly affected with the Excellencies of my Saviour, and five by the Faith of the Son of God, and have my Life perpetually filled with Acknowledgments of Him. I then desired, that I might bear such Testimonies for my glorious Lord, as might bring many others to acknowledge Him. I declared, that I made Choice of this as the Top of my Happiness, and my Ambition ; and that whatever Abasements he would have me to undergo in conformity to my humbled Jesus, I would embrace them with all possible Submission, and have my Spirit reconciled unto them. I renounced all other Ends, and Aims, in Comparison of this ; To be used as a Servant and a Witness of my Incomparable Jesus, and be employ'd in testifying to His Glories. Nothing would satisfy me so much as this : Nothing but this would Satisfy me; This would yeeld me a full Satisfaction. 62 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER I entreated, that in my Ministry, under the Conduct of the Holy Spirit, who Glorifies my lovely JESUS, I may be led unto the Preach- ing and the Writing of those Things, which may exhibit His Glories, at a Rate that had never yett been done in the World. I hoped, the Glories of my dearest JESUS, would ere long be more considered in the world, than they have ever been heretofore, and I wished, that I might be concerned in the Exhibition of them. I went on with my Petition, that some remarkable Thing might fall out, which might furnish me with some special and precious Opportunities, to bear some very victorious Testimonies to the Existence, the Advance- ment, the Deity of my amiable JESUS. I consented unto the Lord, that if any breaking Dispensations of His holy Pro\adence, must befall me, and praises to my glorious JESUS would arise from them, I would most heartily submitt unto them ; this Effect of them should change the very Nature of them to me, and make me take a Sort of a Pleasure in them. Hereupon my Mind was irradiated with a sweet Assurance, that, no, I should not be so dealt withal. But I should be accommodated wth some Opportunities ; which I was not yett aware of, to bear the Testimonies, to which I had so strong an Incli- nation. I cried unto the Lord, that I might yett see one, and a very Rich one, in the Conversion of that poor Jew, for whose Conversion and Salvation we have been for six or seven Years more than ten, waiting on Him. And for this Purpose I now again did committ that Soul into the Hands of my Saviour, and His Holy Spirit, with a strong Faith of thy being, O Lord, able to enlighten him, and sanc- tify him, and conquer all his Obstinacy. To these Things I added my repeted Request, That some, at least one, of the most notorious and malignant Enemies to my Serviceableness, might be Smitten with such an Horror of Conscience, for his Wickedness, as may prove to me a Token for Good, which they that hate me may see and be ashamed. 12 d. 2 m. Thursday. A general Fast; in the Duties whereof I enjoy'd the special Assistences of the Lord. But I made it a Day of Alms, as well as of Prayers. 5. G. D. And in my Sermon I earnestly called upon the Members of the Church, to be more concerned for the Welfare of the particular Church to which they belong, and to take it into their frequent and serious Consideration. I 6. G. D. I hear of a Family, wherein Parents and APRIL, I7II 63 Children are at grievous Variance; [TtXXis and x''^^P^^]-^ I would endeavour to bring the Family into a better Condition. 7. G. D. It was proposed and advised unto me, to wear my Signet-Ring, as a Token and Assertion of the Doctorate in Divinity, whereto a foreign and famous Univer- sity has admitted me ; and to do it, not from any Vanity of Ornament, but out of Obedience to the Fifth Command- ment, which directs us to assert the Honour of any Dignity, wherein the Providence of God may station us. If I do it, I will make even so mean an Action as this, an Engine of Religion, with me. First. This Ring shall be a continual Admonition unto me, to do nothing below the Character, whereof that is the Memorial ; nothing disagreeable to the Gravity, the Discretion, the superiour Behaviour, which a Doctorate ought alwayes to be attended withal. Secondly. Yea, it shall effectually admonish me, that in my Dis- course there pass nothing out of my Lips, that shall be vain, or mean, or not according to the Lawes of Wisdome and Goodness and Usefulness. Thirdly. The Sight of the Gold, shall frequently excite in me Wishes and Prayers of this Importance. Oh! may I have the Grace, the Gain whereof is better than Gold! Oh ! may I be a Son of Zion comparable to fine Gold! ^ And, on the Signet; Oh ! May I be preserved from so provoking the holy Lord, that if I were the Signet on His right Hand, He would pluck me thence! Fourthly ; One Original to the Ceremony of a Ring for Doctors of Divinity, was to intimate, that they should be ready to sett their Seal to the Advice which may be received from them. I would improve this, as a Caution unto me. My Advice is very often asked, and on many Occasions. I would be very considerate, very deliber- ate, seriously look up to Heaven on such Occasions, and speak nothing, but what I should be willing to seal it, and stand to it. Fifthly. The Emblem on the Signett, is a Tree, with, Psal. I. 3. written under it; and about it, GLASCUA RIGAVIT. May the Cast of my Eye upon it, continually provoke my Cry unto my * Willis and children. ' Four lines are here struck out. 64 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER Saviour ; 0 make me a very fruitful Tree, and help me to bring forth seasonable Fruit continually! 1. [April 15.] G. D. A noted Child in the Neighbour- hood, about fourteen Years of Age, is newly come to a sudden and awful End ; crush'd to Death, by a Cart fall- ing on him. I would on this Occasion preach a Sermon, wherein Children shall be particularly and importunately called upon, to prepare for the Day, wherein the Small as well as the Great, shall stand before God. ^ 2. G. D. And I will make that sad Accident, an Occa- sion of more than ordinarily importunate Admonitions unto my own Children, especially unto my Son Increase, to become serious, and prayerful and afraid of Sin, and concem'd to gett a part in their only Saviour. 3. G. D. I must be much of a Father, to the fatherless Child of my Sister, /StXe?.^ One thing I particularly now propose; that I will give him the little Book of. Good Lessons for Children; and give him a Peece of Money, for every one of the Lessons, that he learns without Book. 4. G. D, I would send a Letter to Taunton, by the writing whereof, the Minister of the Place informs me, a service may be done for the evangelical Interests.' I would also propose and promote an hopeful Gentleman, to the vacant Presidency of the Colledge at Connecticut.^ 5. G. D. Because I would reprint in a single Sheet, a System of the Doctrines of Grace, first, in the Words of the Articles of the Church of England; and secondly, in the Armour offered by our Supplies froju the Tower of David; that it may be dispersed in Places, where the Pelagian Errors are most likely to be mischievous ; I would ask a • See p. 82, infra. The name of the child, Richard Hobby, is not given in the tract, but that of his grandmother is, Mrs. Elizabeth Winsley. * Mather Byles (i 707-1 788), who followed in the paths of his uncle in methods, and for forty-three years served the HoUis Street Church. ' Rev. Samuel Danforth (1666-1727). « * The affairs of the college were now in the hands of Rev. James Pierpont. APRIL, I7II 65 little Help from our general Society, towards the expence of my undertaking. 1 6. G. D. There are two Widowes in my Neighbour- hood, for whom I will alwayes be doing such Things as may make their Hearts to sing. [Mates and roo8aXe].2 Espe- cially, I will be sure to have them at my Table once a Week ; and oftner, if they please to be there. 7. G. D. A sad and a dark and a dismal Time is come upon the World. How shall I provide for my own Safety at such a Time? I promise a Vigil to be quickly attended by me ; and therein to state more distinctly my Thoughts on this important Matter. 1. [April 22.] G. D. I am given to understand, that among the Communicants of the Church under my Charge, there are several wicked People. Some that frequently drink to Excess. And some that have enticed, if not se- duced, others to Adulteries. On this Occasion, first, I would exceedingly humble myself before the Lord, on the Account of my own manifold Sinfulness. Then I would mightily plead the great Sacrifice for the Congregation, that the Wrath of God may not break out against the Flock. Next I would find the most convenient Wayes I can, to warn the Sinners in Zion, and make a just Fear to seize the Hypocrites thereof. Lastly. When I do on the forgoing Lord's-day mention in the Congregation, the Lord's-supper to be administred the next Lord's-Day, I would lett fall a brief, but pungent and awful Intimation of the praeparation that should be endeavoured. 2. G. D. My Deed of Betrustment, which I made and spred before the Lord for my Orphans, I will cause all my Children, that are of Age capable of writing, to tran- scribe Copies of it; and I will have Copies provided for such of them, as are yett in their Infancy ; That they may ' Old Pathes restored, 81, infra. * Mays ? and Goodale. 66 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER often look upon it, when they shall be made Orphans, and make use of it, in Distresses that may come upon them. 3. G. D. I would write unto my Kinsman at Say- brook, and by his Help, find out the Children of my late Kinsman Richard Mather,^ and send unto them such Books of Piety, as may be useful to them. 4. G. D. That I may do good in Scotland, and par- ticularly to the University of Glasgow, to which I am now related, I propose, to take a Number of my little Books about the Trinity, and the Witness within, and bind them together, and prefix a Dedication unto the Faculty of the University, and present them tmto the Students there. 5. G. D. Tis desired by some, that the Meeting of the Ministers on the Thursday after Lecture, may be revived ; I would therefore endeavour it ; and if it be brought about, I would make it an Opportunity of doing what good I can, and of setting forward such Things as may serve the King- dome of God. 6. G. D. It is a thing propounded by Austin, in his Book De Doctrina Christiana ; That if a man have some- thing to bestow upon the Poor ; and there are several objects that may seem so equally to challenge his Charity, that he knowes not well, how to distinguish them, he may do well to employ a Lott for the Decision and the Direction of it ; Nihil Justius Jaceres, quam ut sorte eligcres cui daiidum esset. This is often my own Case. Especially on my Dayes of Prayer ; (Such an one as this Day.) I sett apart Portions of Alms, to be dispensed unto the Poor. I am at a Loss, what Objects to single out from among them ; there being many who may seem unto me, to stand Kqual in their Claims. \Vliy may I not write their Names on Papers, and looking up to Heaven, to dispose the Lott, * Richard Mather (1653-1688), of Lyme, Connecticut, who left four children. His wife was Catherine Wise. APRIL, lyii 67 then draw, and give accordingly? Doubtless the good Angels of Heaven, would operate on this Occasion. [I afterwards here enter in the margin, this Observation : I have received a strange Direction from Heaven in taking this way sometimes for the dispensing of my charities. The Declarations of the releeved Objects. How season- ably the Releefe came to them, and how they had been looking up to God for His compassions, having a little surprised me!]^ 27 (f. 2 m. Friday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayers, and Alms, with Fasting before the Lord; On this Day, I received the pardoning Mercy of God, in the Blood of my Saviour, with some Assurance of its being applied unto me. And I implored mercy for myself, and on the Concerns of my Ministry, and my Family (resigning my Orphans, when they shall be such, unto the faithful and wondrous Care of my great Saviour;) and the Concerns of my Min- istry ; and my Flock ; (in which there are so many wicked Actions done, that I find it necessary to fly unto the great Sacrifice for the Congregation, that the Sinners in Zion may not procure the Wrath of Heaven, to break forth against the Flock :) and our Land, and the whole Church, in this evil Day of the pouring out of the seven last Plagues upon the World. 7. G. D. The more shall I befriend the Interests of Piety in my own Heart and Life, the more I become fur- nished with agreeable Thoughts, of a pious Tendency, and Prayers to be annexed unto the Actions that are of a daily Occurrence with me; among the rest, I do this day par- ticularly propose, that what I have often done heretofore, I will now more exactly, and constantly do, on the Washing of my Hands. I would on that Occasion alwayes lift up my Soul unto the Lord, with a Wish of this Importance; Lord, give me the clean Hands, and the pure Heart, of them * This paragraph is written in the margin, 68 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER that are to stand in the Holy Place of the Lord! Or, Lord, Deliver me and recover me, from all sinful Pollutions! 1. [April 29.] G. D. I greatly incline, to sett up a monthly Catechising of Children, at my own House ; inas- much as I have now visited all the Families of my numerous Flock, and also given my Visits unto the Schools, upon such an Intention. This Exercise if managed wisely, and in a Way most likely to take for the Winning of Souls, may prove an Introduction to Abundance of Good; Yea, it may insensibly draw me on, to more public Actions, and Lectures, that may be for the Good of many. I will humbly look up to the Lord, for His Direction and Assistence. 2()d. 2 w. Lords-Day. My special Errand (tho' I had many) unto the Table of the Lord, was, to consider that my admirable Saviour had undertaken and promised, to make me a man of an excellent Spirit, and had purchased the vast Blessing for me. So I consented unto it, that He should accomplish what He had engaged, and purchased; and that it should appear in three glorious Instances ; great Purity, great Patience, and great Fruitfulness : For I was very sensible, that I was grievously Defective in all of these. 2. G. D. It may be much for the Interest of my little Son Sarnuel, if I send him to learn to read, with the Wife, of him that is Master of the Grammar-School, and then the Master of the School may take all Opportunities to forward him in further Learning. 3. G. D. What if I should be so communicative, as to lodge my Paterna a while in the hands of my Brother-in- Law, Mr. Walter; but with a due Care to preserve Modesty and Concealment? It may sensibly assist him to discharge his Ministry, and improve in experimental Christianity ! 4. G. D. For my more effectual Proceeding upon my midweek Point-of-Consideration, I purpose to have lying before me, a more distinct List of the several Places abroad which are the Field wherein I am to labour for the MAY,I7II 69 Kingdome of God, and bring them all under a successive Consideration. 5. G. D. Thinking, what shall be done, relating to the evangelical Affayr, wherein I am concerned as one of the Indian Commissioners, I resolve, not only to promote Prayer for the Success of the Gospel among the Indians, every Time we hold a Meeting, but also more than ever to make it an Article of Prayer in the public Assemblies of Zion, my Omission of it has been blameable. 6. G. D. A Family in my Neighbourhood, are in great Affliction, by a Daughter violently sett upon a Match, to which the Parents are as violently indisposed. They all cast themselves into my Hands to help them; and I will gladly give what Help I can unto them. 7. G. D. There are with me, in common with all the Children of Men, the usual Evacuations of Nature, to be daily attended. I would not only improve the Time which these call for, to form some Thoughts of Piety, wherein I may differ from the Brutes, (which in the Actions them- selves I do very little) and this I have usually already done ; but I would now more particularly study that the Thoughts I form on these Occasions, may be of some abasing Ten- dency. The Actions themselves carry Humiliations in them ; and a Christian ought alwayes to think humbly of himself, and be full of self-abasing and self-abhorring Reflections. By loathing of himself continually, and Being very sensible of what are his own loathsome Circumstances, a Christian does what is very pleasing to Heaven. My Life (above any Man's) ought to be filled with such Things : and now I contrive certain Spotts of Time, in which I shall be by Nature itself invited unto them. I. [May 6.] G. D. There is among the Communicants of our church, a Number of exceeding wicked People, and yett such as cannot easily be reached by our Discipline. My Flesh trembles for Fear of God, and I am afraid lest 70 DIARY OF COTTONMATHER His Judgments break forth againt the Flock. I will with all possible Agony plead the great Sacrifice for the Congre- gation ; and plead in such a Manner at the Lord's-Table, as may affect the Minds of the whole Church, but especially touch the Consciences of the guilty Sinners in Zion. But I must not ly still. I will study the best Wayes I can, to recover the Wicked out of their Miscarriages, or to remove the accursed Things. 2. G. D. Questions of this Importance putt unto the children every Night ; when we are parting from one an- other with the concluding Devotions ; Child, have you sought the Face of God, and read His word, this Day? How have you spent your Time to Day? What Good have you done today? These might produce happy Effects upon the Children. 3. G. D. I find a new Kinsman, (Mr. 'E/xiyyvai) 1 a Minister of the Gospel in Dublin. I would entertain a serviceable Correspondence with him, and send him such Letters and Packets as may do Services for the Kingdome of God in those Parts of the World. 4. G. D. The Colledge at Connecticut, languishes for Want of a President. I have a Gentleman in my Eye, who, I hope, would prove a Blessing to them. And by my Letters to the Government there, I endeavour to recomend him unto such a Station. 5. G. D. In Conversation with the Representatives of the Town, lett me project and putt them upon projecting, what Services may be done for the Public, in the General Assembly. 6. G. D. Among other Objects of Charity, for whose Releef I am daily contriving, I would particularly be thought- ful on one at Wenham; a Woman under great Necessities, (with her sickly Husband) related unto a wealthy Gentle- woman, who lately died in this Place, and left her Wealth unto Children that are willing to do for the Poor. ' Hemmingway. M A Y , I 7 I I 71 7, G. D. Sometimes I have kind Presents made unto me. I must therein see the Kindness of God. But I would thereby alwayes be drawn to more particular Acknowledg- ments and Resolutions; and such as may be most agreeably awakened by the Quality of the Presents. I would think, What good Thing should that Man wish, and what good Thing should he do, whom God obliges, by bestowing such Things upon him ? And I would alwayes add a Reflection on the Humiliation of my dear JESUS, who wanted such Things, and mett with barbarous Ingratitude from an evil World. I was willing to make a good Use of much Evil occur- ring in the World, and especially of the strange Punish- ments inflicted by God on many Sinners in the World, and most especially of the Things befalling the Sea-farring Tribe ; and to warn this Tribe of men in a singular Manner ; as also to stir up all Men in their several Capacities to bear due Testimonies against prevailing and outrageous Wickedness. Upon such Intentions, about this Time, I published a Book under this Title; Compassions called FOR. An Essay, of profitable Reflections on miserable Spec- tacles. To which is added, A faithful Relation of some late but strange occurrences, that call for an awful and useful Consideration. Especially, the surprising Distresses and Deliverances of a company Lately Shipwrecked, on a desolate Rock, on the Coast of N. E.^ 12/13 ^- 3 ^- [-^ct^-] Satureday/ Lords-Day. This Night I visited Heaven, in a comfortable Vigil. Herein I beleeved and received the pardoning Mercy of God, and the Blood of my Saviour purchasing my Pardon. I proceeded then to mention certain Desires before the Lord. I pleaded that Word of my admirable Saviour; // yee abide in me, and my Words abide in you, yee shall ' Printed by B. Green for Eleazer Phillips, 1711. The vessel was the Notting- ham Galley, wrecked on Boone Island. The narrative of the shipwreck, obtained from Captain John Dean, a survivor, is appended. 72 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER ask what yee wiU, and it shall he done unto you. I consid- ered the Articles of my Abiding in my dear JESUS, and having his Words abiding in me, and my Heart closed with them. Then I declared, that His Will should be my Will; I would have no Will of my owti ; I entirely left unto Him, as my Advocate, the Prosecution of what He will, on my behalf. Yett I proceeded then to mention some Things that I should be glad of. Particularly, my Defence from the Floods of the Ungodly that make me afraid. I men- tion'd several other Desires ; and especially this ; that the Holy Spirit may fall on my poor Flock, and may do wondrously ! The most agreeable Psalms in the world, are strangely brought unto me in these my Vigils, at my first Opening of the Psalter. The lxxi Psalm this Night, so occurring, afforded me Songs in the Night. 1. [May 13.] G. D. This would I do for my Flock. I would in extraordinary Prayers, and particularly in Vigils, cry to the Lord for a powerful and wonderful Effusion of His Holy Spirit, on my poor People, especially on the young People ; that He would breath upon them, with a mighty Operation in His Ordinances, and not withdraw from His Institutions. When they are all asleep, thus would I be watching and praying and weeping to Heaven for them. 2. G. D. When any one of my Children is touched with any Illness, I would make that an Occasion for Admo- nitions unto all the rest ; that they should be thankful to God for their Health, and serve him in the Time of their Health ; And that they should be sensible of their being obnoxious to the early Stroke of Death, and pray for Life, but prepare for Death. Who can tell, how far the Lord may sanctify such Admonitions! 3. G. D. There is one become a Preacher in this Town, who has been a false, base, mischievous Tale-bearer and Slanderer. And tho' he has ow'd his Improvement and M A Y , I 7 I I 73 Subsistence very much to me, yett he has ingratefully made me an Object of his Calumnies and Injuries. I will en- deavour still to treat him with Goodness, and the Wrongs I have suffered from him, shall but suppress and restrain the Character which else I should give of him unto the Neighbourhood. 4. G. D. By writing some agreeable Things to some considerable Men in Holland, particularly in the Univer- sities there, and by sending some Treatises thither, many good Ends may be accomplished, and Services done for the Kingdome of God. Yea, I would send my Orphano-trophium and some other such Things, with a present of Gold, as far as the lower Saxony, for the use of the University, and the Orphan- house there. 5. G. D. In the General Society for Reformation, I would move, that a Master of good Pen, would still Note, what is on each Point of Consideration proposed and pur- posed ; and that it be still read over at the next Meeting, and enquired how far tis proceeded in. 6. G. D. Here are some Families, in Pain and Fear (and with extream Reason,) that their Friends abroad are miscarried. I would visit them and comfort them, with pure Religion and undefiled. 7. G. D. Every Present that is made unto me, or mine, I would look upon it, as coming from the Hand of God ; immediately pay some Acknowledgment unto Him ; and consider, To what special Duty or Service of Religion, should I he by this awakened ? 1. [May 20.] G. D. So many Losses abroad at Sea, are multiplied unto my Neighbours, that I must use a fresh Contrivance and Endeavour, to suit their Case in my public Ministry, and make them Gainers by what has befallen them. 2. G. D, My little Son Samuel, has Iain all the last 74 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER week, dangerously sick of a Feavour. I made the Sickness of the Child, an Occasion of Supplications, Humiliations, Resignations. Thro' the Favour of God, the Child is now upon a Recovery. I would with all possible Artifice now insinuate into the young Child, the Admonitions of Piety, and make him know, what the glorious Lord, that makes him well, does expect from him. 3. G. D. It is not only a Time of Affliction, but also like to be a Time of much Temptation, with a foolish and faulty Kinsman of Mine, who has lately buried his Wife: (NadavaeX Kovei.) 1 I would therefore apply myself to him with suitable Admonitions ; and more than ever watch over him, to do him good. 4. G. D. Having some epistolar Conversation with Mr. De Foe, I would in my Letters unto him, excite him to apply himself unto the work of collecting and publishing an History of the Persecutions which the Dissenters have undergone from the Ch[urch] of E[ngland]. And give him some Directions about the Work. It may be a Work of manifold Usefulness. 5. G. D. The Ministers of the Province in their anni- versary Meeting at the Time for the Election of our Coun- sellors, ought to have a Question gott ready for them to discourse upon. The Qusestion which I would prepare and propose for them, is this: What may we perceive arising in any Part of the Coun- trey, which may injure or threaten the Interests of Piety; and what may we propose, for the preventing of such Evils, and the preserving of our best Interests? 6. G. D. When I send unto Dr. Franckius in the Lower Saxony, I would enclose a Present of Gold, for his Orphan- house, which may be to the Value of four or five Pounds in that Countrey. ' Nathaniel Coney ? MA Y, I 7 I I 75 2$d. T,m. Friday. This Day I sett apart for Prayers, and Psalms, and Alms, with Fasting, before the Lord ; that I might renew my Confession of my Corruptions, and Mis- carriages, and obtain a Pardon thro' the Blood of the great Sacrifice, and obtain Grace with a fresh Consent unto the Influences of my Saviour in the Covenant of Grace, to glorify God with a more heavenly Piety, and walk more exactly in the Fear of God. And, that I might entreat the Favour of Heaven on my Ministry, and Family, and on His People, the great Concerns whereof, in this day of doubtful Expectation, I laid before Him, 7. G. D. I would anatomically and particularly consider, every Part of my Body, and with as explicit an Ingenuity as may be, consider the several Actions, and Uses thereof ; and then go on to consider, on what Methods I may serve my glorious Lord with them, and in what Regards the Ser- vice done by them, is to be a Service for the Lord. These Considerations must be accompanied with Consecrations, and Satisfactions, entreating the Lord, that He would accept my Body, as being employ'd for Him, in these Applications, and preserve me from ever perverting my Body, unto any Employments forbidden by Him. As I would sett apart some Times for an effectual Management of this holy Exer- cise, thus I would occasionally be awakened unto something of it, when I suffer any Pain or Disorder in any Parts of my Body. Herein I would propose, not only to have my Body more notably, made a Temple of God, but also to praepare for a blessed Resurrection of this Body from the Dead by the Saviour of the Body. I. [May 2 J.] G. D. Many Strangers come among us ; I would in my Ministry, as well as my Exemple, mightily press it on my Neighbourhood, that they would not only maintain the Practice of religious Duties, but also treat the Strangers with such unspotted Honesty, and such oblig- ing Courtesy, as may recommend our holy Religion unto 70 DIARY OFCOTTONMATHER them, and give them Cause to bless God for bringing them into such a Place as this. 27 (/. 3 m. Lords-Day. My Errands unto the Table of the Lord were these. First : (And at the Administration of the First Element) I con- sidered, the Blessedness of the heavenly World, as purchased and obtained for me by my admirable Sa\iour. Then I received Him as the Purchaser, and Promiser, and Bestower of that admirable Blessed- ness. Whereupon I assured myself of my Interest in it ; and I pro- ceeded then, to take up the Resolutions of a patient, fruitful, heavenly Life ; and the Dispositions of Love to my Saviour, who had been the Author of eternal Salvation to me. Secondly : (And at the Administration of the second Element ;) I considered certain spiritual Sins in my Soul, the Desires of the Mind, as well as of the Flesh, which unfitted me for the heavenly Blessedness. I beheld the Blood of my Saviour, as purchasing for me a Deliverance from these Corruptions ; and upon this blessed and holy Intention I received it. Hereupon I cried unto the Lord, that I might be delivered, first, from all pride ; secondly ; from all ten- dencies to envy at the Prosperity of other Men ; thirdly ; from all Earthly-mindedness, or Inclination to seek Satisfaction in the Things of this World. While I spent my Thoughts and Cries on each of these Corruptions, I meditated on the contrary Dispositions of my Saviour, which were expressed, when He came to shed His Blood for my Salvation from such Things as these. In this way I hoped for the Cure of them. 2. G. D. I am full, full of Distress, concerning my little Son Increase; lest some vicious and wicked Lads do corrupt him and ensnare him. I will not only forewarn him of their Company, but with all possible Watchfulness also find out what Company he keeps : and see that it be the wisest I can find for him. And I will cry mightily to God for the Child. O my God, my God; give to my Son Increase, a changed Heart; a perfect Heart and a gracious! 3. G. D. I have a Kinswoman at Glocester, who is very poor and low, and aged. (Ivfiovhs.)^ I will send ' Elizabeth, widow of Harlakenden Symonds. juNE,i7ii 77 her, with an agreeable Book of Piety, some Releef of her Necessities. 4. G. D. In the Assembly of the Ministers from all parts of the Province, I design to propose many Things of great Consequence for the pubHc Welfare. But then, I would also pursue a Proposal, that a Com- mittee of proper Persons, be appointed upon each Article, to consider it, and cultivate it, and bring it forward with a desireable Efficacy. 5. G. D. What Things may be proposed among the Ministers, may be some of them also, very agreeably pro- posed in the Societies for Suppressing of Disorders. And these may do their Parts about many of those Things. 6. G. D. There are two godly Widowes in poor and low circumstances, living together in my Neighbourhood, (ne/DKtt'9 and ^dvav) 1 whom I will take into my more peculiar Care, to visit them, and releeve them, and see that they want nothing that may be good for them. . 7. G. D. There is nothing of more Consequence to my Safety and Welfare, than a constant Strain, of the most self abasing Humility. Wherefore, I would constantly chase all vain Thoughts, and vainglorious Ones out of my Mind, with the greatest Abhorrence of them. And if at any Time I be- gin to look upon any of my Circumstances which may carry in them any Temptation to Pride, I will presently ballance them with some other of my Circumstances (and alas, I have enough of these !) that have sufficient Humiliations in them. I. [June 3.] G. D. The Church whereof I am the Servant, is distinguished by God, with some singular Cir- cumstances of Honour and Figure. It shall be improved by me, and I will endeavour that they may also improve it, as an Awakening unto us, to be a people of singular Piety and Sanctity, and Fruitfulness, and an Exemple to all the People of God in the Land. * Perkins and Vaughan. 78 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 2. G. D. The Consideration of bringing my eldest Daughter into the married State, now she is arrived unto such Maturity, and has enjoyed so poHte an Education, is a Thing, that -will now engage my more than ordinary Supplications to the Lord. 3. G. D. There is in my Neighbourhood an ingenious Gentlewoman, my Sister-in-Law, (Mrs. Sapa KXap/c,) 1 with whom I have a frequent Conversation. The Lord has given me, I think, a great and undeserved Esteem \A'ith her. I would at all Times render my Conversation useful to her ; never take a Dish of Tea with her, without pursuing some holy Intention. And I would particularly excite and assist, at this Time, her Preparations for Approaches to the Table of the Lord. 4. G. D. I would do my part in presenting to our General Assembly, a Memorial, proposing three Things of common Concernment and Benefit. First, That the Grants of new Praecincts, might be limited unto such Numbers of Inhabitants, as may be Capable of supporting the evan- gelical Ministry ; and inclined and resolved to do it, com- fortably. Secondly, that the prudent Projection formerly ofifered, and in some Towns already practised, may be now enforced upon all ; To cast the Tax for the Salary of the Ministry, into one Bundle of [ ] with what is made for the other Town-charges. Thirdly. That the care of our paganizing Plantations, may be revived. 5. G. D. Among the Commissioners of the Indian- affayrs, there are diverse good Things to be quickly sett on foot. I also stirr up such of the Representatives, as I am acquainted withal, to forward on the General Assembly many good Things, for the Welfare of the Province. Espe- cially the three Things proposed in the former Paragraph. 6. G. D. There are some old Professors of Religion in my Neighbourhood, that are fallen into the way of drink- * Sarah Clark. juNE,i7ii 79 ing to Excess. Their Intoxications begin to be observed ; there is Danger lest they hasten upon themselves Rebukes and Censures from the Church of God ; and their Souls are in the mean time horribly wounded. I would consult with some Discreet and pious Neighbours, the best way to admonish them, so as to recover them. 7. G. D. Tho' my Life be filled '"(after my poor Man- ner) with continual Services, yett I have now litt upon a noble Way, very much to increase the Number of them. When I behold any Services to the Kingdome of the glorious One, done by any one whomsoever, I will rejoice in them, and I will give Thanks to Him for them, and I will be pleas'd with, and glad of, the Use He makes of other Men. As a Complacency, will involve men in a Fellowship with the Sins of other men ; their unfruitful Works of Darkness ; thus a Complacency will interest men in the Services done by other Men; in the Consolations thereof; perhaps in the Recompences. 1. [June ID.] G. D. Worldly-mindedness, the PrcBcip- uuni crimen humani Generis; there is nothing my Flock is more in danger of. I must preach upon it, yett more searchingly, more livelily ; and show them the Snares of Death, which they are in danger of. 2. G. D. My dear Katy being fallen into an ill State of Health, I must not only apply myself to the best Methods for the Recovery of the Health she has lost, but also improve the Occasion, for her Quickening to the greatest Points of Christianity. And for all my Family, at my Parting with them, when I go to my Rest, (and sing my Song of the Night with them,) I would not only still enquire, how they have spent their Time in the Day ; but also contrive to utter some Sentence, which I may leave with them, as worthy to be remembred and applied, in the Conduct of their Lives. 3. G. D. As I would bestow a new Suit of Cloathes 8o DIARY OF COTTON MATHER on a little Nephew, who is an Orphan; so I have a Neece, in whose Conduct, there are some Vanities and Fooleries, whereof she needs to be admonished ; and I would endeavour for her the most engaging and efifectual Admonitions. 4. G. D. From the Disposition of Things in the Otto- man Empire, I have a confirmed Hope, that things may- have a Tendency towards a great Revolution. I have much at heart the Condition of the poor Greek Churches, and the Millions of Christians languishing under the Oppres- sions of that Empire. I would not only cry much to God for their Deliverance, but also excite and bespeak Prayers in all the Churches throughout this Countrey for them. 5. G. D. Tis a Time of more than ordinary Resort of Strangers to this Town. It requires a more than ordi- nary Study, to preserve the Morals of our people, from Corruption at such a Time. I would move, both among the Ministers, and in the Societies, what may be done. 6. G. D. There is a woman in my Neighbourhood, full of Afflictions and of Difficulties, in regard of her Husband, entangled with another Woman, with whom he has de- bauched himself in another Countrey. I will do what I can to support her, and advise her; but I would particu- larly write unto her Husband, such Things as may have a Tendency to bring him home, and unto Repentance. 7. G. D. Whenever I encounter with any Thing that is not as I would have it, (any crooked Thing,) I would look on it as a Call from Heaven, to entertain a Thought of this Importance; My Will is crossed; hut what partic- ular Instance of my Contradiction and Disobedience to the Will of God, should this Affliction lead me to consider of? Both Repentance and Patience may be produced by this Consideration. I. [June 17.] G. D. God renews His Calls unto me, to do some special Service for Him, in catechising the Children of the Flock. I would hasten into the Service; JUNE,I7II 8i but I would contrive a sweet Variety of obliging and en- gaging Circumstances to attend it ; which call for some further Consideration. My God, I look up unto thee for thy Conduct! 2. G. D. I must not only know that my Children maintain the Religion of the Closet, but also know what they pray for there. I would therefore not only oblige them to write the Desires of their Prayers in general, but also assign them the several Subjects on which they are to employ their Prayers, and successively have them to write down their Petitions on each of those Articles. ^ One to whom I am a little related, has a great Interest in him that is now the greatest Man in Britain. I will write unto him earnestly to improve his Interest in that great Man, and putt him on doing of great and good Things for Mankind. About this Time, that I might serve the Cause of God and of Truth, both at home and abroad, I took the Testi- mony to the Doctrines of Grace, formerly published, and a Chapter in the Supplies from the Tower of David relating thereto, and contrived them into a single Sheet, (adding an advantageous Circumstance, of a Quotation from Dr. Edwards, and a Dedication to him.) and I printed it, espe- cially to be dispersed in the Southern Colonies, where the Christians cry for Help against the Pelagian Encroach- ments. It is entituled, The old Pathes restored. A brief Demonstration, that the Doctrines of Grace, hitherto preserved in the Churches of the Non-conformists, are not only asserted in the Sacred Scriptures, hut also in the Articles and Homilies of the Church of England ; And that the Gen- eral Departure from those Doctrines, especially in those who have subscribed them, is a most unaccountable Apostasy."^ 4. G. D. There seems one Thing much wanting, to ' Six lines were here struck out in the MS. 2 Printed by T. Green, 171 1. A London edition appeared in 17 13. II -6 82 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER the Devotions of Christianity, among the Professors of it; that is, the Gospel of the Rainbow. That Meteor is a Spectacle and a Sacrament, which the Holy Lord has afforded and appointed, for the Encouragement of our Faith, in many glorious Articles. And the Minds of Men may be awakened from it unto excellent Points of Piety. I will take the Subject under my Consideration, and endeavour with the Help of Heaven, to cultivate it, and prosecute it, for general Edification.^ 5. G. D. My Treatise of Manly Christianity, which I have just now received from London, (where it was lately printed,) I would procure to be read in many of the private Meetings ; as containing Things which are of great Impor- tance to be inculcated on our Christians. And my Old Pathes, I would endeavour to gett into the Hands of the Students at the CoUedge, that so the Doctrines of Grace may be preserved there. About this Time I have another Treatise, in the Press. The Discourse, I delivered on the Occasion of the Child, who was crush'd to Death, two Months ago, has been desired of me. I have accordingly fitted it for the Press ; in Hopes to do Good among all Sorts, but especially our younger People. It is entituled, Perswasions from the Terror OF THE Lord. A Sermofi concerning the Day of Judgment; preached on a Soletnn Occasion.'^ 6. G. D. There is a poor Widow in my Neighbourhood, whom I would invite and oblige, to be at least one Day in a Week at my Table ; besides what I have every Lord's- Day. 22 d. 4 w. Friday. This Day I sett apart for Prayers and Alms with Fasting before the Lord. My Occasions for such Duties grow upon me, in the critical Time, come upon the Countrey, by a vast Undertaking to subdue the Col- * Sewall also has an entry on the rainbow, June 30. Diary, 11. 318. ' Printed by T. Green, 171 1. See p. 64, supra. J U N E , I 7 I I 83 onies of our Northern Enemies ; ' and in the sickly State of my eldest Daughter. It proved unto me a Day of no great Enjoyments. 7. G. D. The Disposition with which I enquire after Newes, needs a little more of Regulation, and of Sublima- tion. I desire, that when I make that enquiry; What occurs remarkable? it may be with a Disposition and a Resolution to form, if it may be, some Lesson of Piety upon the Answer ; and putt this Lesson, into a Wish presently and silently sent up to Heaven. And if it be proper, to mention unto the Company, that Reflection which I would have to be made upon it. 23/24 d. 4 m. I attended something of a Vigil this Night before the Lord. The main Thing, I begg'd, pros- trate in the Dust, was, that I may first know the Glory of my dear Jesus, and then be alwayes acknowledging His Glory ; and then be the happy Instrument of bringing many others into the Acknowledgments thereof. Hereupon, I was assured, that I loved Him, and I grew into a joyful Assurance, that He loves me, who am yett the Chief of Sinners, and will do wondrous Things for me. Next, I cried unto Him, for shelter against my Enemies. I cried unto Him also, for wonderful Effusions of His Grace, on my Flock, and on my own poor Children. Lastly, I begg'd of Him for Illumination and Satisfaction, in the true Evi- dencing of the late strange Extasies and Prophecies, which first South France, and then both Parts of Great Britain, have been alarumed withal, and entertained with so much Derision : That I may comply with the Will of God in such Things ; but be preserved from Delusions. I. [June 24.] G. D. I would proceed, not only in con- sidering the several Callings of the People in my Flock, but also, the different Ages, Estates, and Sexes, and suit them, with my public Discourses. ' See Sewall, Diary, n. 316. 84 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 24 d. 4 m. Lords-Day. My Errands to the Table of the Lord, were, first, to seal my Consent unto the Covenant made between the great God, and my dear Saviour for me. And, secondly, to beg for that grand Blessedness engaged in the Covenant, that I should have the Grace to do the Will of God in every good work ; for, I look on all my Duties to be indeed but so many Blessings. 2. G. D. I have some Thoughts, of putting my Daugh- ter Katharin, on writing brief Essayes of Piety, on such agreeable Subjects, as I may from Time to Time assign unto her. Who can tell, of what use these Essayes may prove, to the Interests [of] Religion? 3. G. D. I must not give over, but renew my Appli- cations to a kind Kinsman, (Mr. Koi^ei) until I have prevailed with him, not only to give up himself unto the Lord, but also unto the People of God, and come to the Fellowship of His holy Table. 4. G. D. Having received a Collection of good and great Things doing of later years in Germany, (excellent Advances of the Kingdome of God,) I think it may not only glorify God, in the Praises of His People, but also animate the like Things among ourselves, to pubhsh it unto the Countrey. 5. G. D. I have an intimate Friend, who is arrived and admitted unto a great Intimacy, with the greatest Minister of State in the Nation.* I would earnestly write unto him, to improve this Advantage, for the doing of the most extensive Services that are possible unto such good Interests as he may think upon. 6. G. F. There is a poor, pious, praying Woman, (AXXet')2 a Widow, that lives by a continual Supply sent in from a Charity, which Heaven directs, in answer to her Supplications. I will take a particular Care, that she be well and oft supplied. ' Sir Robert Walpole is probably here intended, as also on p. 81, supra. « Allen. jULY.iyii 85 7. G. D. I would alwayes have about me some little Matters, (as Pennies, or Fruits, or Paints,) proper to be bestow'd on little Children, And in the bestowing of them, I would alwayes endeavour to commend some Lesson of Piety, to be remembred, with them : and the more likely to be remembred, for the Token that accompanies them. 1. [July I.] G. D. Tis a Time, in which there is a vast Access of Strangers to the Town.^ It is probable, that they may, some of them, look into our Congregations. I would cry mightily to God, that His Word may take hold on some of their Hearts, and that it may be found. He has brought some of His Elect hither, on purpose to be in the way of their effectual Calling here. 2. G. D. My little Lizzy, — more care must be taken, about the Catechizing, at the School she goes to, and her own particular Share in it ; And every Thursday, and Saturday in the Afternoon, she must now learn by Heart, some Lesson of Piety. 3. G. D. A Kinswoman of mine, is married in the west of England, unto a Clergyman ; if her Friends here advise me to it, I will send unto her some Httle Books, and what may discharge my Duty to her, in regard of her greatest Literests.2 4. G. D. Being furnished with a considerable Number of Bibles, to disperse among the Poor, in the most edifying manner that may be, I would particularly consider my careless, wretched sea-faring Tribe ; and lodge in many of our Vessels, a Bible for the use of the Ship's Company, with a Promise from the Captain, that there shall be a suitable Use made of it. (If this be judg'd necessary.) 5. G. D. There is one good Interest, which I have never yett served, and yett I am capable of doing some * The English transports with the troops for Canada were in the harbor. ' He is, as usual, silent as to the commencement exercises in Cambridge on this day. They were of more than usual importance, because of the presence of the British officers. 86 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER small Service for it. The Improvement of Knowledge in the Works of Nature, is a Thing whereby God, and His Christ is glorified. I may make a valuable Collection of many Curiosities, which this Countrey has afforded ; and present it imto the Royal Society. May the glorious Lord assist me, in this Performance. 6. G. D. I will try whether I cannot with the most exquisite Methods of Insinuation, engage in the Thoughts of Piety, some of the Gentlemen, belonging to the Army, lately arrived from Gr. Britain here. 7. G. D. When the good God blesses me at any time, with a real, cordial, useful Friend, I would make an holy and a various Improvement of so rare a Blessing, more particularly. First, I would return my Thanks to the glorious God, who has the Hearts of all men at His Disposal, and behold the Friendship of my Neighbour, as one effect of that Reconciliation with Him, which has been obtained for me, by my admirable Saviour. Secondly. I would return to my Neighbour all the Acts of his Friendship, and even disdain to be outdone, but overcome him in kind Offices ; and I would remember his Name, and whatever I may see to be his Case, in my Supplications before the Lord. Thirdly. I would employ the Interest which the Friendship of my Neighbour gives me in him, as an Opportunity, to study and enquire, what good I may stir him up unto the doing of ; that so the People and Kingdome of God, may fare the better, for my Acquaint- ance with such a Person. 1. [July 8.] G. D. I entertain Thoughts of renewing a Course of pastoral Visits, to my Flock. I would earnestly cry to the glorious Lord for His Direction and Assistence, in so important and laborious an Undertaking. I would then, with great Exactness and Watchfulness, consider what are those Enquiries which I should make in every Family; besides the various Points of Discourse, which I may occa- sionally insist upon. 2. G. D. The Continuance of my Life seems a Thing JULY,I7II 87 of great Consequence to the Welfare of my Family. I must therefore not only make my own fervent Prayers for it, unto the God of my Life, but also oblige the Children to pray for it continually, and sett before them, the Importance of their making this an Article of their daily Supplications. 3. G. D. I have a Kinsman at Newhavcn, who was once my Scholar, now a Physician and a Justice of Peace, [Tapafx Madep) 1 to whom I will send such Things, as may have a particular Tendency, to rescue him from his Temp- tations, and quicken him in his Services. 4. G. D. My Essay of, The old Paihes Restored, I would not only convey to our Colledge, but also to that of Connecticut; yea, and unto all the Ministers far and near, as I have Opportunity; that so the Doctrines of Grace, may be every where, exhibited and established; and the Kingdome of Truth advanced. 5. G. D. It may not be amiss for me, to press all the Ministers of the Town, that they would contrive into their public sermons, agreeable and awakening Passages, by which the Souls of the many Strangers who at this time especially, drop into our Congregations, may be mett withal.^ 6. G. D. A worthy Minister (TtXXta/u?) 3 a Chaplain to our Forces now going against Canada, needs the Kindnesses of some good People, to furnish him, with Convenencies for his Voyage; I would promote his Accommodation. I would also procure him to be furnished with Books of Piety to be dispersed among our Souldiers. 7. G. D. From my private Papers, I incline to make an Extract of such things as peculiarly belong to the Chris- tian Asceticks; my Life having been filled with Projections * Warham Mather, probably son of Rev. Warham Mather and Elizabeth Davenport, and grandson of Eleazar. * He preached his sermon on the Rainbow this day ; " many chaplains at meeting," says Sewall, Diary, n. 319. * Williams. 55 DIARY OFCOTTONMATHER and Contrivances for Methods to carty on the Conversation of refined Christianity. This Composure, if I make no further use of it, yett by having my own Eyes often upon it, I may keep aKve the Notion and Practice of the Things wherein I have been taught of God ; whereas now, thro' a vast Variety of Employments and because my Proposals ly scattered here and there among thousands of other Things in my Memorials, I many times forgett the Direc- tions of Piety, which I have resolved upon. 1. [July 15.] G. D. I would not only consider every Class of People in my Flock, by preaching on Subjects that may be most suitable for their Conditions, but also I would suit their Conections in my Supplications. Nor would I only present public Petitions for them, but also more secretly cry to God, on the behalf of each of these Classes ; for such Mercies to them, as they may have most occasion for ; and for such a Direction likewise of my own Studies, as may be most for their Advantage. 2. G. D. I would shortly keep a Day of Thanksgiving to God, in private ; chiefly with relation to His Favours whereof my Family partakes in various and wondrous Instances. I would spend a great Part of the Day, in the agreeable Exercises of Religion with my Family. And I would lay hold on the precious Opportunities, which I may therein have to bring every Soul in my Family, home unto my Saviour. 3. G. D. My Brother at Witney,^ is praeparing for the Public, an Abridgment of our Church-History. I would make this an Occasion of putting him upon several Things, that may prove Services to the Kingdome of God. 4. G. D. That sottish Bigotry is growing ; that all the pastoral Acts done by those who have not episcopal Ordina- tion are Invalid. It seems necessary, that the Churches be fortified against it. I would consult and agree with * Samuel. JULY,I7II 89 some of the Ministers of the Neighbourhood, about the best Methods of encountering the folhes of unreasonable Bigots. 5. G. D. I would make a Motion unto each of the religious Societies in our Neighbourhood, that they would sett themselves very much to pray for Effusions of the divine Grace on the rising Generation, and a mighty Suc- cess of the Gospel among us ; and sett apart special Times on this holy Intention. 6. G. D. The Apostasy of that famous French Con- fessor, Mr. Elias Nean^ at N. York, is to me one of the most grievous and shocking Things that I have mett withal. I desire to do something towards his Recovery, or at least, a Testimony proper for this Occasion. 20 d. 5 m. [July.] Friday. I sett apart this Day for Prayers, with Alms, on the usual Occasions ; and because a great Force is now going from hence against the Canadian Enemy. My Soul arrived unto some sweet Assurances, that my Sin is pardoned, and that in Token of it, I shall have a pure Heart given to me, and be filled with the Grace of God. But by reason of Illness upon me, I could not so ply my Supplications as I would have done. I made it up in Benignities. 7. G. D. There is a beautiful Creature of God, whereon He has enstamp'd a sacramental Character. He has made the Rainhowe, a Sacrament of His Covenant that He will preserve His Church in the World. And His faithful Ser- vants may apply this Covenant, unto their own particular Circumstances, in regard of any Mischiefs which may threaten to overwhelm them. I would endeavour more affectionately, more comfortably, more explicitly than ever, to apply the Rainboive unto the Use for which the glorious One has appointed it, when I see the Cloud in the Day of * See Vol. I, p. 300. He became a communicant of the Church of England. go DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Rain brightened with it, and have proper Meditations raised in my Mind. About this time, considering what an Use the glorious Lord has assigned unto the Rambowe, but how much the Use of it is neglected among His People, and what a Service it might be unto Religion, to teach our People the Use of the Bowe, and recover this Engine of Piety into that Improve- ment, for which the Maker of it intended it ; especially now the Time is coming on, for an Angel to descend with a Rainbowe about His Head, and the great Covenant of God for His Church in the World is hastening to an Accomplish- ment ; I prepared for the Public a Treatise under this Title, Thoughts for the Day of Rain. In two Essayes. I. The Gospel of the Rainbowe. In the Meditations of Piety, on the Appearance of the Bright Clouds, with the Bowe of God upon them. II. The Saviour with His Rainbowe. And the Covenant which God will Remember to His people, in the most cloudy Times that are passing over thcm.^ I. [July 2 2.] G. D. The Representation of the par- ticular Cases occurring among the People, is not, methinks, made so fully, so pungently, so usefully, in the public Prayers, as it might be. I would apply my Thoughts this way, with more Endeavours to accommodate the Edificacon of the Neighbourhood. 22 d. $ tn. Lord's-day. My Errands to the Table of the Lord, were especially these two. I. I considered, That my Lord Jesus Christ is the Object of His Father's infinite Love. That He is in Himself altogether lovely. That in what He has done, and what He will do, for me, He has obliged me to love Him with all my Heart and Soul and Strength. I considered, That the Grace of Love to my dear Saviour, is that wherein I am still very defective. But yett it is purchased for me by the Death of my Saviour, wherefore I consider the Sacrifice of my Saviour, as procuring for me, the Pardon of the Defects in my * Printed by B. Green, 171 2. JULY,I7II 91 Love to Him. And such a precious Gift, as an Heart full of Love to him. With this Disposition I took the Bread of the Eucharist. I proceeded then to form these Resolutions, of the Things werein I would express my Love to my Saviour. That I would often, often think of Him, and with unspeakable Delight. That I would watch all Occasions to make an advantageous Mention of His Glories. That I would in my Sermon and in my Writings, use extraordinary Methods to declare His Glories. And that I will Re- joice in all Conformity to Him ; yea, when it shall be in the most abasing Circumstances. II. I considered, that Fruitfulness is a most illustrious and com- prehensive Blessing of the new Covenant. But that it is a Thing wherein I am extremely Wanting. My Barrenness ! My Barrenness ! Tis a killing Thought unto me. I considered. That in the Blood of my Saviour, I have the Pardon of my criminal Unfruitfulness. And I have also the Purchase of Grace to glorify my heavenly Father, by bringing forth much Fruit. I received the Cup with these Dispo- sitions. And with Hopes, that the Spirit of God, who makes His People fruitful, would now more than ever enter into me. I proceeded then, to contrive and resolve the Methods of being very fruitful. 2. G. D. I would carefully observe the Tempers of each of my Children. And, first, I would warn them against the peculiar Indiscretions and Temptations, whereto they may be exposed in their Tempers. Then I would see, whether I can't suit their Tempers with Motives that may encourage and animate their Piety. 3. G. D. My Nephew {IvKpeaae TaXrep) 1 is now dis- posing to fitt himself for Service in the Study of Physick ; I would more than ever be thoughtful for him, and direct and supply his Studies, and do all I can to render him serviceable. 4. G. D, I procure a Sum of Money, to be laid out in Books of Piety ; which I propose to lodge in each of our Transport-ships, for the Good of the Sailors, as well as more to be putt into the Hands of our Souldiers, now bound for Canada. * Increase, son of Nehemiah and Sarah (Mather) Walter. 92 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER 5. G. D. There are some hopeful young Merchants, of whom I am thinking, whether it were not a possible and profitable Thing, to associate them in a Conversation, that may turn on Points of Service to themselves and others. 26 d. 5 tn. Thursday. This Day, I attended the Prayers and Alms and other Duties of a Fast,' which was kept throughout the Province, relating to our great Enterprize against Canada. I enjoy'd a gracious Presence of the Lord with me in the Works of the Day. 6. G. D. There is a minister at Eiidfield, who con- flicts with distressing Poverty. ^ And with my Letters unto him, to direct and hearten him, I would also send him such Releefs as I am able. 7. G. D. When I read, or see, any new Book, wherein the Truth, and Church, and Cause of God, has any notable Service done for it, I would offer up my solemn Thanks unto the glorious Head of the Church, for His thus express- ing His Care of it, and His Dispensing such Gifts unto the Children of Men. 1. [July 29.] G. D. There are very many Widowes in our Neighbourhood. I incline to preach a Sermon on pur- pose to them, and for them. Yea, and then also to publish it, and so to disperse it among them. 2. G. D. Would it not be for my Son's Advantage, if I should procure him the Company of three or four more serious Lads, to join with him, in spending the Lord's-day Evening together, and reading over by Turns, those Things which I shall recommend unto them, and forming such Resolutions of Piety, as they shall acquaint me withal? 3. G. D. I have a poor Kinswoman, a Daughter of my cosen-german, (Evt-i/ce TtXXia/a?) 3 who has been six or seven ' It was a public fast, ordered by proclamation. ' Rev. Nathaniel Collins. His pay appears to have been twenty pounds a year. • Eunice Williams. See Sewall, Diary, ii. 374. AUGUST, lyii 93 years a Captive, in the hands of the French Popish Indians. I am afraid, I have not considered the miserable Condition of that Child, with such a frequency and fervency of Supplication, as I should have done ; tho' I have not forgotten it.> But I would now with a more importunate Supplication than ever, continually carry that Child unto the strong Redeemer. 4. G. D. Upon further Thoughts, I grow into an Opinion that my writing a Book of, Christian AscetickSy may prove a great Service to the Interests of Piety in the World. I will make my Cries to Heaven, for Direction and Assistence in it, and go about it, as soon as may be. 5. G. D. I would write such things unto Annapolis ^ as may be of use to our poor People there ; and procure some good People to join with me, in sending thither, Bibles, and other Books of Piety. 6. G. D. There is a poor Man, a prisoner for Debt, for whom I would do all possible good Ofiices ; but particu- larly, visit him and supply him with Books of Piety; and counsel how to spend his Time well, and make a good Use of his bad Circumstances. (VepKiv^)."^ 7. G. D. I think, it will be highly expedient for me, at least once a Month, to look back upon my Good Devised^ and in the Perusal of the registred Articles, consider what has been forgotten or neglected ; and so quicken the Execu- tion of my Proposals. The Lord's-day Evening, may be a good Season, for these Reflections. I. [August 5.] G. D. I entertain Thoughts of going thro' my large Flock again, with pastoral Visits. And I will therefore cry mightily to the Lord, for His Direction 'Eunice Mather (i 664-1 704), daughter of Rev. Eleazar, and thus cousin of Cotton, married Rev. John Williams of Deerfield. Her daughter Eunice (1696- 1786?), the captive, married an Indian. ^ Perkins. Probably John Perkins, the physician. 94 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER and Assistence, in so great an Undertaking. I would preface it with a Day of Supplications. 2. G. D. I will cause my four Children (who can use their pen,) to retire, and write each of them an Answer to that Question : What will be the best Manner and Method of my spending my Time in the World; and how shall I best answer the End of my coming into the World? When they give me this, I will as far as I can oblige them to conform unto it. 3. G. D. I have a sick Parent, unto whom I owe Abundance of Duty, that I may render his Condition com- fortable to him. I will ply it, with all possible Assiduity. 4. G. D. From the Fright on the Minds of the People, apprehending a French Invasion, I would now take Occa- sion to carry the People unto the Thoughts of the blessed Jesus as our great Preserver, and unto those Methods of Piety which may have a Tendency to our Preservation. 5. G. D. I would lodge in the Hands of the old Gentle- man, who is the Master of the French School, a number of my Vrai Patron des saines Paroles; to be studied by the Scholars; that they may at once learn the Language, and improve in Knowledge and Goodness. ^ 6. G. D. An Officer of the Army is tak'n sick, and left here ; I will visit him, instruct him, do all I can to engage him in the wayes of our holy Religion ; and on his begun Recovery, I will perswade him to take up suitable Resolutions ; and putt Books of Piety into his Hands. 10 d. 6 m. [August.] Friday. This Day, our Towti, and the adjacent Countrey have had, the most real Alarm that ever we had.^ The Symptoms of an approaching Enemy appeared in very awakening Circumstances. But in the Issue it proved only a Fleet of our Friends. * The congregation of French Protestants held their services in the Free School House in Boston. Rev. Pierre Daill6 was at this time the minister, and possibly the master of the French school. ' Also mentioned in Sewall, Diary, 11. 321. ' AUGUST, I7II 95 7. G. D. Hereupon, I sett myself to think, In what Points my Walk with God should be quickened, by the continual Preservation of this Town, from the Invasion of a formidable Adversary ? I gave to my glorious JESUS, the Glory of being our Preserver. I acknowledged the Sacrifice He has offered for the Congregation, as the Ransome found for us. I resolved, that I would continue to do so. I considered, that since I enjoy the Comforts of a quiet Habitation, delivered from Enemies, I ought to serve the Lord in more Holiness and Righteousness, and make the Religion of my Family yett more full of hvely Exercises, and study to have His Worship carried on with a more heavenly Assiduity; and engage every Person in my Family, to think, what they owe unto the Lord on this Occasion. I resolved on these Things, and on doing my Endeavour, that the People of the Town may all come into the like Resolutions. 1. [August 12.] G. D. A Delinquent must appear be- fore the Church with his Repentance. I would make it an Occasion to proclame unto every one the Necessity of Repentance, before the Gates of Heaven can be sett open to us ; and quicken every one to examine what Evils they may find in themselves which call them to the Exercise of Repentance. I would also make it an Occasion of good unto the Man himself. ^ 2. G. D. I am now providing Patrons for my Children, when they shall be Orphans. For my Daughter Lizzy, I particularly have my Thoughts on a religious and ingenious Woman in our Neighbourhood ; which has no Children of her own. I will visit her, and I will do what I can to engage her, that she will deal with that Child as her own. 3. G. D. I have a Kinsman, who is a preacher to the * "John Brewster, having given Scandal by assisting a Souldier in deserting from the Camp, his Repentance and Confession was this day [12th] publickly offered unto the Church and accepted." — Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, n. 96 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Indians. I would endeavour not only to offer him Direc- tions, but also procure him Encouragements, for the Service wherein he is engaged. 4. G. D. The Time drawes near, for the Connedicot Ministers to meet at their Commencement in Say-brook; I will sett myself to think what matters of profitable Enter- tainment and Consideration I may lay before them, and seasonably send such Things thither for them. 5. G. D. Move among the Ministers, for the Encour- agement of some agreeable Preacher, to be sent unto the English Garrison at Annapolis. 6. G. D. There is a Family in my Neighbourhood, which are People of no ReHgion, but a Composition of Quaker and High-Church and a little Atheistical. These are in great Affliction ; by long Sickness, which brings on impoverishing Circumstances. I will make their Affliction an Opportunity to visit them, and releeve them, and instruct them, and do all the Good that is possible for them, and stir up the Neighbours to do so too. (Kput'o-iX) . i 17 d. 6 m.^ 7. G. D. I would never putt on the Civili- ties (of a Glove, or a Ring, or a Scarf,) given me at a Funeral, but endeavour to do it, with a Supplication of this Impor- tance ; Lord, prepare me for my own Mortality. And, Lord, Lett me at my Death be found worthy of a Remembrance among the Living! And inasmuch as I have a distinguishing Share, above the most of them who ordinarily attend a Funeral, in such Civilities, I would look at it, as an Obligation on me to press after the Instances of Godliness and Usefulness, that may render me more excellent than my Neighbour; and particularly, in an holy Behaviour at a Funeral ; exem- plary in the Religion of the Funeral. 1'] d. 6 m. Friday. This Day I sett apart for Prayers and Alms, with Fasting before the Lord, (Tho' I had spent part of a Day, praying and preaching, in the Com- ' ' Crowninshicld ? * A confusion in date, as the 1 7th fell on a Friday. AUGUST, I7II 97 pany of some Godly Christians, with a dying Gentleman in my Neighbourhood, the beginning of this week.) My Addresses to Heaven, had some singular Occasions ; besides those of the Public, and of my Houshold. Especially, for the Direction and Assistence of Heaven to me, in cultivating the Subjects of my Ministry. For a mighty Help of Heaven to me in Renewing my pastoral Visits. For a merciful Smile of Heaven on the Circumstances of a little Journey, I have some Thoughts of undertaking. And for some good Newes from beyond-Sea, relating to the Acceptance and Encouragement of my Labours to serve the Kingdome of God. 1. [August 19.] G. D. Among the Exercises of my Ministry among my People, I am afraid, whether I am so edifying as I should be, in the celebrating of the Marriages, for which I am applied unto. I would therefore more exactly consider, what are the most suitable Confessions and Petitions to be made in the Prayers on that Occasion. And what Maxims of Piety, I may with Brevity, but Pim- gency, lett fall on the People with whom I am concerned. igd. 6 m. Lords-Day. My Errands to the Table of the Lord this Day were, to mourn over what there is in me Displeasing to God ; And Plead the well-pleasing Sacrifice of my Saviour for the Pardon of it. And, profess my Abhorrence of every Thing displeasing to God. And, obtain for the Sake, and by the Spirit of my sacrificed Saviour, a work of His upon me, and the Growth of it, that shall dis- pose me, and strengthen me, to the Things well-pleasing in the Sight of God; And make an Enumeration of those Things. 2. G. D. It would be for my Wife's Advantage, and also sett a good Exemple unto others, if she would be prevailed withal, to write the Sermons after the Preacher in the Public. u-7 gS DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 3. G. D. I have a little Kinsman, (an Orphan) at Hampton, for whom I would endeavour to do all possible Good offices on all Occasions ; but now I would particularly send him the Sermon lately, published, which was preached on the sudden and awful Death of a Child. (0o/xas Ko^ov).^ 4. G. D. There is a considerable Church in my Neigh- bourhood, which is falling to Peeces, by Temptations gaining upon them, and on very trivial Occasions. I would use all possible Endeavours to prevent and conquer the Devices of Satan, which are now in their Operation among that poor People. It may be, some Letters of mine, may be blessed for that Intention. 22 d. 6 m. A Lord-Chancellor of England, who w^as also Archbishop of York,"^ said in his Latter time, "That in his time he had pass'd thro' more Posts of Office and Honour than most Men in the World; but if he were sure that any one Soul had been by his IMeans converted unto God and Christ and Holiness, it would give him unspeakably more Satisfaction, than all the Dignities which had ever been conferr'd upon him." How happy, how happy, am I! that have so often this astonishing Satisfaction! I had not been many Months a Preacher, before I found among the Declarations of those who joined unto my Father's Church, no less than thirty Seals of my Ministry P How many have been by my Addresses to them, either with Tongue or Pen brought home to God, I shall never know in this World. I will now only take some thankful Notice of it, that some excellent Souls, who within these few Dayes have taken their Leave of this World, have spoken strange Things to me on their Death-beds, of what the glorious Lord has by my Ministry done for them. And on this Day, one with Rapture triumphing over the Sting and Fear of Death, cried out unto me. Oh! Dear Syr, you are • Thomas Coston. * Probably Thomas Wolsey (i47S?-iS3o)- ' See vol i. 68. AUGUST, I7II 99 the Man! You are the Man, that have brought me home unto God! It is by your Means, that the Lord has brought me home to Himself. I must love you dearly; I shall do so, to my last Breath. God has a wondrous Glory for you. Q, Must not a Messenger of Satan buflfet me after this? 5. G. D. Tho' in my Conversation with other Men, I am continually putting them upon doing of the Good, which I see they may be capable of doing, and thousands of Things projected by me in this way find no Place in my poor Memorials: yett inasmuch as the Day now recurrs in which my Morning-Thoughts are to consider that Ques- tion, what Good may I excite any other Person to do? I do here enter my Purpose, that when any of my Neigh- bours have been bless'd with a good Voyage, or an Arrival of their Interests from Sea, I would make it more than ever (tho' it has heretofore been my Practice to make it) an Opportunity of more urgently and cogently persuading them to apply some of their Gains to pious Uses. And I would be alwayes able to mention a Variety of pious Uses, out of which they may make their Choice of what Good they may chuse to do. 6. G. D. I am in Distress for a Minister in my Neigh- bourhood, embroiled with a froward people ; I will en- deavour by the best Methods, to make him and them also, prudent, patient, and easy. 24 d. 6 m. This Day I was buffeted with a libellous Letter from a Merchant in this Town, fill'd with Scurrilities that I suppose were hardly ever gequalled in the World. The Divel stared in every Line of it. A Legion together could scarce have out-done it. It is a little odd ; tho' the Libeller, were one of the last, whom I find mention'd among the Enemies for whom I projected Kindnesses, yett one Article of his Foam is, that I am a Stranger to the Practice of a forgiving Spirit which I preach unto others. lOO DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I spred the Letter of this Rabshakeh^ before the Lord. I ask'd the Pardon of his Sin, and the Mercy of God unto him. I ask'd also the Pardon of my own Sin, that might provoke the Lord to sett such a Dog upon me. But above all, I ask'd the Grace of Heaven, for a wise, patient, fruitful Conduct, under such Outrages from the Wickedest of Men ; and that God would requite me Good for the Cursing of a It may be, some remarkable Good is coming to me. 7. G. D. It is a Law with me, that when Abuses are offered me, I be awakened unto some agreeable Improve- ment in Piety upon them. I see especially two Things, I am now called unto. First, to be yett more consummate in the Exercise of a forgiving Spirit, when I have been Injured. Secondly, To be more watchful and fruitful in my Visits unto my Neighbours. And yett, when I look back on my Conduct, I find it scarce possible for so feeble a Creature as I am, to do much otherwise than I have done. But, be sure, I may do better, and I will endeavour it. 25/26. I kept something of a Vigil, in which I putt over my Cause into the Hands of a righteous Lord; and I exercised a strong Faith in my glorious Jesus, for His Defence ; and for the Rescue of my Serviceableness from the Malice of One very wick'd Man, and from all the Floods of the Ungodly ; and that some remarkable Good may fol- low the Cursing which I have mett withal. But, above all, I begg'd the Grace, to carry it as I ought to do. I. [August 26.] G. D. In some of my Vigils, I have proposed it unto Heaven, that such Things may happen in my Neighbourhood, as may prove exceeding Serviceable unto the Kingdome of God, and furnish me with Occasions to awaken the Minds of the People unto a most serious Consideration of their greatest Interests. There have hap- pened several such Things, whereof I have taken a watch- i. '2 Kings, xvm, XDC. ' 2 Samuel, xvi. AUGUST, 1711 lOI ful and a lively Hold in my Ministry. And now there is another. The dying Woman, whom I have mention'd, three pages ago, did yesterday speak after this manner to me. Syr, I was once under the Power of a foolish and wicked Perswasion, that it was in my own power to Repent at my Pleasure. With this Prcesumption, I went on in my Sins. I only begged of God Almighty that He would not send a sudden Death upon me. I then thought, there was no Fear of such a Repentance as would make sure of everlasting Life. But God has horribly convinced me of my Error. Oh! it has cost me the dreadful Anguish of six, or seven sad Months to come at that, which I thought I could have done when I pleased. Syr, I desire you, that you would from me warn the Neighbours, and all the World, against this dangerous Opinion, whereby so many Sotds are destroyed forever. I purpose with the Direction and Assistence of the Lord, to do what has been thus proposed unto me, in as pathetical a manner as may be. 2. G. D. There is a particular Projection to be pur- sued, relating to the Welfare of my Katy, in which I desire the Conduct of Heaven, and would seasonably advise with such as may be properly spoken to. 3. G. D. My Kinsmans widow at Hampton, hears of the Death of her only Brother. I must write unto her the Consolations of God, and as far as I can, do the Part of a Brother unto her. 4. G. D. The next Month, a Convention of Ministers in the Southern Colonies of North-America, meets at Phila- delphia. As I have Occasion to write unto them, on the behalf of a Church on Long-Island, which soUicit me to do it; So I will take the Occasion, to animate them unto the contriving of Things that may be of extensive Conse- quence to the Kingdome of God, and Services for me to do as well as themselves; and particularly also to keep a Day of Prayer together. I02 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 5. G. D. It is this Day a general Fast thro' the Prov- ince. It would be a proper, and may be an useful thing, for me in my Sermon this Day, solemnly to call upon all the religious Societies in the Neighbourhood, that they would when they are together, take this Quaestion into their serious Consideration ; What shall we do, to prmnote Religion and Piety in our Neighbourhood? 30 d. 6 m. Thursday. This Day was a general Fast, thro' the Province, on the behalf of our Forces gone to Canada. The Lord graciously assisted me in the Services of the Day. In my secret Supplications this Day my Soul was Com- forted with a strange and strong Perswasion, that my glorious Jesus, will wonderfully appear, in surprising Dis- pensations of His Providence, to hearten and reward my Serviceableness, and confound my malicious Adversaries. But for our Canadian Enterprise, oh! I fear, I fear, an horrible Tempest. 6. G. D. There is a poor Woman, languishing in much Poverty, and by long Sickness brought into a very helpless Condition ; I must not only myself releeve her, but also unite my Counsels with others, about the best way of having her well-provided for. {PoOa).^ There is a poor Widow also whom I would assist and advise in some tem- poral Circumstances. (PotaX).^ 7. G. D. It must be, (and it has been) my way, when I find myself barren of Good Devices, and my Enquiries after them in my Thoughts not presently and easily answered, then to form a more deliberate Act of Resignation, wherein I confess my Inability to so much as Think a good Thought, and I beseech the glorious God, who is my Father, and my Saviour, and my Leader, and who formes the Spirit of man within him, to take possession of my Mind, and lead me > The name is obscure, but may be Rotha. * Royal. SEPTEMBER, 171I IO3 to such Inventions for the Doing of Good, as may be pleasing unto Him, and for the Service of His Kingdome and Interest. In the way of this unexceptionable Quietism, I still find Thoughts of a surprising Tendency to Good, strangely darted into my mind ; Thoughts of too superiour a Character for me to pretend that they are my own. This Morning, on my Satureday QucBstion, finding right Thoughts not arising so quickly in my dull and dark Mind, as I would have had them, I took this Course. And my Thoughts immediately were such as these. When I hear or see, any Person using any singular Industry or Contriv- ance, to serve his own Interest, or to hurt other Men's, I will sett myself to think on some Interest of my admirable Saviour, or Benefit unto Mankind ; and such an one, as the Circumstances of that Man's Pursuit may most natu- rally lead me to think on ; and I will then propose, how my Industry and Contrivance in pursuing of that Good, may not fall short of his; but be altogether, as exquisite, as vigorous, and as indefatigable. 1/2 d. y m. [September.] Satureday. /Lords-day. I applied Myself unto the Devotions of a Vigil. I begg'd for such Tidings from beyond-sea, as might Encourage my poor Essayes to do Good. I begg'd for a mighty work of awaken- ing and converting Grace on the People, especially the young People, of the Flock whereof I am the Servant. I begg'd also for a DeUver- ance from the Malice of those horrid Men, who are the venemous Enemies of my Serviceableness; unto whose maUcious Abuses, I make no Answer, but leave them in the Hands of my glorious Redeemer; He will graciously appear for me, and confound them wonderfully ! When my prostrate Supplications were over, I went into my Bed, and kept awake for some while there singing, (for I retired into a Chamber where I lodged alone) unto the Lord. It was a little Sur- prising to me, that the first Place, at which my Psalter opened, was, Ps. CXLIX. 5, 104 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER The Gracious Holy Ones, Lett them most gloriously rejoice. Lett them upon their Beds also Lift up their singing Voice. The next Place that opened, was, Psal. xxxvin. 14. ^5 one that heareth not was I, And in whose Mouth Reproofs none were. For I, O Lord, on thee rely. O Lord my God, Thou wilt me hear. etc. etc. These, and many more such Passages, I sang unto the Lord. 1. [September 2.] G. D. Some sad young Wretches on their Death-beds lately, had earnestly desired me, to warn other young People, against such Courses as have ruined them. This gives me a fresh Occasion for the dispensing of new, and solemn, and lively Warnings in my public Ministry. As also to speak more privately imto certain particular Persons in the Flock, such Things as they need to be advised of. 2. G. D. When any of my Children have any Illness upon them, I would make it an Occasion to putt them in mind of the Evil in Sin, and especially of such Sin, as their Illness may most naturally mind them of; I would show them the analogous Distempers of their Souls, and instruct them how to look up unto their great Saviour for the Cure of those Distempers. 3. G, D. I have a Kinswoman (Ewt/ce TtWia/i?) ' which has been diverse Years a Captive in the Hands of the Indians. As I have often pray'd for her Deliverance, I would now grow in the Importunity of my frequent Suppli- cations for her; every Day constantly remember her and mention her. And I would make her condition an Argu- ment in Discourses with my own children, for Thankfulness and Piety. * * Eunice Williams. SEPTEMBER, 171I I05 4. G. D. Things are not in a very good Condition at Salem. I have some Thoughts taking shortly a Journey thither, in hopes of doing Abundance of Good there. I will humbly commend this Matter, in all the Circumstances of it, imto the gracious Conduct of the Lord. 5. G. D. My glorious Lord has in His gracious Provi- dence ordered it, that very eminent Persons beyond-sea, take notice of me, and such as I myself never have written unto, send me their Letters and their Presents, which I have this Week received. The Cursing of a Shimei was but to prepare me for such Things ; and weighs nothing in the Ballence against them. I had a secret Faith, I should find it so. Among these, I must in the first Place reckon the admirable Sir Richard Blackmore.^ Now I will sett myself to improve these new Correspond- encies, for the Honour, and in the Service of my dearest Saviour ; and I will sett myself to think, what Service to His Kingdome I may animate each of these eminent Persons to the doing of. 6. G. D. There are poor Gentlewomen, who have long been confined by Illness ; but yett are able to read, or hear others read unto them. I will visit them, and comfort them, and supply them with Books of Piety, that may be a profitable Entertainment for them. 7. G. D. It is a Time, when many in the Neighbour- hood, are sick and weak, and some sleep, of an uneasy Malady ; The Flux with Vomiting. As my Time is pretty much spent among the sick and weak, so I have myself been this week, much weakened with the Distemper. God calls me to look inward; and be very thankful for His merciful Sparing of me; and to consider the analogous Maladies in my own Soul, which I am to deprecate. First, I must be careful that my Soul do not cast up any glorious 1 A physician and voluminous writer in prose and verse. See Dictionary oj National Biography, v. 129. I06 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Truths of God ; nor nauseate any Interests and Practices of Piety. Secondly, I must be careful, that my Bowels be alwayes kept in a due Frame ; even those of Compassion to all the miserable in the World. 8/9 (/. T m. SaturedayJ Lords-day. I employ 'd myself in the Exercises of a Vigil before the Lord. Herein I cried unto Him for a Defence against the ]\Ialice of the wicked Men, that are Enemies unto me, and unto my Serviceable- ness ; and for a mighty Success to my ]\Iinistry, and Pres- ence of His with me in the Services of the Day ensuing. But that which called me more particularly into the Dust before the Lord, was this. My learned Friend Whiston (from whom I have this week received an Account of his Proceedings,) is likely to raise a prodigious Dust in the world, by reviving the Arian Opinions. He revives them with more than ordinary Advantages, and I am likely to have my own Mind shock'd with more than ordinary Temptations on this Occasion. WTierefore, I cry most ardently unto the glorious Lord, that He would graciously enlighten me; cause me to take up right Thoughts of my dear Jesus, and of His Holy Spirit ; lead me into all Truth, and keep me from Error, and show me my Duty, and never leave me to hurt any Interest of His Kingdome in the World.i And, 1. [September 9.] G. D. Great Prayer and Study, that I may not mislead my Flock in any Thing, must be one Article of my Good Devised for them. And an Endeavour to establish them in the true Doctrine of the Trinity. 2. G. D. I will write down certain Questions of the last Importance to his great Interests, and oblige Cresy to write as distinct Answers as he can unto the Quaestions, and show me his Answers. * It could not have soothed Mather's pride to hear the President of Harvard College, at Commencement in 1712, take publicly the Whistonian notion of the Flood. Sewall, Diary, 11. 355. See also a curious letter of the deist Thomas Chu\)b written in 1745, on the Whiston theory. Proceedings, XLm. 648. SEPTEMBER, 171I I07 Q. I. What was the Erratid which God sent you into the world upon? Q. 2. What can you see in your present Conditiofi to be bewaylcd? Q. 3. What is your Plea with God, for the Pardon of your Sin? Q. 4. What is it that you desire your great Saviour to do for you? Q. 5. What Exercises of Piety do you resolve to make your daily Practice? Q. 6. How do you desire and resolve, with the Help of Heaven, to spend your Time? 3. G, D. There dwells in this Town, a Daughter to my late Kinsman of Hampton. I wiU discourse v/ith her about her greatest Interests, and bestow some agreeable Book of Piety upon her, 4. G. D. To explain and maintain the glorious Doc- trine of the Trimly, is now like to be as great a Service to the Church of God, as can be called for since the learned Whiston, does with so surprising Circumstances of Assur- ance, revive the Cause of Arianism. That Person particu- larly applying himself to me on this Occasion, it wUl be my Duty to do something on the Behalf of the Truth which is now endangered I would therefore now bend my Studies that way; and lift up humble and fervent Cries to the glorious Lord, for His Direction, 5. G. D, The religious Societies are languishing. I would in my public Discourses, earnestly call upon the Christians in the Neighbourhood, to revive them, and in- crease them ; and among the Exercises at them ; to sett apart Evenings for Prayers that the Spirit of converting Grace may be poured out upon the Neighbourhood. 6. G. D. Here is a poor Stranger and Scotchman cast into my Neighbourhood, who is languishing with an Hectic, and in Circumstances both of Soul and Body which call for great Compassion. I will endeavour to do all I can for him, and stir up the Neighbours also to bestow all needfuU Succours upon him. {apecxKivY ' Areskin. Io8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 14 d. 7 m. Friday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayers and Alms; with Fasting before the Lord; that I might obtain the Pardon of my manifold Offences to Heaven, and the Elessings of God, on my Ministry, and on my Family, and on His People. This Day was brightened, with sweet Communications from Heaven to my Mind. I am this Day assured, that my Sins, which are majiy are forgiven me ; and that the glorious Lord has wondrous Blessings in store for me. 7. G. D. Our Saviour has left His Peace, as a Legacy to His Disciples, and, glorious Things are spoken of thee, O Thou Peace of God! I am afraid whether I so fully under- stand the Meaning of that Peace, as I ought to do ; and much more, whether I Uve in the Enjoyment of it. I will therefore now apply my Prayers and my Studies, this Way more than ever in my Life before. Oh ! that I may prosper therein and arrive to that Peace, in which I have hitherto been so defective! I. [September 16.] G. D. The Bills putt up in our Congregation, will not only direct my Visits, but also afford a Direction to my Dispersion of Books of Piety in the Neighbourhood. Especially in three Cases : First, when Persons are bound to Sea ; Secondly, when Persons are fallen into some great Aflaiction. Thirdly, when Persons have been blessed with a Re- covery from Sickness. In these Cases, I would endeavour to give or send suit- able Books unto the Persons concerned in them. 16 J. 7 m. Lords-Day. I went unto the Holy One at His Table this Day, on two important Errands. First, I considered the Sacrifice of my Saviour, as making Atone- ment for all my Sins, which are Works of Darkness, and so Redeem- ing and Rescuing of me, from the Darkness which my Sins have brought upon me. I considered that Sacrifice as purchasing for me SEPTEMBER, 171I IO9 a Deliverance from eternal Darkness ; but then also purchasing my Deliverance from the Darkness of Ignorance in the Things of God. I applied this in a singular Manner to the glorious Mystery of the Trinity : that I may not be in the Dark, or left unto any fatal Errors about that Mystery ; that I may entertain right and bright Thoughts concerning it ; that I may be able to serve the Church of God in that grand Concern, when it shall be Labouring. Secondly. I considered, that astonishing Benefit, of the Peace, which my Saviour has made His Legacy to His people. I considered the Death and Blood of my Saviour as purchasing of it, I pleaded it with God; and laid Hold on the Peace of an offered Reconciliation with Him. I thereupon, look'd up unto the Lord, that I may be brought into an Acquaintance with the whole Mystery of Practical Christianity, which belongs to the Peace of God, ruling in the Hearts of His children; yea, an e.xperimental Acquaintance with it. And indeed, the Lord now gave me a clear Idea of it; what were the Dis- turbances which are allay'd and suppress'd and conquer'd in it, and how it conquers them, and on what Principles ; and what Satisfac- tions it fills the mind withal. I may hereafter enlarge upon it. 2. G. D. Yesterday preaching on the Improvement we should make of the Confusion come upon us, by the Defeat, which an horrible Tempest has occasion'd unto our Cana- dian Enterprise,! I described the Conduct of the prudent and pious on such an Occasion ; especially in point of an awakened Repentance ; which Advice I desire myself most particularly to conform unto. But then, I would on this Occasion, mightily sett before my Children, the Evil that pursueth Sinners, and warn them to avoid it. I would also do more than ever to gett my Children under the shadow of the Wings of their Saviour ; since tis likely to be a very calamitous Day among our- selves, and in the World. 3. G. D. I have a Nephew in the Town, who lives with a Ship-builder. I will consider his Temptations, and call for him, and talk with him, and bestow Books of Piety on him. (IcuV 4)t\t7r9.)2 * See Sewall, Diary, n. 322. * John Phillips. no DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 4. G. D. I have a Thought coming into my mind, that by bespeaking and procuring the Praises of the glorious God, acknowledging of Him, and bringing others to acknowl- edge Him, I answer the End of my Being. There are cer- tain Points, wherein the great God has infinitely obliged Mankind, and yett they take Uttle Notice of His Goodness. I am desirous, as soon as I can find Time, to consider cer- tain common Favours, wherein Mankind enjoy most com- prehensive Benefits, but are not suitably affected with the divine Goodness in them. And I would bespeak the Praises of devout Minds unto God, on these Occasions. Such are, the Use of Spectacles, the Mariner^ s Compass; Printing; Shorthand; the Instruments whereby Time is measured. 5. G. D. Propose in the Society for Suppression of Disorders, whether it may not be worth the while, to pub- lish and scatter thro' the Countrey, a very brief Essay, about the Nature of an Oath, with some serious and suitable Directions about the Duty of Swearing; because, the Fear of an Oath, is too much laid aside, and forgotten among us; our Courts have too much inconsiderate Swearing in them'. 6. G. D. There is a poor, helpless Woman, in our Neighbourhood, of whom, among the rest, I will take a very particular Care, when the Winter comes on. (Xa^.) 1 7. G. D. Happening to lodge in a Place, where some Vermine assaulted me, I thought, the Assault of those Vermine should be improved by me, as a call to Repentance and Piety; not only in the way of considering myself, as among the Enemies of God, contemptibly pimished by these his little Armies ; but also, in the way of occasional Reflec- tion, considering the ill Qualities and Actions of those Vermine, and what I have Analogous to them in my own Heart and Life, and bewayling of those things before the Lord. * « Lax. SEPTEMBER, 171I III 22/23 d. 7 m. Satureday night. I sett apart a Portion of this Night for the Exercises of a Sacred Vigil. First, one Prayer from the Cheef of Sinners prostrate in the Dust, represented unto the Lord, my Faith of One God, in three Subsist- ences, and of the Second of these, assuming and advancing the Man Jesus into an ineffable Union with Himself. But then, I cried unto Him, that I might be led into right Thoughts about the glorious object of my Love, and Hope, and Joy, and of all my Life ; and not be left unto any Errors about that glorious Mystery ; and that I may be made an happy Instrument of communicating Light unto His People Concerning it. I declared, my only Design, and Desire, to be, that I may pay due Acknowledgments unto Him ; and bring others in a right Manner to acknowledge Him. I thought I would then go Sing, Psal. xxv. 14. and Lo, it was the very first Place, at which my Psalter opened! Then, in another Prayer, I cried unto the Lord, for Defence and Shelter against the Enemies of my Service- ableness. Having obtained the Pardon of my Sins, with a joyful Assurance of my pardon, I found my Heart melted easily to forgive and forgett all the Injuries of my Enemies. Yett I could not but ask of the Lord, that the Floods of the Ungodly may not be able to hurt my Serviceableness; but that He would grant me some further Tokens for Good, that may confound their Malice wonderfully. Oh! For some good News from the other side of the Atlantic! Rising to sing some agreeable Psalms, my Psalmbook, again surprizingly opened, at the Conclusion of Psal. LVI. and the Beginning of Psal. LVII. I also besought of the Lord, several other Favours. The Con- version of my Children ; especially of my son Increase; and a mighty Effusion of the Spirit of Grace on my Flock. And a right Under- standing of the strange Dispensations of Heaven at this Day in the World; Especially in the late Inspirations of so many Extaticks beyond Sea; which appear to me, a Matter to be entertained and considered with a very great Attention. And a Smile of Heaven, on my intended Journey to Salem. I. [September 23.] G. D. I am strangely accommo- dated, with a Number of Bibles, to be distributed among the poor Children of my Flock. I will use all the Discretion, and all the Diligence I can, in making the Distribution. And I will make it a sweet Occasion to bring People into a 112 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Resolution, to Read the Word of God, with Supplications over it. 2. G. D, It is Time for me to fix my three elder Daugh- ters, in the opificial and beneficial Mysteries, wherein they should be well-instructed ; that they may do good unto others; and if they should be reduced into Necessities, unto themselves also. For Katy, I determine, Knowledge in Physic, and the Preparation, and the Dispensation of noble Medicines. For Nibby, and Nancy, I will consult their Inclinations. 3. G. D. I have a young Kinsman, who has entred on the evangelical Ministry, and has taken the charge of a little Flock in Connedicot-Colony. I would not only dis- course to him such Things as may be of Use to him, in his Discharge of his Ministry, but also out of my Library bestow some useful Books upon him ; such as P. Martyr^ s Common Places, etc. and by which his yoimg Studies may be assisted. 4. G. D. I am, with all possible Resignation to the Disposals of the glorious Lord, intending a Journey to Salem this Week. My Intention is, to endeavour an Healing of all Tendency to Discord there, and to do all the other Good that I can possibly devise. Wherefore, acknowledging that the Way of Man is not in himself, I humbly cast myself on the Conduct of my admirable Saviour. 5. G. D. The worthy Minister of Fairfield,^ meets with much Ingratitude and Discouragement from his people. Tho' they be a very numerous People, yett they afflict him with grievous Meannesses of Subsistence. The Deputy-Governour of that Colony,' is a member of his Church. I have an Inclination to write as cogently and as pungently as I can unto that Gentleman, and mind him of his Duty ; and press him to stir up the People unto ' Elcazar Williams, of Mansfield, Connecticut.. « Rev. Joseph Webb (1666-1732). * Nathan Gold (1723). OCTOBER, 171I 113 their Duty; it being in his Power doubtless to do much that way, if he do what he ought to do. 28 d. '] m. 6. G. D. I am this Day undertaking, with the Leave and Help of my glorious Lord, a Journey to Salem. There are many Poor in Salem. I would endeavour there to sett forward Things for the Releef of the Poor. And I will particularly carry a Number of Bibles to be bestow'd upon them. 7. G. D. Putting on my Cloathes in the Morning, I considered, that I might find in the Habits and Actions of Christianity, something that might be very Analogous to the several Parts of my Apparrel ; and that I might here- upon be furnished with such Thoughts, and Wishes, and Prayers, as that having them, while I am Dressing myself, often formed in my Mind, I may have my Soul at length cloathed with glorious Garments. I must reserve this Design to be prosecuted and exhibited in a Collection of Thoughts, elsewhere to be laid together. 1. [September 30.] G. D. Tho' I am continually doing such a Thing in my Practice, yett I would hereafter more explicitly and with plainer Intimations of my Desire, in my Conversation with the more polite Part of my people, make it fashionable to have this Point brought into Con- sideration, when they are in a Conversation : What Good is to he done before we part? 2. G. D. The Children, whom I have travelling with me, in my Chariot, on the Road, I would fill my Time, with many profitable and agreeable Instructions to them. 3. G. D. And here at Salem, I forward the setting up of a charity Schole. 2 d. Sm. [October.] Tuesday. Returning from Salem, where I have seen marvellous Blessings and Favours of Heaven, I find about 7 h. in the Evening, at my coming home, the poor Town of Boston in Flames ; A Fire broke forth in the Heart of the Town, which Consumes the famous n-8 114 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Old-Meeting house, and the Statehouse, and whole Streets of other Buildings, not stopping till near 2 h. in the Morning.^ 4. G. D. This lamentable Occasion, brings me into a new Field of good Devices; and a large one. Wherefore I sett myself this Day, to go among the afficted, and see what is to be done for the Welfare of the distressed Inhab- itants ; and apply myself with all possible Assiduities to be useful unto them. The Contrivances are not capable of Enumeration. I will only mention this; that I would endeavour with the Help of Heaven, on the Lecture to morrow, to dispense the Admonitions of Piety, that shall be most agreeable unto the present Occasion. 5. G. D. Behold also a fresh Occasion to excite the general Society, for the suppression of Disorders, to d© some singular Thing, in Prosecution of their main Inten- tion. Lett that be the Question of this Evening; What singular Thing shall we now do, under our present Awakenings ? 4d. 8 m. Thursday. The Glorious Lord tliis Day re- newes to me astonishing Testimonies of His Favour for me. A very vast Assembly of people came together, at the Place assigned for the Lecture. I was greatly assisted of the Lord, in praying with them, and yett more in preach- ing to them. I had an Opportunity to entertain the People of this, and the Neighbour Towns, with such Things, as were seasonable to the solemn Occasion, which the late awful Dispensations of the divine Providence had laid before us. The Hand of the Lord was mightily with me ; and the People were after an unusual Manner affected with what was delivered ; a strange Impression was made upon them. These Triumphs of Serviceableness, are marvellous • He prefixed to the sermon preached two days after the fire, an account of the visitation, which was reprinted in i. Mass. Hist. Collections, v. 52. One of the shops destroyed was that of N. Boone the printer, but six other printers suffered in the same way. A volume of Mather's was "pluckt out of the burning" and afterwards printed, with a title Meditations on the Glory of the Heavenly World. See Sewall, Diary, 11. 323. OCTOBER, 1711 115 Answers of Prayer, Tokens for Good, and Confusions to my foolish Adversaries. I am this Day also surprised with some other Favours of the Lord, graciously hearing my Supplications. One of them is this. Letters from London, this Day received, give me to understand, that the Libels which an abominable Crue, sent over from hence thither the last Winter, to be published for my Defammation there, were suppressed and destroyed and burnt, by the Influences of one, from whom I had as little Reason to expect such a Thing, as from almost any Man in the World. God raised up our new Lieutenant Governour^ to be a mighty Friend unto me there. 6. G. D. Poverty appears in very many new Objects of Charity, made such, by the late Conflagration. I now, first encourage the charitable Gentlemen, who are looking out for them. And, then; I am dispensing among them so many Kindnesses, that it is unto no Purpose, for me to mention particular Instances. 7. G. D. There is a particular Improvement in Piety, to which I am to be awakened, by the Circumstances of the late Calamity, brought upon this Town of my Nativity. 1. [October 7.] G. D. The sad Condition of the Old Church in the Loss of their Temple, by the late Fire, admin- isters unto me an Occasion of warning my own Church, to take heed of offending Heaven by such Things, as may procure to us, the same Calamity. 2. G. D. Good God, quicken me to a greater Vigour, and Fervour, and Frequency, in inculcating these great Points upon my Children ; even with daily Admonitions. First : That and how the Acknowledgments of God are to fill their Lives ; this to be made the chief End of their Lives ; and what Encouragements they have to live unto God. » William Tailer. Il6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Secondly. The Methods of Conversing with their admirable Saviour. Thirdly. The Worth of Time, and the noblest Way of spending it. Fourthly. The Excellencies and Expedients of Useful- ness as far as they can extend their Influences. Fifthly. A Spirit reconciled unto low, mean, humbling Circumstances in an evil World. 3. G. D. My Wife has a Cosin-german, who is a Gentlewoman, capable not only of Improvements in re- fined Piety, but also of doing much Good with her Estate in the World. The feeble State of her Health, will add unto my Opportunities in my Conversation with her, to pursue both of those Intentions; and I would accordingly endeavour it. (Mrs. KXa/a/c) 1 4. G. D. It may serve the Interests of Piety, and be serviceable and agreeable to many good Purposes, if I give to the Public by the way of the Press, the Sermon which I preached the last Thursday. Wherefore I do transcribe it for the Press, and give it the Title of. Advice from Taberah. A Sermon preached after the Terrible FIRE, which (attended with some very lamentable and memorable Circumstances) on Oct. 2. j, 171 1), laid a considerable Part of Boston in Ashes .^ 5. G. D. There is a single Gentlewoman in this Town, who is Mistress of a pretty good Estate ; I would endeavour to have some effectual Advice convey'd unto her, that she may both living and dying devote a considerable Interest unto pious Uses. 11 d. Sm. Thursday. This Day was devoted unto Sup- plications with Fasting, thro' the Pro\ance. I bore my Part, and had the Help of Heaven, in the Work of the Day. ' Mrs. Sarah Clark. See p. 78, supra. ' Printed by B. Green. Taberah was the name of a place in the wilderness of Paran, given from the fact of a burning among the people by the "fire of the Lord" which there occurred. Num. xi. 3. OCTOBER, 171I 117 Our Congregation also did theirs. And they made a Collection for the Releef of the poor Sufferers by the Fire, amounting to near two hundred Pounds. 6. G. D. There are poor Men, wounded in the late Fire, by the Blowing up of Houses. I would visit them, and use my best Endeavours, that they may come as Gold out of the Fire. I would also take some Care that they and their Families be releeved from the Money which the public Charity has provided for them. 7. G. D. The glorious Lord having remarkably pre- served me and my Serviceableness (my darling,) from the Power of the Dog, I propose quickly to keep a Day of Thanks- giving in Secret on that Occasion ; and then I shall more particularly excogitate further Methods of Improvement in all Holiness of Conversation. I. (14 d. 8 m.) G. D. This Day, being the Day for the Administration of the Eucharist, I earnestly call upon the Church, whereof I am the Servant, especially for four Things. First ; that none of them secretly indulge them- selves in any Way of Wickedness. Secondly; that many watchful, fruitful, exemplary Christians may be found among them. Thirdly; that they be not unmindful of the Holy Covenant, whereof they ly under the Strongest Obligations. Fourthly; that they approach and observe the Supper of the Lord, with all possible Solemnity. I warn them, that I am afraid the glorious Lord, is coming out against the Church, and going, perhaps quickly to give a terrible Shake unto it. i^d. 8 m. Lords-Day. This Day at the Lord's-Table, my Errands were, to acknowledge the Mysteries of Redemp- tion, and venture my Soul upon the evangelical Revelation of them. And to lay hold on the Benefits proposed in them ; especially the Cure of the Maladies yett remaining in my Spirit ; most of all, my Disposition to envy the Favours of God unto other Men. But then, I laboured mightily to Il8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER obtain it of the Lord, that His Displeasure against the Church may be turned away ; and that abundance of Holy watchful, fruitful Christians, may therefore be found among us. 2. G. D. Tis a Consideration that should find some room in my Mind. I am continually crying to God, for His Favour to my Children ; that they may be pious, useful, happy Children, But I ought to bewayl some inexpressible Circumstances of Meanness, relating to their Original, their Production and Conception. I ought to obtain a Pardon thro' the Blood of that Holy Thing, which was Born of the Virgin. That so no Vileness of that Nature may have any Influence, to render them abominable to Heaven, and cast them out of its favourable Protection. 3. G. D. The Husband of my late Sister Jerusha, what shall I do for him ? ^ Such Discourses as may befriend and advance the Interests of Piety in him, whereof he is an hearty Lover ; the presenting of him with agreeable Books of Piety ; and the perswading of him, to unite with a Num- ber of serious young Men of a suitable Quality, in a con- versation of a religious Importance; these are the Things, which I do at present think of. 4. G. D. My Advice from Taberah, will be published this week; I would use my Endeavours, that all or most of the Persons, who have been Sufferers in the late Fire, may have the Book presented unto them. It may be very seasonable to lodge these Admonitions with them, while the Sense of their Calamity is yett fresh upon them. 5. G. D. Methinks, it would be a practicable, and a profitable Thing, for me, once a Quarter, to have either the principal Persons belonging unto our several religious Societies together, or, separately to discourse with them, about the Interests of the Societies ; what may be further done, that Piety may flourish in them, and by their Means, in the Neighbourhood. ' » Peter Oliver. OCTOBER, 171I 119 6. G. D. Here is in my Neighbourhood, a Family, where the poor old Man, has for more than threescore Years followed the Sea, and is to this Day in his Sins ; the Woman, is sick, and in Distresses. I must endeavour to releeve their Wants; and to do what I can for the Souls of both of them. 7. G. D. In order to the Comfort of my own Mind, and that I may the better walk in the Light, I form an Examination of myself, relating to the grand End of my Life, and all my Actions ; and relating to the three Idols, to which all ungodly men devote themselves. The End at which I would aim in all, is, that the great GOD, and His CHRIST, may be acknowledged, gratified and glorified. My supreme Satisfaction lies in serving this End. When I find, that I reach unto this, here I stop. I ask to go no further. I am satis- fied ; I am fill'd with Joy unspeakable and full of Glory. I abhor and I renounce, all that gives any obstruction to me, in prosecution of this glorious End. More particularly, I renoimce the FLESH. I make no further Allowance to, and Provision for, the Flesh, than God allows me. I durst not please the Flesh, with anything that is displeasing to God. I rebuke, I restrain, I deny the Flesh in its irregular Inclinations. I don't place my chief Good, in having my Flesh accommodated. I renounce the WORLD. I do no wicked Thing to gain the World; would not sin for the Gain of the whole World. I am content with such a Condition in the World as God will order for me ; it appears well-ordered. I dream not of Happiness in the great Things of this World; I see nothing here will make me happy. The sinful Customes of this World do not carry me down the Stream thereof. I renounce the DIVEL. I do not hearken to my grand Adversary. I am afraid of his Devices. My Life is a continual Warfare against his Temptations. I20 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 1. [October 21.] G. D. The grievous Losses that are suffered by our Neighbours in their Interests, both at Sea, and on shore, give me fresh Opportunities, which I would employ with all possible Contrivance and Fervency to putt them upon such an Improvement in Piety, as these Dis- pensations call for. Oh ! how earnestly will I now bespeak an Abatement of their Love and Zeal for this World, and their Concern to secure a Portion in a better World ! 2. G. D. My Evening-Sacrifice in my Family when the Evening arrives, must have some Accessions made unto it. I am considering, what? 3. G. D. I am thinking, that I will sett myself to consider, which of my Relatives, have not yett very visible and credible Marks of serious Piety upon them ; and I would in various Methods address them, and address Heaven for them, with unspeakable Importunity, that victorious Grace may visit them. I take Notice of it with Wonder. We have religious People, whose nearest Relatives are poor, vain, carnal Creatures, utterly destitute of the Symptomes of Regen- eration. And yett they seem very easy and thoughtless about them. While they are in this World well provided for, and carry it well towards them, they seem to take no further Thought about them. I would therefore not only myself be concerned for unregenerate Relatives, but also in my Ministry awaken all religious People to be more so, than many of them seem to be. 4. It will be a Service unto the common Cause of our holy Religion, to obtain from the southern Colonies, an Account, how the Missionaries of the Society for Propa- gation of Religion, invade and molest the Churches which are well instructed in Christianity, but leave neglected the Plantations that are paganizing. 5. G. D. I have now obtained, that by a prudent and faithful Visitation of the Indians, we are furnished with a OCTOBER, 1711 121 very punctual Account of the State of Christianity among them. We have a distinct and exact Account of their Circumstances ; and we have something on which we may proceed unto numberless Actions for the Kingdome of our Saviour, and the Welfare of that miserable People. I pro- pose, that the Commissioners of the Indian-affayrs, may now have their very frequent Meetings, and I suppose that we shall at every one of them, be led into such Projections and Purposes as will be of a lasting Advantage. Those which I am now upon, are, to render Thanks unto some that have been useful unto our Affairs. To augment the Salaries of some that have been meritorious in the Service. To procure some Strength unto the Indian- Justices. And, to commission a worthy Englishman to be a Ruler unto them at Little Compton. 6. G. D. Diverse in my Neighbourhood, have uncom- fortable Tidings, concerning the Death of desireable Rela- tives abroad ; I would immediately visit them, and comfort them, and putt into their Hands those Books of Piety, which may help to carry them thro' their Afflictions. 7. G. D. A morning Cough, a little tussient Expectora- tion, at my first Waking and Rising in a Morning, has these many Years attended me. It is doubtless become useful to me ; and the Stopping of it would be an hazardous Incon- venience. But now, it ought to raise a Disposition of Piety in me. I would have my Cough alwayes accompanied with a Thought of this Importance ; Oh! that I may alwayes cast up, and throw off, whatever may be inimical to the Health of my Soul! Every Lust, which like this Flegm, should he parted with; Lord, help me to part with it; yea, to take Pains that I may do so! I. [October 28.] G. D. I find it a marvellous Consola- tion, and Satisfaction unto the Neighbours, and a sensible Advantage unto the Exercise of Piety in them; for me in the Conclusion of my public Prayers, earnestly to entreat 122 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER of the glorious Lord, that He would graciously and suitably look down on the unmentionable, conceled, and reserved Cases in the Neighbourhood ; the Bitterness known only to the Hearts that feel them. I would go on ; and in this Action study to be yett more pathetical. 2. G. D. One of my Servants going to marry away, I must make it an Article of special Supplications before the Lord, that He would send a good Servant into my Family. I would therefore bewayle the Sins of my Behaviour towards my Servants ; and bewayl my ot\ti being so poor a Servant of the Lord; and plead the Sacrifice of my Saviour, who appear'd in the form of a Servant, for my pardon, and for the desired Blessings. 3. G. D. I have a Brother-in-Law, that meets with new, and sad and sore Losses. I am afraid, I am afraid, the Spirit of this World is too much yett upon him ; the Business of this World still too much hurries and ensnares him ; a new Business adds to his Entanglements. I wish, I could see his Conversion to God accomplished. I would now take this Occasion, with all possible Insinuations, to prosecute the Intentions of Piety upon him. 4. G. D. It may be a Service to my Countrey, and an Imitation of our glorious Advocate in the Heavens, for me to vindicate this poor, envied, abused People of God, from the Reproaches of its malignant Adversaries. I purpose in the Audience of the General Assembly to make a Reca- pitulation and Acknowledgment of the good Things as yett found in the Countrey. If they see cause to order the Publication of it, it will give some satisfaction to the People of God abroad in the World. If they do not, however, I shall hereby be enabled with the more of Insinuation and Efficacy, to bear my faithful Testimonyes, which I propose to do, against the ill Things that are also found among us.' ' He preached this day the Lecture, but the Governor remained away because Mather was the preacher. NOVEMBER, 1711 I23 5. G. D. The Society for the Suppression of Disorders; must be extraordinarily call'd upon, to do something extraor- dinary upon their great Intention. Several Things are to be proposed unto them. Especially two orders, which are of late not observed. The one, that at least one good Proposal, be written down every Meeting, to be afterwards again examined, whether it have been prosecuted. The other that he, at whose [House] we meet in the Turn, shall be particularly obliged to offer one Proposal unto Consideration. 6. G. D. I am advised of some young Men in my Neighbourhood, who are undoing their Souls by runnmg away from God, into great Apostasies and Impieties. I must earnestly call upon as many of them as I can, and endeavour to recover them. 7. G. D. I am very sensible, that Envy is a very con- siderable part of the Satanic Image in the Soul ; and the working of it, very displeasing to the good Spirit of God. The Charity that envies not, is a very vital and lovely Stroke in the Image of my sweet Saviour, after which I ought to aspire exceedingly. And how far it may engage the good Providence of the Holy One, to look favourably upon me, tis with Him. I am desirous to have one Stroke more at this Matter, by more distinctly forming these Resolutions, with an Eye unto my dear Saviour, to form in me the Dis- positions proper for them, and to help me in the Executing of them. First : The first and least Ebullition of an envious Thought at the Prosperity of another Man, I would rebuke it and suppress it immedi- ately, with all possible Indignation ; and in a Way of the most expres- sive Contradiction to it, lift up my Heart unto God, with my Thanks to Him for the Good He has done to that Man, and my Prayers and Hopes for the Continuance of it. Secondly ; Upon all occasional Views of the Blessings and Com- forts enjoy'd by other Men, I would shape a Thought of Satisfaction in the Sovereignty, and the Wisdome, and the Goodness of the Glorious 124 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER God, which is exercised in it ; and make that Article of their Pros- perity, a particular Article of my Praises unto the Lord on their behalf; with my Wishes, that they may improve it for His Glory. Thirdly. When I am sitting with my Friends in their Houses, and walking the Streets where I may see some of then: most visible Possessions, I would employ the Ejaculations of my Mind, unto the blessed God, in as real, and sincere Acknowledgments of His granting this Prosperity vmto them, and with as true a Pleasure of Soul at the Prospect, as if it were all my oimi. Yea, and I would obtain a Liesure, to walk about the Place; and go round about the Neighbourhood, and tell the Smiles of God upon it, and mark well their Enjoyments, and consider their Consolations, and upon each of them gett my Soul raised into those Dispositions of Joy, which I ought to have, when I see the Goodness of the blessed God shining forth in so oblig- ing a Manner ; with Supplications for my Neighbours, that they may bring forth much of that Fruit, by which He may be glorified. 1. {November 4.] G. D. Entertaining a Purpose, if the glorious Lord, will give me Life and Strength, to visit again all the Families of the Flock, I would furnish myself with an agreeable Book, to be left in them all. I wotdd therefore compose, and preach, and print a little Book, that shall contain the principal Things which a Pastor has to desire from and for his People. I would form the Composure, with all suitable Contrivance and Adaptation, and look up to Heaven about it ; and when tis in my Hands, I would putt it into theirs. 2. G. D. My Little Daughter Nancy, is under an ill State of Health. I must not only look up to God and use all due Means for the Health of the Child, but also make her Illness an Occasion for most earnest Inculcations of Piety unto her. 3. G. D. The Minister of Water-town Farms is my Kinsman, and one desirous to do good in the World. ' The best Service I can do for him, is to procure him Opportuni- ties of being serviceable. I would particularly procure him some Opportunities to be useful, in the Inspection of the ' Rev. William Williams. NOVEMBER, 1711 I25 Indians at Natick; where the Interests of Christianity are extremely languishing. 4. G. D. God has blessed my Applications unto Woburn, for the bruising of Satan, who had begun to raise grievous Contentions there. ^ It was thought, that it would be a confirming and Finishing stroke on that Good work, if I would give a Lecture unto that People. I assign a Time for it; purposing to preach as charming Things as I can unto them, on Rom. 15. 14. / am perswaded you are full of Goodness. T d. g m. [November.] Wednesday. This Day I accom- plish my Purpose for Woburn, and had many Smiles of Heaven on my Journey ; some that were surprising ones. 5. G. D. Tis moved that the Ministers in this Place may join in an Address to the Queen, that may be of Conse- quence to these Colonies. I would consider the Motion ; and if it may do any good, I would prosecute it. 6. G. D. There is a Woman arrived in my Neighbour- hood, who was once in better Circumstances, but is now reduced unto the lowest Poverty ; and but meanly provided for the Circumstances of the approaching Winter. I will dispense Releefs unto her. (Aa^te).2 gd. gm. Friday. I sett apart this Day for Prayers and Alms, with Fasting before the Lord, that I might procure such Blessings as I want for myself, my Family, my Min- istry, my Friends, and the People of God. And especially, that I may from Scotland, and from England, receive such Things, as may further encourage me in the Service of the Lord. The Work of the Day left a desireable, and a purifying Impression on my Mind. 7. G. D. Tis a practice that I am not unus'd unto ; but I find, it will be for the Interest of God, and the Advance- * On the "disorderly seating of many persons in the house of God." Sewall, History of Woburn, i86. * Davie. 126 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER ment of His Kingdome, in my Heart and Life ; that I should most explicitly and pathetically renew my Resolutions for the Practising of it ; that whenever I perceive an ill Thought arising in my Mind, I will forever extinguish it, and con- tradict it, with forming a good Thought, that shall be directly contrary unto it. More particularly ; upon a proud Thought, I will immediately form a Thought that shall carry the greatest Self-abasement, and Self-abhorrence in it. Upon an impure Thought, I wdU immediately form a Thought, that shall carry in it, a Resignation of myself unto the Spirit of Holiness, and an Invocation of Him to take possession of me. Upon an envious Thought, I will immediately form a Thought that shall carry in it, some ardent Wish for the Prosperity of the Person whom I had in my View. Upon a revengeful Thought, I will imme- diately form a Thought that shall carry in it some sincere Desires for Blessings on the Person that has injured me. Finally, upon a Thought of Discouragement, from the Labour of being serviceable, or from the Malice, and the Number, and the Power of them that are Enemies to my Serv-iceable- ness, I will immediately form a Thought, that shall carry in it, a cheerful Dependence on the Assistence, and Pro- tection of the glorious Lord, and an unfainting Resolution to be alwayes abounding in the Work of the Lord. My best Way will be to putt these Thoughts usually into the Form of Ejaculations, and so send them up to Heaven. I. [November ii.] G. D. There has been this last Week, a remarkable Instance of the divine Judgments on an infamous Harlott. There are more of her Tribe, and of their bewitched Followers, in the Neighbourhood. I would make a public Improvement of this Instance; to warn them against the Pathes of the Destroyer. II d. g m. Lord's-Day. The special Errands on which I went this day unto the Table of the Lord, were these. NOVEMBER, 171I I27 First, I considered, that as Bread strengthens the Children of Men, so my Spirit was to look for Strength to be comunicated from a Christ, becoming my Food, in the ordinance now before me. I considered such a spiritual Strength as purchased for me, by the Death of my dear Jesus, and conveyed from Him to those who rely upon Him for the Conveyance of it. I declared my Faith of this ; and in Token thereof received the Bread of the Eucharist. Then I considered, and confessed my own Feebleness in many Instances. And I look'd up to my glorious Lord, for Strength ; to be more fixed with my Thoughts on the proper Objects and Matters in the Worship of God ; to be more able in Reasoning and Arguing for the Cause of God; and in Discerning some dark Things about His Kingdome. To be more vigorous and courageous in doing my Duty. To repel Temptations with more of Resolution. To overcome the Lusts of the Flesh, with a Strength within. To bear AfHictions from God, and Injuries from Men. And be strong in every Grace of Christ Jesus ; especially, strong in Faith giving Glory to God. Secondly. Being very sensible, what need I have to grow in Humility, I entred into a Contemplation of the Humiliation whereto my humble Jesus, did submitt, when He appeared among us. I herein beheld the Price, for the Grace of Humility to be given unto His People. I declared my Desire of this Grace. And receiving the Cup, I proceed thereon to implore my glorious Lord, that I may have the Grace ; to think so meanly of myself, as a Sinner of such Vileness ought to do. To justify God in all my abasing Circum- stances, and entertain them with a due Judging and Loathing of myself. To entertain the common Lott of mankind in various Frail- ties, with a suitable Submission to them. To be afraid of seeking to aggrandize myself in this World. To encounter Indignities with much Patience, and Silence ; and be only driven thereby to be more afi'ected with my own evil Deservings. And be one of the poor in Spirit, and of the lowly whom the most High will have Respect unto. 2. G. D. If any little Occasion for my Anger, do occur by any Neglect, or by something amiss, in my Family, I would with all possible Decency govern my Passion. My Anger shall not break out, into any froward, peevish, inde- cent Expressions. I wUl only lett them see, that I don't like what I take notice of. But this is not all. I would 128 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER on such an Occasion, immediately divert, and break off, — But what shall I say? — and proceed unto the sorrowful Mention of some greater Miscarriage, in our Conduct about our Souls, which what now offends me, may lead me to reflect upon. 3. G. D. I have a Nephew now a Student at Cam- bridge. I would use various Means, both to preserve him from Temptations and prepare him for Services. I would send for him, talk with him, and bestow agreeable Books of Piety upon him. {6ofia<; TaXrep.) ' I thought it might be a service for this poor Countrey abroad in the World ; especially among our European Brethren that enquire after us ; if my late Sermon wherein I vindicated the Countrey might be published at London. My Concession for such a Publication, has the more of something like Vertue in it, inasmuch as the General Assembly shew'd themselves covetous and ungrateful and unworthy enough, in their taking no public Notice of a Service, which they would Man by Man, every one confess to be a meritorious one. Wherefore I sent the Sermon to our Agent in London, with an agreeable Dedication thereof unto him ; that it may be there printed, if he please, and sent into all Parts, where it may be serviceable. As I thought a sweet Satisfaction in the Neglects of a people here, to acknowledge the good that is done for them, is an Imitation of my dear Saviour ; so it would be to be an Advocate for them in a far Countrey. I entituled it ; The Balances of Equity. A brief Essay on the Just Allow- ances, to be made, both for Good Things, and for Evil, wherever they are to be mett withal. And some Justice particularly done, to a countrey, that has been sometimes Misrepresented in the world. 4. G. D. With the Service newly mention'd which will be productive of many more, if God smile upon it, I am ' Thomas Walter. NOVEMBER, 1711 I29 now furnishing our Agent at London, with such things as may be serviceable to our distressed Countrey. 14 c?. 9 w. Wednesday. This Day, I endeavour to exe- cute of my purpose of keeping a Day of THANKSGIVING, in Secret before the Lord ; Especially, to render my Thanks unto Heaven, from my Remarkable praeservations from the Malice and Envy of the Men, that are disaffected unto me, and unto my Serviceableness. After the praeparatory Duties of the Morning ; and after the Praises offered up to God, for personal and domestic Blessings, in my Family-Sacrifices, and with Endeavours to have my Mind filled with parenthetical and occasional, and ejaculatory Hallelujahs dispatch'd unto Heaven, upon all Occurrences that presented themselves, I spent much of the Forenoon, in such Acknowledgments of the glori- ous Lord, as I intended in the Devoting of this Day unto Him. In particular, prostrate in the Dust before the Lord, I humbly confessed my Sins, which had provoked Him, to raise me up Adver- saries, who were many, and hate me with a cruel Hatred; and I begged the Pardon of them, thro' the Blood of the great Sacrifice. But then I did with Admiration and Astonishment, celebrate the good Hand of God ; which had restrained these Adversaries, and prevented from time to time the Publication of their Libels ; and continued and multiplied my Opportunities to do good ; and employed me in the Greatest Congregations; and made use of my Pen to write many Books for the Advancement of His Kingdome ; Yea, and had strangely encouraged and fortified my Serviceableness, by such Marks of Re- spect from other Parts of the World, as no Person in America has ever yett received before me. And I praised the Lord for this, as a Favour not inferiour to the rest; that He had made my Adversaries useful unto me, for the increasing of my Circumspection, in my Walk, and my Conversation with Heaven ; and He had also helped me to for- give my Adversaries, and to treat them with the meek Spirit of Chris- tianity. In these Things, I magnified the sovereign Grace of God unto the Chief of Sinners. I adored His Power, His Wisdome, His Mercy, and His Faithfulness, and His Readiness to hear the Prayers of them that seek Him, and serve Him. I glorified God as the Father, who had used a fatherly Compassion in His Dealings with me ; God the Son, who had brought me into an Adoption by the Father ; God the Spirit, who had made me one of His Temples, and kept me from n-9 130 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Hurt by the Stones thrown at me. But I more particularly addressed with my Praises, God the Son, as Incarnate in my blessed JESUS. I glorified Him, as the Head of the Church, and as having the divine Providence in the Government of the World under His more immedi- ate Management. I glorified Him, as having purchased my Deliver- ance from Reproaches, by His own suffering Reproaches, and matchless Indignities and Contumelies, when He made Himself a Sacrifice on my behalf. I glorified Him as having the Divels in a Chain, and as having chained up the wicked Men who are under the Energy of the Divels. I glorified Him, as having the good Angels imder His Command, and as having sent His Angels to do good OflSces for me. I gave myself up to Him ; and resolved with His Help, to go on in serving Him unto the uttermost; serving Him with all possible Activity all my Dayes ; trusting Him to shelter me from the Rage of wicked Men, to which my Activity for Him and His Interest may render me obnoxious. I sang agreeable Psalms. In the Afternoon again prostrate in the Dust before the Lord, I begg'd of Him, to show me how I might glorify Him, in more sig- nificant Wayes than meer verbal Acknowledgments. Particularly to direct me, and assist me, in my Design to preach over the Body of Divinity, with considerations of the Interest which the glory of my admirable Saviour has in every Part of it. And because, I thought these two were very expressive Wayes of glorifying Him ; first, I forgave my Adversaries, and heartily pray'd that they might have the Blessings of Goodness heaped upon them. I declared, how much I should rejoice to see them turned unto God, and prosperous in the good Wayes of Piety. I entreated, like a Child of Jacob, that these wicked Edomites might have their Hearts turned and changed. Secondly, I putt my Trust in my great Saviour to rescue me from the Mischiefs which these Adversaries may do unto me ; to defend me from their implacable Fury ; to make me, and keep me, a green OHve-tree in the House of my God. I left my Cause in His Hands ; I utterly forbore all Revenge upon them. I did it purely out of Obedience to Him. I reUed upon Him to fulfil His Word unto me, in pleading my Cause against them. After this, in some other Exercises I proceeded unto some Acknowledgments of the glorious God, in mentioning His Favours to me ; which I reduced unto two Heads ; those which related unto my Ministry, and those which related unto my Family. Adding such as my Friends and the Public were Partakers of. NOVEMBER, 1711 I3I O my dear Saviour, wilt thou not encourage me in my Essayes to offer praise and glorify thee I Ah, my Lord, I will hope continually, and I will yett praise thee more and more. 5. G. D. I have now litt upon a good Projection to revive the languishing, and near expired Society, for Sup- pression of Disorders, in our part of the Town ; which I would immediately putt in Execution. 6. G. D. There be two or three poor Creatures, under the Watch of our Church, who are fallen into Scandal. I must first of all, do all that I can to Recover them, and bring them unto Repentance, by private Applications to them. I must then proceed with the Discipline of the Church, that others may hear and fear. 7. G. D. I am now getting on my Winter-Garments. I would endeavour to do it, with agreeable Dispositions of Piety. First, I would heartily bless the glorious God for supplying me with suitable and sufficient Garments. I would bewayl my Sin in my first Parents, that sinned away the Garments of Glory with which we were at first accommodated, and brought a wretched Nakedness upon us. I would confess my Obligations to my dear JESUS, who by submitting to the sufferings of being disrobed, purchased the Comforts of my Garments for me. Secondly. I would putt on the Lord Jesus Christ, by a new Con- sent of my Soul, to be found in His Righteousness; and by fresh Contemplations and Resolutions, of such a Conformity to Him, that they who see me, may see much of Him. Thirdly. I would come into a further Degree of Solicitude, that I may be clothed with the Spirit; and possessed by the Holy One, evidently resting on me, in the Inclinations of Holiness and Usefulness. Fourthly. I would be sollicitous, to provide Clothing for the Poor that want it, and convey some Garments unto those who in the Cold may want a Covering. I. [November i8.] G. D. Having dispatched a Course of Sermons on the Parable of the Prodigal, I would humbly look up to my glorious Lord, for His Direction, about 132 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER another Subject, which I may spend some Time upon, if He please to allow me any longer Time among His People. 2. G. D. There are Books of Piety, which I would look out for my wife, and commend unto her the Perusal of them. And I would particularly advise her, that in the Re- ligion of the Closet, which I know she maintains, it may [be] her practice, not only to preface her Prayers with Reading somewhat, either in the sacred Scriptures, or in such Books as these, but also to fetch from thence, and form, still some new Matter of Supplication. 3. G. D. I have an aged Father-in-Law at Charlestown, concerning whom I have a Suspicion arising in my Mind, that he may be very speedily and suddenly call'd out of this world. I would visit him as soon as I can, and in my Visit address him with such Discourse as may have a mighty Tendency and Cogency, to quicken his Prasparation, for the heavenly World, and putt his Mind into the Posture wherein his Change is to be waited for.^ 4. G. D. The Town of Jamaica, on Long-Islatid, is a sort of a Frontier for the Interests of the Non-Conformists and of true Piety in these Colonies. The Settlement of a worthy Minister there, would be a real Service to Religion. I have already laboured pretty far in it, and brought it near to an Accomplishment. But some further Strokes are necessary, which I [am] now endeavouring to give, that it may be perfectly accomplished. ^ 5. G. D. It will be of little Importance for me to enter into my Memorials, the Things projected and pro- posed from time to time, when I have my Interviews with the Commissioners for the Propagation of the Gospel among the Indians. However I will at this time insert here two *John Phillips, who is intended, lived until 1726. 'George McNish, who came to this country in 1705, with Rev. Francis Makemie, became minister at Jamaica some time in 171 1. Macdonald, Sketch of the History of the Presbyterian Church in Jamaica, 49. NOVEMBER, 1711 I33 or three Proposals, which I no sooner make than they are ^ putt in Execution. One is, to send a couple of Mission- aries unto 'the Mohegin Indians, and their Neighbours, in the Colony of Connecticot, which unto the Shame of us all, continue still in Paganism. Another is, to hasten the Ordi- nation of a fitt Person unto the Church of Indians, whereof Japhet is the Pastor. ^ I also procured Presents to be made unto certain Indians, who are uncommon Examples of Temperance, and Abstemiousness, and Sobriety. An Hatt for each of them ; which may be an Encouragement unto others to follow the Pattern these have given them. 6. G. D. There is a Family of a Justice in this Town, wherein the Man and his Wife, live in horrible Variance ; a strife which threatens confusion and every Evil work. They wUl both of them hearken to me sooner perhaps than to any Person in the world. I will do what I can to sweeten their Spirits towards each other, and perswade them to such a Behaviour as may be for their Comfort and Honour. (Lw8?.) 2 7. G. D. Many, many, and marvellous, are the Obliga- tions which my dear Saviour has laid upon me, to love Him, and serve Him. Among the astonishing Favours with which He has obliged me, I find my Heart very deeply affected, with this, that He has given me His Laws, which are all holy and just and good ; He has taught me how to live unto God ; He has prescribed me Rules how to escape the Pollutions and Confusions of this World ; He has instructed me in the Methods of Piety ; He has directed me, and commanded me to do those Things, by which my Mind immediately becomes rectified, enriched, and en- nobled beyond all Expression. And He has advised me, how to spend my Time, in such a Manner, as is most worthy of a reasonable Creature. ' An Indian minister, who had labored for some years in the Narragansett country. Mather, Bonifacius, igg. See p. igo, infra. * LjTides. 134 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER It may not be amiss for me to cultivate this Disposition in me. 1. [November 2^.] G. D. I have distinguished my large Flock, into many Tribes. There are many Sorts of People whereof it is composed. The Condition of the Souls in each, ought to be pertinently, and pathetically considered with me. I would not only suit it in my Sermons, but also in the public Prayers, wherefore, when I am going forth to Minister before the Lord, I would often sett myself to think, what part of my Flock shall I now single out, and employ one considerable Part of the public Prayers on the Condition of it? By this Method, that Part of the Flock may be singularly awakened unto the Consideration of their own Condition. They may be instructed how to pray for themselves. They may be quickened themselves to ask for the Blessings which we desire on their behalf! Yea, who can tell, how far the Holy Spirit of God may fall upon them? 2. G. D. There has been a surprising Display of Provi- dence, and Answer of Prayer, in the neat Garments, where- with my Cresy is clothed and armed for the Winter. I will have the Child apprised of it, and made sensible what an efficacious Thing tis to trust in the Lord, and do good ; and I would improve it as a most^ Encouragement unto him, to apply himself unto the Service of his only Saviour. 3. G. D. I have another Kinsman at the Colledge, to whom I purpose to dispense Books, with such Admonitions of Piety, as may be useful to him. (Srei^ai' TtXX(a/Lt9.) ^ I would particularly press upon my Kinsmen there, the Reading of two Lives in our Church-History ; The Youngest Shepards, and my Brother's. 4. G. D. The Minister of Newhaven, having preached a Sermon in our Assembly, about the False Hopes, where- with many deceive themselves, and some of our Hearers ' A word omitted. * Stephen Williams. NOVEMBER, 171I I35 being willing to publish the Sermon, I encourage that Matter ; and more than so ; because I take the Subject to be of great Consequence for the Interests of Piety, and the Souls of Men. I will write a Praefatory Discourse upon it.^ 5. G. D. My Religious Fisherman, is now pubhshed.^ I will now have my Agents in several parts of the Countrey, to lodge the Book where it is intended ; and I will also address diverse Merchants who carry on much of the Trade of the Fishery, that when they have made good Voyages, they will apply a few Pieces of Eight, unto the further dis- persing of this Book among those for whom it is designed. 2()d. gm. 171 1. Thursday. The Mixtures of Mercy re- membred in the Midst of Wrath, to this poor People in the year Past, have obliged us unto a public Thanksgiving; which was this Day attended. The Lord favoured me with precious Assistences, both in the private and the public Duties of the Day. Especially in this thing ; I sett myself to consider, that an Improvement in the Love of God, is the Use, that I should make of all His favourable Dealings with me and others. And, I hope, I found the Flame of that Holy Love enkindled in my Soul, with all the Dispo- sitions of it. My Heart also expanded in one Article of praising the Lord in the Congregation ; this was, when with a Soul purified from Envy, I gave Thanks unto the blessed God, for His Blessings granted unto other men. I was glad of their Prosperity, and gave Thanks to a good, and a wise God for it, as for my own. 6. G. D. I have a Neighbour, my next Neighbour, who is a very froward, frappish, peevish Creature; and who in his ungoverned Passion committs many Offences ; He is an Aged Professor of Religion. I must therefore, as lovingly, as winningly, as prudently and faithfully as I can, take him into my Hands, and labour to recover him out of 1 Printed by T. Green, 1712. Rev. James Pierpont was the minister. ' The Fisher-mans Calling, appearing in 171 2 without a printer's name. 136 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER a Distemper, which renders him so uneasy unto himself, and unto all about him. 7, G. D. As it is a great Point of Religion with me to keep out of Debt, so when I pay any Thing that I owe, be the Summ larger or smaller, I would have this Thought still raised in my Mind ; 0 my dear Saviour, Thou hast paid my Debt unto the Justice of Heaven. Oh! help me to love thee, and praise thee, and serve thee for thy Goodness. 1. [December 2.] G. D. I have newly written a brief Manual for Self -Examination. I incline to pubhsh it, and furnish myself, with what Numbers of Copies I can, to be lodg'd in the Hands of all our Comunicants. It may prove a considerable Service to the Interests of Piety among them. 2. G. D. I would putt each of my Children (capable to do it) on Pondering and Answering, that Question ; What Course do I take, and must I take, that I may have the Fatherly Providence of the Great God, and my Saviour, concerned for me? that I may not be abandoned of God unto the Miseries that some Orphans are left unto? Yea, lett them write their Answer to it. 3. G. D. There is a Family related unto me, in which Family I am treated with exceeding Affection and Civility. I have done something, but never done enough, in the Service of that Family, and for the Welfare of it. I would visit them, and entreat them to think for me, and show me what I shall do for them. I will myself also think ; and in all their Exercises and Difficulties, I would study all possible Wayes to comfort them. 4. G. D. The Time is drawing on, for the Sailing of our Mast-fleet into Europe. I have many and great Cor- respondencies to cultivate, with my Letters hither ; which I am quickly beginning to write. I will impose it, as a Law on myself, that still, when I am going to write any of these Letters, I will sett myself to think, what Service may I do for the Kingdome of my admirable Saviour in what I DECEMBER, 1711 I37 now address to my Friend? And, what Service is there that I may putt my Friejid upon? I shall not have Time to record the Services which I shall thus think upon ; and it may be, t'wil be of no Importance to do it. It is enough, that they will aU be known unto the glorious Lord, 5. G. D. There is a small Society of younger Persons, who are Communicants in our Church, and hold a Meeting in the Friday Evening prasparatory to the Communion. I will send some very agreeable and profitable Things unto them, to be read at their Meeting. 6. G. D. I hear of a very poor, but a very pious. Woman, at the South End of the Town ; to whom I would therefore not only dispense my own Charities, but also procure those of other Peoples. 7 d. 10 m. [December.] Friday. I am this week pretty much confined, and very much afflicted, with grievous Pains on the right Side of my Head and in my Jawes. I improve these Pains as Admonitions unto me, to humble myself before the Lord, for the Barrenness of my Head, which has had no more good Thoughts in it, and so few Designs to do Good. And adore the Love of my dear Saviour, who has delivered me from everlasting Pains. My Miseries the last Night were almost insupportable ; But I found so much Releef by an epispastick, that I was able to sett apart this Day for Prayer with Fasting in my Study, as I use to do. However I went thro' the Duties after a feeble Manner. And what I fell short in the Prayers, I made up in Dispensations of Instruments of Piety, which I sent this Day, with short Letters, to many Quarters. I much cried unto the Lord this Day, that I may have such Tidings coming over the Water to me ; as may encourage me in my poor Endeavours to serve Him. 7. G. D. I thought, it might contribute unto the Intentions of Piety, not only in my own Soul, but also in my Family, if I should have a short Hymn, relating to the 138 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Lord's-day, to be sung (besides the many others which I so employ,) with my Family, every Lord's-day Morning. That which I prepare for this purpose, is this. The Sons of God shouting for Joy at the Arrival of the Lord's-day. My Saviour's risen from the Dead, And lives enthron'd Above. The Price of my Salvation's paid; My Life is in His Love. With holy Sabbaths and Peace Hath me victorious Blest. Lord, bring thou me Holiness, To Victory and Rest. () d. 10 tn. Lord's-Day. The Prevailing of my Pains upon me, has this Day chased me from the Services and Enjoyments of the Sanctuary; and particularly those of the Holy Table, at which I should have ministred before the Lord. I desire to improve this Humiliation, as a great Incentive to Repentance for my many Miscarriages, by which I have rendred myself unworthy of the Blessings in the Sanctuary. Especially my Unthankfulness for such Mercies, and my Unfruitfulness under them, and my unsuit- able Attendence on them ; as also the many Impurities of my Life, which make me deserve to be shut out, from the Sanctuary, as one too unclean to be admitted there. On these Accounts, my Flight unto the great Sacrifice, is quick- ened this Day. I. [December 9.] G. D. But I would endeavour that my Flock, as well as myself, may reap some Good out of my Affliction. I would make up what I have left of an Opportunity to serve them this day, by arriving more ser- viceable to them, when I come abroad again. My next Sermon may very seasonably and serviceably be on the Communion which the great God maintains with His People, in His Institutions ; the Calamity of a Banishment DECEMBER, 1711 I39 from that Communion ; the Importunity wherewith such a Communion is to be desired ; and the Voice of God com- muning with each sort of People from the Mercy-seat in the Sanctuary. 2. G. D. I must keep a strict Eye on my Servant Onesimus; especially with regard unto his Company. But I must particularly endeavour to bring him unto Repent- ance, for some Actions of a thievish Aspect. Herein I must endeavour that there be no old Theft of his unrepented of, and left without Restitution. But then, upon every observable Miscarriage of any Person in my Family, I must make my Flight unto the Blood of my Saviour, as a Family-Sacrifice ; that so the Wrath of God may be turned away from my Family. 3. There is an horrid and very wicked Blade, a Finished Rake, who a year ago, (and ever since) has treated me with all the Malignities and Indignities, that Hell could inspire him withal, and now in a long Journey made it his business to load me with his lying Calumnies, wherever he has come. I have begg'd of my glorious Lord, that He would pitty and pardon this poor Man, and give him a new Heart, but graciously stop him in his Career of Wickedness. I have entirely left him in the Hand of the Glorious One. Last night, I understand, that God has broken the Arm of the wicked Wretch ; by a Fall he has received in his Journey. I thought it now a Time to pray for him, (which I did before I slept,) that God will be merciful to him, and sanctify to him his AfHiction, and bring him to Repentance. And I now renew my purpose to do so ; and mightily to keep under the Awe of that Word, Rejoice not when thine Enemy falleth. This Day I had a surprising Experiment. I have been for some while Afflicted with grievous Pains in my Head, that seem to have a gouty Aspect upon them. A neigh- bour-Minister last Night asked me, whether the Dragon I40 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER might not be (by the wise Permission of Heaven) taking some Revenge upon me, for some notable Mischief, which my Head may have lately done unto His Kingdome ? The Consideration of a Peece of Work, which I am now upon, harmonizes well enough, with such a pleasant Fancy. But I am now passing from the evil Angels to the good ones. All Methods and Medicines for my Cure, fail me. I have used Unguents, and Plaisters, and Cataplasms, and Epis- paspicks, and Sinapisms, and Catharticks, and what not! But all to no purpose. My Physicians are of no value. My Pains this Morning are more violent than they use to be. I ly down like a Stag in a Nett, with a very despairing Discouragement. However, I thought, I would make one Experiment more. But before I made it, I fell do\Mi before the Lord. I acknowledged the Power of my Enthroned Saviour, over the World, and over Diseases ; and His Empire over the mighty Angels. I bewailed before His holy Majesty, my Foolishness and Filthiness, and my Unworthiness of His Favours. I begg'd the Removal of my Malady, that I might go on with His desired Service ; and that the Pains which He suffered might be the Price of my Deliverance. I pleaded with Him, that His good Angels were able, at His Order, to do marvellous Kind- nesses for the Children of men, in releeving of their Weak- nesses, and those kind and sweet Spirits took Delight in helping us, especially if they might look on us as their Fellow-Servants. I besought Him to send one of His Angels, to touch my Head with His healing Hand ; which I knew would immediately releeve me. Behold, I had no Occasion for any further Application. My Pains imme- diately went off. And as yett (I write the Day following,) I have no Return of them. This Occurrence has a very sanctifying Effect upon my Mind. It causes me to resolve, Oh lett me now be more Industrious than ever ; in the Service of my Glorious Lord! Oh! lett me be more solli- DECEMBER, 1711 I4I citious to avoid every Thing that may be offensive to the Angels of the holy Lord." 4. G. D. My Book of, The true way to shake of a Viper is published in London, and this week arrived here. I would sett myself, in the Dispersion thereof, to consider how it may be most serviceable unto the great Interests of Religion. 5. G. D. I would write unto Sir Richard Blackmore, my Desires, that His incomparable Pen may make its furthest Efforts, in paying an Homage to our admirable JESUS ; in celebrating His Beauties, before which those of the whole Creation languish and vanish; in uttering the awakened Songs of His Love to the Children of Men ; in describing the illustrious Exemple of all Goodness, which He has given us ; in asserting His Government over the Works of God ; and Painting out the Grandeurs wherein He shall come to raise the Dead and judge the World, and the Delights of the new Heavens and the new Earth, which shall succeed the Resurrection. 6. G. D. I hear of a very poor Woman in my Neigh- bourhood, perishing in three woful Circumstances ; Wicked- ness, Poverty, and a Consumption. I would sett myself to do all that I am able for her. {Treppte.) i After two or three Dayes of unaccountable Repose, I suffered some Return of my Pain ; upon which I made my Renewed Supplications unto the Lord, as before. And I putt on an Epispastic, which suddenly and mightily releeved me. 7. G. D. It has long been my Custome, when I write a Letter, tho' it be but a short one, to think. What honour- able Mention can I make of my dear Saviour here? What Occasion can I make to insinuate Something of His Glory? But I would more than ever carry on my Consideration, to this further Point : What Service may I do for the King- ' Perry. 142 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER dome of my dear Saviour, on this Opportunity? What Good may I putt my Friend upon the doing of? And now, taking my Correspondencies into Considera- tion, I would add these three Resolutions more. First ; when I am sealing a Letter and sending it away, I would with an Act of Resignation putt it over into the Hand of the divine Providence, for the Safety and Success of it. Secondly, when I am going to open any Letter that arrives with a Direction to me, I would hft up my Heart unto God, that He would prcepare me for whatever Matter, grievous or joyful, I am therein to encounter withal. Thirdly, in my last Prayer in my Study, before I go to my Rest, I would call to Mind, from whom I have received any Letter this Day, and make a particular Mention of that Person, unto the Lord, with Supplications for suitable Mercies to him. 1. [December i6.] G. D. There are two Persons of some Fashion and Interest, whom I may \\ath a little of my Advice bring into our Communion. It may be a Ser- vice, not unto them alone, but also unto the whole Flock ; and therefore I would endeavour it. 2. G. D. By the gracious Providence of God, it is come to pass, that the religious, ingenious, and sweet- spirited Isaac Watts, hath sent me the new Edition of his Hymns; wherein the Interest of Piety are most admirably suited. I receive them as a Recruit and a Supply sent in from Heaven for the Devotions of my Family. There I will sing them, and endeavour to bring my Family in Love with them. I would also procure our Booksellers to send for a Number of them ; and perswade my well-disposed Neighbours to furnish themselves with them ; and in this way promote Piety among them. 3. G. D. Great Service may be done for the Church oi God, and some for my Brother himself, by giving my Excitations and Assistences to my Brother Samuel, for the DECEMBER, 1711 I43 Work he is upon ; the abridging and pubUshing our Church- History. I am now, for that Purpose writing to him. 4. G. D. In my Letters to Britain, I would call upon the Non Conformists, to institute an Enquiry into the Re- proaches and Calumnies, with which their Enemies do load them, and the Prejudices against them, with which their Enemies Endeavour to leaven the Minds of them who do not know them ; and consider hereupon, what is the Voice of God unto them in all these things ; what Lessons they have to learn from the Abuses of their Adversaries ; what should be their Studies that they may effectually confute the Ignorance of them that speak Evil of them ; Wherein they may have given any Shadow of Occasion unto dis- affected Men to be so ; or, what other Miscarriages in them the Holy God may design to chastise in the Abuses of unreasonable Men ; and, in fine, what Improvement in the Things that are excellent, they should make under the Discipline of the disadvantageous Character, which foolish and factious Men endeavour to putt upon them ; and, thus to gain Wisdome from their Enemies. 5. G. D. Would it not be a thing of good Consequence, if I should write unto some of the Ministers employ'd in the evangelical Service among the Indians, that they would procure as soon as may be, a Consultation with the Rest of their Brethren ; about the Mischiefs which most threaten the Christian Indians, and the Methods of preventing those Mischiefs ; and be more in earnest than ever to advance the Kingdome of God and of His Christ among them; and with a true evangelical Spirit give Demonstration, that the little Pension received by them, is the least Thing they aim at ? 6. G. D. I have now gott by me, a pretty large Summ of Money, to be dispersed among the poor. I will first cry to the glorious Lord for His Direction. I will then look out for Objects of Piety, both at home and abroad. And 144 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I will annex Books of Piety, to accompany the Parcels in the Dispensing of them. 7. G. D. There is a Thought which I have often had in my mind ; but I would now lay upon my Mind, a Charge to have it yett oftner there ; that the Light of Reason, is the Work of God ; the Law of Reason is the Law of God ; the Voice of Reason is the Voice of God; We never have to do with Reason, but at the same time we have to do with God; Our submission to the Rules of Reason is an Obedience to God. How much will this Expedient con- tribute unto a Life of Obedience to God ? Lett me as often as I have evident Reason sett before me, think upon it; the great God now speaks unto me! And lett me from this Principle yeeld a present Compliance with it ; alwayes hearken to Reason, from this Consideration. 1. [December 23.] G. D. There are some religious So- cieties belonging to the Flock, to whom I would earnestly recommend it, that in the Close of every Meeting they would effectually discourse on certain Points of Considera- tion, which may render them great Blessings to the Neigh- bourhood, and promote the Good and Growth of the Flock in very many Instances. 2. G. D. There is an Ingenuity, which I may use, to insinuate the Maxims and Lessons of Piety, into the Minds of my younger Children. I would observe what Games and Sports they are upon, when the Hours of Recreation recur unto them. And I would by way of occasional Re- flection, as plainly as tis possible, mind them of those pious Instructions, which the Circumstances of their play may lead them to think upon. Hereby their Minds will insensibly improve, and be drawn on to higher Matters; and perhaps the Maxims and Lessons thus convey'd unto them, will be of use to them, and abide by 'em all their Dayes. 3. G. D. I have a Sister, a Widow, in some Wants DECEMBER, lyil I45 and Straits. I will dispense Releefs unto her particularly in regard of her Habit. (/SiXe?.) i 4. G. D. It may prove many Wayes a Service to the Interests of Piety, if I compose a short Essay, on the most agreeable Points, and in the most agreeable • Terms that I can, about the Methods of Piety, wherein we may pro- pose to meet with our blessed Saviour at His Temple in the Winter; and first utter this Discourse unto the People of the Town, in a Lecture on a Winter-day, and then publish it by the Way of the Press, if I meet with Encouragement. 5. G. D. There is a great Concern which the Minis- ters of this Town have now before them. A Party in the old Church are in a distempered and a discontented Frame and are for separating themselves into a new Church by themselves. There is hazard of a greater Fire, than what raged the Second of October. The Ministers of this Place have great Occasion hereupon, to consult what is to be done, and use exquisite Wisdome, and Meekness, and a very nice Conduct. I would on this occasion give my best Assistences, and ask for those from above. I would make this an Article of my Advice to the N. C. Ministers in London; that whereas the Societies pretending the Propagation of Religion, do disperse numberless Books, which obtrude a very defective Christianity on the Nation, the N. C.'s would write little Books, on the same Argu- ments, with more of the true Spirit of the Gospel in them ; and erect Funds for the Publishing and the Dispersing of them. And send Numbers of them over to our southern colonies; with little Books of the same import with the Letter of the Aged N. C. to arm the People there, against Seducers. 6. G. D. There is an aged, (I hope, a pious) Woman in my Neighbourhood ; reduced unto very low Circum- stances. I will take some Care that her Condition may 1 Byles. n • 10 146 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER be made more easy and comfortable to her. She is the Daughter of one, who was once a noted Servant of the churches, [irpviq the Daughter of Sv/x?.] 1 There is also a poor pious, praying widow, who has two Sons, under the unhappy Character of Deserters from Annapolis; in her Distress for them, she applies herself to me. I will endeavour to make her Heart sing for Joy, and do all I can to accomplish their Deliverance from their unhappy Circumstances. - 7. G. D. It is most certain, I am a man full of Igno- rance, and full of Corruption, and my Life has been, yea, still is full of Miscarriages. That I may have the due Temper of Humility alwayes preserved in me, I would im- pose it as a Law upon myself ; that whenever I have darted into my Mind, the least Thought of any exalting Circum- stances with which the sovereign God has favoured me, or whenever any of my Friends do happen to flatter me with the mention of any Thing that they apprehend con- siderable in me, I will immediately make my Flight unto some of my abasing Circumstances, for which I have cause to abhor myself before God and Man ; and especially single out such Abasements as do carry most of Opposition to my proposed Advancements, and may be employ'd as a dead Weight against them. Thus would I ly exceedingly low, and in the Dust before the Lord continually. I. [December 2)0.] G. D. I hear of a Number of young People of both Sexes, belonging, many of them, to my Flock, who have had on the Christmas-night, this last Week, a Frolick, a revelling Feast, and Ball, which discovers their Corruption, and has a Tendency to corrupt them yett more, and provoke the Holy One to give them up unto eternal Hardness of Heart. I must acquitt myself as prudently and as faithfully as ever I can, in the Discharge of my * Prue, daughter of Syms. ' This paragraph is written in the margin. DECEMBER, 171I I47 Duty to them, on this Occasion, and endeavour to bring them unto Repentance, and prevent such FolHes for the Time to come.^ 2. G. D. It must be a particular Article of my Con- ference with my Children, and I will with much Artifice manage it ; how exceeding acceptable to me, their Conduct is, in that they steer clear of such Company as may give any Taint unto them, and they keep an unspotted Char- acter ; how honourable it is also to themselves, and likely in the issue to prove more than a little Serviceable. 3. G. D. I have a Kinswoman, who dishonours God, and wounds her own Good Name, and brings a Blemish on her Friends, by her inconsiderate Behaviour. I must use the kindest and wisest Method I can, to save her out of her Follies. About this Time, I gave to the Public in the Form of a Treatise by itself, what I had prepared for a Preface unto a Sermon published by the Minister of Ncwhaven; a little composure entituled, a soul well-anchored. A Little Manual for Self -Examination; To assist a Christian, in Examining his Hopes of a Future Blessedness.- I thought it a Subject of the greatest Consequence. And I laid out a Quantity of Silver, in purchasing a Number of them, to disperse where they might be serviceable. 4. G. D. I must endeavour to save the Town of New- bury in this Countrey, from some Devices of Satan, which manage a little and wretched Party, that pretend for the ' On this last day of the year the ministers of Boston assembled at the house of Major [John] Walley, to pray for his recovery from some disorder that affected his foot. Sewall, Diary, 11. 330, with unconscious humor describes it as an exer- cise in prophecy on the part of two of the ministers. "Mr. Wadsworth insisted pretty much, that several in the room might dy before Major Walley; all of them might. Dr. C. Mather very near the conclusion of his Prayer, said. Probably some remarkable person in the room might dye before Major Walley. Major Walley was easy all the time of the exercise, had not one Twinging pain." All the same he died eleven days later. * Printed by B. Green, 171 2. Rev. Mr. Pierpont was the minister. 148 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Church of England there.' A true Account sent home, will be of some consequence. This Week I also publish, what I prepared the Last. It is Entituled, Winter-Piety. A very brief Essay, on the Methods of Piety, wherein a serious Christian may propose to meet with his blessed Saviour, at the Temple, in the Winter.^ 5. G. D. I write unto the N[on] C[onformist] Minis- ters, that their having been putt upon raising Money for the Support of Missions, for which they have Reason to express the greatest Aversion, may excite them to erect Funds on the other Hand, for the Encouragement of more evangelical and agreeable Missions ; and in the mean time, with kind Presents, or at least Letters, encourage their excellent Brethren who are conflicting with extreme Difli- culties, in our southern Colonies. 6. G. D. I have Thoughts of sending a Uttle Quantity of Silver, with some agreeable Books of Piety, to be dis- pensed as from an unknoA;\Ti Hand, unto certain Widows in Salem; that are poor, but pious and praying Handmaids of the Lord. 4 d. 11 m. [January.] I7ii[-i2.] Friday. I sett apart this Day for Prayers and Alms, with Fasting before the Lord. The Occasions were such as are usual with me. As also, to ask for a Blessing on the Letters and Packetts I am now sending to Britain. I did this day comfortably receive and apply the pardon- ing Mercy of God, with the Blood of my dear Saviour. And importunately cried unto Him, for Abundance of Grace ; in regard of the abundant Occasions, which I have, and am like to have, to exercise it. '"Some of the inhabitants living in the vicinity of Sawyer's hill, by the advice and with the assistance of Mr. John Bridger, of Portsmouth, N. H., erected in 171 1 'Queen Anne's Chapel.' On Sundays and holy days they held service there 'according to the rubrics and ritual of the established Church of England' until the close of the year 1766." Currier, Uislory oj Newbury, 228. ' Printed by B. Green, 1712. JANUARY, 1711-12 149 7. G. D, Whenever I am sensible of any good and great Instrument, raised up to serve the Church and Cause of my dear Saviour; particularly, in the Reading of any Books written by such ; I would make it an Article of my rapturous Thanksgiving to the glorious Lord. I would fly to Him, with my Thanks and Praise on the Occasion. I would have this to be very particularly considered by me, among my many Invitations into Communion with God. 1. [January 6.] G. D. Having some special Occasion for it, I would in the publick Exhortations, with most pathetical Importunity commend unto the Flock, the Duties and the Tempers of a good Neighbourhood; and then also, of heroic Piety, which, alas, may be called, uncommon Piety, in the several Conditions which God has assign'd unto them. 6 d. II m. Lord's-day. I visited the Table of the Lord, (and administred the Eucharist,) in a very cold Season. I went upon the usual and proper Errands. But I very particularly look'd up to Heaven for Grace to bestow a very excellent Education on my Children. 2. G. D. There is hardly any Thing, that would more contribute unto a Religion and excellent Education for my Children, than to revive my Cares to have them fill their blank Books, with agreeable and valuable Things. I would therefore first of all, settle an Hour with them, have a stated Hour, that shall be for this Purpose constantly kept unto. I would then furnish them, with Materials, both devotionary and scientifical, that may fill the Chambers of their Souls, with precious and pleasant Riches. Moreover, at the Time of my Short-supper, I would endeavour to hold a Conference with my Children, that shall be as instructive, and impressive, as it can be made, by a Father, in my Circumstances, who am quickly to be taken from them. I have done something this way; but I would improve to a greater Exactness in it. 3. G. D. My honest Brother-in-Law, who was made a 150 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Widower, a year ago, shall have my best Advice and Assist- ence, in his Return to the married State ; and I will en- deavour every Way I can devise, to be useful unto him. 4. G. D. I incline to write a little Treatise, about the Peace, which is the Legacy of our Saviour unto His People. 5. G. D. I am sensible of some Disorders in the Place, which I would animate the Societies, to rebuke with their Admonitions. I am again writing to the University of Halle in the Lower Saxony, sending a present of Gold for the Orphan- house there. I would move their Translating some English Books of Piety, into their own Language. 6. G. D. It is a Time of more than ordinary Severity for the Cold. The last Night, I joined with several other good Men, in sending a Portion to seven of the poor ; for whom I have my Soul grieved at this Time. I am also assisting the Distribution of a Legacy of an hundred Pounds left them about ten months ago. IMy Catalogue of the Poor, which has more than four score in it, is that which directs the Distribution. 7. G. D. At a Time, of severe Cold, I and mine are surrounded with so many Conveniencies and Consolations, that I would have my Heart raised up to the highest Fhghts of Thankfulness, not only in my Retirements, but also in the Sacrifices of my Family. Yea, I entertain Thoughts, of Keeping a Day of Thanksgiving with my Family. 1. [January 13.] G. D. There are some Objects of Rebuke and Censure, in the Church. I must with all Faithfulness dispense what belongs unto them. I hope, God will sanctify what is to be done, both unto them, and unto many others. 2. G. D. I find it requires exquisite Study, and a Mind intensely sett upon doing of Good, and mindful of Death; but I would prosecute this Matter with yett a more lively Application ; rarely to lett one of my Children JANUARY, 1711-12 151 to come anear me, and never to sitt any Time with them, without some expHcit Contrivance and Endeavour, to lett fall some Sentence or other, that shall carry an useful Instruction with it. But my Son Increase, now being of Age for it, I would often call him into my Study, especially on the Lord's-day Evenings, and make him sitt with me and hear from me such Documents of Piety, and of Discretion, as I shall endeavour to suit him, and to shape him withal. 3. G. D. I would repeat my Endeavours to prepare my aged Father-in-law for his approaching Change ; and allow to his wife also a Share in my Endeavours that way ; by putting some extremely suitable Books for that purpose into theirs which are now in my Hands. 4. G. D. The high-flying Church of England, are Endeavouring to poison and seduce and divide the Dutch Christians which are under the Government of New York. I have thoughts of writing and sending to the University at Utrecht, several Things that may be of great Consequence to the general Interests of Religion. But among other Things, I would remonstrate this Matter to them ; that so they may admonish and caution their People in those Colonies. 16 d. 11m. Wednesday. This Day I was, with some Christians at Roxhury, keeping a solemn Thanksgiving with and for a Family, that has received special Favours of God, for which we made our Supplications, two Years ago. 5. G. D. Into my Catalogue of excellent Things, I propose to insert some Directions relating to our religious Societies, that may have a Tendency to render them all, yett more serviceable to the Intentions of Religion. Moreover, having Occasion to dispense a Releef of Cloathing this Week, unto a poor Mohegin Indian, and his wife, sojourning at Braintree, I would at the same time send unto the Ministers there, to take the poor Pagans into their Hands, and bestow the best Instruction in Christianity upon 152 DIARY or COTTON MATHER them, and make our Kindness ; an occasion of recommend- ing the christian ReHgion imto them. 6. G. D. My List of the Poor to be cared for, has about Ninety in it; and it is a time wherein a particular care is to be exercised about most or all of them. WTiere- fore to distinguish One, in the Thoughts of my Friday- moming, seems too confining an Action. Yett there is one poor old Man, to be a little Distinguished. (Svao-te)i And another poor old woman, to be particularly this Day look'd after. {TapKe^ep) 2 7. G. D. It is now a very extreme Winter ; and we are now in the Extremity of it. As I have already from the Circumstances of the Win- ter, been awakened unto many Strokes of Winter-Piety ; particularly, to consider and acknowledge, the Sufferings of my dear Saviour, as purchasing for me, the Comforts that succour me in, and shelter me from, the Difficulties of the Winter ; so I would now go on to form certain Sup- plicationes Hyemales or, Winter-Desires and Prayers, which from the several Accidents of the Winter, I would be quick- ened both to insist upon myself, and also to draw my Friends with me to take notice of. On, The Distance of the Sun from us. Ok/ Lett not my Soul, nor the World, languish in a miserable Distance from our Saviour. The Snow. Lord, Thro' the Blood of my Saviour applied unto me, render my Guilty and stained Soul, whiter than the Snow. The Frost. Lord, Lett not my Capacities, and Activities for thy Service, ly under any Congelation. The Ice. Lord, save me from the Fate and Fall of them whom thou hast sett in slippery Places. Glory be to Him, who is able to keep me from Falling. The V ermine suppress'd. Lord, Lett the Lusts in my Soid, which are worse than, the worst, and most noxious of all Creatures, be destroyed, without ever being revived any more. • Swasie. * Worcester? JANUARY, 1711-12 153 The Fruitless Face of the Earth. Lord, Tho' my Life be loo much without good Fruits, yett thou canst bring me to be Fruitful in good Works. And tho' the Face of the world at this Day be horribly barren and wretched, yett I will hope in thee, to give it a better Face, and bring on a better Time. My Garments. Lord, I am not afraid of the Winter, because of my double Cloalhing. But, oh! putt upon me the Righteousness of my Saviour; lett me be also cloathed with thy Spirit; under such Influ- ences of the Spirit, that none other shall be seen upon me! O glorious, 0 durable Cloathing! My Fuel. Lord, Enable me to warm all that are about me, with holy Dispositions, and speak those gracious Words to them, which may cause their Hearts to burn within them. And, oh! save me and mine from the eternal Burnings; from the Fiery Indignation, which is to, devour thine Adversaries. 1. [January 20.] G. D. It might be attended with a Train of excellent Consequences, to preserve and promote the Interests of Religion in this Neighbourhood, if such a Projection as this might be accomplished. We have many religious Societies in this Neighbourhood. What if I, fur- nishing myself, with a List of all the Names belonging to each of them, should appoint an Evening once in two or three Months; and single out one or two Members from each Society, and direct them to meet me at the Time and Place assigned ; and then learn from them the State of each Society ; and concert with them, and propose to them, such Things, as may have a Tendency to serve the Cause of Christ and Piety in the Neighbourhood. I would see what I can do, to accomplish this comprehensive Design for Good. 2. G. D. It may be many Wayes for the Advantage of my Daughters, to have them well-instructed in Short- hand. I would therefore apply myself unto this part of their Education ; and make the Stated Hour in the Day for this, an opportunity to employ their Pens in all those Things, that may fiU the Chambers of their Souls with precious and pleasant Riches. 3. G. D. I have several Cosin-germans and their off- 154 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER spring, living at Salisbury. I would this week send agree- able Books of Piety, to each of them. 4. G. D. There has been this Winter, an horrible Mortality raging in the Colony of Connecticot.^ The Mor- tality has very much fallen, on their more useful People, and their more hearty People. I incline to preach a Ser- mon on that Occasion ; and then to print it ; and so to send a good Number of the Copies, into the afflicted Colony. By this I propose, not only that my Neighbours here, may make a due Improvement of the divine Dispensations towards our Brethren ; but also that the Survivors in the smitten Colony may be Entertained with suitable Admoni- tions, at a time, when God makes their Heart soft; and the Almighty sends Troubles on them, that may awaken them to hearken unto the Maxims of Religion. 5. G. D. What if I should move among the Ministers that, in case the Sickness continue among our Brethren, we should in this Town publickly keep a solemn Day of Prayer for them? This would not only express our Charity to our Brethren, but also bespeak our own Preservation. 6. G. D. A poor Man, and now an old one, that has been fifteen Years under the Censure of the Church, is now so far coming out of his Impoenitency, that he is apply- ing himself unto us, to be Restored. I would with great Love and Joy cherish his Dispositions, and assist him in this Action ; and also do my best, that it may not be a Peece of Hypocrisy (KoXe/Ltai/.)^ * The disease, then believed to be a species of putrid pleurisy, broke out in Waterbury, and raged for eleven months. It was so general that nurses could scarcely be found to tend the sick. *"id. 12m. Mr. William Coleman, appearing this day before the Church, with an expressive Acknowledgment of the miscarriages for which he had been censured, and with some Testimony of a reformed Conversation, the Church did by order vote, restore him to their Fellowship, and also allow him to transfer his Relation, when he shall desire it, unto that Flock in this Town, with which, for a Reason well known unto us all, he may chuse to give his most usual Attendance." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, u. JANUARY, 171I-12 155 7. G. D. My Mind, with all the Dispositions, and all the Operations of it, is continually under the Eye of the omnipresent God. Not only my Wayes, and my Words, but also all the Thoughts and Frames of my mind, come under the Observation of the glorious One. He takes Notice of all that passes in my Mind, and is intimately acquainted with it all. This is a Consideration, that often visits my Mind, and chases away from it such Things as ought not to be lodged in it. But then I also consider, that it is unto the glorious One, a graceful Thing, to see His Image on my Mind ; and my Spirit employ'd as a Temple for Him, in the Inclinations and Contemplations of a godly Mind. I propose, to improve exceedingly in my most frequent and cogent Employing of this Reflection ; Is my mind now tending that way, and doing that Work, that is most pleasing to the glorious God? And walk under the Power of it. 0 my dear Saviour, Help me, help me, to a great Im- provement in this Piety ! 1. [January 27.] G. D. It may administer many and solemn Occasions, to disperse very serviceable Admonitions unto the Flock, if I take the Parable of the Tares, and handle it in a Course of Sermons upon it. This I propose to do, and pray the Direction and Assistence of Heaven, in the doing of it. 2. G. D. It may prove of excellent Consequence to my Son Increase, if he may turn into Latin, after the rate of one Quaestion per day, my Supplies from the Tower of David. It may also supply me, with an Engine, which after my bestowing further Limations on it, and Additions to it, may do inexpressible Good in other Countreys. How marvellously does the glorious Lord glorify me, in that which is the First-born of my Desires, and multiply my Opportunities to do Good! My late Sermon on the mortality of Connecticot, as it 156 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER was heard by a great Assembly, and mett wdth a great Acceptance, and had its good Operation here ; so, it is like to have a further Operation ; tis like to do Good in all the Towns of the afflicted Colony. A Copy of it is desired ; it is committed unto the Press ; it is intended to be sent into every Part of the Colony ; and it goes furnished with Lessons and Engines of Piety, accommodated unto the Condition of the poor People there, and such, as tis hop'd, under the Impressions of their Calamity, they will very much take nonce of. It is entituled, Seasonable Thoughts upon Mortality. A Sermon occasioned by the raging of a Mortal Sickness in the Colony of Comiecticut, and the many Deaths of our Brethren there. That which renders this Favour and Honour the more agreeable, is, that a certain finished Rake has lately been abusing and belying of me, in several Towns of that Colony. 3. G. D. Tis now a Time, for me particularly to pray for the Lives of my useful Kinsmen at Connecticut; and also, to putt them upon particular Essayes to do good, when I send my seasonable Thoughts unto them. 4. G. D. My little Book of Seasonable Thoughts on Mortality, now in the Press ; is calculated for Service to the Interests of Piety, not only at Connecticot, but in any Place that has been suffering under a raging Mortality. Carolina is now such a place, as well as our Connecticut. I would therefore sett apart a Number of the Books to be sent thither, by the first Opportunity. 5. G. D. I am calling upon all the religious Societies, once again, to putt on the Character of reforming Societies, and consider when they are together, what Good they may do in the Neighbourhood? 6. G. D. I am inclinable, as soon as I can, to furnish myself, with Books of Piety, that shall be very much adapted unto the Condition, and Edification of the Poor, and to make a Present thereof, to each of the Poor, which amount FEBRUARY, 171I-12 157 unto above ninety, in my Catalogue. In the mean time, to keep doing that way, according to my Ability and Occasion. 1 d. 12 m. [February.] Friday. The many Sermons I have preached, both more publickly and more privately this Week, and the Colds, I have taken in the damp Evenings, have much indisposed me. Nevertheless, I sett apart this Day for Prayers, and Alms, with Fasting, before the Lord. One of the Exercises which distinguished this Day, was this. I took the Catalogue of the Books which I have been the Father of. The Number in the Catalogue is, two hundred and five. On each of the Titles I made a Pause. And I obliged every one of them, to suggest unto me some remarkable Article of Humiliation ; which I thereupon with an abased Soul mentioned before the Lord. Another was this ; I considered my blessed JESUS, as having first made Expiation for my Sins on the Cross ; but now placed on the Throne of God, and with the Fulness of the Godhead bodily dwelling in Him. He has Power to dispense a Pardon, with all the Blessings of Goodness, unto those that belong unto Him. I con- sidered, that the infinite and eternal God, has directed me to make my immediate Applications unto my exalted Redeemer. I con- sidered, that my exalted Redeemer, is full of Love, Goodness, and Kindness to them, who thus repair unto the Shadow of His Wings. Wherefore, I now addressed Him, declaring at the same Time, that I did not exclude any one of the Subsistences in the almighty Godhead, from the Adoration which I now paid unto Him. I addressed Him, full of a lively Faith in Him, and full of Dispositions and Resolutions to serve Him with all my Heart, and Soul, and Strength. I addressed Him, with Petitions, that my Sins may be all forgiven me ; that I may have Abundance of Grace given to me ; that I may be employ 'd in great Works for Him, and carried thro' my Ministry and my Pil- grimage, and sheltered from the Attempts of wicked Men, to hurt my opportunities to do good in the World. Many particular Peti- tions I carried unto Him ; under the Advantage of the clear Idea, of addressing Hirn in this Way ; and my Spirit was taken up into the Heavens, in these Addresses ; and I received strange Assurances, of the Blessings which are to be bestow'd upon me. 7. G. D. Of my dear JESUS, I read, Heb. v. 8. He 158 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER learned Audience ^ frojn the things that He sneered. In the Supplications which He made under His bitter Sufferings, He had Audience of His Father. His Father heard Him, and sav'd Him from Death, with a Resurrection unto Life. God has now exalted Him; and He has the Wisdome of God united unto Him, and forever dwelling in Him ; and our Supplications are by the Order of God more imme- diately to be made unto Him, in our Distresses. By what His Father did for Him, He has learnt now to give Audience unto us, in our Supplications. And indeed, in this Com- passion of His unto us, there is an Obedience of His unto His Father. I would now entertain a more lively Sense of this Thought, than ever I have had. In the Distresses, that come upon me, I \W11 fly to my lovely Saviour. In the Things that I fear, I will pour out my Supplications to Him, still expressly declaring that I exclude not the other two Persons of the Godhead. I will consider Him, as not only being the Wisdome of the Almighty, but also the Advanced Man on the Throne of God, who has leam'd from His own Condition under Sufferings in the Dayes of His Flesh, to give Audience imto the Supplications of His afflicted Servants. I will yet more particularly call to Mind the Sufferings undergone by Him, And with Impor- tunity, order my Cause before Him, and fill my Mouth with Arguments. Who can tell, what a Train of blessed Consequences, Piety in this way exercised, may be attended withal. I. [February 3.] G. D. I would with more solemn and thundring Admonitions than ever, advise those who are under the Discipline of the Church, to be afraid of bring- ing upon themselves the Censures, which will be dispensed at length unto them that shall be convicted of being the Workers of Iniquity. There are some, for whom there is peculiar Occasion, that I should shake the Rod over them. > Should be "Obedience." FEBRUARY, 1711-12 I59 And this Day will give me an agreeable Opportunity for it, in the Repentance and Reception of One that has been long a Censured Offender. * 3 (/. 12 m. Lord's-Day. At the Table of the Lord, I con- sidered my great Saviour, as having first purchased for me the best of Blessings by the Sacrifice of Himself ; and being then ascended unto the Throne at the right Hand of God, where being united unto the second Subsistence in the God- head, He knowes our Wants, hears our Prayers, dispenses from thence to us all the Blessings of Goodness. Wherefore I applied myself then unto Him upon two Intentions; beleeving Him infinitely ready therein to do me good. First. I look'd up unto Him, that my Sins may be all pardoned ; and that my Pardon might extend not only unto a Release from all Punishment in the future State; but also unto a Deliverance from all spiritual Plagues in this Life ; and particularly, from that of being rejected from serving of Him, and from being employ'd in great Services for Him ; and from that of being denied such Influences of His Grace [as] may render His Image very Conspicuous upon me ; for which Influences I now sought unto Him. Secondly, I look'd up unto Him, that He would bestow upon me those Communications of His holy Spirit, which may mightily furnish me for the Discharge of the evangel- ical Ministry; and that His holy Spirit may after a very powerful Manner breathe in my Speeches, and in my Writ- ings, and very particularly in my Sermons, and cause them to come with a mighty Efficacy on the Souls of them with whom I may be concerned, and make their Hearts to burn within them. 2. G. D. In my Discourses with my children, I will mightily propound and commend it unto them, that they do excellent Things, and that tho' others may do vertuously, ' See p. 154, supra. l6o DIARY OF COTTON MATHER they may excell even their most vertuous Neighbours. I would therefore earnestly putt them upon consideration of that Point, Whai do you more than others? And they shall join with me in considering what more particular Excel- lencies, they shall be studious of. 3. G. D. On the Occasion of the late Mortality at Connecticot, I would write such Things unto my Kinsman at Say-brook, as may assist and excite his good Improve- ment of the divine Dispensations ; and employ his Hand also, in dispersing Books of Piety, thro' the Colony. 4. G. D. The Peace of the Church at Sherborn, is likely to be prejudiced, by a poor Man, whose misguided Conscience leads him to make a Disturbance there.' He applies himself to me ; and so I have the more sensible opportunity, to do service for that Church, by diverting the Man from the wrong Way that he is in. The Church at Grolon is also in miserable Circumstances.^ My Endeav- ours to releeve them are called for. 5. G. D. In the Society for the Suppression of Dis- orders, I will propose, that there be prepared a List of the wicked Houses in the Town, the Disorders whereof call for animadversion upon them ; and then proceed unto the assigning of particular Methods and Agents, for the putting of a Check upon them. 6. G. D. That Woman, who was my Mother's Maid, at the Time when I was born, and in my most early Infancy, is a pious, but now an aged, Woman : and she conflicts with Poverty. I will therefore Endeavour to dispense what Releefs I can unto her. [Mrs. Take.] » 7. G. D. It is of the greatest Consequence imaginable • Rev. Daniel Gookin had been the minister for more than a quarter of a century, and being in 1711, a "crazie and infirm man and well stricken in years," Rev. Daniel Baker was called. ' The case of Rev. Dudley Bradstreet, which involved the church of Groton in its difficulties, is told in the paper contributed by Dr. Samuel A. Green to 2 Proceedings, xm. 298. ' Mrs. Gale. FEBRUARY, 1711-12 161 to me, that I should have upon me the evident Characters of such as the infinite and eternal Father has given unto my Saviour. (Joh. xvii. 24.) How joyfully may I live, and with what Joy may I dy, with the Assurance that such Characters would give unto me! Now to putt this most important Matter out of Doubt, I would first, come unto the blessed JESUS, and often, often give myself unto Him. Then I would sett myself to consider, for what it is, that the blessed JESUS, has His People given by His Father to Him ; and I would fall in with all those Intentions, unto the uttermost of my Capacity. I would much engage and affect myself in the Study of my Saviours incomparable Glory. I would give Him the Glory of all the Good that is to be done for me. I would receive all the Blessings of Goodness, as passing thro' His Hands unto me. I would embrace His Laws as the Perpetual Rules of my Conduct. I would apply myself with a most active, exquisite, and contriving Zeal, to serve His Kingdome in the World, and bring as many as ever I can, to join with me in admiring and adoring of Him. 1. [February 10.] G. D. Having resolved, if the Lord permitt, that I will now proceed unto a new Method of catechising the Children of the Flock ; I would first open the Exercise at my own House, once a Month; and cry unto the glorious Lord, that He would graciously direct me, assist me, and succeed me in the doing of it ; and then contrive the best Methods I can, to carry it on. But I beleeve, this will be but an Introduction to a more public Action ; which may issue in a Lecture to the Church, preparatory to the Communion. 2. G. D. Now my Son Increase is arrived unto the Exercise of making Themes, at the School, I would make this become an Engine of Piety for him ; and I would pro- cure such Subjects to be assign'd unto him, as may most assist the Study of Goodness and Vertue in him. n-ii l62 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Thus I am come to the End of another Year, overwhelmed with Confusion, when I look back on the Sin and Sloth constantly attending me in it. It is true, I have been help'd by Heaven this Year, To lett not one Day pass me, without contriving and recording, some Invention to do good. And these which have pass'd thro' my Pen, are but a few of the Projections, which I have had ; but not had either Heart or Time to write them down. To lett not one Day pass me, without actually express- ing something of my Revenues and Possessions on pious Uses. To write some Illustrations for the most part every Day ; doubtless the Number which I have this Year added unto the Biblia Americana, has been many more than a thousand. To preach many Sermons unto the private Societies, besides those in the Course of my public Ministry. To publish near as many Books, as there have been Months in the year, (to bring forth Fruit every Month,) besides, to prepare others that are not published. To make many hundreds of Visits; but never one, without some explicit Essayes or Desires to do good in it. To manage some scores of Correspondencies ; and some ultramarine ones, that required an exquisite and an expen- sive Cultivation ; but to propose the Service of my glorious Lord in every one of them all. To discharge numberless Exercises, referring both to the Lord's House, and to my own that it may be the Lord's. To read over many scores of Books, and gather into my Quotidiana from them, etc., etc., etc. But after all, O my dear Saviour, I stand in infinite Need of thy Sacrifice. I have been a most unprofitable servant. God be merciful to me a Sinner ! february, 171i-12 163 The Course of my Public Ministry. 1710. 18 d. 12 m. [February.] i7io[-ii.] I preached on Eccl. i. 4. The Notice we are to take of one Generation passing off, and another Generation coming on, while the Earth abidelh forever ; and the Improvement we should make of it. (A Sermon occasioned by the Death of Mr John Foster.) 22 d. 12 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Eccl. 7. 2. and handled that Case ; What should be the Behaviour of a Christian at a Funeral ? 25 J. \2m. I preached, on Luk. 15. 16. That a mean Food is the best that ungodly People have to feed upon. That people who live in Wealth, may before they dy, come to Want. That among bad People, there is little Care of poor People. And, that the Case of People may be such that no Friend will or can do any thing for them. ^ d. I m. [March.] 1711. I preached, on Heb. 13. 20. The Covenant of God, and of Grace; and in what regards it is everlasting. (And I administred the Eucharist.) II d. X m. I preached, on 2. Cor. 12. 4. Paradise, the Recep- tacle for the departed Spirits of the Faithful ; the Communion we should maintain with them ; by what Means, and in what Acts, that Communion is to be carried on. (A Sermon occasion'd by the Death of Mrs. Foster.) 18 d. I m. I preached on Gal. 4. 19. The Nature of the Blessed- ness, A Christ formed in the Soul; and the Notice we are to take of it ; the travailing Agony, wherewith we should be concerned, that our Friends may be Partakers of it. 22 d. I m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Job. 14. 10. Man giving up the Ghost; and then, where he is ; the State after Death, 25 d. 1 m. I preached, A. M. at the South Church ; on Dan. 4. 34. Religion the best Use and Proof of Understanding. P. M. at the North Church; On Luk. 15. 17. The Sinner a Madman, and Repentance, the Cure of his Madness. I d. 2 m. [April.] I preached on Gal. 4. 19. And with a travail- ing Agony prosecuted the Formation of a Christ ; in the Souls of the Children of the Flock. S d. 2 m. I preached on Luk. 15. 17. Some serving God with 164 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER a mercenary Spirit; None Losers by serving God; People having enough and to spare, yett no true Children of God ; How the ungodly could hardly continue what they are, if they would consider what there [they are] ; and what good God often does to men by afflicting of them. 12 d. 2 m. Thursday. A general Fast. I preached on Rev. i. 11. The Care which Christ in Heaven, has of His Churches on Earth. 15 (f. 2 OT. I preached on Rev. 20. 12. The Small as well as the Great, standing before God, in the Day of Judgment. Concluding with solemn Admonitions to the Children in the Congregation ; on Occa- sion of a Child of some Note in the Neighbourhood, killed with a sudden and awful Stroke, two Dayes ago. 19 d. 2 m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Ezr. 8. 15. Ezra's Account how he spent his Time in his Journey : that Men should so spend their Time, that they may give a good Account, how they have spent it. 22 d. 2 m. I preached on Luk. 15. 18. A serious Resolution of Repentance and Religion, a proper, needful, hopeful Introduction to it. 29 d. 2 m. I preach'd on Heb. 13. 20. The Blood of tJie everlast- ing Covenant, and I finished what I began two months ago. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 6 d. 2,m. [May.] I preached, on Luk. 15. 18. The Confession of Sin, which must accompany Repentance, considering, against whom, and before whom, we have sinned. 13 d. T^m. I preached on Prov. 13. 19. And handled that Case, What shall we do that the Desires of our Souls may be accomplished, and that the Accomplishment thereof may be sweet unto our Souls. 1"] d. 2,m. Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Neh. 5. 9. The Manner and Method of, Walking in the Fear of God. 20 d. 3 m. I preached, on Luk. 15. 19. The Worth of Mercies known by the Want of them. Our Unworthiness of the divine Faith ; what a great Thing tis to be a Child of God; what an Honour to do the least Service for the Lord. 27 d. 7,m. I preached on, Exod. 9. 26. Other people, and even wicked People, faring the better, for living among the People of God. 3 d. 4 w. [June.] I preached on, Luk. 15. 20. Good Resolutions follow'd with good Executions. Repentance having in it, both a Ris- ing from Sin, and a Coming to God. And, that we ought to repent immediately. 10 m. [October.] Thursday. I preached the Lecture, on Psal. 25. 13. A Funeral Sermon for a religious Matron, who died yester- day [Mrs. Rock]. 4 ' that I take a few Voyages for the practick part. I must go aboard some ship, as a school for my Education; and some ver\- good Commanders who have been ad\"ised withal, think it is not absolutely necessary, nor perhaps convenient, that I should enter at the Cook-room door. I confess my desire, that the ship whereof your son is the Com- mander, may be my School. Here, I would most heartily submitt imto my Father's Expecta- tion, that I apply my Hand unto Ever>" Action aboard, whereof the Master and Mate shall judge me capable, and yeeld an exact obedi- ence to aU their orders. And that when I come to London,! should stay aboard, stick to the ship, and attend both the unlading and Loading of it, and only ask one Fortnights Leave to visit my Uncle ; I hope, I am every way so dis- posed, that there will be no Difficulty in my obedience to the Com- mands, of those aboard whom I shall acknowledge as my Superiours. My Father is willing to have me imder all the Government of a sailor, and to do all possible Duty and service aboard ; and yett to pay for me, as a passenger. Sir, I cast mj'self upon you, in this matter, jmd pray to be con- sidered, as your younger Son; who, by consequence, must pay obedi- ence to the Elder. But, I do it with submission, that, if you think any better Ad\-ice can be given to prepare me to do some Good in the world, I shall be sensible that it ought to be complied withal. So I take Leave ; Sir, Your most obedient Servt,* ' A letter written by Mather, but intended for the signature of his son Increase Mather, now destined for a commercial life. * " 16 d. I m. [March], 1 714-15. At a Church Meeting. The Church desired APRIL, 1715 299 To Sir William Ashurst. a.a.s. [1715]^ Sir, — By the next Opportunity, I hope to entertain your Hon- our with something that may be more pertinent than what this Packett can pretend to. Tis but just now, that I have had the Satisfaction of receiving your Letters, which were dated as long ago as the tenth of August, the Ship on board whereof they were, having been blown off the Coast, in the beginning of the Winter. You will easily beleeve, that we partake and rejoice with you, in the Blessings, which the first of August introduced. In my Letters, I have still taken care to treat you, with some Indian Curiosity. But [ ] that I have at th[is in- stant] for you, is the hand [that] brings you a small parcel of our squash-seed, from our worthy Friend Mr. Sewal. It comes by a tame Indian ; for so the Europeans are pleased sometimes to denomi- nate the Children that are born in these Regions; More plainly, tis my own Son ; a Youth not sixteen years of Age ; but one who having pass'd thro' the learned and polite Education of our Schools, chose a Life of Action ; and having been so long with an acute Merchant as to acquaint himself with Business, the Death of his Master, opened a new Scene and Hope to him, of arriving more speedily to significant Business by the Sea, than in any other way. Accordingly, he is aboard, in the Quality of a Passenger, but with a Design to accomplish himself in the practick Part of shortly comand- ing a good Ship, whereof he has already gott much of the Theory. I have been perhaps too willing to indulge and follow the Genius of a Child, in the Choice of a Business for him; as knowing that if that be not very much considered, a Child will never prove considerable. and betrusted John Clark, Esqr. Thomas Hutchinson, Esqr., Mr. Adam Winthrop, Mr. Edward Hutchinson, Mr. John Ruck, Mr. John Frizzel, and Mr. Samuel Green- wood, to act as a Committee on the behalf of the Church, for the Year ensuing, in such Methods and Affaires as were assigned unto such a Committee, for the five former Years. "A Copy of a Vote then passed by the Brethren, after the Withdraw of the Pastors. (Drawn up by Col. Winthrop.) "At a Meeting of the Brethren of the North-Church in Boston, duely notified, Voted, Nemine contradicenle, that the House of Mr. Thomas Hutchinson in Ship Street, now vacant, be hired, for the Accommodation of the Reverend Dr. Cotton Mather, at the Charge of the Church, until some further Provision be made for him." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, n. * Young Mather was in London in May or June. 300 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Tis an Alleviation to my Dissatisfaction in this Choice, that it may give the Lad an Opportunity of waiting on your Honour ; and bringing to your Lady, the enclosed little Treatises ; With my repeted Wishes of all Prosperity to your Person and Family. Wherewith I am, Your Honours, Most affectionate Servt. To Dr. Williams and Others. a.a.s. Boston. N. E. 14 d. 2 m. [April.] 1715. Reverend Sirs, — The Ministers of the Gospel, in two Prov- inces of N. E. had the happy Tidings of the Arrival of our lawful and rightful King George to the British Throne, whereof we are not the least joyful, tho' some of the most remote Subjects, no sooner brought unto them, than the Disposition of addressing His Majesty with our most hearty Congratulations was operating in them. The long and strong Bands that a new EngUsh Winter, laid upon them, are no sooner taken off, than they have mett by their Dele- gates from their several Associations in the Countrey, at our Capital Town ; where they have unanimously agreed upon an Address unto His Majesty, on the behalf of themselves and of their Churches. What they first of all desired was, that there should go two Per- sons of their own order from hence, personally to wait upon the King with their Address ; and there were two accordingly chosen for that purpose. Not without hopes, that also by their Means a better Cor- respondence with the Churches of the Dissenters in England, and with the Church of Scotland, might be obtained for the Churches of New England, which are in reality their most united Brethren, and have the Difference between Congregational and Presbyterian, very little known, and not at all mentioned or considered among them. Unexpected Encumbrances have stopped the Voyage of our intended Messengers. But the Ministers at their Convention made a provision, that if any such thing should happen, we should on their behalf apply our selves unto you, with our humble Request, that you, (or as many of you as may see cause to attend it) would accept the Trouble, of presenting our Address unto His Majesty, and say what you shall think proper on that occasion. But we have generally thought it a decent Circumstance, that the polite Gentleman, and our very good Friend who is the Agent for N. E. should accompany you in this Action ; for which Purpose, he is also written to. What has procured you this Trouble, is, not only, that we are MARCH, 1714-15 301 well-apprised of your gracious and generous Disposition to serve all the Churches of God on all opportunities, but also that your Names are very particularly known and precious, throughout these American Churches, and your Books are justly and highly valued, yea, some of them also reprinted, and have done great Service to the Kingdome of God in these distant Parts of the World. One of you is hkewise a Son of New England, and no Stranger to the Circumstances of his native Countrey. To our Address, we have annexed a Memorial; which is to be entirely left unto your Discretion ; either to present it unto His Majesty, or (taking off the Inscription,) to publish it unto the World, or to suppress it altogether ; what you shall judge most for the Inter- est of those on whose Account we thought the Pen of a Justin Martyr or a TertuUian thus employ'd, might be not unserviceable. So entire is the Confidence we repose in your Wisdome, and your Goodness and your hearty Affection to a numerous People of God, and a little Nation sprung from your old Puritans, in these American Colonies. The Trouble we have already imposed on you, is enough, without adding to it by Extending our Letters unto too large Dimensions. We therefore conclude them, with our SuppUcations to our glori- ous Lord, that He would continue and multiply your Opportunities to glorify Him, according to all your holy Desires ; and that He would particularly give you, and the People for whom you are now to be concerned, a favourable Acceptance with the Throne, which is to be addressed on their behalf. And subscribe. Honoured Sirs, Most affectionately yours. In the Name of the Ministers of our Two provinces. To the Reverend, Dr. Daniel Williams, Dr. Edmund Calamy, Mr. Thomas Reinolds of London Mr. Samuel Mather of Witney. Address to Ministers. a.a.s. [February or March, 17 14- 15.] Honoured Syrs, — The happy Accession of a King '■ so much wish'd and pray'd for, as Him whom we now with unspeakable Satis- faction, see sitting on the Throne of the British Empire, opens to us • George I, who became king August i, 1714. 302 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER a fair prospect of considerable Services to be done for the Churches in these American Colonies. Our Brethren in the Kirk of Scotland, have sent five of their most eminent Ministers, to wait upon His Majesty, with proper Congratulations, and the Dissenting ministers about London have also personally addressed the Throne, on this great Occasion. And it is thought by men of Sense among ourselves, that we shall be exceed- ingly and scarce excusably wanting to our selves and imto the best Interests, if we do nothing after their Exemple. Tis to be feared, there wiU be those who will take all Opportunities to misrepresent us ; and as we have already felt some ill Effects of the Misrepresentations which have hereto fore been made of us unto our Superiours, thus we cannot but rationally look for more, if we do nothing to rectify them. If His Majesty might have in his royal View, the true State of our Countrey in regard of the ReUgion and the Disposition which prevails among His loyal Subjects here, and His great Ministers of State, be duely apprised of our Condition, and at the same time such a good Correspondence established between us, and our united Breth- ren, in the Church of Scotland, and the Dissenters in England that they may look on what is done unto us, as done unto themselves ; it would no doubt be followed with a long Train of desireable Conse- quences ; too many to be at once enumerated. For this Cause, the Ministers of this Town, have had serious Thoughts of desiring that an Address may be presented unto the King, on the behalf of the Ministry and of Churches in the countrey ; to Congratulate His Accession to the Throne ; and the Succession of the Crown in the illustrious House of Hanover; And humbly to pray His royal Protection, in our peaceable and imdisturbed Possession of our sacred Liberties ; and in prosecution of the main End of these Plantations ; to have Churches Established on those Terms of Com- munion which our great Lord-Redeemer has instituted, and wherein all good Men ought to be united. We have made the Proposal unto the Honourable Council, at a very full Board, and the Return we have had from thence is, that it is very Acceptable to them and that they desire, it may be proceeded in. But we cannot proceed in this Matter, till we have obtained the Judgment of our Brethren throughout the Countrey upon it, and their Consent unto it. We do therefore humbly entreat, that the Brethren in your Asso- ciation, or, Vicinity, would as soon as tis possible, procure an Inter- MARCH, I7I4-IS 303 view, and Communicate from thence unto us, (either by Letters or Messengers) your Apprehensions about the important Matter that is now proposed ; in the several Points of the Desing and the best Method of prosecuting it ; particularly whether by any Hands that may be sent from hence, of our own Order, which is by some thought worthy of consideration.^ We say, as soon as lis possible, because tis an Affair which requires Expedition, and there should be no Time lost about it. It is more particularly desired, that on the second Wednesday in April next, we may enjoy an Interview with such Delegates from you as may think fitt to afford their presence at the House of Dr. Mather the Elder on this Occasion. We commend your whole Ministry, and more particularly this Grand Affayr, unto the Conduct and Blessing of the glorious Lord. And subscribe, Syrs, Your affectionate Brethren & Servant.^ To Mrs. Lydia George?' a.a.s. Madam : A person of your good Skill at making Inferences, having a Httle Considered what you know, of Him who now addresses you,wUl easily Infer some things, that will be very much to his Advantage, If he be one who looks upon Love to his Neighbor, as a very essen- tial Article of his Religion ; and who so loves every man, that the Offer of an Opportunity for the doing of Good unto any one, is the sweetest pleasure that can be given him, and his Life is entirely spent in the doing of Good unto all sorts of people, in all the wayes imagin- able; yea, if upon any peoples Abusing and Injuring of them, he presently prayes for them, and sets himself to do good offices for them, it will be very reasonably inferred from hence, that the Gentle- woman who comes one day into the nearest Relation unto him, will be lov'd by him, as much as can be wished by her. Especially, if he be one of a singular Fondness in his Temper; fond to a Fault, and never more obliged, than when the objects will give him Leave to lett them know how fond he is of them. * Mather wished to be the messenger. * Written on back of this sheet : "Letters to, Mr. Sparhawk, Mr. Roland Cotton, Mr. Little, Mr. Danforth, Mr. Ba.xter, Mr. Whiting, Mr. Noyes, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Stoddard." ' The following four papers seem to relate to Mather's wooing of his third wife, Lydia Lee, widow of John George, who died November, 17 14. Mather married her July 5, 1715, and Sewall visited him "and his new wife at the house that was Mr. Kellond's" on July 14. 304 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Were the Gentlewoman one of no more than common Circum- stances, yett might she expect here to be honourably and comfortably treated ; but how much more, when he shall have the sense of all the World concurring with his own, that she is a Gentlewoman of Endowments and Endearments, exceeding what can any where else be mett withal ! Madam, The person, to whom you have done the Honour of admitting him sometimes to your Tea-table, has that high opinion of your wisdome, that he hopes never to be guilty of taking a step, which may not have your Approbation. He will entirely wait the Allowances of your wisdome, for the more finishing strokes of the Conversation which has been begun, and will press for no public Appearance, or proceedure, that you shall judge unseasonable. Nevertheless, He begs your Leave, that it may not be thought too soon for him to tell you, that your bright Accomplishments, your shining Piety, your polite Education, your superiour Capacity, and a most refined Sense, and incomparable sweetness of Temper, to- gether with a constellation of all the perfections that he can desire see related unto him, have made a vast Impression upon him. If ever he should be so inexpressibly happy, as to enjoy you, he could not but receive you, as a wondrous Gift of God unto him; a Token that the unworthiest of Men, had yett obtained Favour of the Lord. Such an Idea, he has conceived of you, that every Thing you shall be or say or do, will forever please him ; and the pleasing of you, will be his continual study and Rapture. His Tenderness for you, will be the Effect not only of the natural Sense he must have of your Merits, or of a Disposition in him alwayes to oblige ; But also, of a strong Apprehension he will be ever under the Power of, that the more of Love and of Goodness he shall express in his carriage to you, the more his conformity to his Great Saviour will be Exhibited. It will be yett augmented, by the strange and kind Providence of God, which has been at work, to bring about what is proposed. Especially the Answers of prayers, which alwayes bring Blessings with them. Truly, Madam, as it happens, that the Gentleman is one, whom the Eyes of all the Countrey, and many more, are much upon, so the General Vote and Voice of the Countrey has been that way, which he is now agoing. His purposes (which [ ] have eagerly MARCH, I7I4-IS 305 waited for) are already a common subject of Discourse; but with universal satisfaction. Especially among the more praying people, whereof there have been many concerned for him, and those now begin their praises for the prospect which they have of a precious Harvest. I know not what is in the enclosed Letter ; but, I beleeve, it may be something of such a Tendency ; tis from a Mother and Sister of yours, and one of the best of Women. ^ What remains, is, to entreat, that it may be no offence unto you Madam, if hereafter, I may take the Liberty to speak unto you, such Things as I have now written, and that such Talk in our Interviews may not be grievous to you, as will be an unspeakable satisfaction to, madam, Your most affectionate serv't. Memorandum. 21 d. I m. [March.] 1715.^ In the Evening. — After some words of decent Respect unto Mrs. G[eorge] she said, she had thought fitt, to have one Interview alone with me, that I might fully know her Mind, about the matter I had propos'd unto her. She remonstrated the Reproach that she had suffered in the Talk of people, about that affair ; And therefore she thought it time, to lett me know her Desire, that she might hear no more of it, and that I would speak and think no more of it. She said, there were other persons that would be more agreeable to me ; and in whom the prayers of many good people for me, would be more likely to be answered. She gave me to understand, that if it were not for a Regard she had unto my Character as a Minister, she should forbid my ever mak- ing any more Visits unto her. She said, my Visits would have been a consolation and satisfaction unto her, if I had mentioned nothing of this affair. But she peremptorily forbad my writing any more Letters unto her. She many times insisted on it, that, I would say to all persons. As for the matter talk'd of, there is nothing in it. * The will of Rev. Samuel Lee (Waters, Genealogical Gleanings in England, 470) mentions wife Martha, and four daughters, but Mather may have referred to Mrs. George. ' That is, 1714-15, as he was married in July, 1715. n • 20 306 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I ofifered, that I would say to all persons, Tis a matter which Madam is not at present disposed to hear of. She then said ; But people will say, why does she entertain him ? if she have no purpose hereafter to allow of his Intentions ? This she express'd herself desirous, that there should be left no occasion for. I represented unto her, some fatal consequences likely to follow on this Conduct. But she would not admitt any Apprehension of them. The conversation lasted for several Hours. On my Part, it was as calm, and as pertinent, and as obliging, as my dull Witts could render it. With as full answers as could be made imto the Things that were objected unto me ; and just Reasons for every step of my Conduct. At last I said ; Madam, To give you a full Testimony of my Honour and Esteem for you, my Satisfaction shall be entirely sacrificed unto yours. She answered ; Say, and Hold. To Thomas Craighead. a.a.s. Wednesday, 23 d. 1 m. [March. 1714-15.] Sir, — Tis with a grateful surprise that I reflect upon it, that one so much a stranger and so lately arrived as he to whom I am now applying myself should be admitted into such an intimate Acquaint- ance with us and with our most important and reserved affaires. But since the divine providence has brought you into Circumstances of so much Friendship and Freedom with us, I take the Liberty of entreating you do your good office, wherein this letter terminates. The best of Women having in express and severe Terms repeted her prohibition, that the Hand which now writes, (and which has written some few things in its time that have been of a little use to others,) should at all write unto her, I am under a Necessity of writ- ing to you, what I desire she may be acquainted withal. A worthy Relative of hers, just now gives me to understand, that nothing will satisfy her, but such a conduct in me, as will put a total stop, unto the Discourse of the people, about my Intentions to pur- sue a Reception with her. And he seems to be of the Opinion, that the Method I am now taking, is the most proper that can be taken. For my past Conduct, I thought, I follow'd such Advice, as would praescribe no wrong measures to me ; But I perceive I have hitherto done just nothing that is Right. And it is a killing thing to me, to think, that I have been led into Steps, that have been so very offen- MARCH, 1714-IS 307 sive, and have occasion'd so much Trouble, to a person for whom I must alwayes have so great a veneration. Some of my Last Words to her were, That I would Sacrifice all my satisfaction unto hers. And I know not how tis possible for me, to give a fuller Demonstration of my vast value for her, than by saying it over again, and keeping her charge unto me upon it, Say and hold! Wherefore, tho' the Earth could not afford me a greater pleasure, than her most agreeable Conversation; and I envy you, the Foehcity that you enjoy in it; yett I will totally Deny myself of it, for as many Months, as her Wisdome, to which I pay all the Deference imaginable, shall order me. You were proposing to me, one Interview more, with our In- comparable Friend. But, this will prove, perhaps, to both of us a Disadvantage. First, to her. Because, it will be impossible for me to come there unobserved ; And the Least observation of my being there, will keep aUve the Talk, which gives her so much uneasiness. And I cannot be guilty of any thing that shall have any Tendency to make her uneasy ; tho' I never so much cross my own IncUnations in for- bearing it. Secondly, to me. Because as I gather from what I just now meet withal I cannot but expect from her, over again such afflicting passages, as I receiv'd when I last waited on her. And I must from Experience confess imto you, my weakness to be such, that they will make too deep an Impression upon me; My tender Spirit and Health will suffer so much, and I shall be so un- hinged for my Employments, which are what they are, by wounds from an Hand, I so much admire, that I am lothe to have them renew'd upon me. If the people, that are to govern us, knew, how cold a Reception I have hitherto had, and what a perpetual care Madam has used in all her Expressions to discountenance any thing that I might here- after propose relating to her, and how she did at last, when I came to speak more plainly, as plainly signify her wish that I would come no more ; there would be no room left for the Censures whereof she is afraid. It would indeed be sufficiently for my Dishonour, if this ever come unto their Knowledge, (whereof, I hope, I shall be very patient.) But, it is enough, that I omitt the Visits, which are, thought so obnoxious to misconstruction. And that I say no more than this to my Friends; That Gentlewoman is too discreet, to allow of any unseasonable overtures. 3o8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER What I have to request of you is to assure, that excellent Person, that my Resolutions to keep out of sight, (even until those two very precious Friends to both of us, Mr. C. and Mr. B. whose Good will to me I very much value myself, and unto whose Prudence, I can entirely refer myself, shall direct me to do otherwise,) oppress my own mind with \'iolence, which could be well bom, by none but one of my Age and one so much used unto Sacrifices ; But they are formed meerly to gratify her ; whom I can imdergo anything to obhge, even while I have never yett received one favourable word or Look from her ; and it may be naturally inferr'd, how much more I should do so, if ever any thing Reciprocal should invite unto it. And then, give her Assurance of this also ; that my vast Regards for her will continue inviolable. She may depend upon it, (tho I know not, whether a total Dehverance from me, would not make her yett more easy,) that I can by no means lay aside those vast Respects but must renew my Endeavours one Day, to make her yett more sensible of them. However, to be free with you, I have strong Apprehensions, That my dying Hour will Intervene, which, oh ! join with me, in my praises to our dear Saviour for it, I often even long for, and hope it will be the best Hour that ever I saw. I leave all with Him, and am. Sir, Your affectionate Brother and Servt. To Mrs. Lydia George? a.a.s. My — (Inexpressible !) I am a fraid you been't well, because my Head has aked pretty much this Afternoon. The pain of my Heart, will be much greater than that of my Head, if it be really so. But I imagine, you are growing well, because my Headake is going off. Your Little Daughter waits upon you, to bring me the agreeable satisfaction.^ May you tomorrow, (and praeparatory to it,) have sweet Inter- views, with Him, whom your soul Loveth ! What is He, more than any other Beloved! 0 infinitely more! All others, pretenders in your esteem and I among the rest, are black and base and vile things, yea, and the brightest Angels in Heaven, * The only child of John and Lydia George was named Katherine, who married, .'August ii, 1708, Nathan Howell, and had two children, both sons, when this letter was written. "Your little daughter" was, therefore, hardly applicable to her. MARCH, 1715 309 are mean Things in Comparison of Him. O Sun in the Firmament ; Thou too art all Blackness, before that sun of Righteousness. Think so, my dear, grow in such Thoughts ; And Lose the sight of all things but Him. I mightily wish, That you may Love nothing that is Mine. My wishes are, That I may be so Happy as to exhibit unto you some Reflections of His Image. If you can discover any thing of [illegible] in the meannest of men, tis well. Every thing else, Dislike it. And the more will you be Lik'd and Lov'd by One who Loves you Inexpressibly (and placilla^ most affection- ately and compassionately. To Thomas Reynolds.'' a.a.s. Reverend and very dear, Sir, — The generous Friendship wherewith you have treated me, is like to bring an unknown Trouble upon you. There is an Opus Ecdesia praepared, which is waiting to be at some Time or other published ; whereof the enclosed, New offer to the Lovers of Religion and Learning will give- some Advertisement. I know very much of your Love to do good, and of the ready Mind wherewith you embrace Opportunities to serve the Ch : of God in its most valuable Interests. And I know something of the unmerited Respect which you bear to the Person who now addresses you. This has emboldened me, to committ unto you, and unto two more, the Direction, and the Management, of this important Affair. But who those other two shall be, I have left unto your Deter- mination ; because I might ignorantly have putt in such, as you might have less approved of. I have therefore left Blanks, entreat- ing you to fill them up with such Names, as you think most suitable ; which you may do, with what Reservation you please ; for your Sat- isfaction will be entirely my own. My Request is, that you three, will condescend unto the Care, which is now betrusted with you ; and this, not only as from the Author, but also as from the Churches and Pastors in all these Colonies, which you have no Uttle Value for : and among whom, Syr, the Reprinting of your excellent Book of Mrs. Terry and Mrs. Chssold, by my means, has made you to be particularly considered. * The MS. is clear, but the word has not been identified. * Written in the spring of 1715, as the reply of Dr. Reynolds follows. 3IO DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I should be glad, that your Bookseller, Mr. John Lawrence, may be one of mine. I make no doubt, that many of our Brethren, with you, may have a very mean opinion of every ones capacity here, to do any ser- vice that may be worthy of your Notice. And I do not expect that my own having, near two hundred and forty times, entertained my Friends with publishing by the way of the Press, Treatises and Com- posures on various Arguments, and in various (Uving as well as dead) Languages, will obtain for me with some, the Favour of being thought capable of any valuable Performance. However, I am willing that you who have perhaps more favourable Sentiments of me, than some others have, should make some Trial on my Behalf, whether my New offer may not meet with some Subscriptions and Encouragements. And, I will now keep looking up to the glorious Lord, for such an Answer from you, as may shew me, what I may have to do, about sending the Manuscripts of the Biblia Americana, over the Atlantic. In Him, I am. Sir, Your Brother and Servt. [Enclosure] a.a.s. To THE Reverend , and the Reverend , together WITH MY Reverend, and most Honoured Brother, Ministers of the Gospel, in the City of London. My most Honoured Brethren, — It is a Consolation of God, which cannot be small with you, that you have American Colonies, who have an Ambition to be acknowledged as your United Brethren; are ambitious to be bound up with you in one Bundle, of Life and of Love. We beleeve, we enjoy the Benefit of your Prayers for us; and are sure, our Prayers for you, our sollicitous Concern for your Prosperity, and our sympathizing Distress in all your Adversity, are such as well become our declared Brotherhood. And if any Service for the Church of God, worthy of any Notice, be performed by His Grace granted unto any Person here, it recommends itself imto you, under that Consideration ; Tis done by Otte of you; Tis One of your own Performances. Behold, now laid before you, A New ojfer to tite Lovers of Religion and Learning, made by one of yours, at a Thousand Leagues distant from you, which will, no doubt, sufficiently explain itself in the Perusal. That the Things promised in this offer are indeed prepared, I suppose, will be unquestionable, unto such as may think the Author MARCH, 1715 311 could not otherwise be so senseless as to make a Tender of them ; For, I can assure you, there will be found rather more than what the Bill of Fare has mentioned. It has not been any Disadvantage unto your particular Profes- sion of Dissent from the Irregularities in the Worship imposed on the Nation, or unto the Cause of pure and undefiled Religion in general, which is your Cause more than any Peoples, that so many of our Way, have had their Pens used by the glorious Head of the Church, to do things that have proved advantageous and acceptable to the reasonable Part of the World. And more particularly, what has been done by such Men, as our Pool,' and some others, in their Annotations on the Sacred Scriptures, will be a living and a lasting Testimony for you, in the Consciences of them who pay any Respect imto the heavenly oracles; It will testify, that you are not such a People, as deserve to be hated and cast out from among those, who would say, lett the Lord be glorified. Such diligent Servants, as you have at this Day among you; your Williams's, your Calamies, your Henries, and others, whose Works ought to be their Praise in the Gates, (the Place where a true and just Judgment of Things is pretended to ;) These doubtless find their Labours encouraged, as well as their Persons had in due Esti- mation, among all those of your People, who understand the best Interest, and their own. He that now waits upon you, is not so vain as to expect a place in that superiour Class ; but yett he hopes, that your favourable Aspect upon his poor Essayes to do some good, may do no hurt unto that which you reckon your common Interest. When Diodati had prepared his useful Works, Annotations on the Bible, the Prejudices which many of the Reformed Churches in France had unaccountably conceived against that Work, obliged him, to address the National Synod of Alanson, that he might be more equally treated with them. And the plea for himself, which he began withal, was ; 'That it was a Labour of pure, innocent, confessed Orthodoxy, done by a Man who never ministred the least occasion to have the Sin- cerity of his Faith quaestioned, and who for many Years hath given to the PubUc, an Essay of his small Talent in this kind of Work.' That your American Servant may obtain some Share in the candid Sentiments of the Churches pursuing the Reformation, in London, and wherever you may see Cause to commend the Essay which he now tenders you, he might plead, that as far as the publishing a Variety of some lesser some larger Treatises and Composures, on various * Matthew Poole or Pole (1624-1679). 312 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Arguments and in various Languages, may secure him, the Reputa- tion (if not of having Talents rendering him in some Degree capable of his undertaking, yett,) of his pure, innocent, confessed Orthodoxy, you may depend upon it, that no Disservice will be done to the King- dome of God, by your Encouraging of what you find thus imdertaken. Some eminent Persons in the Church to the Rites whereof we are Non conformists, have given me such a Prospect of Encourage- ment from them, for our, Biblia Americana, that if you should wholly cast it off, it may happen by their Means to make its way into the World. But, I think my Duty to you, obUges me to chuse, that it should rather be by yours. If you, my dear Brethren, (and those who meet you, on the com- mon Affaires to whom you may if you please, communicate these my Letters,) do judge it worth your while, to concern yourselves for the forwarding of this Work, I shall request, that you Three accept the Trouble of advising, directing, ordering what shall be done about it. That you single out the Booksellers, whom you would have to go thorough with it. That you give effectual Injunctions, for the Press-work to be well done ; fairly, neatly, correctly, and according to the Directions I may in time give concerning it. That you exert as full Power in agreeing upon Terms, for every Thing about the Work, as if it were your own. Only, I would entreat that my dear and only Brother, Mr. Samuel Mather of Witney, may interpose his Sentiments with yours, if there may be occasion. I delay sending over the Copy, till I have some Returns from you, to make my Way more plain before me. When you say, lett it come, we will do our best that it may be no longer detained here. In this Countrey, my Friends begin to send me in such Indefinite Subscriptions for the Work, as the Proposals have spoken of ; suppos- ing, that the two Volumns will not cost much more than five Pounds of our Money, to the Subscribers. And your Booksellers may have a rational Expectation, of having Subscriptions for many more than one hundred setts of the Work ; to be paid in upon their Arrival here ; if they will run the Risque thereof. I add no more, but with an Eye to our glorious LORD, for His continual Conduct and Blessing to be vouchsafed you, I take Leave, to subscribe myself. Much Honoured Sirs, Your Sincere Brother, and most humble Servt. ^ ,, C. M. MAY, I 7 I S 313 To Jeremiah Dummer. a.a.s. 4d. sm. [May.] 1715. My dear and most valued Friend, — As you are sure when you are opening my Letter, which by the hand in the Superscription, you know to be mine, that you shall find nothing to render you uneasy in it, so, I perceive my Task sometimes must be, to find you uneasy, and cure it. First and foremost, it will be in vain for any evil Instruments or any trivial Occasions to break that generous Friendship, which has hitherto been cultivated between us. No body shall perswade me, that my Pamphilus [Dummer], is not a person of bright Accomplish- ments, and one of a singular Goodness in his Temper and ready for- ever to do good Offices, and a Lover of his Countrey and an Honour to it. No body can perswade him, that his Usebius has not an high Esteem for him, and is not of those Principles, which will cause him to do him good and not hurt all the Dayes of his Life. Whoever tells you, that I have ever spoken any Thing to do you the least mischief in the World, is a Talebearer, and wrongs me unaccountably. If Adoni Avi [Increase Mather], should happen to express any Dissatisfaction at any thing, it is an Injustice to make me responsible for it. The only Thing, that I have ever spoken, that can have the least Aspect of what you may dislike, is, that I have expressed, (and this but very privately,) a concern, lest the open Appearance of Ireticeus Americus, to blanch the late Ministry, might prove some Disadvantage to him with the present. But, I know not that ever I have heard that matter spoken of, without my adding, / am stire, that his Countrey ought to love him for it; for it was nothing but a noble zeal to secure his Capacity of serving them that caused him to appear so far on that side; But I am not much afraid; He will have sense enough to make a good Retreat. And how often have I added ; We are too much at a distance from Europe, to be competent Judges of a Friend's Conduct there. And suppose, I should once take the Liberty, to express myself not mighty well satisfied in one Book of yours; Does not my dear Pamphilus, without the least offence to me, lett me know, concerning some Hundreds of mine, he likes not my writing of them! I am not so Vain, as to say, that no man aUve has contributed more, than the least of men, has done unto the good Esteem with 314 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER which your Countrey has devolved upon you the Agency, wherein you are now serving them. The Trouble it gives you, will make you owe Uttle Thanks to them that procured it. But I will say this upon it ; it would be an unreasonable Incon- stancy in me, to disserve, or desert, one whom I have so openly asserted on all Occasions. Beleeve me, my Friend : one cannot live on the Edges and in the Suburbs of the heavenly World, without a mighty Conscience of those two Rules, Do as you would be done to ; and, Do good unto all men. But is it possible for me then, to do anything that shall wrong or harm, one to whom I am under so many distinguishing Obligations? My simple Essay on. The Balances of Equity, was designed by me for the Public, with the more of Alacrity, because I proposed in it ; a very public, solid, lasting Testimony of my Value for you. I cannot be of the Opinion, that the raising of Envy, was any Objection at all against my doing the Part of a Justin Martyr, for my Countrey, who have deserved it, indeed as Uttle of me, as of any that serve it. I am very willing to encounter that Envy ; and shall count it my Glory. But I entirely resign my own Opinion to yours. Do as you please, about it. Only, don't think, to proselyte me unto that Perswasion, that my writing so many Books, procures me any Damage, which is to be esteemed so much as the light Dust of the Balance, when weigh 'd against the Service done by them to the Kingdome of God. Nor is it easy to beat me out of that Perswasion, that our Biblia Americana, must be an Amassment of most valuable Treasures ; and that it has not been amiss to make an offer of it, unto the Lovers of Religion and Learning. I am uncapable of determining the Price of two large Folio's with you. But, I have lett my Countreymen know, that I suppose, subscribers may have a Sett of the Work, for 5 lb of our Money. And I am some what sure of having above an hundred Setts taken off. However, I have laid aside aU Expectations of the Work Meeting with any Countenance, where according to common Sense, I might most justly have expected it. I have addressed my worthy Friend Mr. Th. R[eynolds] once and again, in the most expres- sive and engaging Manner I could imagine, that I might know the Dispositions of my Brethren, the Dissenters concerning an Essay thus made, which, I supposed might not be disreputable or disadvanta- geous for them in particular, as well as the Cause of religion and Learn- ing in general. But the best part of a Year is passed, without his taking the least Notice of me ; which if you see that valuable Person, you may inform him, that I somewhat wonder at. An Eminent N. C. MAY, I 7 I S 315 Minister in the Countrey, wrote me only that silly Condemnation upon the work ; If it were for Mr. Baxter, a great part of the N. C's would sett them against it; if it were against him, a greater part would do so. As if the, Biblia Americana, had anything to do with Mr. B. But, my Friend, I am very easy, if the rest of the World, be as indisposed unto a Work of this Nature, as my Brethren the Dis- senters. I can easily resign the Disposal of it, unto the glorious Head of the Ch : who knowes how and when His Interests are to be served ; and I would have none of my own. I only add, you will not in the least Measure disoblige me, if you never take one Thought more about this Work; while you have such a ponderous Load of other Cares upon you. To have done. If you will bestow some Study on the Characters of true Love, in the 13 chap, of the i Ep. to the Cor's you will find, the Points, wherein I endeavour as a dying Man to approve myself unto God, in my Conduct unto my Neighbour. But then how much may you depend upon a true Love with such Characters, upon it, in the inviolable Frames of my Soul, toward my dear Dummer! Who shall never find me any other than [ To Dr. Daniel Williams. a.a.s. 10 d. 3 m. [May.] 1715. Reverend Sir, — Since I had the Honour of your obliging Letters and Packetts the last Summer, I have diverse times made some small American Returns which I hope, have reached you. And I have also more lately joined with the Ministers of these Provinces, who upon my Nomination, have made choice of your venerable Hand, for the presenting to the King an Address, and a Memorial, on the behalf of near two hundred Churches, among whom your Name is precious. To these things, all that it may be proper for me to add, at this Time, is, to pray your Acceptance of two or three of our latest Publi- cations. It is not very long ago, that an unknown Author published, an Instrument of this Title, Ter mille querelce de corrupto Christianismo. I find my Excellent and Illustrious Friend, Dr. Franckius, lately making on that Instrument this Reflection, At verb Myriadem ea facile aliquis dederit. Alas, that in the British Nations, yea, and among our dear Breth- ren the Dissenters, there is found so great a Share for the Occasions 3l6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER of the Complaints, which good Men are making over the corrupt State of the Christian World. God has made you a faithful and famous Witness against the epidemical Corruptions, may He still preserve you, and give a great success to your Holy Essayes for the abating and removing of them, I am. Sir, Your most affectionate Friend and Servt. To Dr. Daniel Williams. a.a.s. 1715?] Rev'd Sir, — It is not long ago, that the Ministers of our two adjacent Provinces, at my Motion imposed upon you, the Trouble of presenting their Address and Memorial, unto the King ; which it is hoped, have long since reached you. Since then, there has little occurr'd in these plantations worthy of your Cognisance. The deplorable State of wick'd and ruin'd Carolina, has doubtless reached you. You will pardon me, if I repeat my humble Wishes, that my Brethren, the Dissenters, would please to take it into their considera- tion, whether it may conduce unto the best Interest, and their own, for our Biblia Americana, to meet with some countenance among them. I have diverse times addressed my excellent Friend Mr Reinolds, for his Advice on that Head ; and I have waited a Year and half, without the least Word of Return ; which has held me in a little suspense, as to some other Applications. Our Friend, Mr. P. ^ who is the Bearer hereof, has behaved himself so as to preserve a Good Reputation with our Godly People. I pray your Acceptance of a few of our latest Publications. May the Glorious Lord, multiply the Blessings of a fruitful and joyful old Age, and anon an open and abundant Entrance into His Rest. To . A.A.S. Boston N. E. 20 d. 4 m. [June.] 1715. Reverend Sir, — My good Friend Mr. James Sherman,^ is he, who brings you my Letters. And the Design of the Letters, is, to bespeak your kindness to him. ' Joseph Parsons. * See I Collections, x. 87. The letter may be addressed to some one in Eliza- bethtown, New Jersey, where Sherman settled. JUNE, I 7 I 5 317 His Desire is, to do what Good he can, the Little Time he has to continue in the world. He is desirous to do good, both to Bodies and Souls, as he may have Opportunity. We are so plentifully suppUed for both in this Countrey, that he thinks more Opportunity may be expected abroad than at home. And perhaps he may meet with some in your Vicinity. Tis true. Age is coming upon Him; and as I remember, in the Levitic Law, one after sixty has not a third Part of the Value sett on him, that one had before. But the older he is, I hope, he will be the wiser, and the more serious; and more solHcitous to redeem all the little Time that remains, for the best of Purposes. He has mett with some Troubles and Rebukes in former Years ; But he stands right in the Communion of our Churches, and has been for diverse Years improved in occasional Preaching of the word. I must confess myself to be touched with a sensible Compassion for him, and am so concerned for his being brought into some com- fortable Circumstances, that 1 must assure you, whatever Kindness you show to him, I shall gratefully acknowledge, as done unto myself. I know you will at all times favour him with your Directions and Assistences. May the Glorious Lord graciously continue and multiply the Tokens of His Good will unto you ; especially in His employing you still to do excellent Services for His Kingdome. I am. Sir, Your True Brother and Servt. From Rev. Thomas Reynolds. a.a.s. June 9th, 1715. Rev'd D'r., — A few days since I rec'd a further Testimony of your kind remembrance and Affection in a parcel of books which I esteem as a vast present. They are upon useful Subjects. Your thots are proper, and delivered in [words] that must make them profit- able with Gods Blessing to such as read them with [a] serious Spirit. You have mine and my wives thanks for them, who do's particularly approve of them and hopes to receive Benefit by them. With these I have also been favoured with a Letter from you, which has given me some trouble becaus of the dissappointmts you are under with respect to your B[iblia] Americana. I have spoken about it, but am sorry I am not able as yet to give you the Encouragemt you have wished and do deserve. The design you propose is in all respects great 3l8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and worthy of yourself but Circumstances are really such with us and have been so for these twelve Months past and more, as very much dishearten persons from an undertaking that will be attended with so much Charge; besides, Mr. Lawrence the only Bookseller in whom I had Interest sufficient to entrust a Matter of such a Nature died several months ago, and we under whose direction you have left this matter [are] not yet able to get Subscriptions that might answer yours or the Booksellers Expectations. The Dissenters by the Schism BiU of which I gave you an Advice (tho' I don't hear you have received it) and by other intervening Accidents has been under great discouragements, and at present the publick Affairs are in such Distraction that we scarce know where we are, and how matters are like to issue. No longer than Saturday last was a Week, and the day [ ] the first King George's birthday, and the other that of the Restoration [ ] by some Schollars riffled and pulld down three, (which were all [ ] Oxford. And this day which is appointed by the House of [Commons to enquire] into the late mismanagemts, the Govern [ment ] and Insurrections, so that the City and [People] are obUgd to be in Arms. Were you here yourself you would not blame your Friends as guilty of culpable Neglects but would advise them to await some more fitt Opportunity for the pubUshing your Bible. This is the State of the Case. I shall add no more than that if hereafter [we] through the merciful Proxi- dence of God shall be in a better posture and a more favorable oppor- tunity present, I shall be ready to contribute what I can with the Rest of my Brethren to recommend your book that the publick may be obliged with the Benefit of it. I must now acquaint you that Mr McNish has not been forgott by me, who have upon all Occasions, endeavoured to soUicit the [Board] of the foreign plantations, and have stirred up my Brethren to [aid] the designs of the Missionaries. Endeavours have been usd [and] much Time spent for this purpose, I am sorry to say it [has not] been with that Success as has been wished. I formerly gave you [an] Acct. of this Affair. And I must now with sorrow of heart tell [how] the Society proceeds, and are not without hopes of gaining Bishops to be sent into his Majesties Plantations. We are attempt- ing afresh to represent the Case to the Society. I am directed to write to you and acquaint [you] that we think it would be of service to have some Person or persons [sent] over on purpose with power to represent to the Governm't, the State of yr Affairs with respect to the Missionaries. I desire you will please acquaint Mr McNish, and JUNE, I 7 I S 319 that you will take this matter into your [consideration.] If Mr. McNish or any others can send any thing that may afford matter of further Remonstrance to the Society we pray they will do it with all expedition, and with authentique Testimonies. I was in hope by your Letter to have had an Opportunity before this of pa)ang my respects to your Son, but inquiring after him I find he is gon to pay his first Visits to his Uncle your Brother at Witney in Oxfordshire. Upon his Return he will favour me I doubt not with [ ] let him know my readiness to show him all [ ] to his worthy Character and to a Son of the [ ] May God preserve you long for the Interest of his [ has made use of] you for further eminent [services]. Go on to honour your Posterity [ ] Gifts and Graces to brighten their Father and [ ] may the Name of Mather be in everlasting Remembrance in the Churches of [ ], I am with much affection, Rev'd Sir, Your respectful Brother and humble Servt. ~_ ^^ Tho: Reynolds. To . A.A.S. Boston, 20 d. 4 w. [June.] 1715. HoNOtiRED Brethren, — Before ever we were any of us ad- dressed from you, on the late Occasion, we were many of us fill'd with distress for the dear Church of Newhaven, under your very great Bereavement ; ^ we were concerned that you might be supplied with a Pastor who might in some Degree be a suitable Successor to that excellent person of whom you have been bereaved ; and we were employ'd even to Agony, in Supplications to our ascended Lord that He would graciously provide such a supply for you. You may then well wonder at it, that after such an Address as we have received from you, there should roll on so long a Time, ere any of us return any thing of an Answer to it. But for the same Rea- son that all Answer hath been hitherto delay'd, what now comes, is not from us in Conjunction, nor any other than my own single Report. What I have to report unto you is, that I cannot find we are any other, than very much at a Loss, for any Candidate of the Ministry among ourselves, who may be of a Character promising enough to prove such a burning and shining Light as the conspicuous Candle- stick at New-haven may call for. Except perhaps those who may be under some Engagements, already lying on them. • The death of Rev. James Pierpont, which occurred in November, 17 14. 320 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER We have not laid aside our most sollicitous Look-out on your behalf ; and if any thing occur worthy of your Notice, before you are otherwise determined, you shall hear of it. Some of us, have been very much of the opinion, that if your Church can see a Person of Eminency, already station 'd in some lesser Charge, he might with the Advice of a Council from the Neigh- bouring Churches, be translated from his present Station, and the Church whereof he is now the Servant, may do well to hearken unto the Direction so given them, that a general Interest may be accommodated. If this method be not thought adviseable, we are not without Hopes, that you may find sons of your own Education, who may prove rich Blessings unto you. A young person really a Candidate, who evidently is filled with the Love of God, and the Faith of the Son of God, and a Zeal to do Good, and an hearty Desire to advance the Kingdome of God, and is of competent Abilities, tho' short of what you have lost: such an one, embraced in the Arms of your tender Affection, and carried by you continually imto the glorious Head of the Church who gives Gifts unto Men ; would, no doubt, so improve in all that belongs to a faithful and able Minister of the N. T. that it would not be long before you should be sensible of cause to bless God, that ever you saw one another. In the mean time, it is impossible for us to express the Solhcitude upon our Mind that you may not fall into Contentions, which will produce Confusions, and every Evil work. Satan your grand Adver- sary, is doubtless watching and waiting for leave to break in upon you, and raise those Disturbances among you, which will be Bitter- ness in the latter End ; but being once begun, tis unknown when they will come unto an End. It is hoped, that you will be much in prayer to the God of Peace, that Satan may be kept bruised under your Feet; and that whole Dayes of prayer for that purpose, and for the obtaining of the mercy you want from the Lord of the Harvest, will be repeted among you. It is also hoped, that every man will be afraid of being drawn into any one rash Act or Word, which may bring him under the Mark of them that cause Divisions : but that you \vill all unite in a Reso- lution, that you will take no Steps of Importance in your Affair, witnout first Consulting certain men of worth in your Vicinity, whom you shall jointly pitch upon, as your Counsellours ; for most cer- tainly, with the well-advised is Wisdome. JULY, I 7 I 5 321 At this time, I add no more, but my hearty Wishes, that you may be of one mind, and live in Peace and have the God of Love and of Peace to be with you. And that in all your Proceedings, the twelfth to the Romans and the Tenth, may be alwayes remembred with you. I am, Honoured Sirs, Your Brother and Servt. To . A.A.S. 27 d. 4 m. [June.] 17 15. Sir, — A week ago I did myself the Honour of writing to you. At which time I was not apprised, as I now am, that you have a Son of your own Colony and Colledge, of whom it is hoped by some that he may prove a considerable Blessing unto N. Haven, if the glorious Lord incUne you to him, and bestow him upon you. The person intended is, one whose Name is, Mr. Noyes; ^ the Son of that excellent Man of God, who has been such a long and rich Blessing to Stonington. If he may in his Day, be like his valuable Father, you will have a precious Gift of Heaven in him ; and tho' I am a stranger to him, I have heard what is very Encouraging to hope that he may be so. I now write, only on my own separate Sentiments, not having Lately discoursed with any of my Brethren on the Subject. But you will give me Leave to shew you mine Opinion ; which is, that if you can have a Son of your own Education, it will be very much to your Advantage ; and a zeal to overlook such, with a praeference to others perhaps not superiour to them, at a greater Distance from you, is either unintelligible, or, too easy to be understood. What I write, I show to the Doctor, whom I still have the Hon- our and pleasure to call my Father, and he allowes me to tell you, that he has the same Sentiments. Now may the great Shepherd look in much mercy on His dear Flock among you, and give you a Pastor after His own Heart, by whom you may be led in the Pathes of Righteousness, I am, Sir, Your sincere Friend, and hearty servt. To Thomas Craighead? a.a.s. [July, 171S?] Sir, — I am now There. But remembring my vast obligations to you, for the many good services you did me with so much sincerity and Alacrity in my grand ' Rev. Joseph Noyes, son of Rev. James Noyes. He was chosen in July, n • 21 322 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER affair, and believing the share of satisfaction, which your hearty Friendship will dispose you to take in my FeUicity ; I thought it my Duty to inform you, that the fifth of July is the brightest Day in my Kalender.^ Then it was, that one whom you love, saw himself invested with a constellation of Blessings, which you do not imagine me capable of Language Enough, to sett off in their proper Lustre. Instead of making a vain Essay to declare my just Sentiments of Gratitude unto Heaven, upon so illustrious an occasion, I shall only ask, that you would go on to oblige me with your suppUcations to the glorious One whom I have in this most Joyful Experience found, a prayer-hearing Father, that I may by a Vast Improvement in Sanc- tity and Industry and usefulness, walk in some degree worthy of the Great Things which have been done for me, when I have so obtained Favour of the Lord. I Long to take a Walk with you in an upper-room of an House, which I hope to see illuminated the next week, with the presence of one that shines forever with a thousand Lovelinesses. In the mean time, I am przeparing to entertain on the Lord's-day approaching a Church which I am robbing of an Invaluable Treasure and Beauty, with a Discourse on, i. Sam. 1.27. And I am at all times, my dear Friend, Yours in Bonds never to be forgotten. From Samuel Mather. a.a.s. Dear Brother, — An undesigned courtesie has put me to a great Expence, I mean my name being mentioned with some London Ministers, has occasioned a needless journey to London. Your son is with me I must keep a pretty strict eye over him for if left to himself he will not escape sinne in a place of Temptation. He told me his grandfather was coming over and that you intended to send him a remittance by him which made me the more wilUngly invite him to stay with me till the next spring. His Grandfather's not coming makes his affairs to be in a puzled state. He came with but ten shillings in his pocket to Witney. I sent to Capt. Pamele to remitt what he had also to answer a Bill that he drew upon them which I doubt not but that you would have paid at sight, and Coz. Increase was positive would be paid by the Capt'n. But 'twas re- jected. He had but one shirt and was so bare in every respect that I was perfectly ashamed. I take care to let him have credit with ' His marriage with Mrs. George. AUGUST, I7IS 323 our Countrey Shopkeepers at Witney that he may have Linnen and Woollen suitable and handsome. I propose that you make a genteel remittance to Him, but let the Money come into Mr Sodens hands to manage it for him. I perceive he is infected with the disease which is the blemish of the Family viz. to spend inconsiderately and take no thought about providing against future unavoidable occasions. If I can I will cure him. I design to keep him at Witney 'till just the Instant of his going off to N. England again lest the Snares of London should occasion his returning to His Father with a worse Character then he had when he came. I enclose a three and six penny piece of paper. I am afraid some packets which have come from N. England to some of your Friends have cost them as much. I have enquired concerning Vertues price for an head He has five guineas and an half guinea for Engraving such an octavo picture as White Engraved for my Father.^ I am ,„ ,, , ° ■' [Samuel Mather] London, July 23, 1715. To Increase Mather. a.a.s. [August, 1 71 5.] Child, — Sollicitous I am, that you may return unto me, as fast as you can: and come into new Methods as soon as may, to qualify you for usefulness in the world : But much more sollicitous, that you may Return imto God, and be witheld from Sinning against Him. A Thing, for which it is impossible for me, to express the pain of mind, wherein you have long held me distressed. You know not the Child upon Earth, which has been more pray'd for, and more talk'd to, that he might be converted unto God and unto all the former means for your Good ; there have now been added the Admonitions of a pious uncle. God forbid, that you should be so infinitely unhappy, as you must be, if all these be lost upon you. I hope, you lett not a Day pass you, without prayers to the glorious God ; And that all the Vices of Dishonesty, Debauchery, and False-speaking are abominable to you. * Robert White (1645-1703), who made some four hundred prints, compris- ing most of the public and literary characters of the day. His plate of In- crease Mather may have been intended for one of his printed volumes. A coarse woodcut was made from it by Thomas Emmes, in 1701, and appeared in Increase Mather's Ichabod, issued by Nicholas Boone, in 1702. 324 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER To Samuel Mather. a.a.s. [August, 1 715.] My dear Brother, — The first Advice, that I had of the Cir- cumstances wherein my Son has been detained with you, was the last Week, and a few minutes before the Departure of a Ship, just ready to sail. I had then an opportunity only to render you my Thanks for your [ ] Civilities to the Child; which I now repeat: and assure you of my speedy care to make the Remittances you direct me to. I am since advised, that it is much easier to obtain Bills of Exchange from England hither, than from hence to England. If with no body else, yett the masters of ships coming over hither, it may be easy to find those, who will disburse what shall be neces- sary on this occasion, and accept your Bill drawn upon me for it. I am also at a loss, what sum will be necessary on this occasion, and my condition won't invite me to superfluous E.xpences. What I therefore chuse to do, is, by a Vessel which is to touch at Plymouth, to hasten my Direction to you that whatsoever sum you order me to advance, for my son Increase, that so his Return to me, may be hastened, you would please to draw your BUI upon me for it, and it shall be punctually answered. I confess, I flatter myself, that you will use all prudent Frugahty, in assigning what shall be judged necessary on this occasion and that it will not much exceed Twenty pounds. I again and again renew my Thanks to you and my sister for your Civilities to the Child ; especially for the Admonitions of piety wliich you have been continually distilling upon him ; and, which oh ! that they make a due Impression! I hope, I have putt you out of pain, as to the Library, about which you seem to have such an uncommon Tenderness. I renew my Request, that you would not lett my Christian Vir- tuoso be lost, but, if you know no better way to make it public Lett it pass thro' Dr. Woodward's ' hand, into the Repository of the Royal Society. May the Glorious Lord multiply your precious Opportunities to be serviceable and your generous Dispositions to value them and improve them. ' John Woodward (1665-1728), geologist and physician, is probably intended, who had some difTicuIlies with the Royal Society in 1710, of which Mather could hardly have known. AUGUST, 1715 325 To Mrs. Samuel Mather. a.a.s. [1715-16.] My dear Sister, — My value for you has been very great, ever since I understood, that you made my only Brother, one of the happiest men in the World. I have thought, that Madamoiselle de Gournay the Lady, who a while since wrote an Essay to demonstrate, the Equality of women to men might victoriously enough defend her problem, (tho' that learned and famous and wondrous Lady A. Maria Schurman, had the mod- esty to disallow it) while she had such as you, as friend, who help so notably to render your Husbands useful and considerable. It was the Acclamation made by Spectators in the primitive Times of charity, What rare women are to be found among the Chris- tians! By such as you the occasions for it as continued in our Dayes. Go on to love him, and serve him, and felicitate him ; and become accessary to all the Good which he may do in the world ; and con- sider him as a valuable minister of God ; and one of whom our Lord will say, of what you have done for him, you have done it unto me. As you have obliged me, in all you have done for him, so you have made a vast Accession to those obligations, in what you have done for my Son, in the many months of his residing with you. Your maternal Tenderness for him, in the Time of his long Ill- ness and the many CiviUties he at all times received from you; as well as the excellent AccompHshments wherewith he saw you adorned ; he never mentions without a sense of passion of Gratitude and admiration. I return you my most hearty Thanks, for all your Kindness to the Lad; and, if God bless him, he will one day be able to return you his own Thanks in a manner, more significant, than meer verbal Acknowledgments. May you have goodness and mercy following of you all your Dayes and may the Great Saviour who has Espoused you, forever take delight in you. The best of women in the American World, accompanies me, in the most affectionate Remembrances which you have in the heart of. Your obliged Brother. 326 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER To Rev. William Brattle. a.a.s. 19 d. 6 m. [August.] 1715. Sir, — Among the many who heartily condole with you, in the sorrows of your late Bereavement, there is none more sincerely affected, than he who now tells you so.^ But you that have been for so many years an excellent and experienced Comforter of the Mourners, need not so all Assistences, as the best of Mine, to comfort you. You are a Sacrificer. The Signs and Hopes and Joyes of your share in that priesthood, which must be our future Blessedness, ly in your skill and stroke at Sacrificing. It is a great Sacrifice to which the Holy One has lately called you. But your oblation will be so managed, as to have in it, imcomparable Tokens for Good. May you yett see Dayes of Service, in a World, which I make no Doubt, by its late Embitterments makes you more wilUng to leave it, than ever since you came into it. Very relishable Comforts here make some Servants of God but the more willing to dy. For they argue. If there be any thing here below so very desireable, what is there Above ? Where Great and sore Troubles, will have the same Effect ; and make us long to be, where the weary are at Rest. God that hath shown you such by His admirable Discipline praepares you for it. A small Instrument of Piety, which I hope, will a little answer some Designs that your Heart is more than a little sett upon, is now humbly tendered unto your Acceptance. To which I have added. The Religion of the Closelt, which I pre- sent unto your hopeful Son,'^ whom I pray God, to spare, and bless, and use; and give you much consolation in him. I am, Sir, Your affectionate Brother and Servt. To Robert Wodrow.' a.a.s. 17 d. 7 m. [September.] 1715. Sm, — When the distance of the huge Atlantic, separates Breth- ren from one another, one Method unto which we must resort for Maintaining, the Communion of Saints, is the Epistolary. > Elizabeth, his wife, and daughter of Nathaniel Hayman, of Charlestown, died July 28, 1715- » William Brattle. •Robert Wodrow (1679-1734), ecclesiastioil historian, and professor of di\inity in the University of Glasgow. SEPTEMBER, 1715 327 You have so often obliged me, and so sweetly by your communi- cations in that way, that I cannot be guilty of so much Ingratitude, as to endeavour no Returns ; tho such are our Circumstances on this side the water, that you can expect but very small ones. A Little of what we are and of what we do, after which your brotherly charity towards your most united Brethren here disposes you to be inquisitive, you will perceive a few composures of the latest pubhcation among us, in the Packett which I now humbly tender to your Acceptance. To which I will add ; that the Churches of N. E. at this time, enjoy much TranquiHty, and are continually, but very peaceably, multiplying into new Societies. No remarkable Disturbance is offered unto them ; only that a furious Man, called John Wise,^ of whom, I could wish he had. Cor bonum, while we are all sensible, he wants, Caput bene regulatum, has lately published a foolish Libel, against some of us, for presbyterianiz- ing too much in our Care to repair some Deficiencid's in our Churches. And some of our People, who are not only tenacious of their Liberties, but also more suspicious than they have cause to be of a Design in their pastors to make abridgments of them ; are too much led into Temptation, by such Invectives. But the Impression is not so great as our grand Adversary doubtless hoped for. And his Devices are disappointed, by or taking the Course, which I find a celebrated University in Europe, preferr'd on a late provocation.^ We are not without some Inconvenience, from the Missionaries of the Church of England sometimes arriving among us. It seems to us a little surprizing, that the Society for propagation in foreign parts, should Leave so many English plantations in the most pagan- izing Circumstances, and at the same time, chuse to send their Mis- sionaries where they can only serve as Tools of Contention for perhaps about a dozen wretched and sorry people, who merely for mischief declare themselves for the Ch : of E. in Towns, where there are faithful and painful pastors, and flourishing Churches, wherein the meanest Christians understand Religion and practise it, better than the Ministers whom they send over to us.' But by the marvel- *John Wise (1652-1725), of Ipswich, printed at New York, in 1713, The Churches' Quarrel Espoused, a satirical" production. It was reprinted in Boston in 1715, with a commendatory letter signed by Samuel Moodey and John White. " On August 2, Mather preached, ' censured him that had reproached the Ministry, calling the Proposals Modalities of little consequence, and made in the Keys; called it a Satanick insult, twice over, and it found a Kind Reception." Sewall, Diary, ui. 51. 'A glance at the troubles at Newbury. 328 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER lous Providence of God it comes to pass, that the Ministers whom they send over, have been such ignorant, vicious debauched Creatures that their Hearers have soon grown weary of them, and the Ch : of E. has been in a Countrey of Religious People, rendred, (and how should it be otherwise?) to the Last Degree Contemptible. No Remonstrances have hitherto signified any thing to cure this Infatu- ation upon the Society ; But even this week another Blade of the Mission keeping up the Character of his predecessors, is arrived, for a litigious Vicinity in one of our Towns, where the parson who went before him, so disaffected his own crue of pretenders for the Ch. of E. that they generally deserted him. God will one day putt an End unto these things. The Colony of Carolina, to the Southward of us, is newly destroy'd by the dreadful Judgments of God, for which an imcommon measure of Iniquities had ripened it. The unhappy people, in carrying on their Trade with the Indians, had greatly Injured them and provoked them : And the scandalized salvages at Last, conspired, and broke in upon them, and with a massacre of the people, whom their first Fury fell upon, among which were fourscore of the Traders, they laid the Countrey waste; so that they are generally driven into Charls- town, their Capital Town ; where tis thought, they cannot be long subsisted.' In the prosecution of this Descent upon the miserable Carolinians, the Barbarities perpetrated by the Indians are too hide- ous to be related. There were a sort of Inhumanity in the Relation of such things, But yett I will venture to mention one Instance, that Crimine ab una, you may apprehend the rest. One major Cockrain,^ a very honest man, had been a Trader with these Indians : yea, their Leader in Expeditions against the Spaniards and their Feeder very often at his Hospitable table ; and they had a Reciprocal Esteem for one another : Nevertheless, he was one of the first, siezed by the Indians ; who bound him, and then strippt his Lady, and abused her with all possible and infamous prostitutions before his Eyes. Then they stuck her Flesh with Splinters of that oily wood which they bum for Candles; and sett them on fire. In this condition she was two or three Dayes broiling and roasting to Death ; In which time they roasted her Sucking Infant, and Com- pelled her to Eat of it. And when these diaboUcal operations were gone thro', they finished all by Barbikueing of the Gentleman. It is very much feared, that the Combination of the Indians, is more general, than meerly for the Destruction of Carolina ; and • See Ramsay, History of South Carolina, i 159. ' John Cochran. SEPTEMBER, 1715 329 under a French and Spanish Instigation. And that some other Col- onies, which, alas, are too obnoxious, may shortly suffer grievous Depredations from them. In this Countrey, we are not free from our Share with the rest if them that profess the reformed ReUgion abroad in the world, in a lamentable Decay upon the power of Godliness. Nevertheless, the Countrey has in it a Number of prayerful, watchful. Fruitful Chris- tians, and something more is to be said, than meerly this, that it is generally filled with a sober and an honest people. And it is impos- sible for me to express, how dear the Ch : of Scotland is, unto their Brethren here tho' it be a little Express'd in the Civilities, which its Ministers happening to come hither, do commonly meet withal. I join with you in expecting, that the Kingdome of God will quickly be seen, in some Appearances and Advances of it, beyond what have been in the former Ages. But very much of my Expecta- tion is, that God will raise up some Instruments, who from the Mines of the Sacred Scriptures, will dig and run the Maxims of the ever- lasting Gospel ; the glorious Maxims, wherein all the Children of God really are united, and whereinto all that come are to be esteemed and embraced as the Children of God. The children of God and of His Kingdome, under various professions will arrive to a declared and explicit union on these Maxims ; and lesser points will be depressed into their due subordination. Disputations on these Lesser Points may be continued; but managed with that mutual Justice, and Candor, and meekness, which becomes the Children of God. The Brethren thus becoming sensible that they are so, will associate for the Kingdome of God, in such methods, that the Things to be con- sumed by the Stone cutt out of the mountain shall be all broke to peeces before them. Glory to God in the Highest, with peace on Earth from Good-will among men, will be the grand Characters and Intentions of the Kingdome ; and the Tokens and EflFects of the divine Presence among this people of our Immanuel, will be wonderful, won- derful! Joels prophecy is also to receive its full Accomplishment! I confess myself to be at Work upon those Maxims ; not without hopes, that some Fruits of my Studies may ere long reach unto you ; In the mean time, I was comforted with Letters from the most illus- trious University in the world, which much animated my studies, whereof I have here enclosed you a short memorial, under the Title of, Nimcia bona} 'Printed by B. Green for Samuel Gerrish, 1715. Mather adds to his name on the titlepage the letters " F. R. S." 330 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I entreat you to remember me most affectionately to the best of men, my Lord of Pollock, imto whom I wish always the best of Bless- ings. You will treat him with the sight of all that this packett containeth in it. My long letter terminates in my earnest Supphcations to our glorious Lord, That His Church with you, the dearly beloved of His soul, may be preserved from the High flying Birds of prey ; on whom Obadiahs prophecies will be spedily executed ; and that you particu- larly may be many years an useful Instrument of much service to His Kingdome in the world. With such Prayers, and all possible Brotherly affection, I am. Sir, Your Brother and Serv't.^ To Sir William Ashurst. a.a.s. Boston, i?,d. 8 m. [October.] 1715. Sir, — In the last Letters, which I had the Honour of receiving from you, there were some Intimations of your Desire to receive some Account of the Biblia Americana, a work waiting to see its publication encouraged. In obedience to your command, I have here enclosed, a, New offer, which exhibits a brief Account of the Work. And therewithal assure you That altho' the Author has all this while even ever since his being seventeen years of age, had lying upon him the ponder- ous Load of the Evangehcal servdce which the greatest. Church in these Colonies has expected from him ; and tho he has in this while imdergone the fatigue of publishing more than 250 Books of sundry Dimensions, on various Arguments, in diverse Languages ; yett, thro' the most gracious Assistence of God our Saviour, there is per- formed in the Biblia Americana, more than all that is promised in the Advertisement. I have sometimes flattered myself, with an Imagination, that if the Treasures wherewith our B. A. are enriched, were so acceptable in their separate States, as to render many copious and costly volumes Vendible, certainly there would be at some time or other so much common sense operating in the world, as to beleeve, that a close Amassment of these Treasures, refined from Superfluities, with an Addition of many never before exposed, would be not unworthy of some Acceptance. ' " 16 d. 8 tn. Dismissed unto the new Church at Romny-marsh three Stasseys, two men and a woman." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, II. OCTOBER, lyiS 331 I did not know, but that a Composure, which may pretend without Vanity to be the richest collection of the most valuable Treasures, in so little a Room, that ever the Ch : of God was enter- tained withal, might hope for a favorable Reception, with people of Religion and Ingenuity. But I find, and I do not wonder at it, that I do so, the work labouring under Discouragements. The Booksellers are generally such, that a celebrated Author, thinks the most opprobrious Term he can give unto them, is to say, in one word, they are Booksellers. It is complained unto me, I know not how truly, that our Dis- senters do not seem to over-value Literature ; and that a public Spirit among them is much lost by their unusual Emulations; nor do they seem to think, that it is much for their Interest or Honour, to have any of their Number, do things of much consideration in the Common-wealth of Learning. It has been surprizing unto me to read the little, absurd, ridiculous exceptions, which have been made against this work among some of my Brethren. Indeed the good- spirited Mr. Henry, several times, in his Letter to me express'd his Good-will to this undertaking ; but, he is dead.^ The Surviving seem to be of the opinion, that a poor American must never be allow'd capable of doing any thing worth any ones regarding ; or to have ever look'd on a Book. And the Truth is, we are under such Disadvantages, that if we do any thing to purpose, it must carry in it a tacit Rebuke to the sloth of people more advan- tageously circumstanced. I have done expecting anything, from my Brethren in the City ; upon the Reasons whereof, I know not, whether or no I am right in my Conjectures. I am not without importunate soUicitations, from other parts of England, and from Scotland, and from Ireland, that the work may be proceeded in ; and promises of Subscriptions, which I beleeve would be Numerous. And some very Eminent persons in the established Church, lett me understand by kind Letters that they will be Benefactors unto it. I no sooner pubUshed the Advertisement here but I had about an hundred Subscribers in view : whereof three are Govemours of the Colonies ; many of them Gentlemen of uncommon Erudition. I have been this year and half, begging my Brethren, the Minis- ters of the City, to lett me know, what they would have me to do, in * Matthew Henry died of apoplexy, June 22, 17 14. 332 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER pursuance of the proposal, at the End of the Advertisements. But they have never to this Hour thought fitting to take the least notice of my Request. I am sensible, it has been an extraordinary Time with them ; and I would make no misconstructions. However, I am wholly at a Loss, what further to do, in the affayr. It is no unlawful or immodest or imprudent Thing for me, to make unto the world, a Tender of my poor Studies to serve it; in wayes wherein wiser and greater men have gone before me. But if the Tender be rejected, I am sure I ought to be hiunble and patient, and with all possible Resignation, leave imto the glorious Lord, the Disposal of my Essayes to do Good in the world. Had not the work been in the EngUsh Tongue, my Correspond- ents in the most illustrious Frederician University^ who have putt great Marks of their Favour upon me, would soon bring it into the Light. One considerable Article in the work, namely The Christian Virtuoso, one would think, might procure some subscribers to it, among the members of the Royal Society, wliich have allowed my Relation to them. It may be, God our Saviour will in His Time, dispose the Minds of some eminent and opulent persons, to cast a benign Aspect upon a work which may hand down their Names with lasting Acknowledg- ments unto posterity. Be it as it will, I do with the greatest Acquiescence of Mind in the holy Dispositions of His Providence Leave all in His glorious Hands. To which your Honourable person and Family is also most affectionately comended by, Sir, Your Honors, Most affectionate servant. To Anthony William Boehm. a.a.s. 2 d.Xnt. [December.] 1715. My most honoured Friend, — Several Months are passed, since by way of Return, for the Favours, which accompanied those of our dear Franckiiis, I addressed you with a large Number of Packetts, which had in them some scores of American Treadses, besides a few small presents of Gold, unto the Orphanotropheum. All which I hope, have long since reached you. I am extremely desirous of maintaining a correspondence, with a person of your excellence, spirit, and Intention ; And therefore you * Founded in 1694, by the elector Frederick III of Brandenburg. DECEMBER, I7IS 333 must give me leave to lay hold as frequently as I can on opportunities to entertain you, with such Books of Piety as are published in our Countrey : In which, perhaps you will find, something of the spirit of that vital Religion which you have so wisely chosen to cultivate and inculcate. But of the Things, which the mean hand that now writes has published, since the last that I have tendered you, there is none that has more of my Heart, than the Enclosed, Lapis Excisus; upon which I will freely declare unto you my Apprehensions. A small spark, will sett fire to a mighty Train, when it is already praepared : He was wondrously exemplified, in the Successes of Luther's Essayes, which if they had been made some years afore, would have been insignificant enough, and have succeeded but very poorly. I apprehend the Time is now coming on apace, for the Empire of Antichrist and Satan (whereof, there are too sensible Remains, even in the most Reformed churches;) to come unto its promised period, and the Eangdome of our Saviour to be Exhibited wth glory to God in the Highest, and on earth Peace, thro' Good Will among Men. But if it be so, that the Time to Favour the sett Time, is come, who can tell, how far such a small Thing, as our Lapis Excisus, may operate, for the Introducing of the Things, which the soul of my dear Boem, is with weary anhelations, looking and longing for ! God will shake all Nations, that He may bring them to the Ms^ of the everlasting Gospel, which are the Things that cannot be shaken. And, I am altogether of the same opinion, with our excellent Ludolf, that the world is already deeply entred into the Distresses, that are designed for such a purpose. My Request therefore is, that you would please, to disperse these little Engines of Piety, as fast and as far as you can ; send of them, to our invaluable Friends at Halle; send of them, to the Malabarian missionaries ; And if you can do it, send of them into France; yea, excuse me, if I say, procure them to be translated into as many Languages as you can. Magna est Veritas, et prevalebit. By the next, I may furnish you with more of them ; and then more fully acquaint you with the Reasons that have emboldened me to impose at this rate upon you. In the meantime, and alwayes you will continue your Loves and Prayers for. Sir, Your most affectionate Brother and Serv't. 1 Mercies or Messages? I7I6 THE LIV YEAR OF MY LIFE. 12 d. xn m. [February.] 1715-16. Lord's-Day. *i2.* G. D. What ! And is the fifty-tJiird Year of my Life this Day finished ? A Life so forfeited ; a Life so threatened ; such a dying Life; yea, and such a barren One! My God, I praise thee; the Display of thy sovereign Grace, is my Admiration, my Astonishment! My SAVIOUR, I bless thee, I love thee, I resolve to serve thee. I wiU this Day glorify my SAVIOUR, with Meditations and Acknowledgments, of His having the Keys of the invis- ible World, and of Death in His glorious Hands, and His having the Souls of Men, and very particularly their Lives, Sit His Disposal. Yea, I will communicate my IMeditations unto my Flock this Day, and invite them to join with me in my Acknowledgments. 13. G. D. I am reviving my Cares to visit the Flock, and I would as soon as I can, gett furnished with my Echo's of Devotion,^ (which is not yet published,) that I may lodge the Book in all the Families where I come. 14. G. D. Unto each of my Children, present my Utilia,^ with my Charges unto them, to make the Book very much their Companion and Counsellor. 15. G. D. There are some Relatives at a further Dis- tance from me, to whom the like Present of my Utilia, will be an agreeable Expression of my Concern for them. 1 He now alters his entries, so as to follow the days of the month instead of the days of the week. The * marks the first day of the week. 2 Printed by T. Fleet and T. Crump, 1716. ' Printed by the same, 17 16. I334I FEBRUARY, 1715-16 335 16. G. D. If I could redeem the Time, now and then to dress up sublime Thoughts in an agreeable Metre, I might in Time, have a Collection, which may prove a profit- able and an acceptable Entertainment, unto the Church of God. 17. G. D. A Society of Christians in our Neighbour- hood, being disposed for the publishing of some Discourses, I will propose as advantageously to them, as I can. 18. G. D. Releeve a poor Man clothed with Rags, at the South End of the Town : At the same time, rebuke him, and exhort him. * 8®°" 19. G. D. Tho' I have been after a poor Man- ner living unto God, these many Years, yett methinks, I am not frequent and vigorous and explicit enough on those Thoughts, with which the Life of God is to be carried on. I would therefore now endeavour a greater Frequency, in form- ing those Thoughts upon every Turn, which being appHed unto my Actions and my Enjoyments, will bring such a Respect unto GOD upon them, that I shall indeed live unto Him. Upon my ACTIONS. In this Action I propose an Obedience to the glorious GOD; animated with an Apprehension that He knowes what I now do, under the Eye of His Glory; and that on the Account of my beloved JESUS, it will find Acceptance with Him. Upon my ENJOYMENTS. What gives a Relish to this Enjoy- ment, is, that the glorious GOD, showes to me something of His Glory in it; and that by this good Thing I am assisted and comforted in serving of Him. These Considerations will often require to be made with a par- ticular pause, that shall examine, wherein these Ends are more particularly answered in my Actions, and my Enjoyments. And then, I am so to take my Measures therefrom, that if I do not find the Ends answered, I am to desist from them. 20. G. D. A Sermon of Tokens for Good, may be of good use unto the Flock, whereof I am the Servant. 21. G. D. It may not only be a Service to myself, but also greatly serve the Interests of Piety in my excellent Consort, if I should use, every Morning before I rise, to T,T,6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER read a Chapter in my dear Arndt; and communicate unto her the principal Thoughts occurring on it. 22. G. D. Send the UtUia, and some other Things to an aged Relative, at Medford. 23. G. D. There being some Settlements begun at the Eastward, (particularly Arowsick and Brunswick,) and some devout Persons applying themselves, while they yett want a minister to carry on Exercises of Religion among the people there, I would supply those Christians, with Instru- ments of Piety, suited unto their Occasions. And siQce the Instruction of the Indians has been begun by some good Men there, I would particularly furnish them with Instruments, for that excellent Purpose. 24. G. D. Procure a good Justice, if it may be, to be commission'd, for a destitute place in the countrey, on the behalf whereof I am applied imto. 25. G. D. A poor Drone, must have something done for him, and Employment provided. And a crack-brained Youth in my neighbourhood, (who also belongs to our Church) must be look'd after. 2$ d. XII m. Satureday. This Day I sett apart for Prayer with Fasting, in Secret before the Lord. My Errands to Heaven were, to obtain the Pardon of my Mis- carriages ; greater Measures of Piety and Sanctity ; the divine Con- duct and Blessing to my Ministry in every Part of it ; a Smile on the Offers made by my Pen unto the Public ; the good State of my Family ; the Welfare of my Son abroad ; the Rescue of my Daughter-in-Law from her unhappy Circumstances; the comfortable Disposal of my Daughters in the married Life ; the Favour of Heaven to my Flock, to the Land, and to the British Nations, and my dear Brethren, that are at work for God in the Lower Saxony; — and other Matters. I enjoy'd most gracious Visits from Heaven to me, in my Devo- tions. I pray'd in the Name of my Saviour, and even with a Nature and a Temper conformed unto His, and I prevailed. When I perceived by the Breathing of my Soul, that I began to live unto God, oh! the Triumphant Joy, that I was filled withal, to MARCH, 1716 337 think, that now I am assured of everlasting Life. This Life of God, is what never can be killed ! March. 17 16. i. G. D. It may be of great Use to our Ministers, and our Colledges, if I can procure the Medicina Mentis, of the Excellent Langius,^ to be much studied among them. I would use all due Methods to bring it about. 2. G. D. I would exhibit a little Summ of Money, to be bestow'd upon such Lads at the School, as gett by heart, the Maxims of the Everlasting Gospel, in the. Lapis e Monte. 3. G. D. A miserable Man in the Prison, cries to me for my Compassions. I must clothe him, and help him, what I can. * 4. G. D. That Sort of prayer or that Elevation of the Mind in Prayer, which is in the Verus Christianismus called. Supernatural Prayer, is what I would exceedingly aspire unto, and grow more experienced in. I would soar towards it, in great Essayes at the sacrificing-Stroke, which with a Self annihilation will bring me on towards an Union with God, and an Acquiescence in Him, and in His Will; and when I feel in this way GOD becoming All in All unto me, I would be entirely swallowed up in Him. 5. G. D. Lett the pubHc Prayers, in the Hearing of the Flock, take a pathetic Notice of the Value and Longing which our People gone abroad, express in their Letters to us, for the New England-Sabbaths. Manifold may be the good Use of this Intimation. 6. G. D. Very much inculcate on the Children the Lessons of Thankfulness to the glorious God, for His having provided so marvellously for them, when He had made them Orphans; and now bestowing an excellent Mother upon them.2 7. G. D. Not only must Relatives abroad be prayed ' Johann Lange (1485-1565), of Silesia. See p. 405, infra. 'Mather had married July 5, 1715, Lydia, daughter of Rev. Samuel Lee. See pp. 302, 322. U -22 338 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER for, but also their Wives at Home, in their Absence, have the Duty of Resignation much recommended unto them, and so a Preparation for all Events. J d. im. [March.] Wednesday. This Day I devoted, (and what sinner on Earth has more Cause to do so?) unto the Exercises of a Secret THANKSGIVING unto the glorious GOD. I began the Day with considering and acknowledging my answer- ing the Character of a meer Shadow before GOD ; sensible that I am nothing, have nothing, do nothing, but in an entire Dependence upon Him. I confessed before the Lord, my exceeding Unworthiness of all His Favours ; and how unworthy I am to be accepted or assisted in His Praises. I went over the Articles of my Vileness, with all Self- Abasement. I entertained my Family with Meditations on the CXXXVIII Psalm. And with them I celebrated the Favours of Heaven to my Family; especially in the excellent Mother that He has bestow'd upon it. Ah I quant deceptus/^ I distinctly adored the divine perfections; and breathed after such Dispositions and Behaviours in myself, as they call for. I beheld each of the three Persons in the Godhead, shining with all those Perfections ; and very particularly the God-man, who is my Saviour ; and I triumphed in the Enjoyment of such a Saviour. I made Recognition of my Obligations to Uve unto this glorious GOD ; and be entirely for Him ; and I proposed the Methods, wherein I desired forever to glorify Him : ascribing at the same Time unto my Saviour, the Glory of accompUshing my Desires. Having expatiated up)on these Things, in the Afternoon, I went on to recapitulate the former Vouchsafements of a gracious God unto me, in the Course of my Life ; and then the Enjoyments wherewith I am this Time favoured of the Lord ; more particularly ; the strange Prolongation of my Life, with my Health restored and Strength renewed ; my Employment in the Ministry of the Gospel, and in so large an Auditory, (yea, notwithstanding the late Swarm therefrom :) And with an Utterance bestow'd in such a wondrous Manner upon me ; my marvellous Opportunities to be serviceable unto the King- ' These words were written in the margin. MARCH, 1716 339 dome of God by the Way of the Press : all the good whereof the sovereign Grace of Heaven has made me the Instrument ; the Acces- sions made unto my Library, and of late some very precious Ones; my Correspondences abroad, especially with the universities of Glas- gow, and of Glaucka: and giving me, tho' I am a sorry and an obscure Creature, a Name among the great Men of the Earth ; the credible and plentiful Circumstances wherewith I am accommodated in my Habitation ; The good Condition of my Family ; especially in regard of the Excellent Consort in which I have strangely obtained Favour of the Lord. For these and such Things, I offered my Praises unto the glorious God, with humble Confessions of my own Unworthiness on the several Articles, and the Triumphs of sovereign Grace in them : and seeing the Purchase and Power of my Saviour operating, in my Arrival to these Blessings of Goodness. But, oh ! the Joy of Soul, wherewith I then beheld, what the Lord has done for my Soul! His Revealing of His Christ unto me. His uniting of me unto His Christ ; His pardoning my Sins ; and making me one of His children ; and a Temple of His holy Spirit ; on begin- ning that Life in me, that shall never, never, never be extinguished! After this, I carried my lovely Consort with me, into my Library ; and there we together offered up our Praises unto God, for His Bless- ings ; especially spiritual Blessings ; and for His bestowing us upon each other, with surprising Dispensations of His Providence. I concluded with Praises to the Lord for His good Angels ; and all the unknown Good, which He had by their Ministry convey'd unto me. My finishing Dispositions and Resolutions were; to grow more frequent in direct, express, explicit Acts of living unto God ; with Reflections on the Reason of my doing what I do, and of my Relish in my Enjoyments. To be more sollicitous about a real and vital Communion with God, in the Prayers which I make unto Him. To be more Industrious in my Studies, that I may dispatch apace, what my Hand finds to do. And visit the Flock with more Assiduity, and Edification. 8. G. D. Is there no Possibility, for me, to find the Time, that I may contrive a System of the Sciences wherein they shall be rescued from Vanity and Corruption, and become consecrated unto the glorious Intention of living unto God, and the real and only Wisdome? 340 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER If I see, that I cannot obtain the Liesure for it, I will address my Friends in the Frederician University. 9. G. D. In conversing with a Society of Gentlemen, I would move it. There is a Youth at School whose Parents are capable of bestowing on him the Education, whereof he is desirous and capable. The Master of the School recom- mends him, as an agreeable Object for our Charity. 10. G. D. A miserable Man under Distraction, must have Kindness done for him, and his Famil3^ Another destitute Family also. * II. G. D. Those interval Spaces of Time, about the well-filling whereof I have been sollicitous, I will endeavour now more than ever to fiU with Acts of Consecration to GOD, formed upon the various Actions and Enjoyments, wherein I may be at the Time concerned. How gloriously will this fill my Life with Sacrifices! In what a marvellous Light will my Walk be carried on! What Influences from Above will my Mind be revived continually ! 12. G. D. A number of Persons qualified for church Fellowship, who have hitherto delay'd it, must be call'd upon. But, oh ! how seriously am I to consider the great Flock, as consisting of a People, for whom I am to do my best, that they may live unto God, and be directed, and quickened and strengthened in the Life of God! With what Sollici- tude am I to beg of the glorious God from time to time, that He would lead me to insist on such Subjects among His People as may be most adapted unto the Intentions of Piety, and most suitable unto their Circumstances! And when I have my Subjects under my Cultivation, how indus- triously must I prosecute them, as if I were immediately to give an Account of my Conduct therein unto God the Judge of all! 13. G. D. Animate the Visits of my dear Consort unto the Poor of the Neighbourhood. MARCH, 1716 341 14. G. D. Further Engines of Piety, to be convey'd unto my Kinsman at Windsor;^ for him to do Good with them. 15. G. D. Is there no Possibility for me, to gett the Prosecutions and Operations of Piety into the Schools ; that the Education there, may not only have Piety inter- mixed with it, but become the principall Intention of it. This would I make a Point of much Consideration, and be restless till I see a good Progress made in the Design. 16. G. D. The expired Charity-School, in the Middle of the Town, I would gett revived. 17. G. D. Several poor affected Ones, I have in View, to be releeved. And a poor Gentleman in the Prison for Debt. * 18. G. D. My Reading a Chapter in the Verus Christianismus, every morning, to my Consort as well as myself, before I rise, and then turning it into Prayer upon my Retirement into my Library, — of how much Advan- tage may it be, to the Interests of Piety, in my Heart and Life! 19. G. D. There are certain Strains and Fhghts of Devotion which being brought into the public Prayers, may have Impressions on the Flock, full of admirable Con- sequences. I have elsewhere some Hints of them. (I) Oh! What shall I render to the Lord? For me to glorify my admirable SAVIOUR, and be an Instrument for inviting others to behold and confess His Glory; This is the very Top of my chosen Felicity. How strangely am I gratified in it! And yett, I hope, what now befalls me, is but the Beginning of the Gratifications wherewith I shall be favoured. I began to be suspicious, whether this Year, would prove to me such a bearing Year, as was the last. But I know not what may happen. I am already entred upon Fructifications that sweetly Comfort me. A Society 'Samuel Mather (1650-1728). 342 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER of young Men, in the more southern Part of this Town, sollicit for a Sermon from me. I give them one. And the Publication of it, is proposed. The Title of it is, The Resort of Piety : our SAVIOUR considered atid Exhibited, as a Tree of Life, which all may and must resort unto. And an Early Flight unto it particularly called for. An Essay offered unto a Society of Young Men, united in the Intentions of Early Piety. ^ 20. G. D. My Servant has newly buried his Son ; {Onesimus his Onesimulus). Lett me make this an Occa- sion of inculcating the Admonitions of Piety upon him. 21. G. D. A Kinsman, to be now putt upon joining to the Church. 22. G. D. What can I do more for the Church of God, than what I am to endeavour this Day ? In as affectionate a Representation, as I can make, of its Condition, in solemn Supplications before the Lord. 22 d. I m. Thursday. A general Fast, in the Province. I enjoy'd a gracious Presence of God with me, in the Ser- vices of the Day. This prevented, my keeping a Day in secret this Week, as else I should have done. 23. G. D. I would sett forward good Motions among the Ministers; but there is one humoursome, furious, boisterous Man among us, who confounds all my Inten- tions that way. I am utterly dispirited for doing any Thing among the Ministers in our Vicinity, or indeed for going among them. Yett I desire to be armed with Pa- tience; and watch Opportunities for Good. And what I cannot obtain among the Ministers nearer at hand, I would observe and enquire, whether it may not be obtained at a further Distance. 24. G. D. Several old Men, in wants, to be look'd after. ' Printed in 1716, without the name of the printer. The sermon was delivered^ March 18, 17 16. MARCH, 1716 343 * 25. G. D. O what a marvellous Consideration is there, whereof I am to feel the Sense grow more and more powerful upon me, that my Endeavours to pray without ceasing may be animated ! All my Prayers made according to the Will of God; are the Dictates of the Holy Spirit. Tho' I forgett the Prayers which I have made, and I receive not immediate Answers, that infinite One perfectly remembers all His own Dictates. When I arrive to the heavenly World, where I shall reap the rich Harvest of all my Devotions here, the holy Spirit having all my Prayers in a most perfect Remem- brance, will then heap in upon me the Answers of them with Blessings of Goodness, far beyond all that I can ask or think. Oh! Lett the strong Faith of this, produce in me a very praying Life, and give Life to my Prayers, and make my sowing Time to be very diligent and plentiful. 26. G. D. Cannot I possibly procure a Number of good Men, in our Church, to combine, as a little Society, for the Consideration of that Question, What Service may be done for the Church? I would propose this, first among the Deacons. 27. G. D. Oh ! that my House may be more an House of my SAVIOUR'S Glory! Shall it now be a Care more punctually prosecuted with me, that I will never sitt down at my Table, without point- ing my Family, to some Glory of my SAVIOUR ! In my Thanksgiving at the Table, I would more particu- larly than ever, ascribe to my SAVIOUR, the Glory of purchasing and bestowing the Comforts of the Table. 28. G. D. Make a profitable Visit, among my Rela- tives at Charlstown. Assist my Father, in writing a Book for old Men. 29. G. D. Can there be no Projection ; that the Min- isters meeting at the Election, may spend their Time together, to better Purpose than heretofore? 344 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 30. G. D. Procure the dead Charity-Schole in the Middle of this Town, to be revived. 31, G. D. An aged Handmaid of the Lord, in Poverty, to be provided for. April. * I. G. D. Among my Essayes to glorify my SAVIOUR, this may be one. I will consider the Gods of the ancient Pagans; the several Glories, which the poor Idolaters did ascribe to them, and the several Favours they did expect from them. Then my Soul shall make my Boast in my SAVIOUR. In Him, I will see all of these; all united in Him. 2. G. D. I have Proposals to make, for the better Accommodation of our Meeting-house. 3. G. D. My Children shall do more than they have done, to comfort their aged Grandfather; and therefore visit him. 4. G. D. I find Relatives at Hadly, which I did not think of. I would convey to them, some Expressions of my Care of their best Welfare. 5. G. D. Barmudas cries to me, to provide a good Minister for them. A Service of good Consequence. Help me, my God, in prosecuting this Care ! 6. G. D. Being furnished with Proposals of Good, for the Comissioners of the Indian-AEoixs to proceed upon ; lett me animate their Proceedings all that is possible. 7. G. D. I will take a poor fatherless Child, to lodge and feed in my Family; and watch Opportunities to do him further Kindnesses. A strange Thing befalls me. A Monster of a Man, and one of the Wickedest of Men, and one who went away to London many Months ago, full of Mahce against me, and against the Countrey, and one from whom I expected the Publication of bitter Libels against me, and one whom I have often carried unto the Lord, with Desires of divine Restraints upon him; addresses me with Letters full of APRIL, 1716 345 Respect ; bewayling his former Disaffection ; protesting that he has not spoken one diminutive Word of me since his going away; and entreating my favourable Opinion of him ; and assuring me, that I shall suffer no Incivility from him. At the same Time, he sends me over, an Instrument that he has published for the Service of the Countrey. Doubtless, God has brought him to feel some Occasion for his being on good Terms with me. There is in this Thing, the Finger of God. * 8. G. D. I fear, I suffer by two Distempers. First, I may be too quick and hard, in my Resentments of Things, that look like Judgments cast upon me. Secondly, I may too easily give way to Discouragements, and make my Recess from Opportunities to do good, upon Apprehensions of People's Aversion for me. 0 my SAVIOUR, Dehver me from these Distempers. 9. G. D. I have several Subjects, in View, the Cul- tivation and Inculcation whereof, may be of great Use to'" the Flock. ID. G. D. My Son Samuel, is taken ill of a Feavour. An Occasion for me to endeavour much Good, unto him, unto myself, and unto all the Family. 11. G. D. A Kinswoman that is near her Travail, should have my Counsels and Comforts. 12. G. D. As soon as I can, I would prepare certain Proposals, about the Methods of a rehgious Education, in Schools, and Universities ; the Methods to be used, that the young ones may be taught and brought to live unto God. The Publication and Inculcation of these Proposals, I would then labour in. Vast, vast may be the Consequences. 13. G. D. I would move it among the Comissioners of the Indian-affairs, who have a strange Dullness upon all their Managements, that they would appoint two or three 346 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER of their Numbers, persons of a singular Activity and Capac- ity, to receive Proposals, for the good proceeding of our Affairs, and to prepare and offer what they think proper for the Board, and have their Times of consulting with one another upon that Intention. 14. G. D. A miserable Woman, that wants to be releeved on many Accounts, and also to have Passage to London paid for I must be at Expenses for her. * 15. G. D. That I may yett more distinctly walk in the Light, I would make a Catalogue of my chief Enjoy- ments, and I would upon each of them, see how they are to be Enjoy 'd in GOD, and for GOD, and with an holy Reference to GOD. And I would make it my care, to place my Delight in them upon those considerations. 16. G. D. The Children of the Flock, I would En- deavour more exquisitely than ever, in my Catechising to teach them the Skill of Living to God. In the next Cate- chising preach to them, on the dead Child raised by the Prophet. 17. G. D. My religious and excellent Consort meets with some Exercises, which oblige me, (and, oh ! how happy am I, in the Conversion of so fine a Soul, and one so capable of rising and soaring to the higher Fhghts of Piety!) to treat her very much on the Point of having a Soul, where- in GOD alone shall be enthroned, and all the Creatures that have usurped His Throne ejected and banished, and having a Will utterly annihilated before the Will of God ! 18. G. D. A Sister in Law, in hourly Expectation of her Travail, should be visited and addressed with suitable Admonitions. 19. G. D. Quaere, Whether the marvellous Footsteps of the divine Providence, in what has been done, in the Lo-wcr Saxony, have not such a Voice to the World, that I may do well to think of some further Methods to render it more sensible unto these American Colonies. APRIL, 1716 347 The Voice is mainly that ; Matth. vi. 33. 20. G. D. A Society of pious and praying Youths, at the CoUedge, I will study which way I may be useful to. 21. G. D. A poor distracted Youth in my Neighbour- hood must be look'd after. 21 d. 2 m. Satureday. I sett apart this Day, for the Sac- rifices of a Fast in Secret before the Lord. And the holy One helped me to offer up a Variety of Sacrifices. Yea, with His Help, I singled out my most valuable Enjoyments, and the Things which my Heart is most of all sett upon, and I turned them into Sacrifices: I consented, unto the Will of my dear SAVIOUR, if He will have those Things to be denied unto me. My Errands unto Heaven this Day, were much the same, with what I had on my former Dayes of later Times. But I have one special and bitter Concern, to carry not only on this Day, but every Day unto the Lord. I have advice, that my poor Son Increase lies very sick of a RJieuma- tism, at his Uncle's in Witney, having lost the Use of his Limbs. Oh! The Anguish with which I am to cry unto God, that He would yett be gracious to this poor Child, and make him a new Creature and an useful Man, and return him to me! Oh! the Resignation to which I am called on this Occasion! My Father, I committ this poor Child into thy Fatherly Hands ! * 22. G. D. I would now more than ever, employ the Minutes I can recover for such an Exercise, in forming the Acts of a Sacrificer, upon all my dearest and most valuable Enjoyments ; and snatch at all opportunities for Sacrificing, with a Soul full of unspeakable Satisfaction. God will wondrously dwell with me, and in me, while this is my way of Living. 23. G. D. In conversing with the People of the Flock lett me find out what Subjects they most want and wish to hear publickly insisted on. 348 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 24. G. D. My Prayers for my poor Son Increase, and my Letters to him, on the Occasion of the sorrowful Advice I have received concerning him ! 25. G. D. New Applications must be made unto my Kinsman, T. W[alter] that he may now in good earnest come ^into the Life of God. 26. G. D. I forsee an Opportunity for me to do some notable Services, in my Correspondences with the Danish Missionaries at Malabar. 27. G. D. I will make a Present, unto our poor Col- ledge, of certain Books, that are of great Improvement and Influence in the famous Frederician University, and of a Tendency to correct the present wretched Methods of Education there ; As the works of, Arndt, and Franckius, and Langius, and Boehm. 28. G. D. An aged Handmaid of the Lord, in Want, must have Kindnesses bestowed on her and procured for her. A poor Woman of Maiden also in dark Circumstances. * 29. G. D. The more perfect Work of Christianity will very much appear in that Strength of Piety, which carries us well thro' our Duties towards our Neighbours, I would therefore spend some Time, in considering, what are those Points of Piety, wherein my good Carriage towards my Neighbours, will argue a great and high Improvement in the Love of God, and Conformity to my SAVIOUR! And be restless until I come unto them. 30. G. D. The Manner of managing the Collections in the Flock, should come under some further Considerations. May. I. G. D. For my Table-talk in my Family, I would oblige my Kinsman in the Morning to read a Portion in the Vcrus Christianismus of my Arndt, and at the Table, I would call for, some Repetition of it, and make it one of the Subjects, which I would inculcate on my Domesticks. 2. G. D. An aged Relative at Fairfield, should be con- sidered by me, with Presents of suitable Books unto her. MAY, I 7 I 6 . 349 3. G. D. I have had many Thoughts, about writing a Book, of, The Christian Asceticks. My Experience therein has been of so great Variety, that I may do well to consider what Account should be given of the Talents. 4. G. D. I would among the Trustees of the Hopkin- sian Charity, procure a Letter of Thanks to be written unto the Lord-Chancellor whose Prudence and Justice procured our Enjoyment of it. 5. G. D. There is a Lad, who is an Orphan ; an hope- ful Child; I would become soUicitous for his Education. Yea, I will take him, and feed him, and lodge him in my own Family. 6. G. D. A wondrous Thing is come to pass; My Consorts only Daughter, has had an Husband, who has proved one of the worst of Men ; a sorry, sordid, froward and exceedingly wicked Fellow.^ His Life would have kill'd the Child; and have utterly confounded, not only her temporal Interest, but my Wife's also. I was a Witness of their Anguish. And almost a year ago, I began to have some Irradiations on my Mind, which I communicated unto them, that before a Year came about, they should see a Deliverance. However, I could not bring about my Pur- poses, to beseech the Lord thrice, until towards the Begin- ning of the Winter. But then, I kept three dayes of Prayer, in every one of which, a principal Errand unto Heaven was, to putt over this wicked Creature into the Hands of the holy God, that in His Way, and in His Time, the poor Child might be delivered from his insupportable Tyrannies ; but above all, that it might be by his becoming a new Creature, if that might be obtained. The Supplications were made on these, and on other Dayes, with a proper Spirit of Charity towards the miserable Man, and with all possible Resigna- tion to the Will of GOD. And my excellent Consort often went up with me to my Library, to make a Consort in them. * Nathan Howell, son of Matthew Howell, of Southampton, Long Island. 350 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Well; I had no sooner kept my third Day but God smote the Wretch, with a languishing Sickness, which no body ever knew what to make of. He was a strong, lively, hearty young Man ; a little above thirty ; But now, he languished for six Months; nor were any of our Physicians, tho' he successively employ'd no less than five of them, able to help him. In this while, our Faith, our Love, our Pa- tience, and our Submission to the Will of God, underwent many Trials more precious than Gold. But on the last Wednesday the glorious GOD putt a Period unto the grievous Wayes of this wicked Man. Now, what remains, is for me to make a very holy Improvement of these Dispensations. In what an holy, humble, trembling Manner, am I now to walk before the Lord! How much must I watch over my own Heart, lest any undue Frame should come upon it! How much must a praying Life be more than ever encouraged and animated with me! 0 my God, I will call upon thee, as long as I live! 7. G. D. Some Things of Importance for good Order in the Church, must be settled ; I will speedily appoint a Meeting of the Church for that purpose; and look up to God for His Direction. 8. G. D. My dear Daughter Katharine, is ill, and in much hazard of going into a Consumption. I must have her Condition seasonably look'd after. Much Prayer must be employ'd for her. Her Mind must be comforted. 9. G. D. I find a Relative at Mcdford, which I had forgotten. I must give some Testimony of my Care to serve the Cause of Piety in her. 10. G. D. What Service may I do the Countrey, by my Letters to eminent Persons at home? 11. G. D. I will gett certain Books, which I think may be of great Use for the Interests of Piety and Ortho- doxy in the Colledge, into the Hands of the Students there. MAY, I 7 I 6 351 12. G. D. A young Man, who is in the Care of the School at Siidbury, addresses me, as an object of Charity, in singular Circumstances. A poor Negro in the Prison, condemned to dy for Bur- glary. * 13. G. D. My Morning-Prayers, are not so managed as to carry me into a sufficient Communion with GOD. I must think of some Way to bring more Fire from Heaven into the Sacrifices of the morning. But I am nothing ; and must entirely resign myself up to the Conduct and Quick'ning of God. 14. G. D. I have an Opportunity this Day, at a Meet- ing of our Church, to propose and utter many Things, which have a Tendency to serve the Intentions of Truth, and Peace, and Holiness, in the Flock. ^ 15. G. D. I have my Dayes of prayer. Why should I not allow such of my Children successively, a singular Share in the Supplications of the Day? But then, on the Day, take that Child which is more peculiarly concerned in the Supplications and have the Presence of that Child with me in part of the Day ; to be a Witness of my Desires for them, and to hear the Counsils and Warnings I may on this Occasion give unto them ! 16. G. D. A remote Kinsman, who is a Scholar at the CoUedge, must have some Cultivations from me, upon the Intentions of Piety and Usefulness. 17. G. D. I propose now speedily to resume, the Cul- 1 " 14 d. 3 m. Monday. The Church by their Vote requested the Committee, which were chosen the last Year, to continue their Care of the Afifaires committed unto them, for another Year. "Nathaniel Gill, having brought a Scandal on our communion, by being dis- guised with Drink, which had been by some ill Men imposed upon him, and by an idle sort of Life, which exposed him to many Temptations : but his Impertinencies at the same time appearing such as to argue a Degree of Distraction in him, the Church voted, that he should be suspended from the Communion until he should be found so regular in Mind and in Life, as to be again thought qualified for it." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, 11. 352 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER tivation of my, Ratio DisciplincB, for the Service of our languishing Churches. i8. G. D. To the Grammar-Schole in my Neighbour- hood, I would send a Version of the Ten Commandments, in Latin Verse, to be recited by the Scholars. 19. G. D, A very poor Family upon Fort-hill, must be look'd after. Salureday. This Day I sett apart for prayer with Fasting, on such Occasions, and with such Exercises, as my former Dayes. But especially, To committ the Case of my poor Son Increase, unto the fatherly Care of God. And obtain a Return of Health to my Daughter Katharin. And a Direction in some weighty Affairs before me. * 20. G. D. It is a marvellous Point of Piety, for me in my Dealing with my Neighbour, to exhibit a Resem- blance of the Benignity express'd by the glorious GOD, in His Dealing with me. I would pursue the Contemplation of this Point, until I have understood it and obtained it. 21. G. D. Visit, visit, visit, — more frequently, more fruitfully. Redeem Thursday's Afternoons, for my own Part of the Town. 22. G. D. This Day my Son Increase returns to me; much polished, much improved, better than ever disposed ; with Articles of less Expense to me than I expected ; and, which is wonderful, with an excellent Business prepared for him immediately to fall into. I am astonished at the Favours of the prayer-hearing Lord. O my Father, my Father, how good a thing it is to trust in thy fatherly Care ! But, oh ! what shall I now do, to fix the returned Child for the Service of God ! 23. G. D. A sick Brother-in-Law should be visited with my seasonable Admonitions unto him. MAY, I 7 I 6 353 24. G. D. I am not without Hopes, of getting a Con- gregation of Dissenters revived at New York. Prosecute the Design. 25. G. D. I entertain Thoughts, of beginning a Society, in the Methods, and on the Designs, of my, Work of the Day. 26. G. D. A sober young Man, out of Employ, I would bring into some Employ, about an Estate I am related to. * 27. G. D. In the last Week, thro' the Spite of one particular Man,' I had the Indignity putt upon me, of being putt by from a public Service, which People gener- ally expected from me. On this, and the like Occasions, I would glorify my SAVIOUR, with a sweet Acquiescence in His Wisdome and Justice, and His having all my Oppor- tunities of Service, at His Disposal. And with Rejoicing in every Stroke of my Conformity to Him, who was despised and rejected of Men ; and with a Pleasure, as well as Patience, in seeing my Brethren preferr'd before me. I shall find, that the Lord is only preparing me for His Favours. 28. G. D. Those of our Church, that are gone off to the New for Seats, ought not to continue undismissed unto it; that they may have a regular Station and Attendence there. 29. G. D. A Week of many Play-dayes. I will have Sammy turn into Latin some Sentences I prepare for him, about the true and right Intent of Play, and a good Use of it. 30. G. D. Something more must be done, to rescue my Kinsman T. W[alter] from fatal Entanglements. Present a Memorial to the General Assembly, on the behalf of my aged Parent. ^ 31. G. D. A Variety of Services to be done. Tis the anniversary Convention of the Ministers. They putt upon me, the Honour of being their Moderator. In * Governor Dudley ? ' See p. 407, infra. n-23 354 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER my repeted Prayers with them, I have an Opportunity to utter impressive Things. I carry thro' the Affair of an Address to the King, which may be of use to our united Brethren, as well as ourselves. I propose a ISlotion in the Assembly, that no Family in the Countrey be without a Bible and a Catechism ; and that all Children of a fitt Age, be found able to read ; and that there be Inspectors for this Purpose. June. I. G. D. A miserable Negro, is to be executed this day, for Burglary. Instruct him, how to do good, as well as find good, in his Death. 2. G. D. A poor Man in Prison for Debt ; I must be concerned for him. A poor woman of Lyn, under Confusions. * 3. G. D. The jejune Performances with which I find the People of God sometimes entertained by some of our Ministers, afford me an Opportunity to labour for some suitable Dispositions. I must beware of despising my Brethren. I must value the least Savour of Piety in them, when I perceive the Absence of other Excellencies. I must consider myself as more worthy to be despised than they, on Accounts unknown unto the World. I must apprehend all Men, and myself, to be no other than what the sovereign God of all Grace does please to make us. All Expressions and Sentiments of a most profound Humility are proper on these Occasions. 4. G. D. Oh! that more of Religion in Earnest, were to be found in the Flock ! what shall I do to produce it ? Publickly. Privately. 5. G. D. Oh! my dear Daughter Katharine; what shall I do for thee! Cresy must be so fixed in the Business of the Store-house, as anon to be taken into a Partnership, with his intended Brother-in-Law. JUNE, I 7 I 6 355 6. G. D. An hopeful young Gentleman, a Merchant, proposes to marry my Nibby. His Acquaintance with my Family has already been a marvellous Advantage to him, and brought him into a Business, which is likely to prove superiour unto what any young Man in the Countrey pretends unto. But I must now endeavour that it may be to his Advantage, in regard of his better Part. This must be, by the continual Admonitions and Inculcations of Piety. Thus I already begin to reckon him among the Relatives that are the Objects of my Cares. 7. G. D. I am to gett ready a Memorial for the General Assembly, relating to Piety in Families. 8. G. D. Among the Commisioners for the Indian- Affairs, there are several Things to be prosecuted. Especially, a translated. Monitor for Communicants. 9. G. D. A miserable poor Family in my Neighbour- hood, calls for some Releefs. 10. G. D. It will be a proper Vigilance in me, to make ready for some Events and Changes, which may suddenly come upon me ; and gett an Heart established and fortified for an Encounter with them. 11. G. D. For this Purpose, I prepare a Discourse, to be also tendred unto the Flock, whereof I am the Servant. 12. G. D. My two elder Daughters, are sick; the Fever and Ague takes the second, convey'd perhaps from the first, who has them for one of her Symptomes. God calls me to consider, what may be His Voice to my Family, in this Dispensation, and bring my Family to a Compliance with it. 13. G. D. A Sister-in-Law, in London, is poor, low, miserable. 1 My Letters and Bounties, must be sent unto her. 14. G. D. My Letters for Europe, give me fresh Oppor- tunities, for extensive Services to the Kingdome of God. ' Mrs. Henry Wyrlcy. 356 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 15. G. D. A Memorial of great Consequence for the Christianized Indians, must be laid before the General Assembly. 16. G. D. Occasions for Charity to the Poor, mul- tiply upon me. 16 d. 4 m. [June.] Satureday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting, as I use to do. Alas, that I may say with Grief and Shame for the mean Performance, as I use to do. The sick State of my two elder Daughters, was a special Article of my Supplications. I hope, I have obtained Mercy for them. * 17. G. D. Stepping into my Library every Morning, for a Version of the Psalms into blank Verse, I would make this Exercise, exceedingly subservient unto my Devotion. And particularly fetch Lessons and Wishes out of every Verse as I go along. This may not only have a Tendency to purify my Mind, but also, to prepare the Work for Use among the People of God. 18. G. D. The Death of some young Persons, must be pungently improved, on the survivors in the Flock. 19. G. D. My Son Increase, must be supplied with proper Books, to employ him in the Intervals of Business at the Store-house, and furnish his Mind with valuable Treasures. 20. G. D. My Parent just finishing seventy seven, I must now more than ever treat him, as one taking Wing immediately for the heavenly World. 21. G. D. The General Assembly now sitting, I would improve the Opportunity, to deliver in their Hearing, a Discourse about the due Improvement of Advantages for good ; And especially insist on two Articles ; the Advan- tages which our People in general have, to be the best People in the World ; and, the Advantages that men in public Stations have to be public Blessings. JUNE, I 7 I 6 357 22. G. D. Several Things to be prosecuted among the Commissioners for the Indian Afifairs. Especially, care for Punkapoag. 23. G. D. Bestow a Bible on a poor Family. A poor tempted Man in my Neighbourhood must be look'd after. * 24. G. D. The astonishing Mercies of God unto me, in a Constellation of happy Circumstances, oblige me, not only to maintain a very heavenly Frame of Mind, ready and willing to take Wing for the heavenly World at the first Call of God, and prepared also for afflictive Changes in my Pilgrimage thro' this World ; but also to study mightily ; how I may improve these Days of my prosperity, in a very uncommon Industry and Fruitfulness. I have not so many Opportunities to do good, by the way of the Press this Year, as I have had in some former Years. I must look up to the glorious Lord, who has all my Opportunities at His Disposal, that He would not per- mitt any abatement of them. 25. G. D. Draw up a more complete Catalogue of Enquiries to be made, and of Directions to be given, and of Articles to be insisted on, where I make my pastoral Visits in the Flock. 26. G. D. I must think of some exquisite and obliging Wayes, to abate Sammy^s inordinate Love of Play. His play, wounds his Faculties. I must engage him in some nobler Entertainments. 27. G. D. Another Visit, unto an aged Father-in-Law. Treat him, as if never to see him any more. 28. G. D. There are some very unwise Things done, about which I must watch for Opportunities, to bear public Testimonies. One is, the Employing of so much Time upon Ethicks, in our Colledges. A vile Peece of Paganism. Another is, the commending of Ch[urch] of E[ngland] 358 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Authors, without proper Cautions and Antidotes against the corrupt Things, which come with what may be valuable in them. 29. G. D. Make more significant Visits to the Charity- School. 30. G. D. A poor young Man, labouring under a Fis- tula, with Poverty; something must be done for his Releef. July. * I. G. D. That so my care of holy and useful Meditation, may be invigorated, I would have alwayes ready, a sett of Subjects ; and, in the Intervals of Business, especially as I walk the Streets I would have Recourse to one or other of the Subjects, and so prosecute it in my Thoughts that I may be able on the first Opportunity to write down the Heads of them. A perpetual Treasure this may produce, for my public Performances. 2. G. D. Several special Cases of Calamity in the Flock, I am to consider with suitable Applications; espe- cially in the pubHc Supplications. 3. G. D. My Son Samuel, I entertain yett fresher and riper Thoughts, for an exquisite Improvement in his Education. 4. G. D. My Consort, has two Sisters in England that are in great Affliction, and one of them in very singularly afflictive Circumstances. I must be concerned very much to comfort both of them, and support one of them.^ 5. G. D. I take Notice of several very considerable Devices of Satan, operating to do very much hurt among the people of the Countrey. Will the Lord enable me to take a nice and a wise Observation of them, and then bear my Testimonies! 6. G. D. Move diverse Things to the Indian Commis- sioners. ■ Anne Wyrley was one, and the name of the second was Mrs. Peacock or Mrs. Bishop. Sewall, Diary i. 149. JULY, I 7 I 6 359 Especially; the Education of some Indian Youths, for the Ministry, in a better Way, than has been yett practised. And furnishing the Catechisers with Bread, to be dis- tributed unto their Catechumens. 7. G. D. Some Families in my Neighbourhood, that have distracted people in them, call for my singular Com- passions. * 8. G. D. Methinks, Opportunities and Inventions to turn my Enjoyments into Sacrifices, grow more and more acceptable to me. Oh! Lett me be very much dissatis- fied with myself, until I find an incomparable Pleasure in the Exercises of a sacrificing Soul. I find a Progress, (but I must make a much further yett,) in the Experience of growing dead unto the World ; and I more feel the Meaning of being alive unto God. I will study upon the Subject.^ 9. G. D. The Humours of many in the Flock, who easily withdraw from the Assembly, afford unto me, such an Exercise for a patient Sacrificer, as may have happy Consequences. 10. G. D. I have been guilty of an Oversight, in my not making the Birth-dayes of my several Children, at the Arrival thereof, a more useful Occasion, of inculcating the most lively and pungent Admonitions upon them. Tho' I have said something to them, on these Dayes; yett not enough. 11. G. D. I don't know what to do, about my Kins- man, T. W[alter]. My Expectations from him, seem to suffer a grievous Disappointment. I will once more admon- ish him; and if no Impressions be made, I will then cast him off. 12. G. D. It is a Time of wonderful Disturbance be- ' "8(i. s w. Dismissed Mr. John Barnard to the Church at Marblehead, in order to his Ordinance for the pastoral Charge of that Church." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, n. 360 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER yond-Sea. May not I take this Time to do very extensive Sendees. I am thinking to write as exquisite Letters as I can, to some of the most eminent Members of Parliament; and inclose my, Lapis Excisus in them, and, — ^ 13. G. D. Something more must be done, for another Charity-school, in the Heart of this Town. I will fix upon the Town, the Name of, a City. And therewith, animate the Inhabitants, to consider more for the Good of it. 14. G. D. Some in Affliction, to be visited and com- forted. 14 d. 5 w. [July.] Satureday. This Day, I sett apart for Supplications, as I use to do. My Occasions, and Exercises, were much the same, as a Month ago. Especially, the sick, and low State of my dear Katy. A Journey to Marble-head the next Week, where and when the Services of an Ordination will be expected from me : I particularly entreated for the Divine Presence with me in what is before me. * 15. G. D. Except it be in the Sickness of my two elder Daughters, I enjoy upon all Accounts, a most wonder- ful Prosperity. A most wonderful Prosperity ! A valuable Consort! A comfortable Dwelling! A kind Neighbour- hood ! My Son Increase, vastly to my Mind, and Blessings without Number. Together with my o\\ti Health and Strength, strangely recruited. I must be very sollicitous to hear what the Holy One speaks to me in my Prosperity ; and sett apart some Time to think on the more special Improvement I should make thereof ! 16. G. D. Some foolish and froward people in the Flock fall out, about their Seats ; I must use the Methods • Unfinished sentence. jULY,i7i6 361 of Prudence and Piety, to manage such Roots of Bitter- ness. 17. G. D. Some Occasions arise, of a more than ordi- nary Concern, relating to the Education of my Son Samuel. And in releeving of him, I may provide for the Releef of other Children. But, oh! what a Work am I putt upon! The Sacri- ficing of my Daughter Katharin. This Day, I travelled, with manifold Smiles of Heaven on my Journey, unto Salem. 18. G. D. A great Variety of Services may be done by me this Day, for the Churches in the Neighbourhood. This Day, I went over to Marhlehead; and with extraor- dinary Assistences of Heaven to me, in the Variety of Ser- vices, wherein I was concerned, I ordained Mr. John Barnard, a Pastor to the Church there. ^ In the Evening I returned unto Salem. 19. G. D. In my Return home, I visit and comfort an aged Mother-in-Law at Medford. This Day I returned home ; having seen wonderful Smiles of Heaven on my Journey. 20. G. D. I would concert, with two Gentlemen, for a better Proceedure of all Things among the Indian Com- missioners. 21. G. D. A pious Woman in my Neighbourhood, under great Affliction, must be comforted all the Wayes I can think of. (II.) Having lately delivered unto some young Men associated for the Purposes of Religion, a Discourse upon the Resolutions of Piety, I gave them the Copy of it, which they are publishing. Tis entituled ; Piety demanded. A very plain and brief Essay, to demand Piety from all People; ' He had entered upon his duties as assistant pastor of the First Church in Marhlehead, in the previous November. In April, the Second Church was organized with Rev. Edward Holyoke at its head. This division resulted from a difference between the two men as the successor of Dr. Cheever. 362 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER more especially from young People; And to direct the Answers that are to be returned unto the Demands. Offered unto a Society of young People associated for the Intentions of early Piety; In the City of Boston. 8 d. V m. iyi6. * 22. G. D. My Thoughts about a Return to God. See the Sermon I preach on i. Cor. ix. 26. 23. G. D. I have some very agreeable Subjects in View, for the Flock to be entertain'd withal. 24. G. D. I will have my Son Samuel, out of School- time, to turn into Latin, the Questions and Answers, in my Book of, Supplies from the Tower of David. Proposing a manifold Service unto the Child; Yea, and anon unto many others ; in this Exercise. 25. G. D. My Relatives now going to Sea, What shall I do, to prepare them for their Voyage? 25 d. 5 m. Wednesday. The languishing State of my Daughter Katharin, brings me into the Dust before the Lord. I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting, to carry the Condition of the Child unto God her Saviour. I took all the Methods of the most successful Petitioner, and managed the Cause in such Wayes, and with such Frames, as are most likely to be followed with Answers of Peace. And, now, I am waiting for thy Salvation, O Lord. I took the Opportunity, to prosecute other Matters of Supplication. 26. G. D. If my Supplies from the Tower of David, should be turned into the Latin Tongue, accompanied with some other Things that may be joined with it, who can tell what an Engine it may prove, of Service to the Churches of God ! 27. G. D. I am employing some Hands, to make agree- able Collections of such Things in the Countrey, as may give some Entertainment unto men of Ingenuity. 28. G. D. A very pious Woman in my Neighbourhood, \ AUGUST, 1716 363 has a very froward and wicked Husband. What shall be done for her? * 29. G. D. I am afraid, lest the Multiplicity of my Affaires, and my easy Circumstances, procure some Abate- ment of those Ejaculations towards Heaven, with an Eye continually unto the Lord, which I am used unto. Oh! it must not be so! It must not be so! 30. G. D. To single out a Number of special Cases, wherein the Combates of Christianity, are most usually called for, and in a Sermon briefly and plainly show the Flock, how to manage their Combates in these Cases. 31. G. D. My Servant Onesimus, proves wicked, and grows useless, Froward, Immorigerous. My Disposing of him, and my Supplying of my Family with a better Servant in his Room, requires much Caution, much Prayer, much Humiliation before the Lord. Repenting of what may have offended Him, in, the Case of my Servants, I would wait on Him, for his Mercy. ^ August. I. G. D. Miserable T. W[alter], abandoned * In the American Antiquarian Society is the following memorandum in the writing of Cotton Mather: "My servant Onesimus, having advanced a Summ, towards the purchase of a Negro-Lad, who may serve many occasions of my Family in his Room, I do by this Instrument, Release him so far from my Service and from the claims that any under or after me might make unto him, that he may Enjoy and Employ his whole Time for his own purposes, and as he pleases. But upon these conditions. First, that he do every Evening visit my Family, and prepare and bring in, the Fuel for the day following, so Long as the Incapacity of my present Servant, shall oblige us to Judge it necessary: As also, in great snows, appear seasonably with the help of the Shovel, as there shall be occasion. "Secondly, that when the Family shall have any Domestic Business more than the Daily affairs, he shall be ready, upon being told of it so far to Lend an helping Hand, as will give no Large nor Long Interruption to the Business, of his own, to which I have dismissed him; As particularly, to carry corn unto the mill, and help in the fetching of water for the washing, if we happen to be destitute. And in the piling of our wood, at the season of its coming in. "Whereas also, the said Onesimus has gott the money which he has advanced as above mention'd, from the Liberties he took, while in my Service, and for some other Considerations, I do expect, that he do within six months pay me the sum of Five Pounds, wherein he acknowledged himself Endebted unto me." 364 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER by the Wrath of God, unto unaccountable Stupidity! What shall be done for thee? 2. G. D. In the astonishing Things done at Hall in the Lower Saxony; under the Influences of my incomparable Franckius, our SAVIOUR has preached a loud and a living Sermon, on His own precious Text, the Sixth of Matthew and the thirty third, which doubtless He would have the whole World every where take notice of. I beleeve, I shall do a Thing pleasing to Him, and a sensible Service to the Kingdome of God, if I preach a Sermon on this famous Text, in the hearing of the General Assembly of the Prov- ince, and conclude it with a Relation of those marvellous Occurrences. Oh! that my glorious Lord, would when this is done, by His gracious Providence, bring about the Publication of my Essay! 3. G. D. Excellent and extensive Services, may I putt my incomparable Friend Boehm upon, in my next Writing to him. 4. G. D. An aged Widow in Poverty, must receive Kindnesses. * 5. G. D. My Morning-Exercise of Translating the Psalms, must be a Devotionar>' and Sanctifying Exercise. I must accompany every Verse, with Prayers darted up unto the Heavens. Precious Effects will there be, of my thus conversing with God in this Exercise. 6. G. D. I would send for the Negroes of the Flock, which form a religious Society ; and entertain them at my House, with suitable Admonitions of Piety. 7. G. D. The Methods ol seeking first the Kingdome of God, in the Management and Government of my Family, ought more distinctly to be thought upon ; and further Improvements must be made in them. 8. G. D. Has my poor Kinsman languishing for many years at Windsor, had my prayers enough concerned for him ? I AUGUST, 1716 365 9. G. D. I will go on with my Proposals for the religious Education of Schools, and Colledges; and, if I can, bring in the other Ministers to favour them. 10. G. D. It shall be considered, whether the Religious Societies of young Men, may not have their Quarter-nights all together; and whether they may not on those Nights hold their Meetings in one or other of our public Meeting- houses ; and, whether a Sermon preached on that Occasion by one of our Ministers, may not be a great Service to Piety among the Youth of the Town. 11. G. D. A gracious Woman in my Neighbourhood, almost kill'd with a froward Husband, and other abominable Relatives ; her Case calls for much Commiseration with me. II d. 6 m. [August.] Satureday. This Day, I sett apart for secret Supplications, as I use to do, preparing for the Eucharist. The Occasions, and the Exercises, were what have of late been usual. But then, I went unto the Lord, with my humble Memorial, concerning the State of His Kingdome, the Approaches whereof are by His faithful Servants greatly look'd and longed for. I represented, that there were Servants of His, industriously at work for His Kingdome in the World. Among these, I particularly mentioned those of the Frederician University, and those of the Mala- barian Mission. But we can do very Little. Our Encumbrances are insuperable ; our Difl5culties are infinite. If He would please, to fulfil the ancient Prophecy, of pouring out the Spirit on all Flesh, and revive the extraordinary and supernatural Operations with which He planted His Religion in the primitive Times of Christianity, and order a Descent of His holy Angels to enter and possess His Ministers, and cause them to speak with the Tongues of Men under the Energy of Angels, and fly thro' the World with the everlasting Gospel to preach unto the Nations, wonderful Things would be done immediately ; His Kingdome would make those Advances in a Day, which under our present and fruitless Labours, are scarce made in an Age. I pleaded, that His Word had given us Reason to hope for a Return of these Powers, and for the making bare the Arm of the Lord before the Nations; and He has promised His holy Spirit unto them that 366 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER ask Him. I pleaded, that His diligent Servants, having preferred the sanctifying Influences of His holy Spirit, above any miraculous Powers, and been humbly willing to undergo any Fatigues for the Ser: vice of His Kingdome, seem'd somewhat prepared for these Favours of Heaven. And having made this Representation, that Orders may be given by the glorious Lord, for a Descent of His mighty Angels, to give wonderful Shakes unto the World, and so sieze upon the Min- isters of His Kingdome, as to do Things which will give an irresistible Efficacy unto their Ministry ; I concluded with a strong Impres- sion on my Mind; They are coming! They are coming I They are coming/ They will quickly be upon us; and the World shall be shaken wonderfully/ * 12. G. D. Temptations arise, relating to some little Points of Church-order among us. I must keep a mighty Watch upon my own Spirit under these Temptations. I must be silent, patient, humble. I must continually wait upon the holy One for His Direction. 13. G. D. My God, Shew me, shew me; what Sub- jects I shall next endeavour to suit and serve thy Flock withal ! A Revival of Care, to spend the Lord's-day Evening, religiously and advantageously, 14. G. D. My Thoughts must be intensely bent, on the Improvement in Piety, which ought to be the Effect of the divine Dealings with my two Children, who have lately been sick, and now are in a Way and Hope of Recovery. This Day, a singular Thing befel me. My God, Help me to understand the Meaning of it ! I was prevailed withal, to do a Thing, which I very rarely do ; (not once in Years) I rode abroad with some Gentlemen, and Gentlewomen, to take the countrey Air, and to divert ourselves, at a famous Fish-pond.^ In the Canoe, on the Pond, my Foot slipt, and I fell overboard into the Pond. Had the Vessel been a little further from the Shore, I must have been drown'd. But I soon recovered the Shore, and going speedily into a * Spy Pond, Cambridge. AUGUST, 1716 367 warm Bed, I received no sensible Harm. I returned well in the Evening ; soUicitious to make all the Reflections of Piety, on my Disaster, and on my Deliverance. But not yett able to penetrate into the whole Meaning of the Occur- rence. Am I quickly to go under the Earth, as I have been under the Water! My Consort had her Mind, all the former part of the day and all the day before, full of uneasy Impressions, on her Mind, that this little Journey would have Mischief attending of it. 15. G. D. I discover a new Relative, at Rehohoth. What may I do for her? 16. G. D. What if I should in my Letters to the East- Indies, propose and pursue the Thoughts which I had on the eleventh day of this Month. 17. G. D. I would on the approaching Lord's-day, speak some Things, to animate the religious Societies of the Lords-day Evening. 18. G. D. A Family in much Distress, with Sickness and Poverty, must be releeved and comforted. * 19. G. D. A Drowsiness, upon the Activity of my living to God, is growing upon me. My Soul, Awake immediately! 20. G. D. I will try, whether my Discourse on the Methods of spending the Lord's-day Evening religiously and advantageously, may not be spred into the Families of my Neighbourhood. 21. G. D. I will take more effectual Care, that the first Work of my Children, in the Morning of every Day next their Hearts, be to converse with God, and His Word. 22. G. D. I am in View of having shortly a Family of new Relatives ; I would begin betimes, my Essays to do good unto them. 23. G. D. Considering the two great Principles asserted in that Protestation, which was the Original to the Denom- 368 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER ination of Protestant, I am apprehensive, that the Defend- ing, the Restoring, the Reviving of the Protestant Religion, is very much the Work of this Day. And the Bringing of those Principles into their Operation, will be a vast Service to the Church of God ; have a mighty Tendency, to destroy the Kingdome of Antichrist, and advance the Kingdome of our Saviour, I. That the Sacred Scriptures are the Rule, and a suffi- cient Rule, for Faith, and Worship, and Manners, to the People of God. II. That there are plain Scriptures enough to explain the obscure ones, and every Christian has the Right of Explaining for himself. I will think, how to propagate these Principles. 23 d. VI m. Thursday. A Day of general Thanksgiving, for the Victories over the Rebels. I enjoy'd precious Assistences from above. 24. G. D. I may putt Judge Sewal, upon several Services. 25. G. D. A poor Creature under dreadful Tempta- tions, calls for my Compassions and Assistences. * 26. G. D. In my Methods of Living to God, I must endeavour still more explicitly, and with more clear, direct, proper Declarations for GOD, exactly to state the Aspect of my several Actions, and Enjoyments, upon Him. I will therefore distinctly consider the Actions and Enjoyments ; and putt into Shape the Thoughts which I would shape upon them for the Life of God. 27. G. D. It has been my Custome, to do several Things, as my first Exercises in the Morning ; — all of a Tendency to Piety, and Usefulness. But I am resolved now upon altering my Method. And my first Work every Morning, upon the Prayers that I make, in my Retirement, (whereto a passage of the Scripture, or some holy Subject, on which I will think, while I am rising, shall be a Nourish- AUGUST, 1716 369 ment). It shall be to prepare something for my Sermons! At which I will continue, until I am called unto my little Breakfast ; and our Family-Sacrifices. And the other usual Things I will try to do, in some following Hours of the Day. I am apprehensive, that the chief Work I have to do is to preach the Gospel of my Saviour. And it calls for my first Thoughts ; the clearest, and brightest Exercises of my intellectual Powers. And by thus ordering my Studies, I may not only have my Sermons very seasonably prepared and finished, but I may also gett ready before- hand a Collection of Treasures for all Occasions. My Flock may find the Benefit of my coming into such a Method for my Studies. 28. G. D. A new Servant in my Family, must be putt upon the Exercises of Piety. 29. G. D. An holy and an aged Servant of God, the Minister of Bridgwater, who has not been in this City, since above seven and twenty years ago, is come to sojourn with me, till the latter End of the next Week.^ And his principal Intention is to enjoy the Consolations of my Family. I must now allow much of my Time to this excellent Friend while he stales with us. But I would redeem the Time, to render him as useful as may be in the City before he goes. And study to be as useful to him as ever I can. 30. G. D. I begin to discern Opportunities of preach- ing on some Subjects, the Sermons, which being transmitted imto London, and published there, may greatly [be] accom- modated unto the Work of the Day, and have uncommon Influences. 31. G. D. I shall take particular Care, to have some of the religious Societies, well supplied with proper Enter- tainments. My Friend shall also on the next Lord's-day Evening, preach at one of them. 1 Rev. James Keith ( -1719). Mather deals with him in the Magnolia. n • 24 37© DIARY OF COTTON MATHER (III.) That I might serve the Cause of piety, and accom- modate well-disposed People, with an Instrument for the pursuing of pious Intentions, on the Lord's-day Evenings, I gave to the Pubhc, a little Treatise, entituled, A Good Evening accommodated with a Good Employment. Or, some Directions, How the Lords-day Evening may be spent Religiously and Advantageously. With perswasives to spend it so. September, i. G. D. I am now again furnished with a Number of Bibles, to be dispensed in a way of Charity among poor Families that want them. This opens for me a new Sett of Opportunities to do good among the Poor. * 2. G. D. A very distinct Operation of Piety, for the Return of the glorious GOD unto His Throne in my Soul, which has been usurped by Idols ; would be of excellent Consequence to me, in the Life of Christianity. 3. G. D. And the Cultivating of that Subject, the Exhibiting of Piety under that Notion, may be a precious Food for the Flock to feed upon. 4. G. D. Ah! My dying Daughter! My dear dying Daughter! What shall I do for thee, that thou mayst in thy Death glorify God! 5. G. D. My Sister at Roxbury, in several Regards, may need my Comforts and Counsils. 6. G. D. The Condition of Religion on the Island of Nantuckett calls for some speedy Essays, to retrieve it. 7. G. D. It is Time for me again to visit the Charity- school, and bestow Rewards on such as have learnt some good Things that I have assigned them. 8. G. D. Two Daughters of a worthy Minister, some- times of Middleburgh in Holland, are now arrived here, in the Quality of Servants. They are Objects of much Com- passion, and Charity. And I shall treat them accordingly. S d. J m. Satureday. This Day, I sett apart for secret Supplications, on the usual Occasions. SEPTEMBER, 1716 37I But One very singular and very distressing Matter of Supplications, was in the Condition of my dear Katy, who is in dying Circumstances. Oh! what a Sacrifice am I now call'd unto! At the same Time, I have cause to rejoice exceedingly in this Favour of God, that the Child enjoyes an admira- ble Serenity, and gloriously triumphs over the Fear of Death ! In the Close of the Day, I went up to my Library, and prostrate in the Dust, after deep Humiliations, I saw God restored unto His Throne in my Soul. I felt some Newes coming to me from the other Side of the Water, that will encourage me in the Service of God. I learnt that in the State of dear Katharin, God will deal wonderfully. I discerned, the Angels of the God, of whose Armies there is no Number, making a speedy Descent, for the producing of mighty Changes in the World. * 9. G. D. Go to the Table of the Lord, with earnest Petitions to thy SAVIOUR, for the Influences, that may render thee a Man very diligent in the Business, wherein thou standest before the eternal King. 10. G. D. Entertain the Flock, with a Discourse on the Speech of Solomon, that pleased the Lord. Win them into the making of it. 11. G. D. Nibhy is near her Marriage. There are several Steps of Prudence and of Piety, of which I am to be sollicitious on this Occasion. 12. G. D. What shall I do, to render my Kinsman at Newtown, considerably useful? Employ my Kinsman at Roxhury to make a Collection of Plants, peculiarly American. 13. G. D. There is extreme Hazard of a mighty Flame arising in the Town, from the Proceedings of the new Church in the south Part of it, unto the Choice of a Minister, 372 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER unacceptable unto the Rest, I would seasonably interpose, as far as may be, to prevent the Devices of Satan. 14. G. D. Several Affairs among the Christian Indians, call for Consideration. Particularly at Yarmouth. 15. G. D. Revive the Care of getting more Medicines into the Family, to be dispensed unto the Poor, for various Maladies. * 16. G. D. It must be more than ever my Endeavour, when I ask for any Blessing from God, which it may be my Duty to be content, in His Denying to me, then in the first and cheef Place, to ask a submissive Heart, that shall be Patient in case it be deny'd unto me, and therewithal to Express my Submission unto God, and my Satisfaction in His Wisdome, and Justice, and Sovereignty, and fatherly Love. I would therefore look back upon those Favours of God, which I request in my daily Supplications, and employ particular Pains, to bring my Mind unto Resignations of them; and to take up with the glorious GOD, as a suffi- cient Portion for me, tho' all of these Things were witheld from me. 17. G. D. Having lately exhibited real and vital Piety, under the Notion of GOD in the Throne of the Soul, or, GOD reigning in the Heart, I hope, it would much edify the Flock, to have another Exhibition of it, under the Notion of an healed Soul. 18. G. D. Of my two elder Daughters, The one, I am giving up to GOD, and preparing for the Finishing Stroke of the Sacrifice, which the Death of the dear Creature putts me upon. My God, carry both me and her, thro what is before us. The other, I am giving away to an hopeful young Gentle- man, who is tomorrow to become her Husband. But I am in several Wayes to give her up also unto God ; and SEPTEMBER, 1716 373 do the best I can to render her a Blessing to her Husband, and in the City. 19. G. D. Ah! Poor T. W[alterl. ig d. VII m. Wednesday. My Nibby was married (by my Father) to Daniel Willard. GOD be gracious to them ! 20. G. D. Can I think of no Subjects to preach and write upon, which may be sent over to Europe^ and con- tribute unto the Work of the Day? Methinks, a Discourse on the true Notion of a Protestant, might be highly seasonable and serviceable. 21. G. D. Promise the Gift of a Bible, to such of the Children at the Charity-Schole as become able readily to read a Chapter in it. 22. G. D. A poor Woman in my Neighbourhood, a strange Instance of Prayer, and Faith, and Communion with GOD, and Heaven, must be a singular Object of my Cares that she may be well provided for. * 23. G. D. The Angel of Death, stands with a drawn Sword over my Family, in the dying State of my dear, good, wise, and lovely Katy. I am called unto uncommon Exercises of Piety and Submission on this Occasion. Lett me sett apart some Time extraordinary, that I may obtain the Dispositions which are now called for. 24. G. D. The Psalmody in our Assembly must be better provided for. 25. G. D. My lovely Daughter Kaiharin, drawes now near unto her End. I must use all possible Methods, to render the Period of her Life, not only comfortable to her, but also profitable to the People of God. 26. G. D. Another Kinsman at Roxbury, must be warned against certain Miscarriages. 26 d. VII m. Wednesday. My dear Katy is utterly given over. Physicians can do no more for her; a Con- sumption does waste her, wherein the Assaults of a Fevor in the Shape of a quotidian Ague exasperates the Malady, 374 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Her Life drawes nigh to the Grave. But her Soul is not full of Troubles. I cannot but wondrously rejoice, in the Favours granted unto the Soul of the Child, which is from above so irradi- ated that she triumphs over the Fear of Death ; Death is become easy, yea, pleasant unto her ; She rather chuses it, and has a Contempt for this World, and a most satisfying Vision of the heavenly World. It is very strange to me ; the Child feels herself a dying ; but has a strong and bright Perswasion of her own Recovery. I have none. I expect the speedy Approaches of Death upon her. I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting, in secret, on the Behalf of the Dying Child. And it was a Day of inexpressible Enjoyments unto me. I obtained Pardon for all the Sins, that may have had a share in procuring my present Sorrows. I resigned the Child unto the Lord ; my Will was extinguished. I could say, My Father, Kill my Child, if it be thy Pleasure to do sol But yett I interceded, that if it might be so, the Cup of Death might pass from me. 27. G. D. I would look out for some Assistence, to encourage the Publication of a Work, which I am now send- ing to London, on The Work of the Day. Whereof I have great Expectation. 28. G. D. Several affairs of Consequence, to be moved among the Indian-Commissioners. 29. G. D. A young Man, a Schole-master at Spring- field, needs my various Assistences unto him, to render him further serviceable ; which I purpose to give him. * 30. G. D. I am to study yett more perfectly the Notion and Practice, of being dead unto all Things here below ; The Meaning of a Death to all the Things of this Life. T'wil be of mighty Consequence unto me, to be well-acquainted with it. OCTOBER, 1716 375 October, i. G. D. A Discourse on the purged Floor, ^ may be of as great use unto the Flock, as any Thing I can think upon. 2. G. D. Alas,2 God sanctify to him, the Rebukes which I bestow upon him. I must humble myself before God, in that He has not accepted and favoured my Intentions. I know not whether this unhappy Youth, may not at length go off to High-Church, and then make me the Object of his malicious Calumnies ; For I have seldome obliged any one with uncommon Kindnesses, but they have after- wards proved Monsters of Ingratitude, and I have received singular Injuries from them. I do therefore here arm them that survive me with this true and brief Account.^ 3. G. D. My new Relatives, will afford an ample Field for my projections to do good unto many. 4. G. D. Some young Students at the Colledge have lately died ; Especially one, who was a notable Exemple of early Piety. I would consider, whether I may not make the Death of these young men, and the Life, of at least one of them, serviceable to the Interests of Piety; especially among the younger Students. 5. G. D. Our new Governour ^ arrives this Day. As I would improve my Acquaintance, which I am like to have with him, for all the good Purposes imaginable : So, because there arrives with him, a new Commission for our Indian- Affaires, which constitutes him one of the Comissioners,^ I would prosecute some further good Purposes in that Relation. 6. G. D. A Gentlewoman in very disconsolate Cir- cumstances, for the Death of an hopeful Son, may be a fitt Object, for my doing the part of a Comforter to the Mourners. ' Matt. 3. 12. ' Five lines obliterated at this point. ' Thirty-two lines struck out. • Samuel Shute. Sewall, Diary, in. 105. ' See Sewall, Diary, m. io6. 376 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 6 d. 8 m. Satureday. This day I sett apart for Prayer with Fasting, in Secret before the Lord, The Occasions and Exercises were the same, with those of the former Dayes, which in the later months I have so devoted. I glorified the Lord this day, with the sweetest Acquiescence and Resignation, in the Case of the Biblia Americana, whereof I receive Advice this day, that the publication thereof, is to be despaired of. I still kept sacrificing my languishing Child ; not without Hopes, that the Lord may deal yet wonderfully with her. I have some special services the next Week before me, for which I implored the divine Assistences. I poured out my vehement Supplications, that Joels Prophecy might be accomplished ; and the Spirit of God be poured out upon all Flesh ; and the holy and mighty Angels, make their Descent, and possess and inspire Instruments to serve the Kingdome of God, and spread the Maxims of the everlasting Gospel in the World. * 7. G. D. I would every morning, before I rise, read certain Paragraphs, in the Enchiridion precum, of my Boehm; and have my Consort hear the same in English : until I have gone thro' the Book. 8. G. D. Some in the Covenant of God among us, I hear by the Edges, have miscarried, and live not according to their Obligations. I must find them out, and in suitable Manner deal with them. 9. G. D. In and to my Family, I would cause to be readd over, on some Lord's-day Evening, the last Accounts of God providing for the Orphan-house, at Hall. And make remarks upon the Story, that shall be incentive to Piety. This Day was kept as a Day of Prayer, by the First Church in Boston, preparatory to their Choice of a Minis- ter. I enjoy'd gracious Assistences from above, in preaching to the Congregation on this Occasion. 10. G. D. Yett one Essay more to recover T. W[alter] whose Return into my Family, I have permitted. 11. G. D. Being to preach this Day in the Audience OCTOBER, 1716 377 of our new Governour, and with much Expectation from the Auditory, I contriv'd, a Recapitulation of Tokens for Good, as the whole Protestant Interest, and our own Coun- trey has to Comfort us. And with as much Insinuation as may be, I gave our Governour to understand what sort of Conduct in him, we hoped for. GOD was graciously with me, in the Action, and it found much Acceptance, both with the Governor and the People. 12. G. D. Is there nothing to be done for the miserable Colledge? Yes; I will commend some Things unto the Perusal of the more serious Youths associated for Piety there. 13. G. D. An honest, godly, needy Man, lying alone, Bed-rid with the Gout ; I must look after him. * 14. G. D. I have been endeavouring to glorify GOD, with elaborate Preparations of my Pen, to serve the Cause of Piety in the World. The Composures, which with the Help of GOD, I have prepared for that Purpose, I have offered up for Sacrifices unto Him. It pleases Him, to reject them from the Service for which I have intended them. Strange Frowns of Heaven have defeated the Pub- lication of those things, which it has cost me a World of hard Study, to gett ready for the Church of GOD. Now, what shall I do on these Occasions? I would be entirely satis- fied in the Wisdome, the Justice, the Faithfulness, and the Sovereignty of my great SAVIOUR, who knowes what the Interests of His Kingdome call for, and when to bring them forth. And I would satisfy myself in my Oblations to the Kingdome of my SAVIOUR, and consider my sweet Acqui- escence in His holy Pleasure to reject them, as a sweet Addition to my Oblations, and His Delight in them ; and give a Demonstration, that the acquiring of a Name to myself (a Vile Idolatry !) is no End of my Oblations, in my patient and easy Bearing of it, that they should be lost as 378 DIARY OP COTTON MATHER to this World, and known unto Him alone. And I would go on with all possible Industry to present as many Obla- tions to the Work of God, as I can ; cheerfully leaving to Him the Disposal of them. (IV.) That I may invite serious Minds, to glorify GOD, in the Tokens for Good, which He gives to His people, I gave to the Bookseller, my late Sermon, at the Lecture. It is entituled, Menachem. A brief Essay, on Tokens for Good; wherein, together with the Good Signs which all Good Men have to Comfort them, there are Exhibited also some Good Things of a Late Occurrence, and of a great Importance, which have a comfortable Aspect, on the protestant Religion in general, and on a particular countrey of distinguished Protestants.^ 15. G. D. A late and a strange Impression of Grace, on the Jewish Children, in the City of Berlin; may I not improve it, for an Excitation of Piety in my Flock, and among the young People of it. 16. G. D. To have the Footsteps of God, in what is done for the Orphan-house at Hall, read over in my Family, with agreeable Remarks thereupon, may be of great Use to my Domesticks. 17. G. D. My Relatives at Sea, ought more than ever, to make a distinct Article in my daily Supphcations. 17 J. 8 w. Wednesday. One Day more, must I sett apart for Prayer with Fasting on the Behalf of my dear Katy; who continues in her Languish ments, and yett unto our Astonishment, grows not feebler under them. My Endeavours, and my Enjoyments, on this Occasion, were much the same, with what I had three Weeks ago, on the same Occasion. Having thus besought the Lord thrice, besides what I have done, on my monthly Dayes, and every day, I now wait to hear what God the Lord will say. * Printed for Benjamin Gray, 17 16. OCTOBER, 1716 379 The Child shall be wondrously dealt withal! The Lord will shew Wonders to the Dead! 18. G. D. May it not be a service unto the Kingdome of God, if I address our numerous Tribe of Whale-Catchers, with some suitable Meditations, that may have a Tendency to make them sensible of their Obligations to live unto God? (V.) That I might serve this Intention of Piety, I send unto the press, a Treatise entituled ; The Thankful Christian, An Essay upon those Thankful Returns of obedi- ence to the Glorious GOD, in which there Lies the most accept- able and ingenuous Thanksgiving for His Benefits. Address' d unto all that have received the Favours of Heaven; But more especially unto them, who after the Good Successes of a Whale- catching Season, would Express their Gratitude unto God their Saviour.^ 19. G. D. I would yett again see whether I cannot produce and support a Charity-Schole, for Negro's in Even- ings, to learn to read, and be instructed in the Catechism. 20. G. D. A young man a Bookseller, poor and low, needs Encouragement. * 21. G. D. That great point, of, Doing as I would he done unto. It must be more exactly conform'd unto. I will not only study it ; but make it a most frequent Subject of Self-Reflection. 22. G. D. Who can tell, what Effects it may have upon the Flock, if two Sermons were preached on the Prom- ise of the Holy SPIRIT! (Luk. xi. 13.) In preaching of them, I would use all possible methods of Devotion, to obtain the Influences of the holy SPIRIT, suitable unto the Occasion. 23. G. D. It may have a good Effect upon my Son Samuel, if I hear him sometimes read unto me, into English, the Adspirationes, in my Boehm's, Enchiridion precum. 24. G. D. Is there nothing further, possible to be * Printed by B. Green, for Samuel Gerrish, 1717. 380 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER done, for the Recovery of a wretched Brother-in-Law, become so far a Castaway, as he at Charl[e]stown! 25. G. D. Our new Governour appears to have a singular Goodness of Temper, with a Disposition to do good, reigning in him ; He also favours me with singular Testimonies of Regard. Oh! Lett me improve these unexpected Opportunities to do good, in such a Manner that God may have much Glory and His People much Service from it. 26. G. D. Speak to the new Lieut. Governour of New Hampshire, to do all he can, for the restoring of Peace among the People there. 27. G. D. A Gentleman that has a considerable Quan- tity of Grain, to dispense among the Poor, employes me to find the Objects, and send them with Notes of Recommen- dation to him. * 28. G. D. The secret and vitious Workings of Self- Love, I must labour exceedingly to grow more aware of them, and become thoroughly acquainted with that Mys- tery of Iniquity, and victorious over it. 29. G. D. And can I do a better Service for the Flock, than by finding out for them this their Enemy, and warning them of it ! 30. G. D. Liza's Education, — several Points to be prosecuted in it. 31. G. D. Relatives at Glocester, must have some Ex- pressions of my Care for them. With very much Study and Prayer, I have been by the Grace of GOD, carried thro' a very large Preparation for the Public. I have considered the Condition of the World ; and I have prepared a Book, wherein the greatest Affaires, that are like to be agitated among the Nations, are more than a little accommodated. I have considered what the service the Kingdome of GOD calls for, and I have pre- pared a Book, as much adapted unto the Intentions that NOVEMBER, 1716 381 most call to be prosecuted, as I can contrive it. I have considered, the Signs of the Times. My Book is a large Treatise of many Sheets ; Entituled ; (VI) Boanerges. The Work of the Day. A Tender made {which has never till Now been so clearly and fully done) of those Evangelical and Everlasting MAXIMS, wherein All Good and Wise men are united, and All men become Good and wise, when they come into that Union with them. An IN- STRUMENT of PIETY tendered, wherein the vast purposes of Truth and Peace in the Church of GOD, are to the Satis- faction of Reasonable and Religious Minds accommodated. With Demands made thereupon, which the Distresses of the Nations, will compell thetn anon to hearken to. And Millions of People in the world, who are groaning, and will daily be more so, after Another and a better State of things, are furnished with PROPOSALS, to obtain the Accomplish- ment of their Desires. With Just REMARKS upon the present and Future State of the Distressed Nations. If this Work may come abroad, it will make some Little Reparation for my unfruitfulness, in the Number of Lesser Composures, which I have published in the Year that is now passing over me.^ I committ the Work unto the glorious Head of the Church; and entirely resign it unto Him, for Him to do according unto His own good Pleasure with it. I was not wilHng to lett the year 1716 pass, without sending it over the Atlantic. November, i. G. D. I may do the Countrey consider- able service by some seasonable Hints unto the Governour. And by preventing what I can, the countermining Inten- tions of some Gentlemen among us. 2. G. D. Now bring forward, the Affair of Guardians, for the Christian Indians. Now is the Time. 1 It does not appear to have been printed. Mather again used the leading word, Boanerges, in 1727, in the title of an essay on the earthquakes of that j'ear. 382 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 3. G. D. A poor, feeble, gouty Man, in a solitary Widowhood, must be look'd after; that he do not suffer, in being alone. 3 d. IX m. Satureday. I sett apart this Day for Prayer and Fasting, on the usual Occasions, and with the usual Exercises. The dying State of my dear Katy, was a special Article of my Supplications. I presented the State of several sick Ministers in the Countrey, before the Lord. I cried unto Heaven for Direction about my Boanerges, and resigned the Work unto the Glorious Head of the Church, for Him to do as He should please with it. I offered up Sacrifices to God. * 4. G. D. Of my Errands to the Table of the Lord this Day, a principal one must be, for the Destruction of that Self-Love, which has carried away my Soul from God. 5. G. D. Call upon the Flock, to express their zeal for the House of GOD, in more effectual Considerations, upon that Point, What Good they may do for the Church. 6. G. D. My Daughter-in-Law, and her children, shall be entertained in my House, until she marries ; and I will endeavour, to serve her in all her Interests, and also to befriend the pious Education of the Children. 7. G. D. My Brother Walter, being indisposed, I will preach for him, and otherwise also study for his Comfort ; especially in a Point, which I suppose grievously exercises him. 8. G. D. There is hazard of much Disorder and Con- fusion and Iniquity in our General Assembly ; by reason of three unhappy Men, who are the Representatives of this Town.' I would procure a considerable Number of the * The representatives from Boston, elected in this year, were Oliver Noyes, William Payne, Elisha Cooke, and Anthony Stoddard. Stoddard was a new member of the House of Representatives. Payne alone seems to have been of the Second Church. See p. 417, in/ra. NOVEMBER, 1716 383 Representatives to visit me at my House ; where I would endeavour their Illumination in the Things of our Peace. I would also endeavour to reduce our own Frowards from the Error of their Way. 9. G. D. Visit a Meeting in the Neighbourhood, where- of several have lately buried Relatives, and encountred Afflictions ; and preach an agreeable Sermon unto them. 10. G. D. Our late Lieutenant Governour,i going to London, desires me to do him some Kindnesses. * II. G. D. More distinct and affectuous Contempla- tions on, CHRIST my ALL, are to be endeavoured. 12. G. D. A Sermon to the Flock, on the Man cured of his withered Hand, perswading People to try, what they may find God helping them to do, may be very useful to them. 13. G. D. That my Family may be blessed with an- other and a better Negro-Servant, I must look up to God, in the wayes of Repentance, and Supplication. My dear Katy being brought now so low, that she cannot attend the family-Sacrifices with us, I must pray daily with her, in her Chamber. 14. G. D. Several Ministers in the Countrey are lan- guishing in Sickness. I would look on them, as being so much my Brethren, that when I consider my Relatives I will here enter my Purposes, to pray particularly and continually for them. 15. G. D. There has lately been in the Town, an Apparition of a dead Person. It is a Thing so well attested that there can be no Room to doubt of it. It may be a service to Piety, and serve many good Purposes, for me to obtain a full Relation of the Matter ; and have the Persons concerned therein, to make Oath unto it, before a Magistrate. 16. G. D. Call upon those that are most capable to look out for a Minister to be sent unto Barmtidaz, from > William Tailer. 384 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER whence I have repeted Cries, for one to come over and help them. 17. G. D. A poor Man that wants a good Employ- ment; what shall I find for him? * 18. G. D, The Life of my Spirit lies in a Death to Fear the Things which are seen and are temporal. In what Regards, am I to become Dead unto the World ? I must look on all things here below with the eye of a Dying man; and when I look on all my enjoyments, con- sider them as a Dying man, and as one immediately going from them. I must be ready to sacrifice all those things, and if God call for them I must be willing to be striped of them all, and be left as Naked as a man that is dead who cannot take them away with him. If any of these Things, particularly invite me to [do] any thing that may be a sin against the Glorious GOD, their Invitation must make no more Impression on me, than a Speech unto the Dead. (Note) I could never learn, how or why these Blotts were made.^ Finally, To the Saints that are dead, God is become All in All. A Respect unto GOD, must be the Thing that shall Influence me in my addressing to, and my [ ]. them all of my [ ]. I can't be ready to dy and leave the World, until I become thus dead unto the World. 19. G. D. Several Proposals for the Advantage of the Flock, must be made unto the Committee. 20. G. D. A new Negro Servant, (a little Boy) is come into my Family. What, what shall I do ? what Cares must be used, that GOD may have Service from him? 21. G. D. Do some very good Offices for one that is going to marry my Daughter-in-Law. ^ This page of the MS. is badly blotted. NOVEMBER, 1716 385 22. G. D. Poor Barnstable; what shall be done for thee? Give the best Advice that may be, to the afflicted and oppressed young Minister there. ^ 23. G. D. I hear of a Minister, grievously negligent in the Discharge of his Ministry. Write lovingly, and faithfully to him. 24. G. D. An unhappy Man in the Prison, cries to me for some Kindnesses.^ 26. G. D. I have often seen it, that my Exercises, Temptations, Calamities, are made singularly, serviceable, to the Edification of the Flock, whereof I am the Servant : they lead me to discourse on Subjects, and communicate. Meditations and Experiences, which God makes useful to His People. I must exceedingly and exquisitely contrive, how the terrible Trial come upon me in the Condition of my lovely Katy, may be made profitable unto the People, whom I am to instruct in the Wayes of God. 27. G. D. Such is the Condition of my Family, in regard of my dear Katy^s dying Circumstances ; that I am called of God unto more than ordinary Methods for the Quickening of Piety in my Family. Oh! That I may be directed of God, what I am to do upon this Intention ! 28. G. D. Some related unto me very far off, by an Affinity contracted in a Marriage with my Neece. Lett me present Books of Piety unto them. 29. G. D. Lett me renew my Thoughts upon that Enquiry; Whether I may not employ Part of my public Ministry, on Subjects, which may be very serviceable and very entertaining to the Church of God, in an ultramarine Publication of my Discourses upon them. But I despair of any good Acceptance for any thing of mine. • Rev. Jonathan Russell, Jr. The parish was about to divide. ' Some lines that are illegible follow. 11-25 386 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER However, there are two or three Subjects, wh'.ch I design to cultivate, with brief Essays upon them. 30. G. D. We are now getting on towards the clearing and settling of our Estate. I would propound unto my wife, what special Service for God and His Kingdome, she will do, in Case the Administration be well finished, and she find any Estate remaining, that may render her capable of doing any thing. (VII) That I might further serve the Cause of Piety, and help to bring on the Reign of Righteousness, I gave to the Bookseller, another little Treatise, entituled ; The Golden Rule, A very brief Essay on the Grand Maxim of Good Morality, To do as we would be done unto : The true Universal Medicine for all the Disorders in the world. Exhibited at Boston Lecture. 25 d. VIII m. 1716. December, i. G. D. A most pious and praying Widow, who strangely lives by Faith on the divine Providence, must receive some fresh Benignities from me. I d. 10 m. Satureday. I sett apart this Day for Suppli- cations as I use to do. And Things were in it, as they use to be. I am sorry, that this Expressive must imply but a mean Account. However, it was a Day wherein I enjoy'd some Communion with Heaven. The dying State of my dear Katy, made a grand Article in the Supplications of the Day. It was this Day fourteen Years ago, that her Mother expired, (on a Tuesday.) I hope, a great Improvement in Piety, will be the Effect of the Exercises to which I am called on this Occasion. I made this a Day of other and many Sacrifices. * 2. G. D. God calls me to wait upon Him, in all the wayes of Piety, for those Influences of His Grace, which may render me very low and vile in my own Eyes, and very patient under Contempt, and satisfied in His not allowing the most laboured Effects of my Studies to be published and accepted in the World; and exceedingly DECEMBER, 1716 387 afraid of aiming at a great Name for myself, in my Offers to serve the best Interests. 3. G. D. A Gentleman was last Night complaining to me, that he observed, that many Pretenders to be justified by Faith in the Righteousness of our Saviour, yett lived in a very unjustifiable Neglect of many known and plain Duties commanded by our Saviour. I pray'd him to fur- nish me with the Instances, that I may faithfully serve the Flock with the Warnings of God. 4. G. D. Liza's Education, must have some new Thoughts and Cares exercised upon it. I must allow as much of my Time, as I can, to my dear dying Child ; her Consolation and her Preparation. 5. G. D. I have some Relatives in Ireland; and I spend some time this Morning, in transmitting to them a considerable Number of Books of Piety ; as Expressions of my Loves and Cares for them. 6. G. D. I grow very strong in the Perswasion, that the Kingdome of God will be brought on, and the great Revolutions expected in the Dayes approaching be accom- plished, by a Return of the Prophetic Spirit in Angelical Operations ; and a Revival of the Supernatural Powers ; which planted the Christian Church in the primitive Times. Wherefore I will now make it an Article of my daily Suppli- cations, Lord, Pour out thy Spirit upon all Flesh, according to thy Promise. See Luk. xi. 13. 6 d.xm. Thursday. A Day of general Thanksgiving. 7. G. D. Move my dying Child, that she speak such Things, especially unto her two Brothers, as may leave a precious and lasting Impression upon them. 8. G. D. I will gett a Number of my Pascentius's ^ and Scatter them among the Poor. *9. G. D. Oh' That I were more frequent, more exact, in examining the Principle of my Designs, my Pas- ' Printed in 1714-15. 388 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER sions, my Actions; and lett me be forever dissatisfied, except I find the Principle to be, the Love of GOD, and a Care and an Aim to please Him. When, when shall I be entirely swallow'd up in the Life of GOD? ID. G. D. Among the Poor of my own Flock, the Deacons will now be putt upon many Dispensations of Charity. I would furnish them with a Number of my Pascentius's to dispense therewithal. 11. G. D. My lovely Katy, desires mightily that her Death may glorify God! Oh ! the Variety of Projections which my broken Heart is forming, that it may do so ! 12. G. D. My Kinsman, T. W[alter] gives Hopes of his yett coming to Good ; has begun to preach publickly. What shall I do for him? And something I will propose, to recover the Health of his Father. 13. G. D. I am resuming the Design of preparing my Ratio DisciplincB for the Public. I foresee and project many exquisite Purposes to serve the Kingdome of GOD, in the Progress of the Work. 14. G. D, Wait upon the Governor this Evening ; and propose to him some Services for the Public. 15. G. D. I will perswade some of our Physicians to bring the cold Bath into fashion; Whereby many poor, sick, miserable People may obtain Releef under various Maladies which now remain otherwise Incurable. i6d.x ni. Lords-Day morning. A Little after 3 h. A.M. my lovely Daughter Katharin expired gloriously. The Things which her dear Saviour has done to her and for her, afford a wonderful Story. But because I relate it in other Papers, I shall here insert nothing of it. Much of my Time, of late, has been spent in sitting by her with Essayes to strengthen her in her Agonies, wherein God graciously assisted me. DECEMBER, 1716 389 * 16. G. D. I have been for many Months a dying in my feehng the dying Circumstances of my lovely Katy. And now, this last Night, she is actually dead; but how triumphantly did she go away! Certainly, Heaven expects in me, a vast Improvement of Piety, under what I have mett withal. I must sett myself, in a most exquisite Manner, to con- sider, how I should improve what has befallen me, unto the best of Purposes, and beg the divine Directions. One thing very particularly look'd for, will be this ; that after so many Deaths, I should be a man dead unto every thing in this World. And therefore, I will this Day preach a Sermon, upon Dead with CHRIST. 17. G. D. And now what can I do for my Flock, more agreeable, or more serviceable, than to preach to them a lively Sermon, on the Death of my lovely Child, and on the Text that she has left them as her dying Legacy, with such Admonitions of Piety, as she desired me from it and from her, earnestly to commend unto them! 18. G. D. Oh! What Endeavours must I use, that my living Children may improve the Death of their lovely Sister, to their best Advantage ! Especially Creasy. For whom I would now draw up certain Rules of Conduct, unto which I would expect his daily Conformity. 19. I shall very sensibly discharge Part of my Duty to my Relatives, if I convey as far as I can, to every one of them, the Memorials of my dear Katy which I am now preparing for the Public. 20. G. D. And will it not be a very comprehensive Service to the Kingdome of GOD in the World abroad, if I procure to be dispersed a pubhshed Account of my dear Katy's exemplary Piety, and of the Joy, which in the End it brought her to. 390 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 20 d. X m. Thursday. This Day, my dear Katy had her Funeral with a very honourable Attendence upon it.^ 21. G. D. Would it not be a Service to the Cause of Piety in the Colledge, and so yett more extensively, if I should procure some late Exemples of Piety, which have been given by several Youths, who have lately died there, to be published unto the World ? I am endeavouring of it. 22. G. D. A Soul in particular Snares, must be wam'd, charg'd, recovered. * 23. G. D. And what special Improvements in Piety, does the Death of my lovely Daughter call me to ? 1. A renew'd and increas'd Repentance, for the Sins, which the Stroke of GOD upon me calls me to think upon. 2. A patient Submission to abasing Dispensations, wherein my GOD will humble me. 3. A Stronger Apprehension of my own Death approach- ing and Preparation for it. 4. A more frequent and fervent Inclination of Piety on my surviving Children ; and particularly of the Religion of the Closet. 5. New Projections to have all Things in my Family, under an excellent Regulation. Especially for the Strain of Sabbatizing. 6. Fresh Endeavours to recommend early Religion unto the young People of my Flock, and throughout the Countrey. 7. More communion with the Spirits in Paradise ; by Meditation on them. Help me, my GOD, thus to answer thy holy Expecta- tions. 24. G. D. Such Subjects, as the Death my dear Katy, leads me to insist upon, will be of great Use to the Flock, which I should be a prudent and faithful Feeder to. That I with the Child which God had given me, may glorify Him. With Testimonies to the pleasant Wayes of ' Sewall describes her as a "vertuous, pious Gentlewoman." DECEMBER, 1716 391 Piety, and that my dear Katy, may outlive her Death, and continue gloriously to do good among the living after she is Dead, I give to the Bookseller, the Sermon which the excellent Creature desired me to preach after her Decease ; and accompany it with such Memoirs of her, as I hope, will prove exceeding serviceable. (VIII) It is entituled; Victorina, A Sermon preach'd on the Decease, and at the Desire, of Mrs. Katharin Mather ; By her Father. W hereunto there is added, A further Account of that Young Gentlewoman; By another hand.^ 25. G. D. Oh! For a Family now, better ordered in every point, than ever heretofore! 26. G. D. Perhaps it may have a tendency to con- firm T. W[alter] in Piety, if I employ his Hand, in drawing up the account of his Kinswoman, which is to see the public. 27. G. D. I have a new Prospect of providing a Min- ister for the eastern Parts ; particularly for the Instruction of the Indians there. A Thing of extraordinary Conse- quence. Lett me prosecute it. 28. G. D. The Society that are forming a new Church in the south Part of the Town, must have Services done for them. Several I have before me. Particularly, when I preach to them, on the first Day of their opening their Edifice. 29. G. D. I have Money in my hands, to be dispensed unto some needy, aged, praying Women. 29 d. X in. Satureday. I sett apart this Day, for prayers before the Lord, as I use to do. But have cause to mourn, bitterly before the Lord, that it was with me little other- wise than as it use to be. I humbled myself before GOD, from the Sense of His Rebukes upon me, in the Case of my departed Child. And I cried unto Him, that the Fruit hereof might be, a sensible Improvement of Piety, in me, and the Rest of the Children. • Printed by B. Green for Daniel Henchman, 1717. 392 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I asked the divine Conduct and Blessing, for what I am now publishing, of the deceased Child. Other Matters, I carried unto the Lord, as usually. Especially, I implored Him, for such a Descent of His holy Angels, as may bring an astonishing Revolution on the World. For myself, I asked these three singular Favours of GOD. First ; that I may have the Spirit oj Prayer in a greater Measure poured out upon me, Secondly ; that I may be more diligent in the Work of GOD, and be rescued from the Sloth which is the grand Burden of my Soul. Thirdly; that I may grow up to an high Degree of Sanctity, in the most explicit Wayes of living unto GOD. The Health of my lovely Consort, who is the greatest of all my Temporal Blessings, is a particular Matter of Concern unto me. * 30. G. D. Lett me go to the Lord's-Table this day, on the three Errands, mentioned for yesterday. 31. G. D. God speaks to the Sea-faring part of the Flock, in many late Shipwrecks; Lett me, mightily urge upon them their hearkening to the Voice of God. /awz^ary. [17 16-17.] i. G. D. In my Supplications this Day, with my Family, I would render singular Thanks to the glorious One, from whom having obtained Help, we continue to this first Day of another Year : and implore His Blessing for the new Year that we are now entring upon. 2. G. D. I have a Sister in some domestic Afflictions, to whom I must endeavour a Particular Serviceableness. 3. G. D. Our Governour going to A^ Hampshire, I may putt him upon doing his best, for the reconciling of the Contentions there. I have some Thoughts of presenting him with our Church- History, that so he may not only know the Countrey ; and how to serve it, but also have before him the Exemple of our former Governors. 4. G. D. I would prevail with some, to send unto London, for some Remedies, whereby the Lives of People JANUARY, 1716-17 393 here may be preserved and sweetened, if the Promises in the Advertisements are answered. 5. G. D. A Minister in the Countrey, who conflicts with Straits and Wants is to have my poor Charity dis- pensed unto him. [Mr. KaTrev.] 1 * 6. G. D. Why may not I be more dihgent, more vigorous, more expHcit than ever, in this point of Piety ! Before every new Action in my Study, to make still a short Prayer which may relate unto it ; and in this Prayer form an Act of consecration to God, wherein what I do, shall be directly aimed at the serving of Him! And this may be also done, at my going forth out of my Study; upon Designs which I have before me.^ 7. G. D. I will use particular Methods to find out very taking and useful Subjects for the Flock to be enter- tain'd withal ; Seek out acceptable Words. 8. G. D. My Family is now, by the Death of one dear Creature, and the Removal of six or seven more, coming unto a mighty Diminution. What Opportunities will this give me to contrive, that it may be a Family exemplary for all that is holy, and just, and good. S d. II m. [January.] Tuesday. The People that are forming a new Church, in the south Part of the Town, this Day enter into their new Meeting-house. The Ministers of the Town, kept a Day of Prayer with them. And I had Opportunity to preach unto them, with gracious Assist- ences from above. A vast Auditory,^ 9. G. D. My Father-in-Law at Charlestown, has great Symptoms of his Death, just ready to sieze upon him. I must visit him, assist him, strengthen him. ' Capen. Probably Joseph Capen, of Topsfield (d. 1725). * 6 d. 11 m. Dismissed Joseph Hill and Benjamin White that they may bear their part in laying the Foundations of a new Church, in the South part of the Town." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Secotid Church, 11. 'See Sewall, Diary, iii. 116. This church, known as the "New South Church," was located on the "Church Green." 394 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 10. G. D. The Direction of the new Church in this Tovm, for furnishing themselves with a Minister that may be a Blessing to the Town and Countrey, is a Thing of great Consequence, I would earnestly look up unto Heaven, to direct them.^ 11. G. D. I have in view, some services to be done, for the scholars at the CoUedge. 12. G. D. There are certain Ministers in a broken state of Health, whom I would by Name remember before the Lord in my daily Supplications. * 13. G. D. Being to day to preach on that Subject, I will sett myself this Day, to glorify GOD, with forming. Acts of Acknowledgment and Resignation to His uncon- troleable Sovereignty. I will consider this divine Perfec- tion, and not only as actually display'd in the Things already done unto me, but also as it may be exercised in Cases which may be supposed by me, and in Sorrows which I may suppose to be the Things appointed for me. And I will endeavour to express all possible Acquiescence in the Will of the glorious GOD. 14. G. D. Some Contrivances for the Accommodation of people in our Meeting-house, must be speedily prosecuted. 15. G. D. My Son-in-Law, Mr. Willard, offers himself to our Church. I rejoice to see him thus early disposed for a walk in the Truth. Oh! Lett me take all possible Methods to animate him unto Piety, and Usefulness ! This Day there come to me a Number from the Under- takers of the new Meeting-house in the South Part of the Town, in the Name of the rest, with their unanimous Desire, that I would give them a Copy of the Sermon, which I preach'd unto them this Day se'nnight. So wondrously does the Sovereign God, and glorious Head of the Church, multiply my Opportunities to serve His Kingdome. (rX) So, I gave it unto them ; Entituled : Zelotes. ' Sec p. 426, infra. JANUARY, 1716-17 395 A zeal for the House of GOD; Blown up, in a Sermon preached unto an Assembly of Christians, in the south part of Boston; on 8 d. XI m. iyi6~iy. A Day of prayer kept by them, at their first Entrance into a New Edifice Erected by them for the public worship of God our Saviour.^ 16. G. D. The Lord pitty my poor ELinsman, J, W. bound to sea. What shall I do for him! 17. G. D. To entertain the Public at the Lecture with the Description of real and vital PIETY given with the loud Voice of an ANGEL ; (Rev. xiv. 7.) and make such Remarks as are to be made upon it ; may prove a notable Service to the Kingdome of GOD. 18. G. D. Consult with my Society of Gentlemen, that combine for Projections to do good ; Whether it be not possible to project Methods, for the Introducing of good Orders into our Vessels. 19. G. D. A miserable Fellow in Prison for Debt, must be delivered; and Admonitions of a better Life given to him. 20. G. D. Three Dayes ago, I gave to the Public, a Description of real and vital PIETY. As I would be alwayes making Essays, to live unto GOD, according [to] the Methods and Maxims I then delivered, so I would this Day, have a particular Exercise, wherein I would examine my Conformity to them, and procure a new and strong Impression of them upon me. And Read, Egardus, his, yvcodi creavTov. 21. G. D. A Sermon upon GOD hiding His Face, may be of great use, to many Souls in the Flock. 22. G. D. Ought I not every Day now to insert that Clause in my family prayers; And may the Families that are sprung from us, have the Light of GOD shining upon them! 23. G. D. New Relatives made, by the late Marriages in my Family, call for Expressions of my Concern for their * Printed by J. Allen, for Nicholas Boone, 171 7. 396 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER welfare. One shall be my presenting of my Vidorina among them. 24. G. D. The aJGfair of procuring a Missionary to our Eastern Indians, is now devolved much upon my Care. Tis of great Consequence. Lord, Give thy Direction and Assistence! I first write Letters to Martha's Vineyard, on this Occasion. 25. G. D. I must procure an Attorney to be made for the Christian Indians on Martha's Vineyard. 26. G. D. A poor Boy tortured with the Stone, must be made an Object of my singular Compassions. The Expence of the Lithotojjiie, must be Part of my Care. 26 d. II m. Satureday. I sett apart this Day for Prayer, with Fasting ; on the usual Occasions ; and with the usual Petitions. But especially, I besought of the Lord, that He would assist me to a wise, holy, fruitful Improvement of His Dis- pensations towards me, in what has befallen my lovely Katy. I besought Him also, for the Fulfilment of Joel's Prophecy among the Nations; and the Return of that Spirit which introduced and erected and managed the Kingdome of God in the primitive Times of Christianity ; and a Descent of His mighty Angels, whereby His kingdome would rule over all. * 27. G. D. Why may not I take a Catalogue of the Books that I have published ; and in the Perusal (perhaps repeted) of it, upon the Title of each Book, seriously con- sider, what point of excellent Piety, am I, by this Publication singularly oblig'd unto? And aspire accordingly. 28. G. D. I will read with Attention, Egardus, on the Duties of a Preacher. 29. G. D. A Maid escaped from a Servitude in a very vicious Family, coming to sojourn in my House, already feels many Impressions of Piety upon her. She may be so FEBRUARY, 1716-17 397 mated as to have cause forever to bless God, for his bring- ing her into my Family : And I will endeavour that she may. 30. G. D. My Kinsman at Newtown must be help'd under some of his DifiEiculties and his Temptations. 31. G. D. My Thoughts about the great Things to be done for the Church, and in the World, by the Return of the prophetic Spirit. I am in distress, how far I may improve them, to raise in the People of God, Supplications and Expectations for such a Matter. Direct me, O my God! February, i. G. D. There are Numbers of Persons, whom I should advise and quicken to join unto the religious Societies among us. 2. G. D. A very abusive Creature, in whom the three parts of the Satanic Image, Pride, Malice, and Falsehood, are very Conspicuous, must be pittied and pray'd for. [I. Koifxav] 1 * 3. G- D. My Heart is exceedingly affected with my most comfortable and undeserved Enjoyments in my domes- tic Circumstances. I can scarce desire to be better of it, than I am, upon all Accounts. An amiable Consort, agree- able Children, most accommodated Habitation, a plentiful Table : the Respects of kind Neighbours, a flourishing Auditory. I am even distressed, that I may render unto the Lord, according to the Benefits which I have received from Him. Full of Thoughts, what shall I do in a way of extraordinary Thankfulness and Fruitfulness : Full of Cries to Heaven, that I may be directed, quickened, assisted unto a right Behaviour. 4. G. D. And especially, much Industry for the Good of my Flock! 5. G. D. O my dear SAVIOUR, instruct me, assist me, strengthen me, more and more to imitate thy Goodness, ' John Colman, well known for his writing in the controversy over the bank and currency. 398 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and Wisdome, in my treating all my domestic Relatives, on all Occasions. 6. G. D. And the rest. And by the Hand and Pen of Creasy, send some very agreeable Things to his Aunt at Witny.^ 7. G. D. Make yett a further Trial, whether a Body of good Orders, may not be contrived for our vessels ; and the Owners be brought into a Combination and Resolution, for the obliging of the Masters to Execute them. 8. G. D. Renew a Motion for the visiting of the Prison by the Ministers of the Town. 9. G. D. A Fellow in Prison, for a Murder, should be seasonably now, diverse Months before his Trial, under proper cultivations. * 10. G. D. On my Birth-day, which arrives two Days hence, Lett me seriously sett myself to consider the further Improvements in Piety ; which are expected of me. II. G. D. Having Occasion to spend good Part of this Day in Prayer with the Ministers of the Town, on the behalf of some sick Ministers,^ I would cry earnestly to God with them, for Grace to double our Diligence in our Cares of the Flocks, committed unto our Charge. The Course of my Ministry xms Year. 12 d. 12 m. [February.] 1715-16. I discoursed on, Rev. i. 18. the keycs of the invisible World, and of Death, in the Hands of our SAVIOUR. And His having under His Government particularly the Circumstances of the Death by which Men pass into the inmsible World. Meditations for a Birth-day. 16 d. 12 m. Thursday. At the Lecture. On Jam. II. 5. The Lustre of true Piety, or a Principle of Grace, even in people of the lowest Circumstances. 20 d. 12 m. On, Psal. LXXXVI. 17. Tokens for Good; In our State, and, on what befalls us, and on our Prayers, and, in the Sacra- ments. ' Mrs. Samuel Mather. * For Mr. Pemberton. Sewall, ZWary, m. 119. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 399 26 d. 12 ni. On, 2. Cor. III. 18. the Glory of the Lord, Exliibited in the Gospel and Ordinances of it ; and the Effects thereof, in a Change, yea, a growing one, introduced with the Image of God, the most glorious Thing in the World. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 4 J. im. [March.] 1716. On, Ezek. XVII. 23. Our Saviour, a goodly Cedar, where all Fowl of every Wing may find Shelter and Repose. 11 d. 1 m. On, Rom. XV. 5. Our God, in the usual Order of His Dealings, first a God of Patience, and then a God of Consolation. 18 d. I m. On, Joh. XVI. 14. The holy Spirit of God, glorify- ing our Saviour ; and therein acting as the Comforter of His people. 22 d. I m. Thursday. A General Fast. On, Joel II. 13. An hearty Conversion to God, with an hearty Contrition for Sin, the Way to obtain the Favours of Heaven. 25 d. I m. On, Joh. XVI. 14. Going on with the Subject of the last Lord's-Day ; we are to glorify our SAVIOUR. 29 d. I m. Thursday. The Lecture. On i. Cor. X. 14. The Idolatry, to flee from which, is the Duty, and Safety, and Mark of Christianity. I d. 2 m. [April.] On, Joh. XVI. 14. Going on with the Subject of the last Lord's-Day. How our Saviour is to be glorified. 8 d. 2 m. On, Joh. XVI. 14. In a fourth Essay, finishing my Directions, how to glorify our SAVIOUR. IS d. 2 m. On, Jon. IV. 6. The Effects of taking an undue Satisfaction in temporal Enjoyments. 22 d. 2 m. On, Judg. XIII, 19. The Wonders attending the Sac- rifices offered for and by the People of God. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 29 d. 2 m. On, Isa. XXX. 18. The glorious GOD, waiting for fill Opportunities, to make His People find Him gracious to them. 6 d. 3 w. [May.] On i. King. XVIII. 21. People unresolved, what Answers they shall make to the Demands of the glorious GOD. 10 d. 3 ?». Thursday. The Lecture. On i. Joh. III. 20. The awful Inferences to be drawn from the Condemnations of Conscience. 13 d. 3 m. On, Matth. XIII. 44. Heavenly Blessings, a Treasure; and tho' hid, yett found. 20 d. 3 m. On, I. Tim. i. i. CHRIST our Hope. 27 d. 3 m. On, Eccl. XII. 10. Acceptable Words. 3 d. 4 w. [June.] On, Mar. VII. 37. Our Saviour doing well in all that He does. 400 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER lo d. 4 m. On, Jam. V. 8. An established Heart, looking and ready for the Coming of the Lord, in Death, and in other Events and Changes. i-j d. 4 m. On, Lam. III. 58. Our Saviour pleading the Causes of our Souls, and redeeming our Life. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 21 d. 4 m. Thursday. The Lecture. On, Prov. XVII. 16. Ad- vantages for good ; the Improvement that is to be made of them. 24 d. 4 tn. On, I. Pet. II. 7. CHRIST precious; and how prized by the Beleever. 1 d. 5 7M. [July.] On, Luk. X. 20. The Joys and the Signs of a Name written in Heaven. 8 J. 5 m. On, Mai. IV. 2. The Sun of Righteousness, with His Healing Rays. 15 d. 5 m. On, Phil. IV. 13. Our SAVIOUR strengthenijig the Beleever, to do all Things, that are to be done in living unto God. 22 d. 5 w. On, Phil. IV. 13. Concluding what I began the last Lord's-Day. 2gd. 5 w. On, I. Cor. DC. 26. The Combates of Christianity; what and whence they are ; and how to manage them. 2 d. 6 m. [August.] Thursday. The Lecture; On Matth. VT. 33. The Methods of seeking first the Kingdome of God; and the Blessings that follow upon it. Concluding with a Relation of the great Things occurring in the Experience of Dr. Franckius. $d. 6 m. On, i. Cor. IX. 26. Finishing what I began, the last Lord's-day. 12 d. 6 m. On, Cant. V. 10. The Mixture of White and Red, in the Aspect of our SAVIOUR ; the Mystery of it. And His Glory as a Standard-bearer. (And administred the Eucharist.) 19 d. 6 m. On Act. XX. 7. Methods for spending the Lords- day Evening religiously and advantageously. 23 d. 6 m. Thursday. (A Day of General Thanksgiving, for the Defeat of the Rebels, in Great Britain.) On Psal. XL VII. 7. The Praises of God, on the Occasion of our Saviour's Kingdome extending and prevailing in the Earth. 26 d. 6 m. On, Psal. XL VII. 7. Finishing what I began three dayes ago. 2 d. y m. [September.] On, Psal. XXXVII. 31. God returning to His Throne in the Soul of Man, and reigning there. gd. T m. On, Psal. XXXVII. 31. Finishing what I began the last Lord's-day ; and giving the Signs of God reigning in the Heart. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 4OI 16 d. 7 m. On, I. King. III. 10. Chusing and asking the spirit- ual Blessings of Wisdome, with a Speech that shall please the Lord. 23 d. 7 m. On, Rev. XXII. 2. The Properties and Benefits of an healed Soul. Religion exhibited under that Notion, the healing of the Soul. 30 (f. 7 m. On, Matth. III. 12. Our Saviour thoroughly purging of His Floor. y d. 8 m. [October.] On Cant. II. 14. The sweet Voice of Piety, which our SAVIOUR desires and expects to hear from His People. (And administred the Eucharist.) gd. 8 m. Tuesday. A Day of Prayer, kept by the First Church in Boston, praeliminary to the choice of another Pastor. On, Isa. LX. 7. A Church, an House of our SAVIOUR'S Glory, and glorified by Him. II d. 8 m. Thursday. The Lecture, in the room of another; It being the first Appearance of our new Governour in one of our Assem- blies. On, Psal. LXXXVI. 17. Tokens for good ; Especially, for the Protestant Interest ; and for our own Countrey. 14 d. 8 m. On, Matth. VII. 27. The Fate of the disobedient Hearer in the Storm to be looked for. (It being a violent Storm, at the Time of preaching it.) 21 d. 8 m. On, Luk. XL 13. The Heavenly Father giving the holy SPIRIT, unto them that ask Him. 2$ d. 8 m. Thursday. The Lecture. On, Matth. VII. 12. The golden Rule, of. Doing as one would be done unto. 28 d. 8 m. On, Luk. XI. 13. Finishing what I began the last Lord's-day. 4 (/. 9 w. [November.] On, Joh. II. 17. The Zeal of the House of GOD. 6d. gm. Tuesday. The Lecture at Roxbury. On Cant. II. 14. The sweet Voice of Piety. II d. gm. On 2 Tim. III. 2. The Mystery of Iniquity operat- ing in Self-Love. 18 d. g m. On, Matth. XII. 13. The Duty ofPeople, to make a Trial, whether they do not find GOD enabling them to do what He calls them to, tho' they are not of themselves able to obey His Calls. 2^d.gm. On, Job. XXIII. 14. Acquiescence in the Will of GOD, who in all our Circumstances performs the Thing appointed for us. 2 d. 10 m. [December.] On, Cant. VIII. 6. The Soul of the Beleever, desirous to be found as a Seal on the Heart and Arm, of our glorious High-Priest. (And I administred the Eucharist.) n • 26 402 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 6 d. lo m. Thursday. A General Thanksgiving. On, Psal. CXXXV. 3. The Pleasure to be found in the praising of GOD. 9 d. 10 tn. On, Prov. XX. 4. The ill Effects which both the natural Cold, and a spiritual Cold also, has upon the works [of] Piety. (A cold, as well as a short, Lord's-day.) 16 d. 10 m. On, Rom. VI. 8. Dead with CHRIST. The Death which the holy and happy, must aspire, and will arrive unto. (My lovely Katharin dying in the Night before.) 23 d. 10 m. On, Prov. III. 17. The Pleasures to be found in the Ways of Piety. A Subject which my dying Child asked me to preach upon ; and from her, bear a Testimony thereunto. A vast Auditory come together. 30 d. 10 m. On, Isa. XXVT. 20. The Chambers of the Grave for our Bodies; and of a Paradise for our Spirits, at our Dissolution. And such Thoughts thereof, as may render our Death easy to us. 6d. 11 m. [January, 17 16- 17.] On, Matth. XIV. 30. Our Eye and our Cry to our Saviour, when we are in danger of Sinking. 8d. 11m. Tuesday. At the new Meeting-house, in the South part of the Town. A Day of Prayer; at the People's first opening the House. On, Joh. II. 17. The Zeal of the House of GOD. 13 cf. II w. At the New-North, A.M. On Matth. XIV. 30. At the old-North, P.M. On Job. IX. 12. The divine Sovereignty, how to be adored. Particularly, in bereaving Dispensations. ij d. lint. Thursday. The Lecture, on Rev. XIV. 7. A De- scription of the real and vital PIETY, which men are by the loud Calls of Heaven oblig'd unto. 20 d. II m. On, Job. XIII. 24. God hiding His Face from His People; and the dreadful Condition of them, whom He holds for His Enemies. 27 d. II m. On, Cant. VIII. 7. The Love of our Saviour to His People, strong as Death. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 3 His real name was Crusius (1648-1728). His Historical and Critical Disser- tations, in ten volumes, appeared in i6qi. ' John VVentworth. See Belknap, Uistory of New Hampshire, i. 187. ' Shute. * George Vaughan. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 423 To Rev. John Squire. a.a.s. [January, 1716-17.] Sir, — When you (and the Brethren with you) arrived here, we did with unspeakable Pleasure, lay hold on the Opportunity, to express our Communion with the dear Church of Scotland, and the precious Sons of Zion therein, whom we valued as our most United Brethren. Accordingly we have all along treated you, with all the Civilities imaginable, as we have alwayes done other Ministers of your Nation, upon their Arrival among us. You are the first, that ever we have known to decline and renounce Communion with the Churches of God in this Countrey. Albeit, I am very certain, that for you to have held an occasional Communion with them, would have been very grateful to your excellent Mother, the Church of Scotland: the Elect Lady, I am very certain, would have been pleased with it ; And your treating of it, in such a manner as you have done, has much reproached her. You must not wonder, if Declarations that it would be a Wrong unto Conscience, to hold Communion with our Churches; and In- sinuations thrown among the people, that our Ministers can admitt you no otherwise than as Lay-men ; and that our Baptism is little better than none at all ; should be Things, at which we are dissatis- fied. Nor can it, without a Folly equal unto the rest, be called, a Persecution for Righteousness Sake, if in our Discourse with you will tell you so. This does not hinder me from telling you, that I am afraid your hasty Leaving of the hospitable and religious Family, where you have alwayes been honourably treated, may expose you to some Inconveniencies. Wherefore I do in the most brotherly Manner, invite you to my own Habitation ; where your Diet and Lodging shall cost you nothing, while you stay in the Countrey, if you see Cause to accept thereof ; or are not provided more to your Satisfaction. Your Accommodations here, will be Inferiour to few in the Town; and, in respect of the Library superiour to any. To which this easy Circumstance will be added ; that all the while you stay, you shall not hear those Things, which we take to be your Weaknesses, uneasily insisted on. Do what you please, I shall alwayes endeavour to approve myself, your Friend and Servant. ^ ,, C. M. 424 diary of cotton mather From Rev. John Sqihre. a.a.s. Boston, January loth, 1716. Sir, — I received your letter by Mr. White, In which you seem to express your great affection towards the Church of Scotland, which, you say, you took pleasure to express to us upon our arrival at this place. In my judgement that Church deserves esteem and regard of all about here, whatever others may think ; but really if she be tory in her government, I think at least in that she ought to be discoun- tenanced, for my part were it not that I know better, I should dis- own her from being an honest and Creditable mother, and avouch it before the world that she had played the harlot since I left Scotland. However If you think her such an Elect Lady as you profess, I do confess that I don't see upon what grounds, or with what consistency you call her Government Torism. As for the Civilities you have treated me with, I can say, I never designed to return any other than civilities for them, and I think there is no Just ground given for to alleadge, that I have done other- wise. However your Civilities Savour the worse to me that they are cast so frequently in my teeth ; and I think If my poor preaching of the Gospell was not as much worth as your civilities, you and I both were beyond the bounds of Civilitie in acting as we have done. You alleadge that we are the first that ever declined Communion with you, but If I be not mistaken by Information there have been of ours, that have declined to go so great a length as we have done, tho perhaps others have gone further ; But supposing it to be so, I reckon it no cause of upbraiding us. For Mens practices one way or other is no argument to me. And I'm sure of this that you seemed to decline Communion first, as to Ministerial acts in dispensing Sacraments tho I never quarelled it, as Judging it consistent with your principles. And I think you have as little ground to be offended at us. If we act con- sistently with ours, as far as our present condition will allow. As for its being acceptable or unacceptable to the Church of Scot- land, is unknown to me, and never consulted them on the head, nor did I ever think of it untill I came to New England ; but this I'm sure of that upon our arrival here, it was told us either by your Selfe or a friend of yours, If not both, that one, upon his return home, was challenged for Joining in Communion with you. Whether it was so or not is no matter to me, I desire to have Clearness in my own mind in what I do, but this is certain that it looks not like Civilitie FEBRUARY, 1716-17 425 to treat us after such a manner, as to drive us to that which may give the least ground for such treatment when we return home. And for my part If there had been no other thing than your way of treating me on this head, I should think it would occasion thought before I could Join with you ; for If it was my weakness as you alleadge, other treatment than open insults became you towards a weak brother, but these I can easily forgive, and pray for more of a gospell spirit to all of us than we have. Its realy a matter of wonder to me, to think, what can be the reason you seem so violent against us on this head, when you trouble your selfe so Uttle with hundreds that live by you, who never Join with you ; but the reason of this is best known to your Selfe, and you must allow me to make conjectures about it. As for my being a reproach to the Church of Scotland, I suppose, you would neither have said so nor thought so, If I had turned to be of your mind, but I can leave any to Judge, whether those that forsake her principles and practise or those that would gladly keep to them be a reproach to her. Sir, I must tell you that She does as great duty to her Chil- dren, as any Mother in the world, and, If her Children prove disobedi- ent, they deserve reproach, not She. As for Conscience what I do, God is my witness, and I think for any to go beyond their sphere in Judging me as to this matter, discovers want of due consideration. And as for Insinuations amongst your people, that your Sacraments were no better than non, is a groundless Calumnie, I do put to a defiance any one in Boston, to prove, that ever I spoke one word as to your authority to your people, and when I spoke on that head in Mr Frizels, that which was extorted from me (after declining several times to give an account of this matter) I did expressly distinguish myselfe from your Flock, and told with all the modestie I was capable off, what seemed to Me Wherein you were not concerned with me according to your principles. And truely I'm surprized to find, that you alleadge, I sued so to you. Sir, If you draw consequences, pray, Father them your Selfe for they are non of mine, and beware of spreading abroad, that which I never thought it my bussiness to ques- tion, for I think it not fair. You accuse me of folly and weakness in yours, and particularly in calling it persecution which I have mett with from you. I will not return raiUng for raihng, you know, Sir, that persecution lies not in buffeting, Scourging, &c ; but also in persecuting with the tongue, and to give me such names as are certainly very Infamous and repre- sent me to others as guilty of that, which I never designed. If it may 426 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER not Justly gett the name of persecution, I'm at a loss to know what the Spirit of God means by persecuting and Smiting with the tongue. Sir, I have that wisdome God has thought fitt to bestow on me, and desire to seek more from him who will not upbraid with my follies, but truely, Sir, you are the first that ever called me so ; and I cant forbear to tell you, that I'm not the only person that thinks, you need much more wisdome than you have, and I pray God you may obtain it, that you may know better how to medle with things that concern your Selfe. In the Close of yours, you express your kindness to and Concern for me. I thank you heartily for your offers, but tho I have mett with many Inconveniences since I left Scotland (and it seems my difficulties are not yet at an end) yet I bless the Lord that he hitherto helped, and I hope will do it alwayes, so that I shall not need to be troublesome to others as of late I have been. I'm sensible of the respect that Mr. Frizel and his Lady showed to me, and can assure you, that it was not out of any disregard to them, that I left their family; but for reasons that your letter has abundantly confirmed me in I shall add no more, only, whatever has been your Carriage towards me, I hope, (thro' grace) shall be enabled to cary Christianly towards you, I'm Your real friend and most himible Servant John Sqxjtre. As for your Illustrations they are safe and I shall take care they be delivered safely unto your hands. To Joseph Parsons. a.a.s. 22 d.XIm. [January.] I7i6[-i7]. Sir, — Since it is a critical Time with you, it appears unto me, the best Thing that I can do for your Service at this Time, to sett before you in as true a Light as I can, the true cause of those dark Difficulties and Encumbrances, which attend your proposed Settle- ment in the Service of the Church now forming in the South-part of Boston- While the Ministers of the Town are so generally prejudiced, as at present they seem to be, against your being taken into their Num- ber, such a Settlement seems unto me for a thousand Reasons to be despaired of. But what shall be done for the Removal of that Prejudice? Tis fitt you should first of all know the Resons, why those faithful Ser- vants of GOD have entertamed it. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 427 They seem to fear, that you are a Person who have sometimes indulged yourself in a Way of Lying, and invented very black Slanders of innocent and vertuous Men which is the worst Sort of Lying, and therewithal improved the Arts of Insinuation for the sowing of dan- gerous Discords. Upon this Fear, tho' their Charity be such that they wish well to a good Improvement of your Talents, yett their Conscience of Duty to GOD, and His Churches, will not suffer them to recommend you to a Flock of such Importance, as what is now to be provided for. The Things that have produced a Terror of COD upon their Minds about you, are such as these. You did once and again, assert very horrid Things, concerning Mr. Bulkly; and concerning Mr Whiting. But the papers lodged in the hands of one of the Ministers in this Town will doubtless compell all of them, and any others that shall see them, to beleeve, that there was no Truth in your Assertions. It is affirmed, that you uttered Scandals, of the same Tendency concerning Mr Woodward, while it was thought he did not favour your Interests at Lebanon. But afterwards Mr. Woodward was a better man. You did report several Things much to the Defamation of some Candidates of the Ministry ; which were very false ; and you never could produce any Author for them. While you pretended the greatest Respect unto the two Min- isters of the North-Church, and received nothing but such from them, you did, (hoping thereby to ingratiate yourself,) at the Table of a Minister of the South, bestow indecent Flings and Flouts upon them ; for which the Mistress of the Table severely rebuked you, and told you, that you took the wrong Way to be ingratiated there ; you also know, what you said of that Gentlewoman, when you were afterwards told of this. You may remember, some other mischievous Tale-bearings, wherein you were, about that time detected. My Father then wrote unto you his Dissatisfactions. And you never answered his Letter. It is very certain you went into FamiUes in our Neighbourhood, and there sett yourself to poison them with all possible Disaffection to their two Ministers. Your practise raised an uncomfortable Dis- cord between Husband and Wife. They that loved us and our Min- istry, found their Souls hurt unto such a Degree, that they desired never to see you more, and obliged your withdraw from them. 428 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I know something of your way to speak unto my Disadvantage : which exposed you to the Resentments of some serious People, more than you were aware of. All that while, and in all my life, never had I done you any Wrong or Harm. I now also overcame the Evil so far, that I discouraged not our private Meetings from using of you, tho' one word of mine would have done it. And I now perfectly forgive it all ; judging myself obUged above others, to Do you good. You associated yourself with some of our Brethren, to form a New Church at the North, upon the Foundation of an Aversion for the two Ministers. The Defamations, with which you fly-blow'd the Minds of those Brethren have not unto this Hour worn off their ill Impressions. But you know, what passed between you and Mr. Gee, on that occasion. And if Mr. Gee be compelled now, to exhibit the Particulars of that Story, which he can in part justify, (tho' Deacon Atwood be dead,) it will make some Impressions on many that hear it. The design of our New North, was delay'd a Year, upon the Defeat of your making yourself an Interest in such a Way. It is greatly suspected, that the Troubles in the old Church were much owing to your blowing of the Coals on the Intention of having a new Meeting-house built for you. I have mett with some other unintelligible Things in your Con- duct. But being personal, they are forgotten. And I am as willing as any man living, that all that I have mentioned, should be charit- ably thrown into the Heap of Unintelligibles. Now, my Friend, what Method can you take, to satisfy the Dis- creet Servants of Grod, and Watchmen of the Churches, either that such Errors have not been committed ; or that if they have been committed, they have been duely repented of, and that you have no such habitual Inclination unto these crooked Paths, as to keep them still afraid of you? Can any proper Address to them, give them the Satisfaction? If by Pretensions of your Friends, to make an Interest for you, they be putt upon demanding an hearing of their Objections, before any persons of superior Consideration, how will this terminate? I pray GOD, graciously to direct you ; I confess myself much at a Loss what I should offer for your Direction. I can only say, that if your Case were my own, I should not have Courage enough, to try whether a way could be forced for me into a Church in this Town, with a Dislike of it [on] the most [part] of the Ministers and with a Division and Contention raised in the place, and a Fire, in which I should undergo the utmost hazard of being FEBRUARY, 1716-17 429 incinerated. I would much rather accept of Opportunities to do Good, where I should meet with, Rixae multo minus, Invidiaeque ; Which you may have the offer of, and which being offered, such is the Tenderness of the Ministers for you after all, that they would leave you undisturbed in them. For my own part, were my Assurances of your Integrity, aequal to my Dispositions of doing you no Hurt, yett I should not think myself strong enough, or bound at all, to engage in any Wars, to bring about by Force of Arms your Establishment in an uneasy Station ; and fight the way thro' an Army of Contradictions for it. It may not be amiss for me to add, that some eminent Persons in the Place, are of the Opinion, that you have been so far from hav- ing, in your Abilities and Performances, your profiting appear imto all Men, since your first coming hither so many years ago, as to lay them under much discouragement in their Hopes of your shining with such a Lustre as ought to be for a City sett upon an Hill ; the Capital City of these Colonies. These are the Things which I would calmly and humbly leave, to your wisest Considerations ; and if you purpose any Answer to them, I would not have it meerly oral, and I would have it address'd rather to the rest of my honoured Brethren, than to, Sir, Your Thoughtful, Friend and Serv't.^ To Rev. John Squire. a.a.s. [January, 1716-17.] Sir, — In answer to what I this moment received from you, I have at present nothing to say, but only desire you to forbear filling the Town with a false Story, that I have said, the Government of the Church of Scotland is a Tory-Government. All that ever I said, (as the Gentlemen in the Company can Witness,) was, that I doubted a great Part of the Church-Gov- ernment in the world, had a little Touch of (what I called, in a way of perfect pleasancy, and all the company took me so,) Ecclesiastical Torism. I said nothing of the Ch : of Scotland ; it was you ran upon that. And I explain'd myself, that my Meaning was, the People in some things seem'd to want the due Exercise of their Liberties. If you go on to traduce me, on this Occasion, you will persist in ' Parsons was not accepted, and the church remained without a pastor until September, 1718, when Samuel Checkley was unanimously called. 430 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER a Violation of the Ninth Commandment. No man in America, has a juster Veneration for the Ch : of Scotland, than I must alwayes maintain, and shall do so. And I am sorry for the Wrongs that you have done to that vener- able Body. I pray God forgive you all the Sins of your abusive and virulent Letter. As well as your Endeavours to sow Discord in a Town, that ought to be more gratefully treated. I have something else to do with my Time, than to spend it in Altercations with a Person of your Disposition. More HumiUty, Meekness, and Wisdome, would render you more amiable and more serviceable. You will Expect nothing further, from Your abused Friend. To Benjamin Colman. I d. XII m. [February, 1716-17.] Sir, — Your Candour and Goodness towards Uttle Ereskin, very much obliges me : and I pray you to continue it. You will allow me to transcribe a part of your Letter, which may be very much to the Childs Advantage, if I live to write unto Mr. Woodson. But how full of Little mistakes are our Neighbours on all occa- sions! I wish Mr. P — s^ could tell, who told him, that the New-South- Society had a copy of my poor Letter to him. I never spoke one word of it, unto any one man of them. I never gave the sight of that Letter to any but Adoni Avi, and you, and Mr. W — b. The last had it a little while in his hands, with my Desire that no one might see or hear any thing of it. He so far forgott, as to read it unto one Intimate Friend of his ; who has no Relation to that Society ; nor would make any Talk of it. He seems to be of the Opinion, That Mr. P — s himself, told Boone of it. And Boone is most certainly that man, that has made the Dis- course of such a Thing, which has proved something to Mr. P — s's disadvantage. This he understands from Mr. Adams. For Mr. P — s, as I do forever entirely forgive and forgett all personal Injuries; He has for them, long been to me, as if none of them had ever been at all ; so, for the more General Heads of Dis- satisfaction, he has (in an Act of Attrition last night particularly) ' Parsons. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 431 express'd himself much in the Language of a Christian. This I am wilUng to report, if there be occasion. I am desirous to do nothing that may hurt him. Yett I have Repeted this to him, That I cannot be drawn into Wars for him, and make myself Responsible for a World of Iniquity, which the Tongues engaged in Strife, will soon run into. And, I think, he said. He could not desire it of me. My Brother Web this Evening assures me. That if all the Minis- ters of the Town should write in Recommending of Mr. P — s to our Austrians, it would only break them all to peeces; The prejudices imbibed are so strong, and Lately increased and confirmed, by what has passed in his own conversation with them. I cannot but be displeased at a great Stickler for him, to whom I Lately in commendation of Mr. Foxcroft said, That I understood he could freely subscribe the Doctrinal Articles of the Ch. of E. pro- fessing at the same time, that if he were an Armenian, he could not on any Terms prevail with himself to do so. And I am told, this Blade has mischievously frighted some of his Neighbours with affirm- ing, that Mr. F — t can freely subscribe all the Articles of the Ch. of E. The meaning of which they take to be, that he is a Ch. of E. man. Such perversions, how shall one shield against them. But enough of these Things. If I Live till Munday, I hope to see you at your House in the forenoon, and go with you to Mr. Wadsworih, about Barnstable. Your excellent performance in your Letter to Martha's Vineyard Last week, (so much superiour to what accompanied it,) is Reason enough, besides many others, for me to entreat you, that you would prepare a Letter of Excuse and Advice, unto the contentious people who have been so weak as to expect our Travelling Fourscore miles in the Depth of Winter to them. I am, Sir, your Brother and Servant Co. Mather. To Joseph Parsons. 21 d.lm. [March.] 1717. Sir, — It is to do the part of one who wishes well to your Interest, that I now would offer you an Advice, which a Regard unto an Inter- est infinitely greater than yours or any Man's, does extort from me. I cannot but earnestly advise it, and propose it, that you would not encourage those who call themselves your Friends, to make a struggle for your Settlement in the New South Church, but putt a period unto all the painful prospect of such a Struggle by your accept- 432 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER ing an Invitation to Labour, where you will not meet with such Em- broilment and Encumbrance, as will anon prove too hard for you. Be sure, if you have soUicited the Votes of any, or importuned them to act for you, (which I am told, you say, you never did,) this would be so unevangelical a Thing, that it were alone enough utterly to disquaUfy the Election of a Minister. Instead of this, I find, that in the primitive Times, when there was a Division among a People, about the Election of a Minister some excellent Men of God, whom the Votes of many ran upon, cried out, O People of God, we will throw ourselves overboard, rather than the Church of the Lord shall suffer any Storms for our sakes. This was the true Spirit of the Gospel ; well worthy of a A'^aziawzew, and a.Chrysostotnf It is most certain, that your settlement in this Place, cannot be prosecuted, without so much Contention, and so many evil Works, that the Fear of God in its due Exercise, would make a good Man chuse to dy, rather than be accessory unto such grievous Things. You so far know the Disposition in the Majority of the inchurched Brethren towards you, that you cannot but foresee, your Introduc- tion there cannot be accomplished, without a Dissolution of the Church, or a disorderly overwhelming of the Rights, which the Church has a claim unto. Are these your Pretensions? If they be, all the Churches in the Countrey, and all the Christians that wish well to the Order of the Gospel, will concern themselves in the Quarrel. And, how will this terminate at the Last? Finally. In a former Letter, I laid it before you, that the Min- isters of the Town "were apprehensive of your being a Person who have indulged yourself in a way of false speaking and inventing very black slanders of innocent and vertuous Men, and improving the Arts of Insinuation for the Sowing of dangerous Discords. " I recited unto you many of the Things, which produced such a Terror of God upon their Minds, that they could not recomtnetid you unto Service, especially in such a Place as this; while yett their Compassion to you, join'd with some Hope that such Things might be repented of, made them willing to leave you undisturbed in what Opportunities for service, the divine Providence might cast upon you. You did upon this, address me with many Expressions of Re- pentance, for the wrong Steps you had taken. And tho' they were only in general Terms, yett I was willing to declare, that so far as they went, they were in the Language of a Christian : and at the same time I was, yea, ever have been, willing to do the Part of a Christian, in entirely forgiving and forgetting all personal Injuries. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 433 In the short Letter, wherein I declared this, tho' I intimated, that I should leave the South Church to the Direction of God, and acquiesced in it, there is no Intimation that I could recommend you to their Choice : much less, that the other Ministers could do so : tho' being Men of peaceable Spirits they have not been ready to appear against you. And the Letter has been improved beyond its Intention, when this Construction has been made of it: for it expressly renounces all Activities for you. But, while a Number of People distinguish themselves by their Zeal for your being here, they run you into the Hazard of a Ruine, which I am now to inform you of. One of them whose Name is Dorby has lately written a Letter to my aged Parent, requiring of him an Account of the Dissatisfactions, which have hindred him from recommending you unto that Service. And under this Compulsion, he has praepared an Answer to it, which, if it be sent, will be very little to your Advantage. When you wrong'd me tother day, with a false Report, that I had communi- cated unto the people of the New South, my Letter to you, you were pleased to distress a very valuable Friend, with saying, that I had utterly ruined you. To obviate which, and because I desired nothing but your Good, that other Letter was drawn from me of which an use has been made, that good Men are troubled at. If the Letter which your Friends do force the Doctor to, should be sent, all the Damage that you fear'd from what I sent unto you, and what I have been so desirous to save you from, will be unavoidable. But the Servant of God, out of Tenderness to you, suspends the send- ing of his Letter, until the Man who addressed him has first spoken with you. The rest of the Ministers, as well as he, are sensible, that they have been much reproached, for their Lenity, in forbearing to have matters brought unto an Hearing. But if the Party that push for your being here, go on to more Violence in their Proceedings, the Gentlemen will certainly be under a Necessity to demand an Hearing ; and some honourable Persons in the Government already press them to it, and will expect that they shall have their Share in them passing a Judgment, on the Quaestion, whether you are to be recommended unto the Station that is now aspir'd unto. My Letter to you, of 22 d. XI m. gives you as good as a thousand Reasons, why you should by no means bring things to this Extremity. I earnestly protest unto you, that if you were my own Brother, n • 28 434 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I would now perswade you, to drop all Pretensions here, and be humbly thankful to God, that He mercifully opens to you Doors of service where you may have more undisturbed Opportunities to spend your latter Dayes, in a Correction of those Errors, which have created you so much Trouble in all the former Stages of your Action. I am, Sir, one that wishes you very well. I7I7 THE LV YEAR OF MY LIFE. 12 d. XII m. [February.] 1716.-17. The fifty-fourth Year of my Life is now finished. And the Glorious Lord of my Life, has with marvellous Displays of sovereign Grace, prolonged it, how much beyond my Reasonable Expectation ! In the former part of the Day, I sett myself to give Thanks unto the Lord, for His Favours which I have seen in His hitherto preserv- ing and variously sweetening of my Life. In the latter Part of the Day, I humbled myself before Him, for the Errors of my Life: and especially bewailed the cursed Sloth, which has been such a Crime and such a plague unto me ; and made my FHght unto the great Sacrifice for the Pardon of all my Miscar- riages; and I entreated of Him, that He would spare me this Year also ; and make it a fruitful year ; and prepare me for all the Events and Changes, which in this year I may, meet withal. G. D. My Son Samuel, must be made more the object of my Conversation, and my Cultivation. As often as the Lad comes in my View, I must think. What Good shall I now do to the Child? or, What Good shall I putt the Child upon? ox, What shall I now enrich his Mind withal? Espe- cially, teach him to live unto God, in what he does, both at School, and at Home. 13. G. D. I would look on certain sick Ministers, as my Brethren. My Prayer shall be in their Calamities. I will study to do for them all the acts of a Brother born for their Adversity. Tho' I must overcome Evil with Good, in doing so. 14. G. D. Yesterday in the Afternoon, there died the elder Minister of the old South Church in the Town ; one 435 436 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER who was eight or nine years younger than myself. ^ He was a man of greater Abilities than many others : and, no doubt, a pious man : but a man of a strangely choleric and envious Temper, and one who had created unto me more Trials of my Patience, and more Clogs upon my Opportunities to do good, than almost any other Man in the World. The younger Minister of that Church,^ a dear Son, and one of an excellent Spirit, should have preach'd this Day ; but in his Distress he flies unto me to take his Place in the public Services. I cannot easily reckon up the Opportunities to do good, which I find concurring, in this one Invitation to public Performances on such an Occasion. And the glorious Lord helped me to glorify Him, in the speaking of many Things to serve the general Interests of Religion, as well as in the Testimony which I gave to what was laudable in the Character of the departed Minister. There was a vast Auditory ; and I was greatly assisted of God. Praeliminary to my public Performances, as I had my Humiliations, thus I humbled myself before the Lord, bewayling all the Distempers which the ill Carriage of the Deceased Neighbour may at any time have thro\vn me into ; and admiring the divine Goodness and Patience, which has given me to outlive so many of my yomiger Brethren. 15. G. D. In Conversation with our excellent Gov- emour, I am now proposing of several Servdces. But very particularly to forward the Publication of the, Biblia Americana, by the Help of his Brother' in England. 16. G. D. Some foolish and froward Peoples have by very disingenuous Misrepresentations, done me much harm. I must overcome Evil with Good. ' Rev. Ebenczer Pemberton (1672-1717). ' Rev. Joseph Sewall. •John Shute Barrington, first Viscount Barrington (1678-1734). See Dic- tionary of National Biography, in. 290. FEBRUARY, 1716-17 43 7 * 17. G. D. Two ministers of Note in the Countrey, one if not both, of them younger than myself, are now lying Dead.i What Improvement should I make of the Spectacle? Be sure, a most Quickened Industry, a strong Vigour, a swift Despatch, in the Work which my Hand finds to do. My God, Help me to abound, and make haste in the Work of the Lord ! 18. G. D, The Admonitions of Piety from such a Text as Eccl. IX. 10. on these Occasions, may be such as the Flock may receive good Impressions from. 19. G. D. So many of my Family are now so taken off one way or another, and the rest are so indifferent at Singing, that I am afraid, I must often omitt, the Singing, which makes a part of the Evening-Sacrifices in our Family. When at any Time I do omitt it, what shall I substitute in the Room of it ? I am thinking, on Reading one of Luther^ s Meditations, on the, Insignes Sacrtae Scriptiirae SententicB, whereof there is a published collection, or else ^ 20. G. D. Propose to my Brother at Witney, a Retreat unto New England, in Case any Storms arise in England. 21. G. D. Direct the, Lapis e Monte Excisus, to Geneva. It may be a seasonable Action, and attended with marvellous Consequences. 22. G. D. Some Care must be taken, to find a con- venient Place, where the Ministers of the Town may meet after the Lecture ; where I may be an Instrument of some good. 23. G. D. A poor Man sick, whom nobody takes notice of, must be the Object of my Kindnesses. 23 d. XII m. Satureday. This Day, I sett apart for Prayer with Fasting in my Study. 1 Rev. Mr. Pemberton and Rev. William Brattle, the latter dying February 14. Sewall wrote, "That Two Divines so eminently usefuU, should ly dead in their Houses at once, is what I have not before observed, and wish it be not por- tentous." Letter Book, 11. 66. ' Left unfinished. 438 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER It was with me a Day of sorrowful Contritions, and Sacrifices, At length, I obtained some encouraging and comfortable Symptoms of my having the Sentence of Death upon me for my sin taken off, in my having my soul quickened unto Acts of living unto God. A wretched Family in my Neighbourhood, having hurt me, with cursed Lyes raised upon me, revenging on me a Provocation which they had received from the Zeal of my Father, against an Error committed by them. This was a Matter of my Supplications ; that my conduct may be wise, good, humble, patient, and fruitful, on such an Occasion. I carried all my Concerns unto the Lord : especially, the Praeparations which He has helped me to make for the Press ; and particularly, what I have sent beyond-sea. And I cried unto Him, for His Fulfilment of that gracious Word, / will pour out my Spirit upon all Flesh. I also beg'd of the gracious God, that He would com- municate those Things to me, which might render me a Great Benefactor to Mankind.. But so managed my Petitions, that they may not still terminate in Self. * 24. G. D. And this is a Point of Piety, which I would grow exceeding accurate and circumspect in the Study of. I would examine my Petitions unto God ; and see to it, that God and not Self, be the Chief end wherein they terminate. 25. G. D. There are some Cases, which I do well more particularly to consider, in the public Prayers where- with I serve the Flock, in the weekly Sacrifices. 26. G. D. For a Bed-Book, out of which to read some Entertainment for my Consort, in the Morning, I propose, the Suspiria in Egardus. 27. G. D. Another Visit unto an aged Father-in-Law at Charles town. MARCH, 1716-17 439 28. G. D. As mighty a Snow, as perhaps has been known in the Memory of Man, is at this Time lying on the Ground ; and as mighty a Thaw must be look'd for. Would it not be a seasonable, may it not be a serviceable Action, to entertain the People of God, at the Lecture, with a Discourse on Psal. cxlvii. 18. He sendeth forth His Word, and melteth them.^ (I.) Having preached a Sermon by which a gracious God made Impressions on the Minds of many Hearers, the Publication of it was by some desired: but very particu- larly by one who was willing to make a little Reparation for some Drowsiness which overtook him in the Hearing. I considered, that the Discourse might be of use to me, in my dealing with a Multitude of People. So the Press exhibits it under this Title. The Case of a Troubled Mind. A brief Essay, Upon the Troubles of a Mind, which apprehends the Face of a Gracious God hidden from it; The Symptoms of the Troubles, and the Methods of preventing them^ March. 1717. i. G. D. Why may I not resume the Consideration, I have sometimes had, of having a Delegate or two, from each of the religious Societies belonging to my Flock ; who may together have Interviews with me, at proper Times, and concert with me Projections to serve the Kingdome of God among them? 2. G. D. A poor Student in Divinity, at some Dis- tance, from me, must be helped with Books and some other Assistences. * 3. G. D. I would speedily draw up an Exhibition of those Things I apprehend the principal and most elevated Points of Piety and Sanctity, and of living unto God ; And have my Soul unspeakably restless, until I find myself arriv'd in some good Measure unto them. * "Apply'd it also to the Conversion of the Jews." Sewall, Diary, in. 123. * Printed by B. Green for S. Gerrish, 1717. 440 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 4. G. D. Probably in reading the Theologia Mystica of Harphius,^ I may meet with many Thoughts and Flames, that may furnish me to serve the Flock in those Points and Wayes, which I most of all desire. 5. G. D. To read a Chapter of Egardus unto my lovely Consort, every morning before we rise, may be an acceptable Entertainment unto her, and a profitable one to both of us. 6. G. D. Mr. Craighead"^ has been so near to me on many Occasions, that I will assign him a Place in my ]\Iemo- rials among my Relatives. I will every Day mention him in my secret Prayers, that he may be kept holy and made useful. I have Thoughts of getting him translated unto a compre- hensive Service at the East-ward. 7. G. D. Tis a Time of much Rebuke from Heaven upon us, in the Season. Such Storms and Heaps of Snow, visit us in the approach of the Spring, as were hardly ever known in the Depth of Winter. A great part of the As- semblies in the Countrey have been inter[dic]ted their public Sacrifices. A Multitude of Cattel have perished. The Business of the Countrey has an uncommon Stop upon it. Many Difficulties grow upon us. I would procure a Day of Humiliations and Supplications to be kept on these occasions. 8. G. D. Many People are thrown into Straits and Wants, by the Difficulties of the Season ; I would both express and excite all suitable Expressions of Charity on these Occasions. 9. G. D. There is a poor Widow in this Neighbour- hood, who, with her son, is exposed unto Difficulties. I would make my House to become an Home unto them. * 10. G. D. I feel a very sensible Rebuke from Heaven upon me, in shutting me out from the Service of the Flock. On the last Lord's-day I was compelled unto sitting still, ' Henricus Harphius ( -1478), a Flemish mystic theologian. This work was published in 161 1. * Thomas Craighead. See p. 306, supra. MARCH, 1716-17 441 out of a Complement unto a Person who had been asked by my Father to preach for him, and yett arrived not so soon but that my Father fearing his FaiUng had gott another to supply his Room. The young Man, to whom I thus in civility gave away, was also one, whom for the Vanity of his Character, I did least of all desire to see in our Pulpitt. This Lord's-day I am arrested with a Cold, and a Cough, and am therewithal so hoarse, that I am laid by from all pubhc Ministrations. On these Occasions I humbled myself before the glorious God. I renewed my Importunities for the Pardon of the Miscarriages, which had provoked Him thus to deal with me ; and repaired unto the great Sacrifice. I entreated, that I might know, and hear the Calls of the divine Provi- dence, in what had befallen me. And I requested, that I might yett be employ'd in the Service of my Glorious Lord. 11. G. D. I hope, the ill Turn upon my Health ; which has thus confined me and exil'd me, from the Service of the Flock, will prove a mighty Animation unto my Endeavours, to serve the Flock, more painfully, faithfully, skilfully, than ever in my Life before. 12. G. D. Nor would I under the Admonitions which my Illness gives me, delay to settle in a testamentary Way, what may be for the Good of my Family, and to dispatch what Things I should leave in writing, that they may be well-circumstanced, when I am gone from them. 13. G. D. My Kinsman T. W[alter] gives great Hopes, of his proving an useful Man. Behold, a revived Subject for my Cares, and Considerations! 14. G. D. I have been desirous, that good may come out of all the evil that befalls me. A foolish Calumny has been rais'd upon me, and spred thro' Town and Countrey, as if I had encouraged the making and sending of an Idol, for the Papists at Cape Francois, to make an Object of their Adoration. This may awaken me to do some special Ser- 442 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER vice for God ; what if it should be, to publish an Essay upon the Spiritual Idolatry, by which the Souls of Men are generally endangered? The Lecture was this day turned into a Day of Prayer, upon my Proposal ; and handsomely attended by the People of the Town.' I should have preached unto them this Day, but my God humbles me with Illness that con- fines me. However at the Time when the People of God were in public attending on Him, I harmonized with them, in Humiliations and Supplications at home. SoUicitous to know, why the Lord thus contends with me. 15. G. D. There is now a Prospect of a more grateful and easy Harmony than\ever among the Ministers of this Town. I would project, our coming into a more stated Way of Meeting at one anothers Houses, at proper Times; to consider, what may be done for the best Interests. 16. G. D. I resolve to unite in bearing the Expenses of a Schole, to be opened every Evening, two or three Hours, for the Instruction of poor Negro's, and Indians, in Reading the Scriptures, and learning their Catechisms. * 17. G. D. It appears to me, that the Holy One requires me to employ as exquisite Thoughts as I can, upon that Subject ; How my last Works may prove my best Works? 1 do it accordingly; and first, prepare a Sermon on the Subject. 18. G. D. And all of my Flock, that are more than forty years of Age, will be deeply concerned in the pungent Sermon which may be preached on this Occasion. 19. G. D. In sitting with the People of my Family lett it be a frequent Practice with me, to demand of them, an Account, Why they do such and such Things, as I see them engaged in ; and on this Occasion, instruct them in the Methods of Piety, for living to God in all they do. 20. G. D. I have Relatives in much Exercise about * Sewall {Diary, ui. 124) credits the suggestion to his son, Rev. Joseph Sewall. MARCH, 1716-17 443 theirs abroad. I should on this Occasion, advise and com- fort them. I would putt a Friend of mine, on doing some Services for his Relatives. 21. G. D. The Condition of the People in the South- part of the Town, is in Danger of being very miserable by a Division arising among them ; and the Interests of Re- ligion in the whole Town, are likely to be deeply affected therein ; my Thoughts and Prayers are to be much exer- cised on this Occasion. 22. G. D. Lett me in the public Prayers more fre- quently have a Petition of this Importance. And lett the Work of Christianity among our Indians he prosperously car- ried on, that among these also our SA VI OUR may he glorified. Perhaps my Exemple may bring others to the like. 23. G. D. A miserable Woman in our neighbourhood, is like to be destroy'd under her Temptations. I am to do what I can for her Succour. 23 d. I m. Satureday. This Day I sett apart for secret communion with Heaven, as I use to do. In the former Part of the Day, with a Soul full of Contrition and Confusion, I considered, the strange Work of God, in making so foolish and filthy a Creature as I was before Him, to become a Servant of His Kingdome in the World. I considered the amazing Attempts of Satan, to destroy this Work of God, and how near they have often been to the accomplishing of it. I considered, that many of the Advantages which Satan had against me, lay in my own Indis- cretions, wherewith I have continually exposed myself to be despised and reproached : but much more in my secret Impieties and Impurities, which have provoked the Holy One to chastise me with many Scor- pions. In the Sense of these Things, I humbled myself before the Lord, and confess'd my Vileness, and justified the Holy One in all the sad Things, that ever did or could befall me. I durst not utterly despair of a Pardon, but made my Flight unto the great Sacri- fice. And then I begg'd of the Gracious Lord, that He would not Reject me; but still preserve and increase my Opportunities to be serviceable. 444 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER On this Day I again singled out the desireablest Things, which I enjoy, or could wish for, and with the humblest Resignations thereof, I made Sacrifices of them. I went on with the many Supplications, which my own present Circumstances, and those of my Family and Relatives and the People here, and the whole World called for. I enjoy'd more Help from Above, than I have done in some former Days. Yea, I seem to feel the Approach of Something, that will very much encourage me in the Service of God. * 24. G. D. My dear SAVIOUR, what a Frame hast thou brought my Soul unto ? I am wiUing to be slandered, reviled, lessened ; patient of being despised and rejected of Men. This proceeds not only from an Acquiescence in the divine Sovereignity, and from a Submission to the just Punishment of my Iniquity ; but also from a secret Pleasure in Conformities to my SAVIOUR, and from an Horror of being thought a considerable Man by People who terminate in Man, and sett man up in the Throne of GOD, and make an Idol of whatever Man they ascribe any Grandeurs to ! 25. G. D. My Hearers ought to be more powerfully and pathetically than ever, treated upon that Point, that so few make thorough Work of it in turning and living to GOD, and so many leave the Condition of their Souls in a woful Uncertainty. Give them the Proofs of this their Stupidity : and sett before them the Acts of Piety, that must putt an End unto it. 26. G. D. A Servant that sojourns with me, is pre- paring for Admission into our Commilnion. My Assistences must [be] given her in the great work before her. 27. G. D. I have two Nephews' in this Town, (the Sons of a wretched Father,) to whom I would extend the Eye of my Care, and send Books of Piety which may suit their Circumstances. ' George and Nathan Howell. See p. 410, supra. MARCH, 1716-17 445 28. G. D, I have in view some very important Pro- jections, for the Good of our Eastern Plantations, and for the Evangelizing of the Indians there. 29. G. D. I would study Ways to assist an honest Man, who is willing to go an hunting with our Eastern Indians, and lodge Months among them, that he may in- struct them in our holy Religion, 30. G. D. Two poor Persons, Objects of my Care, I would endeavour by bringing them into an Intermarriage, to bring into better Circumstances. *3i. G. D. I find the glorious One, dethroning my Idols, in several Articles of Adversity ; and I would have my Spirit sweetly reconciled unto such Dispensations. But then, I want more clearly to see God assuming the Throne. Wherefore, on each of my Troubles, I would still think ; Well, what is the Homage to he paid unto the glorious God on this Occasion? There has been an Image of St. Michael carved in this Town, to be sent unto Cape Franqois, by one of our Traders thither, from whom they desired it. Whether it be only an ornamental Business, or an Idol to be worshipped by the bruitish Papists, I know not. But our People suppose the latter ; and a mighty Cry has been made about it. I only spoke a transient and pleasant Word on that Occasion, (distinguishing between an ornamental Business, and an Idol) unto the foolish Woman, who is the wife of the Trader, many Months ago. That wretched and bruitish Family improved that Word, in their own Favour, and made a formal, a lying. Story out of it. It is incredible, what a vile Representation is made of me all the Countrey over. On this Occasion, I take little Pains to vindicate myself ; I feel myself dead unto the World, in regard of my Reputa- tion; and rather pleas'd than vex'd at any Diminution. But sett myself to consider first. What Good I shall gett, by the Storm of Calumnies and Obloquies, now beating 446 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER upon me. And then I go on to consider, What Good I shall do; and I would be awakened unto taking of some notable Revenge upon Satan and his Kingdome, from the Insults which he makes upon me. (II.) Under these Dispositions, the best Thing I could think of, was to publish a little Treatise about Idolatry, that may serve all the Interests of practical Piety : and in a Prasface to it, exhibit the Temper and Conduct proper for the faithful Servants of God, when they have a Tempest of Reproaches falling on them, from the Spirit working in the Children of Disobedience. God graciously hears Prayer, in assisting the Pubhcation. Tis entituled, Iconoclastes. An Essay upon the IDOLATRY too often committed under the profession of the most Reformed Christianity; and a Dis- covery of the IDOLS, which all Christians are every where in danger of.^ April. I. G. D. The grievous Losses and Sorrowes, my Neighbours have lately suffered by the Way of the Sea, obhge me to Meditations peculiarly adapted for them, 2. G. D. I fear I have not been so frequent and fer- vent and particular, as I should have been, in my Prayers for the converting Influences of Heaven, on the Soul of my Servant Onesimus. Who can tell, what may be done for him, and what a new Creature he may become, if more prayers were employ'd for him! 3. G. D. A young Man at the CoUedge, who is my Kinsman, shall be taken by me under my poor particular Consideration, that he may be prepared for Service. [N.C.]- 4. G. D. Lett me entertain some deep Thoughts, Whether I may not handle some further Subjects and per- form some further Actions, that may have a Tendency to serve the grand Interests of the Kingdome of God in Europe. /^d. 2 m. This Day was a general Fast, thro' the Prov- > Printed by John Allen for Daniel Henchman, 1717. * Nathaniel Cotton. A p R I L , I 7 I 7 447 ince. I enjoy'd precious Assistences from Heaven, in the Services of the Day. 5. G. D. Tho' the strange and odd Humour in the Relatives of the deceased youth, forbidding me to pubhsh the useful Memorials of his Piety, and their killing their Child a second Time, has delay'd my Publication of what I proposed, for the enkindling of early Piety from the Patterns of the Youths dead at the Colledge, yett I would resume an Endeavour for one of them, and see how I can proceed in it. 6. G. D. The late Calamities on our Vessels and Neigh- bours abroad, afford me Objects enough to engage my Com- passions at home. * 7. G. D. O my Soul, Beware lest thy Temptations, (which are wonderful!) discourage thee, from any suit- able Activities in serving the Kingdome of God, and good Interests. There is extreme Danger of it! Lett Moses also make thee afraid of speaking unad- visedly with thy Lips. 8. G. D. The Love of God, considered as the Root of all Piety ; all being only diversified Love ; only variegated Love ; This notion well-cultivated ; and now at the Time when we are all hands filling our Gardens with pleasant Plants. The Flock may hereby be singularly edified. 9. G. D, I hope, I have now found one whom I may recommend unto Cresy, to be made very much his Com- panion, and very much to his Advantage. But, Oh! my unceasing Inculcations on the Child ! 10. G. D. I have a kinsman, a Candidate of the Min- istry, at this time a Chaplain on our Isle of Wight; whom I have not hitherto took Notice of. I would now take a particular Cognizance of him, and furnish him with Books, and advise him about his Conduct. 11. G. D. A great Opportunity shall I have this day, 448 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER to bear my Testimony to everlasting MAXIMS of PIETY, and make my Demands on the Behalf of those MAXIMS. I will beg of the glorious Lord, that He would accept me, by the Way of the Press, to extend my Testimony. 12, G. D. Having a Prospect of publishing Memoirs of a young Student, who died at our Colledge, may I not consider what agreeable Addresses and Instructions, to the surviving Students, may accompany them? 13. G. D. A poor distracted Youth in my Neighbour- hood, must be look'd after. * 14. G. D. Should not my monthly Practice of set- ting apart a Day for Prayer with Fasting, be brought under a further Consideration? 15. G. D. It is a very dark Time with many of the Flock. Especially in regard of Relatives and Interests abroad. It may be a seasonable Action, for me to preach on, the Light of God, by which we may walk thro' Darkness. 16. G. D. In my Family I wiU renew my Cares, that the Satureday-Evening may [be] rescued from all saccular Encumbrances, and be entirely devoted unto Piety. 17. G. D. A new Kinsman offers to my View, that I may consider. What may be done for him, to render him serviceable. 18. G. D. The deplorable State of our New South- Church, calls for Cares and Prayers. 19. G. D. A new Offer for the Reviving of Religion at the Eastward, is to be considered and cultivated. 20. G. D. The Prison is to be visited. A Bible to be bestow'd, for the use of the Prison ; and such Prisoners as may want it. 20 d. 2 m. Satureday. This Day, I sett apart, for Sup- plications and Humiliations, with Abstinence, as usually. I enjoy'd some comfortable Influences from above ; some Tokens, and Effects of the divine Life in my Soul. Especially, when submitting to whatever Punishments APRIL, 1717 449 of my Sin, the infinite God may glorify and vindicate His Holiness upon me withal. But, then assured, that the Punishments of my Sin, had all fallen on my blessed Saviour. And when turning all my Enjoyments into Sacrifices. Ardent my Cries, that the Spirit of God may be poured out upon all Flesh, and that glorious Troops of mighty and Holy Angels, may make their Descent upon the World. (III.) About this time, that I might serve many Good Purposes, and especially give one Stroke more for the advan- tage of early Piety, I sent unto the Press a Treatise of this Title. The Voice of the Dove. The Sweet Voice oj PIETY, and more particularly that of EARLY PIETY, articulated. And some Notes of it Exhibited, in certain Memoirs of Mr. Robert Kitchen, a desireable Youth, who expired at Salem. 20 d. vii m. 1716.^ * 21. G. D. There are Errands upon which I would this Day go unto the Table of the Lord, and unto my Saviour who is there to be mett withal. But this especially. My glorious Lord sees and knows, what is yett lacking in my Soul, to render me a brighter Instrument of Good in the World, and to ripen me for the Blessedness of another World. I would apply myself to Him, with ardent Cries, that He would carry on the Work of His Grace in me, unto Perfection, and help and heal what is defective in me; and I would proceed as far as my own Observation will carry me, unto much Particularity in my doing so. 22. G. D. The Cases of the many afflicted in the Flock, require me, to be very particularly concerned both in my Prayers, and in my Sermons for them? T'were proper to preach on, Psal. cxix. 92. Many afflicted ones to be visited. 23. G. D. I must lay all possible Charges, and use all possible Methods, that the Families which spring from this, whereof I am the Father, may live in all possible Accord ' Printed by John Allen for D. Henchman, 171 7. n • 29 450 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER with [one] another. The least Appearance or Beginning of Discord, I would forever provide for the immediate Extinc- tion of it. 24. G. D. I have a miserable and an ill-humoured Sister, who may be in danger of hurting herself, as well as creating Disturbances in our Families. I must, with all Meekness of Wisdome contrive, that she may use a more discrete Conduct, and that all Mischief may be obviated. 25. G. D. Should not I take into Consideration, what may be done for the Service of the Ministry and Religion and the Churches, throughout the Land, that the Poison of Wise's cursed Libel may have an Antidote ?i 26. G. D. I hope, an Association of the Ministers, is now formed in this Town ; for the Regulating and Enter- taining of our Society, I hope now to be full of agreeable Projections. The Field will be copious. 27. G. D. Grievous Calamities befall several in my Neighbourhood, which oblige me, to do among them the Part of a comforter to the Mourners. * 28. G. D. The Notion of our Soul being formed with a Principle of Re-Union to God, by Him originally implanted into it, if well-cultivated, may prove of great Use, first unto my own Soul, and then unto many others. Dr. Cheines^ Reflections on this matter, should be exquisitely considered. 29. G. D. One of our Deacons, is a man more ingenious, more agreeable, and more active than the rest. I must needs have him unite more intimately and particularly with me, in Projections for the Good of the Church. 30. G. D. The temporal Interest of my Family must be consulted, in my seasonable Cares, to secure a Farm at Connecticut, which is made over to me. May. I. G. D. I must oftener invite the Presence of ' John Wise published this year A Vindication of the Government of New Eng- land Churches. ' George Cheyne (1671-1743). Mather probably refers to his Philosophical Principles of Religion, printed in 1715. M A Y , I 7 I 7 . 451 my Aged Father, at my Table — one of the most grateful Spectacles in the World. 2. G. D. Writing to Scotland, I have several Designs to prosecute for the Kingdome of God. Among the rest, the Introducing of Langius to be read in the University of Glasgow. I will also try, what the. Lapis e Monte may do amng them. I send likewise Books of Piety unto the aged Master of the great Schole, to be read among the Scholars. 3. G. D. A good Settlement of Minds and Things, in the South Part of the Town, and the Prevention of Con- tention and every evil Work, is mightily to be laboured in. 4. G. D. The Liberty of two young Women, who are the Daughters of an Eminent Minister, once living at Middleburgh, and who rashly bound themselves in a Servi- tude for five years unto one coming from London hither, is to be purchased, and the poor Creatures are to be cared for. * 5. G. D. The two comprehensive Points of our cor- ruption, are an Ambition of saccular Grandeur, and an Affection for sensual Pleasures. My Soul must be deeply engaged, in prosecuting the cure of these two Maladies. 6. G. D. The Sea-faring part of the Flock, tho' degen- erated into all possible Stupidity and Malignity, yett since the late Judgments of God upon them, are come to such a tremendous Degree of Desolation, there must be more attempts to awaken them unto some due Notice thereof. 7. G. D. Oh! when! when shall I see my Son Increase converted imto serious Piety! More clear and close Discourse with him on that impor- tant Matter, must be repeated with unceasing Assiduities. 8. G. D. What shall I do, that my Relatives mourn- ing under the Fate of theirs abroad, may have a right Be- haviour in, and make a right Improvement of, their present Adversity ! 9. G. D. The difficult Case of our New South Church. 452 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I have certain Projections, which if prosecuted, may cure all that is amiss. ID. G. D. Barmudas, Renew applications, that it may be provided for. II. G. D. Malefactors in the Prison, call for my fresh Endeavours, to do good unto such miserables. * 12. G. D. There is a way of living, how sweet, how high, how holy! For me to beleeve and behold the Love of God my Saviour to me, in all the Circumstances and Occurrences of my Life, still as they arrive unto me ; and perswaded and sensible of His Love unto me therein, for me thereupon to have my Heart enflamed with Love to Him, and formed into Dispositions and Resolutions to praise Him, and please Him, and serve Him, and shun every thing that may [be] offensive to Him, and study what I shall do for His Kingdome and Interest. O may I gett more into it! But may I take it for granted, that there is the Love of my Saviour, in all that is done unto me ! If I find it inflam- ing my Love to Him, I cannot question it. 13. G. D. Can I do a more useful Thing for my Flock, than to sett before them the grievous Demonstrations of it, that few, few of them are in earnest about the grand Business of Religion! 14. G. D. There are diverse Things, which may have a singular Tendency to nourish the Flame of Piety in my Family, if I would cause them to be read over there ; 15. G. D. My Brother-in-Law at Roxbury, is in a state of Health, which very much threatens his Life, and has laid him aside from Service ; a Vertigo growing towards an Epilepsy. I would not only pray for him continually, but also animate his Flock to sett apart a Day of Supplications for him, and bear my part in it. 16. G. D. A wretched Man^ is under a sentence of ' Jeremiah Fcnwick. M A Y , I 7 I 7 453 Death for a Murder. He dies a Sacrifice to ungovemed Anger. To entertain the PubHc, on this Occasion, with a Discourse on the Folly and the Danger of Ungoverned Anger, may be a Service to the Cause of Piety. 17. G. D. I would propose, unto the Master of the Grammar-Schole in my Neighbour-hood, that he would cause the Memoirs of the Pious Lad, in my, Voice of the Dove, to be readd over at the Schole, and then follow it with suitable Exhortations ; as also advise the Scholars to gett the Book. I would entreat likewise, the Gentlewoman ^ the mother of the Lad, that she would bestow the Book, on each of the Scholars, in the Schole at Salem. 18. G. D. I have an excellent Friend in my Neigh- bourhood, who is under some Degree of Alienation of Mind, left by a late Fever upon him. I must use exquisite Methods, to preserve him from an unhappy Conduct. 18 d. 3 m. Satureday. The Perswasion grows upon me, that JoeVs prophecy yett remains to be accomplished, yea, that the Time shortly comes on for its full Accomplishment : that the Kingdome of God, which we are to look for, and long for, will not come on without a Return of the prophetic Spirit, in such Operations as planted Christianity in the primitive Times; that the Mighty Operations of the pro- phetic Spirit, are from Angels whom our ascended Lord having received the Command of them, sends with their various Gifts to possess the Children of Men; that all other Wayes to introduce Piety into the World, or estab- lish Unity among the People of God, are by sad Experience found ineffectual ; but if the Holy One will please to take this Way, all Things will give way before it, and also the Lord alone will be exalted in that Day : that the plentiful Rain with which the Lord once comforted His Heritage, has been stopt by the Ingratitude of Mankind ; and so, for • Bethia, daughter of Daniel Weld, married Robert Kitchen, merchant, who died October 28, 1712. 454 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER three Years and an half, (the M. CC. LX Dayes of Anti- christ) it has not rained ; but these now expiring there will be a Sound of Abundance of Rain. Under the Influence of this Perswasion, and a strong Anhelation to see the World made happy, and GOD and His CHRIST, owned and served and reigning in the world, I resolved upon devoting some Dayes for Prayer with Fasting before the Lord, that this Favour may be obtained, and the Dove be sent forth the third Time, and abide with us, and the Flood which overwhelms all our Foundations be carried oflf. My Encouragement is in Luk. XI. 13. It may be, I am the only Man upon Earth so engaged ; but I hope that my Gracious God will preserve me from Delusions. This is one of the Dayes that I sett apart for this Purpose. And I take the Opportunity to ask for such other Blessings, as in my Soul, and my Family, and my Ministry I have Occasion to think upon. While I am doing these Things, I do not in any Measure ask, that I may myself enjoy any Share in the Gifts of the prophetic Spirit. I desire nothing extraordinary for myself, but extraordinary Holiness. All that I desire for myself is a strong Descent of the sanctifying Spirit on me, to fill me with the Love of God. * 19. G. D. I am exceeding sensible, that the Grace of Meekness, is very defective in me. I would now more than ever study to excell in that gracious Ornament. I would particularly resolve on these Maxims for my Conduct. I. Upon a Provocation to Anger, I would make a Pause, and think. Is it a Sin that now calls for my Anger? and, How must I manage it, that I may not sin in my Anger? II. I would then also think, / have the Eye of a glorious, gracious, righteous God now upon me. III. I would then Ukewise think, What would my patient SAV- IOUR have done on such an Occasion? IV. Every Night at my going to Rest, I would be able to say, my Mind is in an easy Frame towards all the World. V. I would especially keep a Guard upon my Spirit, when I think on the base Treats I suffer from the ungrateful and abusive people in general ; that I do not speak unadvisedly with my Lips. MAY, I 7 I 7 455 20. G. D. I would from a Principle of Gratitude be quickened, unto doing for my Flock all possible Services. My Salary from them, is considerably more, than ten Shil- lings per day. Lett it then be a Shame and a Grief unto me, if any Day pass me, wherein I shall not be able to say, / have done something for the Flock to day, which may be an honest Consideration oj the Wages I have received from them! 21. G. D. Now I will not only pray for all my Chil- dren by Name, every Day, as I use to do ; but single out suitable Blessings, to be asked for each of the five by Name every Day. And for my Children in Law, I would particularly ask, that they may live in all Harmony and Agreement with one another. 22. G. D. My Relatives returned from a Captivity among the Spaniards, must be address'd with Admonitions agreeable to their Circumstances. 23. G. D. A poor Man under a Sentence of Death for a Murder, dies a Sacrifice to Un governed Anger. A Sermon about, Ungoverned Anger, preached at the Lecture on this Occasion, may be a great Service to Piety, and a good Improvement of the Spectacle we have before us. 24. G. D. I would make some useful Collections of the rare Occurrences, which were in the Storms and Snows, that we had in the Conclusion of our Winter. I may make a good Use of them. And commimicate them [to] the Royal Society. 25. G. D. A gracious Woman afflicted with a f reward Husband, must be directed and comforted. * 26. G. D. A sweet Acquiescence in the Will of God, on several Occasions, is what I am now sensibly call'd unto. 27. G. D. Some under the Discipline of the Church, have miscarried, and must be look'd after. 28. G. D. Some Things particularly to be recom- mended unto the Perusal of my Children. 45^ DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Onesimus^s Recovery from a dangerous Fitt of Sickness, must be improv'd for his Awakening to Piety. 29. G. D. Repeted Visits and adapted ones, unto my aged Father-in-Law, at Charlston. 30. G. D. A Variety of Services, to be done in the general Convention of Ministers, who allow me to be their Moderator, Methods to preserve and promote Piety, proposed. An Address to the King agreed upon.^ The Convention ordered me in their Name, and with them attending on me, to make a Speech unto the Gov- emour ; which God helped me to do, so as to find much Acceptance. I suppose, it, with his Answer to it, will be published unto the World. ^ 31. G. D. What shall I do, to make the miserable Man under Sentence of Death, and his Case, yett more serviceable ! My dear Franckius tells me, that when the Servants of GOD, have projected any Thing, that will be evidently a Service to His Kingdome, they should go on with a lively Faith in Him, to carry them thorough, tho' they have at present little Prospect of accomplishing their Designs ; He will doubtless do wonderfully for them. I beleeve, it is hardly possible for me, to do a greater Service for the Kingdome of God, than to give unto the public, a little Treatise which I have now prepared. When I had prepared it, there was a Sentence of Death upon the Publication of it, in the Avarice of our Booksellers. But after I had expressed the Resignation to the sovereign, wise, and just Will of God my SAVIOUR, in the matter, He putt it into the Hearts of some, to make those Offers, which will revive the Design. (IV.) It is Entituled, MALACHI. or, The Everlasting Gospel to be preached unto the Nations; and those MAXIMS » See p. 300, supra. * Printed by B. Green, 1717. JUNE, I 7 I 7 457 of PIETY, which are to he the Glorious Rules of Behaviour, the only Terms of Communion, and the Happy End of Con- troversy; among all that would meet and serve those Advances which the KINGDOME of God is now snaking on the World; and What the Distressed Nations must see their Distresses go on till they are brought unto.^ That which animates me the more to bring forth this Treatise is, in that I hear nothing, what is become of my Boanerges. June. I. G. D. A poor, young, ungodly and ungrate- ful Wretch, must have something done for him, to prevent his quick perishing under the Judgments of God. * 2. G. D. I would study to excell, in every Point of Piety ; press after what may be call'd, heroic Piety. Methinks, there is a yett more excellent Behaviour which I may endeavour as a Neighbour, towards those who are in my nearest Neighbourhood. Wherefore I would not only treat all of them always lovingly, and courteously, and be ready to do them all good Ofhces, but I would visit them with greater Frequency, and in my Visits I would study to lay Obligations of Goodness upon them. 3. G. D. What can I do better for the Flock than make a solemn and awful Improvement, of the sudden Deaths which have newly happened in the neighbourhood? 4. G. D. In the evening Entertainments for my Family, I would particularly go over the eight Beatitudes ; and urgently press upon my Domesticks the Pursuit of the Characters. 5. G. D. A Minister of Windsor, somewhat remotely related unto me, is under peculiar Difficulties and Tempta- tions ; 2 A Variety of Services and Kindnesses, I propose to do for him. 6. G. D. By the Pubhcation of my late Speech to 1 Printed by T. Crump for Robert Starke, 171 7. * Rev. Timothy Edwards ? 458 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the Governour, and his Answer to it, I propose a Variety of Services to the PubHc; various and comprehensive Services. 7. G. D. At the WTiarfs, which ly a little below my present Habitation, and belong to the 0\\'ner of it, there are usually many Vessels. I will take my Time to walk down upon the Wharfs, and lovingly talk to the People belonging to the Vessels, about their greatest Interests ; and lodge Books of Piety in their Hands. Not knowing, whether the Glorious God may not send some of His Elect thither, for His Grace thus to meet with them. 8. G. D. Several Objects for my Compassion, do I in the Prison meet withal. * 9. G. D. I see a strange Effect of a modest, humble, self-denying Satisfaction, in the Improvements of my younger Brethren. The poor Man, under Sentence of Death, having visited the other Congregations, was to have been executed on the last Thursday ; which was the Lecture of another. My private Labours for his good, were what they were; and such a Success thereof began to appear, that I obtained a Reprieve of one Week longer for them ; which had a strangely happy Consequence on the Soul of the Malefactor. All this while, I had no Share, in those pubHc Appearances, that might give me Opportunities to do good unto many on this Occasion. My mind sweetly acquiesced in the Will of God, and I took Pleasure, in His using of whom He pleased, and how. But, behold, without any seeking of mine, the greatest of all the Opportunities to do good, from the Circumstances of the Man, which are now grown very remarkable, are thrown into my Hand. The man has a distinguishing Regard unto me above all Men. And he desires to be on this last Lord's-day of my [his] Life, in my Auditory ; which proves one prodigiously vast; and the gracious Lord car- J u N E , I 7 I 7 459 ries me comfortably thro' the Services before me. The Man also by his Desire procures it, that I must be the Man, who must preach the last Sermon he shall hear, on the next Thursday just before his Execution ; yea, and he assigns me a tremendous Text then to preach upon ; even that, Matth. x, 28. Fear Him who can destroy both Body and Soul in Hell. Such Things as these, animate me more and more to study the Temper of Mind, which introduced them. 10. G. D. I hope, what I have preached yesterday, about improving a Space to Repent, is what the Flock will fare the better for, 11. G. D. What shall be done, for the raising of Sammy s Mind, above the debasing Meannesses of Play ! 12. G. D. My Brother languishing at Roxbury, and my Nephew lying dangerously and dubiously sick, at Ded- ham, call for my most earnest Cries to Heaven, and other Cares on their behalf. 13. G. D. What a surprising Opportunity to do good unto many, have I thrown into my hands this day, by the Desire of a poor Man,i who procures my preaching on a Text that he has chosen to hear handled before his Death, which is to be this Afternoon. My Glorious Lord graciously carried me thro' the hard Service before me, in a very vast Assembly. (V.) The Sermon is immediately desired and expected in the Way of the Press. I give it unto the Bookseller under this Title. The Valley of Hinnom. The Terrors of HELL demonstrated, and the Methods of Escaping the Ter- rible Miseries in the punishment of the Wicked there, declared; In a SERMON , preached in the Hearing and at the Request, of a Man under a Sentence of Death for a Murder; Just before the Execution of the sentence, and upon a Text by him- 1 Jeremiah Fenwick, of Boston, who had in November, 1716, killed one Ralph Moxtershed, a ropemaker. Sewell gives the name Phenix. 460 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER self assigned for the Sermon to insist upon. At Boston, 13 d. IV m. 1717. To which there is his Dying Speech annexed.^ 14. G. D. Deeply engaged, in Writing many Letters to England, of a public Importance, I am Contriving many and special Services for the Public. 15. G. D. More Objects for Compassion in the Prison. 1$ d. 4 w. Satureday. This Day, I sett apart for Prayer with Fasting in Secret before the Lord. I had many Concerns to spread before the Lord in my Supplications. Particularly the deplorable State of the new South Church in this Town. But, what I most of all designed and pursued, was, the Accomplishment of JoeVs Prophecy. Whereof I have expressed my Sentiments, on, 18 J. 3 m., a month ago. * 16. G. D. I would not only resolve the Frames and Acts, which belong to a Life of Piety, but still as I take up the Resolutions, I would pitch upon particular Times, wherein I will express those Frames and exert those Acts, and so make sure of obtaining my Purposes. 17. G. D. And I will mightily insist upon the like Advice to the Flock, that so the Exhortations to Piety may not be lost upon them. 18. G. D. Nancy's Health calls for a timous Consider- ation. 19. G. D. With what Solemnity must I call upon my Kinsman, T. W[alter] to make a right and a great Use, of his Dehverance from the Jawes of Death, which the God, who hears Prayer, has lately given ? 20. G. D. The miserable Condition and Contention, of the People in the South-part of the Town, very much takes up of my Time and Thought for them. • Printed by J. Allen for Robert Starke, 171 7. J u N E , I 7 I 7 461 21. G. D. Our excellent Govemour who has delivered the Countrey from a Flood of Corruption, which was intro- duced by the selling Places, is to be encouraged, and a course must be taken, that he may be vindicated from the Aspersions of a cursed Crue in this Place, who traduce him as guilty of that Iniquity. 22. G. D. Some in our Church, fallen into Sin, must be recovered. * 23. G. D. I am defective, I am not enough explicit and enlarged. In the Morning, to lay the Plan of the Work to be done in the Day for God ; In the Evening, to reflect particularly, upon all the Passages of the Day. Mend. 24. G. D. By doing more about my Sermons, in the former part of the Week, I shall render myself more useful to the Flock, on many Accounts, as well as in the Study of my Sermons. 25. G. D. My Children must be obliged oftener to wait upon their two aged Grandfathers, with dutiful Visits. They may help to sweeten and prolong the Lives of their Grandfathers, and also receive efficacious Instructions from them. 26. G. D. I have a very wicked Brother-in-Law, whom tis high time for me to think of more effectual Methods for the reclaiming of. 27. G. D. Diverse ungospellized Plantations, destitute of Ministers, must be exceedingly cared for. 28. G. D. Some Care must be taken that the Loss of Time at Funerals in this Town, may be prevented and redressed. I will present a Memorial to the select Men, on this Affair. 29. G. D. Some in great Affliction to be visited. 30. G. D. My SAVIOUR sais, a Corn of Wheat, if it dy, it hringeth forth much Fruit. In all my Essays to do Good, I still find a Sentence of Death written upon what 462 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I have undertaken, before it comes to any Thing. Where- fore, when I see a Sentence of Death on any of my Essays, I would entertain it, without froward and sinful Discourage- ments, and have a lively Faith awakened and exercised in my Soul, for a good Issue of all. How strangely does the glorious Lord continue to make use of me! I gave to the Bookseller my Essay upon, TJie valley of Hinnom. I was desirous at the same time, to have had him taken another Discourse for the Cure of Ungoverned Anger. He declined it, and I was easy; my Discourse must ly by under a Sentence of Death; my Labour be buried. (VI.) But in five Dayes time, the Bookseller sells off an Impression of near a thousand which he printed of the former Essay ; and now he comes to me for the Latter. So it comes abroad, for the service of Piety under this Title. Febrifugium. An Essay for the Cure of ungoverned Anger, In a Sermon preached at the Proposal, and on the Occasion of a Man under a Sentence of Death, for a Murder committed by him in his Anger, At Boston, 23 d. iii m. 1717.* July. I. G. D. A severe Expostulation, with such of the Flock, as by neglecting to approach the Table of the Lord, plainly declare themselves yett Minors in Christianity. 2. G. D. My dear Nibby, draws near her Time. 3. G. D. I have a Kinsman, to be advised against the prevailing of Slothfulness, and the Neglecting of his Busi- ness, which threatens to grow upon him. 3 J. V w. Wednesday. This Day, being the Commence- ment, as they call it ; a Time of much Resort unto Cambridge, and sorrily enough thrown away, I chose to spend this Time at home, and I sett apart a good Part of it, for Prayer with Fasting before the Lord. And besides the usual Matter of Supplications, there were espe- cially three Errands, which I now went unto Heaven upon. * Printed by J. Allen, 1717. J u L Y , I 7 I 7 463 One, that the Spirit of God may be poured out upon all Flesh, according to His Promise ; and the Kingdome of God introduced with a fresh and large Rain of the Gifts which refreshed the Heritage of the Lord in the primitive Times. For this, I have now besought the Lord thrice. Another, that our CoUedge, which is on many Accounts in a very neglected and unhappy Condition, and has been betray'd by vile Practices, may be restored unto better Circumstances, and be such a Nursery of Industry, and Piety, and all Erudition, as that our Churches may therein see the Compassion of the Lord unto them. A Third ; that my dear Nibby, may be carried well to and thro' her Time, and see a gracious Deliverance. 4. G. D. Care to be taken for the Recommendation of some fitt Persons to the Governour, for pubhc Places, who may be hkely to be Blessings in their Stations. 5. G. D. This Day, I prosecute several Designs among the Commissioners for the Indian Affairs, that may be for the public Interest. 6. G. D. A poor man in our Church, must be recom- mended unto Charity. * 7. G. D. I propose a sensible Improvement in Piety, by my Perusal of Mons'r. Placettes, La Morale Chretienne abregee.^ 8. G. D. A Sermon upon Secret Sorrows, may be of marvellous use unto the Flock. 9. G. D. My two youngest Children, of their own Accord, incline to learning the French Tongue ; and visit a master for it. I would cherish the Inclination. 10. G. D. A Kinsman, of whom I have hitherto taken little Cognisance, appears to me, capable of Service in our Eastern Plantations. I would propose and pursue the Matter. 11. G. D. I have in view, a sensible Service for the Kingdome of God ; by forming for some Students, who have taken their Degree, a Method of Studies which may *Jean La Placette (1639-1718). 464 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER prepare them for great Service in the World ; and keeping them under my Inspection in my Neighbourhood ; and having them to attend upon me, with frequent, perhaps, daily AppHcations. This Design requires a Uttle further Cultivation ; and the Direction of Heaven must be asked for it. 11 d. V m. Thursday. This Day, was kept as a Day of Prayer thro' the Province. The Drought threatning of us, was the principal Occasion. I was graciously assisted. But this Day releases me, from a secret Fast, this week ; with which I should else have prepared for the Communion. 12. G. D. I begin to have something in View for poor Barmudas; which I would prosecute. 13. G. D. A poor man languishing of a Consumption, must be visited, assisted, comforted. * 14. G. D. Examining my Love to GOD, I find, I have an imspeakable Delight in Obedience to Him, yea, in sacri- ficing to Him. Yett, I find, there are some Exercises of Communion with GOD, wherein I take not so much Delight, as I ought to do. Especially, secret Prayer. Examining my Love to my Neighbour, I find, I am afraid of doing him the least Wrong ; afraid of doing him the least Harm ; ready with Alacrity to do him all the good Offices imaginable, Yett, I find a secret and sudden Inclination to be pleased, when I see God re- venging my Cause upon a personal Enemy with bringing them into humbling Circumstances. Examining my Faith in my Saviour, I find, my Mind so sensible of His Glories, that I desire nothing so much as to live unto Him. Yett, I find, a Suspicion sometimes working in my Mind, whether His Great Sacrifice be a sufficient Security for me. Examining my Repentance of Sin, I find an hearty Sorrow for my Offences unto the Glorious GOD, and an hearty Design to avoid every Thing, which the Light of God in me shall condemn as an evil Thing. Yett, I find that the odious and horrid Nature of Sin, appears JULY, I 7 I 7 465 not unto me, so livelily, and so frightfully, and so efficaciously, as it ought to do. 15. G. D. Such Things prosecuted in the pubHc Pray- ers, may serve the Cause of Piety in the People to whom I am to Minister. 16. G. D. Concert with Sammy s Master, Methods for his further Improvement. Lett him, and his Brother Cresy, read a Book lately published. The Young Mans call to his Brethren. 17. G. D. A Kinsman, who is a Sailor, must come into very more particular Care, for the Animation of Piety in him. And I would send some Instruments of Piety, to his Relatives. 18. G. D. The main Intention of my Studies, wherein my Spirit is deeply and strongly engaged, is, to awaken the Zeal of an Union for all good Men upon the Indis- putable Maxims of the everlasting Gospel. I must sett myself with frequent Meditations, to find out witty Inventions, beyond all that I have hitherto used, for the Service of this Intention. 19. G. D. By some of the young Men learning to read well my Notes of my Sermons I may be yett more useful to their Societies. 20. G. D. Go to the Prison, and find out special Objects for Charity and Compassion. * 21. G. D. Suppose that a Child of my singular Love and Hope, should so fall into Sin, and be after wondrous Means of Recovery, yett so abandoned of God, and so ensnared in Vice, that there may [be] terrible Cause to fear lest he prove a Cast-away ; If the Glorious GOD should order such a Trial for me, what should be my Behaviour under it? First, I must watch over my Spirit that the Grief and Wrath arising on such Occasion may not proceed from the Vexation of my II -30 466 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER missing the Reputation and Satisfaction which a Child of more hon- ourable Behaviour might bring unto me. Here self would operate. Perhaps, I have carried the Supposal, beyond any real Occasion for it. Yett, my GOD would have me come up to all the Piety, which the Supposal would call for.^ Secondly. I must adore the divine Sovereignty ; and endeav- our an unmurmuring Acquiescence in the Thing that is appointed for me. Thirdly. I must poenitently see my own Sins chastised in what shall thus befal me, and humbly accept the Punishment of my Iniquity. Fourthly. Yea, I must mourn for the Sins of my Child, as for my own ; and walk softly before the Lord. Fifthly. Yett I must not give over Crying and Weeping to the Lord, and using the Methods which are effectual for the Disposses- sion of an Evil Spirit. GOD will anon say to me. Concerning thy Sin, I have heard thee. 2 2. G. D. Would not the call of our Saviour over the Grave of the dead Lazarus, agreeably insisted on, be a proper Engine, with which I might hope, that the Spirit of Grace may cause many sinful Ones in the Flock, to come forth from their evil Circumstances? 23. G. D. My Son Increase! I am distress'd for him : I hear, I fear, what is amiss concerning him ; Snares which threaten him. With what Plainness, with what Vigour, but yett with what Prudence, must I dispense and repeat my Admoni- tions to him! I take him into my Library ; there I renew my Impor- tunities ; I obtain from him Expressions of Repentance, and fitt Answers to the Demands of Piety. I pray with him there, and make him see and feel my Agonies for him. I give him fresh Directions for his Evening-hours. Methinks, I hear the glorious One saying to me, Con- cerning thy Son I have heard thee! 24. G. D. I have a transcendently wicked Brother-in- * The last two sentences are written in the margin. JULY, I 7 I 7 467 Law, to whom I owe a Duty. I must advise with some wise Friends, about the doing of it. 25. G. D. I would make a fresh Essay, to draw up in a plain and brief manner the Points of Religion and Liberty, which the several Parties of them, who agree in opposing the Plotts to make the Nations miserable, may and should unite upon. 26. G. D. I design to make an handsome Treat at my House, for two excellent Governours : Our own, and him at Connecticot; that so I may strengthen my Opportunities to do Good, to them and by them. 27. G. D. Several bereaved Families, to be visited and comforted. * 28. G. D. The Acts wherein the Love of God in the. Soul is expressed and exerted, I not only make Enquiry whether I have experience of them or not, but I put it out of Doubt, by my doing of them. This [is] the more seasonable, because this Morning I sitt down at the Lord's-Table, with the Old South Church. 29. G. D. The Flock must be advised withal, about an Assistent, in the work of the Ministry, which Providence now sends into our View. 30. G. D. The last Night, my dear Daughter Abigail, is delivered of a Daughter.^ I am to quicken the Consort of her Praises with my own, to the Prayer-hearing Lord, who has most graciously appeared on this Occasion, with some singular Circumstances of His fatherly Goodness. As a Grandfather, I would ask Blessings for the new-born Infant; and have my Concern to express all the Piety, Gravity, and Expectation of approaching Death, which such a Relation calls me to. 31. G. D. A Brother-in-Law, wants the Assistences in his Affaires, which I may give him, and make them an Handle for doing more Good unto him. •Catherine Willard, baptized August 4. 468 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER August. I. G. D. I have now in a more brief and plain Essay, drawn up an Instrument of Union, which may render the several Parties of Protestants, more capable of holding and acting together, as true Eleutherians against the common Enemy : A Bojid of Peace, in the Incontestible Maxims of Piety and Liberty, upon which all that come into the Unity of the Spirit ought to look upon themselves, as bound Charitably to bear with one another in their Differ- ences about more Disputable Matters, and help one another only in the right and sweet Methods of Illumination for the gradual Cure of them, and firmly stand by one another, in the most glorious Cause that ever was asserted in the World. I purpose to be at the Expence of publishing this Instrument, and sending it abroad, and seeing how it may operate. 2. G. D. I would send some Instruments of Instruc- tion, for the Assistence of one who is labouring among our Eastern Indians. 3. G. D. I am desired to enquire after a poor prodigal Son of a Scotch Minister, and to do him good OflQces. * 4. G. D. This being the Day, on which the first of my Grand-children is Baptised, the Exercises of piety proper for a Grandfather, will be this Morning seasonable for me. Wherefore, I now, first, give Thanks to the glorious GOD, with much Admiration of His Goodness, from whence having obtained Help, I am continued unto this Day : And, secondly, give up unto the Lord, my whole Off- spring ; particularly, the new-bom : entreating that she may be the Lord's. And, thirdly, rejoice in the Favour of God, that the immediate Parents are His Children ; with Resolutions to animate them, that their Offspring may be brought up for Him. 5. G. D. And on this Occasion, I thought, a Sermon of. Conspicuous Blessings to [be] obtained of God, for the Children of His Covenant and of His People, might con- AUGUST, 1717 469 spicuously serve the Interests of Piety in the Flock, both the old and the young. 6. G. D. My dear Sammy; I must consult with his Master, about Employments for him, at the School ; His Ingenuity making him to dispatch his ordinary Task there, sooner than his Companions. But, oh! what shall I do, effectually to sett him a Praying ! 7. G. D. A Kinsman going to Sea, and one that has formerly mett with grievous Difficulties and uncommon Dangers, at Sea, should now be much advised by me about getting into good Terms with Heaven. 8. G. D. Having prgepared my, Sure Foundation for Union, I now send it unto such hands in London, as I may hope will disperse it thro' the Nation. 9. G. D. Advise with a Gentleman capable of such Services, about redressing and preventing some of our public Inconveniencies. 10. G. D. I hear of a Jew in this place. I would seek some Conversation with him. 10 d. 6 m. Satureday. This Day I sett apart for more special Communion with Heaven ; mourning exceedingly for that Mark which I have of the divine Displeasure upon me, in my having so little of that Blessedness granted unto me. In the morning, I found myself raised unto such Annihilations of myself before the glorious GOD, and such Compliances with His Will, as were very comfortable to me. I presented before the Lord my usual Matters of Supplication. And, my fresh Essay for Union. My Purpose about a Collegium Precatis in my neighbourhood. My design of Conversing with a Jew, in this Place. But especially, a Return of the Showers which first introduced and propagated Christianity in the World. * II. G. D. My Mind wants a better preparation for my approaching Dissolution, and for all the Encounters 470 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER which in the mean time I may be call'd unto. Now that I may be prepared for these things, it is requisite, that I have a clear Idea and a strong Perswasion, of that World, into which I am to go, at my Departure out of this. For this purpose, I would now apply myself to more fixed and frequent and thorough Meditations on the heavenly World. And I would particularly, every Night fall asleep, in the midst of such Meditations. Every now and then also, take a Walk in my Garden for them. Never be satisfied, until I see, what it is to be there. 12. G. D. To entertain the Flock, with a Discourse on the enlivening Voice of our SAVIOUR, over the Grave of the dead Lazarus, may be an useful Action. Who can tell, how far He may breathe in it? 13. G. D. I will putt Sammy upon the Translating of some Things into Latin, which may prove of use, not unto him only, but also unto many others. 14. G. D. Some Advice to be given unto the Minister of Newtown, about giving himself to reading, and ordering his Studies. 1 15. G. D. A Lecture upon the purged Floor, may very sensibly suit and serve the public Edification. 16. G. D. Write unto our Agent, what may encourage and animate, his Agency for the Countrey. 17. G. D. A Person in my Neighbourhood, having his Affaires brought under grievous Difficulties, and some evil Instruments having made some disadvantageous Representa- tions of him to his Friends in England, I will of my own Accord, write home unto his Friends on his Behalf. How strangely does the Providence of my SAVIOUR still employ me to serve His Kingdome, and bring forth of the Fruit by which He may be glorified! The Things my Heart has been most sett upon, have a Sentence of Death *John Cotton (1693-1757), son of Rev. Roland Cotton, had been ordained at Newton, November 3, 1714. AUGUST, 1717 471 upon them. Such Things as I have least projected, are what my Sovereign Lord will putt Respect upon. A well-disposed Gentlewoman among my Neighbours, died the last week.^ On the Satureday, under a strong Impression on my Mind, I laid aside what I intended of the Sabbath. I finished another Discourse, the Beginning whereof I had lying by me. I thought, it would afford me an Opportunity to introduce a short, but just mention of the Departed Gentlewoman. I enjoy'd a precious Pres- ence of the Lord with me, in my public Ministrations. The Husband of the Deceased presently asked me for a Copy of the Sermon, so its published under this Title. (VII.) Anastasius. The Resurrection of LAZARUS im- proved; In a brief Essay, on what our great SA VIOUR will do, for the Dead Bodies of His People hereafter; and for their Dead Spirits now, in order to it, Preached upon the Inter- ment of a well-Esteemed Neighbour. * 18. G. D. My secret Prayers, must be so regulated, as to afford more of Room, for the New Matter, which I would still with affectuous Meditations prepare for them. 19. G. D. I would so contrive the short Meditation with which I preface my Morning-prayers in my Study, that by entring the Minutes thereof in my Papers, I may prepare a Stock of rich Materials, to entertain my Auditory. 20. G. D. I grow more and more soUicitous, for the Welfare of my dear Sammy, And I shall soUicitously pur- sue it in several Articles. 21. G. D. Certain Hints of Piety, may be seasonable and serviceable, to my desireable Daughter-in-Law. 22. G. D. A vast Service might be done for the Planta- tions to the South-ward of us, if there could be obtained a couple of itinerant Ministers for them. I would, by the first Opportunity, importunately write home to Scotland, upon it. ' Sewall (m. 135) mentions the death of a Mrs. Bant. John Bant, a ship captain, is frequently mentioned by him. 472 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 23. G. D. The Master of our Schole needs to be advised, about a good Conduct, that the Scholars may love him, and may profit under him. I would join with my Father, in w'riting to him. 24. G. D. A poor Man rescued lately from Death and Hell, I would earnestly take him into my Hands, and do what I can, that of a great Sinner he may become a true Convert. * 25. G. D. If any froward and foolish Person become disaffected unto me, and abusive and injurious, I would more than ever consider him as a Preacher of Repentance and Piety, that God sends unto me, and I would sett myself to consider what Improvements in Repentance and Piety God by that Person calls me to. And all my Prejudices against that Person shall be swallow 'd up in the grateful Sense of that Good, whereof God makes him the Instrument. 26. G. D. The Life of men is full of Labour ; and it is generally a Labour in Vain. A Discourse offering to my Flock those Maxims, the Pursuance whereof will rescue them from the Unhappiness of Losing all their Labour, may be of excellent Use unto them. 27. G. D. The Good of my Children may be con- sulted, by my pubhshing for them, as well as for others, the Sermon lately preached on the Baptism of my Grand- chHd. (VIII.) The Father of that Child putts himself to the Expence of publishing that Sermon ; which now comes abroad under this Title ; The Tribe of ASHER. A brief Essay on the Conspicuous Blessings, with which the People of GOD, and their Offspring, are known to be the Blessed of the Lord. A Sermon preached, on the Baptism of a Grandchild.^ 28. G. D. That my Kinsman T. W[alterl may be well- improved and well-station 'd, for service in the Church of God, my Cares are particularly called for. ' Printed, without a printer's name, 171 7. SEPTEMBER, 1717 473 29. G. D, A Congregation of Dissenters is forming at N. York; I must endeavour in several Ways to assist them. Letters must be written unto Haverhill. 30. G. D. A foolish and profane Custom, of a Mock- Baptism, in the launching of a Vessel, I would rebuke it ; and prevail with our Builders, to disswade their Masters from it. 31. G. D. A Minister in distress for an Employment. My Cares must be employ'd for him. September. * i. G. D. That so I may more effectu- ally have the Kingdome of God sett up within me, I would exquisitely study the full Meaning of that Righteousness and Peace and Joy, in which it consisteth. And by lively Meditations thereupon, obtain the Experience of them. 2. G. D. And then entertain the Flock with the Effects of my Meditations, and Experiences. 3. G. D. Entertain Sammy betimes, with the first Rudiments of Geography and Astronomy, as well as His- tory ; and so raise his Mind above the silher Diversions of Childhood. 4. G. D. My Kinsman at Newtown must be assisted in managing some ecclesiastical Difficulties arisen upon him. 5. G. D. Some Towns groaning under wicked Officers, may be delivered, by my Representations to the Governour. 6. G. D. If it be possible, procure a Cabinet, for — ^ 7. G. D. A poor Man, come from Ireland, wants to be Employ'd, as a Schole-master. J d. "J m. Satureday. I sett apart this Day, as usually; and upon such Occasions as have lately most employ'd my Supplications. And I made it a Day of Sacrifices as well as of Supplica- tions. My Mind was this Day raised unto such Expressions of Love to GOD, and such Communions with the heavenly 1 An unfinished entry. 474 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER World, that I am sure I am alive ; I am sure I begin to live ; And so, I am sure, the Sentence of Death once passed on me is taken off ; and the Life begun in me, will never dy. * 8. G. D. Oh ! For a wise, a meek, an humble, and a patient Conduct, under the Venome and Mahce which the disaffected Rulers of our Colledge, treat me withal! My Resolutions are — 9. G. D, A Sermon on the Reproaches of a guilty Con- science, concluding with advice to such as are sensible of them ; how serviceable may it be to my Auditory ! 10. G. D. O! My Son Increase, my Son, my Son! Sammy s writing. 11. G. D. My aged Father is ill; His Comfort and Releef, must be studied every Way in the World. 12. G. D. The Church dX Newtown, wants the Assist- ences of a Council. The Church at Haver Ml, torn all to peeces.^ 13. G. D. Now, for Letters to the East-Indies! 14. G. D. A very miserable Object in the Prison must be visited and releeved. * 15. G. D. My Sentiments about the angelical Min- istry, have been more clear and full and strong, than many other Men's. But I feel so much of it, in the Conduct of the divine Providence toward myself ; and the vast Consequence of it appears to me in such a lively Manner, that I must more than ever heretofore consider it in my Supplications unto ' Rev. Joshua Gardner died March 21, 17 15-16, and the church at Haver- hill could not agree upon a successor. Various candidates came before it — Jonathan Gushing, Robert Stanton, Fiske — and finally Joseph Parsons, of Lebanon, the same to whom Mather wrote in January, 171 7, (p. 426, supra). He did not succeed in winning the suffrages of the people, and the church remained without a pastor until February, 1717-18, when Samuel Gheckley was unanimously called, but declined to accept. The congregation turned to John Brown of Little Gambridge (now Brighton), who was ordained May 13, 1719. His wife, Joanna, was daughter of Rev. Rowland Gotton of Sandwich, and thus this minister came to be entitled to Mather's care eis a relative. Chase, History of Haverhill, 247. SEPTEMBER, I T I J 475 God, and in my Endeavours to regulate my whole Conver- sation in Methods of Piety, proper to prepare me for the Enjoyment of it. Some singular Methods, must, as soon as I can, be thought upon. 1 6. G. D. Our Church is now in a mighty Motion, towards inviting unto the Assistence, and Succession, in the Work of the Ministry among us, a desireable Person, offered by Heaven unto us. I must serve the Flock, in this important Matter, with all the Discretion and Industry, I can. 17. G. D. Diverse beautifying Ornaments for his Mind, must I now recommend unto the Studies of my dear Sammy, instead of his more useless Diversions. 18. G. D. A very wicked and froward Relative, having Sickness in his Family, I must visit them, and overcome Evil with Good. iS d. 7 w. Wednesday. This Day I travelled unto New- town; where a Council of Five Churches, chose me their Moderator. And with a very gracious and precious Assist- ence of Heaven, I was carried thro' the Service imposed on me ; not only in the Dispatch of the Result, in which the whole Council united, but also in the public Speeches which the Occasion called for. In the Evening I returned, with a good Hand of God upon me. 19. G. D. Yesterday. 20. G. D. I have now something in View for Bar- mudaz. Gett the Story of the Difficulties and Dehverances attending the Ship from Ireland. 21. G. D. More of the poor Men from Ireland, want Employment. * 22. G. D. I behold myself in the Condition of one that is nailed unto a Cross. A Man that is crucified, endures 476 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER very uneasy Circumstances, and has all possible Indignities heaped upon him, and finds himself stript of everything he had in the World. I five, or I may rather say, I dy daily, in a continual Expectation of all these Things; I actually suffer much and am in a Condition that obliges me to look for more, of these Things. My Spirit is recon- ciled unto this Condition ; tis welcome to me, in regard of the glorious Designs which my SAVIOUR has, in ordering for me such a Conformity unto Himself. Am I not now crucified with my SAVIOUR ? But now, — Oh ! the Wondrous Consequences ! 23. G. D. The Flock whereof I am the Servant, have in view, a desireable Person, for an Assistent and Successor in our public Sacrifices. The best Service I can do the Flock, is to lead in their Motions ; and particularly, to begin with a public Day of Prayer on the Occasion. 24. G. D. Heap a great Library on my little Samuel. Nibhy is in a difficult and a dechning State of Health. 25. G. D. My aged Parent, is to be served with all possible Tenderness and Discretion in the Afifair now before the Church. 2$ d. VII m. Wednesday. A public Fast, at the Old South-Church, to seek the divine Direction, for the inviting of another Minister. I preached at it. And yett had strength, with the divine Assistence, to preach the Lecture the day following. 26. G. D. Barmudaz, I hope, I have now provided for thee! 27. G. D. Speak to the Ministers, concerning Days of Prayer, for a Spirit of Piety to be poured out upon our Children. 28. G. D. Some very poor Ministers in Ireland; some- thing must be done for them. * 29. G. D. O Thanks be to my gracious Redeemer! I find, that I grow in skill and strength for Sacrifices on OCTOBER, 1717 477 all Occasions: and when any Exercise of Patience occurs to me, I presently sett myself to form those Acts of Resigna- tion to the will of God which are proper for the Occasions: The Love to the Glorious GOD, which I express in prefer- ring His Will to my own, soon fills me with Joy. But, O what a joyful Thought have I lately had shott into my Mind ; // the Will of the great God he mine, shall not His Power he so too? 30. G. D. I am still at Work for the Flock, in that important Matter, which is now in Motion among them. October, i. G. D. A strange Providence of GOD, has brought into my Family a new Servant; A Negro Boy of promising Circumstances. Oh! Lett me use all possible Projections and Endeavours, to make him a Servant of the Lord. That this may be kept in Mind, I call him, Obadiah. 2. G. D. In the Management of what is now adoing in our Church, I must peculiarly study, for the Repose, Comfort, and Satisfaction of my aged Parent. 2 d. 8 m. Wednesday. The old North Church, kept a Day of Prayer, for Direction, in the Choice of an Assistant and Successor for the evangelical Ministry. I began the Day with a Prayer. In the Afternoon I preached a long Sermon. I enjoy'd very great Assistences of Heaven in the Services of the Day. We had a vast Auditory. ^ * " 7 (f. 8 w. At a Meeting of the Brethren of the Church. In consideration of the great Age to which our venerable Pastor is arrived by the good Hand of God upon him, and his many services to the Public, whereof we have a grateful Remembrance; and from our Desire to have his life prolonged, and rendered comfortable, and that we may enjoy his public labours in such a way as may be most easy to him : the Church is disposed to proceed, as God shall please to make our way plain for it, to provide a further supply for the public services of the Gospel, in a more constant way among us, by a well-qualified Person ; and this in order to a Settlement in the pastoral Charge, when upon mature Satisfaction, there shall be judged the most proper Season for it : "Voted, with much Unanimity, the Church propose to meet on the next Munday, at ten o'clock in the Forenoon, to proceed upon what has been there proposed as may be judged convenient. "Voted with a general Concurrence, John Clark, Thomas Hutchinson, Adam Winthrop, Edward Hutchinson, Esquires, and Mr. John Ruck, Mr. John Frizzell, 478 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 3. G. D. Obtain a clear and full, and well attested Account of some remarkable Providences, which are of a late Occurrence. 4. G. D. I would animate our Societies of young People, by preaching another Sermon to them. 5. G. D. One fallen into Sin, must be wisely laboured with. A Student of the Colledge Hes in the Town sick, like to dy. * 6. G. D. The Points, wherein I am to be sacrificed wholly, (oflfered in my Sermon to day.) 7. G. D. Treat the Flock, with a short Course of Ser- mons, on, I. Thess. v. 23. 8. G. D. I am very defective in the Degree of exqui- site and assiduous Cares, which I should use for the Educa- tion of my desireable Samuel. Take it into the strongest Consideration. 9. G. D. What, what shall be done for my languishing Brother-in-Law at Roxhury? g d. S m. Wednesday. A Minister ordained at Cam- bridge.^ A great Part of the Work was by a singular Provi- dence devolved upon me ; the Prayer before the Sermon ; and, the giving of the Fellowship of the Churches. Wherein I enjoy'd the special Assistences of Heaven, and bore my Testimonies for Truth and Piety, in a very great Assembly. 10. G. D. I hope, I have also provided now a Min- ister for our Eastern Plantations. 11. G. D. Revive the Charity-Schole for Negro's. 12. G. D. I want a little Book, to lodge in the hands of the afflicted, when I visit them. I will now take some care for such an one. The gracious GOD, oh! the Praises due to Sovereign Mr. Samuel Greenwood, were desired to accept the care of a Committee for the Church as formerly, for a Year from this Time." CoUott Mather's MS. Records of tlie Second Church, in. ' Rev. Nathaniel Appleton, chosen to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Rev. William Brattle. See Paige, History of Cambridge, 289. OCTOBER, 1717 479 Grace! continues unto the most unworthy Sinner in the World, Opportunities to do Good, yea, and bring forth Fruit that shall remain, after he has left the World. (IX.) A Society of young Men in our Neighbourhood, requested a Sermon from me ; which they are willing to offer unto the Public, in the Way of the Press. But my Essay upon the Golden Rule, having lain by unpublished by the Follies of the Bookseller, the same young Men are willing to add that unto the former. So they come forth together, and make a bound Book, under this Title. Piety AND Eqihty united. In Two Essays. I. The Desires oj Piety; Breathing after the Blessings, which our Great Saviour and High-Priest has to bestow upon His People. II. The Measures of Equity; In the Golden Rule, to he observed by all People in their Dealings with one another.^ * 13. G. D. A Thought visits my Mind, which I hope, will grow upon me, and have blessed Consequences. The holy Spirit of GOD who inspired His Chosen Servants to write the Oracles He has given us in the Scriptures, made heavenly Impressions on the Minds of the Writers, which raised Heavenly Affections in them. When I take a Pas- sage of the Bible under my Consideration, I will nicely observe, what Affection of Piety appears in the Passage, and press after the raising of the same Affection in myself, and not count that I have the full Meaning of the Text until I have done so. I would also, when I would more particularly propose to have my Mind suitably affected, fly to some agreeable Paragraph of the Scripture, with Essays to raise in my own Soul, the Affections which I may apprehend it written withal. This Course in the Singing of Psalms, will make a Mel- ody in my Heart unto the Lord. And I would for so sanc- tifying a Purpose employ the Book Psalms, with a singular Application. * Printed by J. Allen, for R. Starke, 171 7. 480 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER This Design must be pursued. It will be elsewhere more largely spoken to. 14. G. D. Our Church is this Day defeated, of what they had in View, for the Choice of an excellent ^linister. On this occasion, I make a Speech unto the Church, as well- contrived as I can, to prevent the Devices of Satan, from operating among our People.^ 15. CD. Such [is] my Distress for my Son Increase, that I think, I must sett apart three Days, {Beseech the Lord thrice!) with extraordinary Supplications, that he may not go on in a Course of Impiety. But first, before I come to such a critical Proceedure, lett me repeat my more usual Methods of bringing the Child home unto GOD. 16. G. D. A furious, venemous, rancorous ]\Ian, has, for no Reason in the world, insulted me, with a base Libel written to me, full of Slanders. I call in such injurious and abusive Wretches, for the same Kindnesses that I show to my Relatives. I would first, bury with Patience and in Silence, the Indignities which this false Man has offered me. I would forgive and forgett his Follies, and pray for him, and be willing to do him and his any Good, and over- come Evil with Good. I would rejoice in the Conformity to my SAVIOUR, which my Usages from this Man bring me to and study an Imitation of His Meekness. I would humble myself before the holy GOD, for the Occasions which He sees in me, that there should be sent such Messengers to buf- fet me. And receive such Informations for my Conduct, from the Malice of disaffected Men, as may be an excellent Fruit of the Things, which are for the present Grievous, that I may have Cause to bless them, and bless God for them. Think, what my SAVIOUR means, in these Things; and what Satan means ; and accordingly take my Measures. '" 14 d. 8 w. At a Meeting of the Church. Upon a due Consideration, the Church agree to delay the Proceedings proposed a Week ago, until a more con- venient Opportunity." CoU&n Mother's MS. Records of the Second Church, iii. OCTOBER, 1717 481 17. G. D. Tho' Satan by frequent Assaults upon me, designs and labours to discourage my unceasing Projections to serve the Kingdome of God ; for I am satisfied, I should not suffer what I do from him, and his Instruments, if my continual Contrivances to do Good were not such as they are : Yett, I will in this way make myself much more vile ; and be stedfast and immoveable, alwayes abounding in the work of the Lord : beleeving a good Issue of all. What I now think of, is; how to render the Condition of the poor Pyrates, who are coming on their Trial, service- able unto the Interests of Piety in the World. 18. G. D. Some further Views I have, of encouraging some, to do good abroad. I also provide a Schole-master for Bridgwater, who [is to] be anon an Assistent, and a Successor to my aged Friend there, ^ 19. G. D. Judge Sewal this day loses his Wife; and I do the Part of a Comforter to the Mourners. ^ * 20. G. D. By reading the Maniiductio of my dear Franckius, I hope, greatly to improve in the Piety, which I had so much in View, a week ago. 21. G. D. I would entertain the Flock, with a Dis- course agreeable to the sad Occasion given, in a Number of wicked Pirates, who are speedily to be destroyed among us. A Discourse on the Folly, of getting Riches, and not by Right. 22. G. D. The State of my dear Consort's Health, calls for my wisest Conduct. But, oh ! Lett me also, and above all, help her forward and upward all I can, to those Attainments in the royal Priesthood, wherein the Life of my own Spirit lies. 23. G. D. To some Relatives at Salisbury, hitherto * The " aged friend " was Rev. James Keith, now in his seventy-fifth year. He died July 23, 17 19. ^ Sewall, Diary, iii. 143, 144. He makes no mention, however, of Mather's sermon, although he doubtless defrayed the cost of printing, n -31 482 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER not much thought upon, I would no[w] apply myself with agreeable Books of Piety. 24. G. D. The Transplantation of great Numbers of good People from Ireland hither, is a Concern, whereto I would give my helping Hand. 25. G. D. In our New South church, there is now a Door opened, for bringing their Confusions to a Period. 26. G. D. The condemned Prisoners ! * 27. G. D. To assist the Designs of Piety, in Con- versing with the Word of GOD, lett me read, Franzius.^ (X.) A Sermon which I preached yesterday, at our Old-South Church, (a sensible Providence of my Glorious Lord leading me to it) is desired for the Press ; and I imme- diately send it thither, under this Title. The Valley of Baca. The Divine Sovereignty displayed and adored; more particularly in Bereaving Dispensations of the Divine Provi- dence. A Sermon preached on the Death of Mrs. Hannah Sewal ; the Religious and Honourable Consort of Samuel Sewal Esqy which befell us on, ig d. VIII m. 1717. In the Sixtieth year of her Age.^ 28. G. D. Lett me watch exceedingly against ill Im- pressions on my Mind, from the Temptations which any foolish and froward People in the Flock, may cause unto me. 29. G. D. My dear Samuel, is dangerously sick of a Feavour. Oh! what a Sacrifice am I now call'd unto! But the Life of the hopeful Child, how must it be wrestled for! And his future Improvement in aU that is good, if he recover, studied for! •Wolfgang Frantz (1564-1628), whose Traclaliis delnlerprelationc Sacrae Scrip- turae was held in high repute. 'Printed by B. Green, 1717. On this day the Church Records contain the following entry : "Sarah Gould (formerly Cock) appearing before the Church with poenitent acknowledgements of the Crimes for which a Censure was passed upon her, near twenty years ago, and with Testimonies of a Behaviour becoming a poenitent, and of the Readiness of the Church in Hull to receive her into their Fellowship, the Church agreed she should be released from her Censure, and be dismissed unto the Church at Hull, where she now resides." See Vol. i. 244 «. NOVEMBER, I J I J 483 30. G. D. New Relatives at Salem, have I done enough yett for their best Interests? 31. G. D. Some Representatives in our General As- sembly must be talk'd unto. November, i. G. D. I, with some others, were to have bore our Part, the next week, in ordaining a Minister at Brooklyn. A very strange Providence, by some very trivial Accidents, leads us to a Knowledge of some very disquah- fying Circumstances, in the Person to be ordained. We are distressed; But upon Enquiry into Things, we find that we cannot proceed ; and signify so much unto the Church accordingly. 1 But our Duty to the Church, and the young Man, and my own unto myself (in the deepest Humiliation for my own Miscarriages) on this Occasion! What is it? 2. G. D. Obtain a Reprieve, and if it may be, a Par- don, for one of the Pyrates, who is not only more poenitent, but also more innocent than the rest. 2 d. g m. Satureday. I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting, on the usual Occasions. The Humiliations befalling the young Preacher at Brooklyn, in the inflicting whereof the holy and sovereign Lord, makes me a prin- cipal Instrument, gave me singular Calls to humble myself before the Lord, for those Miscarriages, which render me also, worthy to be rejected from serving of Him. * 3. G. D. One Trial is no sooner over with me, but another comes on ; I am for ought I know, as tempted a 'June 27, 1716, the town of Brookline voted to refray the cost of James Allen's entertainment on the sabbath days out of the town treasury. He gave such satisfaction that in December he was chosen to be the settled minister. Some further negotiations between him and the town intervened, and it was not until October, 1717, that an appropriation was made to pay for his ordination, and November 13 was named for the occasion. The action was delayed for a year, as he was not placed in full charge of the church until November 5, 1718. See p. 566 infra. The nature of his disability cannot be determined; but his death in 1747 is said to have been hastened by the effects of the "great awakening of 1735." Muddy River and Brookline Records, 107, 109; Lyon, First Parish in Brookline, 13. 484 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Man, as any in the World. I have on this Time, a strong Impression on my Mind, that some very trying and grievous Thing is near unto me. The Lord praepare me, by furnish- ing me, with a great Strength for Sacrificing. I never can be safe, until the Love of God shall so far cause my Will to be swallowed up in His, that I can take part with GOD against myself, and entertain any Condition which He shall order for me with a sweet Acquiescence in the Pleasure that He takes to perform the Thing that is appointed for me ; and then to look upon such a Disposition as a greater Favour of GOD, than any Thing that it pleases Him to Deny unto me. 4. G. D. Have I not in view, a Person who may prove, (if God please, and in His Time,) a wondrous Blessing to the Flock, whereof I am the Servant? ^ One, whose Im- provement in the Church of GOD, has had formerly with me, a Sentence of Death written upon it! Oh! Lett me pray for him ; and give the Flock an Opportunity of hear- ing him ! 5. G. D. The Evil that I greatly feared, is come upon me. I am within these few hours, astonished with an In- formation, that an Harlot big with a Bastard, accuses my poor Son Cresy^ and layes her Belly to him. Oh! Dread- ful Case ! Oh, Sorrow beyond any that I have mett withal ! what shall I do now for the foolish Youth! what for my afflicted and abased Family? My God, look mercifully upon me. The most sensible Judges upon the strictest Enquiry, beleeve the youth to be Innocent. But yett, oh! ye Humiliations ! ^ 6. G. D. Send unto my Brother in England, something that may excite him, and assist him, to great Services. 7. G. D. One Mr De la Phillonniere, a French Jesuite, ' In the margin are written the letters "T. W.," that is, Walter. * This paragraph is written in the margin. NOVEMBER, 1717 485 becoming a Protestant and a Refugee, appears to me, from what I just now read of his, a Person to whom I may do much good, under some Temptations which I see scandahze him; and by whom, as by one many ways qualified, I may do great Services for the Kingdome of GOD. I there- fore now write largely unto him ; and send unto him, our Malachi, and some other Composures. ^ 7 d. IX m. Thursday. My Lecture this Day (which proves a dismal stormy Time,) I have under a gracious Direction of Providence, changed for an Opportunity to preach in the room of him the next Week, who preaches for me to Day. This Day I sett apart for the Devotions of Prayer, with Fasting, in Secret before the Lord. I considered the Sins of my Son, as being my own ; and as also calling to Remembrance the Sins of my former Years ; For all which I renewed my Repentance, with all Abasement of Soul, in the Sight of GOD. And I have some lively Symptoms of their being pardoned. Especially, in my living to God, I have Tokens for Good, that the Sentence of Death upon me is taken o£f. I carried the Case of my sinful Son before the Lord : And arrived unto an holy Acquiescence of Mind, in the Will of the glorious GOD, whatever it may be concerning him; Resolving that if after all, he do not prove a Lover of GOD, my Love shall be utterly taken from him. God help'd me in the sacrificing Stroke, to go as far as any of His children commonly go in the present State of Mortality. But my grand Concern was, for the conversion of the young Man unto serious Piety, and the effectual Embitterment of all Sin unto him, and of such evil Company as has been a Snare unto him. For this Purpose, I not only applied my proper Discourses unto him, with Directions for the spending of his Time, while he must remain confined and retired with me, until the Storm shall be blown over: but I also cried unto GOD for him, with all possible Impor- tunity, that the almighty Arm of Heaven may be bare, for the chang- ing of his Heart, and the holy Spirit entirely renewing of him. And if this blessed End might be obtained, I was reconciled unto the holy Ones taking such a dreadful Way, as is now taken for it. ' See p. 563 infra. 486 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I also pray'd with the poor Youth in my Study, as affectuously as I could. And I afterwards called my Consort also, to join with me, in my Supplications. Adding, our Petitions for a good Issue of the prodigious Difl&- culties, which this Affair has brought upon us. I purpose, in this Way to beseech the Lord thrice, as soon as I can. 8. G. D. Several Services there are to be consulted among our Ministers. Am not I as tempted a Man as lives in the World. Some that know very much of me, do think so. Behold, a new Trial! My dear, pleasant, hopeful Son Samuel, is relapsed into the Feavour, from which we hoped, he was recovered ; and lies in threatning Circumstances. But still, my Gracious GOD helps me to make my Sacrifices. I acknowledge Him; I glorify Him, with the profoundest Resignation. 9. G. D. A poor and sick Family in my Neighbour- hood, must be releeved. This Day, my Uttle Son's Feavour goes off, with a critical Bleeding, What shall I render to the Lord! * 10. G. D. My GOD humbles me exceedingly in the Circumstances of my poor son Increase. My Concern and Study must now be, above all things to gett my Spirit conformed unto the Humiliations, and ly low in the Dust before the Lord ; and above all, the Extinction of my Will must be brought unto as much Perfection, as may be here arriv'd unto. II. G. D. A dreadful Feavour is gott into the Towti, and the other Churches in the Town, have been dreadfully wounded by the Death of desireable Men, whom this Feavour has carried off. My poor Flock is yett spared ; the' Sickness upon some has threatened it. I would en- deavour to make the Voice of GOD in this work of His NOVEMBER, 1717 487 Providence, as intelligible and effectual to the Flock, as I can. But I would also employ the most fervent Intercessions, that the Flock may be spared, and the destroying Angel have no Commission to make any Spoil upon it. II J. IX m. Mtmday. In pursuance of my purpose to Beseech the Lord thrice, on the distressing Occasion, which caused me the last Thursday to be so Employ'd as I was, I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fasting, that my poor Son Increase might be effectually brought home unto GOD, and that we may also see a good Issue of the Trouble which threatens Ruine unto him. Now, as well as then, I pray'd with the poor Youth in my Study. And anon associated my Consort with me in my Suppli- cations. I think, my weeping Faith is arrived unto this Assurance, my God will hear me. 12. G. D. Among other Methods of bringing my Son Increase home unto GOD, I would ever now and then assign him, a proper Sermon to be read by him, and oblige him to turn the principal Points of the Sermon into a Prayer, which I will have to be written by him in his reserved Memorials. 13. G. D. I have a Sister-in-Law, in England, Mrs. Clark, of whom I have never taken yett so much Notice, as I think now to do, in sending some agreeable Instru- ments of Piety unto her. 14. G. D. Now I see the Design and Conduct of the divine Providence, in disposing of me, to change my Lec- tures. My Honourable Friend, M[ajor] G[eneral] Winthrop,^ *Wait Still Winthrop (1643-1717) died November 6. He was, says Sewall, "for Parentage, Piety, Prudence, Philosophy, Love to New England ways and people very eminent." Diary, iii. 146. Sewall's tribute will be found in Letter Book, II. 86. 488 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER is to be interr'd this Day. A service to Religion may be done, as well as what may be for the good of the Countrey, by my preaching a Sermon this Day, which may celebrate the Glories of my SAVIOUR, who has the Keys of Hades and of Death in His glorious Hands, and also bear a due Testimony unto the Character of one who has been such a Lover and Servant of his Countrey, as my departed Friend, in the Hearing of the General Assembly now sitting. I enjoy'd a gracious Presence of God with me, in the Work before me. (XI.) And my Sermon being immediately desired by the only Son i of the Deceased, I give it, under this Title ; HADES Look'd into. The Power of our Great SAVIOUR over the Invisible World, afid the Gates of Death which lead into that World; Considered in a Sermon preached at the Funeral of the Honourable WAIT WINTHROP Esqr. who expired, y d. IX m. ijij. In the LXXVI year of his Age.^ 15. G. D. There is good this Day to be done, on a very solemn Occasion. Six Pirates were this Day executed. I took a long and sad Walk with them, from the Prison, to the Place of Execu- tion. I successively bestowed the best Instructions I could, upon each of them. Arriving to the Tree of Death, I pray'd with them, and with the vast Assembly of Spec- tators, as pertinently and as profitably as I could. 16. G. D. Some lately recovered from the Jaws of Death, and especially one Gentleman, for whom GOD has remarkably heard us, must be address 'd by me, as pun- gently and cogently as may be, that they may be confirmed in Resolutions for the Service of GOD. 16 d. TX m. Satureday. I have now besought the Lord Thrice, on the distressing Affair of my Son Increase. 'John Winthrop, F. R. S. (1681-1747). 'Printed by T. Crump, 1717. NOVEMBER, I J I 7 489 I repeated the Exercises of the two former Days, with agreeable Varieties. And now, / mil hear what God the Lord will say. I am ready for the Will of God. My God, I am ready for it. I am now perswaded, My God will hear me. * 17. G. D. No Apology can be made for me, if I be not now, A Man always abstaining from all Appearance of Evil. A Man ever proposing to serve and please the glorious GOD. A Man full of continual Projections to do good unto all that I am concerned withal. A man full of Meekness under Provocations, and watchful against all ungoverned Anger. A Man full of Patience imder Calamities, and of a Spirit sweetly reconciled unto Humiliations. A Man forever studious in my Dealings with my Neighbours, to do as I would be done unto, and forever afraid of harbouring the least evil Frame towards any Man in the World. And a Man, Repairing still to my SAVIOUR for all that is good, with perpetual Studies to be in all Goodness conformed unto Him. Finally, a Man dead unto the World, and having my own Will entirely swallowed up in the Will of GOD. 18. G. D. The Flock ought to be better advised, about. Sending for the Elders, to the sick, and not expecting them to come without sending for. 19. G. D. Alas, I have this Day, an heartbreaking Intimation, that my God has not heard me, in the main Point of my late Supplications ; tho' I am heard with regard unto one remarkable Distress in the Case upon me. My poor Son, has made a worse Exhibition of himself unto me this Day, than I have ever yett mett withal. O my God, what shall I do? what shall I do? I will not yett utterly cast off the wretched Child. But I will still follow thee with Supplications, for what nothing but an almighty Arm can accomphsh. There may [be] yett unknown Reserves of 490 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Mercy, when the work of Repentance on me, intended in my Trials, is accomphshed. 20. G. D. Study to overcome evil with good, unto one who has greatly wronged me.^ 21. G. D. May not I do well to give the Bookseller, something that may render the Condition of the Pirates, lately executed, profitable? The people of Bridgwater publishing a Sermon of their aged Pastor, I wrote a Preface to it, whereto my Father also signs ; containing some things that may be of lasting Use to the People there.^ 22. G. D. The Ministers used much conduct in the affair of Brooklyn. 23. G. D. Not only am I to dispense my own Releefs to the Poor, but the Season arrives for my pubUc Hints unto the Liberal of the Flock, to do what is to be done for the Poor, against the approaching Winter. * 24. G. D. The good Providence of my SAVIOUR has brought me the Devout Spencr^s Treatise, De Natura et Gratia:.^ By a serious Perusal whereof, I hope, to make desireable Improvements in Piety. My dear Sammy again fallen sick of a Feavour. 25. G. D. Some Affairs of Discipline in the Church must be wisely managed. Late Instances of Mortality in the Church must be improved for the Animation of Piety, in the Survivers. Endeavours must be used, that the Loss of the Church may be recruited. 26. G. D. The sick State of my dear Sammy, must quicken my Resolutions, upon the more exquisite Methods of prosecuting his Cultivation, first in Piety, and then in ■ On this day he took part in the ordination of Rev. Thomas Foxcroft, as pastor of the First Church. Sewall, Diary, iii. 148. ' Two sermons were thus printed, Bridgcwatcr's Monitor, by James Keith and Samuel Danforth, preached August 14, upon entering the new meeting house. * Philipp Jakob Spener (1635-1705), the "father of pietism." NOVEMBER, I J I J 491 all useful Accomplishments, if God will graciously spare him to me. (XII.) I had sometimes made a Prayer, that the Condi- tion of the late Pirates, might be so ordered, as to furnish me with some special Opportunities, to do Service for the Kingdome of GOD. After the Execution of the Criminals, I had some Thoughts of writing down the Conference I had with them in the way from the Prison to the Gallows: adding the strange Story of their Capture, and the Sermon I preached unto my Flock on their Occasion. But my Thoughts were so feeble and flitting, that I laid them aside. However, I resumed them ; and remaining still entirely at a Loss what to do, I betook myself unto the Lott. I wrote on one Bitt of Paper, Proceed, on another. Forbear; and after a solemn Invocation of the glorious Lord, I drew the Lott ; which fell to be Proceed. I sett myself to the Work, and in a few Hours I made a strange Dispatch of it. The Bookseller for whom I intended the Work, declined it ; which caused me to wonder at my Direction to Proceed. But some other Booksellers, from whom I least expected it, without any offer of Mine to them, accepted it, and print no less than twelve hundred of them ; and the Cause of Piety, is likely to be more than a little served. The Book is entituled ; Instructions to the Living from the Condition of the Dead. A brief Relation of Remarkables, in the Fate of more than one hundred Pirates, that were ship- wrecked on the Coast of New England ; and in the Death of Six who after a fair Trial, were convicted and condemned at Boston, and were Executed, 15 d. ix m. itl^. With an Account of the Discourse had with them on the way to their Execution. And a SERMON preached on their occasion.^ 27. G. D. I have a poor Brother-in-Law out of Employ, and froward enough ; What shall I do for him ? 28. G. D. I entertain serious Thoughts of reprinting * Printed by John Allen for Nicholas Boone, 171 7. 492 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER here, the Account I have lately received of some Jewish Children at Berlin, strangely converted unto our SAVIOUR ; adding some Remarks thereupon, to serve the Cause of Piety. What if I should annex to it as a Present unto the Jewish Nation, my brief Confutation of Judaism, in my Book of. Things to he thought upon? I'l advise. 28 d. 9 m. Thursday. Twas a Day of Thanksgiving thro' the Province. I enjoy'd very gracious Assistences from Heaven, in the Work of the Day ; and preached both parts of the Day. 29. G. D. I would send my Account of the Jewish Children at Berlin unto the Master of our Grammar-Schole, with my Desire that it be readd publickly unto the Chil- dren in the Schole, and that he make suitable Remarks thereupon unto them. 30. G. D. A poor Woman under both Guilt and Want, must receive sundry Kindnesses from me. Because of the Day sett apart for Exercise of Piety two days ago and my Labours thereupon, I do not sett apart this Day for a secret Fast, as else I should have done. December. * i. G. D. Most certainly there is no Con- sideration in the World, more sanctifying and more ani- mating, unto all the Tempers and Actions of Piety, than that, Gal. 11. 20. The Son of GOD has loved me. I would as far as tis possible, gett into the way of entertaining this Consideration upon all Occasions, and experiencing the holy Efficacy of it on me. I need not quaestion the Love of my SAVIOUR to me, if I entertain the Beleef of it, upon this Intention ; to render all Sin odious unto me, and to quicken myself in pleasing of God and in doing of Good. But if I entertain this Beleef, how wondrous will be the Force of it, when I apply it, unto the Services, whereto I am called ; unto the Sufferings which are dispensed unto me ; unto the Relations wherein GOD shall station me ; and unto all the Enjoyments which are bestow'd upon me! DECEMBER, 1717 493 I purpose very much to exercise myself unto this Godh- ness; and anon to entertain the People of GOD with a Treatise upon it. 2. G. D. And can I entertain the Flock, on a better, or more useful Subject ! 3. G. D. I must use many Methods of Instructing, inclining, enriching my restored Samuel. Among the rest, I would putt him upon composing of Prayers out of Books of Piety, which I would putt into his Hands. 4. G. D. A Brother-in-Law at Charlestown, in a feeble State of Health, must be visited, and assisted. 5. G. D. Writing Letters to Scotland, I would prose- cute several public Services; especially, those designed in our Malachi. 6. G. D. Procure two Things among the Christian Indians, at Martha^s Vineyard, First, a Tutor, to bring up Indians for the Ministry ; Secondly, a Visitor for the Schools, to see that their Ends be answered. 7. G. D. One who lived many years in my Family, is, in regard of a sick Husband, and on other Accounts, in a very poor and sad Condition. *8. G. D. The Proposal made a week ago, about my Keeping myself in the Love of GOD, and acting under the Influence of a Perswasion, that my SA VIOUR has loved me, (than which there can be nothing more sanctifying, or more comfortable) I have now digested into a clear and plain way of proceeding; and I hope, to live in a continual Con- formity unto it. It is done in the Sermon, which I this day deliver to the People of GOD. 9. G. D. Mortality has lately taken off some that belong to the Flock. I must be concerned, that the Flock may be recruited, with the Addition of such as may fill up the Room of those that are taken off. 10. G. D. My Duty to my Family, will oblige me to 494 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER hasten the Settlement of Affaires, relating to the Adminis- tration, upon which I entred a year and half ago. 11. G. D. More must be done for my Brother-in-Law at Roxbury. And for some Relatives in England. 12. G. D. I incline to think, that the Reprinting of the strange Relation which we have of the Jewish Children at Berlin, with some Remarks upon it, may sensibly serve the Kingdome of GOD. And, what if I should therewithal reprint, my Address to the Jewish Nation, which is in my Book, of. Things to he more thought upon. (XIII.) I do accordingly give these things unto the Bookseller, under this Title ; Faith Encouraged. A brief Relation of a Strange Impression from Heaven, upon the Minds of some Jewish Children at the City of Berlin, {in the Upper Saxony.) And an Improvement made of so marvellous an Occurrence.^ 13. G. D. I will sett myself to think, how the Meetings of the Ministers in this Town, may be made serviceable unto many precious and glorious purposes. And move them, to take the Point into consideration. 14. G. D. Some young Scotchmen recommended unto my Care and Love, I would make special Objects of my Care and Love. * 15. G. D. That part of the divine Image, which lies, in a right Frame of Love towards our Neighbour; is what I resume into my Consideration, for a more special and exquisite Cultivation of it. For this Purpose, I would speedily draw up the Maxims of Love, by which I would be entirely governed, in my whole Conversation ; and gett my Mind exactly formed according to them. 16. G. D. And can I do my Flock a greater Service, than by the Communication thereof unto them ! » Printed by J. Allen for T. Fleet, 1718. DECEMBER, X T 1 ^ 495 17. G. D. There is a Projection relating to my poor Son Increase, that may have a Tendency, not only to his temporal Prosperity in the World ; but also to his Preser- vation from various Temptations, to which he may be obnoxious. 18. G. D. A Relative going to sea, comes under my fresh Cares for his Welfare. 19. G. D. GOD speaks to the Place, the Voice of the Lord cries to the City, in the Sickness which has carried off many pious and some useful Persons ; and is yett smit- ing and wasting, (more in some neighbouring Towns than in this.) To render the Voice of Heaven articulate and intelligible, and also to obtain from Heaven a Return of Health unto the Town, and serve many good Purposes, my Lecture is this day turned into a Day of SuppHcations.^ 20. G. D. There is a young Gentleman of a Great Estate who is lately recovered from sickness, which brought him to the very Gates of Death. He seems much affected with the Goodness of GOD unto him in his Recovery, and inclined unto the making of suitable Returns. I would cul- tivate an Acquaintance with him ; and therein move him to such Things as may be of great Consequence for the Service of GOD, and the Comfort of others as well as his own. 21. G. D, An Hopeful Child at the Colledge is become an Orphan ; and his Mother a very poor Widow. I would endeavour to procure a Subsistence for him. *22. G. D. The Aspect that some Occurrences have upon me, tells me, that I have not sufficiently repented of some former Iniquities. The Language of the Occurrences is, that I ought to renew the Repentance due to the Occa- sions, with the most frequent and bitter Exercises. Per- haps, in my doing so, very much of the End, which may be intended in some very grievous Dispensations will be attained. ' Sewall, Diary, ni. 155. 496 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER My GOD, Help me, Help me, to conform unto thy Dispensations, and ly in the Dust before thee : 23. G. D. One good way for me to do good in the Flock, will be to supply the private Meetings, with proper Instru- ments of Piety, to be readd in them. I have lately preached six Sermons on the Thessalonian Benediction, wherein real and vital Piety is described and assisted.^ These Essays on, The best oj Blessings, are so written, as to be ready for the Press, if they should be called for. But this I cannot look for. However, I have Thoughts of depositing the Treatise in the Hands of one, who reads to a religious Society; that by its being readd there, it may serve the Cause of Piety. 24. G. D. For the more effectual Formation of my Son Samuel, and to furnish him with uncommon Erudition, but especially with Religion, I would speedily sett apart some time, to invent, and project, and form certain Proposals of a Method which may be for that Purpose proceeded in. 25. G. D. A Relative, whom I have not yett thought upon, I would employ singular Cares to render a pious and an useful Person, 26. G. D. I am sollicitous about the Gospellizing of paganizing Tiverton. I light on a proposal for it ; moving that Elder Ministers may in their Turn visit the Place, (wherein I also, if I live till a good Season for it, may be willing to take my Turn,) and a younger supply their vacant Places, until the Gospel be received with them. 27. G. D. There are certain Books, lately published beyond-Sea, which if they were more common in this Coun- trey, might have an happy Influence upon us. I would prevail with an honest and a wealthy Man here to send for some Numbers of them, and scatter them about the Countrey. 28. G. D. A young Minister, who has lately refused ' I Thess. V. 23. DECEMBER, 1 T I 'J 497 Motions and Offers from our Ch[urch] of E[ngland] has therein rendred himself worthy of all possible Cares to be used for his Promotion and Encouragement. 28 d. ID m. Satureday. This Day I sett apart, as I use to do, before the Administration of the Eucharist ; for the Exercises of Prayer with Fasting before the Lord. The Occasions and the Exercises, were what were usual. But there was nothing that my Cries to Heaven did more insist upon, than this ; that the glorious GOD would pitty His poor Creature Man, and not cast off Mankind for- ever ; but visit the World, with the sweet Influences of the Saviour, who is God become a Man ; and rescue the miser- able Children of Men, out of their Ignorance, and Cor- ruption, and Slavery, and most miserable Circumstances and graciously please to dwell with them and in them, and make them His holy Temples. From this I argued, how particularly ought I to prosecute such Desires for my own Children, and most particularly for my ungodly Son ! Certainly I am now prepared for some Success in my Petitions. * 29. G. D. The distinguishing Acts of true, real, vital Piety, are so curiously described in my Spener's Treatise De Natura et Gratia, that I cannot but repeat my Proposal, in the Perusal of this Treatise, to gett such Acts continually formed in my own Soul, as I go along. Will anything tend more to render me a finished Christian. But I propose also to employ my Studies on that Sub- ject, a Meetness for the Inheritance of the Saints in Light. And in so doing, to gett my own Soul raised up unto every Article. 30. G. D. And what better, what fitter, what more useful Subject can I entertain the Flock withal ! 31. G. D. Good may be done in my Family by much inculcating the Grace of Dependence on the fatherly Provi- dence of God for a Subsistence in the World, and Patience n -32 498 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER under Disappointments of our Expectations from the world. ^ January. [17 17-18.] i. G. D. It being a tolerable Day for such a Walk, I this Day go over to Charlesto-mi, and visit some aged Relatives, who in all Probability are not far from the eternal World ; and endeavour in my Confer- ences with them, to prepare them for that World. 2. G. D. What shall I do for the Welfare of the Col- ledge at New-haven ? I am inclinable to write unto a wealthy East-India Merchant at London,'^ who may be disposed on several Accounts, to do for that Society, and Colony ; and solicit his Bounties unto such an Interest. 3. G. D. Our Governour must be talked withal, on several important Affairs. 4. G. D. A very poor and a very old Man in my Neighbourhood must be looked after. * 5. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider, What are the principal Articles of Adversity, which I have afflicting of me. Now every Affliction is an Invasion upon some Enjoyment. Wherefore on each Point wherein I am Exercised, I thought, What is the Enjoyment whereof I am called now to make a Sacrifice? Accordingly, I applied myself unto the Acts of Sacrificing thereupon. I found a sensible Improvement in Piety. 6. G. D. Lett my Flock be entertained, with a Dis- course on Patience. Many have great Occasion for it. Read Mr. Baxte/s Gildas Salvianus again, to animate a due Care for the Souls of the Flock. 7. G. D. One thing I will do for my Son Samuel, shall be, to teach him the Way of reading the Scriptures that may prove of the most impressive and eternal Advantage unto him. I will oblige him to take certain Portions of the Scrip- * This paragraph is written in Greek characters. ' Elihu Yale. Mather's letter to him is in Quincy, History 0} Harvard Uni- versUy, i. 524. JANUARY, 1717-18 499 tures, and write what Maxims and Lessons of Piety, he can find in them, and add, what Wishes and Prayers, he would form thereupon. 8. G. D. Entertain my aged Parent, with Dr. Spener. 9. G. D. Writing to the West of £«g/aw^, I have in view, several Services for the Kingdome of God. 10. G. D. Encourage the new Lieut. Govemour of Hampshire,^ to such Things as may be for the Peace and Good of his Province. 11. G. D. A family in my Neighbourhood, fallen into wretched Circumstances of Sin and Strife; can't I recover them into better Circumstances? * 12. G. D. I draw up three Resolutions, that I may keep clear of damnable Idolatries ; and that I may not come into the multiplied Sorrows of them that hasten after another GOD. They are to be seen, at the End of my Sermon, on Psal, XVI. 4. 13. G. D. And, oh! what more important Service can I do for my Flock, in the fulfilling of my Ministry, than to warn them of the Idolatries, daily committed, but rarely considered. 14. G. D. Sammy is united with a Society of sober and pious Lads, who meet for Exercises of Religion. I will allow them the Use of my Library, for the Place of their Meeting ; and give them Directions, and Entertainments. 15. G. D. The Gentlewoman which my Father has married,^ is, upon the Death of a Kinsman, very much dis- composed. I will do the best I can, to assist and strengthen in her the Dispositions of Sacrificing. But, Oh ! What a Stroke of Sacrificing am I putt upon ! My dear, amiable valuable Consort, is arrested with the * John Wentworth (1671-1730). ^ Anna Lake, daughter of Captain Thomas Lake, and widow of Rev. John Cotton of Hampton. 500 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Fever, which has made such an horrible Slaughter both in Town and Countrey. God calls me, to Repentance for my Miscarriages, and Submission to His Will in whatever shall be the Thing appointed for me, and earnest Supphcations for the Life of the dearest EnjojTnent I have in the World, and holy Con- trivances that in her Soul as well as my own, this Visita- tion may produce the Improvements in Piety, by which the Errand of it shall be answered. 1 6. G. D. Something extraordinary must be done by me, (tho' under as much covert as may be,) to preserv^e the To\\ti from going into a dreadful Day of Temptation, which the Contentions and Confusions in the South part of it, seem to threaten and hasten upon it, 17. G. D. I am this week entertained, with surprising Advice, concerning the Jew, with and for whom we were so much concerned, three and twenty years ago. A matter for some revived and renewed Supphcations. 18. G. D. I have now a Charity-Scholc erected for the Instruction of Negros and Indians, whereof I am at the sole Expence. God prosper it. *i9. G. D. WTtiat Improvement in Piety, shall I make, of the Sickness and Fever, which my dear Consort now labours of? Being thus tried unto the uttermost, I would even in this Point also, do the Part of a Sacrificer. My Conversation with her, shall have in it, a yt\X more shining Sanctity ; and very much turn upon those Things wherein we shaU both of us be brought nearer to GOD, and grow in our Obedience and Conformity to Him, and Communion with Him. Even for the most free and most mean Part of our Con- versation, it shall still be, not only with an Eye to the Indul- gence of Heaven, but also with explicit Regards to some good End, which Heaven will be pleased withal. JANUARY, 1717-18 501 20. G. D. Our Church having lost by Sickness within a few Months, many more than twenty of our Communicants, I would make my Remonstrances unto the Church, and the rest of the Neighbours on this occasion ; unto the Church, for due Improvements in Piety ; unto the rest, that in the Ways of Piety they recruit the Losses of the Church. 21. G. D. In pursuance of what I was thinking two Days ago, I would strengthen my Resolution, that I will not ordinarily come and stay any number of Minutes, where my Consort is, without speaking of some valuable Thing, which it may be worth her whUe to remember, or consider. And I will desire her, to call upon me, for the Performance of this Resolution. 22. G. D. There are diverse Points of Consequence, that I should mention to my Son-in-Law, Mr. W[illard], relating and conducing to his Welfare. 23. G. D. I entertain Thoughts about the forming of a Society here, upon the design of cultivating and propagating the Maxims in the Reign whereof there is to come on the Kingdome of GOD. I might have mentioned it, that yesterday, 22 d. 'XI m. Wednesday, was kept, a Day of Prayer with Fasting, by the Ministers of the Town, with some other Christians, at the House of Judge Sewal; occasion'd by the late Humiliations on his Family. I preached at his Desire on Psal. lxxxex. 8. It was a good Day; And perhaps it may supersede, what I would else have attended in my Study, on the next Satureday.i 24. G. D. An unknown Hand, on the last Lord's-day convey'd into one of the Boxes at our Collection, the Sum of Ten Pounds ; with a Letter unto me, to distribute it unto the Ministers in the Proportions which it mentions. This gives me an Opportunity, in writing unto the Min- * Sewall, Diary, ni. 162. S02 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER isters to animate their Diligence in the Discharge of their Ministry as well as their Dependence on the Faithfulness of our Saviour in the Care of His Providence for them. 25. G. D. Several Miserables I have in View, to be cared for. * 26. G. D. My Spirit getts on somewhat comfortably unto the Frames and Acts, which discover the Life of GOD beginning there. I particularly find, that when some afflictive Thing is approach- ing me, I have a secret and serene Satisfaction arising in my Mind, from the View it gives me, of an Opportunity for the Sacrifices with which the great GOD will be now gratified and glorified. My Sacri- fices will be acceptable to GOD, because of what his CHRIST has done, and will do, to make them so. I am glad beyond all Expression, when I can come to any Thing, which I think will be well-pleasing to GOD, and will find Acceptance with Him, who is infinitely worthy of my dearest LOVE. The Adversity which putts me upon the Sac- rificing of the Enjoyments for which I have a Kindness, furnishes me with an Opportunity therein to do that, which the great God will with Pleasure look down upon. And now, that Grace of GOD, which enables me to make Sacrifices of all my desired and valued Enjoy- ments, and acquiesce in His wise, just, sovereign Will, which denies them to me, becomes to me a better Thing than any of the Enjoy- ments, which are thus made my Sacrifices. Indeed sometimes the sacrificing Stroke must be upon power wherein I cannot have the Enjoyments witheld from me, without the great GOD leaving of them to Sin, in whom I am to lose my Comforts. But here, while I retain the Horror of Sin, which causes me to deprecate it wonderfully, and say, oh! lett such a Cup as this pass from me I Yett even here also, I do in an holy Darkness annihilate my Will before the Lord; and Conclude, 0 my God, I submitl unto thy Will forevermorel But then, in Projections for advancing the Kingdome of GOD, in my Heart and Life, I shall invent yett a more copious Way of proceeding. 27. G. D. I entertain the Flock, with as moving a Dis- course as I can, of the Numbers taken from us, wherein we are a People consumed by the Anger of GOD. I putt them upon an Examination of what may have provoked JANUARY, 1717-18 503 this Anger in several Articles. I propose methods for di- verting this Anger. I press for the doing of what may be done for the Repairing of our Breaches ; especially, in Peoples joining themselves to the Church after a due Preparation for it. 28. G. D. Exquisite Methods are contriving with me, that my dear Consort may recover out of her Sickness, with unspeakable Advantage to the Interests of Piety, in her Heart and Life. 29. G. D. The Widow, of my transcendently wicked Brother-in-Law, who has just now died very suddenly, must be visited and instructed. 30. G. D. It has been a Time, wherein Sickness has made many Visits and Ruines, both in City and Countrey ; Many noted People are taken off; and the Sickness is taking still its Round thro the Land. Many have been restored ; and [those] preserved also have had their Health, a matter of great Concern unto them. A Sermon at the Lecture, on the Blessings of an Healed Soul, might be very seasonable, and very serviceable. This Day I preach the Sermon, to a great Assembly, with a great Assistence and Acceptance. 31. G. D. My, Faith Encouraged, being published, in which the strange Conversion of the Jewish Children at Berlin, is accompanied with an Address unto the Jewish Nation; I propose to send it, unto as many of the Jews, in several Places and Countrey s as I can. How strangely does the sovereign Grace of GOD still favour me, the vilest of Men, in regard of the Fruits, which He enables me to bring forth for the Service of His King- dome ! And it is a little surprising unto me, to see how in the Things which I have most of all projected, I am still disappointed ; but the Things, wherein there has been the least of my own Projection, are those which the holy One employs to do Good among His People. 504 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER (XIV.) This Day there come some young Gentlemen to me, desiring the Notes of the Sermon I preached yesterday, for Pubhcation ; as, what may be very seasonably diffused thro' the Land, at such a Time as is now upon us. I give it under this Title. Raphael. The Blessings of an HEALED SOUL considered: In a very brief and plain Essay, made at a Time, when Sickness had been making many Visits, with an uncommon Mortality, especially upon more noted People both in City and Countrey. February, i. G. D. There are some distracted Crea- tures, for whom I would consult with the Physicians. I would move some Physicians, to unite in setting up a Cold-Bath, by which the difficult and even desperate Cases of many poor Miserable might be releeved. * 2. G. D. I entreat of my discreet Consort, that she would plainly discover it unto me, if she see in me any Thing that needs to be mended, or that she would have to be otherwise. As yett she tells me of nothing. An Healed Soul, is the grand Thing that I am to Labour for. I doubt, I have one Distemper hanging about me, in my being too ready to take up an Apprehension of Peoples being generally Disaffected unto me, (Tho' I must be blind indeed, if I do not see enough of that !) because I meet with very odd, absurd, and froward Usage from some of the People. I must beware of Jealousies that shall be Injuries. I must watch against the Entertainment of too much Leaven in my Spirit against a People, whose Behaviour towards me, is very unrighteous and ungrateful. I must enjoy a sweet Satisfaction of Mind, if I find myself conformed unto Him, who was despised and rejected of Men. I must beware of speaking unadvisedly with my Lips. 3. G. D. An evil Instrument or two, is doing Mischief in the Church, which with the Exercise of a little Wisdome, and Patience, and Meekness, I hope to putt a stop to. FEBRUARY, 1717-18 505 4. G. D. Oh! What Return of Obedience and Grati- tude shall I make unto the Lord, in a well-ordered Family, for His Mercy in restoring unto it, so rich a Blessing as I and all of us enjoy in my Consort. I will contrive some special Thing. 5. G. D. A good Providence orders it, that my aged Parent shows me, what he intends for his last Will and Testament. This gives me an Opportunity to do Service for him, and for others, by proposing some very necessary Alterations. 6. G. D. There are some Things to be proposed for the Quieting of the raging FoUies in the South-part of the Town. 7. G. D. By Encouraging of Mr. Prence ^ to accept the Invitation of the Old South Church, I may have a Companion with whom I may unite, more than any one upon Earth in doing services for the Kingdome of GOD. 8. G. D. A religious Woman under total Blindness, meeting with uncivil and indecent Usage from froward Relatives, is exposed unto grievous Difficulties. I must contrive what may be done for her. * 9. G. D. Looking over a Catalogue of the Books, pub- lished, whereof the Grace of GOD has made poor me the Writer, I must in the first place loathe and judge myself exceedingly before the Lord, for the sinful Corruptions, and especially the selfish Intentions, which have defiled all these Publications. And I must exceedingly watch against all Vanity of Mind, even the least Motion that way, from the Number of the PubHcations, which amounts to near two hundred and fourscore, so I must admire the Goodness and Mercy of a sovereign GOD, who has herein distinguished the Chief of Sinners, and might have employ'd any one else, as well as this Vilest of Men, in this Variety of Services. But then how exceedingly must I labour, that my Publications ' Thomas Prince. 5o6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER may not be my Condemnations ; and that there may there- fore be as much Piety in my Practice as in my Paper ! For which Purpose, I would in a deliberate Perusal of the Cata- logue, upon each of the Titles form such Wishes of Piety, as they would naturally lead me to, and send them up in Prayers and Cries unto the Lord ! 10. G. D, A Catalogue must be taken of such as may be hopefully prepared for the Communion of the Church ; and they must be severally called upon. 11. G. D. Temptations to be wisely encountred and improved. The Course of my Ministry Tms Year. 14 d. 12 m. [February.] I7i6[-i7]. Thursday. On Isa. XXVI. 20. The Chambers, entred by the People of God, at their Death. (A Funeral Sermon, for a Minister of the TowTi who died Yesterday. Preached in the Room of his Collegue.) 17 ord bring her to more satisfactory Expressions and Evi- dences of Repentance, than have yett appeared to her." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, ill. See p. 531, supra. J u N E , I 7 I 8 539 speak such Things as the Flock may fare the better for. The Church proves unanimous. 10. G. D. Oh! what Cries, what Cries to the glorious God of all Grace, am I call'd unto ! 11. G. D. My two aged Fathers, I am in Agony to render their Condition comfortable, in all the Ways that I can imagine for it. And, how much Prayer must be made, that anon, they may finish well ! This Day I was row'd in the Castle-barge, with some good Company, unto an Ordination at Hingam.^ Contrary Wind and Tide would not lett us gett home, till the next Morning. 12. G. D. A Projection for the Restoring of Peace to miserable Wenam. 13. G. D. In Letters directed beyond-sea, several good Motions to be prosecuted. 14. G. D. What? Am I at a Loss for objects of Com- passion? Comfort one of our Deacons, in a singular AfHiction. 14 c?. IV m. Satureday. This Day I sett apart, for such Exercises and on such Occasions, as employ'd me, when I was last in the Way before the Lord. 0 Thou glorious Forgiver of Iniquity, Transgression and Sin ; O Thou gracious Hearer of Prayer ; From the Depths I cry unto thee ! * 15. G. D. I would immediately draw up an Instru- ment, that shall truly represent the State of my Spirit before the Lord, and the several Points of my Praeparation for the Death, which I am now to be daily looking for. It is impos- sible for me to be too solemn or too exact in my forming of this important Instrument. May my glorious Redeemer, and He who has wrought His Works in me, assist me in the ' Rev. Ebenezer Gay (1696-1787). See History of Hingham, i. Pt. ii, 24. 54© DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Action, which is now before me, in order to my having my Heart estabUshed for His Coming. i6. G. D. A Sermon to the Flock, on the Marriage of our SAVIOUR unto His People, may be attended with many happy Consequences. 17. G. D. I would renew that Practice of Piety unto which I have sometimes obliged my Children : to \vrite some Desire of Piety, fetched and formed out of some Sentence in the sacred Scriptures. But especially, I would bring my dear Samuel into the Practice. (IV.) After many Deliberations, I now at length putt into the Hands of the Book-sellers, a large Book, from whence I expect a sensible Service to the Kingdome of God, if ever it shall be published. In order to the Publication, the Booksellers print Proposals for Subscriptions ; that so the Impression of a Book, which wUl be five Shillings price, may be courageably carried on. I am now waiting on my glori- ous Lord, that I may see how far He will please to accept my poor Offerings to serve His Interests; humbly and wholly submitting to His glorious and sovereign, and wise and just Will concerning all. The Work is Entituled ; PsALTERiuM Americanum : The Book of PSALMS, exhibited in Blank Verse, fitted unto the Times commonly used hi the Churches of God; But with a Translation so Exactly Conformed unto the Original, as neither to leave out anything dictated by the Holy Spirit of GOD, nor to putt in any thing that belongs not unto His Holy Dictates: With both of which Inconveniencies, every other Version in Metre here- tofore has been Encumbred. And ILLUSTRATIONS added, which discover in the PSALMS, Rich Treasures not com7nonly apprehended : With Directions to employ the PSALMS on such Intentions of Piety, as to render this Divine Book yet more than ever, the most glorious Instrument of Devotions tJiat JUNE, I 7 I 8 541 ever was in the World. For which Purpose also, some other Portions of the Sacred Scriptures, as exactly translated, are in the like metre ofered.^ 18. G. D. In the Family of my Daughter-in-Law, there is her Httle Son under Languishments. As my Prayers and Cares for the child, are on this Occasion called for, so my seasonable Discourses with the Mother, to praepare her for the Events of Providence. I began to sett apart this Day, for Prayers and Cries to God. But in the Forenoon of the Day, I had so gracious and precious an Answer to what I had begun to ask, that I desisted, at the Desire of my Consort, with whom I offered up thankful Praises to God. 19. G. D. A new Prospect opening to terminate the Confusions, in the South-part of this Town : which I would prosecute. How strangely does the divine Providence deal with the Chief of Sinners ! Oh ! The Triumphs of sovereign Grace, over the vilest and blackest Unworthiness in the Chief of Sinners ! (V.) About nine Years ago, I formed a brief Treatise, which I entituled, A Man of Reason. One who pretended much Friendship to me, carried it for England, with a declared Purpose to, pubhsh it there. The French took him, and he lost all that he had with him. Only one day at his Lodgings in France, his Landlord brought this Manu- script unto him, telling him, / can gett no good by it; it might do you some Good : He carried it over to Bristol with him : and there left it carelessly in an Hand unknown unto me. After some Years, it was by the Mediation of my Friend Mr. Noble, returned unto me. Here it remained some Years, until a religious Society of young men, asked me ' Printed by S. Kneeland, for B. Eliot, S. Gerrish, D. Henchman and J. Edwards. In spite of his good intentions, Mather did not succeed in making his book acceptable to the worshipper. A casual reading will explain why it did not displace the versions then in use. 542 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER lately to give them a Sermon ; and this was the Sermon, which with some other strange Circumstances, that at the Instant brought it into my hand, tho' I had lodged it with one that was now gone a Voyage from us, I gave unto them. The young Men at last committ it unto the Press ; and it looks as if it were designated for some good in the World. It is entituled, A Man of Reason, a Brief Essay to demonstrate, That all men should hearken to Reason: And, what a World of Evil would be prevented in the World, if men would once become so Reasonable.^ 20. G. D. My Prayers with the Govemour and Coun- cil, furnish me Opportunities to utter such Things in the Council-Chamber as the whole Province may fare the better for. 21. G. D. Several wretched Creatures are found, unto whom the Discipline of the Church belongs. Lett me study what is to be done, that they may be brought unto Repentance. * 22. G. D. I find myself greatly improved in a Dis- position of Piety; in which I must yett pursue further Improvements. Instead of courting a great Honour and Esteem in the World ; a great Name among Men, I have rather some Horror of it ; and have a great Aversion for the Sacriledge commonly committed by them who see no further than the Creatures ; who terminate in Man ; who do not carry up their Acknowledgments unto the Glorious GOD. I decline many Things that might gett me a great Name in the World ; merely because while Men make something of me, the glorious GOD will be forgotten. And hence, when I suffer Defamations and Diminutions, I find my Spirit sweetly reconciled unto them, from this Consideration ; now an Idol is dethroned ; now there will > Printed for John Edwards, 17 18. J u N E , I 7 I 8 543 be no Fear of my being Idolized, and having those Regards, which the glorious GOD alone has a claim unto. 23. G. D. Entertain the Flock, with at least three Ser- mons on the three famous Articles; Rom. xiv. 17. Wherein the Kingdome of GOD, is exhibited. 24. G. D. Miserere met, Deus! I sett apart this Day, for extraordinary Supplications unto the glorious GOD. Great Improvements in Repentance, and Piety, and Patience, being at this Time called for. 25. G. D. The sudden Death by Drowning, which befalls a young Man, that lived with my Son-in-Law, and was like one of my own Family ; I must endeavour, that an holy Improvement be made of it, in both Families. 26. G. D. And it may be a Service to the Cause of Piety, especially among the young People of the Town, and more especially among the Prentices, if I preach a suitable Sermon on this mournful Occasion. 27. G. D. The excessive heat of the Season, indisposes us for every thing. Yett, in a Letter to the Govemour, I attempt some good. 28. G. D. A poor Man, by odd Means, detained many years an Hostage, in France, and in miserable Circum- stances, calls for my Compassions, and Endeavours. *29. G. D. What, Oh! what should be the Conduct of a great Sinner, under grievous Punishments and Chas- tisements from GOD, for his manifoed Miscarriages? What the Repentance? What the Submission? What the Flight unto the great Sacrifice? What the Union with the Will of an holy GOD? What the Improvement in Piety, that may answer the End of the Dispensations? What the Returns of Service to a gracious Lord, who is ready to Pardon ? To praepare for, — 30. G. D. O my God, I am troubled, I am troubled, 544 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER that I am no more fruitful in Inventions for the Service of the Flock, whereof I am the Servant. Oh! what shall I do, that I may more imitate the glorious Exemple of the good and great Shepherd! I will with a Soul full of zeal for the Welfare of the Flock, not only go on doing, what I am doing for it, but cry to God more than ever, that He would show me what I shall do. July. I. G. D. My dear Sammy, now appears within a year of his Admission into the Colledge. I must immedi- ately putt myself into a Method, of more closely plying his Education than ever; I would within a day or two, draw up the Method I would proceed upon. 2. G. D. A Kinsman at Hampton, would I do good unto, and animate imto the doing of good. Wednesday. This Day, I sett apart for extraordinary Supplications before the Glorious GOD. And this being the Day of the senseless Diversions, which they call, the Commencement at Cambridge, one of my special Errands unto Heaven, was to ask Blessings for the Colledge, and the Rescue of it from some wretched Circumstances in which it is now languishing. My God and Saviour makes wonderful visits unto me! 3. G. D. I am sending to my Friends in the Fred- erician University, many things that may have a Ten- dency to serve the Kingdome of GOD. Among the rest a Copy of my Letter to Malabar, may be of some good Consequence. 4. G. D. The lovely Society of Pious Children, whom I allow to meet in my Library, I am to take under my Instruction and Protection, with special Endeavours for their Encouragement. 5. G. D. A poor young Man, in the Hands of a wicked Master, from whom he suffers barbarous Things, for speak- ing the Truth ; Pains must be taken to rescue him. JULY, I 7 I 8 545 *6. G. D. Oh! The wondrous Favour of a most gra- cious God unto the Chief of Sinners! I am enriched and refreshed, with a Disposition of PIETY grown to a great Strength upon me, whereof it is impossible for me to express the blessed Consequences. Having entertained a right and clear Apprehension of my great SAVIOUR ; and, His glorious Person, as the Eternal SON of GOD incarnate and enthroned in my Jesus ; being somewhat understood with me, the Thoughts of Him are become exceeding frequent in my Mind. I count it a Fault, if my Mind be many waking Minutes together without some Thoughts that have in them a Tincture of PIETY ; but I have learnt the way of Interesting my SAVIOUR in these Thoughts; and I feel an Impatience, raised in me, if I have been many Minutes, without some Thoughts of Him. I fly to Him, on Multitudes of Occasions every Day. I find the Subject infinitely Inexhaustible. And my thus conversing with my SAVIOUR, has the most sanctifying Impression upon me, of any Exercise that ever I have been used unto. After I have been in the Day thus employ'd, I fall asleep at Night in the Midst of a Meditation on some Glory of my Saviour ; so I sleep in Jesus. And when I wake in the Night, still in the Night, the Desires of my Soul carry me unto Him. The Hohness and Happiness, whereunto I am introduced by my great Improvement of late in this Way of Living is Better to me, than all the Enjoyments of this Worid. But certainly, My SAVIOUR is preparing me for something or other, which I am not yett perfectly aware of. I am very willing to be, But, my Life is hid with CHRIST in GOD ! Some years ago, I wrote an Essay, of this Tendency : and I have essay'd some Conformity to the Maxims of Christianity, then com- municated. But I never have arrived unto such a Degree of Love imto my SAVIOUR, as now I am ; to be uneasy if many Minutes have passed without some Recourse unto Him. 7. G. D. And shall not my Flock feel the Influences of this Disposition in me? Yea, I shall doubtless be disposed by my Saviour, to find out new, rare, exquisite Ways, of leading them unto Acknowledgments of Him, and of His Glories. II • 35 546 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 8. G. D. A poor, weak, helpless, young Woman, but the Daughter of an eminent Minister beyond-Sea, and One of the Orphans which the Ministers here formerly rescued from a Servitude, is taken into my Family, from a Prin- ciple and with an Intention of Charity ; wherein, may the gracious Lord assist us, and accept us. 9. G. D. Sickness in the Family of my Wife's Daughter, calls for my Prayers and Thoughts, that there may be a good Conduct in it, and a good Issue of it. 10. G. D. I am sending to Scotland. And I propound the doing of several Services in the Church of Scotlmid, and so unto the whole World. Especially this; that more of the Scotch Ministers may have a Liesure and Pleasure for the writing of such Books, as may be for the general Good of the Church. 11. G. D. The wretched Condition, which our Col- ledge is in, requires Prayers and Thoughts concerning it. 12. G. D. Several new Objects, full of Poverty and Misery, offer themselves imto my Cares. Satureday. This Day I sett apart for extraordinary Supplications before the glorious God. The Occasions and Exercises were such as have in the later Weeks employ'd me. My glorious Lord fills me with Assurances of His Love unto me. * 13. G. D. The Disposition of PIETY, which I men- tioned this Day Se'nnight, my Soul improves in it at such a rate, and I find such blessed Consequences of it, that I count myself more favoured of the Lord in my being brought imto it than if all the Riches in this World were bestow'd upon me. But very particularly when I meet with such Things as have a Tendency to Trouble me, I find here a strong Anodyne, a strange Cordial under all my Troubles ; a Soul rendred almost insensible of them. The best Thing that I can devise to serve the Kingdome of God in my Soul, JULY, I 7 I 8 547 is to go on with the Methods of getting my SAVIOUR to be thus Reigning there. At the Lord's Table this Day, I gett this Disposition strengthened. 14. G. D. In Conversation with the People of the Flock, ask more frequently, what it is, that they desire to hear preached on. I may in this way receive a notable Direction. And be sure, the Persons whose Desire I gratify, will give a singular Attention. 15. G. D. My Sevva.nt Obadiah : — his Religious Edu- cation. 16. G. D. Putt my Brother at Witney, upon several Services. 17. G. D. I am disappointed this Day, of the Help that I expected for my Lecture. I am suddenly putt upon preaching it. But my Good God leads me to a Subject, which proves in an uncommon Measure acceptable and serviceable imto a Multitude ; How to manage Combats against special Temptations. 18. G. D. I have a Projection for a Revival of the Interview, which the Ministers use to have just after the Lecture ; and how to make it more useful than ever. 19. G. D. A miserable Person, that has long lain under dolorous Languishments. * 20. Oh ! Blessed, blessed be my glorious Redeemer. There are many temporal Enjoyments, which my Heart is willing to ask of a gracious GOD. But my Heart has now such a Bias upon it, and is now so wean'd from this World, and so turn'd unto GOD, that instead of asking for such Enjoyments, I much more ask for an Heart willing to go without them. There is not any one of these Enjoyments, but when I go to ask it, I pass rather to a sacrificing Heart, and pray rather for an Heart able and ready to make a Sacrifice of it ; this I esteem a Blessing preferrible to any Thing that can be denied unto me. 548 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 21. G. D. A Sermon upon the Desires of PIETY, may have a Tendency to enkindle and animate the Desires, in the People. 22. G. D. New Distresses about my poor Son Increase! To find Employments for his Pen, at the Store-house, may be many Ways of use to him. 23. G. D. The People at Brooklyn sett apart this Day for solemn HumiUations and SuppHcations. I go to them, and preach to them, this Day ; and so have an Opportunity to serve the Work of God among them. 24. G. D. I have a Kinsman at Brooklyn, for whom I would employ my very particular Thoughts, what should be done, that he may be rendred an useful j\Ian. 25. G. D. A Minister arrived from Ireland, with In- structions to enquire after the Circumstances of this Coun- trey, in order to the coming of many more, gives me an Opportunity for many Services.' 26. G. D. The many Families arriving from Ireland, will afford me many Opportunities, for Kindnesses to the Indigent. * 27. G. D. That I may go on with my continual Resort unto my SAVIOUR, I would employ my Pen, as soon as may be, to draw up the various Methods of it, and Subjects of Conternplation in it. 28. G. D. Some Sermons on Col. iii. 3, 4, may do notable Service to the Designs of Piety among the People of the Flock, to which I am a Servant. 29. G. D. My GOD ! My GOD ! 30. G. D. Directions to be given for the Service of some related unto me. 31. G. D. Letters and Packets, which I am sending to the other side of the Atlantic, have their Projections for Good in them. Great Projections and a Variety of them. August. I. G. D. A special Occasion of Advice to the * Rev. William Boyd of Macosquin. Bolton, Scotch Irish Pioneers, 91, 132. AUGUST, 1718 549 Schole-master, about some horrid Things, which the Children at the Schole, may be in danger of. 2. G. D. A poor Man in our church, an old Professor of Religion, horribly out of Frame, what shall be done for him? * 3. G. D. I am greatly concerned, that I may keep a most holy, watchful, exact Guard upon my Spirit, that not the least Beginning of any evil Frame arise on any Occasion there. O my GOD, my SAVIOUR; From the Depths I cry unto thee. 4. G. D. A public Notice taken of an excellent Char- acter to be found, in some obscure and retir'd Christians, which the Public takes no notice of, may have a tendency to animate an excellent Piety, among the Poor of the Flock. 5. G. D. My GOD ! My GOD ! 6. G. D. Animate my Brother Samuel, to begin the Work of Associating, to serve the Kingdome of God, and propagate the Maxims of it. 7. G. D. And write unto others beyond-Sea, on the like Intention. But what shall be done for the great Numbers of People, that are transporting themselves hither from the North of Ireland? Much may be done for the Kingdome of GOD in these Parts of the World by this Transportation. 8. G. D. A Variety of new Services to be done for the Kingdome of GOD among our Indians, now occur unto me. 8 d. 6 m. Friday. This Day I sett apart, for secret Sup- plications unto the Lord. Unspeakable Occasions have I to cry unto Heaven. As an Addition to the Occasions for Supplications this day, there is a sad Occurrence in my Family. A Spanish Indian Damsel, who was a very useful Servant in my Family, died very suddenly the last Night, of Bleeding in her Lungs. 55© DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Her Death administers many calls to solemn Humiliations ; with Prayers that a good Servant may [be] sent into the Family, and that our Sins may be pardoned. She was buried this Evening. And I made as pungent a Discourse as I could, unto the many Indians and Negroes that came unto the Funeral. 9. G. D. A worthy Servant of the Gospel among the Indians, needs my Endeavours to do several important Kindnesses for his Encouragement. * ID. G. D. Blank Books may for this purpose be praepared by me, and I may make daily Entries into them. Since the Thoughts of my great and my dear SAVIOUR, do so grow upon me, and have such precious Effects of them, and the further I go, the more expert I am in my conversing with the inexhaustible Subject, these blank Books, will help to methodize my Heads of Meditation, and increase my Supply for it, and be a Repository for such Stores, as I may afterwards bring forth for the public Entertainments in the House of God. 11. G. D. Methinks I do not enough use a Variety of Artifice, in my Catechising. 12. G. D. What Methods am I to take? Direct me, assist me, succeed me, O my SAVIOUR that there may be nothing but the Comfort of Love, always reigning in my Family. 13. G. D. And in the Families that spring from it, and have Relations to it ! 14. G. D. Divisions and Confusions in the Church at Framlingham, call for my best Endeavours to bring them unto a Period. 15. G. D. I am getting ready, with some Gentle- men, certain Proposals for the praeserving and promoting of the evangelical Interests among the Indians at Martha's Vineyard. i$d. 6 tn. Friday. Tho' I am somewhat spent with AUGUST, 1718 551 having preached every other Day this week, in pubhc AssembHes, yett I sett apart this Day for Prayer with Fasting before the Lord on such Occasions, as thus employ'd me a Week ago. 16. G. D. A noted Neighbour, now in years, is fallen into an uncomfortable Distraction. I must be greatly concerned for him. * 17. G. D. I propose to consider my admirable SAVIOUR, more distinctly and more exactly than ever, in the several Articles of His holy Pattern. I would putt the Subjects into Order; and then on a Lord's-day Morning, successively employ my Meditations and my Supplications upon each of them, until I have gone thro' them, and felt, a very deep Impression from them upon me. My Work this Morning, shall be a general Introduction, with mighty Cries from the Depths unto the Lord, that His Image may be most livelily apparent in me. 18. G. D. And my Flock shall feel it. The House wherein I entertain them, shall be the House of my SAVIOUR'S Glory. 19. G. D. My Operations on the Mind of my hopeful Son, Sammy, must every day be various and exquisite. But the more promising Hopes I have of the desircable Child, the more obliged am I to look upon him with a sacrificing Eye. 20. G. D. I am sending Books of Piety, to my Rela- tives at Lime. 21. G. D. I will be no longer putt off; but will try whether I can't form a Society, to consider and prosecute that Enquiry, What may he done to bring on the Kingdom of God? 22. G. D. I must project and pursue a more intimate Correspondence and Conversation with our good, wise, generous Govemour. It may issue in unknown Services and Benefits to the Kingdome of God. 552 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER The extreme Heat of the Weathers, etc, hindred my setting apart this Day, as I intended.^ 23. G. D. A poor, weak, helpless Orphan, by the Providence of God cast into my Family. * 24. G. D. This Morning, that I may come at the Glory of the Lord, and be transformed into His Glorious Image, I consider ; How did my dear SA VIOUR, seek the Glory of Him that sent Him? After I have Thought on the Pattern of so living unto GOD, which He has given me, with Resolutions of Imitation, I cry to Heaven for the Grace to conform unto it ; And I plead the Purchase which His Blood has made of this Grace for me. These were the Heads of my Desires. My GOD, I desire to consider myself, as being sent into the World by thee, to be an Instrument of thy Glory ; And I heartily close with it, as the chief End of my Life, to render and procure those Acknowledgments to Thee, wherein thou wouldest be glorified. It shall be the principal and perpetual Business of my Life, thus to con- form unto the Exemple of my SAVIOUR ; And I will forever abhor, avoid, rebuke, whatever would be a Dishonour to Thee. O my SAVIOUR, Thou hast purchased this Grace of GOD for me. O holy Spirit of my SAVIOUR, apply it, bestow it ; enter me ; Take possession of me. 25. G. D. I am now in quest of another Subject, which the Flock may most unto Edification be entertained withal. Among the rest, why not the endearing Titles of our SAVIOUR. 26. G. D. Two sickly Persons coming to sojourn in my Family, afford me some Opportunities, to consult the Welfare of my Family. At least, my Charity and Compassion to them, will in the Rewards of Heaven prove so. 27. G. D, Some Discords to be prevented, and re- dressed. 28. G. D. Of later Months, my Sermons are so fairly ' This sentence is written in the margin. SEPTEMBER, 1718 553 and fully written, that they may be ready for the Press without any more adoe. I propose to form little Books of them and give Titles, to them, so that they may be ready, for any Publication, which before or after my Death, any unexpected Providence of GOD may [my] SAVIOUR, may order for any of them. Whether the Lord accept these Essays or no, yett it is not amiss for me to praepare and offer them. 29. G. D. A good Service to be done, by settling an Attorney for the Indian Commissioners at Marthas Vineyard. 30. G. D. A miserable Daughter of a Minister in very indigent Circumstances, must be cared for. *3i. G. D. This Morning, I consider; How did my dear SAVIOUR, make it His Meat and His Drink, to do the Will of His Father ? And I propose to imitate Him, with a Delight in Obedi- ence to God, and in doing of good unto all that are about me. Yea, if I do any delightful Action, the chief Delight of it, shall be the Obedience to GOD in it. September, i. G. D. I have some Thoughts, of en- tertaining the Flock, with a Course of Sermons, on the Transfiguration of our Saviour. 2. G. D. Dear Nancy, — 3. G. D. My continual Prayer for my Brother at Witney, must be. Lord, accept him, and employ him, to do great Things for thy Kingdome. And I must be more free in suggesting such Things unto him. 4. G. D. Write unto the Governour of Connecticut, that he would make the Interview of the Ministers at their Commencement more significant and serviceable to the best Interests.^ And some important Things for the Welfare of their Colledge. 'Mather had written on this very subject, August 25, 1718. The letter is in Quincy, History of Harvard University, i. 526. 554 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 5. G. D, Procure a Meeting of the Indian Commission- ers that something may be effectually done, for the Introduc- tion of Christianity among the Pagan Indians at Connecticot. S d. y m. Friday. I sett apart this Day to present my Desires before the Lord, and obtain Mercies from Him. The Occasions and Exercises were, as formerly. 6. G. D. A Scotch Scholemaster arrived here from Ireland, wants Employment. Poor Mr Eliot, Hes languishing. ^ * 7. G. D. This Morning I consider; What was the Diligence of my SA VI OUR in dispatching of the Work, which was given Him to do, before the Night of Death came upon Him? And I cry unto the Lord, that my Sloth may be pardoned, and the Grace of a very diligent Hand, and the Skill of Redeeming the Time wisely, may be bestowed upon me. 8. G. D. The unsearchable Riches of CHRIST; A noble Subject ! Very particularly for the Poor of the Flock. 9. G. D. My daily Discourses with my Son Samuel, in the Latin Tongue, will notably help to cultivate him. 10. G. D. An hopeful young Man in my Neighbour- hood, and one of a learned Education, do's with much Affection, in many Instances do the Part of a Son unto me. Especially in the Affairs of my Library, whereof he is now taking a Catalogue. I must make him such an one; and study all possible Wayes to cultivate him, and accomplish him, for great Services. 11. G. D. If the French Priest, who is an Instructor to the Indians in our Eastern Countrey, might be brought over to the Protestant Religion, it would be a wonderful Service to the Countrey ; wonderfully contribute unto the Tranquillity of the Countrey. Some are not without Hopes that this may be done : I would make an Essay towards it by writing largely in the Latin Tongue unto him. ' John Eliot ? See p. 647, infra. SEPTEMBER, 1718 555 12. G. D. I renew my Request unto the Societies to consider, what Subjects they more especially would propose to hear handled in my public Ministry. 13. G. D. Among the Families arrived from Ireland, I find many and wondrous Objects for my Compassions. Among other Methods of helping them, I would enclose a Sum of Money with a nameless Letter unto one of their Ministers, to be distributed among them. *i4. G. D. This Morning I consider. What was the Submission to the Will of GOD, with which my SA V- lOUR took every Cup that was assigned unto Him? And in conformity to Him, I desire that I may with a patient, silent, easy Frame of Mind, entertain all the Troubles which a sover- eign GOD may order for me. Satisfied in this, that as He does all things well, so He will be gratified in beholding my Obedience to Him ; And that this Resig- nation will be but a Praeparation for the Blessings of the Joy sett before me; the Cross going before the Crown. 15. G. D. To the House where I live, a large Wharf belongs. At this Wharf there usually ly Vessels, which I would look upon as a singular Part of my Flock and Charge. I would therefore often take my Walk down on the Wharf, talk with the People of the Vessels, and lodge Books of Piety in their hands. 16. G. D. There is an unhappy Discord, between some ; for the Curing whereof I would use all exquisite Methods of Prudence and Goodness. It is a grievous Burden to me. 17. G. D. There do arise little Discords also among some Relations, at a further Distance from me. I would in all dulcifying Wayes bring them to be well-disposed unto one another. 18. G. D. The wretched Condition of our College ; can I do nothing towards the mending of it. Be sure, Cries to God, that it may bere covered into 556 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER a Condition, which may have a good Prospect on the Kingdome of GOD, and the Service of His Churches. 19. G. D. I have had some Thoughts, whether it might not have good Effects, if once in two Months, or so, I should preach at one or other of the Congregations in my Neighbourhood ; changing with the neighbouring Ministers. Hereby I shall have Opportunities to preach the Gospel, unto the whole City. And it may be some Releef unto my weary Studies. 20. G. D. A forlorn, f reward, wicked old Man, perish- ing in an helpless old Age, and the want of every thing; I must look after him. * 21. G. D. This Morning I consider; Whut was the Conduct of my SAVIOUR in the Repelling of Temp- tations, when He was assaulted with them? And in Conformity to Him, I resolved upon a vehement and perpetual Hatred of all Sin ; A constant Recourse to the Word of GOD ; wherein, // is written, what forbids and condemns the Sin I may be tempted to. A Repetition of earnest Cries to Him, who succours the Tempted. I now particularly thought on the Passages of the Sacred Scrip- ture, which fulminate the Faults I may be most in danger of. 22. G. D. A Sermon on the Espousal of a Soul unto a SAVIOUR. 23. G. D. Further Points of Liza's Education. 24. G. D. A young Man in London, my wife's Nephew, a Letter and a Present, that may have a Tendency to engage him in the Ways of Piety. 25. G. D. I am thinking on a Catalogue of great Services and Benefits to be done for Mankind in general; and for the British Nations. Which if I can finish and publish, it may in Time have blessed Effects in the World. 26. G. D. Letters must be written unto the General V OCTOBER, 1718 557 Assembly at Connecticot, about Christianizing the Pagan Indians in their Colony. 27. G. D. A Family in Affliction, calls for my Compassion. *28. G. D. This Morning I consider, What was the Carriage of my SAVIOUR under provoking Injuries and Abuses from them that were about Him? And in Conformity to Him, I Resolved, That I would see the Hand of GOD, in all the Provocations that any Children of Men may offer me. That I would most religiously and circumspectly forbear all Revenges, and avoid so much as a revengeful Wish in my Soul. That I would suppress all Ebullitions of sinful Wrath and Rage ; all wrathful and raging Expressions, and unadvised Speeches. That I would endeavour to overcome Evil with Good. And for this Purpose I look'd up unto Him. 29. G. D. Something more must be done, (in private Conversation particularly,) to animate and awaken the people, that they would more seriously and earnestly pro- ject for the Good of the Flock, to which they belong. 30. G. D. Certain Points of Manliness there are, whereto my Son Samuel must now be raised apace. And my daily Discourses with him are to be in the Latin Tongue. October, i. G. D. I am this Day concerned in the Ordination of a very hopeful young Gentleman, ^ to the pastoral Care of the old South church. I will here enter him as one of my Relatives ; hoping to enjoy a Brother in him, and a Friend more useful than a Brother. 2. G. D. I have been some Occasion of the Visits which many Ministers have made unto miserable Tiverton. I have not had Strength, to bear my part in those Visits. But yett, that in my poor Manner and Measure I may do something to serve the Kingdome of God, in that wretched * Rev. Thomas Prince (1687-1758). Sewall, Diary, lu. 198. 558 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Place, I am at the Charge of reprinting my little Book, of. The greatest Concern in the World ; and sending a Number, to be dispersed in the Families there. • 3. G. D. Encourage the People of Dray cot, unto the Inviting of a worthy Scotch Minister lately arrived here, to settle among them.^ 3 rf. 8 w. Friday. This Day I sett apart for the Devo- tions of a Day of Prayer. The Occasions, and the Exercises, were the same that [as] on some former such Days. But my SAVIOUR was, alas, this day very much with- drawn from my Soul. I have not had Heaven opened to me and visiting of me, as at some other Times. I suspect some heavy Trials may be near unto me. 0 my SAVIOUR, do thou return unto me. 4. G. D. A poor Man, whose Debts have a consider- able while confined him, is an Object for my Compassions. * 5. G. D. This Morning, I sett myself to consider. What was the Conduct of my SAVIOUR, in His Management of His Family? And in Conformity to Him, I Resolved, That I would keep continually Instructing my Domesticks in the Things that concern the Kingdome of GOD. That I will faithfully advise them of the various Temptations, whereto I may apprehend them obnoxious and lovingly Rebuke all that I see amiss in them. That I will without ceasing pray with them, and for them. And, that I will do what I can, to guard them against the Mis- chiefs which they may in an evil World be expos'd unto. The Grace to do these things, I implored as having been pur- chased by Him for me. 6. G. D. I am sensible, that I am too defective in my pastoral Visits ; with Cryes to the Lord for Forgive- * Printed at New London, Conn., by T. Green. It had first appeared in 1707. ' Rev. James McGregor, of Aghadowey. Bolton, Scotch Irish Pioneers, 106, 199. I OCTOBER, 1718 559 ness and Assistence, I will sett upon the Reforming of this Defect. And scatter in the Families, besides other Books, of Piety, my little Treatise of The Greatest Con- cern in the World. 7. G. D. Some Things occurr in my Family, which require in me, exquisite Prudence, Patience, Goodness, that so Sin may not be committed, but GOD and His Gospel may be glorified : Exquisite Projection for a Good Issue ; And, oh ! continual, and uncommon cries, unto the glorious Lord, for His gracious Conduct. 8. G. D. I have my youngest Sister, brought unto a Widowhood ; I am to take a brotherly Care of her, and to do in every thing the Part of a Brother born for Adversity. 8 (i. 8 ni. Because of some singular Circumstances which call me to more than ordinary Humiliations and Supplications, I sett apart this Day for them. At length I obtained some Assurances of a gracious GOD reconciled unto me. My main Request was. That I might not by any Temp- tation whatever be overcome to Sin against the glorious GOD, nor admitt the least ill Frame, or the least ill Thought, into my Heart. But then with the same Intent, and with the same Ardour, I requested for, a Soul full of a CHRIST; that I may mightily improve in the Blessedness which I am in the daily and mighty Pursuance of. My GOD has heard me. 9. G. D. Sending to Scotland this day, I project sev- eral Services for the Kingdome of God. ID. G. D. Some Things in View for the Good of the Colledge. II. G. D. Several poor Objects occur, to be releeved. * 12. G. D. This morning I sett myself to consider. With what Eye did my SA VIOUR look upon this World, and all the little Glories of it? 560 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER And in Conformity to Him, I desired, That all the Enjoyments of this World might appear contemptible Things unto me. That no offer of these Things might ever draw me into any Sin against the glorious GOD. That I might be content with a poor ; and hard, low, mean Con- dition in this World. And yett give Thanks for the smallest Vouchsafements of it ; a Morsel of Bread. That I may be willing to leave this World, as soon as ever my heavenly Father shall call me out of it. 13. G. D. The Psalmody is but poorly carried on in my Flock, and in a Variety and Regularity inferior to some others ; I would see about it. 14. G. D. A Difficulty, my GOD, Help me with Prayer and Patience to overcome it. Oh ! may Cresy Walter's Death, be sanctified imto Cresy Mather! 15. G. D. My Brother and Sister at Roxbury, hear of the Death of their eldest Son abroad. What shall I do, to comfort them? 16. G. D. I am not only polishing the Psalterium Americanum, which is now in the Press ; but also making Additions to the rich Stores of the Cantional, that so the Various Intentions of Piety may be more fuUy answered. 17. G. D. The Charge, with the Fellowship of the Churches, lately given in an Ordination, being joined unto the Sermon then preached, which is going to the Press, may serve several good Purposes. 18. G. D. Employments must be sought for some that want them. * 19. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider; How did my SA VIOUR attend the private and public Worship of God ? And in conformity unto Him, I desired. That I might converse much with the glorious GOD in the Religion of the Closett. OCTOBER, 1718 561 That my part of the religious Exercises in the Assemblies of Zion, may be serious, devout, constant. 20. G. D. My poor Flock! what shall I do for thee? I hope, the Sermon preached Yesterday, proves a very Awakening one. I contrived Yesterday, that the Consid- eration of a Death approaching, upon which the Place of every one will know them no more, might be sett home, with all possible Pungencies. I may here take notice of an observable Thing. What a precious Favour of Heaven it is, to have a Mind moved and acted from above, and under a special Conduct of Heaven ! Towards the latter End of the Week, I found my Mind strongly impelled unto the praeparing of a Sermon on Job VII. 10. Neither shall his Place know him any more: But without any other Intention, than to have it ly by, for some future and unknown Occasion. On the Lord's-day- Morning (and it fell out that I must, preach in the Morn- ing,) I had it struck into my Mind, that I may do well to preach the Sermon I had praepared ; and make it a funeral Sermon, for a worthy Minister of Andover,^ who died sud- denly the last Week, and add his Character in the close of it. He was a worthy Man, and very modest and humble ; and one who studied much to avoid public Appearances. But I thought, my publishing the Worth of such a Man, and procuring a just Fame unto him, would be but the more proper an Action, and be some Reward of Heaven unto him. I did accordingly ; and enjoyed a very gracious Presence of the holy One with me, in the doing of it. (VI.) The Son of this Person, is our Schole-Master, and my Auditor; and he comes to me, for a Copy of my Sermon. While such a large work, as my Psalteritim, is in the Press, I have not had so many Opportunities for the publishing of lesser Composures. But I begg'd of the Lord, that He would continue my Fruitfulness, and make * Thomas Bernard, n -36 562 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and find Opportunities for it. Behold, an Instance! I give my Sermon to my Neighbour, for the Press, under this Title; Vanishing Things. An Essay on the Condi- tion of Man known in his Place no more, when Death has once removed him from it. A Sermon preached on the Death of the shining and yett humble Mr. Thomas Bernard, the late Pastor of a Church in Andover. ' On this Occasion, I look'd back to see, how many Per- sons of Worth, a gracious God has employ'd my poor Pen, publickly to exhibit unto the World, with an Advantageous History, or Character of them. And, I found, no less than One hundred and fourteen men (whereof more than Four- score stand in the Church-History,) and above twenty Women ; besides many more, who have more transiently and occasionally had an honourable Mention made of them. I now sett myself to glorify the free Grace of GOD unto the Chief of Sinners, in using me thus, to discover unto the World, the Glory of my SAVIOUR, in what He has done for and by His chosen Servants. I begg'd of Him, the Grace to approve myself so, that what good I have written of others, may not prove my own Condemnation, thro' my own falling short of the like. I freely consented unto it, that I should myself after all, remain unmentioned after my Death, and ly buried in all possible Obscurity, and never have any Remembrance among the Children of Men. I found such a Love of GOD, working in my Soul, that I would fain disappear and have none but ffim to be acknowledged. 21. G. D. My Negro-Servant, Ohadiah; my Saviour has committed him unto me, that I may bring him up to be a Servant of the Lord. Being deeply affected with such a Consideration, I would use all possible, and exquisite Endeavours for the Instructing and Restraining of him. I have hitherto been too defective in these Endeavours. 22. G. D. The worthy Minister of Groton is become • Printed by S. Kneeland for D. Henchman, 1718. OCTOBER, 1718 563 now (and by my means) my Kinsman.' I would endeavour in ways of special Kindness and Contrivance, to become useful unto him, and assist him in the fruitful Discharge of his Ministry. 23. G. D. The Author of the Occasional Paper having published unto the World, my Letter to Pilloniere,^ I now send unto him several Instruments, in hopes, that by his Means, they may serve the good Cause of Piety and Liberty, for which they are calculated.' GOD knows, what may be the Consequences of publish- ing the mentioned Letter, which I found called, A celebrated Letter and much talk'd of, before this Publication. 24. G. D. Writing to my Brother I renew my Sollici- tations unto him, that he would bring my Testimony against Arianism, into operation. And I press Mr. Bradbury, to — 25. G. D. Several Miserables, under the Influences of my Charity. For my Remittances to the Orphan-house at Glaucha, I gathered eight Pounds of our Money for which Mr, Belcher generously furnishes me with a Bill of ten Pounds Sterling : Sent by me now to Mr. Boehm, and Mr. Nauman. * 26. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider. The Prayers of my SAVIOUR, what were they, and how managed? And in Conformity to Him, I desired, That I may be accustomed unto all Sorts of Prayers. And particularly that my ejaculatory Prayers may be innumerable. That I may be exceeding frequent in my Prayers and make my Visits unto Heaven upon all Occasions. That I may be exceeding devout, serious, fervent in my Prayers, 'Caleb Trowbridge (1692-1760), married (i) Sarah Oliver, and (2) Hannah Walter, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel Walter. The second marriage took place September 18, 1718. ^ Frangois de la Pillonnidre. •Simon Browne (1680-1732), now pastor of the important congregation in the Old Jewry, London, issued a Collection of the Occasional Papers for the Year 1718, m. where he printed Mather's letter, dated November 5, 1717. 564 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER as having the Sight of ffim who is invisible, and being duely affected with the Importance of what is before me. That I may in my Prayers exercise a strong Faith in God. And that my Petitions may be well-examined ones, for ever accord- ing to the Will of God, and aim'd at His Glory: And with a due Submission to His infinite Wisdome and Justice and Sovereignty ; a Resignation to His holy Pleasure. 27. G. D. I will keep continually scattering in my Flock my Essay on, the Greatest Concern in the world. This morning our merciful SAVIOUR gave my Daugh- ter Abigail, a safe and a quick Deliverance of a Daughter.* 28. G. D. And this obliges me to new Acts, wherein I am to consecrate my Family unto the Lord. 29. G. D. And, Oh! what shall I do, that the excellent Faculties and Attainments, of my Nephew at Roxbury, may be made exceeding serviceable to the Kingdome of GOD? This Day, that young Man is ordained unto the pastoral Charge of the Church there. ^ I am employ 'd in some of the public Exercises on this Occasion ; particularly, in giving the Fellowship of the Churches; wherein I enjoy the gracious Assistances of the Lord. 30. G. D. I hope I have litt upon a Method of intro- ducing the Gospel into the Town of Providence. 31. G. D. The Master of the Grammar-Schole ' in my Neighbourhood, expresses to me, so much of a Desire to have it a Schole of Piety, that I am animated exceedingly, unto all possible Projections to render it so. 2,1 d. VIII m. Friday. This Day, I endeavour, as I use to do; to devote good Part of the Day, unto the Devotions of a Sacrificer. The Occasions and the Exercises of the Day, were such as of later time they use to be. ' In the margin is written "about 4h." The child, Abigail Willard, was bap- tised November 2. ' Rev. Thomas Walter. See Sewall, Diary, in. aoi. • John Bernard. NOVEMBER, 1718 565 I particularly cried unto God, That our Colledge might be rescued into a Better Condition. ^ My Alms this Day were somewhat extraordinary ; tho' not worth Mentioning. November, i. G. D. Money and Cloathing for some very poor Strangers, lately come among us. * 2. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider; How did my SAVIOUR use to sabbatize when the Rest of GOD every week return' d unto Him ? And in Conformity to Him, I desired, That on the Sabbath, I may keep a strict Guard, not only on my Words, but also on my very Thoughts, to have nothing allow'd in them, that shall be unsuitable unto the Religion of the Day. That on the Sabbath, I may spend the whole Time, as far as I am able, in the public and private Exercises of Religion. That when the Sabbath arrives, I employ many most affectuous Meditations on the Works of Creation, and of Redemption, and on the Rest which remains for the People of GOD. That the Arrival of the Sabbath shall be alwayes exceeding wel- come to me. This Morning, when walking in my Garden, I had my Spirit raised unto wondrous Flights of Union to my SAVIOUR, of which I may take a Time hereafter to give the Particulars. 3. G. D. Oh! lett me oftner yett renew and repeat my Considerations upon that awful Enquiry ; What Account shall I give unto my Saviour, of my Cares about the Flock, which He has committed unto me ? 4. G. D. Should not Sammy be putt upon writing after the Preacher ; and begin thus betimes a Stock of Notes, that may imprint upon his Mind the Truths of the Gospel ? 5. G. D. What more shall I do, for the Service of my Kinsman at Brooklyn? This Day, I enjoy'd a most gracious and precious * For a letter from Mather to Shute, dated this day, upon the concerns of Harvard College, see Quincy, History of Harvard University, i. 523. 566 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Presence of GOD with me, in managing an Ordination at Brooklyn.^ 6. G. D. I have had many Thoughts, whether a Sermon about the awful Nature and Effect of an Oath, may not be of great Use unto the People of the Countrey ; among whom a rash Praecipitation in the Taking of an Oath, is what People are too commonly guilty of. What if I should attempt it, in the Audience of the General Assembly. 7. G. D. Now is the Time, to renew the Motion for Guardians to the Christian Indians. 8. G. D. A Scotch Youth, in poverty, and want of Employment, must be provided for. * 9. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider. The Miseries of a wretched world, how did my SAVIOUR look upon them? And in Conformity to Him, I desired, that wherever I see any Miseries, my Compassions may be moved for them. That I may with much Concern, and Vigour, and even Raptures, fly to succour such as I see in any Miseries. But above all, that the Sins with which I see any offending of GOD, and injuring of themselves, may be grievous to me. 10. G. D. I entertain the Flock, with as pungent and useful a Discourse, as I can, on the Occasion given in the tragical Spectacle of a Number in our Neighbourhood, (among which were the Master of the Light-house, and his Wife) who were drowned the last Week, and carried all together to the Grave, with a very solemn Funeral.^ And at the same Time, I recommend that excellent Piety, an Observation of the Divine Providence in all Occurences. Having done this Yesterday, my most Gracious Lord, * Rev. James Allen. See p. 483, supra. 'George Worthylake, his wife Ann, and daughter Ruth. The storm fell on November 3. ShurtlefT, Description 0} Boston, 570. P'ranklin's ballad on the incident (Autobiography, in Works (Smyth) I. 23Q) was translated into French as " La Trag6die du Phare," and re-translated into English as " The Tragedy of Pharaoh." NOVEMBER, 1718 567 will still hear my Cries, unto Him, and allow me, and employ me, to bring forth much of that Fruit, by which the heavenly Father may be glorified. My Sermon goes to the Press, and I have an Opportunity, in a more diffu- sive way to recommend that excellent Piety, which will exceedingly glorify God. (VII.) It is entituled. Providence asserted and ADORED. In a Sermon occasioned hy the Tragical Death of several, who were unhappily drowned, near the Light-house, at the Entrance of Boston-Harbour. With a Relation of the unhappy Accident. 11. G. D. I must lay certain Charges on my Children, relating to their Conduct, that it be wise, good, patient, silent, and honourable, under some Temptations to Sin, which they may be in danger of. 12. G. D. I have a Nephew entring into the Business of the World, whom I must advise for the best in several Regards. 13. G. D. I must advise with the Governour about several important Services for the Public. 14. G. D. An ungospellized Island, — I hope, I am in a way of getting the Gospel to it. 14 d. 9 m. Friday. Renew'd Occasions, oblige me to ly in the Dust before the Lord, with the Deepest Humilia- tions, and the most fervent Supplications. I know not that Man upon Earth, who more wants Pardon, and Pitty, and Succour, from the Glorious Lord ! 15. G. D. I don't want for Objects of Charity and Compassion ; they ly thick about me. This Day I gett very far up towards an Union with my dear Saviour ; first in Disposition, then in Aim ; lastly in Will. And I was dissolved into Floods of Tears, from the Apprehension, which this Union gave unto me. * 16. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider. 568 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER What was the Behaviour of my SAVIOUR towards His various Relatives? I find, that He paid an inviolate Respect unto His Parents ; and He took singular Care for the Releef and Comfort of the Person that was more than in the Eye of the Law one of them. He had Brothers, whose bad Carriage towards him for diverse Years, He bore with Patience ; and He never gave over, until they were brought home unto GOD. He had Kinsmen, whom He took into a most intimate Communion with Him, and quaUfied them for great Enjoyments in and Services to, the Kingdome of God; For the Direction of my Behaviour towards my Consort, I often, often, think, How is the Church treated by her Saviour. I begg'd help of Him, to go and do likewise. 17. G. D. Another Master of the Light-house, is (with another Person) already drowned. ^ So surprising a Dis- pensation gives me an Opportunity to lett fall such Passages on the Sea-faring part of my Flock, as may have a mighty Tendency to excite the Motions of Piety in them. God prosper these Endeavours. 18. G. D. My Family is in astonishing Circumstances. Oh! the Patience, the Prudence, the Prayer, that is called for. If it were not for my calling of a glorious CHRIST into my Mind continually, and the Visits which He graciously makes unto my poor, sinful, sickly Soul, what, what would become of me? I here leave this Testimony to you, my Children, or whatever Hands these papers may fall into: that a Glorious CHRIST conversed withal, will be the Life of the Soul, that has Him dwelling in it. 19. G. D. This Day I find out a remote Relative that I never thought of ; one in miserable Poverty. I sett my- self to do the best I can for them. 20. G. D. This Day, I attempt the Service, which I have many Thoughts about. I give to the Public and in ' Robert Saunders. NOVEMBER, 1718 $69 the Audience of the General Assembly, a Sermon upon the Nature of an Oath, and the Vileness and Peril of a Perjury. Prseliminary to this Action, I underwent many deep Humiliations. But besides all the rest, I had a Hold upon me, and much Fear that I should not have a Voice to go well thro' the Work upon. I considered, that my JESUS is the Voice of GOD; and that I am united unto Him. So I believed, that I should speak. I enjoy'd not only a Voice, beyond what was ordinary, but also had a Presence of the Glorious One with me, to an imcommon Degree, in every part of my Service. 21. G. D. A Projection to putt out as many of the Indian Children, as tis possible, unto English and godly Families, is what I would now prosecute, as most likely to answer all good Intentions for the next Generation among them. 22. G. D. A miserable Woman in the Prison, for hor- ribly butchering her child, is a singular Object for my Compassions. * 23. G. D. This Morning I sett myself to consider : What was the Conduct of my 5AVI0UR in preaching of the Gospel ? I find that He preached with much Frequency ; and with oh ! what matchless Fervency! Very plainly ; especially in the use of the most enlightening Similitudes. With great Faithfulness ; bearing Testimonies for GOD , and for Truth, without fearing the Displeasure of Men. And chiefly insisting on the more weighty Matters. I begg'd Help of Him, to go and preach as like Him, as may be. 24. G. D. It has been my way, when I have had any personal Affliction befalling of myself, then to consider how I may render my Flock the better for them ; and what Lessons of Piety should be to my Flock recommended and inculcated. I will do so, at this Time, as wisely as I can. 57© DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 25. G. D. It will be not only a thing acceptable to GOD, but also a great Convenience and Advantage unto my dear Sammy; if I take a religious, ingenious, poor Orphan, who is of the same Standing in the School with him, and give him his Board in my Family. 26. G. D. I have a Son-in-Law, who needs my Advice, in diverse important Articles. 27. G. D. Oh! That I could find the Liesure to form an Enchiridion of the liberal Sciences, which might enable Persons easily to attain them : and at the same time, con- secrate the whole Erudition unto the Designs of Piety ; that Persons may therein live unto God. If such a Thing might be accomplished, it might be one of the most useful Things that ever were done in the World. But I despair, — it seems too late for me : — except, — 28. G. D. I have Thoughts of writing a circular Letter, unto the several Ministers employ'd in the Work of Gospellizing the Indians ; upon several important Points relating to that Affair. 29. G. D. Some of my Neighbourhood under Lan- guishments call for my Compassions. I have been ill all this week ; a feavourish Pain in my Head, much afflicting me, every Forenoon. So that I have not had Strength to sett apart a Day for Supplications, as I use to do. * 30. G. D. Either I must reserve the further Prose- cution of my Design, to consider the Image and Pat- tern of my Saviour for the Healing of my Soul, for some other Papers, or however I must here make a short Parenthesis, that I may enter one of the Things which I have to delight my Soul, in the Multitude of my Thoughts within me. I have a Contemplation, which has upon me a most Heart- melting Efficacy. NOVEMBER, 1718 571 When the Cloud of Glory, which was the Shechinah, that had our SAVIOUR, with the Angels of His Presence dwelUng in it, came down and filled the Temple of old, what a grateful Spectacle was it, and what Acclamations did it raise in the Spectators ! A godly Man is a Temple of God ; o living Temple; dearer to Him than any Temple of meer Matter, tho' the most splendid and costly in the World. When our SAVIOUR comes into the Heart of a godly Man, then the Glory of the Lord comes to fill a Temple, which He has chosen for His Habi- tation. And our SAVIOUR comes into an Heart, which is contin- ually instructing and reforming and solacing itself, by thinking on Him. O Heart panting after thy SAVIOUR ; So kind is thy SAVIOUR, that even at the Call of a Thought He will come into thee! A Temple so filled with the Glory of the Lord is unseen by the Standers-by ; Flesh and Blood standing by. The Life of the godly Man is Hid with CHRIST in GOD; It is an hidden Life. But GOD sees this Temple with Pleasure. The SAVIOUR who htoweth all things is pleased with the Sight. His Angels make their Acclamations upon it. A feavourish and a torturous Pain in my Head, has now visited me, and afilicted for the whole former Part of the Day, for now a week together. By means hereof I am this Day chased, not only from the House of God, but also from His Holy Table where His People expected my Administrations. This Thing, attended with other humbling Circumstances, caused me exceedingly to judge and loath myself before the Lord. But at the same Time, I had my SAVIOUR coming very near imto me. I have not only the infaUible Symptoms and Effects of a pardoned Soul, but my SAVIOUR dwells in my Soul ; and comforts me with astonishing Emanations and Assurances of His Love. This Day, I have been in the heavenly World. It is impossible for me to relate what I have mett withal. The Things are unutter- able! unutterable! unutterable! (VIII.) That I may serve the Kingdome of my SAVIOUR in one important Article more ; Glory to GOD in the Highest, and Peace on Earth, I have convey'd unto the Press, my late Sermon about Swearing. It is entituled ; The Religion of an OATH. Brief Directions, How the Duty of SWEARING may he safely performed, when it is justly demanded. And strong Persuasives to avoid the perils of Perjuries. Concluding with a solemn Explanation of an 572 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER OATH, which the Laws of Denmark require to be considered by them, whom an OATH is propos'd unto.^ Two ordination-Sermons are lately published ; and with them, there are given to the Public, the Speeches which I made, at giving the Fellowship of the Churches on those Occasions. These are the first Speeches of this Kind, that ever were printed in the world.^ December, i. G. D. This is the Morning, in which I sett myself to think, What may I do for my SAVIOUR in the Service of the Flock, which He has committed unto me? I can think of nothing, but a renew'd Vigour of pastoral Visits, as soon as my Health will allow of them. On this Occasion, I exceedingly bewayled before the Lord, my Slothfulness and Barrenness in my Projections of Service to the Flock for which I must give up an awful Account unto Him. I confess'd before Him, how just it would be for Him to punish me with dreadful Things in my House, while my Behaviour in His House, is to be taxed with so many Negligences and Miscarriages. I begg'd it of Him, that He would instruct me and inspire me, and from time to time, lead me on unto the doing of such Things as may have a Tendency to make my Flock, a wise, an holy and an happy People. 2. G. D. What a singular Engine have I to employ, for the engaging of my Children to become very frequent and fervent in their Prayers to the glorious God. Oh! may I effectually and importunately improve it! And, Oh! may I be in Agony till I see produced in them, the Piety, to which I and they have uncommon Awakenings! 3. G. D. What shall I do? What shall I do, that my Kinsman, who is now settled in the pastoral Care of the ' Printed by B. Green for D. Henchman, 1719. ' Both sermons were by Increase Mather ; the one, at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Walter, in Roxbury, October 29, 1718; and the other, at that of Rev. Nathaniel Applcton, in Cambridge, October 9, 1717. There is no speech appended to the Applcton Sermon. DECEMBER, 1718 573 Church at Roxbury, may glorify my SAVIOUR, with his bright Faculties and Attainments? I will cultivate much Familiarity with him ; I will endeavour to bring him into right Sentiments concerning the Kingdome of God, and the Service that is to be done unto it. I will communicate the best of Treasures unto him, on all Opportunities. 4. G. D. My Letter to Pilloniere having been published and scattered thro' the World, and there being much Notice of it, it may be an Introduction unto my further Appearances in much greater Services for the Kingdome of God. Another Letter, either to him, or to the Author of The Occasional Paper, well contrived, may be of uncommon Consequence. 5. G. D. Some aged Societies for Piety, in my Neigh- bourhood, are languishing; What shall I do, that either they may be reanimated or others may be substituted. 6. G. D. Sundry poor Widows in my Neighbourhood. * 7. G. D. For some weighty Reasons, I must now make an Addition unto my Daily Prayers. As my SAV- IOUR went up into a Mountain to Pray, so would I now every Evening about Sun-sett go up into my Library to pray. The more special Intention of this Prayer shall be, to enlarge in Petitions for Improvements in Piety; but yett more peculiarly to obtain Conduct from Heaven for the Management of my Designs to serve the Kingdome of God, and the marvellous Rescue and Increase of my Oppor- tunities to do good, which sometimes the grand Adversary threatens with grievous Mischiefs unto them. 8. G. D. What, what shall I do more, for the Flock whereof I am the Servant ? It has been a Consolation unto me, when my Life has been full of Adversity, that all the Articles of it, have brought forth Revenues unto the People of GOD, and the Flock with which He has betrusted me. My Adversity has yeelded Instructions and Experiments unto them, 574 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER which they have been the Better for; and I have been rendred the more, fruitful among them. Shall it not still be so? I meet with some very uncommon Exercises. Now, first; my public Prayers and Sermons, must be more flam- ing Devotions than ever ; there must be more of the Fire of God in them, and what may discover a sensible Improve- ment of Piety in me under my Calamities. And, secondly ; there are certain particular Maxims of Piety which being enabled from the Things which I meet withal, to press more than ever, I must accordingly now recommend with a singular Importunity. 9. G. D. Ah! my poor Family! what Prayers must be obtained and employed for thee! I must use more effectual Methods that the Evenings, both before and after the Lord's-day, be more entirely devoted unto Exercises of Piety. There are also certain Methods of Frugality, which the growing Difficulties of the Time, oblige us to grow more studious of. 10. G. D. A new Relative appears ; a very poor one ; and I doubt not a very good one ; but one who expects, and must receive many Kindnesses. 11. G. D. I propose a Letter to the Author of The Occasional Paper, accompanied with some Communica- tions, which I hope, will prove of a most extensive Service to the Kingdome of God. II d. 10 ni. Thursday. This Day was kept as a public Thanksgiving thro' the Province. My gracious Lord granted me some Assistances of His Grace, for the Work before me. In the Evening of this Day, I went up into my Library, (as my SAVIOUR did use to go up into a Mountain, to pray,) according to the Custome I have lately taken up. I had my Soul astonished, and full of Consternation, from an Apprehension, that the Vengeance of DECEMBER, 1718 575 God was irresistibly coming out against me ; an holy and a religious God, proceeding irresistibly to punish me, yea, to destroy me, for my Sins against Htm ; Sins in me aggravated above those of any man in the World. Oh! the Agony, in which I lay prostrate and contrite in the Dust before the Lord ; crying and begging and weeping for a Pardon : and pleading the Great Sacrifice of my SAVIOUR, that the Wrath of Heaven may be turned away from me ! The next Morning I renew'd my Flight with a Flood of Tears, unto the Fountain sett open for Sin and for Uncleanness ; and with such Dispositions towards the Blood of my SAVIOUR, that I could not but beleeve, that a gracious GOD has pardoned me, and that my SAVIOUR will gloriously step in, with His Providence, to stop the Progress of the divine Vengeance against me. 12. G. D. Our Schole-Master is like to leave us. A good Successor is of great Importance. I have one in View; who may prove an Instrument of great Good unto us. I will endeavour his Introduction.^ 13. G. D. A poor Woman, under long Languishments, with no body to look after her. * 14. G. D. In my vehement Cries from the Dust unto the Lord for the Pardon of my crying Sins against Him, I consider the Dispositions in the Mind of my dear SAVIOUR, at the Time, when He was enduring the Punishment of my Sins, and making Himself a Sacrifice for them. I find that He was willing to take whatever Cup His Father should give unto Him ; that He lamented the Dis- tance of GOD from Him ; that He was concerned for to have the whole Will of God finished ; that He was concerned for the Welfare of those that were about Him : that He wished the Mercies of GOD unto His Enemies ; that He resigned His immortal Spirit unto His Father, for Him to do as He pleased with it. Now I strive till I find the holy One working in my own Soul, something that answers these Dispositions of my SAVIOUR. Thus disposed, I beg with Agony for the Pardon, which my SAVIOUR so disposed, has with His pre- cious Blood purchased for me. And herein I do not aim, at recommend- ing myself by any good Thing in me, unto the Benefit of a Pardon : but my Aim is to gett a comfortable Evidence, that it is a Faith of the right Sort; with which I now fly to the Blood of my SAVIOUR, * Sewall mentions a candidate, Rev. Samuel Angier. 576 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and pursue and receive a Pardon. Yea, these Dispositions assure me, that I am actually alive, and have passed from Death to Life, and so a Sentence of Life is with a Pardon passed upon me. To gain the greater Assurance of this Life, I find, that the Blood of my SAVIOUR is running warm in the Veins of my Soul ; quickening of me to mighty Anhelations, after an Imitation of Him, in loving of Righteousness, and Hating of Wickedness, and submitting to God, and perpetually doing of Good; yea, an universal Conformity unto Him. An infal- lible Token that this precious Blood has been applied unto me. 15. G. D. One of our Deacons, more active than the Rest. I would much consult with him, and obhge him to concur with me, on that Point, What may be further done for the Good of the Flock. 16. G. D. A Servant-maid come into my Family. I must speak, yett more explicitly and effectually to her, about her Espousal to her SAVIOUR. 17. G. D. There are in this Town several Families to which I am nearly related. ISIethinks, I do not visit them often enough, upon the Designs of Piety. 18. G. D. Might I not be furnished with some notable Opportunities to serve the Kingdome of GOD, if I should bring it about, that the Commissioners for propagating the Gospel among our Indians, keep a Day of Prayer together, and I on the Day entertain them with a Sermon suited unto the Occasion, and then pubhsh the Sermon accompanied with some other Things to serve the Cause of Religion in the world? 19. G. D. The Minister at Rhode-Islattd must be followed with new and strong Instigations, to hasten the Gathering of a Church there. 20. G. D. An honest and an aged man of some Con- sideration in our Neighbourhood, is fallen midst grievous Distraction. Besides other Compassions to him and his Family, I procure a Number of the pious Neighbours to meet and pray together for him. DECEMBER, 1718 577 * 21. G. D. My glorious LORD is leading me into a Practice, wherein He has a wonderful Design, and whereof there will be anon a wonderful Issue. As my SAVIOUR, when the Evening arrived, would go up into a Mountain to pray, so, when the Dark or the Dusk of the Evening arrives, I go up unto my capatious Library, which is three Stories above my Study, upon the like Intention. The more peculiar Purpose of these Prayers, (wherein. Oh ! what sweet Interviews have I with my lovely SAVIOUR !) is, to beg that the Kingdome of GOD may come on, and that I may be accepted and assisted for the doing of Services to the Kingdome of my SAVIOUR, and that the Devices of Satan to destroy my Serviceableness may be defeated. But I grow more and more sensible, that I have not enough Acknowledged and glorified my admirable SAVIOUR, as the Lord of ANGELS ; and that I have not enough considered the Angelical Ministry in my Supplications. I would now more than ever, bewayl that Aggravation of my Impieties and Impurities ; The Grief I have given to the Holy Angels in them ; and with the most repenting Flights of a contrite Heart unto the Blood of the great Sacrifice, obtain the Pardon of them. I would now more than ever entreat the holy SPIRIT of my SAVIOUR, to fill me with Dispositions, that may render me the Delight of His holy Angels, and help me to live at such a Rate of Sanctity, Watchfulness and Fruitfulness, as they may with Pleasure look upon. I would now more than ever, ask it of my SAVIOUR, that He would send His good Angel, to do me good, in all those Points, wherein the ministering Spirits, use to befriend the Heirs of Salvation. I have a deep Sense of it upon me, that if I obtain such an Order of my great SAVIOUR, unto His good Angel to do me good Offices, as may in the Way I have now begun be waited and hoped for, my Welfare is in a most comprehensive, and indeed incom- prehensible Manner provided for. So, I am going on, with my Evening-Sacrifices, more explicitly and more copiously than ever, to consider the angelical Ministry; and with such SuppHcations, to ask for the Favours of GOD. Some strange Things are a coming to me ! 22. G. D. The holy Method of Tasting the Love of our SAVIOUR to us in every Thing should be sett before the Flock, yett more clearly, fully, effectually. II -37 578 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 23. G. D. I am Renewing my Instructions to my dear Sammy, for the porismatic Way of Reading the sacred Scriptures. I am wonderfully refreshed, by his telling of me, that he has already used it. I animate and encourage and assist his proceeding in it. 24. G. D. I give a Visit unto my Relatives at Charles- town; with Essays to discharge my Duty to each of them. 25. G. D. The Country is brought into dreadful Distresses. And they grow upon us apace towards a great Extremity. Our excellent Governour converses with me upon that Head, and I am with his Assistances, projecting several Things, that may have a Tendency to rescue us from the impending Destruction. 26. G. D. One of those Things, is, an Association of more sensible and Judicious and thoughtful Men, who shall apply their Thoughts, unto the dreadful Case before us. 26 d. X m. Friday. This Day, I sett apart, for suppli- cations, that I may be supported under my dreadful Distress and carry it well under it, and make very great Improvements in Piety from it. 0 my dear SAVIOUR, I was never so near to Thee, never so full of Thee, never so much what I would be, as I am under the dreadful Distress, which thou hast brought upon me. 1 had other Petitions also to spread before the Lord. 27. G. D. A poor, froward, wretched Man, a Schole- master, one suffering extreme Wants, much thro' his own haughty Folly; I must, (altho! yea, because, I have suf- fered great Injuries and Abuses from him,) contrive all I can to gett Releefs and Employments for him. * 28. G. D. My Entertainments in my Library, when I go up for the Supplications of the Evening, are won- derful! wonderful! Astonishing! Pen and Ink, are too weak Things to utter them ! I must now make as full a Collection as I can, of the JANUARY, 1718-I9 579 Passages and Instructions, which occur in the sacred Scripture, concerning the good Angels, who belong to the Armies of my dear SAVIOUR, whereof there is no Number. And I would successively employ the Hints which these will give me to amplify upon them, in my Prayers, that the Ministry of the good Angels may be by my glorious LORD allowe'd and ordered for me. In my improving and apply- ing these Hints, I find my Heart exceedingly expanding towards a Conformity to, and a Communion with the heavenly World. My Enjoyments are astonishing; It is impossible for me to write what I meet withal : and it will not be convenient perhaps, anon, for me to do it, if I could. Oh ! My SAVIOUR, thou makest me a rich Compensation, for all the Sorrows, which are appointed for me. 29. G. D. There are some Articles of Supplication, whereof I may do well to take a more expressive and per- petual Notice, in the public Prayers. The Flock should be drawn into the Desires ; and hereby also, they will be more instructed how to pray in their Families. 30. G. D. My poor Nancy! My dear Nancy! 31. G. D. Fresh Occasions I see, to study, that my aged Parent may be rendred as comfortable as may be. January. [1718-19.] i. G. D, My Lecture occurs on this New-Y ears-Day. I take Occasion from the Day, to inculcate such Maxims and Lessons of Piety, as are proper for such a Time, and may from thence receive a singular Efficacy. That I may be the better prepared for what is before me, I rise very early, and making a Recollection, I Repent before the Lord, for all the Miscarriages which the former years of my Life have been fiU'd withal ; and give Thanks for the Favours of Heaven to me in the years ; And by a fresh Flight unto my SAVIOUR, I secure my Happiness, in case this year should prove the Year of my Death ; And I cry to the Lord, that He would prepare me for all the 580 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Changes and Sorrows, which may be this Year to come upon me. I enjoy'd very gracious Assistances from Heaven, in my pubhc Action. 2. G. D. Our excellent Govemour presses me to form a significant Society of our superiour and principal Gentle- men who may project Methods for the Deliverance of the Countrey from the dreadful Distresses, which it is running into. 3. G. D. There is a Scholar of a very hopeful Character, whose Welfare I would much study for, and bring him into Employments. Ta/aS.i * 4. G. D. I have cried unto my SAVIOUR, that He would bestow a more diligent Heart upon me. He does, in a surprising way, hear my Cry. Oh! precious. Oh! welcome, the Scourges, by which my Desire is accomplished ! I am now become such an early Riser, that I employ the Light of the Candle, in my morning-Studies. But, oh! the vast Improvement in Piety, as well as in Usefulness which I may, yea, which I do, make from, the Diligence, which I am now rais'd unto. My morning- Visits to Heaven, as well as my evening ones, have new, rich, high Entertain- ments in them. GOD makes the Outgoings of the Morn- ing and of the Evening, to rejoice with me. 5. G. D. Our Scholemaster being upon a Remove, it is of great Consequence to the Flock, that a good Schole- master be brought into the Succession. 6. G. D. The Condition of the Schole, will now require me, to take in a Manner the whole Care, of my dear Sammy s Erudition. May the Glorious One send His good Angel, to instruct me, how I shall order the child, and how I shall do unto him. 7. G. D. Sometimes among my Relatives, I have reckoned my personal Enemies, with Projections that I 'Ward. Robert Ward (died 1732) was a graduate of the College in 1719. JANUARY, 1718-19 581 may do good unto them. I am sorry that among my personal Enemies, I must now reckon some of my Rela- tives; unaccountable Creatures! But I have a little penetrated into their inexplicable Character and Conduct. I must watch over my Spirit, and study to carry it as well unto them, as if they were better affected unto me. And heartily pray for them. 8. G. D. Some Letters unto the Scotch Ministers arrived in our East Countrey, may have a Tendency to hearten them in that Work of GOD, which they have to do, in those new Plantations ; and more particularly for the christianizing of the Indians there. 9. G. D. The Ministers of this Town, have their stated Interviews. There is now a good Number of us. May I perpetually contrive, that every time we meet they may hear something from me, which may have a Tendency to render them, wiser and better, and more useful in their Stations. 10. G. D. Another Brother of our Church ; a godly Man, is fallen into a crazy Melancholy; I must approve myself a true Shepherd, on this Occasion. A poor Indian perishing under a Cancer calls for my Compassions. * II. G. D. It would be to me many Wayes of mighty Consequence for me not only to obtain a strong Faith of the wonderful GLORY which the Servants of our SAVIOUR shall enjoy in an heavenly Work ; but also arrive to clear Ideas, and Sentiments of that Glory. T'wil greatly sanctify me; and it will praepare mee for Triumphs over my Ap- proaching Death : and be of an unknown Advantage ; to me and many others. In order hereunto, I would cry with Importunity unto my SAVIOUR, / beseech thee, shew me thy Glory. And I would often make this Glory a Subject of my Meditation, when I go up in the Evening, to converse with Him, in my Library. 582 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 12. G. D. Several observable People in our Church, under very disconsolate melancholy, miserable Circum- stances. I must on the Occasion draw the Church into Christian and suitable Expressions of Brotherly-kindness, in the Prayers I make on these Occasions. 13. G. D. There is one Child in my Family, whose Condition calls for my more singular Compassion and Con- cernment, that — 14. G. D. My Kinsman at Sandwyche, I may do many Services to him and his. I also see many Services that I may putt him upon doing for the Kingdome of GOD. 15. G. D. I will take my first Opportunity to give unto the Public my Friend Boehm's Recapitulation of the Heads, whereon good Men are in this heartless Time of Religion, at work for the Kingdome of GOD ; in Hopes of drawing in others to do what they can upon the various Articles. 16. G. D. I am now upon writing Letters for Europe. In each of them I will study as exquisitely as I can, what Services to the Kingdome of God, I may putt my Corre- spondents upon the doing of. 17. G. D. Several People in very poor Circumstances, call for my Assistences. A worthy Gentleman of my Neighbourhood, having buried a Child last Night, I would this evening Visit his Family, and pray with them, and speak what may suit the Occasion. * 18. G. D. There is a Book of Piety, which tis observ- able, all Christians of all Communions, have approved and valued. It is, Th. a Kempis, his Book, De Imilatione CHRIST!.^ It may be of some good Consequence for me, *This book had an experience in Massachusetts, at an earlier day (1669). "The Court, being informed that there is now in the presse, reprinting, a booke, tit. Imitacons of Christ, or to that purpose, written by Thomas a Kempis, a Popish minister, wherein is conteyned some things that are less safe to be infused among the people of this place, doe commend it to the licensers of the JANUARY, 1718-19 583 to read a Chapter in that Book, the last Thing I do, every Night, before my going to my Lodging, till I have gone through it.i The Conclusion of the lvi Year" 21 d. XI m. 1718 [-19.] Wednesday. My glorious LORD, has inflicted a new and a sharp Chastisement upon me. The Consort, in whom I flattered myself with the View and Hopes of an uncommon Enjoyment, has dismally con- firmed it unto me, that our Idols must prove our Sorrows. Now and then, in some of the former Years, I observed and suffered grievous Outbreakings of her proud Passions ; but I quickly overcame them, with my victorious Love, and in the Methods of Meekness and Goodness. And, 0 my SAVIOUR, I ascribe unto thee all the Glory of it, and I wondrously praise thee for it; I do not know, that I have to this Day spoke one impatient or unbecoming Word unto her ; tho' my Provocations have been unspeakable ; and, it may be, few Men in the World, would have bom them as I have done. But this last Year has been full of her prodigious Parox- ysms ; which have made it a Year of such Distresses with me, as I have never seen in my Life before. When the Paroxysms have gone off, she has treated me still with a Fondness, that it may be, few Wives in the World have arriv'd unto. But in the Returns of them (which of late still grow more and more frequent,) she has insulted me with such Outrages, that I am at a Loss, which I should ascribe them to ; whether a Distraction, (which may press, the more full revisall thereof, and that in the meane time there be no further progresse in that worke," Mass. Col. Rcc, rv. Pt, ii, 424. The first known colonial edition was made by Christopher Sower, on his Germantown, Penn., press, in 1749; and no edition appeared in New England until after the war of independence. ' Nearly seven leaves of the Diary were torn out at this place. The cause is developed in what follows. ' These entries are written in a separate note book. 584 DIARYOFCOTTONMATHER be somewhat Haereditary,) or to a Possession ; (whereof the Symptoms have been too direful to be mentioned.) In some other papers, I leave a more particular Account of these Things. ^ But, what I have here to relate, is ; that she had ex- pressed such a Venome, against my reserved IMemorials, of Experiences in, and Projections for, the Kingdome of GOD, as has obliged me to lay the Memorials of this Year, I thought, where she would not find them. It has been a Year, wherein I have made more Advances in Piety, than in many former Years. Perhaps, my Journey thro' the Wilderness just expiring, I must rid more way in one year now, than in forty before. My dear SAVIOUR has made the Distresses, which the vile Frames and Ways of my poor Wife have given me, to be the happy Occasions and Instruments, of my Improvements in those Things, which make a rich Amends, for all the Troubles which His holy Wisdome has ordered for me : and they have been welcome to me. As in this Year, I have kept many Dayes of Prayer; (on some of which, I entred some Things relating to the angelical World, which I would not lose upon easy terms :) and I have had such Contrivances for better ordering of my Walk with God, as have been some- what singular; so for every Day, I have noted, my Pur- poses of Services for the Kingdome of GOD, For fear of what might happen, I have not one disrespectful Word of this proud Woman, in all the Papers. But this Week, she has in her indecent Romaging found them ; and she not only detains them from me, but either she has destroy'd them, or she does protest, that I shall never see them any more. I have offered unto her, to blott out with her Pen what- ever she would not have to be there. But no loving En- treaties of mine can prevail with her to restore them. Only, • Fortunately not preserved. JANUARY, 1718-I9 585 she gives me hope of restoring some time or other, the Papers of the four or five preceding Years, which this un- gentlewomanly Woman has also stolen. My glorious Lord, will have me dy to every thing : and so I must be Dead, even to those Papers, which are of more value to me, than any temporal Estate I can pretend unto. But, at thy Command, I resign these things also. I make Sacrifices of them! Sacrifices to the Disposal of thy wise, just good Providence, O my SAVIOUR! On the Day when this my LVith Year commenced, I entred some strong Apprehensions, that before I saw an- other Birth-day, my Life would be finished. There is yett above three weeks time, to have what I apprehended, most literally Accomphshed. And it may be, what befalls these Memorials of my Life, may be for an Admonition to me, that my Life itself is terminating. But if it should be ful- filled only in a Sentence of Death passed thus on the Memo- rials of my Life, how favourably am I dealt withal ! This Loss of the Papers where I entred my Designs, upon the Article of Good Devised ; (the G. D. stood for it 365 times in a year;) calls upon me, to humble myself exceedingly before the Lord, for my exceeding Barrenness in the Inventions of Wisdome, to do good, unto all about me. And, if the Book of Remembrance written by me, be lost ; yett, a Gracious GOD, may have in His Book of Remem- brance, what He may accept, of my poor Essays to do good, when I have thought upon His Name. They who destroyed Jeremiah's Roll, gott nothing by it. This unhappy Woman getts nothing, by what she does unto mine. Her base Carriage to me, makes me only write more than else I should have done : and will but quicken, yea, mightily augment, my Fruitfulness in the little Remainder of my Pilgrimage. There has been one very gracious and singular Display of the Providence administred by my lovely SAVIOUR, 586 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I have lived for near a Year in a continual Anguish of Expectation, that my poor Wife, by exposing her Madness, would bring a Ruine on my Ministry. But now it is ex- posed, my Reputation is marvellously praeserved among the People of GOD, and there is come such a general and violent Blast upon her own, as I cannot but be greatly troubled at. I will now go on. 21. G. D. This is the Day, on which I still contrive to be a Blessing unto some or other of my Relatives. Often on this Day, I have thought, how to be so, unto my aged Parent. But this Day my Thought is a little singular. I have a Father, who will count every one a Blessing unto him, who putts him into a Way of being a Blessing unto others. I am sure, it will rejoice him to be so unto me ; whom GOD has made a Son imto him in some imcommon Circumstances. I cannot enough admire the Mercy of my glorious LORD, in sparing to me the Life of so excellent a Friend, even for such a Time of Distress as is now come upon me. I am too ready to fly unto Creatures. And I have no Man upon Earth but him to fly to. I will continu- ally repair to him, open my Case to him, open my Heart, ease my Mind in that way. But, who can tell, what his Prayers may obtain for me.? 22. G. D. I am aware of certain Points to be incul- cated, which the Welfare of this unhappy People mightily turns upon. And I begin to have in View certain Methods for the Inculcation of them. I must look up to my glorious Lord for His Direction. 23. G. D. Writing to a Gentleman of notable Capaci- ties in London, I animate him, with the best Charms I can, to apply them unto the glorious Intention of serving the Kingdome of God. This Day I sett apart, for the Devotions of the Closett. JANUARY, 1718-I9 587 The usual Occasions and Petitions, were what I had in the Day my Eye unto. But what I more especially considered was the dreadful Distress, which the foolish Woman brings upon me, and upon my unhappy Family. I never find myself in any danger of sinking in the boisterous Floods, but when I am at some Distance from a lovely SAVIOUR, by my Thoughts of Him, abating. This Day, I was greatly helped from Above, to renew my Flights unto Him, and after sore Conflicts, with dark Apprehen- sions concerning the Indignation of GOD against me for my Miscarriages, I had my Soul powerfully irradiated with Assurances, that the blessed JESUS, (to whom I am entirely devoted, and for whom I am continually speaking and pleading,) is my Advocate : the Consequences whereof, I took the Comfort of. As for the Distress now upon me, I declared unto the LORD, that if it were necessary, to finish my Repentance, and quicken my Obedience, and render me more lively in the Service of God, and more useful unto His People, I did heartily consent unto the Continuance of it. Only I cried unto my SAVIOUR, that He would enable me to carry it well under my Distress, and not leave me in any Way to sin against Him. All along as well as now, this has been my main Desire. I have more desired the Grace to behave my- self well under my Distress, than to be delivered from it. But my melted and contrite Heart, was revived with a strange Assurance of a Deliverance near unto me. My SAVIOUR has given a Good Angel, His order to do me good. 24. G. D. Diverse new Objects of Charity, and Com- passion. * 25. G. D. Behold, an Exercise of PIETY, taught me by my SAVIOUR, which has not been commonly thought upon. 588 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER When I suffer any Distress, I will make this use of it. I will consider some Distress like unto it, occurring in the Sufferings of my SAVIOUR. Hereupon, I will consider the Love of my SAVIOUR, expressed in such His wonderful Sufferings. I will then consider the Sufferings of my SAVIOUR, as infinitely meritorious ; and as particularly pur- chasing for me, these three Benefits; First, the Pardon of my Sin which has brought my Distress upon me ; secondly, the Strength to carry it well under my Distress; thirdly, a Dehverance out of my Distress, when He sees His Time for it. Finally, while I am in the midst of these Considerations, I will reckon my bitter Distress exceed- ingly sweetened, by the Conformity which there may be found in it, unto any Sufferings of my SAVIOUR ; and by the Operation which it has to lead me thus unto Him. How much was my SAVIOUR grieved, by the ill Treats, which His espoused Jewish Church, gave unto Him! 26. G. D. It has been very much my Study, that whatever Distresses I may suffer at any time, the Flock may have Revenues out of my Sufferings. My Afflictions have been rendred even comfortable to me, by the Prospect which I have had of their proving profitable to the Flock, which my SAVIOUR has committed unto me. Well, what shall I do, that from the Distresses now upon me, the Flock may reap some sensible Benefits? One thing that I will now more than ever insist upon, shall be an Experiment, which I have wonderfully made in my Distresses ; That a Soul full of a CHRIST will be marvellously prepared and strengthened for all Encounters of Adversity. My Flock shall find me more full of a CHRIST than ever I have been; and more full of Essays that they may be so too. Moreover, a Man of some Capacity and Ingenuity, who came under the Censure of our church above twenty Years ago, is yett living in the Town. I do this day, write as loving, as charming, as pungent a Letter, as I can for my Life, to recover him out of the Snares in which he is perish- ing. I do it with earnest Cries unto the glorious Lord for the Success of it. JANUARY, 1718-19 589 27. G. D. The Time requires it, and the Condition of my Family calls for it, that we come into the Methods of a reasonable and reputable Frugality for our Expences. My Wife, in her froward Pangs, having happily thrown the Administration into my Hands, I gladly take it. And having paid off my Debts, I now suffer not my Folks to nm upon Scores many Articles of our Expences, but still pay as we fetch. I hope, that as an Obedience to my SAVIOUR dictates this prudent and righteous Way of proceeding, so my Family will come into a better Condition to glorify Him. 28. G. D. Certain Points of Conduct, Prudence and Goodness, relating to the Gentlewoman which is my dear Father's wife, that may have a Tendency to his Comfort, are what I have now before me. 29. G. D. There must be something yett more effect- ually done, that our School may be supplied with a Schole- Master who will serve the Kingdome of GOD. Provide Bibles, to be scattered in our ungospellized Places. 30. G. D. I am writing Letters, to some Gentlemen beyond-Sea, wherein I animate their Concern to serve the Kingdome of God. And other Letters to our eastern Parts, of the like Tendency. I am tried unto the uttermost, in my domestic Cir- cumstances. But my dear SAVIOUR so upholds me, so strengthens me, so sanctifies me, and admitts me to such Communion with Himself as makes me a glorious Compen- sation. If my Distresses are necessary to preserve and maintain the Life of GOD in me, I heartily consent unto the Continuance thereof upon me. But I am sure my SAVIOUR is going to deliver me. 31. G. D. A poor Man, under grievous Distraction, must have my Compassion expressed for him, in all the ways I can think of. 590 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER February. * i. G. D. I will have my Meditations more exquisitely employ'd than ever; upon that Point; What are the Sentiments of the Glorified in the heavetily World? Oh! Whither may I be caught up in such Med- itations ? And what holy Impressions may they leave upon me! My Sermon, this Day, shall touch upon some Instances. At Evening, when I went up to my Library, my gracious LORD, carried me up, into a marv^ellous Communion with the Glorified; a marvellous Harmony with them. And I know, that a good Angel of the heavenly World, in coming down by an Order of my SAVIOUR to do me good. 2. G. D. I mightily desire, to raise in the IMinds of the Flock, a very wonderful Sense of that astonishing Mys- tery, GOD becoming a Man in our JESUS, and instruct them in the Way of improving this Mystery to the most glorious Purposes. 3. G. D. The dreadful Distresses which a furious and froward Stepmother brings upon my Family, as they obhge me to lay upon the Children the most solemn Charges of all possible Dutifulness unto her, so, they furnish me with Opportunities, mightily to press all Piety upon them, and a particular Expression of it in their Prayers and Cries unto the Lord. Oh! may they be brought nearer to GOD, by the sad Things that are come upon them. 4. G. D. The Lord having wonderfully begun to restore my Brother Walter unto his public Services, Oh ! how affec- tionately shall I join with him in thankful Contrivances to glorify our SAVIOUR! 5. G. D. I have new and bright Views given me, about a work I have to do, in bearing Testimonies to the Godhead of my SAVIOUR. 6. G. D. I will prevail with Mr. J. Winthrop, to fur- nish me, with some of his Father's and Grandfather's noble FEBRUARY, 1718-I9 59I Remedies, and I will make myself the Dispenser of them unto the miserable.' 7. G. D. One of the Ministers in the Town being sick, I will in the most brotherly Manner employ Prayers for him. * 8. G. D. I am endeavouring more than ever to affect myself, with Views of the Aspect which the Godhead of my SAVIOUR has upon all the affairs of the great Salvation. This I do, with a particular Intention, to become the better qualified and furnished, for the bearing of a Testimony to the Glory of my SAVIOUR ; which I beg Him to assist me in. My Soul is irradiated, sanctified, fortified, with marvel- lous Discoveries. 9. G. D. I am in a Way to form a Society, whose peculiar Intention, it shall be, to consider and prosecute what may be done for the Good oj the Church, which we belong unto? I hope for many Services to the Flock, from this Association. 10. G. D. Oh! my poor, distressed, oppressed Family ! Shall not I take the several abused Children, and call them to me in my Study, and there not only with all possible Insinuations and Importunities, press them to consider their present Affliction as a strong and loud Argument for their Turning unto GOD, but also pray with them, and with fervent and weeping Prayers carry them unto the Lord, and also obtain Promises of a pious Behaviour from them. 11. G. D. A Sermon at the Lecture on the Methods of Piety, wherein one may make ones Birthday an Oppor- tunity for serious Recollections and Resolutions, may be a Service to the Religion of my SAVIOUR. To morrow is to be my Lecture, as well as my Birth-day. Lett me then endeavour it. * See Vol. I. 3 n. 592 diary of cotton mather The Course of my Ministry this Year.* i6 d. 12 w. [February.] I7i7[-i8.] On Luk. IV, 25. A Sermon, on the Exercises of Piety, wherewith Widows are to glorify God. 23 7 After I have wished you Joy on what you have heard about the Royal Family, I shall (as I always do) take a singular Freedom with you. Your singular Friendship for me, always emboldens it.' 1 have long been of the Opinion, that there could scarce be a more * See p. 676, supra. ' Mart. Epig. i. 16. "27 d. 3 m. [May, 1722.] The Baptism of the Former [William Stirling] was introduced with such Words as these : * "Here is now offered unto the Lord the Child of one who died with good Expressions of a repenting and believing Soul, and giving up her Child unto God her Savior, with Desire that it might in his Baptism come under a solemn Dedi- cation to Him. The pious Grandmother of the Child (Mrs. Grace Ireland) who is one of us, does here present it unto us, and you do here before the Lord adopt this Child as your own, and you engage unto the People of God, that you will take all due Care, both living and dying, that it may be brought up in the Knowl- edge and for the Service of the Lord. The Disciples of the Lord in this Church have hitherto not forbid the Children in such Circumstances to be brought unto their Savior." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, in. 684 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER comprehensive Service done, than to Lodge in the Hands of the Ministers throughout the Countrey, a Memorial of the Methods which may be taken by them to be very serviceable. No men have such opportunities as they, to be very serviceable. Now my Two Neighbours, Mr Thaclier and Mr Web, have had such favourable Sentiments for the poor Sermon that was offered you last Thursday,^ as to press the publication of it, and provide for part of the Charge. Surprized at their Motion, I am come anon myself, into the Opinion, that the poor sermon being Transcribed and some- what Amended, may answer such Ends, as I ought humbly and gladly and zelously to devote my All unto. And the rather, because my Time for doing, is drawing very near its period. If now I can gett the Assistence of but 505 or 7,£ subscribed, I can, I suppose gett thro' the rest of the Expence which the Desired PubUcation may call for. Wherefore, I will be so rude, as to leave it with you, to Consult with our dear Cooper and Foxcroft. (Ambo, et cantare pares, et respon- dere parati!) ^ added, unto the two Brethren above mentioned, what, (or, whether anything) may be done about the Matter. I know, you Love to do Good ; and you Love the Doers of Good ; and you Love, Your Constant Friend, Brother, and Servt. _, , , ' ' Co. Mather. To Rev. Thomas Prince. m.h.s. [June 12, 1722.] My Invaulable Friend, and Brother, — To you I chuse to committ my. Minister.^ I enclose fifty Shillings towards the Ex- pence. I have occasionally had some Discourse with Mr. Fleet about the work. For that Cause, you must make the first offer to him. I Leave the whole to your Wisdome and Goodness. If you, or any of the Brethren, would correct any passage in it, I Entirely resign it unto your Pleasure. I could have Embellished it with many ornaments. But I conscienciously decline the ostentation of Erudi- tion, Lest I disoblige that Holy Spirit, on whom alone I depend for the Success of the Essay. Besides, I have in a considerable Number of other Books, (besides the Magnalia,) already pretty well Exhausted a Good Stock of Flowers, which ought not to be presented over again. Yea, this very week, I have an ordination-Sermon published ; '' which 1 May 31, 1722, when he preached to the anniversary Convention of min- isters. ' Vcrg. Eel. VII. 5. ' The book bore this title. * Delivered at the ordination of Rev. William Waldron, at the new church in the north part of Boston. FEBRUARY, 1721-22 685 I tender to your acceptance we shall reap together the Harvest of this Action, in the First Resurrection. To Rev. Thomas Prince. m.h.s. Tuesday night Sir, — Your Printer has I suppose, gott ready your. Minister ! and it was in some View of the Opportunity which you might have to disperse many of your Books on the Approaching Festival. Imagining that the Generous Goodness, which has been exerted by you in this pubUcation, does intend a Dispersion of the Books into the Hands of all the Ministers throughout the Countrey, it seems necessary that there should be some Agreement of the Brethren, to prevent your Interfering with one another, in your pious communi- cation. Every One should know, what counties, (or parts of the Countrey,) he will chiefly take for his province in the Dispersion. And, if you order your Printer to bring me my fifty shillings worth, I will send our, MINISTER, thro' the Colony of Connecticut, and some of the more Southern Provinces. We are thus praeparing for Employments in the Better World. Waiting for which, I am, Sir, Your Brother and Servt., Co. Mather. I am not well! But my poor wife, struck with a Consumption wants and asks your Prayers. To Thomas Prince. m.h.s. Wednesday, 7 d. 5W. [July.] 1722. Sir, — The Excellent Spirit of Piety which always Endears our worthy Brother Sewal, to all of us as well as to me, and the Intimate Communion and Correspondence of the most Inviolate Friendship, which we always maintain with him, seems to render it suitable, that he should be apprised of our Combination, to begin this Evening a Conference on the Sacred Prophecies concerning the Coming and King- dome of our Saviour ; And have the offer of a welcome to it. It is possible, that he may have a Less Degree of Relish for those things, than some others ; and there is a peculiarity of Constitution in these points, not easy to be accounted for. But then, his objections to our Interpretations, may be of use to us, to prevent our going too Easily into mistakes ; and perhaps to estabUsh what cannot be shaken. 686 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER It is however fitt, that he should have the Liberty of sharing with us ; (as Mr. Cooper, I perceive also will.) I hope, we shall meet in the First Resurrection ; In the Faith and Patience of the Kingdome, I am, Sir, Your Brother and Servt., Co. Mather. When you visit Mr. Daniel Oliver, bestow all (or some) of these Golden Curbs upon him, to putt upon Head-Strong Fools at the Times when he has occasion to Execut the Law upon them. To Rev. Thomas Prince. m.h.s. My dear Friend, — Allow me to renew my Petitions and In- stances with you, That you would, furnish me, with the best Account you have, Of the Birds raised at Newtown. Of the Leviathan dug up at Virginia. And Enquire into the Story of a Naevus Maternus on a Daughter of one Brown, a Stiller, which grows, they tell me, very Troublesome to the Marked Damsel. Our dear Patriarch, is revived this Morning ; and wonderfully Comforted. Using the very words, which you used unto him, and Joyfully saying, / now see, that I was deceived, when I fear'd Lest I might be deceived. I am, Yours always. _ _. Tuesday, [Feb. 19, 1722-23.] ^ To Rev. Thomas Prince. m.h.s. [June 16, 1723.] My dear Friend, — Vigilare decet hominem qui vult sua Tem- pore conferre officia. In the Circumstances of the Poor Creature, who is this week day to dy by the Sword of Justice, there is a voice of GOD crying to the City.'' ' " 10 d. I m. [March.] 1722-23. John Bushel made unto the Church an acknowledgment of a Scandal given by him, in being disguised with excessive Drinking, which the Church accepted of." Cotton Mather's MS. Records oj the Second Church, in. ' The idea of a servile insurrection must have appealed strongly to Mather's imagination. Never very numerous in Massachusetts, the negro slaves yet con- stituted an appreciable part of the population, and with the veneer of civilization upon them, occasionally broke through all bounds. Some of the very striking crimes in colonial and provincial days arose from the enslaved Indians or Africans. In this case the negro had set fire to Powel's house in the dead of night. FEBRUARY, 1722-23 687 Not only the Condition of such Slaves is worthy to be considered, but also the Threatenings which there have been of Laying the Town in Ashes, are speaking Things. I would humbly propose to you, and entreat of you, to bend your Holy Studies a Little this way, for your approaching Lecture. You may do a work pleasing to God, and useful to men ; and you are Excellently Qualified for it ; and your performances are to my Knowl- edge, highly acceptable to my Neighbours, and can be no otherwise to your own. Pardon the Suggestion, Tis my way to project services for others, as well as myself. I am, Sir, Your Brother „ ^ [Enclosure.] (June i8th, 1723.] This Place has Lately been brought into uncommon Distress, by some, of a foolish Nation. The Voice of the Lord Cries to the City. First, the Burning of the Town has been threatened; and there have been many Fires Kindled, in some of which, those of this Foolish Nation, we may sup- pose, have not been concerned. While the Decree is not yett Executed (and we have been so marvellously, remarkably, undeservedly praeserved) our God calls us. Not only to Thankfulness for our praeservation, (The Horror of the Calamity if it should proceed, makes the Call to this very powerful.) But also, to consider what we have to do, that such a Desolation, by those (or some other) Hands, may be prevented. Repent and Reform, our Sabbath-breaking. Jer. XVIL 27. Dishonesty in our Dealing. See Job. XV. 34. Contention. Burning for Burning, was required by the Word of the glorious GOD. Fulfilled by His Hand. And Considering by what Hands the Town has been so Endangered, there can be nothing more seasonable and reasonable than for us, to Consider whether our Conduct with relation to our African Slaves, be not one thing for which our God may have a Controversy with us. Are they always treated according to the Rules of Humanity ? And much more, Christianity which is improved and Ennobled Humanity. Are they treated as those, that are of one Blood with us, and those that have Immortal Souls in them, and are not meer Beasts of Burden ? Are they instructed, and made to know Such things, which if they knew, would restrain them from Exorbitancies and Enormities which are Complained [against] them, and render them notable Blessings in the Families they belong unto. The Common Cavil, that they are the worse servants, for being taught the Knowledge of CHRIST, is a Cursed Falshood; Experience confutes it; It is 688 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER a Blasphemy ; and it is fitter for the Mouth of a Devil, than of a Christian, to utter it. But then, there is a Voice of Heaven, to the Slaves, on what this poor Creature is Left unto. To Beware of the Sins, which may provoke the glorious one to Leave them unto the Last Degrees of Wickedness and Misery. To study a Dutiful Behaviour unto their Superiours; and that they may be Blessings in the Family they belong unto. To be Patient in their Low and hard Conditions. To become the Servants of CHRIST. Then, what they shall very shortly see, at the End of their Short Servitude. Else a worse thing.' To Rev. Thomas Prince. m.h.s. Friday, [July 19, 1723.] Sir, — Supposing, that it might be some Gratification unto you to Read, what you could but imperfectly Hear, in the late Comence- ment, I now entertain you with it ; ^ 1 " 10 d. s m. [July.] 1723. At a Church Meeting, Sarah Wood, a Widow of our Communion, having been convicted of a Fornication, presented unto the Church a poenitent and expressive Acknowledgment : the Church agreed that she should continue under Suspension from our Communion for some time, and until she can return with due Testimony for her good Behavior and Repentance from the Neigh- borhood. In the mean Time she was now laid under Admonition. [The censure on Sarah Wood was raised March 2g, 1724.] "The Church now renewed their Choice of the six Persons that are yet sur- viving of their late Committee: John Clark, Thomas Hutchinson, Adam Winthrop, Edward Hutchinson, John Ruck, Esqrs., and Mr. John Charnock; and now added Mr. Thomas Cashing unto their Number ; desiring them to act still in QuaHty of a Committee for them, as formerly, for a Year ensuing. "It being prop>osed, whether the Church would immediately proceed unto the Settlement of an Assistant and Successor in the Work of the evangelical Min- istry among us, or delay the Matter: and the Church being a little divided in their Sentiments about it, it was voted. That in Consideration of "the low State wherein our aged Pastor is languishing, the Church propose to set apart a Day of Supplications, to carry his Case unto our gracious God, and to obtain the Direc- tion and Blessing of Heaven, with relation to that important Affair, of seeking after a Supply for an Assistence and Succession in the work of the Ministry." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, iii. ' ' The commemoratory oration delivered by Samuel Mather. It does not appear to have been printed. "21 d. 6 wi. [/I ^ " 22 (f. 8 m. [October.] At a Meeting of the Church, there were forty-nine Brethren present. It was proposed, th^t the Church might now come to the Choice of an Assistant and Successor in the Work of the Evangelical Ministry. The Choice was made, and the Majority (thirty-four) of the Votes declared it for Mr. Joshua Gee. John Clark, Thomas Hutchinson, Adam Winthrop, Esqrs., and Mr. Samuel Turel, with the Deacons, were appointed a Committee to report unto him this Act of the Church." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of the Second Church, m. Gee (1698- 1748) remained with the church until his death. FEBRUARY, 1722-23 69I your patience, I cannot think upon, without glorifying of Him in you. I must beg your pardon, that I forgett sometimes to send you the Little Things that are published among us. I now address you with Two or Three of our Latest publications ; the sight whereof may perhaps also gratify some of your worthy Neighbours. I am so much a Stranger to Dr. Williams's Charitable but it seems Ambiguous will, (having Long since mislaid and forgott our Para- graph in it) that I know not how to express myself capable of assist- ing your Desires of coming at the Benefit of it, until I am somewhat more fully instructed ; but if you can come at it, you may be sure I shall say. Much good may it do you! I have Lately written. Memoirs of Remarkable Things in the Life and the Death of my deceased Parent ; But, it being a Book of it may be Twenty Sheets, it will be diverse Months before our otherwise Employ'd presses can give it unto the pubHc. In the mean time, I transmit unto you, a Coelestinus ' that will bring something of and from the Countrey which he is gone unto. The Condition of my FooUsh Countrey and a Relation of the FolUes committed in it, would be a story not worth telling to you. Lett us Long for the Land of Rectitude. In the way to it, and ye Hope of it, I am. Sir, Your affectionate Brother and Servt. Boston, N. E. Nov. s, 1723. To Thomas Hollis.^ a.a.s. Sir, — By several Conveyances, I have dispatch'd unto you those letters and Packetts, wherein I have after my poor Manner, ex- press'd my grateful Resentments of the Many and Weighty Favours, which I and mine have received from you. In one of them there are also, the Acknowledgments, which your Son Samuel (your First bom) has made of your Goodness to him, and a Copy of his Commemoratory Oration at our Commencement ; which, I hope, has reached you. What I am now to do, is, to render my Brethrens Thanks, with my own, for what you have done about our Memorials ; and acquiesce in what has been done by others. The Truth is, if all the Remonstrances that we make about a Charity so abominably prostituted as that of the Society, will only ' Printed by S. Kneeland for Nathaniel Belknap. * Nephew of the benefactor of Harvard College. 692 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER produce a care of our Diocesan to send over better Missionaries we are best as we are. For the Missionaries they have hitherto sent, have generally been such Ignorant Wretches, and such Debauched and Finished Villians, that Like the Rattle snakes in our Countrey they carry with 'em what warns and arms our people against being poisoned with them. In the meantime, I am sorry, that a Countrey in which you are daily multiplying your Benefits, affords to you such matter of Trouble, in the Mischiefs which your Charitable and Sympathizing Mind sees us by our Follies bringing on our selves. Our Govemour was a person of an Excellent Spirit ; and I always thought he studied the welfare of the Countrey more than any one person in it. Had we carried well to him, he would have made us an easy, and had we hearken'd well to him, we had been an Happy, people. His enemies, who began to be so, upon a Rage, which was raised in them from a Disappoint- ment of certain projections to Enrich themselves, which they suffered from his Arrival in the Government instead of another whom they thought they had made their property, never were many ; but being very subtil, as well as very spiteful, they gott the knack of perverting and misleading a Majority of poor, and weak (tho' sometimes honest) Countreymen in our House of Representatives ; and so they produced Votes which any Governor must count Intolerable ; and which are Like to overwhelm our whole people, who generally abhor what is done, in Ruines that will be Irretrievable. The Evil that I feared is come! How much a Man, who is no Great Seer, did foresee these things, and forewarn our People of them some years ago, I am willing you should see, by casting your Eye on a Sermon ; ' for which Fidelity I have since been an object for the utmost Rage of the Satanic Party, and not only had their printed Libels continually darted at me, but had Attempts made upon my very Life. Nevertheless, after all that I have performed and suffered on the behalf of our Good Governour,^ I am told, that he dismisses me from the List of his Friends, because of a Misreport that was made unto him, of my being at a Loss how to mention his Voyage in our public prayers, immediately upon his very sudden withdraw from us. But alas, who can tell what is Good for Man? And if our Govemour do obtain the Destruction of our Charter, how uneasy will he find himself in his Return unto us? The wretched Men that have provoked him, will still be in our Assemblies, and Continue to do so. At the same time, all his Friends, (and ' Probably he refers to Mirabilia Dei, delivered November 5, 1719, arid printed in the same year. ' Shute. FEBRUARY, 1722-23 693 none so much as they,) will be rendred miserable : a Good Countrey anon putt into the Hands of Rulers, disaffected unto all the best Interests of it ; the ReUgion of the Countrey insulted, ruined, and by Degrees Extinguished. But we grow Ripe for Confusions. A fearful Decay of Piety among us, ripens us for them. One Symptom and Effect of which Decay is, a Strange Inclination to Contention discovering itself upon all occasions among us. I'l mention to you an Instance, which you will wonder at! A mighty Spirit came Lately upon abundance of our people, to Reform their singing which was degenerated in our Assemblies to an Irregularity, which made a Jar in the ears of the more curious and skilful singers. Our Ministers generally Encouraged the people, to accomplish themselves for a Regular singing, and a more beautiful Psalmody. Such Numbers of Good people, (and Especially young people,) became Regular Singers, that they could carry it in the Con- gregations. But, who would beleeve it? Tho' in the more polite City of Boston, this Design mett with a General Acceptance, in the Countrey, where they have more of the Rustick, some Numbers of Elder and Angry people, bore zelous Testimonies against these wicked Innovations, and this bringing in of Popery. Their zeal transported some of them so far (on the behalf of Mumpsimus) that they would not only use the most opprobrious Terms, and call the Singing of these Christians, a worshipping of the Devil, but also they would run out of the Meeting-house at the Beginning of the Exercise. The Par- oxysms have risen to that Heighth, as to necessitate the Convening of several Ecclesiastical Councils, for the Composing of the Differ- ences and Animosities, arisen on this occasion.^ And if such an Im- probable occasion produce them, what is to be expected, when our Great Adversary getts a permission to start more hazardous Con- troversies? 01 Tell it not in Gath! The world is falling into that period whereof one Character is. The Nations were Angry. A Spirit of Anger is to possess the Nations, and boil up and break out, on all, and even on very small, on the very Least, occasions. In our Countrey people Take all occasions, and seem even to seek occasions for the Ebullition of their Anger against their Brethren. I wish, it were more otherwise in yours. Having mention'd the period we are fallen into, I will only add, It is doubtless the period, wherein what the Holy Spirit of GOD 1 Mather wrote and printed (1723) A Pacificatory Letter on the singing of psalms in church. 694 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER has foretold concerning the Consuming of Ten Kingdomes, is to be accomplished. May all the Blessings of the Man who deviseth Liberal Things, be your portion in such a period. Yea, your Everlasting portion. With such Wishes, I am, Sir, Your most obUged Friend and Serv't. Boston, N. England, Nov. 5. 1723.^ To Isaac Noble. a.a.s. Jan. 14, 1723-24. My Invaluable Friend, — The Correspondence with which you have honoured me, has been so very useful and grateful to me, that I beseech you to continue it. I take this opportunity, to present you with a few of our Latest PubUcations ; But what I now do, is but a praeface to a more Copi- ous and agreeable Entertainment, which, I hope, in Two or Three months (if the Gracious Lord please to spare the Barren Tree so long) may be ready for you. The Occurrences among us, are too small, to be worthy of trans- mitting to you. 1 " 12 rf. 9 »t. [November.]. There was exhibited unto the Church, the Answer of Mr. Joshua Gee, unto the Choice of him unto the pastoral Charge, whereof they had made Report unto him. His Answer declared his Acceptance of their Invitation. "The Church voted, that as a Provision at present for his comfortable Sub- sistence, he should have the weekly Allowance of three Pounds out of the Church's Treasury. "The Committee that were chosen to report unto him the late Act of the Church, were now chosen to be advised by him (with the present Pastor) about a proper Time for his public Ordination." "25 d. 9 tn. The Brethren of the Church voted: "That Wednesday, the eighteenth of December approaching be the Day for the Ordination of Mr. Joshua Gee, to the pastoral Charge of the Flock. "That the six Churches of our united Brethren in this Town, and the Church of Roxbury, be addressed for their Delegates to appear with us on that Occasion. "That the Pastor do, the next Lord's-day, sollicit the Assembly to advance in their Contribution on the Lord's-day following, what may support the Expense of that Occasion. "That Mr. Waller, Mr. Wadsworth, Mr. Colman and Mr. Se-wal, be desired to join with the Pastor (from whom they expect the giving of the Charge) in the Imposition of Hands on the Person to be ordained. "That Mr. Goodwin, and Goldthwaite and February, join with the Deacons in preparing a proper Entertainment for the Delegates." Cotton Mather's MS. Records of tite Second Church, ui. 1722-23 695 A French priest, with Countenance from the Governor of Canada, has instigated our Eastern Indians, to begin a War upon us ; ani- mated with an Expectation, that France and the pretender were bringing things to that pass, that would allow ail Canada, openly to back them ; However, our Merciful GOD has kept more of a Re- straint upon them, in their outrages and Incursions, than we could have justly look'd for. A Faction of unadvised and prejudiced people here, have so dis- obliged our Governour that he privately withdrew, and has presented a Memorial against our House of Representatives, which has intro- duced a bad aspect upon our Liberties ; But if our charter which is the Hedge about our churches, be on this occasion taken away, the pure and undefiled ReHgion of this Countrey, will soon feel the bad consequences of it. A few young Ministers, who have prov'd such Apostates, as to deny and renounce the Ministry of these Churches, and gone home to our Bishop for orders, have made a great Noise at home, as well as here. But they signify very Little, and can draw no Disciples after them, except a few, that are a Scandal and Blemish to the wretched parraselene which they go over to, and serve as a praeserv- ative which antidotes our people against a Church, that have such people for the Only Pillars of it. Shortly, I may give you a fuller acco't, of these and some other Matters. In the Meantime, lett the Cry of Peace ; peace, among you, be what it will ; some of us Live in continual Apprehensions of what the Second Chapter of Daniel, (whereof, the Time, the sett Time, is come,) has very quickly, I say, very quickly to do upon you. In the Faith and Patience of the Kingdoms, I am, Sir, Your Brother and most hearty Servt.^ * " 19 d. II m. [January.] 1723-24. Baptised James Cox. The first Bap- tism administered by Mr. Gee. And, indeed, the first that has been administered by any Hand, but those of Mather (Father and Son) in the Old North-Church, for more than half an hundred Years together." Cotton Mather's MS. Records oj the Second Church, in. The last entry made by Mather in these Church Records was that of a baptism, performed on February 23, 1723-24. With the first entry in March, the writing changes to that of Rev. Joshua Gee, and only so much as relates particularly to Mather is included in this volume. 1724 THE LXII YEAR 12 d. XII w. 1723-24. 0 wonderful! O wonderful! O the Wonders and Praises with which I am to consider the Favours of the gracious GOD, who hitherto has helped me! This Day I sett apart for a Day of THANKScrviNG, which I kept in my Study before the Lord. And I enjoy'd a most comfortable, yea, and an astonishing Presence of GOD with me in the Exercises of the Day. No Pen can express my Enjoyments and my Elevations. In the Morning, under a deep Sense that I am Nothing, deserve Nothing, avail Nothing ; I behold my SAVIOUR offering to enter and possess me by His holy SPIRIT, and come to act as a Principle of Life in me, for my Living to GOD ; I accepted His offer and resigned my self up unto Him. The Consequence of which was, that I was carried beyond myself in all the Devotions of the Day, and was quick- ened unto Strains of Piety, which being left unto myself, I should not have arriv'd unto. Having celebrated the infinite Perfections of God the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit ; I proceeded then to acknowledge the Blessings of GOD unto me, all, how undeserved, how Distinguish- ing! in the whole Course of my Life to this Day! And I especially made this a Time of Thanksgiving for my having arrived unto this great Age, free from the grievous Diseases, which carry Horror with them. Anon, I went on to praise Him, for the Discipline of Afflictions, with which my Conformity to my SAVIOUR has been carried on. And for the Answers of Prayers wherein He has often granted my Petitions unto Him. I finally, and above all, gave Thanks for the spiritual Blessings in the heavenly Places, which my SAVIOUR has given me the In- choation and the Expectation of. Adding, my Thanks for the Bene- fit of that Ministry, in which His good Angels have so often brought His Kindnesses unto me. [696] FEBRUARY, 1723-24 697 During the whole Day, I intermixed ejaculatory Thanksgivings, on all Occasions and Occurrences. And I sang agreeable Passages in the Psalms, before the Lord. And I settled the Points in which I must now more than ever be, the Lord's. But, O the Expansions of a Soul mounting up to Heaven, as with the Wings of Eagles, and united unto GOD m my SAVIOUR, which He brought me to ! And, 0 the Assurances, of Mercies reserved for me, which my Desires have been much carried forth unto! My Pen is not able to relate them! 12. G. D. A Family of remote Relatives in Z>ofcAe5/ef; Lett me do something to serve the Cause of Piety in it. Unto my Father's Life I add an elegant Epitaphium. 13. G. D. In a neighbouring Town, the Widows have been lately and greatly multiplied. I purpose to purchase a little Number of my Book entituled A Visit to the Widow, and send them (undiscovered from whence they come) unto the Minister of the Place, to be by him dispersed among them. It may be, I shall do so, for some other Places. 14. G. D. The Mischief which the Anabaptists are doing in my Neighbourhood, putts me upon abetting and assisting, the Design of some to reprint my Baptistes,^ and scatter it where there may be Occasion for it. I sett apart this Day for Supplications, carrying the Concerns of my Soul, and my Ministry, and my Family, and of this poor People unto the Lord. It was a Day, wherein I found the implored and expected Spirit of my Jesus, enabling me to call upon the Lord, and comforting me with Assurances of Blessings and Mercies reserved for me. But none of the Devotions in the Day, were more full of the divine Life, than a Prayer made as a Praeface to my following Peti- tions; Wherein I declared unto the Lord, that I did not so much come to ask for good Things, as to express myself willing to go with- out them ; having my Will entirely swallowed up in His. I was more I Printed by T. Fleet for J. Phillips, 1724. 698 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER sollicitous to be a Sacrificer, and be satisfied in going without what- ever my Father and my Saviour will have to be denied unto me, than to come at the good Things, which my Desires would carry me forth unto. I esteemed a Mind so conformed and united to GOD, as better than any of the good Things whereof I was ready to be desirous. All that I would insist upon should be a glorious CHRIST appearing in the most holy Place for me, and Visiting me with Discoveries of Him- self, and Influences that should bring me to be continually feeding and living upon Him. 15. G. D. A young Gentleman, to be presented from Infection by the Daughter of Babylon. * 16. G. D. In all Events, to keep contmually ac- knowledgmg the Providence of my GOD and SAVIOUR, disposing of all, and acquiesce in His Will in the Disposal. But therewithal take Delight in such an Exercise of Piety, (yea, and in the Occasion for it,) as more desireable, than the Things which I would have desired, but which are denied unto me : This is a way of Living, which I have long, long been used unto. No doubt, my Memorials have here and there Touches upon it; which I remember not. But it being at this Time in a singular Vigour with me, I am willing again to mention it. 17. G. D. More various, exquisite, powerful Projec- tions that the baptismal Prayers may answer a great Variety of good Intentions. 18. G. D. A new Servant is yesterday come to sojourn in my Family. I will do what I can, that she may devote herself to the Service of her Saviour ; and learn the Ways of Piety by coming to us. 19. G. D. My dear Sister (as I must call her) Mrs. Brown, seems to be in a declining State, and as if she were hastening to the Period of her Pilgrimage. I would accord- ingly, in as exquisite Ways as I can, assist her praeparations. 20. G. D. My large Work, entituled, The Angel of Bethesda, is now finished. If my glorious Lord will please to accept of it, it may prove one of the most useful Books, FEBRUARY, 1723-24 699 that have been written in the World. I must now apply myself both to Heaven and Earth, to bring on the Publica- tion of it.i 21. G. D. I will encourage my Collegue often to lett me know what he intends to preach upon ; that so I may direct him to and supply him with such Books as he may do well to read upon the Subject. 22. G. D. A young Man, an only Son, and a Scholar, is in danger of being bewitched and ruined by our Church of Englajid. Something must be done, to rescue him. On the last Wednesday night, my Consort was again taken ill. A Coincidence of several Things, caused me on Thursday Morning, to lay aside, the Sermon I intended then to serve the Lecture withal. I was at a Loss what Subject I should preach upon. I could make nothing do. But at length I preached on Jam. v. 8. Stablish your Hearts; for the Coming of the Lord draweth Nigh, and pressed Preparation for the Coming of the Lord, as what may be nigh to us, not only in regard of Mortality, but also in regard of remarkable Events and Changes which might suddenly come upon us. The Sickness of my Consort grows into a very Danger- ous and a very Dubious Appearance. * 23. G. D. On this distressing Occasion, Oh! how shall I glorify GOD ! With what Compassion to my afflicted Consort, should I imitate the Goodness of my SAVIOUR! With what importunate Supplications must I carry her Condition to the Lord! With what sacrificing Resignations must I entirely submit unto the Will of GOD ! What a Watch must I keep over my Heart, that not the least unsuitable Frame or Thought be admitted there! O my dear SAVIOUR, I can do nothing ; do thou pos- sess me, and be Thou a Principle of Life in me, disposing * A single chapter was printed in New London, Connecticut, by Timothy Green, in 1722, but that is all that has ever reached the press. 700 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and quickening of me to every Thing that is holy and just and good. 24. G. D. I will consult with my Collegue, whether we may not yett accomplish, what I long since proposed ; a Society of Persons, who shall consider on that Point, what further Service may be done for the Church? And, what the State of the Flock may call for? Serving as Eyes unto us, to look oiit for us, and report to us, what may have missed our own Observation. 25. G. D. Oh! the Goodness, the Wisdome, the uni- versal Helpfulness, with which I must endeavour to treat my Consort, under her threatening Languishments ! 26. G. D. I have a Nephew, thriving in the World, and strongly engaged in the Pursuits of it. I must so talk with him, and putt such things into his hands, as may have a Tendency to draw him, unto the Minding of his greatest Interests. 27. G. D. The Practice of setting apart whole Days, for Supplications, which the Ministers began a Quarter of a Year ago ; I must call upon them, to continue in it. The Times loudly call for it. 28. G. D. Furnish other Ministers in the Countrey, with my Books of, A Visit unto the Widows : and (unknown) Request them to dispense them and apply them. 29. G. D. A Man lately recovered from a dangerous Fitt of Sickness, to be advised. Some near a Time of Travail, must have my Elizabeth putt into their hands. March. * i. G. D. I am this Day to instruct my Flock, after the most pathetic Manner, how we must lift up our Eyes unto the Lord, for the Releef of our Distresses, when we are very much distressed, and know not what to do for our own Releef. It being on very many Accounts, my own Condition, I do as well as I can ; first privately practise my own Instructions. MARCH, 1724 701 I will mention an Exercise of Piety which I am further led unto. I keep an Account of my Benefactors, and their Civilities. It is my Custome, in the last Prayers of every Evening, to mention the Names of those who have done me any Kind- ness in the fore-going Day, and ask for a Reward from GOD unto them. And now, besides This, upon the Finishing of the year, I would spread my Catalogue of Benefactors be- fore the Lord, and pray for such Blessings to be bestow'd upon each of them, as I may apprehend most suitable to be asked for. 2. G. D. What better Service can I do for the Flock, than what I endeavoured yesterday. 3. G. D. I would instigate my Children to be Blessings unto one another. Particularly and peculiarly I would animate my well-disposed Son Samuel, (in whom a gracious GOD wonderfully makes up to me, what I miss of Comfort in his miserable Brother,) to exert his Piety, in espousing Liza to her SAVIOUR, and perswading her to the Use of her Pen in writing down the Desires of a Soul returning to GOD. 4. G. D. My gracious and generous Landlord has been so very kind unto me, that I think it my Duty to make him under my Hand, some agreeable Acknowledgments of his Favours. But more than this ; I would list him and his among my Relatives in my Projections to do good unto them. And particularly, a Son at the Colledge ; ^ To whom I would be frequently dispensing seasonable Admonitions, with Books of Piety suitable for him. 5. G. D. In my Father's Life, there is Mention of a Sermon preached by him, upon, Self-Murder, attended with some remarkable Circumstances ! Judge Sewal, sends unto me, to recover the Notes of it, that he might now publish it, in hopes of doing some good by it, more than forty years after the Preaching of it. I am somewhat ' Governor Thomas Hutchinson (1711-1780). 702 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER remarkably directed and assisted from Heaven, for the Recovery of it; and within a few Hours after his Request I send it unto him.^ 6. G. D. Propose to some of the Ministers, whether it may not be worth the while, and a notable Defence for our invaded Churches; to publish a bare Collection of Passages, Assertions, and Concessions, found in the most eminent Writings of the old Ch : of E. which the Demands of the modern Church run counter to. 7. G. D. I hear of a Family in much Poverty and Affliction. I would be concerned for the releeving of them. * 8. G. D. There is a Passage of Jo. Nier ember gius, which I lately meet withal.' "I had rather, Lord, could it be without Sin, that all should hate me, than that they should love me for myself. If all the World hate me, I should have but what is mine ; If they should love me for myself, they would usurp what is Thine." Tis impossible for me to express how much this Pas- sage pleased me : and he that shew'd it me, knew me so well that he thought it would. O my Soul, thou hast long been disposed this Way. But, press on, press on, till the Disposition come to per- fection in thee. 9. G. D. Give the Flock a short sett of as edifying Sermons as may be, on that glorious Epitome of the Bible ; Mic. VI. 8. 10. G. D. A Nurse attending on my sick Wife, may be by me look'd on, as one of my Family. I will study what I can, to serve the Interests of Piety with her, and by Discourses to her, in her Hearing, and by Treatises bestow'd on her, endeavour to assist her praeparation for a better World. * Call to the Tempted. See Davis, " Valentine-Vans Currency Pamphlets," in Proceedings, XLin. 440. ' Johann Eusebius Nieremberg (c. 1590-1658). MARCH, 1724 703 11. G. D. My Kinsman at Roxbury, intending an Answer, to a vile, horrid, monstrous Book, newly published among us, I assist him with Materials.^ 12. G. D. I hear of strong Machinations and Expecta- tions among our wicked Ch : of E. Men, to gett our Colledge into their Hands ; which will be a most compendious Way to bring a quick Ruine on our Churches. I would apply myself with all proper Awakenings to the Men at Helm, on this Occasion. 13. G. D. Sollicit for Days of Prayer to be kept in the Colledge-Hall, on the Occasion of the Condition, which it is many Ways expos'd unto. Such Things may be attended particularly with many good Consequences to the Students. This day I sett apart for Supplications to the glorious GOD. Besides the many and usual Occasions for my lying thus in the Dust before the Lord, there is now this come upon me. The Crisis is arrived for the Extremity of my Vexations, from that unhappy Administration, wherein I suffered myself to be entangled seven Years ago. The Vexations which I have suffered from it, all this while, have been beyond all expression miserable. But now I have Arrests laid upon me, for considerable Sums ; whereof really I owe not a Farthing. And I have no Prospect of any Out-gate, but by selUng all my Goods to pay the Debts, and breaking up my Family. The Friends who might be capable of helping me, keep at a Distance from me, and appear to do Uttle for me. The Relatives on whose Account, I have brought all this Distress upon myself, treat me like Monsters of Ingratitude. My continual Cries to God, all this while, seem to have no Answer, but a Growth of my Confusions. And I am afraid of all my Sorrows ; it is a wonder, that either Death or Distraction has not in all this while putt a Period unto all my poor Services in the World. My Supplications this Day, earnestly cry to God, for a good Issue of my marvellous and oppressing Difficulties. But, because I have no prospect left of that, I cry to Him for Grace to carry it well * The monstrous book was John Checkley's Modest Proof of the Order and Government . . . in the Church. Walter's reply, An Essay upon that Paradox, called out a Defence from Checkley. See p. 726, infra. 704 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER under my Calamities, and that I may not be left unto any thing that may dishonour Him. The Devotions of the Day, were very poorly carried on. I have some way grieved the holy Spirit of my GOD and Saviour. The Comforter that should releeve my Soul is far from me. The Views of a glorious CHRIST that use to support me, are denied unto me. T'is an Hour of Darkness with me. And from the strange Dispen- sations that I meet withal, sometimes hideous Temptations to Infi- delity are shott in upon me. 0 Thou strong Redeemer ; I sink, I sink ; Oh ! Reach out thy Hand, and save me! 14, G. D. A young Gentleman in the Neighbourhood needs to have some good Advice given to him. *i5. G. D. My horrible Temptations quickly vanished. On my Cry to my SAVIOUR, He most graciously stept in for my Succour. I felt Him returning to me, with Influences, which marvellously allay'd all the ^Estuations in my Soul ; There arose Light unto me in my Darkness ; and by His Light I could walk thro' Darkness. 1 found the Dispositions of Patience under all the sad Things that I meet withal mightily strengthened by the Glorious Power of GOD my SAVIOUR, even to long suffering with Joyfulness. I look up unto my SAVIOUR, that tho' I am of my self able to suffer nothing well, yett thro' Him strengthening of me, I may be able to suffer all Things. In all my sad Things, I see an holy, and a righteous, as well as a sovereign GOD, performing the Thing that is appointed for me; and all the Murmurs of Discontent at the Providence that assigns my Portion and inflicts my Trouble, as well as of Envy at my Neigh- bours, who are not so chastened as I am, and so plagued all the Day, are forever silenced. My submissive Soul sales under all, Shall not I lake the Cup which my heavenly Father gives me I In all my sad Things, I beleeve and behold, and admire the Love of my SAVIOUR to me, at work that He may convey to me the Blessings of an healed Soul, and make me a Partaker of His Holiness, and produce in me the peaceable Fruits of Righteousness. I gett my Assurance of His Love to me in all sealed, by my coming into those Exercises of Piety which my Afflictions call me to. MARCH, 1724 705 In all my sad Things, I discover a Conformity unto my SAVIOUR, who was a man of Sorrows, and acquainted with Griefs: And it is with an incomparable Satisfaction, that I see myself, suffering with Him ; having a strong Perswasion of the blessed Consequences. None of all my sad Things discourage me ; but I retain the firmest Resolutions, and grow stronger and stronger in them, to hold on after the most industrious Manner, serving of GOD, and doing of Good. And I am wilhng, that my Crucifixion go on, and that I should see no Dehverance, nor enjoy one comfortable Hour in this World, and that all the Harvest of what I am here sowing in Tears, be putt off, unto the other side of Death, and the Grave. When I see sad Things coming on me, I make them welcome to me, in this View, that now I shall have a notable Opportunity to be made a Spectacle which the glorious GOD will, for the sake of HIS CHRIST, with Delight look down upon : and even the Thing which tries my Faith, is more precious than Gold unto me; better than if there were a present of Gold unto me. I tasted the Meaning of that strange praecept, Count it all Joy, when you fall into diverse Temptations. Upon the Arrival of any sad Things unto me, I sett myself to consider, What singular Work for GOD, may I take Occasion from this Thing to be led unto? And I am now watching over myself, (The Holy SPIRIT of my SAVIOUR, to whom I Resign myself is doing it!) That under my sad Things, I may neither speak unadvisedly with my Lips, nor allow any Disturbance of Mind, and any Discomposing Thoughts, a Lodg- ing in me. Dark Dispensations, but Light arising in Darkness. It may be of some use for me, to observe some very dark Dis- pensations, wherein the Recompences of my poor Essays at Well-doing, in this Life seem to look a little Discouraging, and then to express the Triumphs of my Faith over such and all Discouragements. Of Things that look Darkly I may touch upon twice seven In- stances. I will not be so vain as to challenge the producing of any Man upon Earth who has out-done me, in many of the instanced Articles. But yett I will venture to offer unto Consideration, what has my gracious Lord helped me to do? I. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, for the Welfare of II -45 706 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the seafaring Tribe ? In Prayers for them ; in Sermons to them ; in Books bestow'd on them ; and in various Projections and Endeavours, to render the Sailors, an happy Generation ! And yett, there is not a Man in the world, so Reviled, so slan- dered, so cursed, among the Sailors. II. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, for the Instruction, and Salvation and Comfort, of the poor Negro's? And yett, some, on purpose to aflfront me, call their Negro's, by the Name of Cotton Mather, that so they may with some Shadow of Truth, assert Crimes as committed by one of that Name, which the Hearers take to be me. III. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, for the Profit and Honour of the female Sex, especially in publishing the vertuous and laudable Characters of holy Women? And yett, where is the Man, whom the female Sex have spitt more of their Venom at? I have cause to Quaestion, whether there are twice Ten in the Town, but what have at some time or other spoken basely of me. IV. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, that I may be a Blessing to my Relatives? I keep a Catalogue of them, and not a Week passes me, without some Good devised for some or other of them, till I have taken All of them under my Cognisance. And yett, where is the Man, who has been tormented with such monstrous Relatives? Job said, I am a Brother to Dragons. V. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, for the Comfort of my Parents? And yett, How little Comfort, yea, how much contrary to it, have I seen in my Children? VI. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, for the Vindication, and Reputation, of the Scotch Nation? It may be no Englishman ever did more. And yett, no Englishman has been so vilified by the Tongues and Pens of Scotts, as I have been. VII. What has a gracious Lord given me to do for the Good of the Countrey, in AppUcations without Number for it in all its Interests, besides Publications of Things useful to it, and for it? And yett, there is no Man whom the Countrey so loads with Disre- spects, and with Calumnies and manifold Expressions of Aversion. VIII. What has a gracious Lord given me to do for the Upholding of the Government, and the Strengthening of it, and the bespeaking of Regard unto it? MARCH, 1724 707 And yett, the Discountenance I have almost perpetually re- ceived from the Governrrent! yea, the Indecencies and Indignities which it has multipUed upon me, are such as no other Man has been treated withal. IX. What has a Gracious Lord given me to do, that the Colledge may be own'd for the bringing forth such as are somewhat known in the World, and have read and wrote as much as many have done in some other Places ? And yett, the Colledge forever putts all possible Marks of Dis- esteem upon me. If I were the greatest Blockhead that ever came from it, or the greatest Blemish that ever came to it, they could not easily show me more Contempt than they do. X. What has a gracious Lord given me to do in the Study of a profitable Conversation? For near fifty Years together, I have hardly ever gone into any Company, or had any coming to me, without some explicit Contrivance, to speak something or other, that they might be the wiser or the better for. And yett, my Company is as little sought for, and there is as little Resort unto it as any Ministers that I am acquainted with. XI. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, in good Offices, wherever I could find Opportunities for the doing of them: I am always on the Look-out for them ; I forever entertain them with Alacrity; My Life is filled with them. I have offered pecuniary Recompences to such as would advise me of them. And yett, I see no man for whom all are so lothe to do good Offices. Indeed, I find some cordial Friends. But, how few! Often have I said. What would I give, if there were any one Man in the World, willing to do for me, what I am willing to do for every Man, in the World. XII. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, in the Writing of many Books, for the Advancing of Piety, and the Promoting of His Kingdome, Glory to GOD in the Highest and Good will among men? There are, I suppose, more than three Hundred and thirty of them. And yett, I have had more Books written against me ; more Pamphlets to traduce me, and reproach me, and bely me, than any man that I know in the World. XIII. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, in Alms, and in Disbursements on pious Uses? For whole Years together, not one Day has passed me, in which I have not been able to say, that I have done something that Way. And yett, tho' I am strangely provided for, yett I am a very 7o8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER poor Man. I have not a Foot of Land upon Earth. Except a Library and a little Househould Stuff, I have nothing upon earth. And this also I am now offering unto my Creditors, to satisfy for Debts, whereof I never did myself owe a Farthing. My very Library, the Darling of my little Enjoyments, is demanded from me. Tis inexpressible, how much this Condition pleases me, gladdens me! XIV. What has a gracious Lord given me to do, in a Variety of Services? For many Lustres of years, not a Day has passed me, without some Devices, even written Devices, to be serviceable. And yett, my Sufferings, they seem to be (as tis Reason they should be,) more than my Services. Every Body points at me, and speaks of me, as by far the most afflicted Minister in all New England. And many look on me as the greatest Sinner because the greatest Sufferer: and are pretty Arbitrary in their Conjectures on my punished Miscarriages. But now, lett me proceed unto my Dispositions and my Consolor tions, under these Dispensations. First ; I have a clear and strong Perswasion of a Future State. I am heartily willing, to wait for the Fulfilment of all the Promises in the Covenant of God, until my Arrival at that World, where I shall have all the Spiritual Blessings of the heavenly Places bestowed upon me. I am content, and I can patiently and cheerfully allow of it, that the whole Harvest of my mean Studies to glorify God, should be adjourned unto a future State. I do most freely submitt and con- sent unto the Condition of a crucified Man, and am willing to have ray Crucifixion go on with a perpetual Succession of Pains and Pangs, without any Prospect of any Outgate, but at and by the dying Hour. Yea, secondly. I have already received an abundant Recompence of Reward. A glorious CHRIST has reveled Himself to me, has conferred Himself on me, has taken Possession of me. The Views which I have of a glorious CHRIST, and the Wayes which He teaches me, of conversing with Him, and so finding in Him the Consolations which it will be in vain for me to seek in Creatures, which are at best but lying Vanities: These are a sufficient Compensation for all that I undergo, in being made a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Griefs. If I never had any other Compensation made for my Troubles, I have here so much, that I need not ask for any more. i6. G. D, All faithful and prudent Methods must be used; that the Flock may be established in the Faith and Order of the Gospel, and the present Truth; for the MARCH, 1724 709 Prevention of an Apostasy to the vile Superstitions of the Ch. of E. growing upon us : And they must be yett more plainly told, what they go from, if they go away. 17. G. D. Among my many other Calamities, under which the Patience of CHRIST in me, must have its per- fect Work, I have dwelling with me, a Neece of my wife's, who is a very wicked Creature, and not only utterly deaf to all Proposals of Piety, but also a monstrous Lyar and a very mischievous Person, and a sower of Discord, and a Monster of Ingratitude. The Uneasiness that by her vile Tricks is caused in my Family, is a sore Trial to me. Now may my glorious Lord assist me to be not only patient, but also very prudent under it; and in His Time and Way, deliver me from it. 18. G. D. My poor Nephew, under Languishments, what shall be done for him? 19. G. D. The Churches of this Countrey have been so wickedly misrepresented, in the Water town-Libel, that it appears a seasonable Service unto Them, and unto the Cause of Religion, to praepare and publish an Answer to it; which accordingly I am now adoing.^ 20. G. D. Tho' I purpose to take my Leave of the Board where I sitt among the Commissioners for the Affairs of the Gospel among the Indians, being dissatisfied and dis- couraged with their Conduct ; yett I would continue my Cares for the Indians. Wherefore I write a Letter unto the Lieut. Governour and the rest of the Commissioners, to sollicit, that they would employ a Visitor, to bring them, an exact Report of what State the Indians are in ; and what may be further done for them ; and so prosecute with better Vigour than formerly, what shall be judged necessary. And several other Matters. 21. G. D. A Family lately arrived from N. York, to ' Probably the "libel" was Rev. William Williams's sermon at the ordination of Rev. Warham Williams at Watertown, June 11, 1723. 7IO DIARY OF COTTON MATHER dwell in this Place, I would visit on the best Intentions, and unto some Relatives of theirs at N. York, as well as unto themselves, dispense Books of Piety. * 2 2. G. D. My Soul would be particularly affected with a Strain of Piety, to be express'd in certain Echoes of Devotion upon the Declarations which the Glorious GOD makes of His gracious Purposes concerning us. For In- stance; Our God sais, I have chosen you. I would say, Lord, I chuse thee for my God, aiid chuse the Things that please thee. Our God calls His People by the Name of. His Portion and His Inheritance. I would say of Him, The Lord is my Portion, and in Him I have a goodly Inheritance. Our GOD calls His People, His Habitation. I will say to Him, Lord, Thou art my Dwelling-place and my strong Habi- tation, whereto I will resort continually. Our GOD speaks of His People, / will walk in them. I will say to Him, Lord, I would walk [in\ thee, and walk before thee in the Land of the Living. Our God speaks of His people, as precious to Him. And in my beleeving on Him, CHRIST shall be precious unto me. Our God sais, / have loved thee with an everlasting Love. My Heart sais, / love thee, O Lord, my Strength. 23. G. D. A pathetical Representation of the State of the Flock, before the Lord, in the public Day of Prayer approaching. 24. G. D. The new Servant come to sojourn in my Family, I have great Hope, that her coming into it may prove her Conversion to GOD, and her Espousal to her SAVIOUR. And I shall have great Joy if it may be so. My serious Directions for it, must be repeted. 25. G. D. The threatening Circumstances on the Health of my Kinsman at Roxbury, obliged me to study all possible Ways of being serviceable to him, and of assisting his Praeparations for what he may be shortly call'd unto. 26. G. D. This Day is a Day of general Supplications thro' the Province. MARCH, 1724 711 In the public Sacrifices of the Day, I propose and pursue a Variety of Services. And I enjoy a marvellous Presence of my God with me in them. My Prayer was about two Hours, and my Sermon more. In the Intercessions on the behalf of the Interest, which our Saviour yett has in this Countrey, I felt a strong, sweet, heart-melting AiHatus, that there should be yett some Effusions of the holy SPIRIT on His People, and a remarkable Blast from Heaven upon the Attempts of evil Men to destroy the Faith and Worship and Order of the Gospel among us. 27. G. D. Having praepared Materials, for the Vindi- cation of our Churches from the Watertown-VibeX, I committ it unto a Minister in my Neighbourhood, entreating him to adopt the Composure, and alter it, and abridge it, as he pleases, and pursue the Work of preserving the Reputation of these poor Churches, in the World. 28. G. D. A young Gentleman that needs my Advice, in several Articles; especially to confirm him in the right Ways, wherein he has been hitherto strangely praeserved. * 29. G. D. It is to me a Thought full of Consolation ; that if I have a Glorious CHRIST living in me, and have Him upon my Eye and my Cry unto Him to enter me, and possess me, and quicken me, for every Step of my Living unto GOD, I shall have Him, also sufi'ering in me, and in all my Afflictions He will be afflicted. When I suffer such Things as He underwent of old, when He was a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Griefs, He will after some sort suffer over again ; so that He will support me under what I am call'd unto, and He will carry on my Con- formity unto Himself until His Image in me shall be finished and He will by all praepare me for the Glories wherein I shall one day be a partaker with Him. 30. G. D. It being very probable, that thro' the Arrests 712 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER upon me, for the Debts of other Men, and the Plotts of them that seek my Ruine, and the unaccountable Aver- sion of my pretended Friends to afford me any effectual Assistance under my Distresses, my Opportunities of Service to my Flock are likely within a Month to come unto a Period, I would exceedingly study (and seek Direction from above) what most important and pathetic Things, it may be most proper for me to make my 'efdSta 'p-rjixara, and to take my Farewel of the Flock withal. 31. G. D. My dear, dear Nancy; a Child of so many AflBictions all her Days. The unreasonable and implacable Aversion of her Mother-in-Law for her; augmented no doubt, by the wicked Kinswoman of my Wife, who sojourns with me, and otherwise adds to her Uneasiness, compells me to seek some other Place, where I may board her. I must contrive all the ways imaginable, to comfort the Child, and hearten her, and make her Sorrows profitable to her. I must also look up to Heaven for Direction about the Disposal of her, (I.) About this time, there is published an Essay, which I wrote long ago; entituled. Religious Socie- ties. Proposals for the Revival of Dying Religion, by well-ordered Societies for that Purpose. With a brief Dis- course ofered unto a Religious Society, on the First Day of their Meeting.^ in this Essay, there is one thing a little singular. The Sermon in it, is one that I entertained my Neighbours withal, before I was a public Preacher, and when I was but sixteen Years of Age. It may be, this is the first Sermon from one of that Age, that has been published. Thus my compas- sionate Lord honours me and uses me, and comforts me, in the Midst of my grievous Humiliations. April. I. G. D. The dangerous Condition of my Nephew M[ather] B[yles] in regard of his Entring into a Con- * Printed by S. Kneeland for John Phillips, 1724. APRIL, I 7 2 4 713 sumption, requires me to do all I can for him ; especially to prepare him for what he may be coming to. 2. G. D. The memorable Joseph was a Type of our admirable JESUS, in this among other Things, that the very Methods which their Enemies took to defeat the Purposes of Heaven concerning them, did but help to fulfill those very Purposes. I often foretold, that my Parentator* would not be yett well abroad into the world, before I should meet with a greater Storm of Humihations, than most that I have seen, tho' I have seen enough, since I came into the World. It is accordingly come to pass unto Astonishment! A Number of Arrests are laid upon me, to make me pay the Debts of other People, and restore that which I took not away. They that should comfort me, and for my serving of whom, I am exposed unto all my amazing DifiSculties, make themselves rather a Terror to me, and encumber the Offer of my Friends to appear for my Rescue. My Friends have also a deep Sleep from the Lord fallen upon them : and tho' they might easily putt a stop to my Confusions, they, like Persons in a Maze and a doze, permitt them to go on, unto such Extremity, that within a Fortnight I must either be lodg'd in the Prison, or forc'd into a private With- draw, which where and how it will terminate, none can foresee. The Design of Satan herein, is, utterly to extinguish my Services to the Kingdome of GOD. Now, that which I would exceedingly study on this Occa- sion is, that the Kingdome and Interest of my SAVIOUR, may be but the more served, for the sad Things, that I meet withal, and that the Things which happen to me, may be for the Furtherance of the Gospel. ' Printed by B. Green for Nathaniel Belknap, 1724. It was the first book on which Timothy Green, the younger, worked, according to the Advertisement at the end of the volume. 714 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER This will be accomplished; first, if Patience (with Repentance) have its perfect Work : and my Behaviour under my Troubles, be such, that I may be a Spectacle which Heaven may be gratified with looking down upon. And then, if the people of GOD may see me so Humble and so silent, and so cheerful, and so full of Resignation to the Will of GOD, and Satisfaction in the Enjoyment of a CHRIST, as to recommend the Ways of Piety unto them. And, lastly : if I am awakened unto still more exquisite Enquiries, after the Methods wherein my Pen as well as my Tongue, may bring forth more of that Fruit, by which my heavenly Father may be glorified : and if I grow more Industrious in redeeming of my Time, and finishing the work which I have before me. O My Saviour, do thou grant such Things unto me. But, behold, the marvellous Appearance of GOD my SAVIOUR! In the Evening of the Day, which had such as these Meditations for the Morning, a most unexpected Thing befel me. Four of the principal Gentlemen in the Church whereof I am the Servant, (men full of Prudence and Goodness,) visited me, and kindly rebuked my Anxieties and Assured me, that they would immediately undertake to extricate me out of my Difficulties, and that without any further Thought of mine, they would see a Period putt unto them. This fills me with Admiration at the Care which Heaven takes of as vile a Sinner as any upon Earth. 3. G. D. And the Use I would make of it, shall be, to press after greater Measures of HoHness, in all Manner of Conversation : and study how to do more good than ever, without any Dread of the bitter Humiliations which must probably be the Consequences. But then, in my continual Excitations of others, to be serviceable, I would warn them and arm them for the humbling Things which they must look to meet withal. APRIL, I 7 24 715 4. G. D. I have in view several Persons, who are to be admonished of their Duty, to join to the Church. * 5. G. D. Inexpressible Cause have I, to bless my Glorious GOD and SAVIOUR, for leading me to the Papers of Pious Major Dorncy} Never have I any where found viial Piety operating and exhibited more unto the Life, than in those precious Papers. They have more taught me to live by the Faith of the Son of GOD, than any thing that ever I mett withal. I propose to make an Extract with my Pen of such Passages from them, as are more aflfectuousand impressive upon me,andgett them thoroughly digested into my own Experience ; and then to do my best, that the People of God may in my Ministry fare the better for them. 6. G. D. And, what better Service can I do for the Flock, than to go before them, with Prayers fetch'd and form'd from those high Flights of evangelical Piety, which I am thus raised unto! The mighty Pleadings with a Glorious GOD ; and Looks to a CHRIST as bringing us unto Him, which may fill these Prayers, with such raised Notes of the Gospel as are but rarely heard in our Assem- blies, may leave precious Impressions upon the People. 7. G. D. Miser a mea Conjux in Paroxysmos illos vere Satanicos, a quibus per Annos quosdam fuerit plerumque Liber ata {Vel ego Saltern Liberatus) iam rursus delapsa, mihi, ob illam, illiusque filiam, dura ac dira alias perpesso, ingra- tissime vix tolerabiles creat Molestias, et absurdissimis ac sordidissimis mutitur Stomachationibus. Haec mulieris In- sanice per Sanctissimi lustissimique met Redemptoris Sapien- tiam, in mei probationem ordinata, orationes meas excitat, Vigiliasque, ut Patientia mea nunquam deficiat, atque ut pcenitentia ad perfectionem et puritatem summam inde per- ducatur. 1 Henry Domey, whose Divine Contemplations and Spiritual Breathings oj H. D. appeared in 1684. 7l6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 8. G. D. To be more thoroughly serviceable unto my Kinsman at Roxhury, especially to assist his Preparation for what we have most Cause to be apprehensive of, I am thinking particularly to invite him unto the Perusal of especially two Chapters in my Angel of Bethesda, entituled the one of them, Desector, the other, Euthanasia. g. G. D. There being some vile Books dispersed among our People, to disaffect them unto the Ministry in our Churches, which call for some further Antidote against them. This is a Point which I am now bestowing some Study and Labour upon. lo. G. D. The civil Magistrate being upon the Prose- cution of a wicked Fellow, for a Breach of his Bonds for the Peace, in publishing and scattering an execrable Book among us, there is danger lest they so found the Prosecution on a Bottom that shall have a Controversy of Rehgion inter- woven into it, as may be anon improved irnto our Dis- advantage by a persecuting Adversary, I have had such Remonstrances of the Danger made unto me, as obhge me to write as proper a Letter as I can, unto the Govern- ment, on this Occasion.^ This Day I sett apart for Supplications before the Glorious God ; not without the Enjoyment of gracious Assistences from Above. I entertained the Views and Hopes of a GOD Reconciled unto me. I invited and received a CHRIST into me, that by Him living in me, I may do Services, and bear the Sufferings, and conquer the Temptations I may be call'd unto. I turned all my Desireables into Sacrifices, and I took up with a CHRIST alone, as abundantly making up the want of all Things. I carried unto the Lord, the Preparations for the PubUc which He had assisted me to the Composing of, particularly my, Boanerges, and my Angel of Bethesda, and my, Ratio Disciplinae, that they may be brought forth for the Good of Many. I laid before the Lord, my particular Troubles; especially the 'John Checkley was the "wicked fellow" and the "execrable book" was Charles LesUe's Short atid Easie Mel/iod with the Deists. See Slafter's introduc- tion in John Cheekley (Prince Society), i. 39 et scq. APRIL, 1724 717 Difficulties which my Administration has brought upon me ; and the horrid, froward, malicious Disposition of my Wife, to hurt me, and my dear Samuel; that so I may be gloriously delivered from every Thing that may hurt my Services unto His Kingdome. And I am sure, that my God has heard me I II. G. D. Assistences and Encouragements unto a young Gentleman, to be the next Week ordained for the Service of the Church at Charlestown in Carolina. * 12. G. D. In my Sermon this Day, I am to have a Passage which the Favour of the glorious Lord that has led me to, abundantly compensates to me, what I suffer in the great Fight of Afflictions which I am now enduring. And I could not but humbly say so to Him, at the time of my writing of it: (On Joh. XIV. 20.) " We were in CHRIST JESUS (i . Cor. I. 30.) when He did those things, wherein He wrought out Righteousness and Sandificaiion, and Redemption for us. He transacted still as a public Person, and we were in Him, when He did what He did on our behalf. Oh, what a most affecting View may we take of our SAV- IOUR, passing thro' the several Stages of the Work, which He did as a Redeemer for us. With what Revived and opened and sharp- ened Eyes, and how filled with Tears of Joy, may we read the Gospel of our JESUS obtaining eternal Redemption for us! To think all along, / was in my JESUS, when He did these glorious Things! This is a Flight of PIETY, it may be somewhat new unto you. Behold, I shew unto you an excellent Way, wherein you may take the Comfort of the Scriptures! To behold your SAVIOUR as having You in Him, when He took the Steps of a Redeemer from the Time of His being Manifest in Flesh, to the Time of His being received up to Glory. This comfortable perswasion of an eternal Union with our SAVIOUR, has an infallible, and a never-failing Tendency to make us holy in all Manner of Conversation. {After tfie Thoughts Exemplified.) It is impossible to entertain such Thoughts as these, without soaring up to a Conversation in Heaven; such Thoughts must needs produce a Sanctity and Purity wherein we shall mount up as with the Wings of Eagles!'' 13. G. D. Can I do a greater Service to my Flock, than by inculcating such Things as these upon them? 7l8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 14. G. D. Help me, O my GOD, and Saviour; that, — On this Day, the Glorious Lord accepted me, and assisted me, to manage the Solemnity of an Ordination of a Person going forth to the Work of the evangelical Ministry, in a distant Countrey, from whence we have received the Desires of a Flock, to send a suitable Minister unto them. The Ordination was performed in one of the Churches of the City, and in the Presence of a considerable Congregation. It is, I suppose, the Tenth Ordination, which has been managed, by the sinful Hand that is now writing. The Circumstances that have led unto it, will be foimd in the Speeches made on the Occasion ; which I have here inserted.^ 15. G. D. My Kinsman of Roxhury, under his Lan- guishments is at this time lodging in my Family; which gives me Opportunity to, — His little Brother doing so too; this also gives me a further Opportunity to, — 16. G. D. Besides an Opportunity, which I have this Week, to give a Check unto some foolish and wicked Con- tentions, with which the Devil makes work for us in Dcdhani, I have an Opportunity this Day to recommend unto the Inhabitants of this Town, the Piety, with which they are to acknowledge the Providence of GOD that supports them, and admonish them faithfully of some undoing Indiscre- tions which they run into. 17. G. D. I would employ the hand of the Minister at Weston, to transcribe and adopt my Materials, for the Vindication of our churches from the Scotch-Irish calumnies.* * Missing, but from Sewall, Diary, iii. 332, the name of the person is obtained — Mr. Nathan Basset, who was to go to South Carolina. The ordination service was held in Dr. Colman's church. See Year Book, City of Charleston, 1882, 373. ' The dispute on Presbyterian ordination raged in this year, and much was printed upon it in Boston and in Philadelphia. Rev. William Williams was the minister. APRIL, 1724 719 18. G. D. Good Offices to be done for the young Minister, that is bound for Carolina. Miserable Scotts to be releeved. * 19. G. D. Read, Cole, of Regeneration. ^ Rowe, of Temptations.^ Tis a Thought full of Consolation to me, and what carries an Animation of Piety with it ; that the sad Things which appear to me, as Punishments of my Offences, and I accordingly Accept them, and I don't complain, but say, I will bear the Indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him ; they really prove Benefits unto me, and I find them intended for such ; and they have those precious Effects upon me, which proclame the everlasting Love of GOD unto me. 20. G. D. I must consult with my Collegue, now the Intermissions of the Winter are over, about the most proper Methods for the reviving and managing of our Catechising. 21. G. D. Domi riirsus omnia pacata, tranquilla, serena et fere Extatico erga me Amore, condita; {tarn inexplicabilis est conjugis meae ad Extrema se Vertentis incertissima mu- tahilitas!) Me ducunt ad Laudes Dei, ac Major em in Opere Evangelico Industriam, atque mei-ipsius patiens, et sobrium Castumque Regimen. 22. G. D. My Kinsman, M. B[yles] being fallen, I doubt, into a Consumption, I must with all possible Good- ness and Concern, sett myself to do all that I can find proper to be done for a Nephew in such Circumstances. I am also writing to my Brother at Witney. 23. G. D. To exhibit unto the World, a Collection of the Lives and Characters of eminent Persons, Divines attd others, among the Professors of pure and undejiled Religion * Thomas Cole (1627-1697), Discourse of Regeneration, Faith, and Repentance, printed in London, 1689. * John Rowe (1626-1677), The Saints' Temptation, 1675. 720 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER (the Dissenters ;) may be a Thing follow'd with many and happy Consequences. From the Time that the old Collector Clark ^ left off about forty Years ago, there may be found separately appearing sufficient Materials for such a Biog- raphy, among the Successors of the Old English Puritans, to make a Volumn, which would, no doubt, be quickly bought up, and not want Subscriptions, and might prove inexpressibly useful to the best of Interests. Besides, the Histories that go under the Title of Lives, there may be extracted for, and contracted in, such a Work as this, the Characters given in funeral Sermons on many excellent Persons, which would make a noble Constellation. I send over a Proposal of this Importance, unto the Ministers in the City of London, entreating them to forward this Design, and inspect and manage it, I propose my Parentator, to have a Room in this Collection. 24. G. D. The Proposal, which I have mentioned, I would send Copies of it, unto several Gentlemen, both Ministers and others; exhorting them to forward it. I would also signify unto them, that if I have timely Notice of their Proceeding in it, I would contribute unto the Work, by sending them a Collection of Characters given in funeral Sermons, published in this Countrey. 25. G. D. Several Neighbours, to be animated unto the Duty, of coming to the Table of the Lord. * 26. G. D. I am still upon Transcribing of select Passages from dear Major Dorney: with Hopes of strong Impressions upon my own Soul from the admirable Strains of Piety shining in them. How much has my glorious Redeemer taught me to pray, by the Breathings of His good Spirit, which I discern in the Lines of His faithful Servant ! 27. G. D. There has been of late among us a Repetition » See Vol. I. 6s ». MAY, 1724 721 of horrible Self -Destruction. In such Things the Voice of the Lord cries to the City. I preach to my Flock, as lively a Sermon as I can, upon the Self-Destruction, which all that walk in the Ways of Sin are guilty of. I incorporate into the Sermon, all that may appear needful to be spoken upon the Crime of proper SelJ-Murder ; that so if any of the Flock are tempted unto it, they may be duely warned against it. 28. G. D. I would have my Servants, (particularly, Ezer) learn to write. Sammy shall do the Kindness of teaching them. 29. G. D. I am using a Variety of Methods, that my dear Friend Mrs. Br own ^^ may not only taste the Consola- tions of GOD, her Saviour, but even be filled with them. 30. G. D. I am writing to the Corporation at London, for propagating the Gospel among our Indians. May. I. G. D. Unto the Ministers of this Island, I offer a PROPOSAL, that they would once a Fortnight spend three Hours together ; and in every Interview after a Prayer, tender what Answer each one thinks fitt unto a Quaestion proposed the Fortnight before; out of which our Scribe shall draw up such a Conclusion as may be tendered at the next Meeting [and] agreed unto : and the Moderator after this regulating the Expence of Time on each Subject, shall call for what Communications any one has to make on those three Points; an Illustration of any Passage in the sacred Scripture ; The State of Religion abroad as well as at home ; and any Motion of special Service to be done for the Kingdome of GOD. My Purpose is, to invite my Brethren the next Week, unto a small Treat, and then make the offer of this Pro- posal. How it will be entertained, I know not. 2. G. D. The Minister of Newington, is at this time in the Town, under Languishments ; I must visit him, and ' Rebecca Brown, who may be the R. B. of later mention. II -46 722 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER study all possible Ways wherein I may be a Comfort unto him.' * 3. G. D. Tho' I have not always made a Record of such Experiences, yett I will here mention one. On the last Lords-day, under singular Aflflations, in the public Prayers, I was carried forth to pray in an enlarged and expanded Manner, and with much Importunity, that we may see the glorious One do some remarkable Thing for the Destruction of the Pyrates, by which our Coast has been lately infested. The Prayer had so much Notice taken of it, that many People receiv'd and expressed strong Expectation from it, that within a few Days, yea, before the Week was out, we should hear something remarkable. Behold, before the week was out, there comes in a Vessel wherein five or six Captives among the Pyrates that were upon making horrible Ravages among our poor Fishermen, rose, and with much bravery kill'd the Chief of their Masters, and the rest they took Prisoners, The Joy of the City on this Occasion was very notable.* The Notice taken of what there appeared prophetical in my poor Supplications, introductory to it, obliges me in the first Place to treat with inexpressible Caution and Ab- horrence, all Elation of Mind, and the very first Motions of any Tendency to Vanity ; O the tremendous Conse- quences, of being any other than a meer nothing, and lying any where but in the Dust before the Lord ! But then this Experience encourages me, to hold on praying, and exceed- ingly watching against every thing that may grieve the Spirit of Prayer (which is a Spirit of Prophecy,) and provoke Him to withdraw from us. 4. G. D. Here is a Proposal among us, that the three • Rev. Elisha Williams, now settled at Newington, Connecticut. ' Boston News-Leltcr, Ma^y 21, 1J24; Sewall, ZJwry, iii. 335. The " dreaded " sea-pirate who had commanded the crew, and who was killed in this affair, bore the name of John Phillips, and may have been of the Charlestown family from which Mather took his first wife. MAY, I 7 24 723 Churches on the Island of North-Boston, should unite in a Lecture praeparatory to the monthly Communion ; (which in this Case, must be on one and the same Lord's-Day;) It appears a Proposal, that may have a Tendency to many good Consequences. I would as soon as may be advise upon it. 5. G. D. Familia mea perfurentis uxor is insaniam rur- sus miser e distracta ac turhata; Imo Ministeriumque meum tremendis periculis Expositum, — Quid agam? Redemptor mi! Quid agam? O mihi peccata mea condones, meque clcmenter protcgas. 6. G. D. More to be done for my three Widow-Sisters, especially, in Prayers together with them. 7. G. D. The sudden Death of that unhappy Man, who sustained the Place of President in our Colledge,* will open a Door for my doing of singular Services to the Best of Interests. Indeed his being within a Year of the same Age with myself, loudly calls upon me, to live in a daily Expectation of my own Call from hence, but, my Times are in thy Hands, 0 Lord! I do not know, that the Care of the CoUedge will be now cast upon me ; tho' I am told, it is what is most generally wished for. If it should, I shall be in Abundance of Dis- tress about it. But if it should not, yett I may do many Things for the Good of the Colledge, more quietly and more hopefully than formerly. And more particularly I may do what will afford an Article for to morrow Morning. 8. G. D. Why may I not write unto the Tutors of the Colledge, and soUicit for such Things as these. That under a deep Sense of their great Opportunities to do inex- pressible Good unto the Colledge, and unto more than all the Countrey, and what both GOD and Man expects from them, they would come 'John Leverett (1662-1724), who had served as president from January 1707-08. He died May 3, 1724, and a funeral sermon was preached by Benjamin Wadsworth, who on July 7 was elected to succeed him in ofiSce. 724 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER into a Combination to invent and pursue the best Projections for the Well-ordering of the Society. That they would exert their Powers, to make the Students, become indeed what they are called, and spend and fill their Time well; and therefore not content themselves with the daily Recitations (the matter of which also, ought to be further considered,) but assign them suitable Books to read, and see that they read them. That they encourage SodaUties among them; to meet every Week, for the Communications of their Acquisitions to one another. That they countenance Industry, with distinguishing Rewards and Honours to the Meritorious. That they bring up the Use of the Latin Tongue in Conversation among the Scholars. That above all Things, they do what may be done for the Anima- tion and Inflammation of PIETY among the young Men ; have per- sonal Conferences with them, on the State of their Souls ; cast a kind aspect on those who associate for Devotions; and add, a special Care, to have them acquainted with pure and undefiled Religion ; and recommend proper Books of Theology to them; and establish them in the Faith and Order of the Gospel in which the Churches of New England, have their Beauty and their Safety. S d. ^ m. Friday. This Day I sett apart for Humilia- tions and Supplications before the glorious Lord. And indeed, in my domestic Circumstances, I had some singular Occasions, to be thus prostrate in the Dust before Him : Entreating that He would interpose with His gracious Providence and Influence to give a good Issue unto my Sorrows, and bring Light out of dark Dispensations. I am comforted with one Token for good upon me ; which is, that my Soul is filled with Praises to my Gracious and faithful Redeemer, for all the grievous Things befalling me, by which my Repentance and Holiness is carried on, and all Sin is made more Lothesome to me. O my dear SAVIOUR, welcome, welcome, unto me, are the most bitter Things in the World, if they may but embitter all Sin unto me! I left all my Desires before the Lord, relating to my MAY, 1724 725 Ministry, and my Family, and all my Difficulties ; com- fortably perswaded of my Acceptance with Him. 9. G. D. A Student, who is a Candidate of the Minis- try must be assisted, and advised; and Books must be bestow'd upon him. * 10. G. D. Listening to the Voice of my glorious Redeemer in some Dispensations, I am suspicious, whether He don't call me immediately to attain unto some greater and higher Degrees of Purity (tho' the least impure Thought has long been abominable to me,) than I have yett arriv'd unto. So, I have resolved, with a CHRIST quickening and strengthening of me, upon several Points of the most consummate, and even uncommon Purity. There is no need of my writing them down in this Place ; but that in which they terminate is this ; that if the Devil should ever have the Imprudence to try the Throwing of so much as one impure Thought into my Mind, it shall not only be rejected with Abhorrence, but also turn to the Disadvantage of my Adversary, and only Raise me nearer to GOD, with fresh Flights and Looks unto my SAVIOUR. 11. G. D. About the Method of catechising in the Flock and personal and pastoral Visits, concert with my Collegue. 12. G. D. Res Mir a! Domi omnia rursus Tranquilla. Et mea conjux in mei non tantum Amor em flagrantissimum, sed et Admirationem rapta! Postremi illius Furores, a Fidelissimo meo Redemptore in mei Purificationem Con- summatissimam sunt Sanctificati! Me Vero oportet maxi- mopere Vigilare, ne hujus puritatis vel minimam in Corde inter mis sionem aut relaxationem admittam, sed quid faciam, ut conjux mea, non per mei Amorem Solum, sed et per Dei Timorem, servetur ne Spiritus ille malignus, qui nuper illam agitaverit, ad illius Irritationem iterum redeat! 13. G. D. I assist my Kinsman at Roxbury, with many 726 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Communications, for the embellishing and enriching and strengthening, of the Work which he is preparing for the Press in defence of our Churches.* 14. G. D. In reading Dr. Burnett's History of his Times, I j&nd this passage ; " I have upon all the Observa- tion that I have made, often considered the inward State of the Reformation, and the Decay of the Vitals of Christianity in it, as that which gives more melancholy Impressions, than all the outward Dangers that surround it." This Passage awakens me, to think on some further Projections, of Things to be done, for the Awakening of the People of GOD abroad in the world, unto a due Con- sideration of their own Condition ; in which they are now generally slumbring and sleeping. 15. G. D. And particularly to wTite unto my Friends in the Frederician University, my Sense of these Things. 16. G. D. The poor condemned Pyrates. * 17. G. D. Preaching this Day, about the Hope and Gain, and Fate of the Hypocrite, it is of infinite Consequence, that I should make sure of such Dispositions in my Soul, as no Hypocrite ever attains unto. Upon an impartial Search into the State and Frame of my Soul, I find such Things as these produced there. Such are my Regards to GOD, that I not only make the Serving and Pleasing of Him, the Chief Design of my Life, and the Sense of my being under His View is awful to me, but also, when I am in any Miseries, and I think that He helps me to such a Behaviour under them, as He is gratified in the beholding of, I even take a sensible Pleasure in them. Such are my Regards to CHRIST, that I not only look up to Him for all the Blessings of Goodness, and particularly ' Thomas Walter, who published this year An Essay upon that Paradox, Infallibility may sometimes mistake. Or a Reply to a Discourse concerning Epis- copacy. He did not attach his name to it. M A Y , 1724 727 for the Influences that are to quicken me in living to GOD, but also He is become aU unto me, and if I may but have Him conversing with me, and possessing of me, I am satis- fied in the Withdraw of all Creatures from me. Such are my Regards to SIN, that I not only hate every false way, but also the most bitter Dispensations that embitter my Sin unto me, and carry on Repentance to a more perfect Work, are welcome to me ; I am heartily thankful for them. Certainly, these are the evident Tokens of Salvation upon me. Bless the Lord, O my Soul ! 18. G. D. There are several Persons in the Flock, who have Sons at the Colledge. These Children I would look upon, as a Part of the Flock, that may be singular Objects of my Cares. I would consult with my Collegue, about the special Methods that may be taken, to form the Minds of these Children, and bring them to good Principles and Practices. 19. G. D. 0! Lett my Conversation with my Consort be full of all Goodness, and more than ever exhibit in it a Conformity to the good One, and a Pattern to all Observers ! But then, O! Lett all possible Purity accompany it, and lett me watch against all such inordinate Affection, as may grieve the holy Spirit of GOD ! 20. G. D. I would invite my Kinsman T. W[alter] under his Languishments, to sojourn a while in my Family, and make it an Opportunity of all the Good that may be, to himself and others. 21. G. D. I am writing to Scotland, and sending my Parentator thither, accompanied with some other Instru- ments, wherein I design more particular Services to the University of Glasco. 22. G. D. What shall I think on, to be proposed among the Ministers, at their anniversary Convention the next 728 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Week, to serve the Kingdome of GOD, and the Cause of Piety? Conversing with some who have Relation to the col- ledge at Newhaven, I would propose what may be for the good of that Society and of the Churches, which have their Expectations from it. 23. G. D. A young Gentleman of New-York, a Person of excellent Piety, and much Expectation, comes in my Way. * 24. G. D. It is an unspeakable Advantage, that I find, by having my Eye on the Hebrew Psalter, while I am with the People of GOD praising of Him in the Congrega- tions, I am led by the Language of the holy Spirit there, into Sentiments that are very curious and subhme, and Mysteries that perhaps were never discovered there before. These Things notably serve the Cause of Piety with me; and if I could find the time afterwards to write them down, which I hope to do, they may be of some Service to the World. 25. G. D. Some Sermons on the Character and Con- fusion of the Hypocrite, may be of singular Service to the Flock. 26. G. D. For my evening Sacrifices in my Family why may I not read Mr. Henrys Commentaries on the Psalms, which declare and assist the Frames of Piety, that every Portion is to be sung withal; and make this a Prajface to my Singing of it ? This Morning I was taken very ill ; feavourish with a violent and wasting Diarrhoea, and Chohcal Pains accom- panying of it. I was hereby laid aside, from all Opportunities to do Good, in the Convention of the Ministers at the Election. I endeavoured on this Occasion to glorify GOD, with a Submission unto His Will in every Thing (and of my Life into His Hands) and an Improvement in all the Dispositions of Piety. M A Y , 1724 729 After three Days, I revived. In this Time I wrote some Things, and read more ; but I particularly endeavoured, that the Condition of the Pyrates who are to be executed the next Week, may be rendred profitable to the people. Among the Projections for this, I drew up the Confer- ence I had with them in the Prison, instructing them how to turn unto GOD. * 31. G. D. Having many Thoughts, about the In- fluence, which the Faith of our SAVIOUR'S infinite and eternal GODHEAD has, upon all real and vital PIETY, I in- cline to a sett of successive Meditations hereupon. I would particularly every Lord's-Day Morning write a Contempla- tion on some Article in a Life of Piety, wherein this Faith is of the greatest Consequence for our Living unto GOD. And in this way, I would propose, not only to animate my own Piety, but also provide Materials for a Book, which I may anon offer to the World. One of the first Things which the Pyrates, who are now so much the Terror of them that haunt the Sea, impose on their poor Captives, is ; To curse Dr M . The Pyrates now strangely fallen into the Hands of Justice here, make me the first Man, whose Visits and Counsils and Prayers they beg for. Some of them under Sentence of Death, chuse to hear from me, the last Sermon they hear in the World. (II.) The Sermon is desired for Publication. I give it unto the Bookseller. It is entituled ; The Converted Sinner. The Nature of a Conversion to Real and Vital PIETY, and the Manner in which it is to be pray'd and striven for. In a Sermon preached in Boston, May, 37, 1724. In the hearing and at the Desire of certain Pyrates a little before their Execution. To which is added, a more Private Con- ference of a Minister with them.^ 'Printed for Nathaniel Belknap, 1724. John Rose Archer and William White were executed June 2. 730 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER June. I. G. D. Unto a Number of the Flock, who have with extraordinary Benefactions exerted themselves, to extricate me out of my Difficulties, what special Expres- sions may I make of my Gratitude? There is one I am thinking of, — 2. G. D. Lett Nancy go, and offer her best as assist- ences to her aged, weak, blind Grandfather; whose wife being struck with a Palsey, renders his Condition full of Uneasiness.* 3. G. D. I have a Klinsman, a Minister at Warminster, in Wiltshire; to whom I would send my Parentator; and otherwise apply to him. 4. G. D. Having received an Account of Petitions gone home to Whitehal against the Countrey, full of cursed Calumnies against the Churches here, from a wretched Crew at Watertown, and some others here, I transmitt unto our General Assembly a Copy of it. And I am Considering on further Methods to prevent evil Consequences. 5. G. D. The Colledge is in great Hazards of Dissi- pation and grievous Destruction and Confusion. My Advice to some that have some Influence on the Pubhc, may be seasonable. I sett apart this Day, for Supplications, with Fasting in Secret, on such Occasions, and with such Devotions, as I had a Month ago. My Interviews with Heaven were not this day quite so full of Agony and Impression, as they were on that. Yett they were such that, I hope, the Intentions of the Day are somewhat answered. 6. G. D. A poor young Man in my Neighbourhood, abandoning himself to evil Courses, I do what I can to save him with Fear, plucking him as a Brand out of the Burning. * 7. G. D. I cannot express how much I find myself affected with that Word, O Lord, Thou art my Glory. Besides • Sarah Graves, who died in 1731. JUNE, I 7 24 731 the other Intentions of that Word, I find my Soul rising and soaring to this ; it shall not only be my greatest Glory to know, and serve and enjoy a Glorious CHRIST, but also His Glory shall be mine : If I may see Him glorified in the World, it shall comfort me, as much as if His Glory were all my own. It shall be no Part of my Concern, what Esteem have I in the World ; but my amiable and admirable Jesus may be esteemed, in this I will find more Satisfaction, than if I myself had all possible Honours heaped upon me. But then, with what a Zeal shall I now carry on my Purposes, to bear yett more notable Testimonies unto the Glory and the Godhead of my SAVIOUR! 8. G. D. A Sermon to the Flock, on the Method of obtaining that Blessedness, A CHRIST living in us, may be a great Service to the Cause of Piety in them. 9. G. D. I am not without very great Hopes, that the Designs of Satan to discompose my Family and prejudice my Ministry, are gloriously and eternally defeated; the GOD of Peace brings about those Things, wherein Satan will be marvellously bruised under my Feet. Oh! what shall I render to the Lord! How holily, how prayerfully, with what a Watch against inordinate Affection, yea, and all Tendencies and Beginnings of a Decay in regular Affec- tion, shall I walk before the Lord ! And what shall I do, that poor Nancy may be directed, praeserved, comforted? 10. G. D. To a new Kinsman, I would convey some Assistence and Encouragements for the Service of God. 11. G. D. I am sending to Ireland such Things as may be for the Service of our Churches, and their Defence from the vile Misrepresentation, that some Scotch Incen- diaries have made of them. This Day, I attempted many Services, to the Countrey; preaching the Lecture in the Audience of the General Assembly ; showing them the Tokens of our God's Depart- 732 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER ure from us, and the Methods of preventing it ; particularly pressing (in Allusion to what Isaac did) that we c^ll Things by the same Names that our Fathers before us called them.i 12. G. D. The Indian Commissioners need again to be called upon. 13. G. D. A Family like to be broken to Peeces, I must with HeaUng Advice endeavour the praeservation of it. * 14. G. D. I have a strong Inclination to v^Tite, and preach on the Godhead of my SAVIOUR, and the Influence which the Faith of it should have on a christian Life in every Part thereof. That I may be accepted in this Undertaking, I must endeavour singular Methods of Devotion, and Measures of Purity; lest I be a Cast-away. I would also, in the evening Prayers of the Closett, cultivate that noble Subject in the most experimental and affectionate Way that may be. One sweet Way of Conversing with my SAVIOUR, my Mind is at this time running much upon. Whatever afflic- tive Thing befalls me, it shall quicken mc to think on what my SAVIOUR suffered of the like Affliction: and so, magnify His Love; and Hope for some Advantage by my own Calamity. 15. G. D. What further shall I do for the Flock? I will entreat my CoUegue to think for me. O ! the Barren- ness of my poor Invention ! 16. G. D. Because I would study all possible Ways of being useful to my Consort, I think on this, among other Things. The Subject of the holy Thoughts which I fall asleep withal, I would still make her apprized of it. 17. G. D. To some of my young Relatives, give the Book that is newly published. • This paragraph was written in the margin. JUNE, I 7 24 733 i8. G. D. The glorious LORD having strangely sent me in some Supply for the expensive part of it, I would apply myself, as fast as I can, to prepare my Essay of Directions for Candidates of the Ministry, how to order their Studies, that they may become useful Servants of GOD in the World. 19. G. D. It is proposed, that the Ministers of the City, renew their ancient Thursday Inter-views. 20. G. D. A poor drunken Creature, to be warned. * 21. G. D. The glorious Lord has led me into fuller Views than I have ever yett had, and such as I have exceed- ingly longed for and asked for, of what shall be the true State of Things in His Kingdome. And I am now satis- fied, that there is nothing to hinder the immediate Coming of our Saviour, in these Flames, that shall bring an horrible Destruction on this present and wicked World, and bring on the new Heaven, and the new Earth, wherein shall dwell Righteousness. I purpose quickly to write on these things. In the mean time, I would in all holy Conversa- tion and Godliness, mightily endeavour to maintain such a Disposition of Mind, as the tremendous Descent of my glorious Lord, is to be entertained withal. 22. G. D. Meditating on the evil Spirit chased from Saul, by David playing on his Harp, I entertained a Thought whether a Sermon that should with an agreeable Artifice employ the Harp of David, in Quotations from the Book of Psalms, to chase away such evil Spirits, as assault and ensnare the Souls of our People, may not be to the Flock a considerable Service. 23. G. D. In conversing with my Son Samuel, what if one Article should be, a Paragraph of some Treatise (as for Instance, my Coheleth,) ^ to be translated into Latin ; upon the most elegant and refined Latin for which, we would concur in our Sentiments. 1 Printed in 1720. 734 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 24. G. D. Some of my Sister's Children at Roxbury, I address with further Excitations to Piety. 25. G. D. I am this Week, writing Letters to my dear Franckius, and the Professors in the Hallensian University. I have in View several great Services for the Kingdome of GOD. Among other Things I send my, Parentator, to them. 26. G. D. The Church at Portsmouth wanting a Pastor, and being in singular Circumstances and there being a likely Person in View for them, who is in danger of being detained by the Humours of some foohsh Relatives, I exert myself on this Occasion. ^ 27. G. D. Especially, in strong Letters, to the Person, who has it a Day of Temptation with him. * 28. G. D. Very strange things have befallen me, to Impoverish me, and leave nothing of this World in my Possession. I am willing to enter my Sentiments on this Occasion. I acknowledge the Punishment of my Sins, in the im- poverishing Dispensations of an holy and a righteous GOD : and I humble and abhor myself before Him. I approve the Conduct of Heaven, in keeping such a Balance on the divine Favours to me. I am richer in the Best of Treasures, and especially in great Opportunities to Do Good, than the most of Men ; and I shall count this Grace to be sufi&cient for me. I am to entertain what befalls me, as not meerly a Chastisement for my Miscarriages, but also as an Experiment made upon me, whether I shall count myself sufficiently enriched, in having a glorious CHRIST concerned for me, and visiting of me, and having the Disposal of my whole Condition, so that His gracious Providence will suffer me •Rev. Nathaniel Rogers died in October, 1723, and a call was given to John Hancock. He served only a short time, and in the summer Rev. Jabez Fitch was ordained. JULY, I 7 24 735 to want nothing that shall be good for me ; and by being employ'd in Service for Him. Finding my Mind full of the sweetest Contentation and Satisfaction in this View of Things, I arrive to a joyful Assurance, that my SAVIOUR is by my Poverty only pre- paring me for the unsearchable Riches, which He has in the spiritual Blessings of the heavenly Places, to bestow upon me. I am now. As having nothing, yett possessing all Things! 2g. G. D. The Spirit of Adoption and of the Gospel, operating after a very conspicuous, impressive, heart- Melting Manner, in the public Supplications, how can the Edification of the Flock, and the Salvation and Sanctity of the People, be consulted more effectually! 30. G. D. Miserrima mea Conjux, post flagrantissimos mei Amores, rursus in Pristinos dilapsa Furores, oh impetum de Maligna Spiritu per Lyram Davidicam sopito ac ftigato, Concionem, summas mihi meisque tentat Injurias, Creatque Molestias. Ah, Mi Domine Redemptor; Quid agam, nescio: Sed versus te sunt mei timidi ac tumidi oculi. Quotidianis precibus, in quibus Filium associatum habeam, gratiam tuam Qucerere, est mihi propositum. July. I. G. D. They are so near to me on some accounts that if I consider them as Relatives, among the Objects of my Essays to do Good, there will be no Trespass in it. An honourable Family at Marshfield, having lately buried a Daughter, have also had their Son, who was a Captain in the public Service, and should have this day proceeded Master of Arts, murdered by the Indians, with some singular Circumstances of Embitterment.^ This Day, I write a Letter of Condolence and Consolation to them. 'The family was that of Isaac and Sarah (Wensley) Winslow; the daugh- ter's name was Anna (1709-1723), and that of the son, Josiah (1701-1724). 736 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER This Day, being our insipid, ill-contrived, anniversary Solemnity, which we call, The Commencement, I chose to spend it at home, in Supplications ; partly on the behalf of the CoUedge, that it may not be foolishly thrown away : but that GOD would bestow such a President upon it, as may prove a rich Blessing unto it, and unto all our Churches. The other usual Matters for my Supphcations, were also carried unto the Lord. And the sad Things which my Ministry and my Family are threatened withal, were particularly considered. In the Sacrifices which I this day offered unto the Lord I felt astonishing Impressions and Assurances of my being brought nigh to the glorious GOD, and of my Union to my SAVIOUR and His Concern for me. But, Oh ! what Advice from Heaven, is come to me this Day, about my poor Son Increase! Yea, how many Times have I been of late overwhelmed with Afflations, which tell me, that — 2. G. D. Expecting many Ministers, to be together this day, from several Parts of the Countrey, I would endeav- our, in a Speech imto them, to sett before them such Matters for their Prayers and Cares as it may be of great Service for them to think upon. This Day I received from New London, some copies of a Book, newly printed there. Being willing to be furnished with another Book, to lodge in the hands of my Neighbours and such as I have opportunity to converse withal, I putt myself to some Expense for it ; And what now comes out of the Press, is entituled ; (III.) Stimulator. Or The Case of a Soul walking in Darkness awfully and suitably considered. An essay to awaken People out of the Lethargy, which disposes them to con- tinue in a Dark Uncertainty about their Future Slate, in the World, which is not seen, but is Eternal.^ 1 Printed by Timothy Green, 1724. JULY, I 7 24 737 What I spoke to the Convention of Ministers, at Boston July 2, 1724. It was a Sentence, which I think I more than once heard fall from the Lips of our Memorable, and venerable Eliot ; // is no little Notice, which is taken by our Holy Lord, of what passes in the Meetings of His Ministers. The Ministers of the Countrey, doubtless have their frequent Meetings; and in these Interviews, their Discourses and Projections to serve the Kingdome of GOD our SAVIOUR are such as to demonstrate that they remember. He hearkens to hear what passes there, and that He has a Book of Remembrance in which He enters what passes from them who think upon His Name. That what now passes may somewhat answer such an Expecta- tion, I would humbly ask Leave, to offer unto the Brethren a Word or two, which may stir up their pure Minds to the Remembrance of some Things, that cannot be well forgotten or neglected. It is to be supposed, and beleeved, that Ministers being Men of GOD, are Men of Prayer. And, we not only do ourselves pray with- out Ceasing, but also animate and encourage Prayer all we can among the People, whom we instruct how to pray, while in that holy Exercise, we go before them. There are among the many Matters of Prayer, which call for our Consideration, very particularly two, or three, which you will allow me to mention, as Points upon which the Watchmen on the Walls of Jerusalem, should not keep Silence before the Lord. First ; the State of Religion in the whole World is very deplorable. A fearful Decay and withdraw of real and vital Piety is every where greatly confessed and lamented, by those Few that have any thing of it, yett remaining in them. Our United Brethren, in Gr. Britain and Ireland appear to have a dismal Share in this epidemical Wretched- ness. It is no small Instance of it, that when there is an horrible Conspiracy in our Nation to dethrone and degrade and ungod the infinite SON of GOD, a very great Part of our Brethren by refusing to subscribe those Explanations of the sacred Scripture, which are necessary to distinguish the Precious from the Vile, have acted as if they were willing to embrace as their Brethren in CHRIST, the Vile Conspirators : they have too much paved the Way for the Counte- nancing and Introducing of those Damnable Heresies, which are incon- sistent with the Life of God, and their Alienations from one another on this Occasion, have a tremendous Aspect on them. Certainly, we should pray much, that God would avert the Omens ; and that we may not be our selves overwhelmed in the Sleep of the " • 47 738 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Midnight in which the World will be surprized by the Coming of the Lord. Again, the State of our Colledge is not altogether unknown unto us. Our Colledge is as great an Interest of this Countrey, as any one that can be spoken of. Religion is like to be praeserved or betrayed in our Churches, as the Colledge is provided for. A well-furnished, a well-principled Governour of that Society will be of mighty Conse- quence unto us all. Such a Gift of our SAVIOUR to us, would be more valuable than the golden Wedge of Opher. We should count it worth our while to pray much for such an inestimable Blessing. And the more so, because there may probably be less Prospect of obtaining it, than is by some imagined. Finally, Since our Churches are under slicking Dispensations, and may look for more; Our Prayers for the Establishment of them in the Things that cannot be shaken, are the more necessary. But what Labours may do well to accompany our Prayers! Private Labours and public Labours; And especially in the Dispersing of profitable and seasonable Books, into the Hands of our People. And since the Ministers throughout the Land, thro the Folly and Baseness by which our Bills of Credit are depreciated in their Circula- tion, have their Subsistence extremely threatened ; extreme Wants and Straits are likely to distress us, above any Sort of Persons what- soever ; lett us make this Holy Use of it. That we shall by a more exemplary Diligence and Vigilance in the Discharge of our Ministry, recommend our selves unto the Providence and Protection of our faithful SAVIOUR, who can and will so look after us, that the Quass- tion, lacked ye anything? shall anon have a strange Answer given to it. 3. G. D. The Thursday Interviews of the Ministers being thus renewed, I would make it my perpetual Study, forever to bring forth something at them, which my Brethren may be the better for. 4. G. D. A young Gentlewoman in dying Circum- stances. * 5. G. D. I am astonished at the Visits which the Holy SPIRIT of Grace makes unto the Chief of Sinners. He visits me, instructs me, comforts me, and raises me to such Interviews with Heaven as assure me of my being one that my SAVIOUR intends Mercy for. Oh! may I not JULY, I 7 24 739 grieve the holy SPIRIT of God, but cherish His Motions, and lUapses, and follow His Manuduction. My domestic Trials, lying so long and so hard upon me, begin at length to gain so far towards the breaking and fainting of my Spirit, which has hitherto been so far sup- ported and wondrously carried through, and I feel the Iron so entring into my Soul, that I am in great and sad Appre- hensions, what may be the Issue. I cry to my SAVIOUR, as Peter just ready to sink in the Waves, — Lord, I am oppressed, undertake for me! 6. G. D. A Part of the Flock, have newly signalized their Kindness to me, and shown me the Kindness of GOD, in privately collecting and advancing a Summ of consider- ably more than two hundred Pounds, to pay a Debt of my wife's former Husband, which I inconsiderately had made my own, and was now in the Course of Law ready to have Execution served upon me for. I cannot perceive a Sense of Gratitude unto me, in those for whom I have been so much a Sufferer. But my Soul is filled, and even fainting with a Sense of Gratitude unto the kind People, who thus lay me under very uncommon Obligations. I must think of some singular, transcendent, uncommon way to express my Gratitude unto them. Teach me, 0 thou good Spirit of God, And lead me into the Way of Gratitude, and Land of Rectitude. 7. G. D. My Daughter Liza, is now on the Point of being disposed of. What Supphcation and what Resigna- tion, am I on this Occasion call'd unto ! That she may not be thrown away, and given to such a sorry Wretch, as one of her Deceased Sisters was ! WTiat Advice must I give to the dear Child, that she may not be unhappy! 8. G. D. Prevail with a Kinsman at Windsor, an excellent Physician ; to commit unto writing, the more notable Things that have occurr'd unto him, in his Prac- tice. His more singular Observations on Diseases and Remedies ; his botanic Discoveries, and whatever else may 740 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER be entertaining and serviceable to the World; and com- municate them to me, that I may make them so. 9. G. D, There are collected some notable Instances of Piety, among our evangelized Indians. The Publication thereof may serve many good Purposes. I would there- fore animate it, and employ my Cares about it, and prevail with several Ministers to join with me in Supervising of it, 10. G. D. Among the Commissioners for the Indian Affairs, there are many things of Consequence to be prose- cuted. I would earnestly solicit for Meetings to be called, that these Things may be considered in them. 11. G. D. A poor, godly, gracious Woman, in our Church is in miserable Circumstances, by reason of an unreasonable and a very abusive Husband. Something must be done to direct and comfort her. * 12. G. D. My God has convinced me, that the second coming of my SAVIOUR, is to be at and for the Perdition of the Man of Sin ; and that the tremendous Conflagration which is to precede the new Heavens and the new Earth, is then to carry all before it ; and that there is nothing that we know of, remaining to be done, before this astonishing Revolution; so that it may with Reason be daily looked for. I purpose ere long, with the Leave and Help of Heaven, to write my Sentiments of this important Matter. In the mean time. Oh! what Manner of Person ought I to be in all holy Conversation and Godliness. I desire to hve con- tinually under the Power of the Apprehension which I have entertained, and have it govern my whole Conversation. 13. G. D. As far as I may with Edification do it, I would insinuate the like Apprehension unto the Flock, and labour that it may make an holy Impression upon them, to wean them from the inordinate Pursuit of this World, and cause them to be in the Fear of the Lord all the Day long. J U L Y , I 7 2 4 741 14. G. D. I think, I may now permitt Samachi, to begin some Essays at preaching the Gospel, in some lesser Assemblies. Begin at the Castle. But before his first Performance, I would have him, to sett apart some time, extraordinary, with great Solemnity, to dedicate himself unto the Service of the glorious Lord, and Implore the continual Operations and Assistences of the holy Spirit with him, 15. G. D. Resolving to treat Isaac Greenwood, as a sort of a Son, I am writing such things unto him, as may be of the last Importance for him. 16. G. D. In Consideration of the distressing Troubles upon the Countrey from a War with the Indians, and the Danger of our Liberties ; and a Drought at this time upon us; and that more Influences of the divine Grace may be obtained for us, I move among the Ministers, that more Days of Prayer may be observed; and particularly that on the next Thursday, the Lecture may be turned into a Day of Prayer. 17. G. D. I would move Mr. Monnis, the converted Jew, to collect his Remarks in his Reading of the Old Testa- ment; which may mend our Translations, or may lead us to a Sense of the deep Things intended by the holy Spirit of GOD, in His Oracles, which are not commonly observed. A Jew rarely comes over to us, but he brings Treasures with him.i 18. G. D. I am writing to a young Gentleman, at this Time in London, what may have a Tendency to his future Usefulness in the World! ' First on the list of instructors in Harvard College stands the name of Judah Monis, appointed in 1722 to teach Hebrew. He held the position until his death in 1760, when he was succeeded by Stephen Sewall. A MS. Hebrew grammar, prepared by him in 1725 for Jonathan Belcher, is in the collections of this Society. Although he is always spoken of as a " converted Jew," he was not the object of the years of prayers on the part of the Mathers. That Jew is said to have gone to Jamaica and died there "a hardened wretch." Pro- ceedings, XLiv. 686. 742 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER * 19. G. D, There is not any one Point, that I have more cause to be concerned about, or to complain that I am Defective in, than a wise Redeeming of the Time. Now, the glorious GOD wUl give Wisdome to them that ask Him for it ; And the Redemption of Time was a considerable Article in the Life of my SAVIOUR, who will imprint His Image upon me, if I look up unto Him for it. I will then, with exceeding Importunity, more than ever seek to the GOD of all Grace for this Favour; yea, make it a daily Petition to Him, Lord, make me a wise Redeemer of the little Time that remains unto me! And I would resign myself up unto the SPIRIT of my SAVIOUR that He may make holy Impressions for this Purpose upon me. 20. G. D. A Discourse on the two Adams; how all the affaires of Religion turn upon them ; it may be among the Things whereby the Flock may be more than a little edified. 21. G. D. Ob revertentes indies, et ingruentes Kovivyi'; vexationes, vereor ne tandem in vexationum Fluctibus pro- cellosis misere suhmergar. Extensis tuis manibus, ad Servum tuum alias obruendum, Redemptor mi, me subleves, oro, ac sustineas. Hi sunt mei ad CHRISTUM Quotidiani, Importunique Clamores. Necessum habeo dilectissimam meam, et iniguissime tractatam Filiam el Fatnilia amovere, Et in alijs, indices mihi, O clementissime JESU, in quibus, cedibus Elevare. Necessum habeo, nequissimam adhuc apud me Commoran- tem luvenculam, u^opt? perfidam et ingratam Neptim, a meis cedibus abigere; Quo vero pacta hoc fiet, 0 clementissime JESU, dirigas. 22. G. D. My old Father-in-Law at Charlestown, very near entring his ninety-third year, and very feeble and sore broken, what, what shall I do for him ? » ' He died March 20, 1725-26, aged ninety-four. J u L Y , I 7 2 4 743 23. G. D. This day, the principal Inhabitants of the City, keep a Day of SuppHcations, on account of the War and of the Drought. In my Sermon and my Prayer, I have Opportunity, to bear those Testimonies, and pay those Acknowledgments, to the glorious Lord, which may be of some use unto His People. 24. G. D. Rarely does a Jew of any Erudition come over to Christianity, but he brings with him some Treasures of Illustration upon the sacred Scriptures. We have a Christianized Jew at Cambridge, who is a great Master of the Hebrew Language. I will putt him upon collecting and praeserving the notable Observations, which he makes in reading the Hebrew Bible. 25. G. D. One for whom I have great Reason to be concerned, is made a Widow. * 26. G. D. I seek and serve a GOD, who waits that He may he Gracious. I will sett myself to think, what may be the Errand of the many and heavy Trials, wherewith it pleases Him to exercise me ; and the Compliance with it in me He is waiting for, that He may be Gracious to me, and release me from the Exercises. But, yett, at the same time I would be so satisfied in the Improvements of PIETY wherewith He favours me under this Discipline, that I would be entirely reconciled unto the Continuance of them ; and be unspeakably more concerned for a right Behaviour under them, than for a full Deliverance from them. 27. G. D. Several of the Flock are under Bereave- ments ; especially one whom I have singular concern for ; and more are like to be so. It may be serviceable to the whole Flock, and particularly seasonable to these, if I give them a Sermon, on GOD supplying all our Wants from Riches in Glory by CHRIST JESUS. 28. G. D. Miserrima mea Kovlv^ mirum in Modum ah Adversaria ohsessa ac repleta, in solitos paroxysmos ac Furores tarn frequenter ac tarn insolita Violentia jam incedit, 744 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER atque in tantam excurrit Rabiem, quod Ministerio meo Fami- Iceque Ruina inde impendere videatur. Imo ad crisim res- lam est redacta; Et si Deus Redemptor non Extensa Manu me Ex Aquis eripiat, pereo, obruor, Actum est. In his Do- lorihus et Angorihus positus quo me Vertam, nisi ad Te, 0 Deus Misericors, 0 Chrisle meum Rejugium, ac perpetuum Solatium. Wherefore I sett apart this Day, for Prayer with Fast- ing before the Lord. I humbled myself before Him for the Miscarriages which have provoked Him exceedingly to humble me; and I implored and obtained a Pardon. I earnestly besought him to assist me unto a right and wise Behaviour, that I may be a grateful Spectacle to Heaven, under my Exercises ; and I consented unto the Continuance of them, with a Soul reconciled unto the Holy Discipline. It was with me a Day of Sacrifices ; and a glorious CHRIST left unto me, was my sufficient Portion. But I entreated for such an Interposition of His Prov- idence, as He may see seasonable, and necessary, for the prseservation of my Ministry. I have some Works upon the Anvil (especially one of Directions for Scholars intending the evangelical Ministry,) for which I asked the Influences of Heaven. My younger Daughter is this week upon a Marriage; and I now ask'd for a Blessing upon her. The Condition of my elder Daughter, was also a Matter of my Supplications. My Son Increase! my Son, my Son ! But my Son Samuel intending speedily to begin his pub- lic Performances, I now pray'd with him in the Library; and confirmed his Consecration to the Service of the Glori- ous Lord, and wept unto the Lord for such Favours to him as are to be wished for ; entreating that God may be with him. 29. G. D. In the Day of my Catechising I will consider my Catechumens as my Children. JULY, I 7 24 745 This Day, I propose to insist on several of the more important Quaestions, in the Way of a Catechism for Con- science among them. And to preach them a Sermon on, See, thy Son liveth. 30. G. D. Cases wherein the Welfare of Churches is concerned, are laid before me. This Evening I married Liza, to Mr. Edward Cooper.^ 31. G. D. I hope, we have provided a Chaplain for an exposed Garrison ; whom therefore I would instruct, and advise, and animate. Inexplicabilis, inexplicahiliter mutabilis, mea conjux de- positis Furoribus, ad Mentem novam ac Sanam Est reversa, meque summis cum Amoris Ardoribus amplexata. Being by the unhappy Entanglements of my Wife's and her Daughter's Estate, brought into a Necessity of paying a Debt of more than two hundred Pounds, for an Estate which I was never one penny the better for, and being so exhausted, that I have nothing to pay it, except the Creditor please to take my Library, which tho' so very dear to me above all temporal Possessions, I offer to Depraedation : A little Number of my Flock, generously joined for my Deliverance ; and privately and presently advanced the Sum that was necessary for my DeHverance out of my Entanglements. (IV.) I was thinking, how to Express my Gratitude unto a People, who have so obliged me, and expressed such a tender Care of me. Among other Projections for this purpose, I take a Discourse on the Unsearchable Riches of CHRIST, and with an agreeable Dedication of it unto the Flock, declaring what I should be to them, and what they have been to me, I am at the Expense to publish it ; pro- posing to present it particularly to my benefactors, with their Names written by my Pen, in the Front of the Dedica- 'She died August 7, 1726. 746 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER tion. I would hope also, that my Confessions of my Duty, may be some Directions and Incentives unto other Pastors for their Duty, when it arrives, as I intend it shall, to many of them. It is entituled, The True Riches. A Tender of Glorious atid Immense Riches, to all that are willing to accept thereof. In an Essay on, The unsearchable Riches of CHRIS T. ^ August. I. G. D. The pious young Minister of Mai- den, last night had his House, and all the Estate that was in it, laid in Ashes.^ What shall be done for his Comfort? * 2. G. D. That I may be more fruitful in my well- advised Inventions to do good, and that I may be under a more effectual and sensible Conduct of Heaven in them, I would when I come to consider the Quaestion, What Good is to he done! feel and own myself to be Nothing, and unable and unworthy to do any thing, and so resign my Mind up unto the Influences of my SAVIOUR, with such an Ac- knowledgment and SuppHcation as this; 0 my SAVIOUR, lead a poor, dark, dead Creature, to such Thoughts a)id Works, as may be pleasing to thee! That it may be no longer I, who project Essays to do good, but a CHRIST living in me. 3. G. D. My Manner of treating the Flock, in my Sermons is, with abundance of Artifice, to spread the Netts of Salvation for them, and so propose the Truths of the Gospel, that if at the Moment of the Delivery, they receive them with Acts of Compliance, and come unto the Lan- guage which I gett ready for them, they are unawares taken in the Netts, and they shall be found among the saved of the Lord. Accordingly, Communion with our SAVIOUR being the Top of our Blessedness, that so the Flock may be drawn into it, and be blessed of the Lord, I preach a Sermon upon it, so contrived, as even to surprise them into the Enjoyment of it. > Printed by B. Green for Nathaniel Belknap, 1724. * Rev. Joseph Emerson. See Corey, History of Maiden, 481-484. AUGUST, 1724 747 4. G. D. My Daughter Liza, being married, I would with all possible Solemnity, bestow the best Instructions upon her, for the ascertaining of her Espousal to her SAV- IOUR, and her good Conduct in her Family. But, Oh! what shall I do for her elder Sister? 5. G. D. And what shall I do, that my new Son-in- Law may prove a wise and a good Man, and a Blessing to all concerned in him ? 6. G. D. A woful Indifferency and Formality in the grand Business of Religion, being become the epidemical Malady of the Time, and a Token to be trembled at, I thought it not amiss to entertain the Public at the Lecture with a Discourse on. Religion in Earnest. 7. G. D. What shall be done for the poor People at Chattam, whose Minister deals fooHshly with them? The Church at Stratford sends for Advice in a Case, on which I advise them as well as I can.i 8. G. D. A poor indigent, unhappy old Man to be look'd after. One whom I have cause to love and prize, made a Widow. * 9. G. D. O my SAVIOUR, help me to make an Holy Use of what I see in a Minister, become an unaccountable Slave to the Drink which intoxicates him ; and impeni- tent and incorrigible after many Admonitions, whereof I myself have dispensed some, unto him, to bring him unto Repentance. I would exceedingly adore the Free-Grace of Heaven, unto the Influences whereof alone, it is to be ascribed, that I am not given up to the Bondage of that, or some other Lust, which might have bewitched me, and befooled me, and confounded the whole Work of God, wherein I am concerned. I would exceedingly implore the Aids of Grace, that I may, with the Pardon of my Offences, be in so much Favour •Hezekiah Gold was settled here from 1720-1752. 748 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER with my Redeemer, that He would lett no Iniquity of any sort have Dominion over me. My SAVIOUR, wo to me, if thou depart from me. Wherefore, 0 Forsake me not! 10. G. D. That I may not neglect my own. Vineyard in the awakening Sentiments which I propose to offer unto the World, concerning the second Coming of the Lord, and the tremendous Conflagration that must accompany it, I have thoughts of Preaching to my outi Flock a Sermon upon that awful Subject ; and make Demands of that holy Conversation and Godliness which is called for. 11. G. D. Samachi, did on the Lord's-day, two Days ago, begin the public Services of the evangeUcal Ministry (at the Castle) tho' he be not yett quite eighteen Years of age. I am distressed for him, that he may be very humble, and modest and self-difl&dent ; and that he may not make more Haste than good Speed in his public Appearances and Performances, and that he may with a mighty Industry lay in a good Stock of Treasures wherewith he may come to the Service of the Sanctuary. My continual Admonitions and Remonstrances to him, shall not be wanting. 12. G. D. My languishing Kinsman of Roxbury, is at this time in my Family ; may I be directed from above to treat him in a Manner suitable to his feeble and threatning Circumstances. I am now informed, that yesterday the six Men, who call themselves the Corporation of the College mett, and Con- trary to the epedemical Expectation of the Countrey, chose a modest young Man, of whose Piety (and little else) every one gives a laudable Character.' I always foretold these two Things of the Corporation ; First, that if it were possible for them to steer clear of me, * The choice fell upon Rev. Joseph Sewall, who declined the ofBce. See Quincy, History of Harvard University, i. 329. The sL\ members of the Corpora- tion were, Henry I-lynt, Benjamin Wadsworth, Benjamin Colman, Nathaniel Appleton, Edward Wigglesworth, and Edward Hutchinson. AUGUST, 1724 749 they will do so. Secondly, that if it be possible for them to act foolishly, they will do so. The perpetual Envy, with which my Essays to serve the Kingdome of God are treated among them, and the Terror that Satan has of my beating up his Quarters at the Colledge, led me into the former Sentiment. The marvellous Indiscretion, with which the affairs of the Colledge are carried on, led me into the latter. It proves accordingly. Now, tho' the senseless Manage- ment of these Men threatens little short of a Dissipation to the Colledge, yett I have personally unspeakable cause to admire the Compassion of Heaven to me on this Occasion. Tho' I have been a Man of Sorrows and acquainted with Griefs, yett none of the least Exercises that I have mett withal, was the Dread of what the Generality of sober People expected and desired ; the Care of the Colledge, to be committed unto me. I had a dismal Apprehension of the Distresses, which a call to Cambridge would bring upon me, and I was afraid of all my Sorrows. But, the Sleight and the Spite of my six Friends, has produced for me an eternal Deliverance. I doubt, I have expressed myself, with a little too much Alacrity, on this Occasion! Lord, Help me to a wise Behaviour! 13. G. D. Hasten, hasten, 0 slothful Mather; in dis- patching thy Treatise of Advice to the Candidates of the Ministry, thou mayst thereby do more Good, than twenty Presidents of Colledges ! This Night my unaccountable Consort, had a prodig- ious Return of her Pangs upon her ; that seemed little short of a proper Satanical Possession. After a thousand un- repeatable Invectives, compelling me to rise at Midnight, and retire to my Study that I might there pour out my Soul unto the Lord ; she also gott up in an horrid Rage, protesting that she would never live or stay with me ; and calling up her wicked Niece and Maid, she went over to a Neighbour's House for a Lodging; Doubtless with num- 75© DIARY OF COTTON MATHER berless Lies, which a Tongue sett on Fire of Hell, would make no Conscience of. In the mean time, I with my Son Samuel and my Daughter Hannah, retired up to my Library, where we together kept a Vigil, and sang Passages in the LVi. Psalm, and poured out our Supplications. Towards the Morning, I went unto my Bed, and enjoy'd some Repose. I verily beleeve, there is not in all these Regions an Husband, who treats a Wife, with more continual and ex- quisite Endeavours, to please her and serve her, and make her comfortable at home, and reputable abroad. And it is astonishing, how she can invent Occasions for the Out- rages that she will fall into, after the lucid Intervals which are filled with Expressions of the most enamoured Fondness for me. What was pretended as the Introduction to the present, was, that forsooth, for a Day or two, my Looks and Words were not so very kind as they had been. A mere Fancy and Whimsey! But the bare telling her so, threw her into these Violences, wherein she charged me with Crimes, which obliged me to rebuke her lying Tongue, with Terms I have not been used unto. 14. G. D. Something should be done, by the Ministers of this Place, to rebuke the wicked Spirit of the Minister at Harwyche, who incessantly labours to disturb the Peace of the churches.^ 15. G. D. A young Student in my Neighbourhood, in peculiar Circumstances. J. M. * 16, G. D. The eternal Release, which I have lately received from all Expectation of Employment in the Service of the Colledge, is a Dispensation of so much Mixture, that I am sollicitious for a right Understanding of it, and a right Behaviour under it : SoUicitous to find out, what senti- ments and what Actions my GOD and SAVIOUR now calls me to. * Rev. Nathaniel Stone. AUGUST, 1724 751 First: Had the Care of the CoUedge been devolved upon me, besides my finding it a Station infinitely troublesome, the Labours and Fatigues of it, would have undoubtedly hurried on my Dissolu- tion. I could never have lived a Year to an End ! And yett, perhaps I am to dy immediately at home, and GOD may have mercifully diverted the CoUedge from a Choice which would have immediately terminated in fresh Troubles to them. Again : Had the Care of the CoUedge been committed unto me, I had enjoy'd precious Opportunities to have done good unto all the Churches in the Countrey, and this, in a Way of living unspeak- ably Agreeable to me. The strange Abridgments and Obstructions, which I have seen on my Opportunities to do good, when my Zeal for it, and my Thirst after exquisite Projections to accomphsh it, are so insatiable, has a dark Aspect upon me. And yett, Light may arise in this Darkness. Who can tell what Opportunities to do good may be yett reserved for me? Besides, the Grace which I have already received in that kind, especially con- sidering my prodigious Unworthiness may well be sufficient for me. Finally : The praeferring of a Child before me,^ as my Superiour in Erudition, or in a Capacity and Vivacity to manage the Govern- ment of an Academy, or in Piety and Gravity, this is what, for several Reasons, it would be a Crime in me to be disturbed at. I hope, that my SAVIOUR who has taught me, will help me, to take all possible Satisfaction in it. 17. G. D. My Flock does generally consist of People that are in a middle Condition of Life ; not very rich, not very poor: such as live Tolerably, yea comfortably, and are able to do good unto others. I preach them a Sermon on Agur's Prayer ; ^ to render them content with their Condition yea, thankful for it. 18. G. D. The dreadful Condition of my Family, Tis express'd in some other Papers. O the humbling Dispensations of my GOD unto me! She, whom I have perpetually studied in the most exquisite Ways, to serve, and please, and gratify, and have even undone myself to oblige her, not only does by her unac- 1 Sewall was in his thirty-sixth year. * Proverbs, xxx. 752 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER countable Humours, ever now and then breaking forth in prodigious Paroxysms, wherein she expresses the greatest Hatred and Contempt for me, prove the most heavy Scourge to me, that ever I mett wuthal, but also takes, various Methods, all she can to mine my Esteem in the World, and the Success of my Ministr}^ and strike out the Apple of my Eye, my Opportunities to do good in the World. GOD knows, that she has no manner of Reason to treat me in the Manner that she does. I still keep in my Eye, the Conduct of my SAVIOUR towards His Church. But, I have nothing left in View, but a total Extinction of my Opportunities to do good. However, I will still give myself unto Prayer. I have hitherto had (besides the numberless Ejacula- tions of an Eye ever towards the Lord,) but six more sett Prayers in a Day, and more solemn Visits unto Heaven, I will now carry 'em on to Number, seven : And there- fore, it shall be my Custome, immediately upon my rising from the Table to retire, and pour out my Supplications unto GOD. And the principal Subject and Intent of them shall be. To bewayl all my sinful Impurities, and obtain the Rescue of my Opportunities to do good, from the Mis- chiefs which do threaten them, and comfortable Circum- stances relating to the Death, which is approaching to me ; and, it may be, some other Matters hereafter to be thought upon. My dying Father's Desire, to Do Good while I Live, and glorify CHRIST in my Death.^ Moreover, my Consort's leaving of my Bed, when I am a Person of whom there cannot be the least Pretence of my being a Person universally acceptable, affords me Occa- sions of particular Supplications, that the Holiness and Purity whereto I am so singularly called of GOD, may have ^ Written in the margin. AUGUST, 1724 753 its perfect Work, and that I may no longer so foolishly dote as I have done, upon a Person who treats me with such a matchless Ingratitude, and Malignity. I have allow'd Sammy's beginning his Performances in the Work of the evangelical Ministry. But I will not countenance, his proceeding too soon or too far, in public Appearances. 19. G. D. My dear, dear Friend, and Sister, Mrs. R. B. having marvellous Afflictions come upon her in the Condition of her only and foolish Son, I must sett myself exceedingly to support and comfort her, and because at this time she is out of Town, write unto her. 20. G. D, While I am this Morning, about projecting of Services for the Kingdome of God and what I may do to build up His House, I have sad Advice of His going on to pull down mine, with dreadful Dispensations. Never- theless I will not at all abate, but greatly improve, in my Activities to do all the good that He will allow me to do, and particularly study, what special Thing I may do for His People, under the fresh Awakenings and Contusions which His Providence gives unto me. For, I am now advised, that my Son Increase, is lost, is dead, is gone. The Ship wherein he was bound from Barbados to St. Peters had been out five Months, and was not arrived ; and some singular Circumstances of the Vessel also concur to confirm the Apprehension that it is perished in the Sea. Ah! My Son Increase! My Son! My Son! My Head is Waters, and my Eyes are a Fountain of Tears ! I am overwhelmed ! And this at a Time when the domestic Inhumanities, and Diabolisms which I am treated withal, are so insupportable ! O my God, I am oppressed ; undertake for me. But, the Soul of the Child ! If the Papers which he left in my Hands, were sincere and His Heart wrote with his pen, all is well ! Would not my GOD have me to hope so ? 11-48 754 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER My SAVIOUR yett affords me this Light in my Darkness, that He enables me, to offer up all the Sacrifices He calls me to ! And as for the continual Dropping which I suffer in my Family, I freely submitt and consent unto it, that the Glorious Lord should continue the Sorrows of it upon me all the few remaining Days of my Pilgrimage, and never give me any release until I dy ; only lett me obtain this one Thing of Him ; a Soul full of a CHRIST ! A mind, not only assured of His being my SAVIOUR, but also sensible of His gracious and quickening Influences, and con- tinually irradiated with the precious Thoughts of Him. 21. G. D. Yett once more, Lett -the Proposal for the Trial of Candidates for the Ministry, be revived among the Ministers. 22. G. D. A young Student, whose conduct has been irregular, but who now pretends to desire and purpose better. * 23. G. D. My Opportunities to do good (the Apple of my Eye,) I find again violently struck at, and all possible Pains are taken, by such as have the least Cause of any under Heaven to do so, to fix a vile Character on me among the People of God, and invite them to look upon me as a Person from whose Hands the Bread of Life is by no means to be received. This is at a Time, when I have a Variety of heavy Calamities upon me ; and especially, that heavy, heavy, heavy and amazing Heap of Distresses, which I have in the Death of my Son Increase, my Son, my Son ! under which, they that should comfort me, add unto my Troubles. In the Midst of these my Troubles, when I am almost over- whelmed, yett I declare unto my glorious GOD and SAVIOUR that I freely submitt and consent unto it, that my Sorrows may continue, yea, multiply upon me, unto the last Moment of my Pilgrimage, which cannot but now be just upon me. Yea, that my Opportunities to Do Good, the very last and cheef of my Sacrifices, be extinguished ; if I may but be assisted from Above unto such a Conduct, that I may prove a grateful Spectacle unto Heaven under my Trials ; and if AUGUST, 1724 755 I may have a Soul full of a Christ, fiU'd with the precious and Impres- sive Thoughts of Him, and feel His gracious Influences and be assured of my having Him concerned for me. But in the multitude of my Thoughts within me, when I was giving up all my Opportunities to do Good, as lost and gone, and utterly destroy'd by such as ought to have been the greatest Com- forts unto me, I have that Word strangely born in upon me. / am thy Shield, and thy exceeding great Reward. My GOD has brought me to this ; that a glorious CHRIST is my exceeding great Reward. 1 have taken up with it, as the very Top of my Ambition, and the very Sum of my Blessedness, to enjoy HIM for mine. If I may but have HIM, I judge that I have an exceeding great reward, and a suffi- cient, an abundant Compensation for all the sad Things that I meet withal ; Yea, what will make Amends for it, tho' I am stript not only of all my other Enjoyments, but even of my Opportunities to do good, which are the dearest Things in the World unto me. Upon this, I received a joyful Assurance from the Lord, that He would be a Shield unto me, and that they who go to hurt me should not be able to do it ; but then, my Soul was grieved for the Hurt, which they will do, yea, have done, unto themselves and for the terrible Things which are to come upon them. In the Evening of this Day, my poor Wife, returning to a right Mind, came to me in my Study, entreating that there might be an eternal Obhvion of every thing that has been out of Joint, and an eternal Harmony in our future Conversation ; and that for the expressing and further obtaining of this Foelicity, I would now join with her, in pouring out Supplications to the Lord : and resolve to pray oftener with her, than ever heretofore. I did accordingly. And the Tokens of the greatest Inamoration on her part ensued upon it. 24. G. D. The Death of my son Increase. Ah, my Son ! my Son ! Is there no Fruit that I should bring forth upon it, for the Awakening of our young People, betimes to turn and live unto God? The little Damsels of the Flock, have so deserted the Catechising, that I have now for many months intermitted the Exercise. Yett I will make one Experiment more; 756 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and accordingly this Week I have directed their Attendence on me, declaring my purpose to take my Measures accord- ing to what Appearance they now make at the Time and Place appointed. 25. G. D. In my Family, Things are again strangely returned unto the former Tranquillity. But, that they may continue so, my Purpose is, (tho' I now make seven sett Prayers in the Day) to pray oftner with my Consort, than formerly. 26. G. D. Tis the Day when I expect the little Damsels to attend upon my Catechising. I propose to treat them, with some very moving Thoughts on, Psal. cxix. 147. {There appeared near 100.) 27. G. D. The Death of my Son Increase, among the peaceable Fruits of Righteousness, which, — Oh, that it may yield unto me, — I have many Thoughts whether I should not be putt upon making one Essay more for the Awakening and Animating of early Piety. Consulting of Heaven, whether I should proceed or desist, the Direction is, proceed. 28. G. D. Some Churches need Advice in Difficulties, among them. This Day, I sett apart for Supplications before the Lord ; hum- bling myself unto the uttermost, in the Sense of the sad Things, wherein my GOD has humbled me : and especially, the Sense of the Sins and Crimes wherewith I have provoked Him to dispense terrible Things unto me. The Exercises as well as the Occasions of this Day, were many of them such as I have had heretofore ; But then I had this Day before me, the new Grief, which the Death of my poor Son Increase has brought upon me. I exceedingly loathed and judged myself before the Lord, for the Sins of that Child, as being on some accounts my own ; and for all my other Sins, which have procured such astonishing Rebukes of Heaven upon me, as in the Case of that unhappy Child, I have mett withal. And from the Depths I cried unto the Lord, with whom there is Forgiveness, that He may be feared. AUGUST, 1724 757 I begg'd it, of the Glorious Lord, that I might have the Grace to carry it well under this, and all my Trials ; and that I might be fruitful in the Land of my Affliction. I sett myself more particularly to beg, that the Death of my Son, may produce very special and very notable Fruits of Righteousness : and that the Sermon which I may preach (and perhaps print) on that Occasion, may be blessed for the good of many. Yea, I humbly declared unto the Lord, that if the Death of my Son, might bring in any Children to GOD, it would be a marvellous Compensation for my Sorrows on this Occasion, and mightily quicken me and comfort me, in the Resignation, wherewith I sacrificed my Son unto Him. This Disposition I could not but look upon, as a Token for good upon me ; and it revived me, when walking in the Midst of Trouble. Yea, the Good which I find that I gett, and am awakened into Endeavours to gett, by the sad Things that befall me, I consider, as a Token, that tho' my Sins have brought such sad Things upon me, yett my Sins are pardoned. 29. G. D. A miserable Man of the Church fallen into Scandal. * 30. G. D. It being my Course, to call upon my Glorious God and Father seven Times a Day with more solemn Addresses, besides what I do in Prayers of the ejaculatory Sort without Number, I am willing here to give some Account concerning the Matter and Purpose of them. I. At my first Arrival to my Study, I make the Prayer which presents my daily Petitions to the Lord, for myself and others. I begin it, with an Improvement of those Meditations on a glori- ous CHRIST, which it is my constant Care to have my Soul in the Night-Watches fed withal. II. At a fitt Hour, I have my Family-Sacrifices; in which I particularly consider what the Portion of the Sacred Scriptures then read, leads me to take Notice of. III. At or near the Hour of Twelve, I do again in secret, pros- trate myself before the Lord ; and particularly spread before the Lord, the Condition of my Family, and the several Branches of it; and with a good Issue to whatever Difficulties may be lying upon me. I also carry my Countrey unto the Lord, and in a more particular Manner pray for what Mercies the Condition of it may call for. 758 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I likewise beg, that I may have right Sentiments concerning the Kingdome of God, that is to be look'd for, the Characters and Approaches of it. IV. Rising from the Table, which is usually between two and three o'clock, I renew my Supplications ; wherein I more particularly employ the Portion of the sacred Scriptures, which [ I ] had singled out, as the Subject for part of my Table-Talk ; And then, I cry unto GOD for the Success of my Ministry; and for the Rescue and In- crease of my Opportunities to do good, which thro' the Devices of Satan are continually struck at. But above all, that I may be pre- pared for my dying Hour, and that an easy Death as well as a happy Death, may be allowed unto me. 0 My SAVIOUR, For an easy Death! For an easy Death I For an easy Death I I earnestly look up unto thee I V. About the shutting in of the Evening I make a new Visit unto Heaven, wherein I acknowledge and celebrate some Glories of my SAVIOUR, whereof I have had a previous Contemplation; or some Operations of the holy SPIRIT, wherein the Life of PIETY with me, may be concerned. I also look up to my GOD, and SAVIOUR, that I may have His good ANGEL employ'd in the doing of good Offices for me. VI. Towards the Time of going to Rest, I sing something of a Psalm with my Domesticks, after I have entertained them with some Thoughts upon it. And then make a Prayer, on such Points, as I apprehend proper for the Evening-Sacrifices. VII. Before my going to Rest, I retire, and give Thanks to the glorious God, for such Favours as are never to be forgotten with me ; and particularly for such as in the Day now past, may fall under my more particular Observation. And if any had shown me any special Kindnesses in the Day, I do more especially ask for the divine Recom- pences to them. I then bewayl the more observable Miscarriages of the Day, and ask for the Pardon of them, and of all my Miscarriages. Finally I committ myself, and my all, into the Hands of Him, whereof I may say, I know, whom I have beleeved. 31. G. D. What can I do better for my Flock, than entertain them, with such a Sermon of Early Piety, as the Death of my Son leads me to ! September, i. G. D. That Samachi may make some further Improvements and be encouraged in his Industry, SEPTEMBER, 1724 759 I give my Countenance and Assistance, unto a Journey, which he desires to take unto New London, and so unto New- Haven, that he may be present at the Commencement there. 2. G. D. What shall I do, for my new Son-in-law? Endeavour to estabhsh him in the Exercises of Religion, particularly aboard the Ship he is Master of. 3. G. D. Advice to be sent unto Bristol, upon some Difficulties about Apostates there. The Thursday Inter- view of the Ministers disbands again. Differences arising at Bridgwater; GOD helps me to compose them.^ 4. G. D. Some of the Ministers in the Town should be putt upon writing unto the wilful, furious, wretched Minister of Harwich, to cease his always grievous Ways of embroiling the Peace of the Churches, in those Parts of the Coimtrey. 5. G. D. A poor old Man at Concord, wanting to be helped into the Church there, I write a Letter thither for him, having first removed his Difficulties. 0 the astonishing Dispensations of Heaven! must it always be so, that I must see a Sentence of Death upon good Things; and then wiU the GOD of Patience and of Consolation, give me to see some Comfort in them! We are surprized with very probable Advice, that my poor Son Increase is yett living : that the Vessel wherein he sailed, after a long, long, sad Passage, wherein it had spent all its Masts, was arrived into a Port of New-found Land. If it be so. Oh ! may the Distresses of the poor Prodigal bring him home to GOD. Oh! may I yett see strange Answers and Effects of the Prayers that have been employ'd for him ! * 6. G. D. What fresh Matters of Contemplation, and Supplication, have I now before me! 'A new parish — the East parish — was set off in 1723, and October 28, 1724, Rev. John Angier was ordained. Mather may refer to that, or to the difficulties of Rev. Benjamin Allen, pastor in the South parish. Mitchell, History of Bridgewaler, 46, 47. 760 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER This hopeful Advice concerning my Son that was dead and is aUve, need not hinder my entertaining the Flock this Day with such a Sermon as the Advice of his Death, has putt me upon prgeparing as one Essay more for the Awaken- ing and Animating of early Piety. But I do it this day, and have a mighty Presence of the glorious Lord with me, in the doing of it. 7. G. D. I think to print the Sermon of Yesterday, and scatter it especially among the young People of the Flock, whereof I am the Servant. Lord, Thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down, Oh! Lett there not be thy Indignation and Wrath, in what is done imto me! To day, the good News of poor Creasy^ s being rescued and revived from Death, is all come to noth- ing. T'was another Vessel. O my Father, Thy will he done! 8. G. D. Samachi may be made an Instrument of some Good among the Ministers and others at New-haven, by Means of the Things, which this Week I write unto him. This Day, the Lieut. Govemour and Council, desired the Ministers of the City, to meet with them in the Council- Chamber, and spend some time extraordinary, in Humilia- tions before the glorious Lord under the Distresses which the Indian-War brings upon us, and Supplications for Success to the Forces now going forth against the Enemy. I enjoy'd gracious and precious Assistence from Heaven, in my Part of the Services. 9. G. D. I supply my Kinsman at Roxbury, with certain Materials, which he publishes, to enlighten the Minds of Men in several Points of great Importance at this day to the Countrey. 10. G. D. The divine Providence throwing into my Hands this Day an Opportunity to serve the Lecture, in the Room of a Brother that is indisposed, I make it an Opportunity to entertain the People of GOD, with such Things as, I hope, will prove seasonable and serviceable unto SEPTEMBER, 1724 761 many. Especially, with regard unto Fears that exercise them. 11. G. D. I propose, the next Week, to invite the Ministers of this Island unto my Table, and then actually concert with them, the Projection for the Establishment of a profitable Conversation. 12. G. D. More Widows produced in the Neighbour- hood. * 13. G. D. My glorious Lord calls me to a singular Exercise of Piety, Patience and Humility under the Trial of being one despised atid rejected of Men. The Sleight and the Spite, with which the Corporation of the Colledge have treated me, when I had such a Testimony in their Conscience as well as with the whole Countrey, to the Erudition, and Capacity and Activity for doing of good, and Fidelity to the Religion of the Churches of which it may be hoped that the Lord has bestowed something upon me; this occasions Town and Countrey to be inquisitive into the Bottom of the Contempt, which they have cast upon me ; and many wild Guesses are made on this Occasion to my Disadvantage. It becomes me to be very silent, and with meekness of Wisdome to concoct it, and ly in the Dust before the Lord who makes me so much a Castaway, and not complain of it, if I am also a Stone, which the Builders have refused. This Day I read over the Book which contains the Life of Mr. Gearing, and his Experiences ; and the Marks of an Interest in CHRIST, that my Soul may further improve in experimental Piety. ^ 14. G. D. I am treating the Flock, with two Sermons on our SAVIOUR, gathering the Children of Men as the afi"ectionate Bird the Chickens, under his Wings. I repeat ' William Gearing, author of a History of the Church of Great Britain (1674). He also published The Sacred Diary, or Select Meditations for every Part of the Day (1679). 762 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the clocquing Voice of our SAVIOUR as affectionately as ever I can; and apply it in a singular Manner iinto our young Ones. 15. G. D. Lett iVawcy read the Experiences of a young Gentlewoman, published with the Life of Mr. Gearing. And Visit — 16. G. D. What shall I do for my new Son-in-Law, who is now upon a Voyage? 17. G. D. Proposing as soon as I can, to pubUsh my Sermon on the Death of my Son Increase, for the Animation of early Piety, I am thinking, whether I had not best add, my Sermon on the Sparks flying upward. 18. G. D. A Minister of some Note among us, being entangled in the Wretchedness of excessive Drinking, and a great Flock being in hazard of being niin'd by it, I would move the Ministers of this Island, with whom I am associ- ated in a profitable Conversation, to join with me, in a solemn Letter of Rebuke and Advice unto him. 19. G. D. A very poor old man in my Flock, must be instructed and comforted with singular Assistences. * 20. G. D. By reading the Christognosia, of Steyg- man,^ 1 propose to furnish myself, with Stores for Thoughts on the Glory of my SAVIOUR, which are the very Life of my Life, and must be the Salt of my Ministry. And by reading what he writes, De vera Christianismo, I propose to brighten and strengthen my Sentiments on a Subject which I have already done something to cultivate. 21. G. D. With my Collegue, lett me concert a List, of such as we may apprehend qualified for our Communion, and then with private and proper Applications unto them, call upon them to do their Duty in the Matter. 22. G. D. I am informed, that my Son, Samuel, in the Journey to New-haven from which he is not yett returned, has had the uncommon Respects of the Degree of M. A. * Joshua Stegmannus, Studii Pielatis Icon, sive Christognosia, 1630. SEPTEMBER, 1724 763 conferred on him, at the Commencement there. If it be true, he is distinguished, by being a graduated Mr. of Arts, while he is yett short of eighteen years of Age. He also meets with much Esteem as a Preacher at these early Years. On these Accounts, I must mightily inculcate on him, the Maxims of Piety, of Industry, of the profoundest Humility, that he may express a due Gratitude unto the glorious Lord who so remarkably smiles upon him ; and a Conduct so full of Wisdome, that he may not make them ashamed who have promoted him, and that he may not fail the just Expectation of the World concerning him. 23. G. D. The Children, which are this day to attend the Catechising, are unto me as my Relatives. Besides my other Contrivances to come at their young Souls, I would this day preach as pungent things as I can to them, on the Children of Bethel. 24. G. D. Being well-assured, that the M. CC. LX years for the Man of Sin, are up, I am sure, our High- Church must go down ; and I will take the Occasion from hence to animate as many Testimonies as I can, against its vile Idolatries and Superstitions.^ 25. G. D. The Interview of the Ministers on this Island, for a profitable Conversation, being established, there shall a proper Number of Ministers from the Neighbourhood be invited into it. This Day, I sett apart for Supplications on the same Occasions and with the same Exercises, that I had a Month ago. But with a special Regard unto the sad Case of my Son Increase; that I may have Light arise in Darkness to me under it ; and that I may after a suitable Manner make the Sacrifice which I am call'd unto ; and that the Discourses which it has awakened me to praepare for the Pubhc may be pubhshed and prospered. A Blessing on my Son Samuel in his Journey homewards, was also a Petition of Importance with me. The Publication of several Composures, which have long been ' See p. 80s, infra. 764 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER waiting for it, was a Matter which I now also importunately carried unto the Lord. 26. G. D. A poor Woman perishing under a Cancer, I must make a singular Object of my Compassions. * 27. G. D. The sudden Death of my intimate and honoured Friend, the excellent Govemour Saltonstal, on this Day Se'nnight, who was a few years younger than myself, — how much must it awaken me to be always ready, and as fast as I can, do with my Might what my Hand finds to do, and what I would wush to have done before I dy! O my God, and SAVIOUR, quicken me, assist me, and lett an easy Death, (Oh! for an easy as well as an happy Death!) conclude my Labours and my Sorrows! 28. G. D. To entertain the Flock, with a Sermon on the Golden Candlestick! This Day, the Church meets, partly to employ the Golden Snuffers of the Sanctuary in the Discipline due to an Offender ; charged with lewd Attempt of Adulteries on several Persons. The Lord help me, to make this an Occasion of speaking such Things, as may cause all the People to fear GOD and receive Instruction. ^ 29. G. D. On the Death of my Son Increase, my first Care is, to make my dreadful Sacrifice after a suitable Manner. But then, I would contrive as exquisite Ways as I can, * "A copy of two Votes drawn up by the Reverend Dr. Mather, at a Church Meeting 28 d. 7 m. "The Church, from what they have heard, apprehend it their Duty unto Mr. N. Wheeler, who stands accused of lewd and very scandalous Behaviors toward several Women ; and a Duty owing to the Honor of our holy Profession and Com- munion, that he should stand suspended from our Fellowship at the Table of the Lord, until he arrive to us with such Testimonies of an humbler watchful, and exemplary Carriage, and such Expressions of a true Poenitent as may be for our more general Satisfaction. "Voted, that the Church's Treasury pay the rent of the House in which our Pastor the Rev. Mr. Joshua Gee resides; and also advance the Sum of twenty Pounds for the Fuel of his Family for the Year current and annually, till 'tis otherwise ordered." MS. Records of the Second Church, iii. SEPTEMBER, 1724 765 that at and by his Death, a poor Child, who did no good in his Life, may do good in the World : that the Child may be an Instrument of good after he is dead. I think, I have contrived a Way for it, which may anon be mentioned. 30. G. D. My excellent Sister, Mrs. R. B. is fallen into such an Extremity of AlBiction by a foolish Son, who has wasted her, that she is in extreme Danger of being hurried into the Grave. I am under the greatest Obliga- tions of doing all that I can, to assist and comfort her. (V.) A godly Woman having been carried thro' many Afflictions, thought herself bound in Duty, to invite her Friends unto a Consort" with her in the Praises of GOD her SAVIOUR: and having had a more particular Experience of the Truth in that Word, Psal. cxix. 92, Unless thy Law had been my Delights, then had I perished in my Affliction, she desired me to furnish her with a Discourse upon it. I did so, and she published it. It is entituled. The Nightin- gale. An Essay of Songs among Thorns, or The Supports and Comforts of the Afflicted Beleever.^ October, i. G. D. It may be a Service unto the Public, for me to bestow a funeral Sermon on my honourable Friend, Governour Saltonstal; and give him his deserved Character. I do it this Day in the Lecture. 2. G, D. And I send it unto New-London. 3. G. D. A young Gentleman, bound for Europe; Fortify him against his Temptations. * 4. G. D. Ever now and then, when I am conversing with Heaven in Supplications, I have a Thought struck in my Mind, which I never had before, and which I know not that any other Man has had before ; A Thought full of Light and Warmth, and of an heart-melting Efficacy. Tis my Infelicity, that I have not had the Time or Strength to write so many of them, as I should have done. 1 Printed by B. Green, 1724. 766 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER But because it is now the Lord's-day with me, I will enter a Thought of Piety, by which the Sanctification of the Day, may be more than a little animated. This is the Day, which the Lord has made considerable by His Resurrection from the Dead upon it. His Resurrection from the Dead, was his Acquittance from the Debt of Punishment which we ow'd, (for on His own Account He ow'd none) unto the Justice of GOD. Accordingly, when we sanctify this Day, and celebrate it, as we ought to do, we not only putt in our Claim to a share in that Acquittance, but also have an Assurance of it. When we conscienciously and reUgiously Sabbatize, we may be assured of it, that we have a Share in that Justification which our SAVIOUR and Surety rising from the Dead, received on the behalf of His chosen People. God says to the careful Sabbatizer ; Be of good Com- fort, thy Sins are forgiven thee. Oh ! That this Joy of the Lord may be my Strength, in sabba- tizing to Him ! 5. G. D. Some things, to be done with relation to the Seats, in the Meeting-house. 6. G. D. My Son Samuel, having found so much Acceptance of his Performances in the Neighbourhood, it WiW. be expected, that he should be exhibited unto his Grandfather's and Father's Church in the Neighbourhood. I advise him therefore to prepare a Sermon, on Exod. xv. 2. My Father^ s God, I will exalt him. 7. G. D. I have two Nephews both which are now so struck with a Consumption, that their Lives are to be de- spaired of. I am to treat them accordingly, and assist their preparations. 8. G. D. I am now making Remittances to the Royal So- ciety, which, I hope, will be not an unuseful Entertainment. 9. G. D. I am also making fresh Instances to forward the Design of collecting and compacting the Lives and Characters of pious Puritans. 10. G. D. A godly Woman of my Neighbourhood, under the Torments of a wicked and froward Husband, and bereaved of a Daughter that was a great Comfort unto her, what shall I do for her Support in her Affliction? OCTOBER, 1724 767 A Man and his wife in my Neighbourhood, living in much sinful Discord, I heal their Contentions. * II. G. D. Another of the many Things darted into my Mind, when I am addressing Heaven with my Supplications, is this : the meritorious Obedience of my SAVIOUR to the Law of the glorious GOD, had a Voice in it. The Sufferings of my SAVIOUR were Petitions to Him for such Favours of Heaven to be bestow'd upon us, as they purchased. The Wounds of my dying SAVIOUR, did as opened Mouths, petition for such Blessings to us, as the Blood which issued from them, was the Payment of a Price for. When therefore I pour out my Prayers to the Glorious God, they are in Conjunction with the Suppli- cations, which there were in the Sacrifice of my SAVIOUR : they do but utter the Language of the Sacrifice. With what Faith, what Hope, what Joy may my Prayers be animated from this Consideration! 12. G. D. The last Week there died in this Neighbour- hood a Damsel, about sixteen years old,^ who in the last Days of her pious Life, expired with marvellous Triumphs over Death, and such uncommon and heavenly ^Expressions, that I thought it might be a Part of my pastoral Watch- fulness, to entertain the Flock, and particularly the young ones of it, with a Relation of them. 13. G. D. Some further Projections, for dear Nancys Welfare. 14. G. D. And my dying Kinsman at Roxbury. 15. G. D. I purpose, if I can, to draw a number of our Ministers, into a Combination, to erect and revive a Society for the Suppression of Disorders; which may go on upon such a Plan, as in this Town such a Society formerly went upon; and a World of Good was accomplished. 16. G. D. A Council to meet in this Place, and at my House, upon the distressed Case of Portsmouth. ^ Mrs. Rebecca Burnel. 768 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER 17. G. D. A gracious Widow in this Neighbourhood, fallen into great Affliction by the Death of her only Son, * 18. G. D. Much edified in Reading of Gerhard's Meditationes Sacrae, one of them, the last thing, before I go to Rest. 19. G. D. Some in the Flock, under grievous Exer- cises, To be accommodated with a Discourse on being chosen in the Furnace of Affliction. 20. G. D. What shall I do, that my Carriage towards my Consort, may have in it yett more Conformity to my Lovely SAVIOUR? I think of many Instances, wherein I will endeavour it unto the uttermost. Especially, in Compassion to her with regard unto the Things which threaten her Comfort. But that I may improve to the highest in this matter, I would pray much oftener with her, than I have done heretofore. Oftener than in our monthly Action of that Importance. 21. G. D. The little Damosels of the Flock, are to be treated with me, as my Children. This is the Day for the Catechising of them. I would this Day treat them with a Discourse on Ps. lxiii. i. Thou art my GOD, Early will I seek thee. 22. G. D. The Revival of the horrible Persecution in France, revives in me, an Enquiry, whether I may not resume the Essay, which I made three years ago, to send into France, an Instrument in the French Tongue, that is calculated for the awakening of the People there, to reform their Impieties, or to expect the tremendous Judgments of GOD.^ I sent it into Hollatid, and have had no Account concerning it. I am inclinable to be at the Expence of printing it here, and so sending it into France, as many ways as I can. Direct me, O my SAVIOUR! 23. G. D. The unhappy State of Religion at Rhode- • Unc Grande Voix du Ciel. OCTOBER, 1724 769 Island, calls for some Consideration, and the Minister there is to be putt upon the doing of his Duty. Something to be done relating to Canterbury.^ This Day I sett apart for Supplications, with the same Exercises and on the same Occasions, which employ'd me a Month ago. Unto which there were now some others added. Especially, that the glorious Lord would pour out His Holy SPIRIT on my Son Samuel, and assist him and accept him, to serve His Kingdome, and be particularly with him on the Lord's-Day approaching, when he is to stand in his Grandfather's Pulpitt, and Minister before the Lord. And that I may enjoy a glorious Presence of the Holy One with me, in a great Council of Churches, which is to meet at my House the next Week, that they may consider the Condition of Ipswyche and Portsmouth; and see a good Issue of the important affair. 24. G. D. Good Offices to be done for oppressed and afflicted Slaves. These have often occurr'd, without my making in these Records any Mention of them. ' *25. G. D. Oh! If I had an holy Heart, how much might I live in Heaven, while I am on Earth. Yesterday, to the seven stated Prayers of the Day, there were added, a Prayer with my Widow-sisters in the Evening ; a Prayer with a gracious widow under Darkness ; a Prayer with my Consort praeparatory to the Communion ; which raises them to the Number ten. How many ejaculatory Prayers passed in the Day, cannot be numbred. Now, that I may be more Heavenly in and by these Exercises of PIETY, I propose often to prseface them with such Thoughts as these ; / am now making a Visit unto the Heavenly World! I am going, where my SAVIOUR is making a continual Intercession for me. I am going, where I hope ere long to he received into everlasting Habitations. This Day, my Son Samuel, (while yett short of eighteen) appeared in the Pulpit where his Father and Grandfather 1 Samuel Estabrook was the minister at Canterbury, Connecticut, where he remained until dismissed in June, 1727. 11-49 770 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER before him, have served our Glorious Lord ; and preached on Exod. XV, 2. He is my Father^ s God atid I will exalt Him. 26. G. D. On the special Presence of our Glorious Lord, in the Midst of His Churches, I entertain the Flock with such things as, I hope, He will make awful and useful to them. 27. G. D. Oh! when, when, will my two Daughters exalt the GOD of their Father, by laying hold on His Cove- nant, and confirming it in the Communion of His People, at the Table of the Lord! I must not leave my Instigations, till it be accom- plished. This Day, the Delagates of ten Churches, mett in a Council, at the Place of my present Habitation. My spacious Hall, was handsomely filled with a venerable Appearance. The Occasion was, the Desire of the Church at Portsmouth, to obtain a Translation of one of the Pastors in the Church at Ipswyche, to them.^ They placed me in the Moderator's Chair. And my Glorious Lord, imto whom I had look'd up with much of Agony for His Assist- ence, enabled me, to manage the affair in my hands, after such a Manner, that they who were present, apprehended, that we had an uncommon and very special Presence of our Lord with us. The Result of the Council is in other Papers. They adjourned for three Weeks. 28. G. D. Lord, what shall I do, for my two Nephews, whose Life drawes near to the Grave, — that [unfinished], (VL) 29. G. D. It may be for the Service of Piety among very many People, especially our young ones; to allow the Publication of a Discourse, which is now in the Press ; entituled. Light in Darkness : An Essay on the PIETY, which ' See p. 734, supra. The council considered Fitch's acceptance of the call tx) Portsmouth. OCTOBER, 1724 771 by Rememhring the Many Days of Darkness, will change them into a Marvellous Light. With a notable Exemple of it, in a young Person, in the Seventeenth year of her Age meet- ing her Death with uncommon Triumphs over it.^ 30. G. D. My best Instructions and Assistances, to a young Minister, bound for the Service of the Gospel, at Cohanzy.^ 31. G. D. A godly Woman in my Neighbourhood, mourning under the Death of what was most of all desire- able to her, in her Children ; and vexed with a very wicked, and froward Husband. (VII.) Preaching lately a Sermon on, Job. iii. 25. one of the Hearers came to me, for a Copy of it. It was a Sermon which the Death of my Son Increase led me to. Tis pubhshed under this Title. Tela pr^visa. A short Essay on Troubles to be looked for. A Wise Expectation of and Preparation for Troublesome Changes, recommended unto the Strangers aiui Pilgrims in this present Evil World. ^ (VIII.) Moreover, That I might serve several good Purposes, I sent my Funeral-Sermon on Governour Salton- stal, to his Widow at New-London, who immediately pub- lished it. This is the Title. Decus ac Tutamen. A brief Essay on the Blessings enjoyed by a People that have Men of a Right Character shining among them. Offered in Com- memoration of that Good and Great Man, the Honourable GURDON SALTONSTAL Esqr, Late Governour of Con- necticot-Colony, New England.^ November. * i. G. D. I find my Dispositions to find all my Dehghts and all my Riches, and all my Honours, in a glorious CHRIST, grow exceedingly. It is a marvellous Consolation and Encouragement unto * Printed by S. Kneeland for Nathaniel Belknap, 1724. It was preached on Mrs. Rebecca Burnel. ' Salem county, New Jersey. ^Printed by B. Green for Thomas Hancock, 1724. * Printed by T. Green, 1724. 772 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER me, in my Supplications, to think, that there was a Voice in all those Acts of Obedience, which my SAVIOUR paid imto the divine Law, and more particularly a Voice went from the Wounds of my suffering SAVIOUR, as with open Mouth demanding the Blessings of Goodness for His Peo- ple ; and all my prayers to the glorious GOD, are nothing but the Repetition of that Voice ; and so they reach to Heaven with a marvellous Concomitance and EflEicacy. 2. G. D. I take in hand the Word of GOD as a mighty Hammer which breaks the Rock to Peeces, (preaching on the Text that calls it so) and then, I particularly single out the several Sorts of Transgressors which the Hammer is more especially to be employ'd upon ; and I give adapted Strokes of the Hammer upon them. Oh! may they be effectual ! 3. G. D. I putt my Son Samuel upon two Things. The one is, a more exact Method and Order for his daily Studies. The other is, A more particular Concern in him to do all possible Good unto his two Sisters. And yett more particularly for Nancy, to supply her with such Things as it may be most proper and useful for her to read ; and also what her Pen may be employed upon. 4. G. D. A Kinsman come to sojourn and study in Boston, is to have my best Assistences given to him. 5. G. D. This Day being a public Thanksgiving, thro the Province, I thought it might be a Service to enter- tain the People of GOD, with a Discourse on the devout Methods to be used, in keeping a Day of Thanksgiving, which all the Churches in the World, but ours, (and ours now too much) are Strangers to. The Lord graciously assisted me in the public and private Services of the Day, and help'd to the Attainments and Enjoyments, of a Sabbath filled with His Praises. 6. G. D. I must furnish the Deputies which our Coun- NOVEMBER, 1724 773 cil sends unto Ipswyche, with Matters to manage the Cause, which we send them upon. 7. G. D. A young Man, whom his Uncle, a worthy Minister in London, recommends to me. 8. G. D. I find the reading of Mr Cole's Discourses, to be serviceable to me ; in several Hints I take from them, to nourish and quicken, the Spirit of the Gospel in me ; and PIETY upon evangelical Principles. 9. G. D. I propose to entertain the Flock, with, first, the free Offer, which our SAVIOUR makes of the Water of Life to us ; and show [how] our Faith is to receive the Offer. And then, (if I may be spared so long,) to entertain them with the apostolical Catalogue of Graces, to be added unto Faith. 10. G. D. Liza, is in circumstances, which I may lay hold on, as an Occasion for me to press upon her the Attain- ments of the most serious Piety. ^ 18. G. D. I visit my dying Kinsman at Roxbury, and assist him all I can, to praepare for what is before him ; And I also carry to him some temporal Releefs, under his domestic Difficulties. 19. G. D. I entertain the Public this Day, (the General Assembly sitting) with some faithful Instructions, how we may come to have the Face of GOD in His CHRIST so shining upon us, as to save us. 20. G. D. My Letters to Ipswyche and Portsmouth. This Day I sett apart for Supplications, as I use to do. Little that is new, occurred for, and, in the Day. I earnestly declared unto the Lord, that I ask'd no Blessings from Him, which it was lawful for me, to be willing to have denied unto me, but I praeferred an Heart willing to sacrifice those Blessings, before them all. Such a sacrificing Heart was what I now chiefly insisted on ; and I declared with the greatest Alacrity, that a Soul full of a CHRIST, and sensible of a CHRIST concerned for me, and quickening of me, should satisfy all my Desires : I would ask for no more. * A leaf has been torn from the record. 774 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER I also besought of the Lord, that if I asked for anything, which He saw would not be for His Glory and Service, He would not grant the Petition I asked of Him. I then particularly pray'd for a Smile of GOD, upon my Attempts to publish and scatter my Essay to convey His great Voice unto France. And upon my Essay to instruct the Candidates of the Min- istry, which I design speedily to return unto. And that He would smile on what I have to do the next Week, in an Ordination at Medford. By a marvellous Operation of the divine Providence, all things are come to Rights in my unhappy Family. *2i. G. D. An abominable Fellow in my Neighbour- hood abuses his godly, humble, patient Wife, intolerably. Every body dreads the Consequences. This Day I write as well-contrived a Letter as I can unto him. 22. G. D. The Corporation of our miserable CoUedge do again (upon a fresh Opportunity) treat me with their accustomed Indignity and Malignity.^ But, Oh! may I take Pleasure in the Opportunity, which I have to glorify my GOD and SAVIOUR, with a Disposition which He may with Delight look down upon ! First ; I am entirely Satisfied in the Allowance which my sovereign, wise, just and good LORD grants me, of Opportunities to do good in the World. I am content, that they should be all at His Disposal ; and thankful that I have what He has indulged unto me. Secondly ; I look unto Him, for His Help, to govern my Resentments of Affronts, that may be ofi'ered unto me ; and bear them with a Prudence, and Patience, and Silence, that may adorn the Doctrine of GOD my SAVIOUR. Thirdly : I rejoice, I rejoice, I feel a secret Joy in it, that I am thus conformed unto Him who was despised and rejected of Men, and the Stone which the Builders refused. That I may demonstrate this Joy, I would utterly forbear * Rev. Benjamin Colman was chosen to be President of the College, November i8, 1724, but declined the office, and Benjamin Wadsworth entered upon the duties of President July 7, 1725. NOVEMBER, 1724 775 taking any Step (as I easily could many) to throw Confu- sion upon the Men, who would make me low in the Eyes of all the Countrey. A Man in black, may deride these Things, under the Name of, my Extasies, but, I bless GOD, I know the Meaning of them. On this Lord's-day, I found myself much indisposed. And returning home from the public Services of the Fore- noon (to which I was graciously assisted,) I had so much of a Fever siezing on me, as confined me from going abroad any more. I had three Maladies now to conflict withal. A Cough which proved a grievous Breast-beater ; an Asthma which often almost suffocated me ; and a Fever, which held me every Afternoon. In the Time of this Confinement, the glorious Lord enabled me, to study how I might approve myself a Spectacle which Heaven might with Delight look down upon ; especially, with a patient and submissive Resignation to His Will, in my uneasy Circumstances ; and with a continual Struggle to have such Thoughts formed in my Mind, as might be fitt for a Temple of GOD : Par- ticularly, I imposed it as a Rule for me, that whenever any Fitt of my tedious and irksome Coughing should come upon me, I would strive to have some new Thoughts of the blessed JESUS raised in me. And I was gloriously supported by the Comforter who releeved my Soul, and caused me to triumph over the Fear of Death, and enabled me to sing the Songs of the Lord in a strange Land, and entertain my Visitors with such Flights to the Heavenly World, and Views of it, and News from it, as, I hope, honoured Him, and had a great Impression upon them. After five Weeks, of Confinement, the God of my Life returns me to my Study, and to a Prospect of serving Him again in the Public Sacrifices. It was a comfortable Circumstance, that my own Son was one of those, who supplied the Pulpitt for me. The Month of December passed along as a Month of Vanity. 776 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER And yett in this Month, I read over several considerable Books, yea, went thro' much of some Folio^s, which made some Addition to the little Stock of Erudition, with which I would be somewhat qualified for the doing of some good Work about the House of my GOD. In this Time also, I gott into the Press, (and corrected ^the Press-work of it) an Essay in the French Tongue, which I had praepared before my falling Sick. (IX.) I have a strong Apprehension, that France is very near a mighty and a wondrous Revolution ; and that it is not easy to do a greater Service for the Kingdome of God, than to sett before the French Nation, the horrible Wickedness of that cruel and matchless Persecution, with which they have exposed themselves to the tremendous Vengeance of GOD ; and therewithal to instruct them in the only Terms, which the Friends of a Reformation must unite upon, and exhibit unto them an incontestible System of pure attd undefiled Religion, and a scriptural Fulmina- tion upon the Corruptions of Religion with which the Man of Sin intoxicates them. The glorious Lord has helped me to do this, in an Essay which I putt myself unto the Expence of Publishing; under the Title of, Une Grande Voix du CiEL A LA France. And I apply myself immediately to Methods of getting it convey'd into France; which I have already a various Prospect of. (X.) Moreover, being sollicitious that the grievous Calamity befalling me in the Death of my poor Son Increase, may yeeld some Revenues of Service to the Kingdome of GOD ; and that the Child, who did so little Good, but much ill, in all the Days of his Life, may do some good at his Death ; I took the Sermon I preached on that Occasion, add- ing to it another that is agreeable ; and with a considerable Expence enabled the Bookseller to publish them. While it was, in the Press (which also was in this Month) a strange Hand of Providence made such an Accession from others, DECEMBER, 1724 777 to my own Disbursements, that I could add a third Sermon, to the Book, wherein I may yett more notably serve the Designs of Piety. All these are concluded, with an In- strument of a Soul repenting and returning to GOD ; which is a Copy of a poenetent and pertinent Writing left by the poor Child on the Table in my Study, before his going ofif. So it makes a bound Book ; whereof the Title is ; Tiie Words of Understanding. Three Essays, i . The PHILO- MELA, with, the Notes of Morning-Piety, ii. The EPHEM- ERON, or. Tears dropt on Dust and Ashes, iii. JONAH, or, The Dove in Safety. Occasioned by some Early Deaths which require such Notice to he taken of theni.^ About this Time, a new Matter of Distress comes upon me. Lord, what Sacrifices dost thou call me to! My Son, my only Son, Samuel, whom I have at home with me, in a Conversation and a Cultivation, that affords me the greatest Consolations among the Creaturulce Conso- latiumculcB, which I am releeved withal, is earnestly sett upon a Voyage to England, and there is a Coincidence of many Circumstances, to accelerate the Execution of his Purposes, which I was in hopes to have delay'd another Year. The Expences of his Voyage, he thinks, are won- drously provided for. His Uncle (his Mother's Brother,) accommodates him with a good and great and strong Ship, and what Money he has Occasion for ; and he has also an Interest of his own to support him. He proposes to im- prove in his Accomplishments for Service ; but much more, to do considerable Service for the Church of GOD, by bringing forth such Things as with the Help of Heaven I have prepared for it. If I cross his Inclinations, I know not what grievous Temptations I may throw him into. He has a strange Perswasion, that he shall be prospered : and his Friends generally agree to encourage him. Full of Distress, I cast my Burden on the Lord. If this Child, ' Printed by S. Kneeland for J. Edwards, 1724. 778 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER must after his two Brothers, be buried in the Atlantic Ocean, / sacrifice him, 0 my GOD and SAVIOUR, I sacrifice him to thy Holy Pleasure! If I have a CHRIST left unto me, I shall rejoice in Him, and reckon that I am still happy enough, tho' every Comfort in this World be taken from me. But I am satisfied.^ The Matter will Issue well. January. [1724-25.] i. This is the first Day of my Return to my Study; and I begin the Year, with such Recollections and Supplications as a new Year should be entred withal. ]\Iy published Essay on, A Year well-begun, has described them. G. D. A fruitful year, beyond any that ever I saw! 2. G. D. In the Time of my Sickness, I dispensed Alms to the Poor ; and especially some that were languishing under Sickness. * 3. Returning to this evil World, I seem to be upon a new Song. The very little Time that remains of my Pilgrimage thro' this evil World, must be carried on with new Measures. No Time is to be lost. I must be at Work for my Glorious Lord continually and assiduously, and more than ever. I think to leave off the Custome of entring so largely the Memorials of, Good devised, in these Papers ; but far from abating the Number of the Devices; and indeed a great Part of the daily Number was never entred. But, I would record my Improvements in the Senti- ments and Practices of Piety. And for my Purposes to Do Good, I would every Satureday in the Evening, record very brief Minutes, of what I have thought in the week, on the seven Heads, which I use to employ them on. Such more considerable Things also as befall me in my Life, may come into the Records. These Things may be sufficient. For me to be more laborious in these entries, may be a disservice to that ' Two lines of text obliterated. JANUARY, 1724-25 779 Redemption of Time, of which I must now be more than ever Studious. G. D. I know not what better Service to do for the Flock I am returning to, than to entertain them with two Discourses on Phil. i. 21. How CHRIST is the true Christian's Life, and what Gain such a Christian shall have by his Death. A gracious GOD, has marvellously interposed in the Affair of my Son Samuels Voyage. He seasonably disposed me to prevent his going by the Way of the W. Indies. Then he ship'd himself on a Vessel bound more directly for Lon- don. Here also the divine Providence ordered something to fall out, which putt a Delay and a Defeat upon his In- tentions. This is the Effect of my Cries unto the glorious Lord, that if the Child's Voyage might not be for the Ser- vice of His Kingdome, and the Welfare of the Child himself, He would graciously putt a Stop unto it. The calm Resig- nation and Satisfaction, with which the Child entertains the Disappointment of a Matter which his Heart was ex- ceedingly and passionately sett upon, is a Token for Good. I have also had an Opportunity to make a Sacrifice of my only Son; and yett without the actual Accomplishment thereof, to receive him again as from the Dead. G. D. I hope to improve these Occurrences, as great Obligations upon both of us, to apply our selves unto such Things, as may effectually demonstrate, that GOD has meant them unto Good. At the Hour of Twelve, I use to have a short Inter- view with Heaven, wherein among other Things, I particu- larly carry the Condition of my Family unto the Lord. G. D. I find it an excellent Introduction and Ingredient of this Communion with Heaven, to take a Sentence of the sacred Scriptures, and find out what is in it, and feed for a while upon it, and conform to the Sentiments of Piety, which it leads me to. The Like, for my Evening-Prayer. 780 DIARY OF COTTON MATHEH I find my Soul, with strange Raptures into Heaven, in this Exercise, praepared for the Supplications, which I pour out unto the Lord. 9. My Kinsman at Roxbury,^ lies a dj'ing ; full of Dis- tress and of Darkness about his future State. With much Importunity and Impatience, he calls for me to be fetch'd over to him. I have the Satisfaction to strengthen him in his Agonies, and advise him, and comfort him ; and leave him with a sensible Satisfaction, and a good Hope thro' Grace arrived unto him. The Prayer-hearing Lord, enabled him to dy the next Day, with joyful Triumphs over the last Enemy. G. D. Some remote Relatives in Dorchester, I this Day consider, with transmitting Books of Piety to them. * 10. My Glorious Lord often enlightens me and en- livens me, with such Sentiments of His Gospel and His Kingdome, and such Insights into the Mystery of CHRIST, as have a most heart-melting Efficacy in them. I am sorry that I have entred no more of the Precious Thoughts, in my Memorials. But for the little Time that remains, I hope, to make more frequent Entries of them. Where pr. Th. appears in the Margin, those Precious Thoughts, have some Notice taken of them. Pr. Th. We have a SAVIOUR, who is our Advocate in the Heavens, and by His potent Intercession saves us to the uttermost. He receives those of our Petitions, which find an Approbation with Him ; and presents them to the FATHER, and undertakes to prose- cute them and accomplish them; and Him the FATHER heareth always. O my dear SAVIOUR, the Petition which I bring unto thee, is, that thou mayest be glorified in making me Partaker of thy great Salvation ; in making me a Servant of thy Kingdome, a Member of thy Body, an object of those precious Works, wherein thou dost fulfil the good Pleasure of thy Goodness upon thy chosen, and that I may come to live unto GOD, and bring forth much of that Fruit, by » Thomas Walter. JANUARY, 1724-25 781 which the FATHER will be glorified. My Heart is not sett upon any Petition comparable unto This ! And now, may I not be assured of it, that such a Petition as this, will be approved and allowed and accepted with thee ; and that thou will prosecute it and accomplish it; and that it will be grateful unto the eternal FATHER, whose Glory will be Thine, in thy obtaining of it ? It cannot be otherwise ! And this Assurance now fills me with a Joy unspeakable and full of Glory! Points of Consideration. G. D. My Bereaved Relatives at Roxbury. My Decaying Nephew in Boston. The Redemption of a Captive. One of my Flock, fallen by excessive Drinking. Several poor Widows. G. D. The Case of the Fear of Death, to be with a well-studied Answer spoken to. How much good may be done in the Flock, by a proper Discourse upon it ? 15. The Feebleness, which continues upon me, since my late Sickness, excuses me from setting apart this Day, as I use to do every Friday, approaching to the Table of the Lord. I serve a gracious Lord who desires Mercy and not Sacrifice, and who delights not in the Miseries of His Creatures. My Eyes also are continually unto the Lord. And I sett apart the Afternoon of the Day following, for such exercises of Piety, as might have a Tendency to praepare me for the Interviews with Heaven at the Holy Table. 16. Pr. Th. Whatever holy Frames and holy Thoughts, I have raised in me, were first of all produced in my Holy JESUS. My SAVIOUR is the first Recipient of the Holy SPIRIT, in those gra- cious Influences, with which His whole mystical Body is to be ani- mated : and whatever Holiness is produced in His People, is first in Him, as the Archetype of it, and the Fountain of Life whence flow down the gracious Influences by which we are quickened for Living unto God. If I am enriched with any holy Frames and holy Thoughts they are such as have been, for the Kind of them, in the Mind of my lovely SAVIOUR. 782 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Here I see a Reason, why the holy Frames and holy Thoughts, which are at any time formed in me, find Acceptance with the infi- nitely holy God, and He looks down with Delight upon them. Not only has my SAVIOUR made Expiation for the Iniquity which thro' my Corruption, does attend my holy Things, but also they are such as He has beheld already produced and existing in the Son of His Love. Here again I see the Meaning of having the Face of GOD shine upon me. It is the CHRIST of GOD that is the Face of GOD. He shines upon me, when He forms holy Frames and holy Thoughts in me. I have Him in me, when I have these from Him in me. He withdraws. He hides Himself, He keeps at a Distance from me, in the Withdraw and Ceasing of these. The continual Presence of these, may cause me to sing with Joy, Now I have CHRIST in me, Uie Hope of Glory! Here, finally, I see the Method of obtaining holy Frames and holy Thoughts, when I am destitute and desirous of them. The Method is, to look up unto my JESUS for them ; It is to have a Wish of this Importance, O Holy SPIRIT, Form thou in me such Holy Frames atid Holy Thoughts, as Thou has filVd my SA VIOUR, withal/ O my Saviour, send thou down the Impressions of thy Holy SPIRIT upon we/ Reccomend unto Samachi, to be attentively read, many things, — but especially, Diekricus, his Antiquilates Biblicae^ To Nancy, Baxter^s, Poor mans Family-Book. Some agreeable Books, to a Nephew, coming to live, a Prentice, in my Neighbourhood. 21. G. D. I thought it might many Ways be a Service to the Cause of Religion, if with a Discourse on the Honours which GOD will putt on the Servants of our SAVIOUR, I should endeavour a proper Commemoration of my Kins- man, lately deceased ; and particularly, give some Account of his last Hours, and the remarkable Repentance and Assurance, to which he arrived in them. The Lord graciously assisted me and accepted me to do this, in the Lecture this Day. (XL) And on the same Day, I gave the Discourse unto 'Conradus Dietericus (Dietrich), author of Analysis Evangelicorum (1631). JANUARY, 1724-25 783 the Bookseller ; entituled, Christodulus. A Good Reward of a Good Servant. Or The Service of a Glorious CHRIST, justly demanded and commended from a View of the Glory with which it shall be Recompensed. With some Commemoration of Mr Thomas Walter. ^ Poor Objects of Charity releeved this Week. Books of Piety, dispensed into several Parts of the Countrey. * 24. Pr. Th. Certainly, there is a Disposition to give, in one who desires and who directs to have a Gift asked of him. It may especially be supposed of a Father, that if he bids his Children to ask a good Thing of him, he is dis- posed, yea, resolved for the Bestowing of it. My most Gracious God has advised me, invited me, yea, com- manded me, to come and ask for His Blessings. His Word is. Ask, and it shall be given you. And the Blessings which He bids me to ask of Him, are the best of Blessings ; the greatest Things that can be thought of ; and such Things as will make me beyond all Imagi- nation happy; bring me to perfect and endless Happiness. I may then conclude. If I ask such Blessings, they shall be conferred upon me. The Lord only waits that He may be Gracious, and stays for nothing but that by asking of them I may be prepared for His Favours. O my GOD, with what a joyful Assurance may I come unto thee now, for such inestimable Blessings as these ; that I may be united unto my SAVIOUR, and by His Blood be reconciled unto thee; and have His Image imprinted on me, and feel Him dwelling in me, and quickening of me, to live unto thee; and that I may be filled with the Love of GOD, and employ'd in Service for Him, and be made an Instrument of His Praises 1 I am assured that thou wilt grant such Blessings unto me. And then I am assured, that thou wilt bless me indeed ; and I shall have Goodness and Mercy forever following of me. G. D. The scandalous Profaneness of those who even to old Age, neglect praeparing for and approaching to the Table of the Lord, is to have yett more pungent Rebukes bestow'd upon it. * Printed by T. Fleet for S. Gerrish, 1725. 784 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER G. D. A Thing to be done for the Satisfaction of my Consort. G. D. Some foolish Steps taken, to draw the civil Government into interposing and inhibiting ecclesiastical Censures upon Offendors. I am giving seasonable and effectual Stops unto them. G. D. By Conversing with some Physicians, I hope to gain some Augmentation of the Stores, with which I would propose to do good in the world. G. D. A very wicked and vicious Gentlewoman, my Admonitions unto her, and my Essays to bring her unto Repentance, tho' they have been frequent, they have been too oblique. I shall be more easy in my Mind, if by a nameless Letter she be more directly, cogently, faithfully dealt withal. * 31. Pr. Th. and G. D. In a Sermon which with the Help of Heaven, I have just now composed, I give this Description of a SOUL wherein PIETY is Flourishing. "Tis a Soul, whose Prayers are without ceasing; very frequent, very fervent; poured out from a Soul swallowed up in Aims at the Glory of GOD ; full of Resignation to His Will, and Reliance on the Intercession of the Advocate in the Heavens. "A Soul that prizes and propounds Communion with GOD in all religious Performances, and cannot be satisfied without it. "A Soul that remembers, GOD is acquainted with all my Ways; and therefore, not only steers clear of secret Sins, but also will not allow those Frames or Thoughts in the Heart, that may be offensive to Him. "A SOUL that is a mighty Enemy to Mis pence of Time, and is troubled if many Hours have been so spent, that a good Account can't be given of them. "A SOUL that is ever Devising of Good, and studies to be a Bless- ing in all Relations, to all Societies. "A Soul that looks upon all that it has, or could wish to have, with a sacrificing Eye, and can readily forego, and give up, and part with every thing that GOD will have to be denied unto it. "A Soul able and wiUing to dy, and that when Death approaches, FEBRUARY, 1724-25 785 can sing in the Valley of the Shadow of Death, and find it but a Shadow of Death; and can say / have nothing to do, but to dy; Nay, I have not this to do neither; For I am already dead unto all things here below: So, triumphing over the Fear of Death, and beginning to sing the Songs of the Lord, even in a strange Land ; the Songs, which none but those chief Musicians, the Redeemed from the Earth, are skilful at. This is the Soul, which flourishes in the Courts of our GOD. Oh ! For such a SOUL ! Oh ! For such a Soul ! "A CHRIST, a CHRIST conversed withal; This is what will produce a Soul so flourishing in PIETY. Without this, O SOUL, Thou wilt be no other than a barren Figtree. If we would flourish in the Courts of our GOD, it must be in living by the Faith of the SON of God, and by continual Flights unto our SAVIOUR. Tis a SOUL full of a CHRIST, that is the flourishing SOUL: A SOUL which makes daily Visits to Him with affectuous Contemplations and Supplications : A Soul which often beholds the Pattern of all Goodness in our SAVIOUR, and labours to resemble Him, to imitate Him : A SOUL, that can't bear to be long without the precious Thoughts of Him ; A Dove in the Clefts of the Rock ! Oh ! for such a SOUL ! " Now, This is what I am striving for. Yea, 0 my SAV- IOUR, I hope tis what thou hast in a comfortable Measure brought me to. But I was taken so ill the last Night, with a Relapse into my Cough, and Fevers, that I was not only diverted from the public Services of the Lord's-day but also con- fined all the following Week. I used all the Methods of Piety I could think on, to glorify my faithful GOD and SAVIOUR, under this new Visitation. February. Several Services public and private, were attempted under the confinement by Sickness, which the first Week of this Month finds me under. Especially this. I apprehend it may be a most com- prehensive and unspeakable Service, unto the Cause of Piety, yea, and the Establishment of our Churches in their Aversion for the episcopal Ways whereto some are aposta- tising, if I should pubUsh an History of "glorious Effects of 11 • so 786 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Grace, remark'd in the Church of Scotland, suffering for its Opposition unto an abjured Prelacy, and a Collection of memorable Speeches uttered by some of her dying Martyrs." My Gracious Lord has helped me this Week, under my Languishments, to make a notable Progress in this Collec- tion. * 7. G. D. When I sitt alone in my Languishments, unable to write, or to read, I often compose little Hyms, agreeable unto my present Circumstances, and sing them unto the Lord. Vast Numbers have I had of these ; which are imme- diately all forgotten. But tho' none of them have been hitherto recorded, I will here insert one of them ; inasmuch as I design to use it again, and often upon Occasion. Having found my Mind for some time without such precious and impressive Thoughts of GOD my SAVIOUR, as are the Life of my Spirit, I thus mourn'd and sang unto the Lord. 0 Glorious CHRIST of GOD ; I live In Views of Thee alone. Life to my gasping Soul, oh ! give ! Shine Thou, or I'm undone. 1 cannot live, my GOD, if thou Enlivnest not my Faith. I'm dead ; I'm lost ; oh ! Save me now from a lamented Death ! For the Return of my Health, I added. My glorious Healer, thou restore My Health, and make me whole. But this is what I most implore ; Oh, for an Healed Soul ! ^ * A leaf has been torn from the record. february, 1724-25 787 The Course of my Ministry. 16 d. 12 tn. [February.] 1723-24. I preached, on i. Cor. III. 23. Our Acknowledgments of the Right which our Saviour has unto us: after four Sermons, on all Things made ours through Him. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 20 d. 12 m. Thursday. The Lecture. On Jam. V. 8. Being praepared for the Coming of the Lord, in unknown Events and Changes, as well as in the Approach of Death. 23 J. 12 w. On Prov. XI. 23. The good Desires of the Right- eous. 1 d. I m. [March.] 1724. On 2. Chron. XX. 12. Our Eyes unto the Lord, for the Releef of the Distresses, wherein we know not what to do. Sd.im. On Mic. VI. 8. A glorious CHRIST, the good One. (Intending a Course of Sermons, on that Epitome of the Bible.) 15 i. I w. On Mic. VT. 8. Piety, in all the Exercises of it, good for us. 22 d. I m. On Prov. XV. 8. The Sacrifice of the Wicked. (Prae- paratory unto a general Day of Prayer, to be this Week attended.) 26 d. I w. Thursday. A general Fast. On Exod. XVII. 11. A Continuance in Prayer and Faith (uplifted Hands,) on the Behalf of the Church in the Distresses of it. 29 d. I m. On Mic. VI. 8. The Doing of Justice. $d. 2 m. On Mic. VI. 8. The Loving of Mercy. 12 d. 2 tn. [April.] On Joh. XIV. 20. The Union between our Saviour and His People. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 16 d. 2 tn. Thursday. The Lecture. On Deut. XXXIII. 7. The Blessing which a People enjoy when their Hands are made suffi- cient for their Support in the Service of GOD : adding a Warning to our People against the needless and foohsh Expences, which plunge us into Insufficiencies. 19 d. 2 tn. At Roxbury. On Rom. VIII. 16. The Testimony of the holy SPIRIT, unto our Adoption. (Both Parts of the Day.) 26 d. 2 m. On Hos. XIII. 9. The self-Destruction, which they that walk in the Ways of Sin, may be charged with. (On the Occasion of several noted Persons lately laying violent Hands on themselves.) 3 J. 3 w. [Afay.] On Mic. VI. 8. Walking humbly with our GOD. (My fifth and last Sermon, on the whole Duty of Man, accord- ing to the Gospel of Micah.) 10 d. 3 m. On Psal. CXIX. 104. Hating every false Way. (On 788 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER the Spectacle, which we have, in what the false Ways of our Pyrates have brought them to.) 11 d. 2,m. On Job. XXVII. 8. Hypocrites, who are they, and what the Hopes and the Gains they may arrive unto, and what comes of them at the Last. 24 d. 3 m. On Job. XXVII. 8. (A second time.) 31 d. 3 m. On Jer. XXXI. 18. A Poenitent bemoaning himself, and praying for his own Conversion. (At the Desire, and in the Hearing, of two Pyrates that are to dy two Days hence. To a great Assembly, and with a great Assistence.) 7 d. 4 m. [June.] On Gal. II. 20. How to obtain and enjoy the Blessedness, of living to GOD, thro' a CHRIST living in us. (And I administred the Eucharist.) 11 d. 4 m. Thursday. The Lecture. On Num. XH. 9. The Tokens of GODS departing from a sinful People, and the Methods of preventing it. The General Assembly sitting. 14 d. 4 m. On Job. XXVII. 8. (The third and last time.) 21 d. 4 m. On Act. IX. 6. A Soul returning to GOD, with a changed Heart, willing to know, and willing to do, the whole Will of GOD. 28 d. 4 m. On I. Sam. XVI. 23. How the Harp of David is to be employ 'd, for the driving away the evil Spirit! 5 Simon Browne. * See p. 73S«, supra. FEBRUARY, 1724-25 799 approve yourselves the Genuine Children of Abraham: and so prove your claim to the Blessings of His Covenant. [Illegible] the Reluc- tancies of nature to it. Withold not the child whom you have Loved, when God calls you to offer it up. So it shall be said, Now I know, that thou fearest God. And verily, There is more solid comfort in this Assurance, than there can be in the Enjoyment of any Child, whereof you might say. This same shall comfort us. Your Blessedness in the world to come, will be in an Holy Priesthood. And that you may be in this world Initiated for it, Your SAVIOUR will now have you to be Holy Sacrificers. You will be notably such, when upon the Death of Lovely and Hopeful Children, you hold your peace, and only say. The will of the Lord be done, and beg of Him that the Influences of His Grace may Effectually subdue, all the Rebellion of yours against it. A Trial, yea, an Exquisite one is now made ; Whether there be any thing Which at the plain call of God, you cannot Resign unto Him? Or, whether you will not now seek, and hope to find, that satisfaction in having a Glorious CHRIST Concerned for you, and conversing with you, which we Expect in Vain from the Creatures, which forever are found no better than Lying Vanities. If being thus tried, you come forth as Gold, and approve yourselves noble Sacrificers, it will [be] an Infallible Token for Good, that you have a part in the Grand Sacrifice wliich your SAVIOUR has offered for His people ; and shall have a part, among those, whom the Blood of the Lamb will bring to walk in white Robes, and serve Him in His Temple. Most certainly, If the Repeted Strokes of Mortality upon your Family, be of use unto you ; To bring sin unto Remembrance, and carry on Repentance to its Perfect work ; To animate your prayers, and your cares that you may be perfect and Entire in your Essay to conform unto the whole will of GOD : To wean you from a World, wherein you see an End of all Per- fection : and make you seek the Things that are Above ; To Quicken your Thorough praeparation for your own Death, which the Death of such Relatives, does Loudly admonish you to be daily Looking for ; These Blessings will be a Rich and a Full Com- pensation for the Loss of what have been taken from you. True PIETY will dispose you to count them so. Death in such a way brings the truest Life with it ; yea, what is better than Life. And Light will arise unto you in the Darkness, which Death has brought upon your Tabernacle. But, there is the less Need of my Expatiating unto you upon these 800 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Consolations of God, since you have an Excellent Pastor, who has you under his Continual Cultivations, and Loves you Exceedingly, and has the Tongue of the Learned, able to speak a word in season to you ; And from him you will continually hear those Good Words, which, I hope, will make your Hearts Glad, when they are stouping with Heaviness. I here Enclose a small Addition to them, as a sign of the Affec- tion, with which I am. Your cordial, constant, sympathizing Friend. July I. 1724. To Thomas Bradbury. a.a.s. Sir, — So Lately have I written to you ; (with a present of my Parentator,) that I thought I had Little more to write, but an Acknowledgment of the Satisfaction I have this Day received in the Letters of last April, with which I have been favoured. My more particular Sentiments, about the Two Gentlemen- Brothers (I wish I could say, on all accoimts, Gentlemen,) whose odd usages of me, have made me to be (as all their Friends here seem now to be) Ashamed of my Hope, concerning them ; As also my Sentiments of that violent Man, their Antagonist, now with you.' I make my Neighbour Dennis Master of them ; and he shall Entertain you with them. When I thought, I had nothing else to write about, I was imme- diately by a Letter from another. Led into an affair with you, of as great Importance with me, as most that can be mentioned. A Composure, which not I, but the Grace of God with me, pre- pared for the public some years ago, Entituled, Boanerges, or. The work of the Day, I am told, is Lodged with you. My Heart rejoiced, when I understood This ; and I was ready to use the word, which an Army of Good Men Engaged in a Good Cause once began a Battel with. Now for the Fruit of Prayer! Many a prayer (not without an agreeable Resignation) has been made unto the Glorious Lord, That He would Employ His Good Angel, to make to be heard the Voice of His word, in that Boanerges. And now think I, My Bradbury, who has already Laid me under vast obligations, by bringing my Christian Philosopher , to serve the Great End of my Life, is to do the part of the Good Angel again on this occasion. I am sure, that he is of my Catholic Principles ; and that he will be particularly pleased, with the Care which I perpetually take, under them, to shutt out all Aria^is, and their Brethren, from any Share in ' May refer to the Dummers. FEBRUARY, 1724-25 80I the Union of Good Men upon the Basis of Goodness, and the Maxims of the Everlasting Gospel. Syr, If this Treatise may by your Means be brought into the world, you will soon find, thousands of Good Men, who will tell you, that a greater service to the Church of. God could not easily be thought of. I pray you, I beg you, I do with the greatest Importunity, besech you to favour it. I Entirely Committ the Work into your Hands. I give you full power, to omitt ; or Alter, any passage in it, as you shall in your wisdome, (to which I always pay all possible Deference) Judge Con- venient. You will also see, (as you did in your former Kindness) that the press-work be well corrected. For a further Animation of the Work, you may, if you think it necessary; assure your Bookseller, That if he will risque as many of the Books as may be allow 'd for Ten Pounds in our Money, I shall (if Living) upon the Receit thereof pay that sum unto his order. But the Book will certainly sell. I now add no more, but pray your Acceptance of Two Little Things, for the offer whereof (such Little Things!) I can make no Apology, but This ; That they are just now pubhshed. May the Glorious Lord, be with you in all your unfainting La- bours for His Name, and for His Sons Name. Stand, O Bradbury, as aicrtfio% rvTTTOfiai I am. In the Faith and Patience of the Kingdome, Your Brother and hearty Servt. July 13, 1724. To Isaac Greenwood. a.a.s. My dear Child, — It is as Cool Waters unto a Thirsty Soul, that I hear what I do, of you and from you. But it is above all, a singu- lar satisfaction unto me, to understand, that in the Midst of the Pleasant Studies, which do at an imcommon rate accomplish you, you still retain your Disposition to serve your Glorious End, in the work of the Evangelical Ministry. It is most certain, that notwith- standing the many Discouragements and Humiliations, which that work may be attended withal, tis the best that a short Hfe can be devoted to ; and the Consequences if it be very well allowed will be of all the most comfortable in the Day that is daily to be Looked for. I hope, you will be a grateful Spectacle to Heaven in it ; and that the Field of your Actions, will be your own Countrey ; which tho' it be not in all points what you would have it, yett all things con- n-si 8o2 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER sidered, the only Better Countrey to be desired, is the Heavenly. The Sooner you Return to us, the Better; for that which is more Precious than Money, spends apace ; and we Long to be reaping the Fruits of your Excellent and Exemplary Industry. Whatever Lies within my Reach, to promote your Acceptance and usefulness among us, you may depend upon. And if something should happen that some foretel, and many desire, but I don't care to mention, you may be sure, I shall consider you as my son, and appear with more zeal to gett your proposals answered, than if you were by Nature so. But, Child, you know, tis Early Days in our Little Countrey ; and meritt is very Little regarded here ; and the most useful Erudition is not what we are fondest of. Tho' the Col- ledge has a Revenue, to Encourage the Profession of the Mathe- matical Sciences ; yett I durst not promise, that a SuflBcient Number of Scholars will shew themselves whose payment of a proper premium joined unto That, will be a Suitable Subsistence for a Professor of That, and of Experimental Philosophy ; or not be content with what their ordinary Tutors may do for them. So that, if you cannot return to us, with a Mind Aequilibrious on that point, I am so much under the Power of the Hypo, as to say, Then Lett the Scale turn for a Dismission of that Expectation and of the great Expence that must accompany it. But, Return, Return, O Novanglian, Return, Return. And yett, oh 1 That before That, you may be the Happy Instru- ment, of bringing our Boanerges into Operation. If I could think it possible, to do a more serviceable or a more seasonable thing for the Church of God, I would not ask it with so much Importunity. But I do ask it with the greatest Importunity. And for a Little Ani- mation of the Design, which I have my Heart more than a Little sett upon, I now add, that if you or the Bookseller do risque so many of the Books hither, as at a just price will fetch Ten pounds of our Money, your Order for it, at the Receit thereof, shall be answered. At this time I add no more; But my Earnest Supplications, that the glorious Lord would furnish you for and employ you in, good work about the House of your GOD : and safely and.quickly return you to, Your cordial and constant Friend. July, i6, 1724. To GuRDON Saltonstal, a.a.s. Syr, — The Reason of your Suffering so seldome the Trouble of my Letters has been my Apprehension of your Honours being sup- plied from other hands with better and fuller Intelligence of every FEBRUARY, 1724-25 803 thing worthy of your Enquiry ; and my sense of the many ponderous Affaires, which take up your precious Time, quum tot sustineas, wherein to Divert you, may be to Injure many others. To which I may add, That it were a crime to break in upon your Honour, while you are perusing your Burncttian History, which be sure, you can not Leave off, when you have begun to read it.^ My own Little Experience tells me, That Correspondences with Persons of Consideration, make an Article of so much Figure in the Business of Life, that if Discretion do not, yett Necessity will, bring it under Limitations. And lett this also be admitted as an Apology, for one [of] my Dull Capacity, when your Honour may otherwise interpret my Silence, as a peace of Disrespect or Negligence. But, it is a great Satisfaction unto me to have a fair pretence for the writing of more Letters unto a person for whom I have so high an Esteem, in the occasion which I have in those wherewith you have Lately honour'd me. I gladly take the opportunity to Render Thanks from all the United Ministers of the City, with my own, to your Honour, for the Goodness and Candour with which you have Encouraged a Collection for the Meeting-house at Providence. May it be recompensed in the Blessings of that glorious One, who cast a Benign Aspect on him, who had from the people of GOD, that Recom- mendation ; He hath Loved our Nation a^id built us a Synagogue. As for the Money Collected, we pray That Mr Adams'^ may trans- mitt it unto Mr Cotton ' of Bristol, who is the Chief Manager, and a very Generous One, of what is now doing for the House of God at Providence; and who will so apply the Money as will doubtless be to the content of the proper persons to whom he will anon give an Account of the Stewardship. Having so briefly dispatched that Point I pass into the Dispo- sitions of a further and more than a Little Satisfaction, in the place assigned unto your Honour at the Board of the Commissioners for the Gospellizing of our Indians ; and the Hope it gives me, that it will not only procure something more Effectual than what has yett been done for your Monhegins, but also inspire a New Vigour into all our Motions. I must confess, every thing has appeared under such a Languid Aspect with us, and I have seen so much, and so Little, that I did half a year ago, address for a Release from any further obligations to the Business. But if your Honour will please to be one of the "^The first volume of Burnet's History of his own Times appeared in 1723. ^Eliphalet Adams. ^Nathaniel Cotton. 804 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER Number, it wall so fetch me out of my Despondencies, that I shall be willing to return unto the Colours from whence I began a Deser- tion. For, tho' your Distance will not permitt us to Enjoy much of your presence at the Board, the Desires that your pen may convey to us, will generally have the Force of Commands, and I shall myself always think it my Duty, imto the best of my power, to prosecute them. It is a Time of many Distresses and confusions with us ; and God knowes what may be the Issue of them. Redeuntem Vix usquam videbimus. It is particularly Remarkable, That among the many Frowns of Providence upon us, we do not see it smiling on our Ch. of E. Adversaries. The Standard-bearer of it here, sinks under Epi- demical Contempt and Hatred, and his Flock is become a Little sorry. Scandalous Drove, which have Little but Baseness and Impiety and Jacobism to distinguish them.^ As for the world in general ; it is most certain that the second coming of our God and Saviour will be at, and for the Perdition of the Man of Sin; whose period of 1260 years is now finished. And it is as Little to be doubted, that the Flames wherein the Lord comes, will bring on the tremendous Conflagration, which is to precede the New Heavens and the New Earth wherein shall dwell Righteous- ness. Nor do we any where see any thing but the world fearfully Ripening for such a Revolution : And the Sleep of Midnight growing into the deepest Lethargy, among the professors of our Holy Religion ; which has now in a manner every where almost given up the Ghost. Your Sagacious Wisdome, needs no Intimations of Mine, what is to be Look'd for. May we be Ready for all Events. I wish to your Honour, and your Lady the best of Blessings, and subscribe Your Honors, Most hearty serv't. Aug. 3. 1724. To GuRDON Saltonstal. a.a.s. Sir, — Much more than Thirty years ago, Leading an Infant by the hand, thro' a Room in a Grandfathers house at Charlestown, I was guilty of so much Impertinency, as to say unto a poor Mad Woman then in the Room, 75 not this a pretty Damsel? The mad woman made me this wise, and sober and pungent Answer, The Crow thinks so, Syr! The Rebuke and Satyr so pleased me, that I gave her (what I could not now do) a Splendid Shilling, to reward her for » Timothy Cutler. FEBRUARY, 1724-25 805 SO useful an Admonition ; and I hope, it has been much more than a shillings worth, of use to me, unto this very Moment. A Young Man,^ who counts it well worth his Travel and Expence, to visit New London, only to come under Notice with your Honour, is also ambitious of Riding in your Guards to the Commencement at New-haven. EUs having spent so much Time not altogether unprofit- ably in the studies which he has follow'd so close, as to deserve a play-day, causes me to Countenance his proposal ; But much more, the Benefit of Waiting on your Honour, which it will be impossible for him to do, without some Improvement. It is proper for me to give your Honour some Account of him ; tho' how to do it, without incurring the Censure of, The Crow thinks so, is not very Easy. He has been unawares drawn two or three times, into public Perform- ances : But tho' he has mett with Uncommon Acceptance, yett he resolves to stop, and not by any means appear frequently in public, till more months of Qualifying Study have passed pver him. All I shall add, is, That I am told he is Esteemed for a Early Piety, for a manly Discretion, for some Erudition, and none of the worst Tempers ; or, at Least, The Crow thinks so. He wishes, that he had been of a year or two Longer Standing ; and then he would have humbly Supplicated, for Leave to have stood as a Candidate and Competent for a Degree, in a Colledge which his Father has been sometimes a Small Actor for; and where the Memory of his Ancestors would bespeak some Easy Terms for his Admission to so much Honour, tho' his Learning should not be aequal to that of many others. But it must be enough unto him, to be Admitted as a Spectator, among them who wish well to Yale Colledge and would lay hold on all oppor- tunities to putt all possible Respects upon it. So I Leave Ascanius under your Honors favourable Patronage. What remains, is. To rejoice with your Honour, in Governor Burnetts victorious Demonstrations, that the Man of Sins M.CC. LX. years are up.^ Then, I am sure, High Church must go down apace ; ^His son Samuel. See p. 759, supra. * To this same subject another fragment of a letter to Governor Saltonstall relates : "I look upon Colonel Burnetts Late Essay on the Scripture Prophecies, as the most penetrating, Judicious, Decisive Essay, that has ever yett-been made upon that noble Subject. He does not Expatiate into Copious and verbose Amplifica- tions; but in a Concise way, wherein every word has its weight, he gives those Explications which carry Demonstrations with them. He has instructed us and obliged us with some Illustrations, which we never Enjoy'd before ; but such as have in them an Evidence, which compels us to give a good Reception to them. 8o6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER and our Apostates have taken a very wrong Time to run into a Fall- ing House, and have shown Less Instinct than some other Animals famous for the Reverse of doing so. May a Continual Smile of Heaven be upon your Person, and your Honourable Family, and your whole prudent, patient, self-Denying Administration. So prayes. Your Honours Most obedient Servt. Aug. 31, 1724. To Mrs. Gurdon Saltonstal.^ a.a.s. Madam, — All these Regions unite their Tears with yours. The Brightest Man that shone in those Regions has Left us. We mourn with you ; and we mourn for you. Our Sorrows have a Tincture of Sympathy with yours ; upon whom (as well as upon us,) the Breach is Like one of the Sea, which cannot be heal'd. Nothing but a Glori- ous CHRIST, can make up your Loss ; Tis your Happiness that you have Long been Acquainted with Him ; Long been Espoused unto that glorious Lord. What that Excellent person, who Led him to these Happy Studies (our Late Presi- dent sir Isaac Newton,) has been to the world, in Philosophy, this must his Hon- ourable Scholar now be in Prophecy ; and be acknowledged as a Dictator ; above all Contradiction. There is indeed no Little Proof of our being arrived imto the Time of the End, (and that he has calculated right) in our having Daniel so admi- rably opened unto us. "I know, you will study (in modest humble, prudent ways) to do Good, wher- ever you come. Lett one of your Essays in your Journey be to command this late Performance, unto the serious Perusal of the Gentlemen where you come, and lett my Character of it be known, and how much it may be wished, that by Studies of the Prophecies wisely managed (which have been so Foolishly neglected, and so profanely derided,) we may be rescued from a share in the Epidemical Sleep, wherein the world is to be surprized by the Terrible Day of the Lord. The 1260 years being Certainly up, there are most certainly those Terrible Things to be every Day Expected, which I doubt, we are but poorly prepared for. "I am sure, if the M.CC.LX. years be up, High-Church must go down. Accord- ingly, I have two things to inform you of, and you may particularly Exhibit unto my Honoured Brethren, the Trustees of YaJe CoUedge, the Information which I now give you. That miserable Apostate Cutler, Experimentally finds the Frowns of our glorious Lord, upon his Apostasy. First, A Lady of High-Church whom you know, the Last week declared unto me. That she had been at Cutlers Church, and it was amazing to see, how few there, and what a sort of shabby people they were ; and what a shame it was that such a man should be under such contempt among us. Others of the Auditory did this day Se'nnight, speak to the same Effect unto my worthy Collcgue. Secondly; This Day Se'nnight, I read in Letters from London, that our Cutlers High Principles, were strangely going down the wind in the Ch : of E. and growing out of fashion. " 'See p. 765, supra. FEBRUARY, 1724-25 807 There are Two Duties which I now feel incumbent on me. The one is, To address you, with what I take to be the most sup- porting Sentiments on the present Occasion. This I do, as well as I can, in a small Treatise, in which the Title will presently inform you, that it is. Your Now Names-sake spoken to. The other is. To pay some Just Regards unto the Memory of my Honourable Friend. This I have done, in a Late Sermon ; the Notes whereof I now humbly oflfer you. They being my First Notes, which I could have no Time to gett fairly transcribed, I doubt the Discourse is hardly Legible. But you may yett Read in it, Something of my Appre- hensions concerning the Excellent Character of the Departed. The Hearers all said. There was not a Word too much ; you and I shall both of us think, Tis' all much too Little. But the Time would allow no more ; and I Endeavoured much in a Little. I am not so vain as to think that it is worthy of the press ; or that one so mean as I am, can add any Lustre to so good and so great a Man. It will be Honour Enough to it, that it be Lodg'd in your Scrutoir. But, if it be your pleasure, that it should go abroad, instead of what may come to you from a Better and a Nearer hand, your Neighbour Green,^ is used unto my Copies. But I should Earnestly desire my very valu- able Brother Mr Adams,- to preface it with an agreeable Dedication to the Lady, whose Merits ought to be acknowledged in Conjunction with those of the Deceased. May we yett for years Enjoy your presence with us ; and may the Comforter that will releeve your Soul never be far from you, So prays. Madam, Your Disconsolate and almost Inconsolable Kins- man and Servt. The very great Civilities which my Son has received from you, madam, as well as from the dear Governor, will never be forgotten with us. To Lieut. Governor Dummer. a.a.s. Syr, — Inasmuch as the Good Providence of God has placed your Honour, at the head of the Commission for the Affairs of the gospel among our Indians, as well as the whole Government of this extended province, I thought it my Duty to venture upon One Request more, on the behalf of dying Religion among those miserable objects. And in so doing I hope to have so done my Duty, that I may without > Timothy Green, printer. 'Eliphalet Adams. 8o8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER offence ask Leave to Retire in this point also, as I have thought I have not wanted sufficient Intimations that it may be judged proper for me to do, from all Interest whatsoever in any other matters of public Importance. The work of Gospellizing the Aboriginal Natives of this Countrey is one of New Englands peculiar Glories. That it Labours under grievous Difficulties and Discouragements, is not at all to be wondred at, considering what lies at the Bottom of all. But the Greater they are, the stronger must be the Application of the Instruments to sur- mount them. The conduct of the jCommissioners has many eyes upon it; yea, Greater Eyes, than those of the Govemour and com- pany on the other side of the water. To Retrieve what is wanting, and produce numberless Good Effects, I could make an Humble Proposal to your Honour and the Board ; That the Commissioners find out a Man of Discretion, and Probity, and Activity, and constitute him, A Visitor of all the Indian Villages. This Visitor may with an Exact Scrutiny, find out, what may be found among the Indians that wants to be Redirected and Reformed or better provided for. And He may by Enquiry of the most pru- dent and best affected among the English, Learn, what would be most Advisable to be done for the Indians. And He may Return from his Visitation, furnished with Pro- posals, which the Commissioners may without needless Retardations under the Notion of writing and Waiting for further Informa- tions, (which may confound the best proposals, and has often, it may be, done so,) Immediately find ways and means to putt in Execution. The Visitor may carry Instructions from the Commissioners, and a copy of all the Articles, which his Enquiries are to proceed upon. The Visitation also may be renewed and repeated, as often as the comrnissioners may judge Convenient. And if their Servant be well- paid, the Money may be well-spent. The Commissioners Once Employed such a Visitor and it was one of the most useful Things that ever they did, and if his Report had been acted upon, as it should have been, and not thrown by, it had been followed with many very happy consequences. I shall add no more. But only Entreat, That your Honour, would please as soon as may be to procure needful meetings of the com- missioners, and Lett the Languishing State of many things be En- quired into. FEBRUARY, 1724-25 809 At Martha's Vineyard, for how many years has the settlement of the Lands been Left unaccomplished, where a Revenue of an 100 £ a year, might be as Easily brought in as 50 £ and things would be better, if such a person as Mr. John Chip-man, may be added unto one of the Mayhews, powers to do what is hitherto neglected. At Punkapoag, (where an honest Labourer in the work of Chris- tianity among the Indians has had but Eight pounds, for the Labours of near twice Eight years,) Things are in a Condition, which calls for a more thorough Inspection. I could mention many more. Occasions for somewhat more Vigour to be Exerted in the Proceedings of the Commissioners. I would be Thankful for what opportunities I have sometimes had of being patiently and favourably heard speaking at the Honourable toard of the Commissioners ; and would humbly move, That since by Mortality, or some EnfeebUng Circumstance in the Approaches of it, there is now Left not so much as one Minister among the Com- missioners, they would please to think on some Nomination for a Substitution to be commended to, and confirmed by the Governor and Company at home ; And if a Minister or two should come into the Nomination, perhaps there might be some Advantage in it, as well as Decency for the Commissioners do not Look upon the Busi- ness of the Board, as if it were meerly or mainly to save money or manage a Discrete and Frugal Merchandise ; but principally and perpetually to Invent and pursue the best Methods of serving the Interest of pure and undefiled Religion among the Indians. May our glorious Lord, graciously direct and succeed the pious Essays of His Faithful Servants, to do the work of His Kingdome, which you are all most cordial and constant Friends unto. And may a singular share of Blessings rest upon your Honors Person, and whole Administration, with such wishes, I take Leave ; and subscribe, Your Honours, Most affectionate and most obedient Serv't. Mar. 20, 1724. To Benjamin Colman.^ a.a.s. Sir, — Nothing that I have mett withal, (and continue to meet withal) causes me to lay aside my zelous concern for the welfare of the Colledge, which you have under your Government. I think it my Duty therefore, to inform you, that within these *An earlier letter to Colman, dated November 6, 1724, is in Proceedings. xuv. 260. 8lO DIARY OF COTTON MATHER few Hours, I am (from one whose Time and Heart is more with some Folks than I wish it were) inform'd of great Machinations and Expec- tations, to see the Colledge demanded into the hands, of a Daughter of Babylon ; and notable over-haulings. On this occasion, Lett me not be thought an Overbusy In- termeddler in affairs which I have been sufficiently forbidden from any meddling with, if I humbly offer two Things to your Consideration. The Colledge is in a most precarious uncertain, unsafe Condition, for want of an Incontestible Charter, you know whose Maxim it was, (and whose it will be) That when the Cow was Dead, the Calf died in the Belly of it ; And how often and how Long our General Assem- blies acted, as Confessing of it. Whether this be True and Just or no, the men whom you know too well, will as soon as they can proceed upon it. Several Opportunities, and even Invitations, to gett a Royal Charter for the Colledge, were in a wretched Manner, and on wretched Intentions thrown away. We have now a King on the Throne, who is not so much in the Interests of High-Church, and will not be so fond of doing what K. James himself (as my Parentator will tell you) confess'd a Most unreasonable Thing, but that, if the Dissenters at home will so far Lay aside their Unbrotherliness, as to join their Intercessions, we may hope to obtain a Charter. Wliat I wish for, is. That Mr. Colman may be prevail'd withal, to step over the Atlantic and Employ the Talents wherewith GOD has furnished him, to soUicit and prosecute this matter ; and that the Colledge Treasury may (with other Assistences) be at the Expence of an Hook to Catch a Salmon. I Entreat you think of it. And if there be any Service that I can do, in forwarding the Design (tho' it be very Little, that I can do in this or any other matter) I shall upon your Direction do all that I am able. In the Mean time; I remember the Time, when Days of Supplication, have been kept in and by the Colledge. If there were such kept at this Critical Time, who can tell, how many good Consequences may follow upon them. There is doubtless a Num- ber, even of the under-graduates, whose prayers may help, caelum tendere etc. And others not so well-disposed may on such Days be in the way of the greatest Edification. While such Things are by you carrying on there, I will associate myself with some of my Fellow-Christians here, in Harmonizing Exercises. Tis possible, the same Indescretion, which attends all my other JANUARY, 1725-26 811 Essays to do Good, may be discerned in this also. But it is address'd unto one, who knows how to forgive, and Candidly accept. His Brother and Servt. Mar. 6. 1724-25 ^ To Thomas Prince. m.h.s. [January 31, 1725-26.] My dear Friend, — and one of my dearest ! If you ask. How I do? I can scarce allow myself Air Enough, to give you an Account, in the Terms of the Letter the poor Souldier at Casco, wrote unto my Brother Walter, at Roxbury. Yett for part of it, I may. If you ask. What I do? Alas, Methinks, my Name is Do Little; Tho' in Deed and in Worth, much Inferiour to him that wore that Name. I am hastening unto the Work of my Triparadisus. But perhaps making more Haste unto the Paradise of GOD. The Less I do myself, I tliink, I must Contrive the more for others to do. And as there are several small services to Good Interests, which I may take an opportunity to mention imto you, if I Live to see you : [By the way. Ask Mr. Cooper and Mr. Foxcroft, if I this Day wrote nothing to them?] So there is One Very Important, Extensive Peece of work, which you must give me Leave to assign over to you. Our, Agricola ; Good Master Henchman has it ; and it has been many weeks in his Hands. Now, if he saw Cause to go on with it, upon a sufficient Encouragement, I cast the whole care (under the glorious Lord, who always does All!) upon you. I Leave it, with you to direct him, and advise him ; very particularly about the method of sending the Proposals for Subscriptions (which he has in his hands) into the Countrey Towns. Mr. T. Green, will I suppose, be so kind, as to help us all over Connecticut. Perhaps, I may add. Excite him too, against Loss of Time ; and against Living at the Sig7i of the Snail. You see, how I sett you to ploughing; even under the Cold; yea. Because of the Cold. The Harvest! The Harvest! It is near. Lord come Quickly. The rest (I want strength ; my side akes with This !) 1 On June 29 the Church, "having taken into Consideration the Difficulties our reverend Pastors labor under by the high and excessive prices of all necessaries of Life," voted a weekly allowance of four pounds to Dr. Mather, and of three pounds ten shillings to Dr. Gee. 8l2 DIARY or COTTON MATHER I reserve to another Time. I am, Your Brother, As merry as one bound for Heaven. Co. Mather. (Mrs. A skews subscription) Let no vulture's eye see the enclosed but let it, at your own time, return safely to me. The fair copy met with a strange deliverance, which at another Time I may tell you of. To Thomas Prince. m.h.s. Sir, — That you are as Cordial and Constant a Friend unto me, as any I have in the world, Endears you not unto me, so much as your being such a Friend of our glorious CHRIST, and of His Truth and Cause and Kingdome in the World. Some Expression of it, I have seen in your Favour to the, Ratio Disciplinae; wherein I have seen the Kindness of God. That work will certainly prove one of the Usefullest Things, that ever were offered unto the churches. Their perpetual Confirmation and Establishment in the Faith and Order of the Gospel, and their Vindication to the (Court and) world, will be but some of the conse- quences, that will be found upon its pubHcation. Our great Adversary thinks so. Hence, he obtained a permission t'other day, to scatter two thirds of the Copy, unto the four Winds of Heaven, in Loose Leaves, whereof, some were taken up by strangers, others were found in a Garden, others in a wood-pile ; when, if it had been to save my Life, or one worth ten thousand of mine, I could not have recovered it. But, the Angel of the Lord Look'd after it. Not a Leaf, nor a Line of it, is missing ! The work proceeds. Nine-sheets are now printed off. But, So, Now, our Good Bookseller does declare, the work shall stop ; not a sheet more shall be done. ' He'l tell you his Reason, if you ask him. And I have told you Mine! I don't wonder that such a work must be brought forward with a Struggle. Tis a sign, tis for the Kingdome of God ! I had not writt a Word of all This; but only to introduce my Request, that you would Visit Madam Saltonstal, from whom I Learnt yesterday, that you may hope to find her a Noble Subscriber. See Isa. XXXVII. 3. with LXVI. 9. I add no more, but that I am, Sir, Your Brother (and Servt) in the Labour, and service and Patience of the Kingdome. Apr. 5, [1726.] C. Mather. OCTOBER, 1726 813 To Thomas Prince. m.h.s. [May 23, 1726.] Sir, — It appears to me, that Just Sentiments on the present Con- dition of the Protestant Religion, are what our Churches as well as those of Europe, need greatly to be instructed and Excited with. Our prayers as well as Theirs, are called for; and may have their operation, on the sad Occasion. I have not forgotten, the Folly and Baseness, with which our, present State of Religion, was treated. Yett I am not thereby dis- couraged, from allowing, that if you think it advisable, you may give this to Mr Gerrish, for Publication ; and if he have it out, by the Elec- tion-day Morning, he will be no great Loser by it. You will please to Correct Every thing in it, (as well as the press-work,) and lett Every thing about it, be just as you would have it. I Leave all to your Discretion and Activity. But, Continue of the Opinion, it may be a very useful paper; and may have prayerful Consequences. If it be cavill'd at, I can show a much more obnoxious one of Dr. Owens, published in a worse Time than ours pretends to be. I am, Sir, Your Brother and Servt. Qq tvtathkt? Munday Morn. For your marvellous, and Victorious Pryn, I mightily thank you. To Rowland Cotton. a.a.s. 26 d. VIII m. [October.] 1726. Sir, — When will the Angry Man, who wrote the Enclosed, have done persecuting of me? A Long While ago,^ hearing you and the worthy Ministers of your Neighbourhood basely reflected on, for ordaining a Minister, who had confessed unto Mr. Stone,^ that he had never studied Divinity for one month (or some such small space,) by way of preparation for the Ministry, before his Entrance upon public preaching ; (or to this Effect, which, I think, I have seen asserted under Mr. Stones hand :) I repUed, I was well-assured This could not he true. For, besides what I myself knew of the studies follow'd by him, I was informed by Mr. Cotton,^ how long he had studied Theology in Ireland, under as famous and worthy a Tutor ; as Mr. Stone could have wished for him. *In 1 718. ^Nathaniel Stone, of Harwich. 'Rowland Cotton, of Sandwich. 8l4 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER For my saying This, I was assaulted and insulted by Mr Stone, with a very strange Letter and Language, which for some Reasons in a very ancient Book, I did not care to give any Answer to. I send the letter to you ; desiring you to rectify his mistakes ; and Excuse me from having any thing to do with a man, so full of evil-dispo- sitions towards me ; lest I should unawares trespass on the Rule of that meekness and Patience, which ought always to govern me. After this, I don't remember that ever I spoke any thing about it ; but once to my Brother Colman; who ever treats me with Candour in Expec- tation, that he would also do the same Good ofl&ce; which, if he did not forgett it, I beleeve, he did. You were pleased after this, (and a great while ago) to tell me. That Mr. Stone ^ promised to have done with his Clamours about Mr. Osborn: And I don't know, that I have ever had occasion since then to say any thing about the Matter. I have done all that was needful for me to do, that sin might not Ly upon him ; And that you, and other very Good Men, might not have a vile Representation given of you. I have said nothing but what is Exactly True on this occasion ; and nothing, but what I had a Loud call to speak when you were abused as ordaining a most Ignorant Creature. But the enclosed will give you to see how much he has done with his clamours. I hope, you have not Lost his former Letter ; (tho' I Forgett all but the general Strain of it; nor do I desire Ever to see it again.) The second, wherein I am sorry to see him so much Like the Troubled Sea, I now send you, with my Request, that you would either shew this touchy brother his Errors ; or tell me plainly, whether Mr. Stotte did say True, when he said. That Mr. Osborn confessed, That he had never studied Theology, any time before his Entring on the preaching of it. If he did say True ; I will humbly own, I have wronged him ; and ask his pardon. And you shall as humbly own to me, that you have imposed on me, and ask mine. If what he said, were entirely False, then, I pray, perswade him, to forbear his charging me with Lying, and with being an Eminently Immoral Man, and the rest, that you have in the Letter. Perswade him, that he would cease multi- plying to me occasions for that overcoming of Evil with good, which he derides me for. I pray, take this Task upon you. For I will not beleeve so wise and good a Man as Mr. Cotton, to do such III Things as Mr. Stone insinuates, in the Instrument he hath sent about the 'Samuel Osborn. See Freeman, History of Cape Cod, n. 89. A letter of Stone on this case, dated June 19, 171S, is in Prince Mss. loi. JANUARY, 1726-27 815 Countrey. And I will by no Temptation (if I can help it) be drawn in to Loseing time in having any thing to do, with a man who hath so far cast off all the Rules of Decency. May our glorious Lord, Enable both of us to be Followers of the good one; and give a better Frame of Mind unto some of our dis- tempered Brethren. I am. Sir, Your kinsman and serv't. To Thomas Prince. m.h.s. Sir, — With many Thanks for the Liberty you have indulged me, I return your Laborious Many-Reader. About the Illustration, Extracted from him, which I now send you, some time or other (if we Live) we may change a word or two. I am this morning in a Querulous Humour. Very many Months ago, a Number of Ministers who once were Fathers to Mr Clap,^ address'd him, with their tenderest and most obliging Admonitions, and Exhortations, and perswasions to Reform a great and public Scandal, that he had Long persisted in. He took no notice of them. And yett, the Ministers of this Town, appear afraid of so much as telling him, That they dislike his Conduct. At the same time, the State, and at Last the Pen, of the Scatter- ing Flock makes a Loud Cry unto us, and gives us the fairest oppor- tunity and Introduction for our Advice to them that can be. All delay carries Destruction in it ; and yett all we do, is to Lett them know, that we shall delay giving them the Advice their Difficulties call for, till we have some Direction from Mr. Clap to do it. The Two Letters you ordered yesterday (tho' I, who would ever submitt unto your better Judgments have signed them,) I verily fear, are only to harden a Melancholy Man in a Gross Iniquity. And only to Lengthen out the Time for the great Adversary to accomplish the Scattering of the Holy People ; and ruining a valuable Interest. I would not abound in my own Sense ; and I am very sensible of my being more Hable to mistakes, than my Brethren. However, I must confess, I don't understand our Conduct. But, I very well understand the meaning of the Indecency and Indignity I am treated withal ; To order me to draw up Letters, and make me Lose my Time which grows more and more precious to me, and own that I have exactly foUow'd my orders, and then turn 'em upon me again, and substitute instead of them, that which can be of no other use, but only to render Them useless. 1 say, / very well 'Nathaniel Clap, pastor of the Congregational church in Newport, R. I. 8l6 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER understand it. However, you'l find me, very patient and Easy, and under no other Impression from it, but only a Resolution to Look on myself as Excused for the time to come from the Labours of your Clerkship. I am willing you should Lett Mr. Foxcroft see my simple Senti- ments. May our Glorious Lord help us wisely and meekly to bear one anothers Burdens, (what we sometimes Lay on one another,) and keep us always imited in Services to the Kingdome of the Stone, that we may have our share together in the Kingdome of the Mountain. And Love one another, when I am, Sir, Your affectionate Brother and Servt _ _, Co. Mather. Friday Morn. Jan. 13. [1726-27.] To Thom.\s Prince. m.h.s. [Boston January 24, 1726-27.] Sir, — Having first Expressed my Satisfaction on what you have written to Mr Watts, I will freely, and in the most open-hearted Manner, offer you a Little of my Opinion, about the Disquisitions, which that Man has Lately pubUshed.^ I take him, to be a very Disqualified person, for the Managing of the Vast Subject he has undertaken ; He is not only too shallow for it ; but also Led away with a Spuri- ous and Criminal Charity, for those Abominable Idolaters, the Arians, and ready to Embrace as Brethren in CHRIST, those ancient and perpetual Enemies of CHRIST, whom to treat, as a great part of the Dissenters are Wickedly come to do, is an High-Treason of a greater and blacker consequence, than ever an Atterbury was charged withal. His complements to that execrable crew of Traitors (I mean, the Arians) are unChristian, and scandalous, and have a Tendency to destroy the Religion of God. His Attempts, to compound with them, on these Two Anathematizable Terms ; First, That there is no Eternal Son of God ; [welfare, poor Assem- blies Catechism!) and that there is no Filiation in the Godhead, but this. That God {sabellianicallyl) created a super angelical Spirit a good while ago, and intimately possessed him : — Secondly, That an Holy Spirit in the Godhead, may be called a Person, as the Grace of Love, and some other things, are Personalized in the Scriptures ; — > Isaac Watts. See Dictionary of National Biography, lx. 69. JANUARY, 1726-27 817 These Attempts will be Detestable, to all that thmk, The Faith once delivered unto the Saints, worth Contending for. Could his predecessor once again take his pen into his hand, he would Charge him with nothing Less, than grievous Haeresies} His Answer to Biddle, for That ! For my own part, I Look on the part which our Brethren, (I will not now say. United Brethren,) have taken in Countenancing the Con- spiracy to dethrone and degrade and ungod the Eternal SON of GOD, as having a deep share in preparing the world for that Catastrophe, which my. Diluvium Ignes warns you of. [You have not yett Readd, the Two Last Leaves of it.] As for you. My Son, [If not my Age, yett allow my Love to call you so !] I will say one Thing to you. Take heed unto your Spirit. The Candour, or Humour, in the Spirit of Our Friend on the other side the water, has betray'd him into a most mischievous Treachery to the Faith of the Gospel and unhappy Disservice to the Best Cause in the world. I highly approve and admire the Goodness of your Spirit, and the Equanimity wth which you Look upon Displeasing Things. But yett, watch over it. Lest you admitt of an Indolence, where an Holy Zeal shall be called for; and where a John himself would be a Boanerges, with zealous Testimonies ; and Lest you un- awares at some time or other Hurt a Glorious Cause, by an Air that may carry too much Complaisance, where warm Expressions of the greatest Abhorrence, are what our glorious LORD would be most pleased withal. Haec raptim et dvroKeXevo-Tt from Sir, Your most affectionate ^'^^t^^'^- Co. Mather. Mr. Henchman, has the Agricola ; ^ you will give the Enclosed unto him, when tis fill'd as far as you think fitt. And ask him to carry it, with the Agricola, to Mr Checkley, if he purposes to do an thing about it.' 'Watts had succeeded Isaac Chauncy in the pulpit. *A tract of Mather, Agricola, or the Religious Husbandman, appeared in 1727, printed by F. Fleet for D. Henchman. ^"2Sd. II m. [January.] 1727-28. A.M. At a Meeting of the Brethren of the Church, the following Proposal was offered and approved ; and it was agreed that notice hereof should be given to the whole .Assembly in the Afternoon. "Whereas in the holy Providence of our Lord his aged Servant, our Rev'd and dear Pastor (Dr. Cotton Mather) is visited and bro't low by Sickness, which takes him off from those E.xercises of the pastoral Care, whereby God has greatly II -52 8l8 DIARY OF COTTON MATHER endeared him to us, and threatens his Removal from us by Death, which we would deprecate as a most awful Frown of Heaven : "We do therefore desire and appoint next Wednesday afternoon, to be set apart and employed in humble, poenitent and earnest Supplications to God our Savior, that it may please him to restore and confirm the Health of his Servant, and prolong his Life and UsefuUxess, as a rich Blessing to his People. "And we humbly desire the Rev'd Mr. Colman, Mr. Thacher, and Mr. Sewal, to assist in the Services which are called for on this Occasion." Cotton Mather died February 13, 1727-28, one day beyond his sixty-fifth birthday. On the day of his death the church over which he had so long presided passed the following vote : "Whereas under the awful and humbling Bereavement, wherewith the great and good Shepherd has visited this Flock, the united Pastors of the Town are in a course of preaching with us; according to the usual Method of expressing their pious Regards to a deceased Pastor, and his bereaved Flock and Family: it is therefore ordered and appointed, that as a token of the like Christian Regards, the usual Salary be continued to the bereaved Family, and that the Deacons accordingly give the same to Mrs. Mather for the support of the Family, from the Death of our late Venerable Pastor, till the said Course of preach- ing be finished." On April 2, 1728, the Church voted to Mrs. Lydia Mather the sum of one hundred pounds, to be paid in monthly instalments of five pwunds. On January 28, 1730-31, Samuel Mather was chosen to be assistant to Rev. Joshua Gee. MS. Records of the Second Church, ui. TEXTS USED BY MATHER TEXTS USED BY MATHERS Acts CHAP . V. VOL. p. II Corinthians CHAP. V. VOL. p. 5 17 I. 116 CHAI . V. VOL. p. 8 6 II. 401, 506, 508 2 37 I. 116 7 402 I 3-11 I. 434 4 12 — 116 2 II 389' S 31 — 38 I Chronicles — II. 388 > 6 8 — 18 3 18 II. 399 8 23 — 118 4 10 n. 285, 289 286 5 5 I. 103 9 S II. 190 15 31 — 14 II. 219 6 I. 116 19 3 ■ — ■ 167 17 I. 118 n. 788 — 15 — 677 20 120 — 31 I. 119 29 3 — 289 7 II 592 10 4 I. 190 II I. 59° II 27 n. 168 — 44 n. 32, 2 87 15 n. 289, 602 12 4 — 163 II IS I. 219 ~ 19 286, 677 13 5 I. 118 — 25 — 251 II Chronicles — — II. 29 — 26 — 246 — 14 — 542' 13 2 99 I 7 I. 119 4S, 48 n.' 593 > 594 12 12 — 149 Daniel i6 2 14 I. 202 117 20 25 12 9 n. I. 787 180 4 8,10 18 I. 249 i6 30 I. 116' 32 2-8 ~ 220 — 34 n. 163 — 31 — 116 COLOSSIANS 5 27 I. 541 21 7 II. 400 14 — 504 I 3 I. 416 Deuteronomy 24 25 I. 152 — — II. 789 26 28 — 120 — 12 — 530, 592' 4 10 I. 119 27 23 I. 355 2 7 I. 392 26 17 I. 391 — — n. 680 3 2 n. 507 32 3 — S9I — 25 I. 355 — 3 — 593 — 5 — 414 — 4 — 548 33 4 II. 234 Amos — 5 I. 288 38 7 u. 787 4 6 12 6 n. I. 678 116 I CORIN THIANS Ecclesiastes 8 2 II. 219, 286 1 9 II. 788 1 4 n. 163 — 11 — 509 — 30 I. 503, 504, — IS — 16s, 167 Canticles 505, 506, 507 2 14 — 165, 287 3 16 I. 541 = 4 9 — 27 I 4 n. 510, 595 — 23 II. 787 7 2 — 163 2 3 — 508, 592 6 9 I. 287 — 9 — 507 14 — 401, 678, 7 29 — 416 9 5 — S09 679 — 35 — 590 — 10 I. 117 16 — 33 9 26 n. 362, 400' — — n. 437. 506 s 1 — 509 10 14 — 399 — 12 — 507 — 2 I. 120 — 31 — 595 II 8 II. 789 — 6 — 117 II 28 I. 120 12 S I. 365, 391 — 9 n. 593 — 30 — 168 10 n. 399 — 10 — 400 — 31 — 39 — 14 — 234 ' Superior figures represent the number of sermons preached upon the text. 822 TEXTS USED BY MATHER Ephesians CSAP. V. I 3 — 4 — 5 — 6 — 7 — 8 — 9 — lo — II — 12 — 13 — 14 — IS — i6 — 17 — i8 — 19 22 I 2 3 4 6 17 i8 19 20 21 4 28 5 S — 14 — 25 6 II — 24 VOL. I. 3 9 12 IS 17 21 23 32 34 n. I. 2 26 7 2 26 II 19 2 22 10 6,7 24 26 p. 414.° 415 414. 415* 41s' 41S' 416 5 416,' 417 417,' 460, 504 460' 460,' 480 461,' 464 461,' 462* 462* 503* SO4 506' So6« SOS SOS' 505 ' 505' 506 50^ S06, 507 » 541 541 541 539 540' 540 540 S40> 250 594' 290 590 788 415 490, 505.' 506' 286 Exodus 287 164 288 504 I. II. I. II. I. n. I. II. I. 414 787 677 289 168 118 - 38 — 540 EZEKIEL I. 319 CBAI . V. VOL. p. CHAF . V. VOL. p. 9 4 I. 116 10 26 I. 592 14 23 415 32 117 IS 7 n. 290 38 — 117 16 21 — 30 39 370 17 23 n. 399 II I 288, 316 18 28 I. 118 2 288 24 16 — 463 — 3 — 288 37 4 — 541.' 590 4 289' — 5 289, 290 Ezra — 6 — 117. 290 8' IS n. 164 II 7 — 290 — 17 164 Galatians 24 388, 389, 460 — 25 3S9 I 18 n. 166 26 389' 2 20 — 34, 492, 680, 27 389 788 28 389, 390 » 3 27 I. S06, S07,' 29 390' 4 19 n. 592 56, 163 « 30 31 390 390 S 24 I. n. 417 680 — 32 — 391 12 I 392 » 6 3 7 — 28s 680 2 3 392,' 413' 413 « Genesis — II 591; n. 680 — 26 461 3 IS I. 592" 13 IS n. 509 4 19 — 590 20 — 163, 164 18 14 n. 593 21 — 165, 166 — 25 I. 462 20 6 n. 287, 288, 289 Hosea — II — 32 2 8,9 I. 219 22 12 I. 174 6 I II. 30 — 14 — 116 8 12 I. 414' 28 17 — 251 9 12 — SOS — 21 — 286 IS — 261, 287 32 I. 43 10 12 — 250 — 10 — 117 13 9 II. 787 — 26 — 1 25 14 3 I. 116 47 3 — 41S 49 10 — 540 Isaiah SO 20 — 378, 392 117. n8 I 3 I. Habakkuk — i8 — 38, 117 3 10, II — 116 2 4 I. 16 6 5 n. 29 — 13 — 251 9 2 I. 541 3 2 — 463 12 — — 434 Haggai 24 S n. 31 25 4 I. 212 I 7 I. 173 — 6 n. 594 — 9 — 173 26 2 u. 286, 677 — — n. 592 — 8 I. 118 2 7 — S93 — 9 — 390, 463 Hebrews — — II. 510 — 13 I. 44 I 13 II. 30 — 20 II. 402, 506 2 7 I. 295 27 3 I. 543 — 18 — 391. 415 30 18 11. 399, 593 — — II. 593 33 17 I. 112 S 8 — 157, 289 — — u. 508 TEXTS USED BY MATHER 823 CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. 33 24 I. n8 4 2 II. 595 35 10 — 383, 392 — 34 — 250 — i8 31 37 14 540 37 3 II. 812 5 3 II. 167 42 2 220 38 14 648, 679 6 16 I. 119 40 29 I. 116 8 6 II. 32 Joel 42 24 506 13 23 31 43 14 — 504 — 27 I. 117 2 13 II. 399 — 21 118 17 II 331, 509 — 22 287 17 27 II. 687 John 44 3 6 18 2 33 I 19 I. 389 45 46 48 19 8 10 II. I. II. 1 56 391 789 23 25 24 29 6 I. n. I. 119 789 507 2 39 48 10 u. I. II. 287 543 678' 52 — I. 219 30 15 II. 30 II I. 52 53 — 250 31 3 — 28s 17 II. 401, 402 12 286' 18 I. 119 16 3 — ^ 234 55 I 2 — 544 589 45 5 II. I. 788 506 4 6 46 I. 509 463' 3 7 8 U. 117 38 508, 592 I I Job I. S92 — 47 48-5C 50-53 = 453, 463 463 464 "~~ 10, III. 543, 592 _ 21 i8s — 54 II. 678' 56 2 503 2 10 II. 680 5 2 I. 506 ■~~ 4 29 3 25 __ 167, 771,789 5 II. 679 59 2 45 4 21 168 6 I. 117 60 7 u. 40 r 5 6 788 14 II. 290 61 63 9 9 I 10 I. II. 812 508 116 788 7 24 I. II. 592 679 30,2 I 6 II 21 37 I. 509 507 117, 588 64 6S 17 7 I u. I. 168 788 116 6 7 44 3 10 I. n. 120 288 S6i, 594 — 44 54 65 590 541 591 21 n. 286 9 12 28 I. 402 503 7 70 27 II. 250 168 "" 23 "~ 508, 592 lO 15 n. 287 8 24 I. 590 James 11 12 — 509 9 15 — 591 13 6 30 10 2 II. 509 I 2 I. 489, 505 — 9 I. 32s — 22, 2J — 168 — 5 — 117 — 15 — 118, 461 II 29 — 508 — 12 — 392 — 24 II. 402 — 43,44 — 508 — 26 — 276 14 10 — 32, I 63 12 26 I. 119 — 27 II. 33, 678, 679 15 II I. 590 — — u. 508, 790 2 5 I. 178 — 17 — 416 — 35 II. 677 u. 398 — 21 II. 507, 678 13 IS I. 120 20 I. 250 — 34 — 687 14 6 — 45, 219 23 — 119 16 22 — 680 — 20 n. 787 3 16 — 198 19 25 I. 382, 392, 464 — 23 I. 28 4 3 II. 592 20 26 II. 29 — 27 — 390, 391 II I. 389 21 — — 510 15 2 — 118 — 13 II. 593 — 17 — 289 — 7,8 — 5S8 5 7 — 510 22 29 I. 507 — 8 — 220 8 — 400, 699, 787 23 14 n. 401 — 25 II. 677 — 20 I. 591 24 19 I. 539 16 9 I. 116 27 6 n. 508 — 14 n. 399* Jeremiah — 8 — 788' — 21 I. 307 — 12 I. 390 17 24 II. 161 I 19 I. 377 29 3 II. 507, 678 18 II — 254, 288 2 26 — 299 30 23 I. 577, 592 — 18 I. 381 3 4 — 288, 289 — 24 II. 168 19 6 — 390 — 12 — 27 31 6 I. 542 — 28 — 392 824 TEXTS USED BY MATHER CHAP V. vot. p. Lamentations CHAF . V. VOL. p. 30 — 414 21 i6s 21 21 22 17 20 28 I. I. II. I. 290 98 594, S9S 392, Soo 120 CHAP I 3 . V. 16 22 25 57 58 VOL. II. I. II. p. 594 220 29, 44 507 400 22 23 — 24 — 23-28 — 29, 30 — 31,32 16s 16s 166 < 166 167 167 I John | 5 13 I. 294 16 2 I. 219 19 461 18 8 II. 1 6s I 3 I. 41S 2 3 7 6 14 20 II. 390 389' 460 399 n6 29 29 29, i65 4 10 Leviticus 21 I. 237 3 — 413 — n. 679 19 20 23 13 22 9 3 34 I. II. 1. 292 460 788 542 389 4 23 8 9 18 I. II. 19 I 17 17 I. 391 Luke I. 116 39 40 41 42 II. 285' 285' 28s 28s' 5 3 29 — 38 — 507 43 I. 391,' 41S 4 29 — 5° — 20s n. 285' 6 so 2 10 — 202 46 I. 414 ^— . 7 31 1 2-20 — 218 — 8 — 31 — 15 — 185, 464 24 32 n. 32 — 10 — 32 — 29 — 287, 288, 289 Maiachi — 13 I. 591' — 30 — 289 3 16 I. 542 — 14 II. 29, 30 — 31 — 290 4 2 — 119 — 19 — 30 3 17 II. S08 11. 400 — 21 — 30 4 S I. 543 II. 680 Mark II John 4 18 I. IIS I 40 I. 117 ^ 4 I. 590,' 591 — 25 II. 592 2 S II. 679 S 6 — 286, 287 7 37 — 399 Ill John 20 I. 391 8 38 I. 290 — 2 II. 677 6 7 68 47 n. I. S95 S88 9 10 24 13-1 6 — 118 304 ~~' 4 ~ 593, 594 8 46 II. 677 — 21 — 391 Jonah 9 23 — 28, 29 — 289 59S 14 16 SI 16 588 1x6 2 9 I. 119 31 S9S 4 6 II. 399 10 6 I. 287 Matthew 20 n. 400 I 21 I. 38 Joshua — 29 — 33 2 5 — 183 7 8 II. 166 — 34 I. 250 — 12 — 218 24 14 I. 119 — 42 — 220, 460 — 23 II. 166 II 13 u. 379, 387, 3 12 — 401 Judges 401, » 454 5 29,30 I. 117 3 13 14 19 I. II. 506 399, 679 12 15 32 40 I. 590' 129 S4I 6 47 14 21 n. 312 559 287 I Kings 13 6 — 250 — 33 I. 117 — 8 11. 33 — — II. 347, 364, 400 3 5 I. 540,541,542 — 35 I. 210 7 12 — 401 — 10 11. 401 14 18 — 116 — 13 I. 542 8 38 — S08 23 II. 507 — 14 — 116, 543 14 13 I. 591 — 27 I. 250 — 19 — 541 i8 21 II. 399 IS 7 — 590 — 25 — 414 16 II. 163 — 27 II. 401 II Kings 17 163 8 3 — 679 4 26 I. 54°, 542 — 18 — 164 1 — 5 — 679' lO 32 II. 167 — 19 — 164 — 10 I. 413 32 19 — S07 — 20 — 164, i6s — 12 — 251 TEXTS USED BY MATHER 825 CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. 24, 2 6 — 251 — 14 X. 288 — II. 787 9 2 — 251 14 19 — 220, 251,391 24 I. 461 — II. 679 25 11 — 288 30 461 — 12 I. 366' 12 2 461 I Pf.tf.R 14 391 5 414, 41S 10 16 I. 288, 462 1 2 I. 219 X2 II. 507 — 28 II. 459, 507 I 8 I. 117 12 25 I. 460 10 29 I. 290 — IS II. 289 26 459 — — II. 594 2 7 I. 118 13 15 41S 11 s I. 20s — II. 400 19 II. X64 — 28 — 117 9 — 677, 678" 21 I. 416 12 13 II. 401, 593, 594 IS I. 591 14 9 460 — 20 — 677 3 13 II. 508 — 10 II. 16s, 287 — 35 — 402 — 21 I. 507' X2 I. 46X 13 3 I. 2872 5 10 II. S94 — 14 n. 32 — 4 — 287 2S — 287 — 5,6 — 287 II Peter — 27 I. 1x9 — 7 — 287 I 4 I. 128 32 — 120 — 8 — 287. 290 — 10 118, 543 34 — 542, 589 — 24 u. 168 2 2 — 287 15 8 — 589* — 44 — 399 . — — n. 787 14 IS I. 149 Philemon — 24 4x6 — 17 — 192 — 4 I. 504 — 32 — 461 — 30 II. 402' 17 16 n. 400 16 24 I. 461 Philippians 27 1. 150 — 26 — 116 I 6 I. 541 x8 xo I. 2x9 17 I II. 594,2 595 10 II. 168' 19 2 — 4x6 — 2 — 595 2 — 21 I. 75, 120 1 — IX — 2X9 ■ — ■ 3 — 595,' 596 — — II. 779, 790 < — 23 — 119 18 20 I. 588 2 12 I. 462 20 4 II. 402 20 32 542 3 9 — 116 — 6 I. 461 — 34 II. 402 19 288 — 22 II. 15 21 19 I. 219 — 20 II. 68o,« 68x3 — 27 I. 461, 462 — 43 — 389 4 4 11. 677* — 29 — 462 22 13 — 543 5 I. 390 21 25 II. 29 23 3 I. 539 — 13 II. 400* 22 4 I. 119 — 33 — 389 19 I. 128 23 5 u. X67 — 37 II. 789* — u. 788 — 7 — 31 24 12 — 680 — 17 I. 315= — 44 I. 542 Proverbs — II. 32, 1x9 25 26 27 45 46 28 46 — ISO 461 118 38 3922 I 2 23 24,2 31 32 20 I. 811. I. 462 31 S09 31 460 24 25 26 34 10 26 I. II. I. 11. I. 2x9 29 462 289 50s MlCAH 3 7,8 — 119 27 28 X 2x9 13 39 6 8 13 n. 702, 289 787' — 17 II. 417 402 — 14 20 — 250' 391 505,2 506 « 788 7 18 19 I. 38 129 4 3,4 22 26 I. 417 463 460 30 26 8 II. Neheidah — 27 II. 31 ' 20 I. 53 I n I. 119 5 II I 220, 224 Psalms — — n. 593 6 17 — 16 I 3 I. 129 S 9 — 164 9 I, 2 — 589 4 4 II. 30 7 2 I. 119 — 6 — 414 — 6 I. 44 9 17 — 38, 118 1 10 24 — 461 5 7 II. 287 Numbers n II 18 II. I. 507, 416 789 6 8 9 4 I. 2x9 24 12 9 u. 788 — 23 — 4IS 13 4 u. 167 82 •0 TEXTS USED B-y MATHER CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. IS 4 286 — 19 _ 75 — 96 II. 680 i6 4 499, Sio 31 176 104 787 — 5,6 I. 44 71 — II. 72 — 107 SIO 17 4 504 20 I. 442 113 286 « — 14 127 73 25 44, 118 114 1. 127 18 23 118, S18 — 28 117 147 u. 756. 788 19 13 I. S07 78 63 I. 209, 219 156 I. 43 21 9 n. 286 78 63 n. 679 165 — 54 1 22 2 — 233 79 8 I. 460 119 176 n. 32 — 9 I. 120 86 4 n. 678 121 3 I. 543 — II n. 287 — 17 — 398, 401 22 6 — 116 24 10 — 677 89 5 I. 414, 41S 125 4 — 541* 25 I — 31 — 6 — 507 5 — 541 — 2 — 31.32 — 8 n. SOI 126 3 — 43, 590 — 3 — 32 — 15 — 508 5 — 32, 592 — 4 — 32 90 7 — 510 127 2 — 589 — S — 32. 33 — 9 — 179, 595 130 — — 219 — 6 — 33 — 12 I. 120, 168, 173 3 — 199 — 7 — 33 — 16 — 307, 540 4 — 38 — 8 — 33 91 10 — 129 131 2 — 588 — 13 — 288 — 16 n. 200 132 4, 5 — 542 — 14 I. 119 93 4 — 176 15 — 543 — — n. III 94 22 I. 250 135 3 n. 402 26 8 I. 118 162 16 — 220 136 23 I. 251 29 3 n. 592 — 23.24 — 250 26 — 531. S43 30 tit. I. S04 103 3 — 249 138 — n. 338 31 S — 244 — 14 — 460 3 I. 344, 542 — 14 — 289 loS 37 — 444 6 — 16 — 19 — 119 107 43 — 288, 289 7 n. 257, 289 — 23 n. 168 109 19, 2C — 94 139 2-4 I. 75 32 8 I. 129 no I — 589, S90, 591 141 5 — 287 33 18, 19 — 119 — 2 — 591 144 I — 132 » 34 7 — 119 — ■ 3 — 120, 592 145 19 — 119 — II n. 286 — 7 n. 174 » 146 4 n. 286 37 3 I. 589 Ill S I. 119 147 2 I. 543 — 5 — 119 112 1,4 — 119 — — n. 30 — 16 — 219 116 — n. 232 — 18 — 439, 506 — 2S — 289, 416 I — 288 — 20 I. 389 — 31 n. 400* — 2 — 288 149 5 u. 103 38 7 — 679, 680 — 3 288' 9 — 680 — 4 I. 120 Revelations — 14 — 104 — n. 288 I 10 I. 503 44 25, 2fi — 23s 5 — 289,' 290* — II n. 164 4S — 612 6 — 290 — 12 — 789 46 2 I. 117 118 — I. 431 — 13 — 789 47 7 n. 400 119 S — 117 — 18 — 398, 509 48 14 I. 543 6 — 117 2 3 I. 327. 390 SI 3 — 116 9 — 166 — 5 — 20s S2 8 — S88, 591 19 — 168, 173 — 9 II. 592 S6 — n. III 25 n. 507 — 10 I. 541 — 3 — 789 — 28 — 287 — 16 II. 167 57 — — III 36 I. 414 — 19 — 30, 28s, 506 — 1 I. 168 38 — 119 — 21 — 507 — 7 n. Sio» 55,62 n. 219 3 I I. 287 61 2 I. S06 59 I. 167 — 16 II. 288 63 I II. 768 60 — 117 — 19 I. 592 — 3 I. 415' 63 — 119 — — II. 508 — — n. 680 71 — 1x8 7 16 — 31 66 8-20 I. 434 92 II. 449, 507, 765 10 I — i6s 68 14 — 213 — 94 I. 589 II 18 1. 119 TEXTS USED BY MATHER 827 CHAP. V. VOL. p. CHAP. V. VOL. p. 13 8 156 '5 5 399 14 3 542 — 7 593 — II. 608 — II I. 591 7 395, 402, 507 14 II. 125, 167 19 6 1. 251 16 7 788 20 12 II. 164 I Samuel I IS 156 21 21 32 I 7 II. 20, 33 22 2 401 I 15- 181. 539 22 17 II. 790' — ■ — u. 31 — ■ 27 — 322 Romans 2 I I. 579 I 18 I. 542 > 7 6 — 195 26 — 251 — 12 — 287 28 — 289, 290 16 23 n. 788 2 I — 553 20 29 I. 504 — 4 — 290, 503 25 29 u. 789 4 20 — 288 II Samuel I 5 I — 38 — 6 — 116 7 — I. 259 6 8 n. 402 12 7 — S40 8 6 I. 288, 289 23 15 11. 678 — 10 — 541 — 20 — 506 — 13 — 287 I Thessalonians I — 14 — 118 — 16 II. 787 I 7 I. 389 — 18 I. 505 2 4 — ii8 — 21 — 391 5 3 — 243 — 28 — 129,391' — 9 — 116 — 36 — 116 — 18 — 116 12 10 11. 321 — 22 — 540 13 II I. 145 — 23 11. 478, 509' 14 14 7,8 542' 506 II Thessalonians — — II. 510, 679 2 i6 n. 168 — 17 — 543, 593 • 3 I I. 287, 390 I Timothy CHAP. V. VOL. p. — 5 I 1 I IS 29 399 117 3 16 4 7 6 10 — 234 219,235,251 589 589 II Timothy 2 I I. 592 3 1 — 589 — 2 II. 401, 593 — 5 I. 251, 286, 2fi — 9 — 251 — IS — 591 4 7 II. 593 — 10 — 164 — 22 — 593 TiTUS 1 16 II. 165 2 10 I. 287 — 10, n— 588,' 589 — 14 II- 33.34 Zechariah I — I. 263 10 12 128 11 9 II. 285 12 10 680 13 I I- 29, 38 14 8 11. 595 9 — 592 INDEX INDEX 'A. B. C. of Religion,' 2, 216, 226. Abbot, Richard, 1, 551. Abuse, an incentive to piety, 2, 100. Acadia, 2, 171. Achmet III, of Turkey, 2, 173. Acknowledgments and Protestations, 1, 145- Actions, record of daily, 1, 71. Acts of consecration, 2, 340. Adams, two, 2, 742. Adams, Brooks, 1, xv«. Adams, Charles Francis, 1, xvii. Adams, Eliphalet, 2, 803, 807. Adams, Hugh, 1, S97«; 2, 404. Adams, Rebecca, 1, 181. 'Address' to Bellomont, 1, 302; to Queen, 2, 125; to King, see George I. 'Ad Fratres in Eremo,' 1, 306. Administrator, see Howell estate. Adonijak, 2, i8«. Adulteries, 2, 65, 242. 'Adversus Libertinos,' 2, 184. 'Advice from Taberah,' 2, 116, 118. 'Advice from the Watchtower,' 2, 209, 211. 'Advice to the Churches of the Faith- ful,' 1, 410. Afflicted, book for the, 2, 478; thoughts, 650. Afflictions and chastisements, 2, 179; example of, 265, 717; lessons, 569, 602, 719; furnace of, 768. Aged, preparation, 2, 606. 'Agreeable Admonitions to both Old and Young,' 1, 480. 'Agricola,' 2, 811,817. Agur's prayer, 2, 751. Alanson, synod of, 2, 311. Alcasar, Ludovicus, 1, 262». Alexander, Lydia, 2, 297. Alkin, , 2, 187. Allen, , 2, 84. Allen, Benjamin, 2, 7S9«. Allen, James, 1, 92, 99, 2ii«, 3i7«. Allen, Jeremiah, 1, i74«. Alliance, grand, of 1701, 1, 420. Allin, James, 2, 483n. Almanac, advertisement in, 1, 210; writ- ing in, 276. Alms deeds, recording, 1, 580. Alms, 2, 48, 137, 143, 263, 282, 335, 391, 83 778; lot in distributing, 66; winter, 250, 490; return, 707. Alms-house, 1, 178; complaints against, 226. Alsted, Johann Heinrich, 2, 243«. America, Christianity in, 2, 411. American Antiquarian Society, 1, xiii. American letters, 2, 295. 'American offer,' 1, 570. 'American Sentiments,' 2, 625. 'American Tears upon the Ruines of the Greek Churches,' 1, 370. Amour, indiscreet, 2, 221. Anabaptists, 1, 209, 313, 318, 324; 2, 53, 697; letter to, 329; essay against, 572. Anagram, 1, 160. ' Anastasius,' 2, 471. Andover, Mass., witches, 1, 142; visits, 565; minister, 2, 561. Andrews, Jedidiah, 1, 550; 2, i84«; letter to, 690. Andros, Edmund, 1, i33n, I38«, i4i«. 'Andros Tracts,' 1, i4i«. 'Angel of Bethesda,' 1, 3n, i63n; 2, 716; completed, 698. Angels, evil, 1, 156, 178; good, 162, 167, 188, 201, 209, 224, 249, 255, 267, 396; 2, 8, 40, 140; song for meeting, 1, 234; vision of, 2, 190, 200; minis- try of, 474, 520, 577, 578, 659, 680. Anger, 2, 46, 127; ungovemed, 455, 462; of God, 502; sudden, 518; of nations, 693- Angier, John, 2, 759. Angier, Samuel, 2, 575. Annapolis, N. S., 2, 93; minister for, 96. Aime, Princess, 1, 36s»; queen, 2, 125, i76«. Anniversary celebration, 2, 791. Answers of prayers, 1, 343. Antichrist, 1, 262; 2, 333; 1260 days, 454. See Kingdom of God. Antimonium Diaphoreticum, 1, 365. Antinomianism, 1, 430, 572; in south, 2, 184. Antisabbatarianism, 1, 572. Apostasy, sinful, 1, 31; contest with, 3S8. Apostates, ministers, 2, 695. 'Apostolical constitutions,' 2, 205. 832 INDEX Apparition of the dead, 2, 383. 'Appeal to the Learned,' 2, 35. Appleton, Nathaniel, 2, 478«, S72w, 748M. Apprentices, advice, 2, 199. Archer, John Rose, 2, 729». Archer, Thomas, 2, 170. Archetype of all creatures, 2, 605. Areskin, , 2, 107, 430. Argyll, , 1, i04n. Arian opinions, 2, 106, 107. Arianism, 2, 182, 186, 191, 230, 796, 800, 816. Arminianism, 1, 149M; 2, 207 'Armour of Christianity,' 1, 499. Amdt, Johann, 2, 193^, 336, 348, 413. Arnold, Stephen, 1, 346«. Arrowsick, Maine, 2, 336. Articles of adversity, 2, 498; supplica- tion, 579. Artillery meeting, 1, ios«; sermon, 132. Ascetics, Christian, 2, 87, 93, 235, 349. Ashurst, Sir Henry, 1, 243, 244, 549. Ashurst, Sir William, 1, 549; 2, 414, 422; 1, and negroes, 571; Increase and, 2, 299; letters to, 292, 299, 330, 420, 510, 682. Askew, , 2, 812. Assembly, General address on reforma- tion, 1, 89, 211; sermon to, 149, 237; 2, 356; incorporation of college, 1, 308, 352; books for, 411; memorial, 2, 78, 356; ill-conduct of, 128; dis- order and confusion, 383; some visit Mather, 383; on Increase Mather, 353. 40?) 408; and Dummer, 420; conference, 483. Associating, work of, 2, 549. Atheism, 2, 3. Atkins, Thomas, 1, 403W. Atonement, doctrine of, 2, 108. Attainments, high, 1, 58, 131. Atterbury, Francis, 2, 816. Atwood, John, 1, 16411, 181, 189M; 2, 428. Audience, thoughts on, 2, 158. Augustine, St., 1, 144; 2, 66, 170. Aurora Borealis, 2, 596. Avery, , 1, 76; 2, 54. Avery, Joseph, 2, 232«. Axel, Samuel, sec Samuel May. Aylmer, Brabazon, 1, 550. Aynsworth, James, 1, 550. B., R., 2, 753. See Rebecca Brown. Babylon, daughter of, 2, 698. Bailey, John, death, 1, 244, 245. Baker, Daniel, 2, lOo;;. Baker, Samuel, 1, 58;?. Baking, thoughts on, 2, 198. 'Balances of Equity,' 2, 128, 314. Baldwin, A., 1, 3i2«. Ballads, bad effect of, 2, 242. Bank, Massachusetts, 2, 296, 418. Bant, Mrs., 2, 471K. Bant, John, 2, 47i«. Baptism, restriction on, 1, 161; improve- ment on, 502; valid, 602; ignorance on, 2, 53; mock, of vessels, 473. Baptist Church, first, Boston, 2, 53; ordination, 530, 535, 537. 'Baptistes,' 2, 696. Barbadoes, 1, 141. Barbarj', captives, 1, 473. Barber, admitted to church, 1, 346; pious, 2, 636. Barnard, John, 1, 137*1, i64n, 181, 189^, S62«, S96h; 2, 22in; disciplined, 1, S98n; at Marblehead, 2, 3S9n, 360, 361, 670. Barrenness bewailed, 2, 91, 153, 515, 544, 732. Barnstable, Mass., 2, 385, 431. Barrington, John Shute, 2, 436)/, 527. Bartlioloma?an sufferers, 2, 242. Barton, William, 1, 57. Basset, Nathan, 2, 717, 718, 719. Bastardy, punishment, 1, 165. 'Batteries upon the Kingdom of the Devil,' 2, II??. Bath, cold, 2, 388, 504. Baxter, Joseph, 1, 274; 2, 303. Baxter, Richard, 1, 412; 2, 315, 518; mother's catechism, 25; Gildas, 498; Poor Man's Family Bible, 782. Bay Psalm Book, 1, 7s«. Beard, Thomas, 2, 224. Bears, descent of, 1, 316. Beatitudes, 2, 457. Belcher, , 2, 563. Belcher, Jonathan, 2, 74i«. ' Believers Gain by Death,' 2, 265. Bell, ringing of, 2, 241. Bellomont, Earl of, 1, 187; arrival, 302; address to, 302; minister for lecture, 349, 390; Mather's mission, 356. Belman, Thomas, 1, 551. Benefactors, catalogue of, 2, 701 ; return, 730. 745- Benignity of God, 2, 352. Bereavements, remedy, 2, 743. Berlin, see Jew children of. Bermudas, care for, 2, 344, 383, 452, • 464, 475- 476, 532- Bernard, St.. 2, i. Bernard, John, 2, 68, 561, 564, 575, 580. Bernard, Thomas, 2, 561, 594. 'Best Ornaments of Youth,' 1, 575. 'Best Way of Living,' 2, 264. Betrustment, deed of, for children, 2, 59. 65. Beverly, Mass., 1, 597. INDEX 833 Bible, acceptance of, 1, 88; reading, 127; 2, 193; Mather's entries, 1, 157, in Spanish, 420;?; commentaries, 2, 311; and catechism, 354. Bibles, distribution of, 2, 85, in, 357, 370, 373, 589; in prison, 448. Biblia Americana, conception of, 1, 169; manuscript of, i70«; mentioned, 231, 545; completed, 563; prayers for, 567; account of, 570; desire to pub- lish, 2, 40, 316, 330, 436; additions, 162,178; "new offer," 283,309,310; directions for publishing, 312, 314; Reynolds on, 317; publication de- spaired of, 376, 377; described, 413, 416, sii. Bickerstafi's predictions (Swift), 1, 600. Biddle, ,2, 817. Bills put up in congregation, 2, 108; of credit, Massachusetts, 296; endorsed, 667. Birthdays, observance of, 2, 219, 359, 398, 591- Bishop, Hannah, 1, 189^, i98«. Bishop Mrs. (nee Lee), 2, 358«. Blackmore, Sir Richard, 2, 105; pro- jection for, 141. Blague, Newcomb, 1, 310H. Blasphemy, 2, 3. Blathwayt, William, 1, I4i«. Blerso, Mrs., 2, 410. Blessings, best of, 2, 496. Blessings, conspicuous, 2, 468; asked for, 783- Blindness, poem on, 1, 408. Blood of the Passover, 2, 250. 'Boanerges, the Work of the Day,' 2, 381, 382, 457, 716, 800, 802. Body, serviceableness, 1, 45; thoughts on, 2, 75. 'Body of Divinity,' Usher's, 2, 243K; Mather's, 130. Boehm, Anthony William, 2, 332, 348, 364,582; Enchiridion, 376, 379; letter 10,406,4x1,563. Boehme, Jakob, 2, i93«. Bolton, Samuel, 1, 315. 'Bonds of the Covenant,' 2, 13. 'Bonifacius,' 2, 42, 60. Book, enrollment in Devil's and church's, 1. 15s. 157; grateful thought, 2, 92, 226, 277. Books, borrowed, 1, 55; hawker of, 65; publication encouraged, 97; distribu- tion of, 2, 14, 26, 105, 109, 783; thoughts on his own, 157, 396; pub- lication of, 162, 170, 178; number, 157; presents, 179; printed in Hol- land, 421; English, 496; result, 707. Booksellers, advised, 2, 204, 243, 379; books for English, 260, 270; charac- ^■53 terized, 331; avarice, 456; in danger, 672. Boone, Nicholas, 2, 114. Boone, , 2, 430. Boone Island, 2, 7i«. Borland, , 2, 791. Boston, population, 1, 68; fire in ware- house, 78; Church of England, i33»; revolution against Andros, 138M; military diversions, 174; French church in, 238; metropolis, 311; press under fear, 37s«; fears French in- vasion, 2, 94, 166; impending mis- chief, 209; disorders, 213^; measles, 248, 262; city, 360; divisions, 443, 451, 460, 500, 505, 541; fever, 486, 495 ; dangers, 518; excitement over inoculation, 632-662. Boston, fire, 2, 29; (1711)113; sermon, 116; church collection, 117. 'Boston Ephemeris,' 1, 85K. 'Bostonian Ebenezer,' 1, 257. Botanies, 2, 208. Boyd, WiUiam, 2, 548^. Boylston, Zabdiel,2, 621K, 624H, 636, 791. Bradbury, Thomas, 2, 563; letters to, 796, 800. Bradford, William, 1, 30. Bradford, WiUiam, 1, 375W. Bradstreet, Dudley, 2, i6o«. Bradstreet, Simon, 1, 94K, 96«, 20on; 2, 247K; Charlestown church, 269W; pamphlet, 375W. Braintree, Mass., 1, 597; 2, 151. Brand, Alexander, and Dummer, 2, 414, 418. Brattle, Elizabeth (Hayman), death of, 2,326. Brattle, Thomas, 1, 375M. Brattle, William, 2, 326, 437«, 478n, 506. Bread for Indian catechumens, 2, 359. Breast, pain in, remedy, 1, 444. 'Brethren dwelling together in Unity,' 2, 537- Brewing, thoughts on, 2, 198. Brewster, John, disciplined by church, 2,95- Bridewell, Boston, 1, 422. Bridger, John, 2, i48«. Bridgewater, Mass., Keith at, 2, 17, 369; sermon, 32, 490; schoolmaster, 481; troubles, 759. 'Brief Discourse concerning the Unlaw- fulness of the Common Prayer Wor- ship,' 1, 134. Briggs, John, 2, 627, 628. Brigham, Clarence Saunders, 1, xiii. Bristol, R. I., 2, 619, 622, 631, 759. Bromfield, Edward, Indian Epistle, 1, 347«," church history, 400, 445; prints advice, 410; aids publication, 558. 834 INDEX Brookline, Mass., minister for, 2, 483, 490, 524, 548; ordination, 566; kins- man, 548, 565. Brown, , 2, 686. Brown, Francis Henry, 1, xxii. Brown, James, 1, 550. Brown, Joanna (Cotton), 2, 474M. Brown, John, 2, 474n. Brown, Mary, 1, 5oi». Brown, Rebecca(?), 2, 698, 721, 753, 765. Browne, Simon, 2, 563«, 798. Brunswick, Me., 2, 336. Buchanan, John, 2, 597. Buckmaster, Sarah, 1, i89«. Bulkly, , 2, 427. Bunyan, John, 1, 30H. Burgess, Daniel, 1, 549. Bumel, Rebecca, 2, 767, 77i». Burnet, Gilbert, 2, 172, 213, 726, 803, 80s. Burroughs, George, 1, 142. Bushel, John, 2, 686. Bushnel, Sarah, 1, 598«. Buttolph, Nicholas, 1, 3isn, Si7». Byam, John, 1, 551. Byfield, Nathaniel, 1, 2iin, 465. Byles, Elizabeth (Mather), 2, 64; re- liefs, 2, 144, 278, 282. Byles, Josiah, 2, 278«. Byles, Mather, 2, 64; illness, 709, 712, 719, 766, 770. Cable, , 1, 23sn. Caesar (Ezer?), 2, 683. Calamy, Edmund, 2, 242, 311; letter to, 301. Calef, Robert, on Boston revolution, 1, 139M; on witchcraft, 172, 371, 377; libels and injuries, 264, 396; days of prayer on, 373; reply to, 383, 393, 397- 'Call of the Gospel,' 1, 97M, 123. Callender, Elisha, 2, 536M. Callender, Ellis, 2, 53^, 536». Callings of the flock, 2, 83. Calvin, John, 1, 144. Calvinists, union with Lutherans, 2, 663. Cambridge, Mass., 1, 132, 359; 2, 207, 217,478. Campbell, Duncan, 1, 156. Canada, Indians from, 1, 566; popery in, 572; expedition against, 2, 8, 30, 35, 82, 87, 89, 91, 92; fleet at Boston, 85; fast, 102; failure, 109, 166, 167; complaints, 173. Cancer, 2, 274, 581, 625, 764. Candle, snufling of, 2, 281. Candlestick, golden, 2, 764. Canterbury, Conn., 2, 769. Cantharides, powdered, 1, 455. Cape Franfois, idol for, 2, 441, 445. Capen, Joseph, 2, 393. Captive, Indian, in France, 2, 192; in Spain, 455. See Sallee. Cards, game of, 1, 598«. 'Cares about the Nurseries,' 1, 421. Caribbee islands, 2, 176. Carolina, cotton goes to, 1, 277; Jew converted, 315; plague, 320; books for, 2, 156; ruined, 316; Indian out- break, 328; Christianity in, 412. Carver, Mrs., 1, 172. ' Case of a Troubled Mind,' 2, 439. 'Cases of Conscience,' 1, 153. Cases, particular, 2, 90; concealed, 121. Castalio, Sebastian, 2, 49. Catalogue of poor, 2, 150, 152, 156. Catechising, parental, 1, 419; of chil- dren, 2, 68, 80, 161, 201, 234, 239, 271, 273. 27s, 346, SSo, 744, 756, 763, 768; Indian, 359; revival, 719, 725. Catechism Assembly's, 2, 8, 8i6; New England, 1, 572. Catholics, in England, 1, 113. 'Cato,' 2, 793». Cedar in Lebanon, 1, 86. Censures, man under, 2, 588, 623; civil authorities and church, 784. 'Certain Select Passages,' 1, 398. Chamberlain, , 1, 402. Chanute, memoirs, 1, 158. Chapen, Samuel, Indian, 1, 459. Chaplain, for garrison, 2, 745. 'Character of a Christian,' 1, 246. Characters described, 2, 562. Charge at Mather's ordination, 1, 99. Charity school, 2, 24, 27, 214, 341, 344, 370; funerals and, 45; second, 360; rewards, 373; negroes, 379, 500, 663. Charles I, remembrance of death, 2, 281. Charles II, 1, 4i«; 2, 171; death of, 1, 93«, 113; persecution history, 313. Charles XII, Sweden, 2, 173. Charleston, S. C, 2, 717, 718. Charlestown, Mass., 1, 102, 121, 127; 2, 380; Mather in, 1, 128; artillery sermon, 132; minister for, 218, 226n, 269«; ordination, 275; 2, 246; kindred, 198, 343, 498, 578. Charnock, John, 2, S97«, 688n. Charter, Massachusetts, vacated, 1, 93M; circumstances of granting new, 141; favorable conditions, 148. Chat, idle, 1, 89. Chateillon, sec Castalio. Chatham, Mass., 2, 404, 747. Chauncy, Charles, 1, xv, 207»; books from Library, 368. Chauncy, Isaac, 2, 81 7n. Chebacco, church council, 1, 272. Checkley, John, 2, 605; modest proof, 703M; prosecution, 7i6». INDEX 835 Checkley, Samuel, 1, 4o6«; 2, 42gn, 474«, 817. Cheever, Samuel, 2, 221W, 361. Cheever, Thomas, 1, 125, isi». Cheny, William, 1, 30». Cheyne, George, 2, 450. Child murder, 2, 569. Children, care of, 2, 25, 53; lessons for, 113; sermon to, 56; day of prayer, 476; in library, 544. Children, Mather's, assurances upon, 1, 174; mercy for, 283; sermons for, 296, 302; education, 534, 573, 595; pro- vision for, 2, 59, 6s, 245, 497; list of, 290; questions, 70, 79, 94, 136, 159, 207, 214; 268, 273, 442; prayers of, 81, 572; tempers, 91; lesson from ill- ness, 104, 366; sin and consequences, 109; lessons, 115, 149, 150, 205, 213, 216, 262, 265, 540; meanness of con- ception, 118; games, 144; usefulness, 211; birthdays, 219, 359; church, 280; mother, 337, 338, 590; visit to grand- father, 344; prayers with, 351; for, 455. 497, 591 ; reading, 455, 656; to be blessed, 532; temptations, 567; and Christ, 642; table talk, 651; blessings to one another, 701; return, 706. See Family. Chimney fire, 1, 422. Chipman, John, 2, 809. Chiswell, Richard, 1, 550. Christ, living in, 2, 731. Christian, formal, 1, 14; and a minis- ter, 190; lukewarm, 2, 237; dilatory, 251; crucified, 637, 656. 'Christian at his Calling,' 1, 403. 'Christian conversing with the Great Mystery of Christianity,' 2, 15, 40. 'Christian Directory,' 1, 412. 'Christian Funeral,' 2, 44, 256, 262. 'Christian Philosopher,' 2, 610, 800. Christian religion, doubts upon, 2, 3. 'Christian Temple,' 1, 525. 'Christian Virtuoso,' 2, 324, 332, 511. 'Christian Walk,' l,6n. 'Christianity demonstrated,' 2, 53. 'Christianity to the Life,' 1, 406. 'Christianus per Ignem,' 1, 381. Christmas revel, 2, 146. 'Christodulus,' 2, 783. Chrysostom, 2, 293, 294. Chubb, Thomas, 2, 106. Church, Sir Arthur Herbert, 2, 246. Church, Brattle Street, Boston, begin- nings, 1, 325, 330, 338; reconcilia- tion, 332; pamphlet, 375. Church, First, Boston, burning of, 2, 114, lis; division in, 145; lecture in new building, 286; minister, 371, 376, 394, 401. Church, French, see Daill6. , Church, New North, Boston, suggested, 2, 181; prayers, 183, 191, 192, 194, 19s, 211, 212, 213; wishes, 184; meeting, 187, 188, 189; minister for, 226; visit to, 268; troubles, 282; dis- mission to, 3531 Parsons, 428; build- ing, 615, 616; sermon, 616, 617, 622. Church, New South, Boston, dedication, 2, 391, 393; sermon, 394; Parsons, 431; deplorable condition, 448, 451, 460, 482. Church, Old North, Boston, collections, 1, 5, i37«, i77«, 181, 190, 217; mem- bership, 68, 135, 319; 2, SOI, 71S, 762; catalogue of communicants, 1, 108; 2, 506, S18, 527; distempers, 1, 113; private meetings, 135; 2, 496; seating, 1, 137W; 2, 766; children, 1, 137W; watch, 161; distant members, 180; scandals, 213, 214, 261, 268; 2, 6s, 69, 531, 536; highway claim, 1, 273W, 29o«; day of prayer, 484; non-attendance, 2, ion; welfare, 62; young people, 72; improvement, 77, 344; repairs, i89«, 394, S98», S99»; service for, 199, 282, 351; committee, 292M, 299«, 3SIW, 477W, 527, S97«, 603, 638, 661, 688h; representative of, 342; society, 343; order, 350; described, 415; disciplined, 455, 461, 49°, 525, 542; assistant for, 467, 475, 476, 477, 480, 523, 6s6, 688m, 690«; disturbance, 504; dismission of mem- bers, 627. 5ee New North, and Flock, Church, Old South, Boston, fast, 1, 443. 566; troubles, 2, 98; new minister, 476. Church, in New England, 1, xv, 205; troubles, 357, 374, 384; principles, 40s; absentees, 42s; order, 2, 366. Church history, see 'Magnalia.' Church of England, Boston, 1, i33«; tenets, 312; 2,64,81; New York, 60, 151; Newbury, 147; Marblehead, 221; books, 3S7; colonies, 412; in- fluence, 699, 708, 793, 797; reply, 702. Church, prayer for, under persecution, 1, 41, 321, 410. 'Churches' Quarrel Espoused,' 2, 327. City, Boston a, 2, 360. Civilities, return for, 2, 136, 208. Clap, Nathaniel, 1, ssi; 2, S97, 815. Clark, John, 1, 41 «, 136;;; 2, ii«, 22M, i89«, 299K, 477«, 597??, 6s3m, 688n, 69on. Clark, John, Jr., 2, 41, 254. Clark, John, of Exeter, 1, 52s«. Clark, Martha, 2, 251. Clark, Mary, 2, 201W. See Mrs. Salton- stall. 836 INDEX Clark, Sarah, 2, 78, 116, 410, 487. Clark, Sarah, 2d., see Sarah (Clark) Greenwood. Clarke, Samuel, 1, 65; 2, 720. Clissold, Mrs., 2, 2o6», 309. Clocquing, 2, 763. Closet, religion of the, 2, 132; of rem- edies, 270. Clothes, need of, 2, 4; thoughts on donning, 113, 131; gift of, 79, 205, 253- Coaches, use of, 2, 223. Cobb, William H., 1, xxii. Cochran, John, 2, 328. Cock, Sarah, 1, 242, 244n; 2, 482n. Cock, crowing of, 2, 228. Cockeril, , 1, 402. 'Coelestinus,' 2, 691. Coggan, Elizabeth, 2, 242n. Coggan, John, 2, 242«. Cohansey, N. J., 2, 771. Cold, extremity of, 1, 216, 334, 529; almsgiving, 2, 150; sermon, 402. Colds, epidemical, 1, 247. Cole, Thomas, 2, 719, 773. Coleman, , 1, i37«. Coleman, William, 1, 2io«; 2, 154. 'Collection of some offensive Passages,' 1,378. 'Collection of the Occasional Papers,' 2, 563, 573- CoUer, or KoUer, , 2, 50. Collins, Nathaniel, 2, 92;}, 228, 232n. Colman, Benjamin, 1, 364H; 2, 256^, 407, 6o7«, 694«, 748«, 814, 818; called to church, 1, 326; publications, 37S«, 377; letter from, 2, 169; sermon, 240; letters to, 430, 809; smallpox, 634«; Harvard presidency, 774»». Colman, John, 1, 3io«; 2, 44, 99, 397. Colonies, southern, religion in, 2, 120, 145, 148, 527; antinomianism, 184; missionary for, 198. Combats of Christianity, 2, 363. Comer, Thomas, 1, 341M. Commandments, in Latin, 2, 352. Common Prayer worship, 1, 133. Communicants, catalogue of, 1, 108; 2, 506, 518, 527; meeting, 137; candi- dates, 142. Communion with God, 2, 138; the glori- fied, 590. 'Companion for communicants,' 1, 41W, i37». i38«. I47W- 'Companion for the AflSicted,' 1, 396. Company, vain, 1, 68; evil, 399; un- sought, 2, 707. Compass, mariners', 2, no. Compassion, objects of, 2, 27, 645, 654. 'Compassions called for,' 2, 37, 71. Complacency, 2, 79. Compton, Henry, bishop of London, 1, 312. Conant, , 2, 42. Conception, false, 1, 430. Concord, Mass., 2, 527, 759. Conduct, points of, 1, 537. Coney, Nathaniel, 2, 74, 84. Confession, general, 1, 214. ' Confirmed Christian,' 1, 253, 282, 500; 2, 208. Conformity to Saviour, 1, 95; 2, 4, 616, 630, 633, 635, 64s, 647, 711; occa- sional, 172. Connecticut, 2, 277, 280, 524, 538; embargo on com, 1, 191; plentiful harvest, 223; books for Assembly, 411; petition to queen, 598; rum and ministers, 2, 51; meeting of ministers- 96; mortality, 154, 155, 160; kins; man, 156, 248, 535; farm in, 450, distribution of 'Minister,' 685. See Indians. 'Conquest over the Grand Excuse of Sinfulness and Slothfulness,' 1, 573. Conscience, reproaches of, 2, 474. Consecration, act of, 2, 393. Consideration, 2, 49. Consumption, man in, 2, 464. Convention, general, 2, 429, 537. Conversation with Heaven, 1, 437, 501; 2, 669, 67s, 779; Christ, 611, 717, 732; profitable, society for, 612. Convert on cross, discourses, 2, 285. 'Converted Sinner,' 2, 729. Cooke, Elisha, 1, 138, i39n, 294n; 2, 382M. Cooly, Mary, 1, i8on. Cooper, Edward, 2, 745, 759, 762. Cooper, Elizabeth (Mather), 2, 745; care for, 747, 773. Cooper, William, 2, 634M, 671, 681, 684, 686, 811. Corbet, John, 1, 66. Corlet, Elijah, on stuttering, 1, 2». Com, scarcity of, 1, 191; 2, 213. Combury, Lord, 1, 599M. Correspondence, foreign, 2, 105, 136; resolution, 141; extent, 162; composi- tion, 212; limitation, 803. Corruption, two points of, 2, 451. Corwin, , 1, 407;*. Coston, Thomas, 2, 98, 544; widow of? loi; daughter? 107. Cotton, Anna (Lake), 2, 499n. Cotton, Joanna, 1, 320M. Cotton, Joanna, see Joanna (Cotton) Brown. Cotton, John (1585-1652), 1, xv, 37; thanksgiving, i8»; singing of psalms, 75«- Cotton, John, (Plymouth), letter to, 1, INDEX 837 140, 142; fall, 70, 194; disciplined, 236. 237; reconciled to church, 277; death, 319. Cotton, John, (Hampton), 1, 551, 604; 2, 499n. Cotton, John, (Newton), 2, 226n, 471W, 473. 529. 534- Cotton, Maria, see Maria (Cotton) Mather. Cotton, Nathaniel, 2, 446», 6ign, 622, 631,803. Cotton, Rowland, 1, 551; 2, 303n, 471M, 474m; letter to, 403, 813. Coughs, malignant, 1, 370; thoughts on, 2, 121. Council, governor's, and fast, 1, 211W. Council chamber, prayers in, 2, 211. Court chamber, prayer at, 2, 2o6«. Covenant of Redemption, 1, i; new, 56, 155; Mather's, 96; of Grace, 215, 289; 2,47, 163; poem on, 1,482; sins against, 2, 13,31- Covetousness, sin of, 1, 584. Cowell, William, 2, 403«. Cox, James, 2, 6gsn. Cox, Mary, 1, S69W. Craighead, Thomas, 2, 306, 321, 440. Crenius, see Crusius. Criminals in New England, history of, 1, 279. Cromwell, Oliver, 1, s6w; 2,228. Crooked thing, 2, 80, 165, 167. Cross, the, a fruitful tree, 2, 259. Crowninshield, , 2, 96. Crusius, Thomas, 2, 422. Cumby, Robert, 1, S96W. Ctmable, Robert, 1, 34i«. Cunningham, Henry Winchester, 1, xxiii. Cup, submission to, 2, 253, 259. Cupping, 1, 285. 'Cura Sacerdotali, de,' 2, 2i2n. 'Curbed Sinner,' 2, 240. 'Cure of Sorrow,' 2, 21. 'Curiosa Americana,' 2, 246. Curiosities, collection of, 2, 362. Cushing, Jonathan, 2, 474«. Cushing, Thomas, 2, 688w. Cutler, Timothy, 2, 797, 804, 8o6». Daill6, Pierre, 2, 94«, 2s6«. Danforth, Mary (Wilson), 2, 242M. Danforth, Samuel (1626-1674), 2, 242». Danforth, Samuel (1666-1727), 1, 294M, Si3;2, 64», 303n. Daniel, the man of desires, 1, 224. Darien settlers, 1, 284. Darkness, 2, 448. Davenport, Elizabeth, 2, 87«. Davenport, John, 1, 42. David, 1, 53; 2, 733. Davie, , 2, 125. Davis, iVndrew McFarland, 1, xiii, 2, 702». Davis, Edward, 1, i89». Dawson, Henry, 1, 362«. Day, Abigail, 1, 226«, 2s8». Day, use of, 2, 461. 'Day and the Work of the Day,' 1, 166. 'Day which the Lord hath made,' 1, 471, 474- Days of prayer, three, see Prayer. Deacon, making one useful, 2, 450. Deacons of church, 1, 164)1, 181, i89»; afflicted, 2, 539; incited, 576, 617. Dead to world, 2, 359, 374, 384, 389, 445.514,525, 529- Dean, John, 2, 71M, 791. Death, preparations for, 1, 168, 321; expectation of, 2, 241, 258; dying daily, 264, 476; facing, 280, 469, 533, 539, 561, 585; improvement of sud- den, 457; improving an escape from, 488; neighbors, 610, 613, 615; easy, 758, 764; fear of, 781. 'Death made easy and happy,' 1, 403, 449. Debt, thought on, 2, 136; prisoner for, 341,354,621; burdened, 558. 'Decennium Luctuosum,' 1, 271. Decrees of God, 2, 664. 'Decus ac Tutamen,' 2, 771. Dedham, Mass., 2, 459; visit, 1, 236; 2, 240, 718; lecture, 443. 'De Doctrina Christiana,' 2, 66. Deed of betrustment, for children, 2, 59, 65. Deerfield, Mass., 2, 93^. 'Defence of Evangelical Churches,' 1, 364- Defoe, Daniel, 2. 74. 'De Imitatione Christi,' 2, 582. Delusions, 2, 83. Deming, David, 2, i97«. 'De Natura et Gratia,' 2, 490, 497. Denmark, oath, 2, 572. See Malabar, mission of. Dennis, , 2, 800. 'De Satana Colaphizante,' 1, 365. Deserters from army, 2, 95, 146, 244. ' Desires of the Repenting Believer,' 2, 8. Deuce, Jane, 1, i59». Devices of Good, see Good devised. Devil, the, 2, 119. Devotions, coming, in family, 2, 21. Diamond, Thomas, 1, 63«. Diaries, location of Mather's manu- script, 1, XXV. Diary of daily actions, 1, 71, 72; de- stroyed, 73; lost, i38n; seized by wife, 2, 584. Dietericus (Dietrich), Conradus, 2, 782. Diodati, John, 2, 311. 838 INDEX Discipline of church, 2, 131, 150, 276; threatened, 158, 376. Discords, 2, 552, 555, 767. 'Discourse of Regeneration,' 2, 719. Disease, loathsome, 2, 645, 652, 655. Dispensations, dark, 2, 705. Displeasure, divine, 1, 216. Dissenters, persecution of, 1, 149; in England, persecutors, 2, 74; and Schism bill, 318; and literature, 331, 413; in New York, 353, 473; lives of, 720, 766. : Distempers, treatment of, 1, 114; 2, 345. Distracted, the, 2, 448, 453, 551, 576, 581, 589,603, 617. Divinity, body of, 1, 115, 519. Doctor of Divinity, from Glasgow, 2, 4on, 63. Doctrine of Grace, 1, 188, 429; 2, 64, 81. 'Doctrine of Instituted Churches,' 1, 364?*. Dodson, Jonathan, 2, 232. Dog, bite of a dog, 1, 526; power of the, 2, 117, 666. Domestics, questions to, 2, 228. Dorby, , 2, 433. Dorchester, Mass., kinswoman, 2, 210, 217, 697, 780. Domey, Henry, 2, 715, 720. Douglass, William, 2, 624n. Dover, N. H., well at, 2, 175. Dracut, Mass., 2, 558. Dragon, 2, 35. Dragooning, in France, 1, 262. Dream, text,l, xxviii; 2, 241; Shepard's appearance, 129. Drinking, excessive, 1, 215. Drone, a poor, 2, 336. Drought, 1, 166, 361; 2, 464. Drowsiness in church, 2, 439. Drunkards, 2, 18, 65, 198, 733, 747. DubUn, Ireland, 2, 70. Dudley, Joseph, inter\'iew with Mather, 1, 464; malice of, 2, 8, 293, 414; dines ministers, 15; stays away from lec- ture, 122; slight on Mather, 353. Dummer, Jeremiah, 2, 128, 174, 192, 422, 470, 800; defence of New Eng- land, 173; correspondence, 197, 313, 631, 632; Mather's relations, 414; address to king, 300, 414; Brand affair, 414, 418; defended, 417; as- sembly on, 420; letter to, 414; letter shown, 794. Dummer, William, 2, 682, 800; letters to, 792, 807. Dunbar, battle of, 2, 228. Dunkirk, 2, 171. Dunton, John, 1, i33«. Dupcister, John, 1, 550. Durham, Elizabeth, 1, i38n. 'Dust and Ashes,' 2, 23. Dutch, New York, and church of Eng- land, 2, 151; treaty of Utrecht, 171. 'Duties of children unto their Parents,' 1, 302. 'Duties of Parents unto their children,' 1, 302. Dutson, Mary, 1, 226n, si8n. Earle, John, 1, 351. 'Early ReUgion,' 1, 178. Earthquake, Jamaica, 1, 142. East Indies, 1, 352; letters to, 2, 367, 474, 516. ' Echo's of Devotion,' 2, 334, 710. Ecstatics, in Europe, 2, in. Edes, Henry Herbert, 1, xiii. Edom, 1, 259n; Edomites, 2, 130. Education, thoughts on, 1, 534; need, 2, 51; aided, 182, 340; religious, 345, 365; inspectors, 3S4. Edwards, John, 1, 550; 2, 81, 243. Edwards, Timothy, 2, 232, 457«. Egardus, , 2, 395, 396, 438, 440. Ejaculations, heavenly, 1, 4, 61, 81, loi, 105, 107, 109, 208, 265, 270; 2, 126, 276, 279, 363. 'Ejaculatory Prayer,' 1, 277. Eleazar and Lazarus, 2, 251. Elders, consistorj' of, 1, 386; for sick, 2, 489. Election sermon, 1, 192, 2, 9; Mather's, 1. 349, 352; ministers' meeting, 2, 74, 343, 536. 'Eleutheria,' 1, 259, 280. Eleutherians, 2, 468. Elicut, Vines, 1, 234W. Eliot John, 1, 96n; 2, 737. Elliott, John, 2, SS4«, 647». Elliott, Maria (Green), 2, 647«, 675. 'Elizabeth in her holy Retirement,' 2, 618, 700. Elizabeth, N. J., 2, 316W. Ellis, Elizabeth Anna Byles, 1, 63H. Ellis, Joan, 1, 274. Elton, Benjamin, 1, 62n. Emerson, John, 2, 35, 36. Emerson, Joseph, 2, 746«. Emerson, Elizabeth, 1, 165. Emmcs, Thomas, 2, 323M. Enchantment, 1, 158. 'Enchiridion Prccum,' 2, 376, 379. Encouragement, an, 1, 534. End of actions, 2, 533. Enemies, care of, 2, 26, 52, 99, 438, 472, 480, 490, 578, 663, 672; protection from, 43, 100, 106, III, 129; judg- ments upon, 139, 156; change in, 344; wrath of, 675. Enfield, Mass, 2, 92, 228, 232. England, coming changes, 1, 184, 188, INDEX 839 191, 207, 233, 241, 302, 347; history of reformation, 259; news of his writ- ings, 233, 270, 276, 278, 2S0, 320, 331, 374, 498, 530, 596, 2;j 438, 623; non- conformists in, 1, 213, 610; books for, 2, 27. Enghsh magistrate (Bromfield), 1, 347«. Enjoyments, improvement of, 1, 64; sacrifice of, 2, 266, 268, 284, 359; measure, 346; undeserved, 397. Ens Veneiis, 1, 455. Envy, 2, 117, 123. Ephialtes, 1, 129. Episcopacy, 2, 247. See Church of Eng- land. 'Epistle unto the Christian Indians,' 1, 347- Estabrook, Samuel, 2, 769». Estate, women of, 2, 116. Ethics, study of, 2, 357. 'Eureka, or a Virtuous Woman found,' 1, SOI- Europe, war in, 1, 398, 403; writing for, 2, 373, 582, 589, 618, 661; reforma- tion, 446. Eutropius, 2, 293, 294. Evacuations of Nature, thoughts on, 2, 69. Evening questions, 1, 74; prayers, 372, 423, 552- Events and changes, meeting, 2, 355. 'Everlasting Gospel,' 1, 315. Evil customs, 2, 199, 208. Evil, speaking, 1, 333, 348. ExceUency, apostolical, 1, 59. Executions, criminal, 1, 30, 122, 165. Experiences, notable, 1, 298. Extor, Christlieb Leberecht von, 2, 42. Ezer, negro servant, 2, 603, 624, 663, 672, 676, 683, 721, 792. Face of God, 2, 773, 782. Fairfield, Conn., 2, 112, 348. 'Faith encouraged,' 2, 494, 503. Faith, particular, 1, 206, 242, 261, 272, 280, 305, 343, 344, 353, 3S4, 376, 399, 401, 431, 441, 473; miscarriage of 451, 453. SSy, poem on, 454; doubt ful use, 568, 594. 'Faith of the Fatliers,' 1, 299, 300, 315. 'Faithful Instructor,' 1, 407, 426. ' Faithful Man described and rewarded,' 1, 517- ' Fall of Babylon,' 1, 595. 'False Hopes,' by Pierpont, 2, 134. See 'Soul well anchored.' Family, discipline 1, 215, sacrifice, 431, 480; 2, 7, 198, 246; care of, 25, 364, S74; service, 41; hours of retiring, 191, of rising, 196; without religion, 96; evening prayers, 182, 217; con- versation, 227; exemplary, 393; prayer, 395; peaceable, 449, 550; well ordered, 505; welfare, 552; troubles in, 559. 'Family Dictionary,' 2, 51. 'Family Religion,' 1, 481W, 520, 530. 'Family Sacrifice,' 1, 481. 'Family well ordered,' 1, 302, 304, 306. Famine, prayer for, 1, 191, 192, 193, 361; lifted, 196. Fast, private, see Humiliations. Fast, public, 1, 22, 190, 201, 214, 296, 347, 397, 403, 424, 443, 467, 497, S^Q, 59S; 2, 5, 16, 62, 92, 102, 116, 200, 277, 342, 446, 518, 613, 631; set aside, 1,211; contempt for, 2, 611. Fasting, black with, 251; with primi- tive Christians, 292. Fear of God, 2, 216. 'Febrifugium,' 2, 462. 'Fe del Christiano,' 1, 296, 299, 402. Fenwick, Jeremiah, 2, 452, 456; sermon, 458, 459- Fevers, 2, 9, 486, 495. Fidelity, lecture on, 2, 214. Fielding, George, 1, 498W. Fifield, Maria (Mather), marriage, 2, 247; smallpox, 642, 645, 668, 675. Fifield, Richard, 2, 180; marriage, 274. Finch, , 1, 551. Fire, thoughts on, 1, 78, 283, 381; Boston, 1711,2 113; sermon on, 116; collection in church, 117; division in church, 145. 'Fisher-man's Calling,' 2, 135, 169. Fiske, , 2, 474n. Fitch, Jabez, 2, 734W. Fitch, James, 1, 16111. Fitch Thomas, 2, 792. Fitz, Reginald Heber, 2, 62i». Fleet, Thomas, 2, 684. Fleet fever, 1, 166. Fleming, Robert, 1, 544. Flesh, the, 2, 119. Fling, Susanna, 2, 21. Flock, care for, 1, 538; 2, 24, 43, 193, 340, 384, 557, 565, 572, 573, 665, 700; classes in, 88, 134, 279, 528, 751; ser- vice for, 224, 278, 282, 347, 366, 387; entertainment, 362, 393, 547, 555; and church, 382; dark time, 448, 449, 672; society, 591. ' Flocks warned against Wolves in Sheeps cloathing,' 1, 329, 337. Floor, purged, 2, 375, 470. Flux, thoughts on, 2, 105. Flynt, Henry, 2, 748;;. Forbes, Sarah, 2, S96W. Ford, Worthington Chauncey, 1, xxiii. Forfair, Earl of, 1, 550. Forfeit, for omissions, 1, 71. 840 INDEX Forgiveness, Mather's, 2, 2. Fornication, 1, 177. Fort Hill, 2, 352. Fortune tellers, 1, 257n. Foster, Abigail, death of, 2, 54, 58M; sermon, 163. Foster, John, 1, 41M, 136M, i37», 29i«, 294M, 422h; 2, ii», 22n; death of 54, s8«; sermon, 163. Fowle, James, 1, ig6n, 202«, sgSn. Fowle, John, 1, 551. Fox, Jdhn, 1, 230. Foxcroft, Thomas, 2, 431, 4.gon, 6oyn, 684, 811, 816. Framingham, Mass., 2, 550. France, persecution of Protestants, 1, 41K, i34n, 321, 398, 496; 2, 768; revolution, 1, 198, 200, 202, 203, 205, 207, 301; peace, 213, 214; 2, 36; death of king, 213H; reformation, 214, 222, 223, 234, 242, 413. 417, 512, 646, 651, 776; progress, 1, 262; ecstacies, 2, 83; treaty of Utrecht; 171; Indian captive, 192; tracts, 333; hostage, 543. Franckius, August Hermann, 2, 23; i93«, S'^S, 332, 348, 364, 400, 406, 456, 524, 534, 734; orphan house, 74, 332; on New Testament 413; 'manuductio,' 481. Franklin, Benjamin, 1, 6oom; ballad, 2, 566;?. Franklin, James, 2, 66$n. Frantz, Wolfgang, 2, 482. Frederician University, 2, 332, 340, 348, 365, 406, 5x1, 524, 544, 606, 726. See Halle. Frederick I, of Prussia, 2, 173. Frederick III, of Brandenburg, 2, 332. Free grace, 1, 237. 'Free Grace maintained and improved,' 1, 557- Freetown, Mass., 2, 232. French, invasion by, 1, i38», 202, 225, 241; 2, 94; churches, 1, 263; ambi- tions, 398; victor}' over, 476, 530; devastating in West Indies, 561; missionary, 2, 554. Friday's question, 2, 27, 152. Friendship, thoughts on, 2, 86. Frizzel, John, 2, 189M, 299W, 425, 426, 477", 597«, Increase and, 298; letter to, 298. 'Frontiers well defended,' 1, SQ3- Frost, thoughts, 2, 152. Frugality methods of, 2, 574, 589. Fuel, thoughts, 2, 153. Fuller, Thomas, on ejaculations, 1, 4m. Funeral, thoughts at, 1, 83; carriage of a Christian, 365; 2, 44, 96, 217; econ- omy, 4s; sermon on, 163, 256; loss of time, 461. Gains, to pious uses, 2, 99. Gale, Mrs., 2, 160, 247. Galvin, Anna M., xxiii. GamaUel, 1, 121. Games and piety, 2, 144. Gaming, 2, 50. Garden, thoughts on, 2, 54, 620, Gardiner, Joshua, 2, 474M. Gardner, Andrew, 1, S25«. Gay, Ebenezer, 2, 539». Gearing, WilUam, 2, 761. Gee, John-Lately, 2, 292». Gee, Joshua, 1, 407?!; 2, 8iin, 818; and Parsons, 428; chosen to North Church, 690, 694)1; church records, 69SH; books for, 699; church society, 700; house, 764M. Geilerus, 1, 335. 'GenethliaPia,'2, 669. Geneva, 2, 437, 611. Gentlewoman courts Mather, 1, 457, 466-471; rejected, 473; pubUc notice, 476; renews attentions, 484; gives character to Mather, 487; passing of storm, 490; rage of, 492; in poverty, 2, 676; wicked, 784. ' Genuine Christianity,' 2, 650. George, prince, of Denmark, 1, 365M. George I, accession to throne, 2, 292, 299; address of ministers, 300, 301, 3iS> 316, 354, 414, 456; riots on birth- day, 318. George, John, 2, 303 », 3o8». George, Katharine, 2, 308;;. See Howell. George, Lydia (Lee), 2, 303;/; courted by Mather, 303, 305, 30S; marriage, 322. See Lydia (Lee) Mather. Gerhardt, Paul, 2, 193, 768. Germany, 2, 84, 171; pietism, 193; inundation, 530. Gerrish, Joseph, of Wenham, 2, 51. Gerrish, Samuel, 2, 813. 'Gildas Salvianus,' 2, 498. Gill, Nathaniel, 2, 351. Gill, Obadiah, 1, i37«, 164;?, 181, i8gn. Glasgow, university of, 2, 329, 339, 727; degree, 40, 49, 63; books for, 53, 66, 192, 194, 229; Langc in, 451. Glaucha, university, 2, 339, 517. Glorifying God, 1, 94, 109. 'Glory of Goodness,' 1, 473. Glorj' for heaven's work, 2, 581. Gloucester, William, duke of, death, 1, 365- Gloucester, Mass., 2, 76, 380. Godhead conversation with 2, 12. Godliness, mystery of, 1, 235. Godman, William, 1, 551. Gods of the Pagans, 2, 344. Gold, Hczekiah, 2, 747. Gold, Nathan, 2, 112. INDEX 841 •Golden Curb,' 2, 11. 'Golden Rule,' 2, 379, 386, 479. Goldthwaite, , 2, Og^n. 'Golgotha,' 2, 222, 227, 229. 'Goliathus, Detruncatus,' 2, 230, 247. Goodale (widow), 2, 65. Good, contrivances to do, 2, 41, 113, 263. Good devised, 2, 23, 41, 54, 102, 114, 207, 515, 585; reconsidered, 93; with- drawal from, 670, 778; pursuit of, 103; to be done, 746. 'Good Evening accommodated,' 2, 370. 'Good Evening for the best of Days,' 1, 604. 'Good, fetched out of evil,' 1, 5C8. Goodhue, , 1, 550. 'Good Lessons for Children,' 1, 556; 2, 64. 'Good Linguist,' 1, 348. 'Good Man making a good End,' 1, 245, 246. 'Good Master well served,' 2, 53. Goodness of God, 1, 553; 2, no, 124. 'Good Old Way,' 1, 561. Goodwin, John, 1, 137W, 5g6n; 6g4n. Gookin, Daniel, 2, io6«. Gookin, Nathaniel, 1, io2«. 'Gospel Mystery of Sanctification,' 2, 603. 'Gospel Order revived,' 1, 37S». Gospel for the poor, MS., 1, 243. Gouge, , Increase Mather's letter, 1, 85«. Gould, Sarah (Cock), 2, 482«. Gournay, Marie le Jars de, 2, 325. Gout, sufferer from, 2, 377, 382. Grace, doctrines of, 1, 557; work of, 428; 2, 466; spirit of, 738. 'Grace triumphant,' 1, 363, 373. Graces, apostolical catalogue, 2, 773. Grain, for poor, 2, 380. Grainger, Samuel, 2, 62S«. Granado, fired, 2, 657, 663. 'Grande Voix du Ciel,' 2, 651, 653, 661, 66s, 683, 768, 774, 776. Graves, Sarah, 1, 404?:. Gray, Benjamin, 2, 378. Great Britain, distresses in, 1, 94, 104; dissenters, 113; ecstasies, 2, 83; treaty of Utrecht, 171; missionary eSort, 81, 84; news-letter, 171; works sent, 97, in, 125, 218, 371; debt, 171; riots, 318. 'Great Consolations,' 1, 494. 'Great Examples of Judgment and Mercy,' 1, 210. 'Greatest Concern in the World,' 2, 558, 559, 564- 'Greatest Sinners exhorted,' 1, 106. 'Great Physician,' 1, 366. Greek churches, 1, 369; 2, 80. Green, Bartholomew, 2, S3«, 597", 647?i. Green, Bartholomew, Jr., 2, 53. Green, Hannah, 1, 102. Green, John, 1, 102. Green, Maria (Mather), 2, s^n, 57; 647K; remarriage, i8o», 274«. iice Filield, Maria. Green, Maria, 2, 674M. Green, Timothy, Jr., 2, 7i3n, 807, 811. Greenough, , 1, 137;!. Greenwood, Isaac, 2, 653H, 741; letter to, 801. Greenwood, Samuel, 2, 299?;, 478?;, S97W. Greenwood, Sarah (Clark), 2, 653. Gregory 1,2, 212, 245. Groton, Mass., church trouble, 2, 160; minister, 562. 'Guardian,' 2, 227. Gypson, Benjamin, defamed, 2, io«. H., R.,2, 603. Habitation, comfortable, 1, 124; quiet, 2,95- Hackshaw, Robert, 1, 400, 550. 'Hades looked into,' 2, 488. Hadley, Mass., relatives, 2, 216, 344. Hale, , 1, 151K. Halle, university of, 2, 150, 734; tracts for, 333, 663; astonishing things at, 364; orphan house, 150, 376, 378; aid, 534. Sec Frederician University. Hamilton, Mass., 2, 189W. Hamilton, W'alter, 1, 551. Hammer, sermon on the, 2, 772. Hampton, Mass., 2, 98, loi, 107, 527, 530, 544; sympathizing sisters, 291. Hancock, John, 2, 734«. Hand, withered, sermon, 2, 383. Hands, washing the, 2, 67. Handy, , 2, 174. Hanno, Joseph, 2, 618, 620, 623. Harcourt, Simon, Lord, 2, 279W. Harley, Robert, Earl of Oxford, 2, 173. Harlot, judgment on, 2, 126, 168. Harphius, Hcnricus, 2, 440. Harriman, John, 1, 42. Harris, John, 2, 675. Harrison, Sir Edmund, 1, 549. Hartford, Conn., 2, 530. Harvard College, commencement, 1, 26; 2, &5n, 217, 462, 544, 736; overseer, 1, 105; charter, 205, 21 2n, 305, 308, 352, 353; 2, 810; meetings of min- isters, 1, 306; Increase Mather's pres- idency, 3S9«; books for, 2, 87, 194, 217, 229, 247, 337, 350, 40s, 619; pro- tection from Arianism, 186, 192; tutors advised, 204; Indian at, 231; Hopkin- sonian legacy, 260, 279; Society of youths, 347; study of ethics, 357; deaths improved, 375, 390; projec- 842 INDEX tions, 377, 394, SS9, 7231 advice, 405; neglected condition, 463, 546, 555, 565, 703, 730; malice of authorities, 474; degree to Neal, sggn; tutor, 605; care for, 668, 672, 738, 809; church of England, 703; return, 707; presi- dency, 723, 748, 7SO, 761, 774; stu- dents, 727; science at, 802. Harwich, Mass., 2, 750, 759. 'Hatchets to hew down the Tree of Sin,' 1, 512- Haverhill, Mass., 1, 165; 2, 473, 474. Hayman, Elizabeth, 2, 326. Hayman, Nathaniel, 2, 326. Haynes, Henry Williamson, 1, xxiii. Headache, 1, 285, 295, 344; 2, 137, 140, 141. Heads of divinity considered, 1, 115; meditation, 2, 550. Heart, hard, 1, 112; burn, 194; opened, 2, 528. 'Heart Work,' 1,277. Heat, extreme, 2, 552. 'Heavenly Considerations,' 1, 567. 'Heavenly Conversation,' 2, 23. 'Heavenly Merchandize,' 1, 123. Hebrew points of divine origin, 1, 26. Hemmingway, , of Dublin, 2, 70. Henchman, Daniel, 2, 811, 817. Henry, Matthew, 2, 311, 331, 728. Henry, Nathaniel, 2, 292». Heresy and persecution, 1, 149. 'Hezekiah,' 2, 264. Higginson, John, 1, 169H, 3rsn, 394». 395- 'High Attainment,' 1, 480. Hiliard, Job, 1, 526H. Hill, Joseph, 2, 393^. Hingham, Mass., 2, 539. History, natural, 2, 282. Hobart, Nehemiah, 1, 350; 2, 226«. Hobby, Captain, 2, 38. Hobby, Charles, 1, 484, 508; 2, 293; let- ter to, 294; Mather's feeling, 293, 294. Hobby, Richard, death of, 2, 64, 82, 164. Hodgson, Daniel, 1, i89». Holiness, 1, 401. Holland, ministers, 1, 402; missionary work, 2, 73; trade, 421; inundations, 530, 592; publishing, 652; smallpox tract, 664; 'Grande Voix,' 665, 683. Holland, ,2,51. HoUis, Thomas, 2, 691, 797. Holyoke, Edward, 2, 361K. 'Honesta Parsimonia,' 2, 604, 609, 611, 617. Honey, on a gift of, 2, 290. Hopkins, Edward, 2, 260, 279. Hopkinsonian legacy, 2, 260, 279, 349. Hospital, for education of poor children, 2, 179, 180. Hours, late, of retiring, 2, 191, 265; rising, 196, 215, 265. 'Household Religion,' 1, 257. Housekeeping, daughters in, 2, 51. Houses, disorderly, 2, 160, 229, 235, 283, 612. Howard, Robert, 1, i37n, 278«, 291W, 462; 2, iin, 22n, i89«. Howe, John, 1, 56, 187M. Howell, George, 2, 410, 444M. Howell, Katherine (George), 2, 308, 336, 410; to be cared for, 382, 471, 541, 546. Howell, Mathew, 2, 349. Howell, Nathan, 2, 3o8«, 349, 410, 599, Howell, Nathan, Jr., 2, 410, 444n. Howell estate, 2, 386, 461, 599, 630, 666, 668, 703, 739. Hubbard, Elizabeth (Clark), 1, 490; mar- riage to Mather, 494. Hubbard, John, 1, 525;!. Hubbard, Richard, 1, 490. Hubbard, William, 1, 394«. Hucheson, George, 1, 424. Hudson's Bay, 2, 171. Huguenots, 1, i3Sn. Hull, Hannah, sec Hannah (Hull) Sewall. Hull, John, 1, 187M. Hull, Mass., 1, 596; 2, 482«. Humiliations, 1, xxvii, 8, 9, 12, 16, 25, 26, 30, 32, 38, 42, 47, 57, 78, 79, 80, 90, 93, 103, 106, 125, 146, 162, 168, 174, 184, 187, 192, 194, 199, 212, 213, 217, 223, 224, 233, 23s, 237, 239, 241, 252, 254, 256, 260, 263, 268, 269, 283, 293, 303, 313, 320, 321, 325, 330, 336, 338, 341, 348, 350, 354, 430, 483, S". 521, 530, 558, 584; 2, 69, 77, 127, 147, 183, 197, 229, 253, 339, 386, 437, 441, 443. 448, 462, 469, 473, 485, 489, 497, 514, 520, 525, 531, 533, 534, 545, 559, 567, 575, 601, 629, 649, 724, 744, 756. Humility, 2, 240, 354. Humors, evil, 1, 114. Humphreys, David, 2, 413M. Hungaria, churches in, 1, 263. Hunter, Robert, 2, 210, 512. Husband, froward, 2, 362, 365, 455, 740, 767, 771, 774- Hutchinson, Edward, 2, 299M, 477^, 597«, 688«, 748«. Hutchinson, Eliakim, 1, i27», 499; 2. 2s6n. Hutchinson, Elisha, 1, i27n, 294n, 422«, 59Sh; funeral sermon, 2, 510. Hutchinson, Thomas, 2, iim, 22«, 189M, 256», 299«, 477«, 597n, 688«, 690M, 700; house rented for Mather, 299;*. Hutchinson, Thomas (171 1-1780), 2, 701. Hymn, Mather's, 1, 154, 185, 413; 2, 786. INDEX 843 Hymn, Lords-day, 2, 137. Hymns, Watts, 2, 142. Hypochondria, 2, 190. Hypocrites, 1, 136M; 2, 726, 728. Ice, thoughts, 2, 152. 'Ichabod,' 2, 323«. ' Iconoclastes, an Essay upon the Idolatry,' 2, 446. Idleness, 1, 22. Idlers, 2, 187. Idol, for French, 2, 441, 445. Idolatry, essay on, 2, 446; resolutions, 499- Idumacans, 1, 259. Illness, lesson for inculcation, 2, 72, 104. Inunanuelian people, 2, 197. 'Impartial Account of the State of New England,' 1, i4i«. Imposters, history, 1, 328. Incendiarism, 2, 687. Inconveniences, public, 2, 469. 'India Christiana,' 2, 604, 619, 682. Indian, Spanish, servant, 1, 22, 203; death of, 2, 549. 'Indian Primer,' 1, 328. Indian, at college, 2, 231. Indians, Sewall's bill, 1, 63;?; invasion by, 138^, 241; in Connecticut, 571; 2, 133. 233, 531, 554, 556; captives of, 206, 210, 282, 555, 567; liquor and, 215) 342; rebukes, 243; history of wars, 271; sermon, 288; books for, 304, 328, 471W, 511; pastoral letter, 347; evangelizing, 423, 509; depreda- tions, 494, 566; account of, 567; Christian, church state, 48; oppres- sions of, 48; missionaries, 143, 570, 581; commissioners of, 78, 120, 233; Martha's Vineyard, 233, 396, 493, 55°. 553. 809; Natick, 125, 252; Sandwich, 238; Long Island, 512; Mohegan, 132, 151; book for, 180, 218, 3SS; Natick, 182; lands, 192; Punkapoag, 215, 357; care for, 240, 248, 549; household piety, 274; curi- osity, 293, 299; outbreak in Carolina, 328; eastern, 336, 391, 396, 445, 448, 468, 537, 554, 615, 695; memorial, 356; for the ministry, 359; Yarmouth, 372; guardians for, 381, 566; children, 569; visitor, 709, 808; piety, 740; war, 760. Indians, Society for propagating gospel, Mather a member, 1, 3i8m; prayer, 2,69,443; missionaries, 132; projects, 199, 721; ofifers to resign, 252, 682, 709; commissioners, projects, 218, 344, 358, 361, 374, 463, 732, 740, 807; committee, 345; books, 355; new commission, 375; Connecticut, 554, 803; sermon, 576, 604. IndifTerency to religion, 2, 16. IngersoU, , 2, 42. Ingratitude, 2, 375. Injuries, reception of, 1, 76, 126, 537; 2, 47. Sec Enemies. Innovators, 1, 329, 331, 364. Inoculation, see Smallpox. Insane, 2, 211. Sec Distracted. 'Instructions to the Living from the Condition of the Dead,' 2, 491. 'Instrument of Union,' 2, 468, 469. 'Interest of the Spirit in Prayer,' 1, i4». Inundations, 2. 530, 592. Ipswich Mass., visit, 1, 204, 205, 232, 271, 272, 316, 363, 401, 403, 521; 2, 188; church, 769, 771, 773. Ireland, coming changes, 1, 184, 188; 191, 207, 233; books for, 2, 27, 387, 731; schoolmaster from, 473, 554; emigrants, 475, 482, 548, 549, 656; ministers, 476, 548, 555. Ireland, Grace, 2, 683«. Irenseus Americus, 2, 313, 414. Isaiah, chap, xxxvi, turned into metre, 1,300. Island, ungospellized, 2, 567. Isle of Wight, 2, 447. Jack, negro, 1, 30W. Jackson, , 1, 550. Jacob, John, 1, i^yn. Jacobite party, Pennsylvania, 2, 526. Jairus, 1, 432, 463. Jamaica, N. Y., 2, 132, 229. Jamaica, W. I., earthquake at, 1, 143. James II, accession to throne, 1, 93; dissenters, 113; daughter, 365«. James, negro, 2, 43. Jameson, William, 2, 205, 231, 247. Janeway, James, 1, 369, 526. Japhet, Indian, 2, 133, 190. 'Jedidiah, or a Favorite of Heaven de- scribed,' 1, 500. Jew, conversion of a, 1, 300; 2, 41, 62, 219, 233, 500, 74111; children, Berlin, 378, 492, 494, 503, 524; conversation with, 469. Jews, and the crucifixion, 1, 64; con- version of, 200, 302; 2, 439; address to, 1, 298; in Carolina, 315; Shalome Ben Shalomoh, 370. Job's daughters, 1, 303; commentaries, 424. Joel's prophecy, 2, 329, 376, 396, 453, 460. Johnson, Stephen, 1, 409«. Jonas, prayer of, 1, 154. Jones, Joanna, 1, 268«. Joseph, 2, 713. Jubilee of years, 2, 39, 178. Jude, preaching on, 1, 160. 844 INDEX Judaism, 2, 182, 186, 191. See Jews. Justice, a good, 2, 336. Justb Martyr, 2, 301, 314. Judges in Salem Witchcraft, 1, 151. Judgments on young, 1, 209. Jurdain, captive woman, 1, 598. Jury, reform of, 1, 423. Justification, discourses on, 1, 314. Katherine, negress, baptized, 1, 278n; admitted to church, 462». Keach, , 1, i37«. Keaies, Samuel, 1, 551; 2, 175. Keith, George, 1, i42n. Keith, James, of Bridgewater, 2, 17, 481; visits Boston, 2, 369; sermon, 4goM. Kellond, , 2, 303». Kempis, Thomas a, 2, 582. Keyes, , 2, 50. Kindness, angelical, 1. 162. King, Sir Peter, 2, 295. Kingdom of God, coming of, 1, 225; 2, 387, 68s, 733. 740, 748, 763, 804, 805; meaning, 473; mysteries, 668. King's evil, 2, 204, 533. Kinsman, thoughts for a, 2, 231, 238, 448, 731, 772; smallpox, 637, 638, 646. Kinswoman, misbehavior, 2, 147; wife's, 633. See Niece. Kirke, Percy, 1, 93«, 113. Kitchen, Bethia (Weld), 2, 4S3n. Kitchen, Robert, 2, 449, 453«. KoUer, or CoUer, , 2, 50. Lake, Anna, see Anna (Lake) Mather. Lake, Thomas, 2, 499*1. Lambe, Joshua, 1, 30M. Landlord (Hutchinson), 2, 701. Langallcn, Marquis of, 2, 413. Lange, Joaquin, 2, 337, 348, 405, 451. Language, Spanish, 1, 206, 284; wicked, 2, 211; French, 463. La Pillonniere, Francois de, 2, 484, 563, 572. 'Lapis e Monte excisus,' 2, 333, 337, 360, 413. 416, 437, 451- La Placette, Jean, 2, 463. Lawrence, John, 2, 310, 318. Laws, abstract, on wickedness, 1, 511; God's, 2, 133. Lawyer, on Mather, 1, 255. Lax (or Lakes), , 2, 1 10. Lazarus, and Eleazar, 2, 251, 466, 470, 471. Lebanon, 2, 427. Lecture, change of hour, 1, 226; min- isters' meeting, 2, 66, 733, 738, 759". Mather's activity, 238, 637; subjects, 602, 731; preparatory, 722. Lee, Ann, see Ann (Lee) Wyrley. Lee, Lydia, see George. Lee, Martha, 2, 305n. Lee, Samuel, 2, so^n, 337M, 4io«. Leslie, Charles, 2, 7i6«, 797. 'Lessons of Godliness for the Children of Godly Ancestors,' 1, 486. 'Letter about the Present State of Christianity among the Christianized Indians,' 1, 509. Letter, circular, 2, i79n. 'Letter concerning the Sufferings of our Protestant Brethren,' 1, 398. 'Letter of Advice to the Churches of the Non-Conformists,' 1, 312, 313. 'Letter of the Aged Non-Conformists,* 2, I4S. 175- . 'Letter to a Friend,' by Dummer, 2, 173. 'Letter to ungospelllzed Plantations,' 1, 427. Letters, sending and receiving, 2, 142; intention, 239, 460; service by, 1, 89; 2, 35°. 355. 539. 548. 'Letters of Charity,' 2, 291. Leverett, John, 1, 465, 595M; death, 2, 723- Leviathan, in Virginia, 2, 686. Leydeszker, Melchior, 1, 549. Libels, suppression of, in England, 2, lis; and pamphlets, 605; on minis- ters, 663; churches, 716. Library, Mather's, 1, 36, 214, 368, 532; 2, 2, 339; little son's, 538; catalogue, ss4. Lice, plague of, 2, 665. Life, continuance, 2, 86; Christian, 610; of God, 335, 367, 368, 502, 620. Light house tragedies, 2, 566, 568. 'Light in Darkness,' 2, 770. Lips, speaking imadvisedly, 2, 447, 454, 635. Literature in America, 2, 331. Lithotomy, 2, 197, 202, 396. Little, , 2, 303. Little Compton, R. I., 2, 121. Lives of the good, 2, 206, 719. Loftus, , 2, 421. London, bbhop of, 1, 312; manuscripts in, 402; booksellers, 2, 260; Mather's books, 260, 268, 369, 374, 385; letters, 628. Londonderry, 2, 527. Long, Walter, 1, 551. Long Island, N. Y., church on, 2, loi; Indians, 210, 512. Lord's day, obser%ation of, 1, 471; ques- tion, 2, 24; hymn, 138; evening, 366, 367- Loresen, Abiel, 1, 258?!. Lot, to determine charity, 2, 66; writ- ing, 491. Lottery, games of, 1, 202. Louis XIV, 1, 4in. INDEX 845 Love of God, 2, 135, 464, 467- Ludolf, 2, 333. Lukin, Henry, 1, 14. Lurst, Robert, 1, i37». Lusts of the Flesh, 1, 64. Luther, Martin, 1, 26^11; 2, 333, 437. Lutherans of Germany, 2, 417; union with Calvinists, 663. Lyme, Conn., 2, 66, 551. Lynde, Sarah, 2, ii«. Lyndes, ,2, 133. Lynn, Mass., visited, 1, 69; MS. notes in, 173; 2, 354. M., J., 2,750. McGregor, James, 2, 558. McNish, George, 2, 132, 318. McSparran, James, 2, 6ign. 'Magnalia' (church history), planned, 1, 166; introduction, 229; encourage- ment, 242, 247, 375; prayers for direction, 253; sent to London, 255, 353. 361; prayers for publication, 358, 360, 366, 399, 40s, 407, 408; offers, 400, 427; assurances, 404, 409, 411; expectation, 419; vigil, 424; first sight, 445 ; abridgment, 2, 88, 392; mentioned, 25i», 411. Makemie, Francis, 1, 550, 596; 2, 132M; trial, 1, 599- Malabar, mission of, 2, 333, 348, 365, 4ii«, 516, 517, 520, 544- 'Malachi,' 2, 456, 485, 493. Maiden, Mass., 1, 517, 561; 2, 746, re- newal of church covenant, 6, 30; or- dination of David Parsons, 9, 30; lecture 216, 286; object of need, 348. 'Man eating the Food of Angels,' 2, 42«. Man of God, 1, 37; good, 434. 'Man of his Word,' 2, 214. 'Man of God furnished,' 1, 572, 575. 'Man of Reason,' 2, 14, 541, 542. Manifesto church, 1, 326, 332; men, attack from, 472. See Brattle Street Church. 'Manly Christianity,' 1, 596; 2, 82. Mansfield, Conn., 2, ii2«. Mantissa, 1, 81. 'Manual for Self-Examination,' 2, 136. 'Manuductio,' 2, 481. Manuscripts, experiences of, 1, 173, 402; 2, 541. 'Many-Reader,' 2, 815. 'Marah spoken to,' 2, 517, 525. Marblehead, Mass., visit to, 2, 206, 218, 220, 221, 287; church, 221; Barnard, 359, 360, 361, 670. March, John, 1, 59S«. 'Mare Pacificum,' 1, 524. 'Mariners Companion and Counsellor,' 2,14. Marja, ncgress, 1, 30M. Market place, corruptions of, 2, 19, 32. Marlborough, Duke of, 2, 171, 172. Marriage, an opposed, 2, 69; celebra- tion of, 97. Marshall, John, 1, 596«. Marshall, Mercy, 1, 26i». Marshall, Walter, 2, 603. Marshiield, Mass., 2, 174, 735. Martha's Vineyard, 2, 190, 396, 431; Indian commissioners, 233; Indians, 396, 493> 550, 553, 809. Martinico, 1, 167. Maryland, popery in, 1, 594. Martyn, , 2, iiw, 22«. Martyr, P., 2, 112. Martyrdom, welcoming, 2, 660, 661. Maschil, see 'Faithful Instructor.' Massachusetts, charter vacated, 1, 93n; granted, 140; French Protestants in, 135H; new officers, 148; reformation, 268; defence of, 2, 122, 128, 167; advice and warning, 222; government for, 293; bank, 296, 418; troubles and remedy, 578, 580, 607, 609, 613, 691; eastern part, 676; return, 706. Mast fleet, 2, 35, 136. . Mather, Abigail (1694-1721), baptized, 1, 181; falls into fire, 217, 369; small- pox, 445; measles, 2, 249; illness, 355; marriage, 371, 372, 373. See Willard. Mather, Abigail (Phillips), marriage, 1, 126; travail, 217, 218, 306, 374, 375, 430; Latin used against, 264; sick- ness, 368; praise of, 405; illness, 431, 432-448; consumption, 443; vision and remedy, 444; death, 449; epi- gram, 450; sermon, 450, 455, 463; character, 451. Mather, Anna (Lake), 2, 499, 589. Mather, Atherton, (Suffield), 2, 277; letter to, 403. Mather, Azariah, 2, 60, 66, 160, 207, 535. Mather, Catherine (Wise), 2, 66n. Mather, Cotton, diary for publication, 1, xiii; training, xiv; influence, xviii; religious practices, xix; writing activ- ity, xxi; portrait, xxiii; anxiety for father, xxvii; stuttering, 2, 4; first preaching, 2, 5«, 37; study of medi- cine, 3; fasting, 6; sickness and thoughts, 11; master of arts, 25, 26; invited to New Haven, 42, 53; pastor, 47, 53"; on marriage, 69, 106, 107, 109; our fasts, 81; almanac, 85«; in Randolph persecution, 85W, i38n; ordination, 92M, 93, 96, 98; covenant, 96; first baptism, 102; Lord's table, 102; country lecture, 103; overseer of Harvard, 105; courtship of Abigail 846 INDEX Phillips, 121; marriage, 126; in Charlestown, 128; removes to Boston, I2q; sickness, 129, 147, 257; church of England, 133; on Stoughton, 15471; fleet fever incident, 167; representa- tion to King, 168; charges by a woman, 178; heart-bum and plaster, 194; true picture, 195; preaches in South Church, 196; reformation, 201; on his labors, 229; conference with daughter, 239; sickness, 247, 285; Calef, 264, 373, 383, 393, 397; flocking 10,272; health, 273; bridge accident, 274; bishop of London, 312; chal- lenge, 318; anagram, 335; libels on, 379, 3^3, 397; attacks Sewall, 4o6«; widowhood, 457, 476, 479, 482; courted by a gentlewoman, 457 (see gentlewoman); and Dudley, 464; presidency Harvard, 472; temptations 475. 585; courts Mrs. Hubbard, 490; marriage, 494; diaries, 532; how time is spent, 545; cold, 562; labors, 568; illness, 597; illness, 1709, 2, 5, 50, 52; suspected of authorship, 8; at Reading, 11; to secure publica- tion, ii»; converses with Godhead, 12; enemies, 15; illness (1710), 22; books, 28; self-examination, 28; Glas- gow degree, 40; provides for children, 59, 65; ilhiess, 89, 105; conversion of souls, 98; examination of, 119; headache, 137, 140, 141; and Walley, i47«; year's work (1711), 162; new church, 183, 187, 188, 192, 194, 206, 211, 213, 214, 216, 224; facing death, 199, 218, 228; represses vehemence, 214; sick, 23s; endurance, 236; Royal Society, 246; unsuccessful ministry, 249; task for unusual, 250; widowhood, 261, 269, 272, 281; sacri- ficer, 266; temptation to remarry, 273; thoughts on 50th year, 283; on Ship Street, 299H; wishes to be messenger, 303; wooing Mrs. George, 303, 305, 308; on Dummer, 313, 414, 417, 419, 420; marriage to Mrs. George, 322, 337; letter to son Increase, 323; accident at Spy Pond, 366; money need, 403; squire, 423, 424, 429; pro- phetic spirit, 454; crucified, 475; temptations, 483; summary, 489; catalogue of writings, 505; relations with wife, 523; lecture not printed, 596; opposition in town, 613; small- pox, 624», 631, 638, 655, 659, 662; poverty, 630; regrets language, 655, 662; granado, 657; address to min- isters, 670; weakness, 681; money troubles, 703, 713, 734, 739, 745; failures, 705; preparation for farewell, 712; pirates, 722; oppressed, 754; sickness, 774, 785, 790; silenced, 793; study rifled, 794; last illness, 817; death, 818. Mather, Eleazar (1637-1669), 2, 87n, 2Sin. Mather, Eleazar (1713), birth, 2, 250; baptism, 251; measles, 258; death, 260; funeral, 261. Mather, Elizabeth (i 704-1726), 1, i48n; kindness to Samuel, 2, 44; catechis- ing, 8s; patron for, 95; training, 112, 278, 387, 523, 527, 556, 631; scorched, 234; measles, 252; essays, 276; smallpox, 626, 645; conversion, 628; marriageable, 739, 744; see Elizabeth (Mather) Cooper. Mather, EUzabeth, see Byles. Mather, Elizabeth (Clark Hubbard), marriage, 1, 494; admitted to church, 539; travail, 573; 2, 45, 57, 250; to write sermons, 97; books for, 132; improvement, 210, 232; measles, 252; death, 254; burial, 256; sermon on, 259, 289; memorials, 262. Mather, Elizabeth (Davenport), 2, 87W. Mather, Esther (Warham), 2, 234, 25 in. Mather, Eunice, 2, 93«. Mather, Hannah, see Hannah Oliver. Mather, Hannah (1697-1721), birth, 1, 218; illness, 258; falls into fire, 282, 295; convulsions, 303; fevers, 366, 367, 454, 508, 513, 532; 2, 641; sickness 1, 376, 378, 394, 396; 2, 124, 460; smallpox, 1, 447; instruction, 2, 112, 236; measles, 252; dying, 643, 644; ill-treatment, 712; care for, 747, 767; reading, 762, 772; conversion, 770. Mather, Hannah (Treat), 2, 6o». Mather, Increase (1639-1723), intro- spection, 1, xiii; sails for England, xxvii; Indian servant, 22; president Harvard, 26, 105, 359; watch, 63; at L>Tin, 69; letter to Gouge, 85; ordination of Cotton, 96«, 99; books, 106, 123, 134; sermon, 121; on Church of England, 133H; letter to, 136", 137; in England, 137, 138M; returns, 148; on witchcraft, 153; on Devil, i56«; size of congregation, 266«; remove to Cambridge, 28 2m, 359, 397, 4o6«; to go to England, 30s, 308, 327, 3S3, 356, 400; on Stoddard's book, 384; Stoddard's answer, 2, 35; work for, 49, 343; letter of non- Conformists, 17s; division of church, 181, 182, 194, 280, 615, 617; on antinomianism, i84«; preparation for death, 186, 356; care for, 194, 196, 236, 246, 252, 474, 476, 520, 530, S39. INDEX 847 S79. 586, 629, 652; preface, 206, 490, Siyn, S37«; visits, 219, 461; sal vola- tile, 224; sermon on Mrs. Mather, 265; and Dummer, 313; plate of, 323; me- morial to Assembly, 3^p„ 407, 408; at table, 451; successor, 477; will of, 505; ordination sermons, 572; preaches, 612, 629; smallpox, 625«, 66om; dis- turbed family, 626; health, 686; death, 689; epitaphium, 697; mention, 1, 3iS«, 328H, 358, 376, 475, 486, 6o4«; 2,321, 512, 596. Mather, Increase (1699-1724), birth, 1, 307; convulsions, 336, 339, 345, 346, 348, 367; smallpox, 447; scarlet fever, 508; grandfather, 583; train- ing, 2, 49, 53, 107, 155, 204, 231, 238, 251, 278, 356, 46s, 487, 526, 665; admonitions, 64, 151, 195, 203, 212, 323, 466, 519; anxieties, 76, 218, 225, 230, 233, 281, 348, 352, 465, 474, 480, 486, 487, 528; companions, 92, 447; questions, 107, 225; conversion, in, 269, 451, 485, 674; clothes, 134; themes, 161, 199, 398; scorched, 234; apprenticed, 239, 298; illness, 249, 347; introduced to Ashurst, 299; Reynolds on, 319; at Witney, 322, 324, 347; returns, 352; in business, 354, 608; on Parsons, 433; charged with child, 484; misconduct, 489, 548, 611, 664, 736; project, 495, 606; cast, out, 612, 613, 615; recalled, 647; death of, 753, 755, 756, 764; rumor of return, 759, 760; sermon, 760, 762, 763, 771, 776, 789- Mather, Jerusha, see Jerusha Oliver. Mather, Jerusha (1711-1713), 2, birth, 57; baptism, 59; sickness, 187, 188, 190; measles, 252; 256, 258, 261; death, 261; burial, 262; memorial, 262; sermon, 264. Mather, Joseph, (1693), 1, 163. Mather, Katharine (1682-1683), 1, 65. Mather, Katharine (1689-1716), health, 1, 179; conference in study, 239; burnt, 293; fever, 371; scarlet fever, 508; marriageable, 2, 47; illness, 79, 83. 35°, 355. 360, 362, 370, 371, 372, 373, 376, 378, 382, 383, 386, 387, 388; essays by, 84, 276; training, loi; to study physic, in; disposal, 180; measles, 250, 255, 256; joining church, 275; anxiety for, 352, 354, 361; lesson from, 385, 389, 390, 391, 396; death of, 388, 390; sermon, 391, 402. Mather, Lydia (Lee), marriage, 2, 322, 337; morning readings, 335, 341, 376; prayers with, 339, 536; visits to poor, 340; conversion, 346; premonition of danger, 367; health, 392, 481, 499, 503; uncritical, 504; outbreak of, 583, 587, 590, 715, 723. 735, 742, 743, 745, 749, 752; admonition, 616, 732; health, 617, 619, 685, 699; thoughts on, 719, 725, 768, 784; recovery, 755. Mather, Maria, see Green and Fifield. Mather, Maria (Cotton), 1, i8h; 2, 51; feeble, 204; care for, 243. Mather, Martha (1713), birth, 2, 250; baptism, 251; measles, 258; death, 260; funeral, 261. Mather, Mary, death, 2, 173. Mather, Mehetabcl, 1, 185. Mather, Nathaniel (1630-1697), on preaching without notes, 1, sw; stammering, 2011; on Clarke, 65; letters, 104; on Mede, io8«; death of, 244. Mather, Nathaniel (1669-1688), atheism of, 1, 32«; returns from England, 148; introduction, 187H; life of, 273; 2, 134. Mather, Nathaniel (1709), birth, 2, 8; baptism, 8, 30; death, 20, 23- Mather, Richard (1596-1669), 1, xv; in Clarke's volume, 65. Mather, Richard (1653-1688), 2, 66. Mather, Samuel (1674-0000), 2, 34, 319; church history, 88, 142, 312; advice, 262 ; Increase visits, 298 ; letter to, 301 , 719; on Increase, 322; retreat, 437; encouragement, 484, 526; projections 547, 549, 553, 563, 606; book on temptations, 657, 665. Mather, IMrs. Samuel, 2, 325, 398. Mather, Samuel (1700-1701), birth, 1, 375; particular faith, 380; convul- sions and death, 382. Mather, Samuel (1706-0000), birth, 1, 574- Mather, Samuel (i 706-1 785), on stutter- ing, 1, 2k; revolution, i39«; fever, 2, 6, 73, 345; sister, 44; education, 68, 358, 361, 362, 379, 435, 465, 469, 470, 473, 474, 475, 476, 478, 496, 523, 525, 526, 544, 557, 580, 602, 772; piety encouraged, 74; measles, 252; play, 353, 357, 4591 anxiety for, 471; fever, 482, 486, 490, 493; reading scriptures, 498, 540, 578; companions, 499, 524; hopes, 551; Latin, 554, 557, 733; sermons, 565, 637; idle- ness, 606; returns to Cambridge, 606, 610; smallpox, 626; spending of time, 629; inoculation, 635, 637, 638, 639,641,643; recovery, 644, 645, 652, 660; poem, 670; oration, 688h, 691; public preaching, 741, 744, 748, 753, 766, 769, 775; goes to New Haven, 759, 760, 805; degree, 762; voyage to England, 777, 779; assistant to Gee, 818. 848 INDEX Mather, Samuel, of Windsor, 1, 551; 2, 6on, 341, 364, 739. Mather, Samuel (1677-1746), 2, 211. Mather, Sarah, 1, i48«; 2, 9i«. See Sarah Walter. Mather, Warham, 2, 87. Maxims of Piety, 2, 16, 215, 448, 456, 530; the Kingdom of God, 200, 201, 202, 213, 220, 247, 277, 329, 501; the everlasting Gospel, 337, 465; of use- ful labor, 472; love, 494. May, Samuel (Axel), preaching of, 1, 313; plagiarism, 315; exposure, 318, 323. 329,338,350, 351- Mayes (widow), 2, 65. Mayhew, Experience, 1, si2W. Mayhew, Jonathan, 1, 52o«. Mayhews, the, 2, 248;;, 809. Mead, Matthew, 1, i87«. Measles, appearance of, 2, 248; in family, 249, 291; advice for sick, 252, 256; day of prayer, 270, 289; letter, 272; admonition, 278, 279; sermon, 288. 'Meat out of the Eater,' 1, 456. Mede, Joseph, 1, io8«. Medfield, Mass., 1, 274. Medford, Mass., 1, 481; relatives, 2, 229, 249, 336, 35°, 361; ordination, 774. 'Medicina Mentis,' 2, 337, 405. Medicines, 2, 372; from London, 392. Meditation, method of, 2, 358. 'Meditations on the Glory of the Heavenly World,' 2, 114H. Meekness, grace of, 2, 454. Meeting of afflicted, 2, 383. Meetings, private religions, 1, 411, 566. Memorials, paucity of, 1, 496. 'Memorials of early Piety,' 2, 38, 42, 57. 'Menachem,' 2, 378. Mendon, Mass., 2, gn. 'Mens sana in corpore sano,' 1, 254. Merchant, abusive (John Colman?), 2, 44, 99- Merchants, project for, 2, 92. Mercy, thoughts on, 1, 518. Messinger, Henry, 2, 225. Metcalf, Joseph, 1, 562M. 'Methods and Motives,' 1, 500. Methods to do good, 1, 81. Mexico, reported revolt, 1, 284. Micajah, 2, i8«. Mico, John, 1, 375». Middelburg, Holland, daughters of clergyman, 2, 370, 451, 546. Middlecot, Richard, 1, 13, 29i»». Middlesex, artillery company, 1, 132. 'Midnight Cry,' 1, 146, 147. Midwife and tract, 2, 618. Milan, duchy of, 2, 171. 'Military Duties,' 1, 132. Miller, , 2, 10. Mills, Edward, 1, 309». Milton, Mass., 2, 200. Mind, tendency of, in works, 2, 155. Minister, a fallen (Cotton?), 1, 79, 194; prayers for sick, 235 ; description of a, 412; disturbed, 427; aided, 2, 496, 635, drink, 747, 762. 'Minister,' 2, 684, 685. Ministers, aid for needy, 1, 54, 351; 2, 190, 473; facts, 1, 106; meeting, 113, 429, 522; 2, 66, 437, 442, 450, 456, 494, 547, 581, 603, 623, 627; prayers with wives, 1, 125: address to Bello- mont, 302; meetings at Cambridge, 306; melancholy, 327; convention, 2, 9> 77, 210, 353, 684, 727, 736; speech, 737; rum, 51, 78; southern colonies, loi; election, 74, 343; salary, 78; wives, 185; sons, 194, 235; ordaining, 232; jejune performances, 354; sick, 382, 383, 394, 398, 435, 591; negli- gent, 385; donation, 501; libels against, 663, 672, 674; Island, 721; subsistence, 738; profitable conversa- tion, 761, 763; unbrotherly, 792; Indian commission, 809. Ministry, candidates, 2, 280, 725, 754; directions, 733, 744, 749. 'Mirabilia Dei,' 2, 692«. Miracles of the Lord, 1, 144; loaves, 192; wrought on Ellis, 274; sermon, 2, 620. Miscarriages of others, 1, 553. Mistic, Mass., sec Medford. Mohegan, Indians, 2, 133, 151, 803. Monday's question, 2, 25. Monis, Judah, 2, 741, 743. 'Monitor for Communicants,' 2, 355. 'Monitory and Hortatory Letter,' 1, 342. 'Monitory Letter concerning the Main- tenance of Ministers,' 1, 351. 'Monitory Letter to them who absent themselves from public Worship,' 1, 429, 580. Monmouth, James Scott, duke of, 1, io4«. Moodcy, Joshua, 1, 96«, 122, 407H; on Turks, 2o8«. Moody, Samuel, 2, 327. Moore, Widow, highway claims, 1, 273», 290?!. 'Morale Chreticnne abregde,' 2, 463. 'More Wonders of the Invisible World,' 1, 264. Morgan, James, 1, 97H, 122. Morning thoughts, 1, 29, 32, 45, 68, 105; 2, 367, 368. Mors, Joseph, 1, 528». Morse, , 2, 46. INDEX 849 Morse, John, 1, S25W. Mortality, early, 2, 217, 222; in church, 490> 493> SOI- Mortification in a minister, 1, 107. 'Mortification of Sin,' 1, 108. Morton, Charles, 1, 26gn. Moses, Lord's anger against, 1, 2; speech, 51. 'Mother's Catechism,' 2, 25. Mother-in-Law, Medford, 2, 361. Mottos, 2, 28. Moulton, Bridget, 2, 29i«. Moulton, Jane, 2, 2gi«. Mount, Richard, 1, 550. Mouth, thoughts on, 1, 2, 50. Moxtershed, Ralph, 2, 459«. Musculus, 1, 159. Mystery of the Trinity, 2, 14, 40, 66; of Godhness, 14; of Jesus, 590, 591. Naevus matemus, 2, 686. Name of God, things to be done for, 1, 73- Nantes, Edict of, 1, 4i«, 134W. Nantucket, Mass., 2, 248, 370. Naples, 2, 171. Narraganset country, 2, 603. 'Narrative of the Miseries of New Eng- land,' 1, i4i». Natick, Mass., 2, 125; Indians at, 182, 252. Naumann, , 2, 563. Neal, Daniel, letter to, 2, 598. Neau, Elias, 1, 238M, 300, 550; apostasy, 2, 89. 'Necessary Admonitions,' 1, 436. Necessity of Nature, thoughts on, 1, 357. Needham, Ezekiel, 2, ig&n. Needham, Mass., 2, 197. 'Negro Christianized,' 1, 177M, 564, 598. Negroes, rules for company of, 1, 176; baptism of, 278; 2, 43; christianizing, 570, 598; thief, 351; soceity of, 364, 532; charity school, 379, 478; ser- vant, 383, 384; named Mather, 663, 706; insurrection, 686; return, 706. Neighbor, troublesome, 2, 135; conduct to, 348, 457. 464, 494- Neighborhood, tempers of, 2, 149. Neighbors, contentions, 2, 212. 'Nepenthes Evangelicum,' 2, 244. Nephew of Mrs. George, 2, 556; his own, 567, 700, 782. Nesbit, ■ , 2, 410. 'New and remarkable Discoveries of the Spirit of Quakerism,' 1, 572. Newbury, Mass., church of England at, 2, 147; service for, 194; case of, 218, 223, 231, 327. New England, ingratitude, 1, 140; church history, 166; representation on, n-S4 168; sins of, 214; Satan shakes, 329; charters, 403; distribution of books, 523; account of, 295; churches of, 302, 327, 412; Sabbath, 337; Neal on, 598. ' New England's Faction discovered,' 1, 134W. Newfoundland, 2, 171. New Hampshire, 2, 380; Shute visits, 392; pohtics, 422; wood, 655. New Haven, Conn., invites Mather, 1, 42. 53; Warham Mather, 2, 87, 134, 147, 759; church, 319, 321. Newington, Conn., 2, 721. New London, Conn., 2, 231, 759. New-modellers of churches, 1, 364. ' New Oflfer to the Lovers of Religion,' 2, 283, 309. 310, 330- Newport, R. L, 2, 8is«. News, thoughts on, 2, 83. News-Letters, 1, 71K; 2, 638. Newton, Sir Isaac, 2, 8o6«. Newton, Mass., 1, 353; 2, 226, 227, 371, 397, 470, 473, 474, 47S, 529, 534, 686. New Year's day, 2, 579, 595. New York, reform, 1, 268; Pelagian doctrine, 2, 60; Church of England, 151; dissenters, 353, 473; family from, 709; young man, 728. Nicholson, Francis, 2, 35, 173; arrives, 2, 290. Niece, to be admonished, 2, 80; wife's, 709, 712, 742. Nieremberg, Johann Eusebius, 2, 702. 'Nightingale,' 2, 765. Noble, Isaac, 2, 541, 694. Non-attendance on church, 2, 10. Non-conformists, prayer, 1, 42; con- dition in England, 1, 312; 2, 143, 145, 148; Long Island, 132. Nonesuch, frigate, 1, i48«. Northampton, Mass., 2, 234. Norton, David, 2, 36. Norton, John, 1, xv. Nottingham, Earl of, 1, 500; 2, 172. NoUingham Galley, 2, 7i», 791. Nova Scotia, 1, 398». Nowell, Samuel, 1, 2o8». Noyes, James, 1, i90»; 2, 303M, 321M. Noyes, Joseph, 2, 32i». Noyes, Nicholas, 1, 151, igow, 437, 551. Noyes, Nicholas, Jr., 1, i90«. Noyes, Oliver, 2, 382», 403; letter to, 417; stricken, 607W. Nudigate, Sarah, 1, 551. 'Nuncia Bona,' 2, 329. Nurse, considered, 2, 702. Oakes, Thomas, 1, 138, i39«. Oakes, Urian, 1, 207«. Oath, nature of, 2, no, 566; sermon, 569, 571- 850 INDEX Obadiah's prophecies, 2, 330. Obadiah, negro servant, 2, 477, 547, 562. 'Obedient Sufferer,' 2, 526. Obscurity, buried in, 2, 562. Officer, conversion of, 2, 94. Officers, good, 2, 707. Oldmixon, John, 2, 598. 'Old Pathes restored,' 2, 65, 81, 82, 87. 'Old Principles of New England,' 1, 381. Oliver, Andrew, 2, 632M, 639. Oliver, Daniel, 2, 686. OUver, Hannah (Mather), ill treatment and death, 1, 576. OHver, Jerusha (Mather), death, 2, 38, 57, 59- Oliver, John, conduct of, 1, 576. Ohver, John, 2, 283«. OUver, Peter, 2, 118, 149. Ohver, Sarah, 2, 563. Onesimus, purchased, 1, 579; thefts by, 2, 139, 222, 363; education, 271; buries son, 282, 342; agreement for freedom, 363M; prayers for, 446, 456. 'Optanda,' 1, 150. Orange, principaUty, 1, 262. ' Order of the Gospel,' 1, 375«. Ordination, Episcopal, 2, 88; congre- gational, 291. 'Ornaments for the Daughters of Zion,' 1,449. 'Orphanotrophium,' 2, 58, 73. Orphans, care for, 1, 269; book for, 2, 57, 58, 552; relief of, 58, 344, 349, 495, 518; provision for his own, 59, 65, 67, 95 ; house Saxony, 150, 376, 378, 563; taking, 570. Osborn, Samuel, 2, 813. Ottoman empire, revolution in, 2, 80; and Russia, 173. Overseer, Harvard, 1, 105. Owen, John, 1, 107; 2, 628, 813. 'Pacificatory Letter,' 2, 693». Pain, William, 1, 362». Palmer, John, i4i». Pamphilus (Dummer), 2, 313. Pamphlets and Ubels, 2, 605, 674. Parable, prodigal son, 2, 131, 165, 167; tares, 155, 168. ParaUpomena, 1, 356. Pardon of sins, 2, 159, 274. 'Parental Wishes and charges,' 1, 318- 'Parentator,' 2, 689;;, 691, 713, 720, 727, 730, 734, 794, 796. Paris, Sir Philip, 1, 195. Parkhurst, Thomas, 1, 427??, 550. Parkman, Hannah, 2, 637«. Parkman, Nathaniel, 2, 637». Parmelee, Captain, 2, 322. Parris, Samuel, 1, i7i«. Parsons, David, 1, 562; 2, 6, 9. Parsons, Joseph, 2, 316, 430, 474ft; letter to, 426, 431. Party, spirit of, 2, 515. 'Pascentius,' 2, 387, 388. Pastor and flock, 2, 124, 168. 'Pastoral Desires,' 2, 169, 275. Pastoralis Cura, of Gregory, 2, 212, 245. 'Pastoral Letter, to the English Cap- tives in Africa,' 1, 260. Pastoral Letter to Sick, see 'Wholesome Words.' 'Paterna,' 2, 68, 603. Patience, example of, 2, 265; discourse, 498. Patrons, for children, 2, 95, 206, 243. Pauhcian heresy, 2, 282. Payne, WiUiam, 2, 382. Payson, Edward, 1, 551. Peacock (n^e Lee), 2, 358W. Peace of the Saviour, 2, 108, 109, 150. Pearse, Isaac, 2, 297. Peddlers, law on, 2, 283. Peiresc, Nicholas Claude Fabri de, 2, 297W. Pelagian apostasy, 1, 312, 429, 572; New York, 2, 60, 64, 81. Pelham, Peter, 1, x.\iii. Pemberton, Ebenezer, 2, 238M, 257;?; iUness, 398; death and character, 435, 437w; sermon, 506. Pen, training to use, 2, 43; thoughts on mending, 202. Penalties for omissions, 1, 71. Penhallow, Ann (Wendell), 2, i77«. Penhallow, John, 2, 177M. Penhallow, Samuel, 1, 551; 2, iin; let- ters to, 1, 507, 598, 599, 603; 2, 34, 35, 37, 169, 170, 174, 175, 176, 290, 291; closet rifled, 794; letter from, 422. Pennel, Alice, 1, 181. Pennsylvania, Jacobite party, 2, 526; minister, 528. 'Perfect Recovery,' 2, 625. Perkins (widow), 2, 77. Perkins, John, in need, 2, 93; interest in, 609, 611, 620, 664; smallpox visitation, 627, 639. Perry, Mrs., 2, 141. Perry, Michael, 1, i78n. Perry, William, suspended from com- munion, 2, iom; accepted, 35». Persecution, history of Caroline, 1, 313; defined, 2, 425. Person, marks of a called. 1, 15. 'Persuasions from the Terror of the Lord,' 2, 82, 98. Pestilence, 1713, 2, 2-]2n. Peter, Saint, 2, 228. Peter the Great, 2, 173. Pews, regulation of, 2, 292, 360; religion of, 615. INDEX 851 'Pharmacopoeia Londincnsis,' 1, 72«. Phenix, sec Fenwick, Jeremiah. Philadelphia, convention of southern ministers, 2, loi. 'Philalcthes,' 1, 3i2«. Phihp, Indian, omitted in prayers, 1, i86rt. Phillips, ,2, 122. Phillips, Abigail, first visit, 1, 121; marriage, 126. Sec Abigail (Phillips) Mather. Phillips, Anderson, 1, 452. Phillips, Eleazer, 2, 7i». Phillips, Harry, 1, 452. Phillips, John, 1, i2i«, 131, 174, 449; 2, 438; on Increase Mather's de- parture, 1, xxviii; in office, 148; captives, 282, 300; widowhood, 326; remarriage, 404; rage of, 541; prep- aration for death, 2, 132, 151, 357; dying, 393, 742; visits, 456, 461, 49S; care for, 539, 612, 730. Phillips, John, Jr., 1, 280, 452, 576, 581; 2, 109, 461, 466; taken by French, 594. Phillips, John, pirate, 2, 722^. Phillips, Katherine, 1, I2ik; death of, 294. Phillips, Samuel, 1, i65», 364^, 436??, Soyi, S72W. Phillips, Sarah (Graves), 1, 404M, 452; 2, 730W. 'Philosophical Principles of Religion,' 2, 450- Phips, Mary (Spencer), 1, i87«. Phips, Sir WiUiam, 1, 4i«, 141W; bap- tized by Mather, 148; arrival as governor, i48»; tribute to, 186; Indian servant, 203; life published, 243. 245- Physicians and botanies, 2, 208; aid for, 270, 272, 784. Pictet, Benedict, 2, 530. Piedmont, churches, 1, 263. Pierce, Richard, 1, 132W. Pierpont, , 1 174W. Pierpont, James, 2, 64M; 'False Hopes,' 134; 'Soul well anchored,' 147; death, 319- Pierpont, Jonathan, of Reading, death, 2, II, 30- Pierpont, Robert, 2, iiw. Pierpont, Sarah (Lynde), 2, ii«. 'Pietas in Patriam,' 1, 186. Pietism, American, 2, 23; modem, 193; and Puritanism, 411. Piety, thoughts on, 1, 356; household, 520; maxims of, 2, 16, 215, 448; acts of, 67, 460, 536; dangers to, 74; and apples, 85; methods of, 145, 535; improvement in, 258, 602; in schools, 341; famihes, 355, 452; real, 395; example, 447; disposition of, 545, S46; desires of, 548; exercise, 587; lectures on early, 609, 612, 622, 629; warning, 610; life of, 729. 'Piety and Equity united,' 2, 479. 'Piety Demanded,' 2, 361. 'Piety encouraged,' 1, 513. 'Pillar of Gratitude,' 1, 352. 'Pillars of Salt,' 1, 280. Pillonicre, see La Pillonniere. Piracies, 1, 215. Pirates, sermon to, 1, 299, 331; 2, 788 thoughts for, 481, 482, 483, 726, 729 walk with, 488; book on, 490, 491 prayer against, 722. Piscataqua, 2, 35, 36. Pittson, Elizabeth, 2, 411. Placentia, 2, 171. Places, men fit for public, 2, 463, 473. Plagiarism, May's, 1, 315. Plagues, 2, 67. Plantations, ungospcllized, 1, 426, 574, 593; 2, 78, 120, 461, 629; eastern, 463; minister, 478. Plants, American, 2, 371. Platform of church discipHne, 1, 380. Play, right intent, 2, 353. Pleurisy, putrid, in Connecticut, 2, 154. Plymouth colony, scarcity of com, 2, 213. Plymouth, Mass., 1, 103, 277; sottish- ness, 142. Poem on blindness, 1, 408; covenant of grace, 482. Poems, 2, 335. Pollock, Lord of, 2, 330. Poole (or Pole), Matthew, 2, 311. Poor, preaching the, 1, 178; work for, 422; money, 529; alms, 580; hospital for children, 2, 179, iSo; distress of, 260, 268; collections for, 266, 271; relief, 388, 498, 525, 546; piety in, 549- Popery, in Canada, 1, 572; Maryland, 594; false thoughts, 2, 207. Popish plot, 1, 4i». Porter, James, 1, 551. Port Royal, Jamaica, earthquake, 1, 143; Canada, expedition, 1, 595; 2, 35. Portsmouth, N. H., 2, i48», 180, 734, 767, 769, 770, 773, 795. Portugal, ripe for reform, 1, 402; 2, 171. Possehus, Johann, 2, 49. Potter, house of the, 2, 655. ' Pourtraiture of a Good Man,' 1, 436. Poverty, 2, 4. Powel, , 2, 686«. 'Power of Godliness,' 1, 46. 'Practical Religion exemplified,' 2, 2o6«. Prayer, day of, 1, 56, 204, 423, 438; 2, 442, 464, 623, 625, 663, 710, 741, 743; 852 INDEX fervent, 1, 62, 337; three, 88, 173, 241, 337, 397, 477; 2, 480, 486, 487, 488; answered, 1, 204, 212, 249, 305, 343, 362; power of, 263, 297; conduct of, 281,531; of children, 2, 81; wheel of, 221; to God, 276; supernatural, 337; flights in pubUc, 341; and answers, 343; morning, 351, 471; family, 536; with Assembly, 542; in hbrary, 573, 574, 577; baptismal, 698; number, 752, 757, 769- 'Preacher,' 2, 243. Preaching without notes, 1, 5«. Precincts, grants of, 2, 78. Precious thoughts, 2, 780. Presbyterians, 1, 364, 386; ordination, 2, 7i8«. 'Present from a far country to the People of New England,' 1, 238. 'Present of Summer- Fruit,' 2, 223. 'Present State of New England,' 1, i38». Presents, thoughts on, 2, 71, 73. Press, opportunities through the, 1, 340; new type and, 472; activity, 2, 357. Pride, sinfulness of, 1, 15; 2, 45, 77; spiritual, 201. Priesthood, royal, 2, 266, 284, 481. Prince, Thomas, for South Church, 2, 505; ordained, 557, 560; smallpox, 634«; letters to, 512, 596, 681, 683, 684, 685, 686, 688, 792, 811, 812, 813, 815, 816. Prison, visit to, 1, 271, 299, 331; 2, 398, 448, 458, 460, 465, 474. Prisoners, care for, 2, 233, 237, 337, 385, 452. 'Private Meetings animated and regu- lated,' 1, 566. 'Problema Theologicum,' 1, 502, 571. Prodigal, parable of, 2, 131, 165, 167. Profaneness in children, 2, 205; case of, 226; in the aged, 783. Professor of rehgion, foolish, 2, 527, 531, 549- Promises, 1, 129; of Holy Spirit, 2, 379. Prophetic Spirit, 2, 397, 621, 8o6«. Sec Joel. 'Proposals for the Preservation of Re- ligion in the Churches,' 1, 434. 'Proposals of some Consequence,' 2, 21, 34- Prosperity, 2, 360. Protestant, notion of a, 2, 373. Providence, R. I., 2, 564, 625, 690, 803. 'Providence asserted and adored,' 2, 567. Providences, illustrious, 1, 55; 2, 478; particular, 63. Psalmody, improvement in, 2, 373, 560, 606, 624; opposed, 693, 797. Psalms, Barton's version, 1, 57; singing of, 58, 103, 377, 431; book, new edi- tion, 300; version, 2, 356, 364; for raising affections, 479. Psalter, Hebrew, 2, 728. 'Psalterium Americanum,' 2, 528, 529, 540, 560, 561. Punkapoag, Indians at, 2, 215, 809. Puritanism and pietism, 2, 411. Purity, 2, 725. Pylarinus, Jacobus, 2, 624«. Quakers, 1, 142; hanging of, 149; treatise on, 571; essay against, 572. Quakerism, 1, 571; 2, io;», 96, 207. Quare, D., 1, b^n. Quarrel, personal, 1, 158. Quesnoy, 2, 176. Questions, daily, 1, 4. Quick, John, 1, 364. Quietism, 2, 103. 'Quotidiana,' 2, 162, 665, 669. Rabshakeh, 2, 100. Rainbow, gospel of, 2, 82, 87n, 89, 165. Rake, abuses by a, 2, 139, 156. Randolph, Edward, 1, 8s«, 113, i33«, i38«. 'Raphael,' 2, 504, 520. Rapture, in praises, 2, 271. Ratcliffe, Robert, 1, i33«. 'Ratio Disciplinje,' 1, 405; 2, 236, 352, 388, 7i6n, 812. Rawlins, , 2, 45. Rawson, Grindall, 1, 160; 2, gn. Reading, Mass., 1, 166, 202, 274, 442, 481,523,568; 2, 11,30. Reason, rules of, 2, 144. 'Reasonable Religion,' 1, 360. Reconciliation with God, 1, 27. Recovery from sickness, return for, 2, 233, 49S, 654, 657, 668. Redeemer, worship of the, 2, 157. Reflections, occasional, 1, 357. Reformation, call to, 1, 23, loi; address to Assembly, 89; to ministers, 144; approaching, 166, 222, 234, 261; memorial, 211; idea and history, 259; preaches on, 268; tendency, 2, 196, 220. 'Refuge of the Oppressed,' 2, 651. Regeneration, marks of, 2, 120. Rehoboth, Mass., 2, 367. Relatives, care of, 1, 576; 2, 26, 496, 532, 548, 568, 574, 586; marks of piety, 120; death of, 121; kindness from, 259; absent, 338; improve- ment in, 451, 475; behavior to, 568; enemies, 580; return, 706. Religion, serious, 1, 573; indifferency to, 2, 16; in earnest, 354, 452, 747; protcstant, 367; and Hberty, 467; of the closet, 244, 326. INDEX 853 'Religion of an Oath,' 2, 571. 'Religion of the Closet,' 1, 530. 'Religion of the Cross,' 2, 259. 'Religion of the Morning,' 2, 42. 'Religion pura, en doze Palabras fieles,' 1, 28s. 'Religious Fisherman,' see 'Fisherman's Calhng,' 2, 135. 'Religious Mariner,' 1, 323. 'Religious Societies,' 2, 712. 'Remarkable Providences,' 1, 246. Remedies, closet of, 2, 270; Winthrop, 590- Remembrances of the Lord, 1, 199. Renmore, Eliza, 2, 22». Repentance at pleasure, 2, loi; incom- plete, 495. Representation, spectral, 1, 150. Representation to King, 1, 168. Reproaches, 1, 338. Reputation, unblemished, 1, 319; thoughts on a great, 533; 2, 542. Resignation of wife, 1, 448; to will of God, 480; 2, 7, 102, 193, 255, 372, 374, 476. 'Resort of Piety,' 2, 342. Respect for wicked men, 2, 223. Rest of God, 2, 672. Resurrection, 2, 766. 'Retired Christian,' 1, 475. Return to God, 2, 233, 362; of God, 370- Revenge, spirit of, 2, 215, 672. Reynolds, Thomas, 1, 550; 2, 171, 177, 206, 314, 316, 798; letter to, 301, 309; from, 317. Rhode Island, church for, 2, 576, 603, 769. Richards, John, 1, 41K, 127M, i36«, i37«> iS9«- 'Right Management of the sick under . . . the Measles,' 2, 272. Ring, doctorate's, 2, 63. Rober, , 1, 137K; 2, 54. Robinson, John, 2, 173. Robinson, Jonathan, 1, 560. Rock, Mary (Danforth, Wilson), 2, 242, 244. Rock, Elizabeth (Coggan), 2, 242«. Rock, Joseph, 2, 242^. Rogers, , 2, 303«. Rogers, Nathaniel, 2, 734». Rotha, , 2, 102. Rowe, John, 2, 719. Roxbury, Mass., lecture, 1, 443; thanks- giving, 2, 151; kinsman, 373; Walter, 519, 564; mentioned, 35, 371, 526, 616. Royal, , 2, 102. Royal Society, curiosities for, 2, 86, 246, 247, 265, 291; nomination as Fellow, 246; book for, 324; membership, 329, 332; Biblia Americana, 332; occurrences for, 455, 766. Royce, Daniel, 1, 104. Royce, John, 1, 550. Ruck, John, 2, iiw, 2211, i89», 299;*, 477", S97«, 688??. Rule, Margaret, 1, 172, 175. 'Rules of a Visit,' 1, 522. Rum, abuse of , 2, 2 1 ; in Connecticut, 5 1 . Russell, , 1, i27«, 2g4w. Russell, Jonathan, Jr., 2, 38SM. Russell, Katharin, 2, 531, 538. Russia, and Turkey, 2, 173. Ruth, negro, 2, 43. Ruvigny, Marquis, de 1, 4in. Ryal, Elizabeth, 1, 338. Ryswick, peace of, 1, 256, 397. Sabbath, observance of, 1, 29, 76, 215; 2, 526, 565, 672; New England, 337; early rising, 532. Sacheverell, Henry, 2, 36. 'Sacred Dialogues for the Instruction of Youth,' 2, 49. Sacrifice, for church, 1, 237; evening, 2, 120; e.xercise of, 266, 284, 347, 359, SCO, 527, 547, 640, 64s, 648; self, 478; language of the, 767, 772. Sailors, books for, 2, 14, 71, 91; out- break of, 37; Bibles for, 85; dehver- ances, 243; warnings, 392, 451, 528, 568; talks with, 458, 555; kinsman, 465, 469; return from, 706. St. Christopher, 2, 171. St. Michael, image of, 441, 445. Saints in Light, inheritance, 2, 497, 528, 592- 'Saints' Temptation,' 2, 719. Salary, 1, 47, 124, 291; 2, 455, 8ii?j. Salem witch trials, 1, 142; prayers for, 147; bodily possessions, 150; execu- tions, isi«; loss of sermon, 171, 173; new outbreak predicted, 172; visit, 204, 205, 232, 271, 272, 316, 363, 401, 403, 476, 484, 521, 570, 596, 597; 2, III, 112, 113, 361; letter to, 1, 581. Salem, Mass., concern for, 2, 105; ser- mon, 166; charity school, 113; widows, aid, 148; relatives, 483. Salisbury, Mass., 2, 153, 481. Salisbury, Bishop of, 2, 172, 212. Salivation, remedy, 1, 444. Sallee, captives at, 1, i77«, 181, 197, 320; return of, 473; letter to, 260; widow of, 404. Salmon, William, 1, 72. Salter, William, 1, 34i«. Saltonstall, Gurdon, 2, 201, 467, 538, SSi, 683; letters to, 689, 802, 804; death, 764; sermon, 765, 771, 789, 807. 854 INDEX Saltonstall, Mary (Clark), 2, 20 1», 270, 771, 806, 8l2. Salvation, tokens of, 2, 726; nets of, 746. Sal volatile, 2, 225. Sam, Indian, 1, 459. Samuel, negro, 1, 278, 452». Sandwich, Mass., Indians at, 2, 238; kinsman, 582. Sarah, widow of Japhet, 2, igoti. Sardinia, 2, 171. Satan, approaches, 1, 6; buffetings, 51, 78, 152W, 156, 286, 365, 374, 422, 463, 479. 578, 585; 2, 99, 139, 443, 480, 481, 664; in spleen, 1, 285; New Eng- land churches, 329; devices, 347, 489, 497; 2, 358, 526; threatenings, 320; in family,_S34, S3S; triumph over, 537, 731; inoculation, 632; re- lieved, 671. Saturday experiences, 1, 91; thoughts, 100; employment, 2, 16, 25, 448, 516, 655; question, 28, 103. Saunders, Robert, 2, 568. Savage, James, 2, 597?!. Savage, Thomas, Jr., 1, 277. Savior, characters of the, 2, 161; con- formity to, 444; love of, 452, 492, 493- 577; resort to, 548; pattern of, 551-569; endearing titles of, 552; transfiguration of, 553; apprehended by, 608. Savoy, peace with France, 1, 214; con- fession of faith, 1, 328»; duke of, 2, 171. Saxony, books for, 2, 27, 73; University of Halle, 150, see Frederician Univer- sity; prayers for, 336; events in, 347- Saybrook, Conn., Azariah Mather, 2, 60, 160, 207, 535; commencement, 96; Mrs. Saltonstall, 270. See Yale College. Scandal in church, 2, 175; man, 757. Scarlet fever, 1, 446, 451, 463. Scarlett, Samuel, bequest to Second Church, 1, i37«, i89n; 2, ii«, 22«. School, Grammar, Boston, 1, 106; 2, 49, 68, 220, 358; care for, 1, 302, 304, 306; commandments in Latin, 2, 352; French, 94; charity, Salem, 113; readings in, 226, 451, 453; master, 236, 472> 531. 534, 549- 589; P'cty in, 341; negroes and Indians, 442; visitation, 533. Schurman, Anna Maria von, 2, 325. Sciences, system of, 2, 339, 570. Scotch, society of, Boston, 2, 49; young, 494; youth, 566; return, 706; Irish calumnies, 718; relief, 719. Scotland, coming changes, 1, 184, 188, igi, 207, 233; accomplished, 262; colonies from, 570; books for, 2, 27, 42, 66; universities, 53; news from, 173; church in, 215, 329, 424, 529- 546, 786; church and Squire, 423; designs for, 451, 493, 559; ministers from, 471. Scriptures, porismatic reading, 1, 103; 2, 578. Scudder, Henry, ' Christian's Walk,' 1, 6«. Seafarers, care for, 1, 323. See Sailors. Sea, losses at, 2, 58, 73, 120, 209, 446, 447; relatives on, 362, 378. Sea-horse, 2, 618. Seal, recovery of, 1, 78; to opinions, 2, 63- 'Seasonable Testimony to the Glorious Doctrines of Grace,' 1, 430. 'Seasonable Thoughts upon Mortality,' 2, 156. Second Church, records, 1, xxii, 136M. Sedgemoor, 1, 104)7. ' Self-emploj'ment in Secret,' 1, 66. Self Examination, 1, 44, 123, 257, 322, 510, 515, 526; 2, 387, 504; love, 380, 382, 438, 538; murder, 701, 720. Seneca, 2, i. ' Sentiments on the Smallpox inoculated,' 2, 660. 'Serious Christian,' 1, 277. Sermon, repetition of, 1, 131; notes of, 265; consideration, 2, 249; on occu- pations, 268; read in family, 283; preparation, 369, 461; notes, 465; ready for press, 553; youthful, 712; funeral, 720; price of, 791. Servant, wanted, 1, 490, 554; prayer for, 2, 122; preparation, 249, 444; new, 369, 383, 477, 576, 666, 673, 698, 710; maid, sickness, 252, 255; death, 257; banished, 537; readings, 675. Services, increase of, 2, 79; catalogue of, 556. 'Several Reasons proving that Inocu- lating,' 2, 661W. Sevvall, Elizabeth, 1, i83«. Sewall, Hannah (Hull), death of, 2, 481; sermon, 482, 509. Sewall, Joseph, ordination of, 2, 238; in lectures, 272; Harvard, 748n, 751"; service for, 384; mentioned, 436, 442«, 6S5, 694«, 818. Sewall, Samuel (1652-1730), prayer for Indians, 1, 63;;; on James II's acces- sion, 94«; Mather's ordination, 96;/; fast, ioi«; lecture, io3«; on Mather's style, II2M, 136M; marvel, ii4«; Mather's wedding, 12771; on artillery sermon, i32«; on arrival of Phips, i48«; Salem executions, 151"; sermon, i59«; vileness, 184;;; on Willard's illness, 196;!; with Mather, INDEX 85s 207»; on reformation fast, 21 iw; bill on witchcraft, 2ii«, 2i6«; Harvard charter, 2i2«; snow, 2i2n; on Cotton, 236; death of N. Mather, 244«; death of Bailey, 245H; on cold, 249«, 334W; 'Pastoral Letter,' 260; power of prayer, 263; !Mrs. Phillips' funeral, 294H; Indian primer; 328«; Mather's presidency, 359^, Willard's sickness, ^byn; and Cotton Mather, 406H; on Chapen, 4S9n; death of Wigglesworth, siyn; Canada expedition, 2, 8«; on Pierpont, iin; on Mather's sermon, iSii, igti; rain- bow, 8211, Sjn; Boston fire, ii4«; on Woburn, 125K; on Walley, 147M; circular letter, 179; bread riot, 2i3«; Newbury, 218; Stevens's ordination, 247; portentous birth, 250^; on sun, 297;r, seeds, 299; on Katharine, 390; on Pemberton, 43 7w; loses wife, 481, 509; on Winthrop, 487; day of prayer, 501; Mather's lecture, 596; services, 368; Noyes, 607M; singing, 6o8«; on Increase Mather, 689; on self-murder, 701; mentioned, 83W, 92W, 94«, io6k, 109H, i74n, 223W, 229», 238??, 29i«, 327», 375«, 792. Sewall, Samuel (1678-1751), 1, 370K, 396H, 4oi», 403H. Sewall, Samuel (1689-1757), 2, 410, 421. Sewall, Stephen, 1, 551; 2, 741. Shalome Ben Shalomoh, 1, 370. Shaw, Nathaniel, 1, 408;?. Shepard, Thomas, 2, 134. Shepard, Thomas {d. 1685), 1, loi, 120; appearance in dream, 129. Shepards, three, 1, 532. Sherborn, Mass., 2, 160. Sherman, James, 1, 514H; 2, 316. Shimei, 2, 100, 105. Ship, saved from wrecking, 1, 212. 'Short and Easie Method with the Deists,' 2, 716W. Shorthand, 2, no, 153. Shute, Samuel, arrives, 2, 375; sermon before, 377; favorable opinion, 380, 420; suggestions, 381, 388, 436, 498, 523, 527, 528; 567, 578, 580, 610, 616, 631, 647; visits New Hampshire, 392; conduct towards, 417; attack upon, 461; correspondence, 551; birthday, 66g; relations with JNIather, 692; leaves, 692, 695. Sick, visits to, 1, 58, 105; 2, 42. Sickness, thoughts awakened by, 1, 247. Signs of the Times, 2,. 380. Silence, holy, 2, 649. 'Silentiarius,' 2, 650. Simms, Prue, 2, 145. Simon, a Jew, 1, 200??. Sims, , 1, isiM. Sin, contest with, 1, 43; special, 95; thoughts on, 409; 2, 464. See Humiliations. Singing, family, 2, 437; society, 608. Sec Psalmody. Sinners punished by their sins, 2, 18, 32; conduct of, 543. Sins of youth, 2, 22, 33. Sister, losing sight, 2, 242; ill-tempered, 450- Slate, table book of, 1, 100. Slaves, conversion of, 1, 356«; pur- chase of Oncsimus, 579; in south, 2, 412; thoughts on, 686, 687; afflicted, 769. Slothfulness of spirit, 1, 303; 2, 517, 554; a kinsman, 462; removed, 580. Smallpox, 1, 435, 443, 445, 451, 463; visitation of, 1721,2, 618-662; Mather and, 621,625;!; treatise on, 627; bills, 652, 653, 654, 656, 683; in Europe, 664. Smith, Anna, 1, 550. Smith, Henry, 1, 550. Smith, Mather, 1, 550. Smith, Ralph, 1, 364«. Smith, Sarah, 2, 217M. Smith, William, 1, i89». Snow, great, 1, 213; 2, 439, 440, 506; thoughts, 152. 'Sober considerations,' 2, 34. Societies, conduct in, 2, 42, 54, 478; reforming, 2, 27, 73; religious, 24, 27, 634; development, 44, 107; proj- ects, 89, 118, 156, 202, 367, 369, 397, 439, 602; question, 102, 144, 151; meetings, 153, 365, 573, 633; new, 551; instruction, 673; book on, 712. Society for propagation of Christian Religion, established, 1, 419; proj- ects, 499; meeting, 531. Society for the Propagation of Gospel, 2, 212, 691; in Southern colonies, 120, 412; dispersing books, 145; McNish, 318; disturbing influence, 327, 415; quality of missionaries, 328. Society for suppression of disorders, estabhshed, 1, 418; methods and motives, 500; increase in number, 517; distributes books, 523; meeting, 531; projections, 2, 27, 42, 77, no, 114, 123, 131, 150, 207, 235; dis- orderly houses, 160, 229, 235, 283; reviving, 275, 767. Socinianism, 1, 572. Soden, John, 1, 549; 2, 323. Sohm, Rudolf, on Pietism, 2, 193W. 'Soldier told what he shall do,' 2, 11; deserter, 95. Solomon's speech, 2, 371. 856 INDEX 'Some Correspondence,' society for In- dians, 2, 252. 'Some few Remarks,' 1, 384. 'Something to be known by the churches,' 1, 329. Sorceries, 1, 215, 259. Sorrows, secret, 2, 463. Sortes BibUcae, 1, 179, 297, 304, 355, 377. 431, 433, 442, 444. 44^; 2, 105, III, 643. Soul, idle frame, 1, 7; healed, 2, 372; blessings of a, 503; maladies of, 515, 517, 518, 524; prosperity, 538; and piety, 784- 'Soul well anchored,' by Pierpont, 2, 147. 'Sound Words,' 1, 423. South Carolina, 2, 670. South Sea bubble, 2, 626, 636, 661, 678. Sower, Christopher, 2, 583. Sowter, Daniel, 1, 346;}. Space to repent, 2, 459. Spademan, John, 1, 550. Spain, Indies of, 1, 206, 284, 296, 302; captives of, 2, 455. Spanish language, 1, 206, 284; succes- sion, war of, 398H; America, reforma- tion, 420. Sparhawk, John, 1, 551; 2, 303». Sparks flying upward, 2, 764. Spectacles, 2, no. 'Spectator,' 2, 227. Spectres, 1, 150, 171; white, 175. Speech, hesitancy in, 1, 2, 35, 47, 49, 70, 188, 213, 311, 348; rules of, 1, 55, 58, 206. 'Speech' to governor (1717), 2, 456, 457. Speeches, dying, Indians, 2, 190, 199. 'Speedy Repentance urged,' 1, 138H. Spencer, Mary, 1, 187M. Spencer, Roger, 1, i8yn. Spener, Philip Jacob, 2, i93n, 490, 497, 499. Spirit, white, 1, 175; indolence of, 2, 817. 'Spiritual Lawyer,' 2, 184M. 'Spiritual Legacy,' 1, 417. Spleen, 2, 204. Springfield, Mass., 2, 374. Spy Pond, Cambridge, 2, 366. Squire, John, letter to, 2, 423, 429; reply, 424. Standish, Miles, 1, 13M. Stanton, Robert, 2, 474*1. Star, Abigail, 2, 627, 629». Stasseys, , 2, 330M. State House, burning of, 2, 114. State of Religion, 2, 792, 793, 813. Stegmannus, Joshua, 2, 762. Stevens, Joseph, 2, ordination of, 247, 291. 'Stewardship of Talents,' 1, 277. 'Stimulator,' 2, 736. Stirling, William, 2, 683«. Stobo, Archibald, 1, 550. Stoddard, Anthony, 2, 382n, 419. Stoddard, Solomon, 1, 364n, 384; 2, 35. 303W- Stomach, sickness of, 2, 52. Stone, Nathaniel, 2, 7501, 759, 813. Stone, cutting for, 2, 197, 202. Stone cut out of the mountain, 2, 23, 329- Stonington, Conn., 2, 321. Storm, great, 1, 212; sermon, 301. Stoughton, William, 1, i4in, 142, 154. Strangers, treatment of, 2, 75, 85, 87; corruptions, 80; aid, 565. Stratford, Conn., 2, 747. Street, ejaculations on, 1, 83. Street, Nicholas, 1, 42. Streposo, 1, 182. Stuarts, end of line, 1, 365. Student, irregular conduct, 2, 754. Study, used for hospital, 1, 447; method of, 2, 463. Subercase, 1, 595«. Subsistence, notional, 2, 666. Sudbury, Mass., church council, 1, 270, 513; 2, 351. Sufferings for God, 1, 78. Suffield, Conn., 2, 277. 'Sum of the Matter,' 2, 7, 8. Summer Piety, 2, 219, 223. Sun, center of system, 2, 297»t. Superstition in prayer, 1, 42. 'Supplies from the Tower of David,' 1, 572; 2, so, 64, 81, 15s, 362, 525, 61S, 619. 'Sure Foundation for Union,' 2, 469. Sutherland, Earl of, 1, 550. Swasie, , 2, 152. Swearing, 1, 215; 2, no. Swift, Jonathan, Bickerstafl's Predic- tions, 1, 600. Swinnock, George, 1, 107. Symonds, Elizabeth, of Gloucester, 2, 76H, 380. Symonds, Harlakenden, 2, 76. Syms, Prue, 2, 145. Taberah, 2, 116. 'Tabitha Rediviva,' 2, 188. Table of the Lord, thoughts, 1, 39, 46, 52, 64, 106, 108, 345, 440; 2, 56, 68, 76, 84, 90, 97, 108, 117, 127, 149, 159, 185, 203, 209, 215, 224, 230, 237, 245, 253. 267, 449; conduct at, 45; prep- aration, 275. Table, ejaculations at, 1, 81. Table talk, 2, 651. Tailcr, William, 2, 115, 294, 418; com- mended, 292, 419; returns to England, 383- INDEX 857 Tale-bearer, minister, 2, 72, 427, 432. Tares, parable of the, 2, 155, 168. Taunton, Mass., troubles, 1, 143; 2, 64; sermon, 513. Tears, 1, 457. Teeth, sins of, 1, 24. 'Tela Praevisa,' 2, 771. Temper of Benignity, 2, 24. Temple of God, 2, 571. 'Temple opening,' 1, 597; 2, 35. Temptation, 1, loi, 475; sermon on, 150; day of, 330, 332; Mathers, 2, 3, 704; church, 524, 602; suc- cour, 534; combat, 547; ministers, 657, 665. Tercera, 2, 626. 'Ter mille Qucrelae,' 2, 315. Terry, Mrs. Mary, 2, 2o6«, 309. Terry, Samuel, 2, 197W. Tertuiian, 2, 301. 'Testimony to the Order of the Gospel,' 1, 393, 394. Thacher, Peter, 2, 684, 818. 'Thankful Christian,' 2, 379. Thankfulness, reasons for, 2, 39. Thanksgiving, private, 1, 18, 34, 76, loi, 102, no, 130, 132, 183, 208, 221, 226, 266, 278, 310, 319, 342, 379, 404, 410, 439, 488, 494, 556, 569, 578; 2, 88, 117, 129, 338; public, 1, 43, 241, 281, 322, 372, 408, 476, 512, 525, 530, 573, 654; 2, 135, 257, 400, 492, 574, 696, 772; solerrm, 58; table, 343; ministers, 518. 'Thaumatographia Christiana,' 1, 401. 'Theopolis Americana,' 2, 19, 21, 34. Thessalonian benediction, 2, 496. 'Things for a distressed People to think upon,' 1, 202. 'Things to be more thought upon,' 2, 191, 200; distributed, 192. 'Things that cannot be shaken,' 2, 220. 'Things that Young People should think upon,' 1, 342. 'Thirty important bases,' 1, 306. Thomas, negro, 1, 278«, 4.6271. Thornton, Timothy, 1, 596;!; 2, 176. Thoughts, evil and good, 2, 125; vain, 203; evil, 207. 'Thoughts for the Day of Rain,' 2, 90. 'Thoughts of a Dying Man,' 1, 224. Three, efficacy of, in prayers, 2, 192. Sec Prayer. Threeneedles, Sarah, 1, 276, 279, 289. Thunderstorm, thoughts on, 1, 519. Thursday's question, 2, 27, 99. Tileston, James, 1, 341^. Time, account of his, 1, 545; 2, 48, 56, 199, 240, 603, 604, 742; measurement, no. Timouius, Emanuel, 2, 624n. Tithingmen, 1, 76, loi. Tiverton, R. I., 2, 496, 514, 537, 557. 'Token for children' (Jancvvay), 1, 369. 'Token for the Children of New Eng- land,' 1, 369. Tokens for good, 2, 335. Tompson, Edward, 1, 525;?. Tongue, thoughts on, 1, 62, 70, 89; sins of, 348. Toppan, Robert Noxon, 1, 113. Toryism of church of Scotland, 2, 429. Tout, Hannah, 1, 52671. Townsend, Penn, 1, 422^, S9S«. Townshend, Lord, 2, 171. 'Tractatus de Inteq^retatione,' 2, 482M. Trade, unlawful, 1, 565, 581, 599. 'Treacle fetched out of a Viper,' 1, 580. Treasure, earthly and heavenly, 2, 225. Treat, Hannah, 2, 6on. Treat, Robert, 2, 6on. 'Treatise on the Blessedness of the Righteous,' 1, 56n. ' Tree planted by the Rivers of Water,' 1, SOS- Trees, buried, 2, 175. 'Tremenda,' 2, 623. ' Tribe of Asher,' 2, 472. Trinity, mystery of the, 2, 14, log, in, 183, 186, 191; doctrine of, 106, 107; treatise on, 53, 225, 230. Triparadisus, 2, 811. 'Triumphs over Troubles,' 1, 379. 'Triumphs of Christianity,' 1, 438. Trott, Nicholas, 1, 550. Trouble, thoughts on, 2, 201. Trowbridge, Caleb, 2, S63M. Trowbridge, Hannah (Walter), 2, 563W. Trowbridge, Sarah (Oliver), 2, 56311. 'True Riches,' 2, 746. 'True Touchstone,' 1, 58. 'True Way to shake off a Viper,' 2, 141. Truth, persecution for speaking the, 2, 523,, 530, 545- Tuesday's question, 2, 26. Tulley's almanac, 1, 210, 276. Tumor, 1, 365. Turel, Samuel, 2, 6gon. Turks, captives of, see Sallee; revolu- tion, 1, 207, 212, 214; overthrow, 243. Turretini, 2, 243K. 'Turris Babel,' Alsted's, 2, 24311. Turj'l, Ferdinando, 1, 372. Tuthill, Zechariah, 1, 375^. Tultle, Julius Herbert, 1, xxiii, 3671. Twins, birth of, 2, 250; baptized, 251. Tyrel, Daniel, 1, 13 7». Ulcers, scrophulous, 2, 609. Unbelief, watch for, 2, 251. Uncertainty of future, 2, 6n. Uncleanness, 1, 164. 858 INDEX United Brethren, 1, 315, 332; 2, 310, 415,423,817. ' Unum Necessarium,' 1, 156. Usebius, 2, 313. Ussher, James, 2, 243». 'Utilia,' 2, 334, 336, 512. Utrecht, University of, 2, 151; peace of, 171, 176; fast for, 200. 'Valleyof Baca,'2, 482. 'Valley of Hinnom,' 2, 459. Vanity of apparel, 1, 215. Vaudois, prayer for, 1, 214; 2, 619. Vaughan, , 2, 77. Vaughan, George, 2, 422. Vehemence, 2, 214. Vermine, thoughts suggested, 2, no, 152. Vertue, George, 2, 323. 'Verus Christianismus,' 2, 337, 341, 348. 'Very Needful Caution,' 1, 584. Vessels, orders for, 2, 398; mock bap- tism of, 473. Vetch, Samuel, 2, 8m. ' Victorina,' 2, 391, 396. 'Vigilantius,' 1, 525. Vigils, 1,421,424,429, 432, 436, 443, 468, 574, 578, 2; 55, 61, 65, 71, 83, 100, 103, 106, III, 200, 218, 232, 233, 234. Vincent, Nathaniel, 1, 58. 'Vindication of the Government of New England Churches,' 2, 450. Virginia, leviathan in, 2, 686. 'Vision in the Temple,' 2, 622. Visitor, to Indians, 2, 709, 808. Visits, pastoral, 1, 55, 66, 97, 114, i68, 224, 304, 319; 2, 17, 86, 93, 97, 230, 267, 334. 352, 558; book for, 124, 360, 421, 423; management of, 1, 522; en- quiries and directions, 2, 357. Voice, anxiety for, 2, 569. 'Voice from Heaven,' 2, 596«. 'Voice of the Dove,' 2, 449, 453. Volcano, sermon, 2, 626. Vow, Mather's, 1, 105, 107. 'Vrai Patron des saintes Paroles,' 2, 94. W., J., 2, 395- Wade, John, 1, 525^. Wadsworth, Benjamin, offence taken, 1, 317; 2, 147;), 2s6h, 431, 694«, 723/1, 748H; Harvard presidency, 774». Wadsworth, Recompence, 2, 2i7n, 222; at Freetown, 23 2«. Wakeman, Jabez, 1, 525/1. Waldron, William, 2, 684. Walk with God, resolutions, 1, 3, 70. Walker, , 2, 42. Walley, John, 1, 406/) ; 2, i47». Wallis, David, 2, 230, 231, 232, 234, 238. Walpole, Sif Robert, 2, 81, 84; expelled, 172. Walrond, Henry, letter to, 2, 415. Walter, Hannah, 2, 563/1. Walter, Increase, 2, 91, 272;*, 560. Walter, Nathaniel, 2, 563/1. Walter, Nehemiah, 2, 68, 9in, 268», 811; illness, 382, 388; vertigo, 452, 459; care for, 494, 517, 527; restora- tion, 590; collection for, 602, 605, 610; pen employed, 636; projection, 657- Walter, Sarah (Mather), 2, 91/;, 268/t, 272, 370. Walter, Thomas, 2, 272/1, 694/j; at college, 128; encouraged, 232, 268, 391, 441, 572; labors on, 348; entangle- ment, 353; cares for, 359, 363, 373, 376, 472, 478, 674; preaches, 388; ill- ness, 459, 460; as successor, 484, 518, 519; ordained, 564, 573/1; libelled, 605; smallpox, 653,654, 655; granado incident, 657; reply to Checkley, 703, 726/t; illness, 710, 716, 718, 727, 748, 766, 767, 770, 773; pubUshes, 760; death, 780; sermon, 782, 790. Ward, Mrs., 2, 45. Ward, , letter to, 2, 421. Ward, Robert, 2, 580, 634»». Warham, Esther, 2, 234, 2Sin. Warham, John, 2, 251/1. Warminster, 2, 730. 'Warnings from the Dead,' 1, 165. Washing, thoughts on, 2, 67, 198. Watch, Mather's, 1, 63. Watchmen, visit to, 2, 606. Waterburj', Conn., 2, 154/1. Watertown, Mass., troubles at, 1, 198, 225, 235; 2, 674, 675; libel, 709, 711, 730- Watertown Farms (Weston), Mass., 1, 528; 2, 124. Watts, Isaac, book received from, 2, 142; Colman on, 169; hymns, 242; dis- quisitions, 816. Way, Richard, 1, 137/1, 189/1. 'Way of Truth laid out,' 1, 572«. Webb, Frances, 2, 646/1, 650, 679. Webb, John, 2, 634/1, 646, 650, 684. Webb, Joseph, 2, 112, 430, 431. Webster, Mary, 1, 189/1. Webster, Noah, 1, 167/1. Wednesday's question, 2, 26 68. Weld, Bethia, 2, 453/t. Weld, Daniel, 2, 453>«. Wendell, Ann, 2, 177/?. Wendell, Barrett, 1, xiii, 87»«, 136/t. Wendell, Jacob, 2, i77/». Wenham, Mass., 2, 634; church trouble, 51; necessitous woman, 70; church, 188, 539. INDEX 859 Wensley, Sarah, 2, 72SM. Wentworth, John, 2, 35, 499; for lieu- tenant-governor, 422; letter to, 795. Westgate, John, 1, 9on. West Hampshire, 2, 206. West Indies, French in, 1, 561. Weston, Mass., 1, S28»; 2, 528. See Watertown Farms. Whale-catchers, tract for, 2, 379. 'W'hat should be most of aU thought i upon,' 2, 241. I 'What the pious Parent wishes for,' 2, 622. Wheeler, Sir Charles, 1, 167. Wheeler, N., 2, 764. Wheelwright, John, 1, xv. Whiston, William, 2, 106, 107, 186, 205, 295; letter to, 225; book on, 230. White, ,2, 424. WTiite, , on Godliness, 1, 46. White, Benjamin, 2, 393». WTiite, John, 2, 327;!. White, Robert, 2, ^2^. \Miite, William, 2, 729n. Whiting, , 2, 303, 427. WTiitman, Zechariah, 1, 596W. WTiittingham, Richard, 1, 245, 550. 'Wholesome Words,' 1, 446; 2, 265, 270, 647, 651, 653, 655. Widowhood, 1, 457, 476, 479, 482. Widows, 2, 65, 82; sermon for, 92, 516; Salem, 148; care for, 200, 223, 386, 523, 525, 534- 573. 611, 631, 743, 747, 761, 768; books, 697, 700; sisters, 723- Wigglesworth, Edward, 2, 748;;. Wigglesworth, Michael, preaches, 1, 249«; death, 517, 562«. Wigglesworth, Samuel, 2, 189W. Wilkins, Richard, 1, 4o6«. 'Will of a Father submitted to,' 2, 259; 394- Willard, Abigail (Mather), marriage, 2, 373; travail, 462, 467, 641; illness, 476; daughter, 564; dying, 647; death, 649; sermon, 650. Willard, Catherine, 2, 467, 468, 472. Willard, Daniel, 2, 25; Increase with, 354; courts Elizabeth, 355; marriage, 373; confirmed, 394; care of, 501; drowning in family, 543; advice, 570, 649, 651; iUness, 641; care for, 676; arrest, 790. Willard, Resigned, 2, 648. Willard, Samuel, 1, 92, 96n, 99, 123, IS3», I74«> 211, 24S«, 3i5«; on spirits, ii4«; sickness, i96«, 367. William III, 1, 138K; 2, 408; grants charter, 1, 141; and Scotland, 262; reformation, 267; death, 461. Williams, Abigail, 1, i7i«. Williams, Anne, 1, t^n. Williams, Daniel, 1, 361M; 2, yx), 311, 691; letters to, 315, 316. Williams, Eleazar, 2, 93«, 112. Williams, EUsha, 2, 722«. Williams, Eunice (Mather) (1664-1704), 2, 93«. Williams, Eunice, captive, care for, 2, 92, 104, 191. WiUiams, John, 1, 568, S75; 2,87, 93«. Williams, John, 'tobacconist,' 2, 625». W illiams, Stephen, 2, 134. Wilhams, Warham, 2, 709K. Williams, William, 2, 124, 709», 7i8». Willis, , 2, 63. Will-worship, English, 1, 205. \\'ilson, John, 1, xv, 37/1; 2, 242«. Wilson, Marj', 2, 242W. Windsor, Coim., kinsman, 2, 211, 341, 364, 457, 538, 739; woman in need, 215; debtor, 231. Wings, healing in, 2, 8. Winnisimmet Ferry, 1, 484. Winship, George Parker, 1, xiii. Winsley, Elizabeth, 2, 64H. ^^'insley, Sarah, 1, 346M. Winslow, Anna, 2, 73SM. Winslow, Isaac, 2, 735;;, 798. Winslow, Josiah, 2, 735H, 798. Winslow, Sarah, 1, x^n. Winslow, Sarah (Wensley), 2, 73S«, 798. '\\'inter day, lecture on, 2, 145, 148, i68. Winter-garments, thoughts on, 2, 131, 153; thoughts, 152. 'Winter Meditations,' 1, 169, 208. 'Winter Piety,' 2, 148, 219, 223. Winthrop, Adam, 1, 41;;, i36«, 137W, I74H, 29IK, 2; IIH, 22H, 189H, 299«, 477W, 597", 688h, 690M. Winthrop, John, 1, xvi. Winthrop, John, 2d, medical practice, 1, yi; 2, 590. Winthrop, John Waitstill, 1, 29471; death, 2, 487, 509. Winthrop, John, F. R. S., 2, 488, 590. Wise, Catherine, 2, 66n. Wise, John, a disturber, 2, 327; 'Vin- dication,' 450. Witchcraft in Massachusetts, 1, 114; execution at Salem, 142K, ism; bodily possessions, 150; on Mrs. Mather, 164; Sewall's bill on, 2nn. 'Witness within,' 2, 66. Witney, England, 2, 88. Witsius, Herman, 1, 525, 549. Wobum, Mass., evil spirit at, 1, ii4«; sermon, 474; attack from, 514; council, 577; visit, 2, 125, 167. Wodrow, Robert, 2, 326. Wolcott, Samuel, 1, 30??. Wolsey, Thomas, 2, 98. 86o INDEX Woman, possessed, 1, i6o, 178, 261. Women, aged, 2, 277; commended, 325; return, 706. 'Wonderful Works of God commemo- rated,' 1, 138M. 'Wonders of the Invisible World,' 1,87m, i35», 144?}, i5o«, 371; composed, 152; commendatory letters, 153. Wood for poor, 2, 646. Wood, Sarah, 2, 68871. Woodbridge, John, 1, 37S»- Woods, Richard, 2, 228. Woodson, , 2, 430. Woodward, John, (Norwich), 2, 427. Woodward, John, 2, 324. Worcester, Mrs., 2, 152. 'Words of Understanding,' 2, 777. Works, the day's, 2, 52, 374; society on, 353. See 'Boanerges.' 'Works within Doors,' 2, 13. World, the, 2, 119; shaking of, 366, 371; heavenly, 652. 'World alarumed,'.2, 627. Worldly-mindedness, 2, 79, 122, 740. Worthylake, Ann, 2, s66». Worthylake, George, 2, s66». Worthylake, Ruth, 2, 566». Wrongs done to Savior, 2, 182, 186, 190. Wyrley, Ann (Lee), 2, 355, 358; letter to, 410. Wyrley, Henry, 2, 355, 4ion. Yale, Elihu, 2, 498; letter to, 419. Yale College (Saybrook), 2, 6on, 64, 70; books for, 87, 229, 617; commence- ment, 96; thoughts for, 498, 553, 728; degree for Samuel Mather, 762, 805. Yarmouth, Mass., Indians, 2, 372. Youghal, Ireland, 2, 248. 'Young Follower of a great Savior,' 1, SS6. 'Young Man's call to his Brethren,' 2, 465- 'Young Man's Claim unto the Sacra- ment,' 1, 364M. 'Young Man's Monitor,' 1, 370. 'Young Man's Preservative,' 1, 399. Young Men's meeting, 1, 177, 322, 480. Youth, sins of, 2, 22, 33, 123, 201; warning, 104; riotous, 216; death improved, 356, 375, 390, 447, 448, 633, 651; association, 614. Zadok, 1, 182. 'Zelotes,'2, 394. Ziegenbalgh, Bartholomew, 2, 411.