To do good, and to communicate, forget not. A NEW EDITION, From the latest Boston and London Editions. TO WHICH ARE ADDED, TREATISES, ON ENGAGEMENTS, RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND SANCTIFYING THE SABBATH-DAY. JOHNSTOWN: PRINTED AND SOLD BY ASA CHILD. ***** 1815. Hearing that you propose to publish an edition of "Essays to do good" by Dr. COTTON MATHER, I take the liberty of expressing the high opinion I entertain of that book, on account of its intrinsic value, and especially as adapted to be useful in this part of the country, at the present time. I think the publication of it will tend greatly to enlarge the minds of the benevolent who are willing to do good, but need something to give direction, and add vigor to their exer tions. Every family would find it an invaluable treasure, and many that are young might receive such direction as would be essential to an useful and a happy life. Wishing every success to your undertaking, I subscribe myself yours, &c. ELISHA YALE, Pastor of the Congrega- Kingsborough, March 1st, 1815. MR. CHILD, I have slightly examined the work of that father of the New-England churches, COTTON MATHER, entitled, "Bonifacius," or "Essays to do good,” and most freely do I assure you that it meets my cordial approbation, as a work calculated to effect what the title imports. Many items in his "catalogue of desirable things" have received since his death, marked and serious attention from the christian world; but as much remains to be done, perhaps the most probable means of accomplishing the whole, will be the re-publication of his "Bonifacius." I sincerely hope that in re-printing this work you may not only call the attention of others to well doing, but procure to yourself temporal and spiritual benefits. JOHN M. BRADFORD, D. D. Pastor of the Reformed Dutch Church, Albany. Albany, March 1815. |