Early Piety: A Call to the Rising Generation (Brown)

Here is a tool to inspire early piety in the rising generation. This book is a series of sermons that pastors in Boston preached under the ministry of Increase Mather and his son Cotton. At the time of writing, Increase was at the end of his life at age 83, and his son Cotton was 58 years old.

They were very concerned about the loss of godliness in the rising generation. To meet this critical moment in the history of New England, they gathered eight ministers in Boston to address the youth directly. They did this through Thursday afternoon lectures.

This book is an excellent tool for young people to examine their souls. I recommend that all young people read this book. And, further, if possible, that their parents would read it out loud with them. I feel this would achieve the greatest good.

Table of Contents:

Introduction – For People Raised in Christian Homes

Preface by Dr. Increase Mather

Sermon 1 – The Pious Parent’s Wishes – Cotton Mather

Sermon 2 – The Nature of Early Piety as It Respects God – Mr. Wadsworth

Sermon 3 – Early Piety as it Respects Men – Mr. Colman

Sermon 4 – Early Piety as it Respects Ourselves – Mr. Sewall

Sermon 5 – The Obligations to Early Piety – Mr. Prince

Sermon 6 – The Advantages of Early Piety – Mr. Webb

Sermon 7 – Objections Answered – Mr. Cooper

Sermon 8 – Exhortations and Directions to Young People – Mr. Foxcroft

Preface to the Final Chapter – That You Might Receive Dr. Increase Mather’s Testimony

Sermon 9 – Advice to the Children of Godly Ancestors – Dr. Increase Mather 

Endorsements

“We need to feed our children’s souls. Behind the quaint language of the early eighteenth century, we find both spiritual milk for babes and meat for young men and women. The authors address the different relationships children have, and put all of life under the banner of fearing God. This book is a valuable tool for parents to teach us how to pray for and train our children, and a voice calling to young people in the wilderness of this world to live and walk soli Deo gloria! May God use this excellent book to instill true piety or godliness early in the lives of many. I highly recommended Early Piety as a book that meets one of the greatest needs of our day.” — Dr. Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

"These sermons are unique in that they not only provide careful instruction in the gospel, but also, in the godliness or true piety that springs forth from it. If these sermons are read thoughtfully by parents and older youth, if they are explained carefully and diligently to younger children, then they are bound to bear an abundant harvest. Such a blend of gospel, wisdom, and piety is very rare." — Paul Washer, Director of HeartCry Missionary Society