A29696:635
London's lamentation, or, A serious discourse concerning the late fiery dispensation that turned our…
London's lamentation, or, A serious discourse concerning the late fiery dispensation that turned our (once renowned) city into a ruinous heap also the several lessons that are incumbent upon those whose houses have escaped the consuming flames / by Thomas Brooks.
London: printed for John Hancock and Nathaniel Ponder, 1670
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
5. They were thus smitten by the Lord on the very first day of their entering upon that high honour of their Priestly Function; and when their hearts were doubtless full of joy, now to be suddenly thunder-struck in such a Sun-shine day of mercy, as this seemed to be, must needs add weight to their calamity and misery.
5. They were thus smitten by the Lord on the very first day of their entring upon that high honour of their Priestly Function; and when their hearts were doubtless full of joy, now to be suddenly thunder-struck in such a Sun-shine day of mercy, as this seemed to be, must needs add weight to their calamity and misery.
6. They were cut off with such great severity for a very small offence, if reason may be permitted to sit as Judge in the case. They were made monuments of divine vengeance only for taking fire to burn the Incense, from one place, when they should have taken it from another. And this they did (say some) not purposely, but through mistake, and at such a time, when they had much work lying upon their hands, and were but newly entered upon their new employment. Now notwithstanding all this Aaron held his peace. It may be, at first, when he saw his Sons devoured by fire, his heart began to wrangle, and his passions began to work: but when he considered the righteousness of God on the one hand, and the glory that God would get to himself on the other hand; he presently checks himself, and lays his hand upon his mouth, and stands still and silent before the Lord. Though it be not easy in great afflictions with Aaron, to hold our peace; yet it is very advantageous: which the Heathens seemed to intimate, in placing the Image of Angeronia, with the mouth bound upon the Altar of Volupia, to show, that they do prudently and patiently bear, and conceal their troubles, sorrows and anxieties, they shall attain to comfort at last. What the Apostle saith of the distressed Hebrews, after the spoiling of their goods, Ye have need 1of patience: the same I may say to you, who have lost your house•, your Shops, your Trades, your all: you have need yea, you have great need of patience. Though thy mercies are few, and thy miseries are many; though thy mercies are small, and thy miseries are great; yet look that thy spirit be quiet, and that thou dost sweetly acquiesce in the