An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

Thus far is Mr. Fitch's Narrative. Had all others been as diligent in observing the Works of God, as this Worthy Person has, the account of New-Englands Remarkabl•s would have been more full and complete. But other things must be left for another attempt of this kind. I shall only add at present, That there have been many sudden Deaths in this Country, which should not pass without some Remark. For when such Strokes are multiplied, there is undoubtedly a speaking voice of Providence therein. And so it hath been with us in New-England this last year, and most of all the last Summer. To my observation in August last, within the space of three or four weeks, there were twelve sudden Deaths (and it may be others have observed more than I did) some of them being in respect of sundry Circumstances exceeding awful. Let me only add here, that sudden Death is not always a Judgement ⟨p. 370⟩unto those who are taken out of an evil World: It may be a mercy to them, and a warning unto others, as the sudden Death of the Prophet Ezekiels Wife was. Many of whom the World was not worthy, have been so removed out of it. Moses died suddenly. And so have some excellent persons in this Country done. Governor Eaton at New-Haven, and Governor Haines at Hartford Died in their sleep without being sick. That Excellent Man of God Mr. Norton, as he was walking in his House in this Boston, was taken with a Syncope, fell down Dead and never spake more. The like has happened to other Servants of God in other parts of the World. Famous Mr. V•nes, on a Lords Day after he had Preached and Administered the Sacrament, went to Bed well, and went to Heaven that night. Nor is there any rule or reason for Christians to pray absolutely against sudden Death. Some Holy Men have with submission to the Will of the most High, desired and prayed for such a Death. So did Mr. Capel, and God gave him his desire; for on September 21. 1656. having Preached twice that Day, and performed Religious Duties with his Family, he went to Bed and Died immediately. The like is reported by Dr. Euller, in his Church History, concerning ⟨p. 371⟩that Angelical Man Mr. Brightman, who would often pray, (if God saw fit) that he might die rather a sudden than a lingering Death, and so it came to pass. For as he was Travelling in the Coach with Sr.