The occasion of my Writing these few Sheets concerning these three great Burnings, was the breaking forth of such Flames and Streams of Fire the last Year at the Mouth and sides of Aetna, or Mount Gibel; being willing to take hold of any occasion, especially so suitable as this, to awaken Sinners, that they might endeavour their escape from the future and everlasting burnings of Hell; and this I thought the rather to do, because in the Relation given us of those stupendous burnings of Aetna, the hand of the Lord was not in the least minded, his Name not once mentioned, and no improvement thereof at all attempted by him, or them that drew up the Narrative; which to me seemed a shame, and quickened me (when others who might have done it better were silent) in my endeavours to make some advantage of this Providence for the good of Souls. The chief of what I had drawn up was several Months since, which I purposed to Preach upon in the course of my Ministry, as an Appendix unto the Doctrine of Contrition; but being diverted from that Subject by some severer and threatening Providences, I looked upon my self as called at that time rather to Preach upon such Subjects might tend to the support of Gods people under those sufferings which they were like to undergo, if they would persevere in his ways. Thus my Papers were laid aside and laid asleep, and I did think to bury them in my Closet, and ⟨image 3⟩never to suffer them to come forth into the light; But since the Fires which have broken forth of late in the City, and Suburbs, and Southwark; and the general impression of fear of Fire upon the Spirits of London's Inhabitants, I thought it might be seasonable at this time to treat of Burnings; that so I might prevail with all in danger, especially the Inhabitants in and about London, that if they should not escape the burnings of their Houses here (for the preventing of which all diligence should be used) yet that they would above all things endeavour to escape the burning of their Persons in the everlasting flames of Hell; If this little Book be made use of, by the Lord to keep any of you out of Hell give God all the praise, and be mindful at the Throne of Grace of him who prayeth for the Salvation of all your Souls.
THe occasion of my Writting these few Sheets concerning these three great Burnings, was the breaking forth of such Flames and Streams of Fire the last Year at the Mouth and sides of Aetna, or Mount Gibel; being willing to take hold of any occasion, especially so sutable as this, to awaken Sinners, that they might endeavour their escape from the future and everlasting burnings of Hell; and this I thought the rather to do, because in the Relation given us of those stupendous burnings of Aetna, the hand of the Lord was not in the least minded, his Name not once mentioned, and no improvement thereof at all attempted by him, or them that drew up the Narrative; which to me seemed a shame, and quickned me (when others who might have done it better were silent) in my endeavours to make some advantage of this Providence for the good of Souls. The chief of what I had drawn up was several Months since, which I purposed to Preach upon in the course of my Ministry, as an Appendix unto the Doctrine of Contrition; but being diverted from that Subject by some sevearer and threatning Providences, I looked upon my self as called at that time rather to Preach upon such Subjects might tend to the support of Gods people under those sufferings which they were like to undergo, if they would perseveer in his ways. Thus my Papers were laid aside and laid asleep, and I did think to bury them in my Closet, and ⟨image 3⟩never to suffer them to come forth into the light; But since the Fires which have broken forth of late in the City, and Suburbs, and Southwark; and the general impression of fear of Fire upon the Sptrits of London's Inhabitants, I thought it might be seasonable at this time to treat of Burnings; that so I might prevail with all in danger, especially the Inhabitants in and about London, that if they should not escape the burnings of their Houses here (for the preventing of which all diligence should be used) yet that they would above all things endeavour to escape the burning of their Persons in the everlasting flames of Hell; If this little Book be made use of, by the Lord to keep any of you out of Hell give God all the praise, and be mindful at the Throne of Grace of him who prayeth for the Salvation of all your Souls.
