God's terrible voice in the city

If you ever saw a drowning Man catch at a rope, you may guess how eagerly many people did catch at the Word; when they were ready to be overwhelmed by this over-flowing scourge, which was passing thorough the City; when death was knocking at so many doors; and God was crying aloud by his judgments; and Ministers were now sent to knock, cry aloud, and lift up their voice like a Trumpet: then, then the people began to open the ear and the heart, which were fast shut and barred before: How did they then hearken, as for their lives; as if every Sermon were their last; as if death stood at the door of the Church, and would seize upon them so soon as they came forth; as if the arrows which flew so thick in the City would strike them, before they could get to their houses; as if they were ⟨p. 51⟩immediately to appear before the Barr of that God, who by his Ministers was now speaking unto them. Great were the impressions which the Word then made upon many hearts, beyond the power of Man to effect, and beyond what the people before ever felt, as some of them have declared. When sin is ripped up and reproved, O the tears that slide down from the eyes! when the judgments of God are denounced, O the tremblings which are upon the conscience! when the Lord Jesus Christ is made known and proffered, O the longing desires and openings of heart unto him! when the riches of the Gospel are displayed, and the promises of the Covenant of grace are set forth and applied, O the inward burnings and sweet flames which were on the affections! now the Net is cast, and many fishes are taken; the Pool is moved by the Angel, and many leprous spirits, and sin-sick-souls are cured; many were brought to the birth, and I hope not a few were born again, and brought forth; a strange moving there was upon the hearts of multitudes in the City; and I am persuaded that many were brought over effectually unto a closure with Jesus Christ; whereof some dyed by the Plague with willingness and peace; others remain steadfast in Gods ways unto this day: but convictions (I believe) many hundreds had, if not thousands, which I wish that none have stifled, and with the Dog returned to their vomit, & with the Sow, have wallowed again in the mire of their former sins.

If you ever saw a drowning Man catch at a rope, you may guess how eagerly many people did catch at the Word; when they were ready to be overwhelmed by this over-flowing scourge, which was passing thorough the City; when death was knocking at so many doors; and God was crying aloud by his judgments; and Ministers were now sent to knock, cry aloud, and lift up their voice like a Trumpet: then, then the people began to open the ear and the heart, which were fast shut and barred before: How did they then hearken, as for their lives; as if every Sermon were their last; as if death stood at the door of the Church, and would seize upon them so soon as they came forth; as if the arrows which flew so thick in the City would strike them, before they could get to their houses; as if they were