N00151:23
The times of men are in the hand of God. Or A sermon occasioned…
The times of men are in the hand of God. Or A sermon occasioned by that awful providence which happened in Boston in New-England, the 4th day of the 3d month 1675. (when part of a vessel was blown up in the harbour, and nine men hurt, and three mortally wounded) wherein is showed how we should sanctify the dreadful name of God under such awful dispensations. / By Increase Mather, teacher to a Church of Christ. ; [Nine lines of Scripture texts]The times of men are in the hand of God. Or A sermon occasioned by that awfull providence which hapned in Boston in New-England, the 4th day of the 3d moneth 1675. (when part of a vessel was blown up in the harbour, and nine men hurt, and three mortally wounded) wherein is shewed how we should sanctifie the dreadfull name of God under such awfull dispensations. / By Increase Mather, teacher to a Church of Christ. ; [Nine lines of Scripture texts]
Boston: printed by John Foster, 1675
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.
Because both the Persons and the works of the best and most prudent men are guided by a divine Providence. When God hath bestowed gifts and graces upon any man, qualifying him for Service, he doth by a secret providence order what work he shall do, wherefore the divine Providence is intended by that Hand, which the text speaketh of. David doth here encourage himself from the Consideration of the All-disposing Providence of God. We come to a second enquiry viz. What is meant by the Times of men which are said to be in the hand of God?
Because both the Persons and the works of the bestand most prudent men are guided by a divine Providence. When God hath bestowed gifts and graces upon any man, qualifiing him for Service, he doth by a secret providence order what work he shall doe, wherefore the divine Providence is intended by that Hand, which the text speaketh of. David doth here encourage himself from the Consideration of the All-disposing Providence of God. Wee come to a second enquiry viz. What is meant by the Times of men which are said to be in the hand of God?
Answ. 1. The beginning of a mans time is in the Lords hand. He ordereth when every man shall come into the world. Hence it is said that there is a time to be born Eccle. 3.2. that is to say, God hath set and determined the time wherein every man shall be born. It was said with respect unto Isaac Gen 21.2. Sarah conceived and bare Abraham a Son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. The Lord had set the time when Isaac should come into the world, the same is true with reference unto all men that ever were or shall be brought forth into the world. Hence some are born in one age and some in another. Some before the Law, others under the Law, and others in the days of the Gospel, since Christ the Son of God hath come into the world. He in whose hand are the times of men doth order in what time and under what dispensation each man shall live.
Answ. 1. The beginning of a mans time is in the Lords hand. He ordereth when every man shall come into the world. Hence it is said that there is a time to be born