N00151:42
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.
Instruct. 2. This teacheth us a Lesson of Humility and Submission to the will of God in case we see evil days. If a change of times come upon us or ours, the hand of the Lord is in it, and therefore to be patient and humble is that which becometh us. Amos. 3.6. Shall there be evil in the city and the Lord hath not done it? Shall any evil happen in a Town, or in a Family and the Lord not have an holy overruling hand in it? The Lord owneth evil of affliction as his Creature, Isai. 45.7. I form the light, and I Create darkness, I make peace and create evil, I the Lord do all these things. Wherefore if any afflictive Providence do befall us, we should say as Eli did, when he first heard of such an awful Providence befalling his Family, as made the ears of every one that heard it to tingle, he said it is the Lord, let him do what seemeth him good, 1. Sam. 3.18. And indeed it is our best and wisest way, yea and Woe will be unto us, if we will not submit to the Sovereign will and pleasure of the Almighty, when once his will is manifested, Isai. 45 9. Woe unto him that striveth with his Maker. God will have the mastery over his Creatures, and will make them know that he is above them: and therefore it is in vain for any to struggle against God, it is great sin and folly so to do.
Instruct. 2. This teacheth us a Lesson of Humility and Submission to the will of God in case wee see evill dayes. If a change of times come upon us or ours, the hand of the Lord is in it, and therefore to be patient and humble is that which becometh us. Amos. 3.6. Shall there be evill in the city and the Lord hath not done it? Shall any evill happen in a Town, or in a Family and the Lord not have an holy overruling hand in it? The Lord owneth evill of affliction as his Creature, Isai. 45.7. I form the light, and I Create darkness, I make peace and create evill, I the Lord doe all these things. Wherefore if any afflictive Providence do befall us, wee should say as Eli did, when he first heard of such an awfull Providence befalling his Family, as made the ears of every one that heard it to tingle, he said it is the Lord, let him doe what seemeth him good,