N00151:50
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.
2. This Reproveth those that build upon the time to come, that say hereafter they will do this and that and the other thing▪ the Apostle speaketh of such and reproveth them. Jam. 4.13, 14. Go too now you that say to morrow we will go to such a City, and continue there a year whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow; for what is your life? it is even a Vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away. It is too much presumption for you to allot upon the time to come, which is not in your hands, but in Gods only. How do some say that hereafter they will repent of their Sins. This is the evil which Young men are especially guilty of, The Young man th•nks with himself, Isle repent and endeavour to make my peace with God when old age is come upon me; but how dost thou know that thou shalt live till old age? It may be that God in whose hand is thy time, will not suffer thee to live so long. It is said, one dyeth in full strength, Job. 21.23. Do we not see examples for it before our eyes from day to day? How dost thou know but that thou shalt dye in thy full strength? Another saith, Isle repent when I come to lye upon a sick bed, & a death bed, but it may be thou shalt not dye in thy bed and how then? It may be thou shalt have no sickness before death. Death may come upon thee and not give thee a moments warning. Remember that Scripture, Prov. 27.1. Boast not thy self of to morrow thou knowest not what a day may bring forth. O what did one day bring forth this last week, one morning the other day brought forth that which will never be forgotten by many here present.
2. This Reproveth those that build upon the time to come, that say hereafter they will doe this and that and the other thing▪ the Apostle speaketh of such and reproveth them. Jam. 4.13, 14. Goe too now you that say to morrow wee will goe to such a City, and continue there a year whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow; for what is your life? it is even a Vapour that appeareth for a little time and then vanisheth away. It is too much presumption for you to allot upon the time to come, which is not in your hands, but in Gods only. How doe some say that hereafter they will repent of their Sins. This is the evill which Young men are especially guilty of, The Young man thnks with himself, Ile repent and endeavour to make my peace with God when old age is come upon me; but how dost thou know that thou shalt live till old age? It may be that God in whose hand is thy time, will not suffer thee to live so long. It is said, one dyeth in full strength,