N00151:61
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.
Consider, 3. That this is not the first warning which the Lord hath given us. How many sudden deaths have there been? Not to mention things of an elder date, which in the day of them I have not been altogether wanting to mind you of. This last year we have thus been warned, not once nor twice. This Spring several amongst us have been snatched away by sudden strokes of the Lords hand. And it is not a year ago (hardly three quarters of a year) since there was such another awful Blow ⟨p. 17⟩as that which I am now speaking of, when that Shop was blown up with a Barrel of Powder, and one man was killed, and (as I remember) seven or eight wounded. Now it is to be feared that we were not affected and awakened with that Stroke as should have been, and therefore the Lord is put upon it to bring another more awful then the former.
Consider, 3. That this is not the first warning which the Lord hath given us. How many sudden deaths have there been? Not to mention things of an elder date, which in the day of them I have not been altogether wanting to mind you of. This last year wee have thus been warned, not once nor twice. This Spring severall amongst us have been snatched away by sudden strokes of the Lords hand. And it is not a year agoe (hardly three quarters of a year) since there was such another awfull Blow ⟨p. 17⟩as that which I am now speaking of, when that Shop was blown up with a Barrel of Powder, and one man was killed, and (as I remember) seven or eight wounded. Now it is to be feared that wee were not affected and awakened with that Stroke as should have been, and therefore the Lord is put upon it to bring another more awfull then the former.
Consider 4. That if we do not sanctify the Name of God under this awful Providence, Lamentable things will follow. Isai. 26.11. Lord when thy hand is lifted up they will not see, but they shall see and be ashamed. Woe to us if we will not see when the Lords hand is lifted up in such an awful manner, what can we then expect but utter Confusion? we may then expect that the Lord hath not yet done with us. No, He will not turn away from his anger, but his hand will be stretched out still. Then look for it, the Lord will take away others that are useful, serviceable, and desirable; and if he take away a few such what a naked destitute people will you be? yea we may then expect that there shall be Calamity, and Lamentation generally. It is mentioned as a dreadful Presage of general Calamity coming upon the Children of Israel when it is said that God overthrew some of them as he overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, that is by sudden and fiery destruction,