N00151:69
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.
5. Let us Repent of past and present Iniquities. Doth God bring such awful Providences upon us that so we might Censure the dead? No, but to be Instructions and warnings to the living, that so they may be awakened to unfeigned Repentance for all their sins wherefore Christ hath said, Those eighteen upon whom the Tower of Siloam fell and slew them, think ye that th•• were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem, I tell you nay, but except you repent you all shall likewise perish, Luke. 13.4, 5. So I say do you think that these nine men upon whom this •low hath fallen, and sundry of them slain thereby, were Sinners above any in Boston, I tell you nay, but except you repent you shall likewise perish. Especially repent of those sins which bring such awful Strokes as these. Security is such a sin, when mystical Babylon (that is Rome) saith I shall see no sorrow, then do her Plagues come in one day, death and mourning. When men cry peace, peace, then cometh sudden destruction. The Lord roars from on high that he may awaken Sinners out of their Security. And disregard to the word of God is that which brings such dismal Providences upon poor Creatures. When men regard not the still voice of the word, Mountains are rent, and Rocks are broken in pieces before the Lord. Hence it is that the most awful ⟨p. 20⟩Providences are usually in those places where the word of God is preached in the greatest power. God is terrible out of his holy places. Have you not observed that there have been more Sudden deaths, and awful Tremendous dispensations of divine Providences in New-England then in any place where you have been? How so? Even because the word of God is plentifully and powerfully dispensed throughout this Land, but men regard it not as they ought to do, and therefore the Lord speaketh by his Works, in a most awful manner from time to time, O think of it, and repent!
5. Let us Repent of past and present Iniquityes. Doth God bring such awfull Providences upon us that so we might Censure the dead? No, but to be Instructions and warnings to the living, that so they may be awakened to unfaigned Repentance for all their sins wherefore Christ hath said, Those eighteen upon whom the Tower of Siloam fell and slew them, think ye that th•• were sinners above all men that dwelt in Jerusalem, I tell you nay, but except you repent you all shall likewise perish,