An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

and when these People whose House was burnt down to the ground, together with all their Goods, were removed into the Field, all was quiet in this second house; But some things were thrown in the Field; and in the afternoon, when another Minister and I went to them, some assured us that some things had been thrown. This was November II. the night following some noise was heard among the Household-stuff, as was testified to me. Thus these poor Creatures were distressed, their House was burned down, that to which they were removed several times fired, so that neither they nor their Goods might stay any longer there, nor durst any other receive them: but they, with their Goods were forced to lie in the open Field for divers days and nights together; being made a sad spectacle to all sorts of people that came far and near, to see and hear of ⟨p. 194⟩the Business. Hereupon I sent to some neighbouring Ministers, to join with us in keeping a Fast on November 15. and four spent the time in Prayer and Preaching. The Sermons were upon these Texts, Joh 11. 13. If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands towards him: if Iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy Tabernacles: For then shalt thou lift up thy Face without spot; yea, thou shalt be steadfast, and shalt not be afraid; &c. Amos 3. 6. Shall a Trumpet be blown in the City, and the People not be afraid? shall there be evil in a City and the LORD hath not done it? Luk. 13. 2, 3. &c. suppose ye that these Galileans were sinners above all the Galileans, because they suffered such things? I tell you nay: But except ye Repent, ye shall all likewise perish: or those eighteen, &c. Isai. 33. ••.•5,16. The Sinners in Zion are afraid, fearfulness hath surprised the Hypocrites. Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings? He that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly: he that despiseth the gain of Oppression, that shaketh his hand from holding Bribes, that stoppeth his Ears from hearing of blood, and shutt•eth his eyes from seeing of evil: He shall dwell on high. His place of