N00355:139
A sermon occasioned by the execution of a man found guilty of murder preached…
A sermon occasioned by the execution of a man found guilty of murder preached at Boston in N.E. March 11th 1685[/]6. : (Together with the confession, last expressions & solemn warning of that murderer to all persons; especially to young men, to beware of those sins which brought him to his miserable end.) / By Increase Mather, teacher of church of Christ.
Boston: printed by R.P. i.e, 1687
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
What I have to say to the poor condemned Prisoner shall be under these Two Heads: viz. Something▪ 1. By way of Conviction and Awakening. 2. By way Encouragement and Counsel First, To begin with Matter of Conviction & Awakening, and tho' I understand he is already somewhat considerably affected & concerned, yet more of that may be useful for him. And here I shall use all Plainness & Freedom, taking it for granted, that dying men are past all expectation of Flatteries or Complements, and that plain dealing, which will do most Good, will find best Acceptance.
WHat I have to say to the poor condemned Prisoner shall be under these Two Heads: viz. Something▪ 1. By way of Conviction and Awakning. 2. By way Encouragement and Counsel First, To begin with Matter of Conviction & Awakening, and tho' I understand he is already somewhat considerably affected & concerned, yet more of that may be useful for him. And here I shall use all Plamess & Freedom, taking it for granted, that dying men are past all expectation of Flatteries or Complements, and that plain dealing, which will do most Good, will find best Acceptance.
1. Thou standest here before the Lord and his People at this Time, as a solemn Example of that sacred Text, Numb. 32. 23. You have sinned against the Lord, and be […] your sin will find you out. This day is this Scripture awfully fulfilled upon you. You have owned under your hand that you have lived all your days in those abominable sins of Cursing, Swearing, Lying, Drunkenness and Sabbath-breaking, such sins as that the least of them (however you have made a light matter of them) without deep Humiliation & sincere Application to the Blod of Christ, is enough to exclude you forever from any Inheritance in the Kingdom of Heaven.