N00355:26
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.
But then 3dly. In Murder, the Life of a man is taken away unjustly. In some cases it is lawful to take away the Life of another. Yea, Matters may be so circumstanced, as it would be a great sin not to do it. There are Three cases wherein the Life of a man may be taken away, and yet no Sin, no Murder committed.
1. In case of a Just War. There is a great difference between blood shed in war, and in a time of Peace. Joab was guilty of Murder, because he shed the blood of War in peace. 1. King 2. 5. had he killed Abner & Amasa in the war-time, ⟨p. 6⟩David had made peace with him, he had not bi• guilty of Murder; but because he shed blood after a peace was concluded, he was a Murderer. Sometimes in War, they that take away lives, do an acceptable service to God. Abigail told David, that God would certainly bless, him because he fought the Battles of the Lord. 1. Sam. 25. 28. And we know that Abraham was blessed, after he returned from the Slaughter of the Kings with whom he had a just war. Heb. 7. 2. In these cases, the not shedding of blood may possibly expose to a Curse. Jer. 48. 10 Cursed be he that does the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed be he that keeps back his sword from blood.
1. In case of a Just War. There is a great difference between blood shed in war, and in a time of Peace. Joab was guilty of Murder, because he shed the blood of War in peace. 1. King 2. 5. had he killed Abner & Amasa in the war-time, ⟨p. 6⟩David had made peace with him, he had not bi• guilty of Murder; but because he shed blood after a peace was concluded, he was a Murderer. Somtimes in War, they that take away lives, do an acceptable service to God. Abigal told David, that God would certainly bless, him because he fought the Battles of the Lord.