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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.
1. Hence men should beware that they do not become guilty of this Sin. It is in Man's corrup-Nature. Nothing is more natural than a spirit of Revenge: as we see in little Children; which discovers that the Children of men bring murderous natures into the world with 'em. Hence the Apostle declaring what men by nature are, faith, that their f•et are swift to shed blood. Rom. 3. 15. because there is a marvellous Propensity in Man's nature unto this sin. Should not the Lord either by special or common Grace restrain them, how many would soon become guilty of Murder it self! Yea, and those too that don't ⟨p. 22⟩believe any such thing concerning, themselve•• When the Prophet Elisha told Hazael what a prodigious Murderer he would be, What (said he) am I a Dog, that thou shouldst have such thoughts of me? But in a little time he appeared to be as cursed a Blood-•ound as ever the Prophet had said to him. O then beware of this sin. And therefore take heed of giving way to wicked Passions. Lesser sins make way for greater. And especially take heed of great sins: For many a man by being guilty of other great sins▪ has provoked the Holy GOD to leave him unto this sin too. The poor condemned Malefactor who stands here in the sight of this congregation, does acknowledge, that he hath by living in other sins provoked God to leave him unto this, which he must now dye for. And he warns others, especially Young Men, to take heed of those sins, as they love their Lives or Souls. I know not but that it may be for E••••ation, and tend to God's Glory, if I should read in this great Assembly, what I received in Writing from this dying & distressed Creature. Its this which followeth.
1. Hence men should beware that they do not become guilty of this Sin. It is in Man's corrup-Nature. Nothing is more natural than a spirit of Revenge: as we see in little Children; which discovers that the Children of men bring murderous natures into the world with 'em. Hence the Apostle declaring what men by nature are, faith, that their f•et are swift to shed blood.