N01369:110
The sad effects of sin. A true relation of the murder committed by David…
The sad effects of sin. A true relation of the murder committed by David Wallis, on his companion Benjamin Stolwood: on Saturday night, the first of August, 1713. With his carriage oftener condemnation; his confession and dying speech at the place of execution, &c. : To which are added, the sermons preached at the lecture in Boston, in his hearing, after condemnation; and on the day of his execution, being Sept. 24. 1713.The sad effects of sin. A true relation of the murder committed by David Wallis, on his companion Benjamin Stolwood: on Saturday night, the first of August, 1713. With his carriage ofter condemnation; his confession and dying speech at the place of execution, &c. : To which are added, the sermons preached at the lecture in Boston, in his hearing, after condemnation; and on the day of his execution, being Sept. 24. 1713.
printed by John Allen for Nicholas Boone, 1713
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.
The Magistrate is the Minister of God, and the Avenger to Execute wrath upon him that does Evil; God has put the Sword into his hands, to cut off Evil-doers from the Inheritance of the Lord, and he must not bear the Sword in vain. Government among Mankind, is for this reason of the last necessity, and one of the great Goods to the World. But for any Private Person voluntarily to take away his Neighbours Life, whether in Clandestine manner, ⟨p. 10⟩or by Open violence, is the extremest Injury to our Neighbour, and one of the highest Offences against Humane Society.
The Magistrate is the Minister of God, and the Avenger to Execute wrath upon him that does Evil; God has put the Sword into his hands, to cut off Evil-doers from the Inheritance of the Lord, and he must not bear the Sword in vain. Government among Mankind, is for this reason of the last necessity, and one of the great Goods to the World. But for any Private Person voluntarily to take away his Neighbours Life, whether in Clandestine manner, ⟨p. 10⟩or by Open violence, is the extreamest Injury to our Neighbour, and one of the highest Offences against Humane Society.
A mans Life is Invaluable to him, and it is not to be repaired, there is nothing equal to it; not all a mans precious Substance. Skin for Skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his Life. Self-love, and Self-preservation, are an Invincible Principle, and Law, implanted by God in the hearts of all men.
But then moreover, to take away the Life of any one, fixes his Soul for Eternity in an Unchangeable State of Happiness or Misery: and so (as one says) not only is all Temporal Good hereby at once ravished from a man, but his Soul incurs infinite hazard, and it may be damage.