A sorrowful spectacle. In two sermons, occasioned by a just sentence of death, on…

Name: A sorrowful spectacle. In two sermons, occasioned by a just sentence of death, on…
Author: Cotton Mather

A sorrowful spectacle. In two sermons, occasioned by a just sentence of death, on a miserable woman, for the murder of a spurious offspring. : The one declaring, the evil of an heart hardened, under and against all means of good. : The other describing, the fearful case of such as in a suffering time, and much more such as in a dying hour, are found without the fear of God. : With some remarkable things, relating to the criminal; proper for all to be informed of. / By Cotton Mather, D.D. and F.R.S. ; [One line from Acts]

Cotton Mather 1663–1728Boston: printed by T. Fleet & T. Crump for Samuel Gerrish, 1715

[2], vii, [1], 3-92, [2], 47, [1] p. ; 14 cm. (12mo) · 24k words · Evans 1764

Title page typeset from the transcription.

The Grand Concern, of Suffering and of Dying People. BOSTON, 9 d. I…: The Grand Concern, of Suffering and of Dying People. BOSTON, 9 d. IV m. 1715.

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.

[ Earlier:147–162 of 239

:147p. 90

I cannot but think, That there is a Voice of God unto the Country in this Thing; That there should be so many Instances of Women Executed for the Murder of their Bastard-Children. There are now Six or Seven such unhappy Instances, that are upon Record, and made Pillars of Salt in Printed Memorials. Lo, God ••nds out. His Voice, and that a mighty Voice, in these Things. Lord, Help us to understand thy Meaning in them.

:148p. 90–91

Certainly, There is a Loud Voice and Call from God unto Good Men, to consider more than ever; What Sacred Exorcisms are to be used, that ⟨p. 91⟩the Unclean Spirit may be suppressed in the Land.

:149p. 91

Most certainly, There is this Voice of GOD: Let all People beware how they give way to lesser Beginnings in the Sins of Unchastity. Oh! People can't see, where they shall stop, if once they give the Reins to Impetuous Impurities.

:150p. 91–92

Most certainly, All of us that may upon Reflection find any Stumbles into the Sins of Unchastity, may now hear this Voice of GOD unto us; O Bewail your Impurities; and Abhor yourselves before an Holy GOD; and get the Cleansing Blood of your Saviour sprinkled on your Souls. And may we not apprehend one thing more! Several Bastard-Children have been Murdered in this Place; But there has not unto this Day been any Detection of the Murderers. There is this Day a Voice of GOD, and lo, it is a mighty Voice, unto thse Bloody Creatures; Oh! Let not the Patience, and Forbearance of God be lost upon you, Wonder at it, That God has not all

[ Earlier passages Later passages ]

A sorrowful spectacle. In two sermons, occasioned by a just sentence of death, on…

The Divine Compassions Declared and Magnified, To Engage and Encourage the greatest Sinners to a Speedy and Earnest Repentance.

The Divine Compassions Declar'd and Magnified, To Engage and Encourage the greatest Sinners to a Speedy and Earnest Repentance.

Transcription key

Reformers309

Puritans1,782

Westminster Assembly24

Evangelicals36

The Divine Compassions Declared and Magnified, To Engage and Encourage the greatest Sinners to a Speedy and Earnest Repentance.

The Divine Compassions Declar'd and Magnified, To Engage and Encourage the greatest Sinners to a Speedy and Earnest Repentance.

Transcription key