THESE are some of the words of Moses, the man of GOD, which he spake to the children of Israel, the distinguish'd people of the LORD, not long before he went from the plains of Moab unto the top of mount Pisgah, where that eminent servant of the LORD expir'd. He reminds them of the wonderful things GOD had done for them—the statutes and judgments, in special given to them—their peculiar obligations faithfully to serve the LORD, and the dreadfully aggravated doom, which would be the consequence of their neglect▪ Those things were faithfully and very carefully to be transmitted to posterity. The rising generation was to be led to an intimate and particular ac­quaintance with GOD's wonderful works, and miraculous operati­ons for that people. When they fas [...]ed and humbled themselves be­fore GOD for their sins, under a sense of heavens frowns, in after generations, we find they took special notice of those glorious things [Page 6] GOD had done for their fathers. ^aBy reflecting upon which, they were brought more fully to that humility, which is necessary to keep a fast to the LORD acceptably. Agreeable hereto, we find Moses in our context, giving that people, a very solemn exhortation to re­pentance and obedience, calling heaven and earth to testify against them, that they should soon utterly perish from off the land which they were going to possess, if they departed from the LORD and did evil in his sight. In this solemn address they are led to consider what astonishing things GOD had done for and before them; and their peculiar obligations thence arising, to fear and serve the LORD. In what a grave and solemn, affectionate and striking manner doth Moses rehearse these things to them, from V.32 and onward: ask former ages even from the days that GOD created man—look to distant places, even from one side of heaven to the other, whether there hath been any thing known or beard of, like what GOD hath done for you? Did ever any people hear GOD speaking to them from the midst of fire, as thou hast heard and live? The striking representation and affectionate address, he closes with the words of our text. And because he loved thy fathers, therefore he chose their seed after them, &c. Where Observe,

1. As GOD had a peculiar regard to their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, so GOD extended his compassionate regards and the to­kens of distinguishing respect to their offspring. Is not the same ap­plicable to us and our fathers?—GOD took Abraham from his fa­ther's house, from his kindred and country;—sent him to set up GOD's true worship in a strange land. The Almighty took our fa­thers from their native land, when the nation was in confusion, and they groaned under spiritual tyranny, being extremely harrass'd, some cast into prisons, others beset in their houses for worshipping GOD according to the dictates of their own consciences, which was then prohibited. ^b GOD brought them into this land to set up his worship here. And notwithstanding the refractoriness of their pos­terity, yet GOD hath made them his peculiar care. Observe,

2. GOD furnished them with the clearest evidences of his distin­guishing regard, by the wonderful things he had done for and in the midst [Page 7] of them. That people had ocular demonstration of the most astonish­ing miracles and a series of wonderful providences; some of which are enumerated in our text and verses preceeding. The angel of the covenant the LORD JESUS, under the character of Israel's GOD and lawgiver spake to them from the burning bush and quaking mount— took them by signs and terrors from the midst of another nation—drave out from before them nations greater and mightier than they were—Og King of Bashan, and Sihon King of Heshbon: giving his chosen their land for a possession. Since the canon of scripture is full, mira­cles are not to be expected: bateing which we shall find that which is very similar to this, in the conduct of divine providence to our fa­thers; from before whom GOD hath driven out the nations that dwelt in this land. As they grew ripe for ruin, filling up the mea­sure of their sins, GOD gave us their land for an inheritance, as [...] is this day.

3. THE improvement they were to make of these dispensations, in a solemn manner urged. Consider in thine heart, the LORD he is GOD, and he alone—supreme governor of all worlds—infinitely wise, holy, just and good: Him you are under peculiar advantages to know, and the most inviolable obligations to obey—to keep those statutes and commandments GOD had given them. They are call'd upon and charged, seriously to consider what a being GOD is; what he had done for them, and the obligations thence arising—to trans­mit the knowledge of them to future generations, and by holy lives, recommend true religion, the worship and ordinances of GOD, to their offspring. Thus were they to perpetuate the knowledge of these things, and that holy religion which GOD commanded, to fu­ture ages. Our obligations are far from being inferior, nor is our duty less important.

4. HERE are peculiar motives set before them, powerfully to induce and even constrain them to the conscientious observance, and religi­ous improvement of these things. That it might go well with them—that they might enjoy peculiar comfort in life, having GOD's gracious presence with them—divine protection afforded—see many good days here, enjoying spiritual and temporal blessings in this [Page 8] world, and a blessed immortality beyond the grave. And that it, might go well with their children; that they might be blessed in him in whom (it was promised) all the nations of the earth should be blessed—transmit to posterity yet unborn, peculiar blessings and priviledges unimpaired—that after having prolonged their days in that good land, and come to their graves like a shock of corn fully ripe; still they, in their seed, might forever, even to the latest ge­nerations dwell and be happy in that good land which the LORD their GOD had given them by promise, and was now ready to intro­duce them to the possession of. By a rich variety of interesting mo­tives, GOD is graciously pleased, to enforce man's duty. Not barely their own felicity, but the good of their posterity is brought into the account. As those temporal blessings were typical of celestial joys, so every thing for themselves, together with those near and most dear to them, is suggested, to animate them to consider GOD's works and obey his commands.

FROM the words of our text thus consider'd, a variety of consider­ations not unsuitable to the present solemn occasion, offer themselves to serious meditation. Particularly, we might consider, the infinite self-moving love and mercy of GOD to fallen creatures; and how these have been display'd in various ages.—How GOD is a covenant keep­ing GOD, handing down blessings to his people and their offspring—what peculiar deliverances GOD grants his people—the ways and means, times and occasions of them.—That it is infinitely easy with the Almighty to drive out the strongest nations from before the wea­ker; causing one to chase a thousand, and two to put ten thousand to flight. But passing these without particular enlargement; the method pro­posed, on the present occasion, is to consider,

• I. GOD requires (and humanly speaking expects) his people to perpetuate the memory of his wonderful works.
• II. HOW GOD hath driven out the nations, the aboriginals, from before our fathers and those of the present generation, to give us their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.
• III. POINT out our peculiar obligations to know this day and consi­der that the LORD he is GOD over all, and to keep his statutes [Page 9] and commandments; that it may go well with us and our children, in the land which the LORD our GOD hath given us.
• IV. ENUMERATE some of those sins which will (if indulged) pro­voke GOD to destroy those who have been distinguish'd as the favourites of heaven. To which may be subjoin'd a brief Ap­plication.

I. GOD requires (and humanly speaking expects) his people to perpetuate the memory of his wonderful works.

WHEN GOD passed before the children of Israel in a wonderful se­ries of the most astonishing, miraculous operations, he gave this in charge to them, Deut. vi, 7-13, diligently to teach their children, &c. Moses Joshua, Samuel and David, took special care to remind that people, of what GOD had done for them. The man after GOD's own heart, when exhorting the people to praise and glorify GOD, calls upon them to shew his wonders among the heathen, and declare them among all the people. Accordingly they shewed forth these in the land of Ham. ^c Psalms have been indited to keep in remembrance the wonderful works of the LORD See the title of lxxth psalm. For this, registers have been kept, as the LORD commanded Moses, Exod. xvii, 14.—Places have been named with this in view. Thus Ja­cob called the place where he received so much mercy, Bethel, for GOD was there. Hagar named the place where GOD relieved her Beer-labai-roi, the well of him that liveth and looketh upon me. The Jews stamp'd mercies and extraordinary works on the names of days. Those, in which GOD deliver'd them from the horrid massacre de­signed by wicked Haman, they called Purim, after the name Pur, sig­nifying the lot he cast for their lives.—Recognizing the wonderful works of GOD was not confined to the former dispensation. When the face of Stephen appear'd as if it had been the face of an angel, how carefully does ho recapitulate these in the viith ch. of the Acts—The apostle Paul speaks of those extraordinary things done, and judgments which heaven inflicted on that people in 1 Corinth. x. ch.—Many other scriptures might be cited, here in point, evincing it IS GOD's command, hath been the practise and is the duty of his peo­ple [Page 10] to perpetuate the memory of his wonderful works. And it is reasonable, that as GOD commands, so he shou'd, (humanly speaking) expect this. There is in mankind a general desire of knowing things remarkable among men. How solicitously then shou'd the wonder­ful works of GOD be attended unto? When these are handed down from age to age, they shew forth the greatness and glory, justice, or mercy, goodness or veracity of GOD; and tend to excite men to con­sider in their hearts and know that the LORD he is GOD. This being realized, hath a natural tendency to fill the minds of intelligent be­ings, with a solemn awe of the Supreme Majesty. Had mankind a proper sense of the infinite greatness and glory of the Deity, what an happy influence wou'd it have upon their minds and morals! When they set the LORD before their faces, they will, in some sense, live in his fear.—How justly may it then be expected that dependant, ac­countable beings should transmit to future generations, the memora­ble and peculiarly affecting providences of GOD. This leads,

II. TO CONSIDER how GOD hath driven out the nations, the abori­ginals, from before our fathers, and those of the present generation, to give us their land for an inheritance, as it is this day.

ALL the providences of GOD harmonize, and are over-rul'd for bringing about the glorious designs of heaven; and so will conti­nue 'till the scene of mutable things here below, shall terminate in the final consummation of all things. Some footsteps of divine providence, we may at present, briefly trace; shewing how we were brought to the possession of this good land, which the LORD our GOD hath given us. What future scenes we, (or posterity) may have to pass through, GOD only knows. Innumerable, and to us incon­ceivable, were the trials, perils and hardships, which our ancestors endur'd, in first settling of New-England: while briefly recollecting some few of which, I rely upon the candor, and hope for the patience of this auditory; and that the rising generation in special, (who have had but little opportunity to be acquainted with these things) may receive some instruction and improve to the noblest purposes, these wonderful works of the LORD.

OUR forefathers, by sad experience found, they could not peacea­bly [Page 11] enjoy their liberty in their native country. Whereupon they re­solved to remove into the Netherlands. After many hindrances and difficulties, (which through the good hand of GOD upon them they surmounted) they went from England to Holland about the year 1608. Tarried about a year at Amsterdam—then removed to Ley­den; where they lived above eleven years, in great love and harmo­ny, both among themselves and neighbour citizens. ^d But many things were not as they could wish—the LORD's day was not strictly observed by those among whom they sojourned—the manners of the people were too licentious▪ by which together with numbers of their children going to sea, incorporating with that people and the like, they apprehended their posterity to be greatly endanger'd. Upon the view or which, after having by fastings, prayers and ma­ny tears, sought direction from the Father of Lights, they determined for North-America, and arrived at Plymouth, in the year A. D. 1620. Some feeble attempts had been made to settle N. England, but 'till then proved unsuccessful. ^e Though we live at the small remove of but a century and an half from their first coming into this land, yet 'tis impossible for us to relate or fully conceive the difficulties, perils and hardships they went through. They exchanged a pleasant land for a howling wilderness. They left their native country when a valuable part of the nation▪ groaned under deep felt oppressi­on;—which infinite wisdom and goodness over-rul'd, in its conse­quences, for a great blessing to the world, a vast addition to the Bri­tish empire and glory, and a glorious enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom on earth. The curse is turned into a blessing. This is the LORD's doing and marvellous in our eyes.—How affecting must be their parting from many of their nearest friends, dearest relations, and native country, without prospect of seeing those dear friends again 'till at CHRIST's bar. What flowing tears from every eye! What piercing words from every tongue! What distress and anxiety pos­sess'd every heart! So affectionate was their parting that strangers [Page 12] who were only spectators, could not refrain from tears. How dis­couraging the prospect before them! The wide and boistrous atlan­tic (which was then very much unknown) to be pass'd over. This cou'd not fail of being very trying, especially to tender female minds, while they heard the cries and groans, and saw the sighings and tears of friends and children. They were coming to an inhospitable shore, among savage barbarians, whose tender mercies were cruelty. Dan­gers, distress and ten thousand difficulties shared them full in the face. Yet, animated with noble sentiments of liberty, they came hither. Dec. 31, 1620, being LORD'S day, was the first sabbath they kept on shore, and in the house of their building; at which time we may fix the aera of the first settlement of N. England. After the fore­mention'd tryals were passed through, they had immediately to en­counter hunger and cold, with great fear and danger, in the prose­cution of their settlement. The severity of the season, in a rigid climate, without any convenient habitations, where the conveniences of life were all wanting, and necessaries very scarce, was very dis-distressing. The hardships were too great for a great part of them. Within two or three months one half of them who arriv'd at Ply­mouth, were landed in eternity. Considering the fatigues of a tedi­ous voyage, the season when they arriv'd, the scarcity of their provisi­ons, and the like, it is a wonder any survived. Inexpressible were the hardships they endur'd the first winter. ^f Admire GOD'S hand which supported them. What was their support and comfort under all these pressing trials and hardships, but this, that GOD was their cove­nant GOD, and they were deliver'd from prelatical tyranny, and might worship GOD according to the dictates of their own consciences? GOD had indeed made way in his holy and wise providence, for their tak­ing possession of this land, by sending desolating sickness among the natives, which swept them away, as with the besom of destruction. Some say nine tenths of the barbarians were dead. Some places were almost depopulated. What was called the Massachusetts tribe, be­ing reduc'd from thirty thousand to three hundred fighting men; and that the inhabitants of that place to which the first settlers came [Page 13] all died in a few years before the English came and settled there—None remained to claim that place, or hinder their taking possession. ^e This was the LORD's doing.—That there had been multitudes many ages before, upon this continent, none dispute. Our forefa­thers found they had been numerous, and cou'd give no account of their original, having no records among them.

THE mortality among the natives, just before the settlement of N▪England, was chiefly near the place where the first planters settled. ^h GOD laid wonderful restraints upon the heathen, and stop'd the rage of those that surviv'd, to give our fathers a peaceable settlement.— When they were but a few men in number, yea very few and strangers—be suffer'd no man to do them wrong, yea be reproved kings for their sakes, saying, touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm. GOD bro't forth a vine, planted it, made room for it, defended and protected it. Whose is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall under­stand the loving kindness of the Lord! As GOD took care of his peo­ple, so within a few years, GOD sent another mortal disease (the small pox) among the Indians, (in 1533) which destroyed multi­tudes of them. But still there were vast numbers of the Natives. Nor was it long after the English came to Plymouth, before they were alarmed with the news of a general conspiracy formed by the Indi­ans, entirely to extirpate the English; notwithstanding all their pro­fessions of friendship. This distressing alarm was when mortal sick­ness prevailed in the midst of our primogenitors in this land, and when they were almost destitute of the staff of life, not having pro­vision for a fortnight. ^l But GOD sent, as among the Babel-build­ers of old, confusion and disagreement among the savages; which was a means, under God, of their not utterly destroying the first settlements which were generally in a very defenceless state. What a melancholy scene open'd to view, when thousands round them sought their ruin, and famine among them, threaten'd their destruct­ion! but the Lord delivered them. It was but two years after [Page 14] another conspiracy was formed ( viz. in 1635) by the natives in the eastern parts, to destroy all the English. This was discovered, and happily prevented. Cardinal Richlieu, attempted their expulsion the same year, which fill'd them with fearful apprehensions, and ex­cited them to provide in the best manner they could for their safety. ^k These were very severe and threatning trials to an handful of peo­ple, involv'd in almost every trouble; while some of their youth were enfeebled by the hardships they endur'd, and the infirmities of old age were brought upon those who had scar [...]e seen twenty one years.

It is affecting to read, how those who first came to Hartford from Cambridge, about an hundred in company, some of whom had li­ved in splendor and delicacy, under affluent circumstances in Eng­land; set out on foot to travel an hundred and twenty miles or more, with their wives and children, having no pillows but Jacob's, and no canopy but the heavens, a wilderness to go thro' without the least cultivation▪ in most places no path or guide but the compass; many hideous swamps and craggy mountains, unavoidably to pass.& several rivers, in many places unfordable. Add to these their fears and dangers, arising from those that might lie in wait to destroy them. With incredible resolution and fortitude they persevered. This year (1636) some towns on Connecticut river began to be settled. In the beginning of the year ensuing (1637) there was open war with the natives, called the Pequod war. That tribe lived in this colony, ^l and were the most warlike of all the Indians. They had been contriving the destruction of the English, and now murder'd numbers of them in their fields, and when going from place to place, to the great terror of the rest. They attack'd Saybrook fort, ma­king bold attempts in the face of danger. Upon this, the English plantations united their little forces, carried the war into the enemy's country, and, under the smiles of heaven, presently extirpated the tribe that had engaged against them. God, in his providence, so order'd it, that the English came upon and attack'd the enemy in [Page 15] their fort, when the centinal had just gone into one of their dwel­lings, & the rest were in deep sleep. They were wonderfully destroy'd with only three English slain and numbers wounded. Notwithstand­ing victory, the army was distress'd, after having kill'd or taken seven hundred of their enemies. The morning cold—they had no sort of refreshment for their wounded, neither water nor shelter—many In­dians still in the woods, waylaying to destroy them. In the midst of this perplexity, GOD, who gathereth the winds in his fist, caused their vessels to appear, and with much difficulty they got their wounded into them. After another engagement, that tribe was wholly extinguish'd, which struck so much terror into others, that they came and sued for peace ^m and the land had rest for almost forty years, in general, tho' not without some terrible alarms. In 1642, a gone­neral design was form'd by the natives, to extirpate the English. This horrid massacre was to be perpetrated, under the wretched dis­guise of friendship and commerce. But heaven took care that the plot should be discovered by some from among themselves, and the execution prevented; because (as we have abundant reason to be­lieve) God loved our fathers, and chose their seed, to give them this good land, as it is at this day.

INFORMATION was again receiv'd in 1653 that a confederacy of the Indians was solicited for the utter destruction of the English, which filled them with no small consternation. The discovery of which was, probably the means of preventing their execution of that murderous plan.—Is it not astonishing, that in the midst of so many perils, hardships and distresses of every kind, attending the settlement of a new country, at such a vast distance from any friends or civilized people, and among numerous tribes of inhuman barbarions, our fa­thers shou'd be supported and protected? The GOD of Israel wonder­fully defended and increased them—Who could have thought, any wou'd come from a pleasant land, to join them under such gloomy circumstances! Yet, such was the situation of our nation at home, that notwithstanding all these troubles and dangers, many flocked to [Page 16] this then howling wilderness: insomuch that there was a suprizing increase of in habitants, within a few years. Many pious and learn'd ministers, and conscientious people sled to the desarts of America. ⁿ While our venerable ancestors (whose memory I honor while men­tioning of them) had to encounter ten thousand difficulties, in the midst of uncivilized, faithless Indians, they were not destitute of enemies at home as well as in their own bosom. That great enemy to civil and religious liberty arch-bishop Laud, amidst the persecuti­on of good men at home, envied them an asylum, even in the wilds of America—sought their ruin and contriv'd their destruction, ‘by sending enemies, false brethren who secreted themselves; to ob­tain and send home intelligence of every thing that might be im­prov'd, (even in those times and by that administration) to the dis­advantage of the first settlers of New England.’ A recor­der of council was early procur'd, inhibiting the transportation of inhabitants to America, without licence from the commis­sioners. The next day after which, eight ships prepared in the river thames, to go to New-England, were ordered to be stopp'd. This was a means of hindering several great men from coming hither; ^o The supreme governor of all worlds, reserving them at home for more important services there. Some of them, not long after being improved as chief instruments, in producing a notable change at home; while he, viz. A. B. Laud, who was most active in procuring an inhibition of their transportation came to an untimely death, and the face of affairs was vastly changed. Whatever aspersions have, by calumny, been thrown upon the characters of those, who were chief instruments, in producing those changes; yet after the reproaches of more than a century, the world acknowledges their greatness, and our nation is greatly obliged to them for the liberties it now en­joys.—Numbers flocked to America while persecution continued; [Page 17] but when this coased, few came over, and some returned back, who never saw America more.—At the restorationn of King CHARLES the second, persecution reviv'd, and N. England increased. After this, open war again began, in 1675. In each colony, the inhabitants were perplex'd, and in several rencounters the English were over­powered by numbers. Diverse towns were attack'd by the enemy, among which, was Windsor in this colony. This was called Philip's war; because an Indian Prince of that name began and carried it on. He precipitated his own nation and allies into the war, before they were prepared. However the frequent attacks upon different towns, in different colonies threw the brave, distressed inhabitants into vast confusion.—Houses burnt, and numbers of people stain. ^pThis war was exceedindly distressing, and endangered the very being of the colonies: insomuch that their ruin was greatly feared—seeing these depredations, united the colonies in an expedition against the enemy, whose head quarters were in the Narraganset country; where they had fortified themselves with all the art and strength they were capable of. A thousand men attacked them, and i [...] pleased GOD, so to order it, that they fell upon that part of the fort, where was the only passage for entrance. After obstinate resistance they carried it, burning several hundred of the enemies houses, and in them many men, women and children. The loss on our side was considerable, about ninety killed and as many more wounded. The Indians con­fessed they lost 700 fighting men that day, besides 300 more mor­tally wounded: and the old men, women and children which perish­ed by the fire, cold and famine cannot be ascertained—Our whole army was in utmost danger of perishing in their retreat, by reason of cold and hunger. It was extreme cold, in the latter end of Decem­ber; and they carried their dead and wounded, 15 or 16 miles to the place of their rendezvouz. ^q—This signal defeat of the savages, was so far from discouraging them, or disposing them to peace, that on the contrary, it only served to exasperate them, when almost desperate; hunger and cold pushing them on, Philip instigating and [Page 18] the governor of Canada encouraging them. The following year (1676) early in the spring they made several furious attacks, upon diverse towns, some of which were wholly burnt, and others suffer­ed great loss, as to lives or substance.—Fifteen places were attack'd the beginning of this year. ^r All things were in confusion. E­very face gathered paleness. Destruction upon destruction was cried. Wherever they looked, behold the smoke of their burning country ascended as the smoke of a furnace▪ Houses demolished—Plantati­ons deserted—Families destroyed—Some lye dead, mangled with sa­vage wounds; others consumed by outrageous flames—Some capti­vated and others live to lament their butcher'd or captivated friends—The savage shouts and yells of barbarians, and the dying groans of those inhumanly murdered, butcher'd by them, mingled their horrors and circulated through the wilderness. This was a time of fearful expectation—A day of gloominess and thick darkness. No man looked upon his life secure—They were in jeopardy every hour and put on sackcloth. In the midst of these peculiar fears and multiplied distresses; they betook themselves to that ancient, lau­dable duty of fasting and prayer; which however much despised by the libertines of the present day, hath always been the practice of GOD's people in times of imminent danger, and pleasing to heaven. Indeed humiliation and prayer always become apostate creatures: es­pecially, when under the peculiar frowns of heaven. This is recom­mended not only by scripture precepts and examples, but also by the general practise of all nations and ages, as being a dictate of na­tural reason, or at least, approving itself thereto, so that the least inti­mations enforce it.

WELL might our predecessors be very frequent and serious in their attendance hereupon, when terror spread through every colony. Ne­ver did a more threatning cloud overspread New-England. This [Page 19] year ‘the enemies affairs were at the highest flow and those of the English at the lowest ebb.’ In this critical juncture of affairs, the priests, the ministers of the Lord, wept between the porch and the altar, saying, spare thy people O LORD, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen shou'd rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people where is their GOD? If the heathen which environ us round, should cut off our name from the earth; what wilt then do for thy great name? Presently after, a sudden change took place, GOD was jea­lous for his land, and pitied his people; in the mid'st of judgment, he re­membered mercy. The LORD of hosts heard and delivered his chosen. Animated with a truly martial spirit, our troops proved victorious and pursued their enemies to their lurking places. The enemy were distress'd and dishearten'd; multitudes slain and many captivated. After which many, upon promise of mercy, surrender'd themselves. And not long after, Philip, their leader, was killed by one of his men, that had deserted from him.—Upon which, various tribes beg­ged for peace and the power of the enemy was very much broken, so as never again to recover. So that within the space of two years, that bloody and distressing war which threaten'd the entire destructi­on of the English, in New England, was brought to an happy issue. In this war, fortresses were demolished, bloody battles fought, and numbers slain; which though small compar'd with many other wars, in populous countries; ye these were the struggles of an infant state; who were few in number: from before whom, GOD drave out nations, greater and mightier than they were.

DURING this bloody war, accounts were transmitted home, yet no assistance was receiv'd. Neither ships, men or money were sent to them, under the intollerable burthen of all those calami­ties. Yea, the ears of the [...] Prince were shut against their cries and his heart unmoved at all their distresses: but the malevolent accusa­tions of our venerable prede [...]essors enemies, readily found access to their King. There was an infraction upon some of the charters and others were attack'd. How affecting was the condition of our fathers, when engaged in an exceeding bloody, calamitous war, defending themselves, in a dismal winderness, and threaten'd with the loss of [Page 20] those privileges which were dearer to them than life, and for which they left their native country! Instead of the pity of their Prince, behold their privileges and charters are sought for—those charters which encouraged them to settle in this country, in expectation of greater civil and religious liberty, than many—of their fellow-sub­jects, at that day enjoyed.

A GOVERNOR was sent to Boston, supposed to be a bigotted papist. He made high professions of regard to the public good & the welfare of the people; but it is observed, that Nero, who was cruel to a proverb, ‘conceal'd his tyrannical disposition more years than this man did months.’ In time of war, so far as his power extended, he cruelly forbid and hindred the people from garrisoning their hou­ses, by which means many lives were lost. Governmental affairs were transacted by himself, with a low of his creatures. He threat­en'd the people with the deprivation of their civil and religious privi­leges. Personal property, in the hands of such an one became very precarious, and many things were so conducted, that posterity will be shocked with the account. The people had no where to cry, but to the sovereign King of Kings, whose dominion is over all.—He graciously heard their cries and introduced a glorious revolution, which dethroned King JAMES, and enthroned a protestant King and Queen; and thereby in some measures relieved New-England, which had been involved in frequent and very expensive wars and groaned under the weight of an heavy debt. Our predecessors were inspired with a noble thirst for liberty. This reigns in every noble breast, and was illustriously manifested by the first planters of New-England.—They bore the iron rod of despotic power with reluc­tance; and were ready to improve the first opportunity to east off the yoke. The first hints of the revolution animated them—At Boston they seized the man that had oppress'd them—Though fati­gued, yet not dishearten'd they sent an army, and reduc'd Port Royal; which was seven years after given up at the treaty of Ryswick. The same year (1690) the reduction of Canada was attempted. From the year, 1687, there had been war with the eastern savages. Many lives and much treasure was lost in this undertaking, against Canada [Page 21] nor were the [...] [...]le to perform their enterprize. A series of disap­pointments at [...]ed the expedition, and a thousand brave men are said to have lost their lives therein; the sins of those Canaanites not being yet full. That war continued for several years, to the great distress of the first planters, and in its consequences proved pernici­ous to posterity. ^s In 1697, a large fleet was equip'd from France, to take N. England—at the news of which, amazement seiz'd the inhabitants. An invasion was every day, for several weeks toge­ther expected. The people put themselves in the best posture of defence they could. But heaven, not earth, disappointed and frus­trated our enemies. ^t GOD determined to give us this land as it is at this day. After long wars, peace was restored to the land in 1698. But of how short continuance! Q. Anne's war with France began 1703, which involv'd N. England in another long, bloody and ex­pensive war. Deerfield was taken in 1703-4, by three hundred French and Indians, on the 29th of February. About forty persons were kill'd, and about an hundred carried into captivity, among whom was the Rev. Mr. Williams, their minister, with his wife and five children, leaving two of his children dead, and his house in flames. You may read the tragical account, in the short but affecting history which he himself wrote concerning it. Several other places were attacked the same year, and almost ruined. The country was kept in a perpetual alarm. Applicable to them was that of the apostle, 2 Cor. iv. 7, 8. We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are peplexed, but not in dispair; persecuted, but not forsaken; cost down, but not destroyed. Who can conceive the distress of a people continually alarm'd, and every where exposed to the ravages of cruel barbari­ans, who exercised themselves in the infernal art of torture. In 1706, there was intelligence of a threaten'd invasion from Canada. Probably they divided their forces; for many places were beset a­bout one and the same time. An unsuccessful expedition against Port-Royal was undertaken in 1707—The year ensuing advice was [Page 22] again receiv'd that the Canadians would attempt the reduction of N. England. The design'd invasion was prevented, by the interpositi­on of divine providence, and their plan wonderfully disconcerted. This year the enemy killed the Rev. Mr▪ Rolf, of Haverhill, and about forty persons, laying great part of the place in ashes, and captivating several. Notwithstanding the continual fears, and vari­ous distresses of the people, yet upon information from home that another invasion upon Canada was designed, they chearfully raised, and for several months kept in pay, a number of troops to join those forces; till, to their inexpressible sorrow, they heard the design'd ex­pedition was laid aside. Mean while the Indians kept continually harrassing their frontiers, and attack'd Deerfield just after the Inha­bitants had return'd from captivity.

In 1710, being assisted by ships from home, they reduc'd Port-Royal again. The next year, fifteen sail of men of war, forty transports, and seven thousand troops, sail from Boston (July 30, 1711) to invade Canada; but were miserably disappointed. Eight or nine of their ships were dash'd to pieces on the rocks, in the ri­ver St. Lawrence, and a thousand men drowned. ^u This loss and disappointment were exceedingly discouraging to many, who gave over all thoughts of ever obtaining the conquest of Canada. Re­peated disappointments and blasted attempts were apprehended, to be plain indications, that heaven did not design, North-America shou'd be subject to one crowned head.—To add to the misfortunes of this year, considerable part of the town of Boston was burnt. Fresh attacks were made by the Indians the beginning of the following year (in 1712.) Those savages mute frequent incursions, killing and captivating numbers, till peace between the two contending powers in Europe took place; which was succeeded with a treaty of peace which the natives entered into, professing themselves the faithful subjects of the crown of Great-Britain, in 1713. For almost forty years there had been a scene of war and blood shed, with very small intermissions. Five or six thousand of the bravest youth, and most valient warriors in New-England sell sacrifices to the heathen's rage, [Page 23] during those wars. Peace was then enjoyed for ten years. In 1723, the savages began once more to harass our frontiers—they sell upon various towns, and kill'd the Rev. Mr. Willard of Rutland. This war lasted about two years; when the English destroyed the Indian settlements at Norridgwalk, with a great part of that tribe. This brought them to terms of peace, which was ratified in 1725. In this war Capt. Lovel was ambush'd by the enemy, and slain, with several of his brave men. From 1725 the land had peace for nine­teen years; when war being proclaim'd between England and France (in 1744) we were called again to war. Many among us not only remember, but some of these were personally in those rencounters. Several towns were sacked and burnt, with a scene of bloodshed. Men, women and children tortur'd and butcher'd in the most tragi­cal manner. Again "were heard the most bitter groans of the tortur'd, dying father! the shrill schreeches of the tender and distressed mother! with the piercing accents of the dying babe, on whom they exercised the infernal art of torture. The enemy at­tempted the reduction of Annapolis-Royal repeatedly (in 1745) but were disappointed.

GOD in his providence roused the martial spirit in New-England. An expedition against a strong fortress on the island of Cape-Breton was plann'd and prosecuted with inimitable ardor. A series of asto­nishing events and almost miraculous interpositions of heaven facili­tated the conquest of that important place. GOD, not only made the stars in their courses fight for us, by ordering the season favourable to our army, encampments and entrenchments, beyond what was ever known at that place before: but also by overruling the affairs in such a manner that even the very balls from the enemies cannon were of no small service to our army. Almost as soon as they fell, they were return'd with advantage: timely supplies arrived to our army, either by transports or prizes. GOD causing that our enemies shou'd help supply our forces by sea and land, though contrary to their design. ^w The time would sail to give a particular account of the rema [...]able providences, attending that expedition: the secrecy [Page 24] with which it was carried on—the extraordinary spirit of prayer poured forth on the inhabitants of this land—how our army was pro­tected from the power of their enemies and the perils of waters—landed—sought—prevail'd—when the navy and army had just agreed on a general and desperate assault by sea and land; which would doubtless have been exceeding bloody and its consequence was very precarious. At that critical moment GOD influenc'd them to a qui­et surrendering of that important fortress. When the strength of the place was known (which was not till after the surrender) and the fortifications viewed, amazement seized those, who were hitherto strangers to fear. Immediately upon their entering the city, (June 17, 1745) the clouds gathered blackness and poured down rains incessantly for ten days together.—This clos'd the scenes of wonder. The conquest of this place was very important in its consequences and purchas'd the peace of Europe. "Cape-Breton was the single equivalent for all the conquest of France in the Netherlands."—Though its reduction cost but a few lives, yet many hundreds died, engarisoned there—Notwithstanding the unsuccessfulness of for­mer attempts upon Canada, the reduction of that country was plann'd again by the ministry at home. Upon the first intimations of the royal pleasure, the colonies chearfully engag'd, and in the number of their troops exceeded the royal requisition, ^x with impatience they waited, the arrival of troops from Europe, 'till they heard the design was laid aside. So much were the hearts of the inhabitants of this land, upon the conquest of Canada; whose inhabitants had e­ver been to us, as the Canaanites were to GOD's Israel of old, pricks in their eyes and thorns in their sides, vexing them continually.—The French and Indians insidiously attack'd our people at Minas, killing and wounding in one night an hundred and sixty.—Instead of a sleet from home to assist and defend us, we were alarm'd with the news of a powerful sleet and army from France, with orders to destroy all our maritime towns. The sleet consisted of 70 sail, 14 of which were capital ships, and 20 smaller men of war: the rest fireships, bombs, tenders and transports for eight thousand troops. ^a England was not [Page 25] more alarm'd with the Spanish armada in 1588, than New-England was at the arrival of this fleet in their neighbourhood. The firmest mind bends at sudden news of imminent danger. Every measure of defence was taken, that lay in our power. Heaven interposed for and delivered New-England—Instead of a British fleet to protect us, GOD was our defence. He who has all nature at his command, who kills and makes alive, sent mortal sickness among the enemy; di­minishing their numbers, in such a wonderful manner, that they were obliged to burn several of their ships for want of men to navi­gate them.—Their General died on a sudden; or as some say, laid violent hands on himself. Some of their ships were lost in a violent storm; others taken in their return. In this armament, near half the navy of France, was in a great measure destroyed. We, as Israel of old, stood still and saw the salvation of GOD. He saw that there was no man to help—his own arm brought salvation. Peace was not settled with the eastern. Indians 'til 1749.—New-England flourished sur­prizingly, during the peace between the two last wars, extending their settlements further into the wilderness; which now blossoms like a rose. But how soon were we call'd again to arms▪ France had long before laid the plan to overcome North-America—surrounded us with fortresses well man'd—filled their colonies with regular troops, to carry into execution the scheme formed at Versailles. Upon their making encroachments, imprisoning British subjects and the like, war really begun in 1755, though not declared 'till the year follow­ing. The memory of this is still fresh in your minds, and a consi­derable part of this congregation were in some or other of those ex­peditions. ‘The armies led forth to war were much greater; the battles fought were more important; the sieges laid, more diffi­cult; the defeats experienc'd more terrible; the victories obtain­ed more glorious, and the consequences thereof far more interest­ing than America had ever known before.’ This was now become the seat of the war, and our public affairs received peculiar impor­tance. Not only we and those nations, with which Americans stood particularly connected, but all Europe listened to our fate. The [Page 26] last war proved unsuccessful—General Braddock was defeated and slain; considerable part of the troops under his command.—An army consisting of French and Indians, under the command of general. Dieskau, engaged the provincial troops near Lake George; and tho' they killed numbers of a large scout they me [...], and pursued the rest to their camp; yet there they were defeated and their General ta­ken, The same year the French inhabitants were removed from Nova-Scotia.—Oswego was taken by the enemy (in 1756) Here by we were cut off from all our communication with the great lakes. This open'd the frontiers of America to the ravages of the enemy. Very little was this year effected by out troops. GOD was pleased greatly to humble us before our enemies in 1757. Destruction upon destruction was cried through the land. Our hopes were disappointed and most fearful apprehensions raised. The GOD of armies seem'd to be against us. An army under General Montcalm, demolished Fort William-Henry: with many circumstances of cruelty and hor­ror attending their success. Many of our fellow-subjects were bar­barously murder'd contrary to the laws of nature and nations. The success of the enemy alarm'd the continent. We feared the worst, ‘that the enemy wou'd improve their victory to bring fire and sword into the interior parts of the country.’ Every face gather­ed paleness, and the hearts of many melted for fear.—The best judg­es looked on our circumstances very distressing. It was surely a day of gloominess and thick darkness. Every thing run counter to our wish­es, and heathens triumph'd: who among us dont remember the warmwood and the gall! What a surprize and consternation was this congregation put into, in time of public worship, when an herald made sad proclamation at the door? Mean while, the fleet and army destin'd for the reduction of Louisburg made a brilliant appearance but at an observable distance from the enemy. The progress of the enemy this year, the inactivity of our armies and danger of the colo­nies, alarm'd the nations fear—greater numbers of troops and strong­er naval forces were sent over to prosecute the war.

THE year, 1758 was interchecquer'd with a diversity of fortune [Page 27] prosperous and adverse. Louisbourg was invested and taken. The colonies exerted themselves beyond their strength. Near one fourth part of the militia in this colony went volunteers this year, into the army: which was repuls'd at Ticonderoga, with the loss of about 2000 of the flower of the British troops kill'd, wounded or missing. How affecting was the spectacle when numbers of you, my dear friends, saw garments to I'd in human blood, and heard the dying groans of those mortally wounded!—After this repulse, Fronte­nac, the enemies magazine, to supply their western forts and savages to butcher our frontier-inhabitants, was taken. Their garrison on the Ohio, was not long after deserted, and our frontiers had general rest.—Our military enterprizes were attended with glorious success in 1759. Niagara was invested and taken: Oswego saved from a pow­erful attack made upon it. Those forces that went to raise the siege of Niagara, were vanquish'd. This it is said was when our army had just expended their ammunition, and must have raised their siege, had'nt the enemy come, who instead of accomplishing their design, actually did quite the reverse by supplying our army. At Ticonde­roga but little resistance was made—Crown-Point was deserted—up­on one of the Lakes, Carillon, a place of great strength and impor­tance was reduc'd, just before the abandoning of Crown-Point, which had so long been the scourge and terror of N. England; a resource for murderers.—St. Francois was destroyed, whose inhabi­tants had been monsters of barbarity, delighting in blood, and the LORD gave them blood to drink. To close the military ope­rations of this year, the LORD of hosts through a field of blood brought our army into the strong city of Quebec, our enemies capital in this country, "a glorious, but costly victory!" Glorious as it was obtain'd by unequal numbers, with a firmness and resolution scarcely to be equalled. Costly as it cost the life of the renowned Ge­neral WOLFE. Let us drop a tear over the renowned warrior, who died in the bloom of life, at the head of his troops, command­ing, as with angelic wisdom and nobler ardor, forgetting that he was mortal. O glorious instrument of GOD for our deliverance. Let [Page 28] him live in all succeeding annals and shine in a full blaze of glory with a monument erected over his grave, more durable than statues of brass and marble. On the plains of Abraham a bloody and de­cisive battle was fought—both the generals slain and the power of the French broken. The year ensuing ( viz. 1760) brings us that glorious aera, which our fathers ardently desired to see. Early this year the enemy made some small attempts to save their country, but all to no purpose. GOD made inquisition for blood in Canada, and would no longer suffer them to distress us. He, who led Israel thro the red sea, on dry ground, and caused the waters of old Jordan to roll backward, bringing Israel from Egypt to Canaan by slow but sure steps; He, through the watry avenues, led our armies into the enemy's country; while fear and dread fell upon them and their whole country was surrendered to the crown of Great-Britain. Thus Canada was conquer'd. Tribes and nations much greater than our fathers, have been driven out from before them and us to bring it to pass as it is this day, when we consider the many bloody wars they were obliged to engage in—the wants and distresses that surrounded them in their very infancy—the combined force of French and In­dians, urged on by Popish legends and indulgencies: through what scenes of cruelty and bloodshed hath the LORD of hosts done these great things for us? We have heard with our ears, O GOD, our fathers have told us, what work thou did'st in their days, in the times of old: how thou did'st drive out the heathen.—They got not the land in possession by their own strength—but their how abode in strength and their arms were strengthened by the mighty GOD of Jacob. The LORD hath done great things for us whereof we are glad. The British empire is unrival'd in North-America—Those places now rejoyce in peace and safety, where merciless savages, in countless multitudes, have exercised their cruelty. None now make us afraid.—Not a great many years past, one was killed and another taken by the Indians in this town, but the LORD has delivered us. ^b The colonies now increase amazingly fast— [Page 29] Spread far and wide—Solitary places sing for joy—Yet we may not expect perfect felicity here.—Since the war, some particular acts at home have greatly disturbed the plantations. The Stamp-Act, which affected our liberty, and was soon repealed by those who made it.—Another parliamentary-act for raising a revenue in America, is gene­rally esteemed unconstitutional, and not to wear a friendly aspect to our liberty—The total repeal of this is devoutly to be wish'd for. GOD hath always owned the cause of liberty in North-America, and will continue to own it unless we sin away our privile­ges. These acts of Parliament have caused almost an universal un­easiness in the colonies.—While seeking redress in a constitutional way, let our fervent prayers ascend continually, that the throne may be established in righteousness.—Let us practise frugality and indus­try—avoid dissipation and prodigality—leading quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.

THUS we have taken a very brief and general view of the difficul­ties and distresses which our fathers and the present generation, were necessarily obliged to engage in. What multitudes of heroic and loyal Americans have sacrificed their lives for their country, and in obedience to royal mandates: many of whose bones are to this day whitening in the sun. Their memory should be embalm'd to the latest posterity. At their own expence, the first planters undertook, supported and defended themselves. For more than 120 years they received (as far as I can learn) not the least parliamentary aids. In­stead of those, met with many discouragements from home, within that time, to damp the spirits of an infant plantation. Their help was in the name of the Lord. Had not the Lord been on their side, how often would their enemies have swallow'd them up, when their wrath was kindled against them. Blessed be the Lord, who hath not given us a prey to our enemies. We proceed briefly to consider,

III. OUR pecular obligations to know this day and consider that the LORD he is GOD over all—and to keep his statutes and command­ments, that it may go well with us and our children, in the land which the LORD our GOD hath given us.

[Page 30] THE infinitely glorious GOD is infinitely worthy of our supreme regard. GOD'S glory is the noblest end we can propose; and God is glorified by us when we sincerely keep his statutes: therefore as reasonable creatures, we are bound to this.—By the law of creation, GOD has a right to require this of us. As we received our all from GOD, so, we owe our all to GOD. All things are from GOD and shou'd be to him.—GOD is our continual preserver—in him we live—therefore shou'd know and serve him. It is a reasonable as well as commanded duty, that he who made and upholds us shou'd be glorified by us.—Mankind are also land under peculiar obliga­tions of conformity to GOD and devotedness to his service, by the glorious provision heaven made for man's salvation after his apostacy from GOD—Here we might contemplate the unparallel'd wonders of redeeming love and grace—an incarnate GOD— how we were bought with the price of CHRIST'S blood, and are not our own: therefore we shou'd glorify GOD, in our bodies and spirits which are the LORD'S. The obligations thence arising are not peculiar to us, but common to all, who have heard of a Saviour. Therefore without enlargement here, we pass on to some more particular considerations.

1. GOD hath done wonderful things for us and our fathers. Sur­vey GOD'S marvellous works of wonder to New-England—the deli­verances he has granted—the supports he has afforded—the designs of their enemies disappointed—and was ever people, by a series of remarkable providences, laid under stroger obligations to know, fear and serve the living GOD? For many years, with very snort intermis­sions, they were involv'd in bloody and distressing wars, when they were, as yet, but few in number. Those tragical scenes were acted over and over, with such shocking instances of savage cruelty, that the mentioning of them is enough to chill the blood in every vein. How many of our ancestors, who came into America, as an asylum for liberty, have fallen sacrifices to Pagan cruelty! How many little ones have had their brains dashed our against the stones! Neverthe­less our progenitors, through the good hand of GOD upon them, no­bly surmounted all those pressing difficulties they had to encounter, [Page 31] and to which they appeared to be so unequal. GOD made way for them, by an awful mortality among the natives. Yet, multitudes all around survived: nor did GOD suddenly cut them off. Their destruction was slow and gradual, but sure. Every war they waged, every horrid conspiracy they form'd, hasten'd their own destruction. In instances numberless divine providence protected. GOD'S people, watched over, interposed for and marvellously deliver'd them—N. England may say the LORD GOD omnipotent reigneth, and we have peculiar reason to rejoyce thereat.—While we tell these things to our children, as in duty bound, let cordial gratitude ascend to the father of mercies, from an alter composed of the warmest and most affecti­onate hearts. While we are recollecting these things, can we help feeling peculiar obligations to love and serve the LORD, in truth and with all our heart, and to know that he is GOD?

2. WE are under peculiar obligations to know and se [...]ve the LORD, as we live in a land of liberty, civil and religious. Liberty, fair offspring of heaven, engages some of the most ardent desires of generous and noble souls. They bear the yoke of bondage with re­luctance, and cast it from them as soon as opportunity presents. An ardent thirst for liberty inspir'd our fathers, who sled into the wilds of America to find an asylum from those usurpations over the consci­ences of men, which then prevailed. Hopes of enjoying the sweets of liberty, animated them to leave their pleasant seats and fertile fields; to pass the atlantic, to these then barbarous shores. Through innumerable perils and hardships they have transmitted to us this ines­timable blessing, which we at present enjoy in the fullest manner.—what more can be wished for on civil or religious accounts. In mat­ters of religion, every one may judge for himself and worship GOD in that way, which he verily thinks his final Judge will approve.—The people may chuse their own ministers and methods for his sup­port, none may controul them.—As to civil affairs, our civil rulers are chosen by us. Every town is a corporation, yea, every family is a little kingdom. What more can be desir'd or conceiv'd of? These blessings indulg'd, demand suitable returns of gratitude and obedi­ence [Page 32] to the GOD of our mercies. Peculiar blessings lay us under peculiar obligations.

3. WE are put under peculiar advantages to know GOD and that he is over all: therefore shou'd keep his statutes.—We may not only read this important truth in those large volumes of nature and providence; from the works of creation, and the common and extra­ordinary occurrences, of which we are spectators; but we have also the sacred oracles to reach us. Therein God hath caused all his good­ness to pass before us. What heathens grope in the dark concerning and cannot unfold, but are fill'd with perplexing doubts respecting, is clearly reveal'd in the bible. All that such beings as we are capa­ble of knowing of GOD, is therein disclos'd; even his communicable glory—and of man—his origin, fall, recovery, &c. In the scriptures, GOD hath fully shewn that he is supreme governor in the natural and moral worlds. We have all conceivable advantages to know that the LORD he is GOD alone.—The end of knowledge is practice—consequently advantages to know, lay us under obligations to per­form.

4. WE have GOD'S statutes and judgments: therefore must heark­en and obey. Heathens are inexcusable for sinning against the light of nature: not having the written law, they are a law to themselves. But how much more inexcusable are we, if, after having GOD'S law, sta­tutes and judgments supernaturally reveal'd and publish'd from hea­ven, we rebel against GOD? It will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha at the day of judgment than for us, if we sin against such distinguishing light, love and grace.

5. WE have GOD'S worship and ordinances among us, and thereby are under superadded obligations to know GOD and live to him. These are the ordinary and special means of grace heaven hath appointed for the salvation of fallen creatures. The love of CHRIST should constrain us.

6. WE profess and acknowledge ourselves to be GOD'S people, and enjoy all the privileges of such. Therefore, are bound to fear and serve the LORD. So Israel of old were distinguished; though [Page 33] not under the advantages we enjoy; yet of them GOD said, if ye for­sake my law, disregard my word and ordinances, I will sell you into the bands of the heathens round about you and will punish all your iniquities; for you only have I known of all the families of the earth. Their punish­ment was to be greater than others, for they were GOD'S professing people, standing in a visible covenant relation to the LORD—are we less so? Covenant vows and engagements are upon us. GOD'S com­mands and our own vows are too solemn and important to be trifled with. When the vows of GOD are upon you, dare you transgress? Is not the obligation too sacred to be violated? Will any plead, to extenuate their guilt, that they have not publicly and explicitly en­tered into covenant with GOD? Were you not devoted to GOD, by baptism in early life? Have you not been instructed, counsel'd, warn­ed and admonished, as being a child of the covenant, being followed with line upon line precept upon precept?—Was you never in wracking distress or imminent danger? Under those circumstances, did'nt you cry to GOD, mingling vows with your tears, that if GOD would deliver you, the residue of your days shou'd be devoted to his ser­vice? The LORD heard and delivered you; whereby he hath bound down your vows upon you. Wherefore your guilt in the violation of them, remains before GOD. How will you answer it to God a­nother day, if you violate these solemn obligations you are under to consecrate your time, talents and all to GOD? GOD has laid his people under still stronger obligations to keep his statutes and com­mandments by promising glorious rewards to those that love and serve him; and by threatning eternal woe and misery to the ungod­ly. All the joys of heaven are set before us, to animate us to our duty; and all the horrors of everlasting burnings, to deter us from iniquity.—GOD may say to us, what more could have been done, that I have not done for you?—Once more, as we may, in subor­dination to GOD'S glory, have respect to our own and our childrens comfort here and hereafter; so this is mentioned in our text as an inducement and obligation to serve the LORD— that it may go well [Page 34] with thee and with thy children—in the land which the LORD thy GOD giveth thee, forever. That we may enjoy the smiles of divine pro­vidence in this world, and be late received to eternal rest. Yea, and that it may go well with our children after us—That when we shall be laid in our graves, having nothing more to do with things te­restrial, but shall be immutably fixed in eternity: then our posterity may dwell in this land, surrounded with the blessings of heaven—and that we and they may finally meet together in the kingdom of heaven.—These things may show us some of our peculiar obliga­tions to be the LORD'S.

IV. TO ENUMERATE some of those sins, which will (if indulged) provoke GOD to destroy those who have been distinguish'd as the fa­vourites of heaven. In general, we may observe, contempt of GOD and religion, tempting CHRIST and despising gospel grace, are things which GOD abhors and the procuring causes of divine judgments.—Especially if these prevail, may be expected to be so to New-Eng­land; whose fathers came hither to escape those sins, or rather to escape persecution for the contrary virtues.

1. INDIFFERENCY about religion, must be peculiarly provoking to GOD; when this temper prevails among the inhabitants of this land, for whom GOD hath. done such wonderful things.—What shou'd be most is by many least cared for. As religion includes acquaintance with GOD & conformity to him, it is matter of the last importance and concern to mankind. Yet how much is it disregard­ed—the gospel despised, and how few seek first the kingdom of GOD and the righteousness thereof! Most inexcusably guilty are those dis­tinguish'd in point of privilege, if they despise.

2. PROFANATION of GOD'S holy sabbath, is another sin, which will provoke GOD to destroy those who have been distinguish'd as the favourites of heaven. GOD hath set apart and sanctified one seventh part of time for himself, On this day we may not speak [Page 35] our own words, think our own thoughts, nor find our own pleasures.—Where no conscientious regard is paid to the sabbath, there can be no true religion. Reason and experience teach us that the religious observation of the LORD's day, with a serious attendance upon the word, sacraments and prayer, must have a powerful influence on the lives of christians. Religion flourishes or declines among a peo­ple, as the sabbath is regarded or profaned.—GOD is provoked, when his sabbath's are profaned and public worship neglected. Of old, the indignation of the Almighty was determin'd against those who trampled under foot the sacred law of the sabbath. Six days are allowed us for our employments; what sacrilege to rob GOD of the seventh!

SOME of our ancestors sell under the tokens of royal displeasure because they wou'd not read the book of sports and games, on the LORD's day, for persons to go to gaming and diversions after pub­lic worship; which was the edict of K. CHARLES the first, who is kept so much in remembrance—But for us to pretend such sports are right, would be to rise up in opposition to the good and whole­some laws of our land and nation; yea more—the laws of GOD, the supreme King.—No diversions, worldly discourses, trifling visits, reading romances or the like may be allowed of upon GOD's holy day.

3. SERIOUS and devout attendance on the ordinances of the gospel is requir'd; and when these are either neglected or prostituted, the great institutor is highly provoked. By many, these ordinances are totally neglected,—This is become too fashionable. Doth not dis­regard to divine ordinances, argue disregard to CHRIST, and too great indifferency about the salvation of our souls? If this be owing to the careless, irreligious lives of the professors of christianity, sure­ly they are doubly guilty. But who dare entertain a low esteem of those ordinances CHRIST appointed as with his dying breath. A general omission argues, at least, coldness in religion and prevail­ing [Page 36] infidelity of heart. By a solemn profession, 'tis true, persons lay themselves under the necessity of a circumspect life, or dishonour themselves by having their practice give the lye to their profession. Let all in their respective places seriously consider these things and exert themselves to the utmost of their power, to wipe away the re­proach cast upon the glorious REDEEMER and his ordinances. Let the baptized seriously consider their obligations—and let all that love the LORD JESUS, cry mightily unto GOD, that he would be graciously pleased to pour out his spirit plentifully and cause multi­tudes to fly to CHRIST and attend his ordinances, the neglect of which must be provoking to the Almighty.

4. AWFUL neglect of church discipline, is another thing displeas­ing to heaven. CHRIST appointed church discipline for the good of mankind. When scandalous persons are not disciplin'd, but there are ways to escape gospel censure, by some means or other; this is a threatening symptom. When baptized persons are not con­sidered as under the obligations of the covenant, nor educated and disciplined as children of the covenant.—To have the rising gene­ration grow up in profligacy and dissoluteness of manners, without religious principles impressed upon their consciences, is one of the most ill-boding prognostics.

5. PROFANENESS—customary and habitual swearing are sins of a crimson dye, and will not fail to incense the DEITY. The prophet Jeremiah declared in the name of the LORD, that, because of swearing the land mourned. When our fathers came into this country, a man who had lived here for seven years, on his return to Old England, declared that during this space, he never heard a profane oath, nor saw a man drunk. How are the times changed! the late war ser­ved greatly to corrupt the morals of many youth, and spread pro­faneness through this continent. This sin provokes GOD, without pleasing one of the senses. It is a tasteless, fruitless sin—an horrid [Page 37] perversion of the use of speech, which is a sort of miracle in nature. Are youth suitably watch'd counsel'd, admonish'd, and when guilty punished? If our air be tainted with the language of hell, no won­der if we feel the judgments of heaven. By some in our land, is not the tremendous name of Almighty GOD toss'd, wantonly and blasphemously toss'd upon their impious tongues? The LORD will not hold them guiltless.

6. INTEMPERANCE is another sin provoking to GOD, and very pernicious to mankind. It is such an enemy to all that is virtuous, decent or religious that all mankind shou'd rise up with utmost in­dignation against it. This exposes to every other sin—brings a train of calamities—destroys the constitution here, and the soul fore­ver—drives away GOD'S holy spirit—unfits for religious exercises—wastes the estate—benumbs the senses—stupifies conscience—disho­nours GOD, and will procure an inundation of divine wrath. When persons act as though they would drink up Jordon at a draught, and all the spiritous liquors in the western isles, cannot slake their thirst; yea, and are ready to bless themselves in their hearts, saying, we shall have peace though we walk in the imagination of our heart, adding drunkenness to thirst, then their destruction is nigh and un­avoidable—For reasonable man, who is a candidate for heaven, to part with his reason, his conscience, his GOD and heaven, for a few sensual draughts, which only tend to his shame and misery here, as well as torment hereafter, is a most desperate pitch of fully and madness,—Yea, for those who swim in rivers of GOD'S goodness, thus to abuse the bounties of heaven, in some respects, exceeds the sins of devils. Such an horrid abuse of the blessings of heaven, throwing them as in the face of the donor, the damn'd have no op­portunity for.—When once the appetite has got the ascendecy of a person, he is in a fearfully dangerous state: and finding this to be the case, ought immediately to mortify his appetite, by an utter renun­ciation of all such intoxicating spirits, as he would hope for heaven.

[Page 38] O my friends these vices call for the united force and opposition of ministers and magistrates, housholders, informing officers and all that wish the prosperity of mankind. Arise and excert yourselves to avert impending ruin. For by reason of these things, where they abound without controul the righteous judgments of GOD come up­on a land, 'til it be made a reproach and a desolation.

AGAIN, neglect of family prayer is another GOD provoking abo­mination. If there be one prayerless family belonging to this con­gregation; remember, GOD in his word, ranks those with heathen, upon whom he will pour forth his fury.—This shall be the portion of all those who neglect a duty so important.—Here I might mention the sins of lying, slandering, backbiting, neglect of family govern­ment, and education of children—Idleness, uncleanness, murmur­ing, covetousness, envy, self-seeking, malice, contention, uncharita­bleness, revellings, chambering and wantonness, with too many other sins to be particularly mentioned, each of which singly, is sufficient and all of them collectively considered, will not fail (if indulged) to pull down the judgments of heaven upon an highly privileged people.

FINALLY, when stupid security and amazing insensibility possess the minds of men, who are under most peculiar obligations to be the LORD's—When they are not awaken'd to righteousness and true holiness by awful rebukes, signal mercies and the precious means of grace, they stand, upon scripture record, mark'd out for judgment, according to their respective sins. Wo to them that are at ease in Zion, who live secure in sin, boasting of their privileges and cove­nant relation to GOD. crying the temple of the LORD. The LORD will come suddenly and unexpectedly upon those who have a name to live and are dead. If Laodicean lukewarmness take place, and mankind are easy without the life and power of godliness; they are so offen­sive to the LORD JESUS that he will spue them out of his mouth. If [Page 39] the profligate and abandoned bless themselves in their heart, saying they shall have peace though they live in their sins; there ruin is near. He that being often reproved hardneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed and that without remedy.—Must it not be peculiarly provoking to GOD, to see his people remiss and careless under his solemn and remarka­ble goings? If ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send & curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings.—Notwithstanding the various blessings of hea­ven indulged us, and a series of remarkable providences by which GOD hath brought it to pass as it is this day.—Yet, ‘we, in this Colony, have reason to be seriously affected with the testimonies of divine providence, in the past year, against our sins and ingra­titude. Particularly in removing by death, our very worthy and honourable governor PITKIN. He is no more.’ Having served his generation, according to the will of GOD, he fell asleep.—His pious counsels and example cease.—May we always have those to rule over us, who fear GOD, and are fast friends to the civil and religious in­terests of the people.

‘DIVINE displeasure is also testified against us, in disappointing our hopes of relief from the burthens laid upon us, and the threat­ning prospect of the continuance of our distresses. As [...]n is the procuring cause of all our calamities, it greatly concerns us to in­quire after and lament the evils we are guilty of, from a regard to the glory of the divine Majesty; our dependance on and obli­gations to GOD and the danger of offending him.’ These things are beautifully express'd in the charmingly serious and peculiarly animated proclamation, for the religious observance of this day, by solemn fasting and prayer.—GOD is loudly admonishing of us, by his word, ordinances and various, alarming, effecting providences, and expostulating with us, saying turn ye, for why will ye die? If capital vices are indulged and a people remain stupidly secure, under those advantages, motives and obligations to holiness; Almighty [Page 40] GOD is awfully incensed and his right hand ready to take hold on vengeance. The most dreadful destruction from the LORD is pro-claimed against them, in his word, Hear and fear.— Ah sinful peo­ple laden with iniquity! shall I not visit for these things, saith the LORD? shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this? Is not de­struction to the wicked and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, faith the Almighty. And upon the wicked GOD shall rain snares, fire and brimstone and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup—Now therefore ‘consi­der this, ye that forget GOD, lest he tear you in pieces and there be none [...]o deliver you.’ For because of these things cometh the wrath of GOD upon the children of disobedience.— wherefore awake O sleeper▪ what meanest thou? Arise, cry mightily unto GOD, if so be GOD will think upon us that we perish not.

AMEN AND AMEN.