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AN ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE LATE COMET OR BLAZING STAR, As it appeared in New-England in the 9th, 10th, 11th, and in the beginning of the 12th Moneth, 1664.

TOGETHER With a brief Theological Application thereof.

By S D.

Psal. 111.2.

The Works of the Lord are great: sought out of all them that have pleasure therein.

Job. 36.24.

Remember that thou magnifie his work, which men behold.

Exod. 7.23.

And Pharaoh turned and went into his House, neither did he set his heart to this also.

CAMBRIDGE Printed by Samuel Green, 1665.

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DUBARTAS.

There, with long bloody Hair, a Blazing Star
Threatens the World with Famine, Plague & War:
To Princes, death; to Kingdomes many crosses:
To all Estates, Inevitable Losses:
To Heardmen, Rott: to Plow-men hapless seasons:
To Sailors, Storms: to Cities, civil Treasons.
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AN ASTRONOMICAL DESCRIPTION OF THE LATE COMET, As it appeared in New-England.

1. THis Comet is no sublimary Meteor or sulphureous Exhalation, but a Celestial Luminary, moving in the st [...]rry Heavens.

The Truth hereof may be demonstrated, 1 By the vast Dimensions of it's body. Some Comets have been observed by Astronomers to be halfe as big as the Mo [...]n, some bigger then the Moon, yea some bigger then the Earth. The exact Dimensions of this Comet, I may not presume to determine, but it seemeth not to be of the smallest size. Now 'tis not easy to imagine how the Earth should afford matter for a M [...]eor of such a huge magnitude, except we grant the greater part of the lower World [Page 2] to be turned into an exhalation. 2. By the smalness of it's Parallax. The Parallax is the Distance between the true place of a Planet and the apparent. The lower and neerer any Planet is to the Earth, it hath the greater Parallax. The Moon's Parallax in her Perige, is one d [...]gree and six minutes. I could not by my Observation discerne that this Comet had any considerable Parallax. 3. By it's large ci [...]cular mo [...]ion. If it had moved in the upper Region of the Aire, it might have finished the whole visible arch of i [...]'s C [...]cle in a few houres: but wee saw it perform it's proper motion with great constancy in a very large C [...]rcl [...], such as the aire is not capable of. 4 By i [...]'s long aura­tion and continu [...]n [...]e. Had it been a Sulphureous V [...]por kindled in the Aire; it might have been consumed in a short time; as other fiery Me­teors are: but this continued about three months. 5 By it's Visibility to all Countries and Nations. We already hear that this C [...]met was seen at Virginia, [...] St Martha▪ Car [...]ge [...] and Barba [...]os ▪ and no d [...]ubt but it was visible to the whole habitable World. But the highest region of the Aire is accoun [...]ed [...]ot [...]uch above fifty Engl [...]sh [...]les from the Earth, and had this [...] been to hig [...]e [...], [...]t had been im­possible that other [...] and [...] so far distant, should have beh [...]ld it. [...] this [Page 3] Comet was created in the beginning of the World together with the rest of the Sta [...]s, and hath been hidden in the height and profundity of the H [...] ­vens, and at a certain time descending toward the Eart [...], becomes Visible and Signal to the World, I leave free to after-disquisition.

II. This Comet is no [...] [...]n Opake Body, like the Moon and other of the Planets, but Transparent and Pellucid, the Sun Shining through i [...].

The Moon is enlightened on that part one­ly which is next the Sun, and like a looking glasse she reflects the solar Beames, which are cast up­on her: but the Sun erradiates the Comet and shines through it as through a Transparent Gem [...] and illustrates a long tract in the Heavens be­yond it. As the Moon, being a thick and dark Body, casts a dark shaddow from the Sun, so the Comet being a clear and D [...]aphan [...]us Body transmits the light and casts a bright and shin­ing stream from the S [...]n; which alters and va­ries according to the diverse aspect of the Sun.

III. The Coma or Blazing Stream that iss [...]es from the Comet, is no real fl [...]me, but the Irr [...]diati­on and Resplendence of the Sun through the Tra [...]s­parent and Pelluci [...] Body of the Comet.

A Comet is denominated from it's Coma or Bush [...] lock for the Stream hath some resem­blance of a lock of hair. Now this Stream is not the flagrancy of the Comet, but the Beames of [Page 4] the Sun shining through the Diaphanous and Tr [...] of the Comet; as may be argued and demonstrated, 1. By it's site and posi [...]n, which is alwaies in opposition to the Sun. Had it been a natu [...]al flame, arising from it's flagr [...]nt [...], it would have constantly moved upward, as the flame of a Lamp or Torch; unless it had broken forth by violence: but this streaming was sometimes upward, sometimes somewhat downwa [...], sometimes westward, sometimes north­ward, so [...]etimes eastward, according to the position of the Sun: neither can I imagine that any violence caused it so to move. 2. By the di­ve [...]se form and [...]gure of the stream [...]c [...]ording to the diverse [...] of the Sun. One while it was like a board, another while like a taile. 3. B [...] the [...] [...]m [...]ns [...]o [...]s of the Stream. It was sometimes [...] sometimes shorter, some­times broad, sometimes narrower, according as the Comet was neerer or further from the Ear [...]h. 4 B [...] q [...]ality and colour of the stre [...]m. I [...] was sometimes bright and radiant, at other [...] and faint, according to the apparent radiation of the Sun and the [...] d [...]st [...]nce from us. 5. By it's du [...]ation. Had it been a real and natural flame, it is difficult to understand how the head of the C [...]met could have supplied it with food and fuel for so many months together. Obj, If the Stream be an [Page 5] irradiation of the Sun, how comes it to be conspicuous and visible to us? The Sun-beame [...] p [...]ssing through the etherial Heavens are not in them­selves visible, neither do they terminate our sight. Answ. The only reason thereof (that I can yet learn) is the Refraction and Rever­beration of the Sun-beames, as they pass through the [...]ome' [...] ▪ whereby they are so congregated and so neerly united, as that they terminate the sight and become conspicuous in the Heavens. I have read of a certain semi-transparent Gemme, called the Heliotrope, that if it be put in o [...] faire water, opposed to the beames of the [...]un, it doth change it's be [...]mes, and by the repercussion of the A [...], seems to shadow the clearness of it's rayes, and [...] sanguineous colour in the Aire, as if the Sun by the interposition of the body of the Moon, did suffer an ecliptick darkness.’

IV. This Comet is not a new fixed Star, but a Planetick or Erratick Body, wandring up & down in the etherial firmament under the fixed stars.

Some learned Astronomers distinguish these more noble and celestial Phaenomena or Appear­ances into Fixed and E [...]ratick. Several new Stars have appeared which are fixed, i. e. they keep the same place in the Heaven, and the same d [...]stance from the fixe [...] Stars. One in O [...]ssi [...]ei [...] Anno 1572. which continued a year and four [Page 6] months. Another in Antinous: another in the Gira [...]e of Anaromeda, another in the Whale, another in the Brest of the Swan, which con­tinued m [...]ny years. But this Comet was [...] (as Jude speaks) a wandring Star, which kept not the same place in the Hea­vens, nor the same distance from the fixed Stars.

V. This Comet appeared first in the Constella­tion of the Raven, from whence it descended and crossing the Tropick of Capricorn and some part of Hydra, it went southward until it arrived at the main topsaile of the ship: then it began to return, and going through the belly of Canis major, it a­gain crossed the Tropick of Capricorn, and p [...]ssi [...]g through the middle of the Hare, it crossed the river Eridanus and the Equinoctial, and entred into the mouth of the Whale, and going through his head, it crossed the Ecliptick and so passed up between Aries and Linum sep [...]entrionale.

Some took notice of this Comet in the be­gin [...]ing of Nov [...]mber, and indeed it had passed through t [...]e middle of the Aste [...]ism of Co [...]us, (as I gather from it's following motions) before I saw it. Dec. 5 early in the morning it seemed to me to be very neer the Southern Tro­pick, about 3 degrees southward of the Ravens hill having longit. Lib. 4. Dec. 8 early in the morning I saw it in some part of Hydra; [Page 7] in Virgo 28. lat. S. 30 gr. The stream over­shadowing a small star in Hydra, that was neer. D [...]c. 1 [...]. some observed it among the stars that are in the mainmast of Argo Navis: where it had longit. Leo 23. Lat. S. 45. Dec. 17. It was seen amongst the stellae informes, which are behinde C [...]nis m [...]jor: where it was apprehended to have longit. Leo. 2. lat. S. 50. Dec. 18. The [...] came to Sirius, i. e. the great Dog, and passed through his belly. That night I saw it in Cancer 13. lat. S. 48. Dec. 19. It ascended from C [...]nis major and crossing the southern Tro­pick it arrived at Le [...]us, i. e. the Hare. That night I saw it pass over the more nor [...]hern Star in the Hare's hinder legs: being in Gemini 24. lat. S. 44. Dec. 23. I saw it as I supposed in Taur. 14. lat. S. 19. De [...]. 24. I apprehended it to be in the Equinoctial which it crossed in the 44th gr. entring into the mouth of Balaena: hav [...]ng longit Iaur. 12.30. lat. S 17. Dec. 25. In T [...]ur. 11.30. lat. S. 14. D [...]c. 28, I saw it in a right line between two Stars in the head of the Whale, almost in the middle between them: in Taur. 4.15. Lat. S. 7.15. Dec. 29 I saw it very neer to another Star in the head of the Wha [...]e: in Taur. 3. lat. S. 6. Jan. 3 It crossed the Ecliptick in Aries 28.30. Jan. 16. it came to A [...]es 26. lat. N. 3. Jan. 24. Aries 25. lat. N. 4. Jan. 31. Aries 25. lat. N. 5.30. Feb. 4. [Page 8] Aries 25. lat. N. 6.15. Since that I saw it not, nor any man else, that I hear of▪ If in these observations I have not attained that [...] ­curateness which the Reader desires my want of [...] Instruments may bespeak his in­dulgence therein.

VI. This Comet at it's fi [...]st appearance was Oriental and Matutine, afterward it [...]ecame Occi­dental [...] Vespertine.

At fi [...]st it appeared early in the morning be­fore the rising of the Sun, and then every day role sooner then other, (withall changing it's Az [...] or point of the Compass in it's rising) until it appear [...]d in the evening, as soon as day­light was ended.

VI [...] Comet at fi [...]st moved sl [...]wly, ben more [...] came to [...] which time it [...] decreased in [...] motio [...]: toward the [...] of i [...]'s appari [...]ion, it hath moved [...] sl [...]w [...]y.

From D [...]c. 5 [...]h. to the 8 (which was the time between [...]y first and second observation) the Comets apparent moti [...]n [...]n it' [...], p [...]oper line upon the [...], was abo [...] 2 d [...]grees & a halfe in a day one day with another D [...]c. 17. it was observed by [...]ome to move about 13. degrees. Dec. 18 it m [...]ved 5, or 16 a [...]. Dec. 19 it mov [...]d about 13 [...]. [I can [...]ot precisely determine it's [...] motion, especially [Page 9] when it was so exceeding swift, because I know not certainly the hour of one night, when these ob­servations were mad [...].] From D [...]c. 25, to 29 it moved 2 degrees & half in a day, one day with an­other. Dec. 29. 2 [...]. 30. 1 degr. & halfe D [...]c. 31. 1 degr. In the beginning of [...]. it mov­ed neer 1 degr. in a day: but toward the latter end, not one deg. in several dayes. From I [...]n. 5 [...] to Fe [...]. 4th according to my observation it gained scarce 7 deg [...].

VIII This Comet was continually Re [...]rograede in it's motion, onely toward the latter end if it's appa­rit [...]n, it becam [...] Stationar [...].

This Comet from the first time, it was t [...]ken no­tice of, until the latter end of Ian. in it's proper motion went contrary to the seri [...] ▪ and [...] of the signe [...], viz. from Libra to V [...]go and so back­wa [...]d to Arie [...]: But in the latter end of I [...]nua [...]y and in the beginning of Feb [...]u [...]ry it kept in the same degree of longi [...]ude, onely it altered it [...]s latitude.

IX T [...]is Comet hath moved constantly almost in a right line, or in a great Circl [...], [...] to the great­est circle of the celestial Sph [...]re [...] but towards it's dis­appearing, it hath d [...]flected a little and become el­liptic [...]ll.

This may be demonst [...]ted by the Cel [...]st [...]al Glob [...]. Depress the Southern Pole 61 degr. (which is the complement of the Comet's greatest decli­nation,) [Page 10] and you may finde almost all the fore­mentioned observations concerning the Comets place to fall just upon the Horizon of the Globe: but toward the latter end, you shall finde the Co­meticall line to recede a little from a true circle.

X. The proper Circle of the Comets motion is Ec­centrical, i e. it hath a center diverse from the cen­ter of the world.

This is evident 1 By the dive [...]si [...]y of it's La­titud [...], which was sometimes southern, and some­times northe [...]n. 2 By the inequality of it's ap­pa [...]ent motion, which was sometimes swift and sometimes slow. 3 By the diversity of it's distance from the earth, which was sometimes great [...], and sometimes less.

XI. T [...]is Comet hath ascended in Meridian Al­titude above 44 degr. For it's lowest meridian al­titude with us, was 18 degr. and 40 minutes, and it's highest, 63 degr. and 15 min.

XII. The Cometical line descended to 29 degr. of Southern declination.

XIII. The Comet's Southern Limit of Latitude was 50 degr.

XIV. The apparent motion of the Comet was anomalous and unequal, but it's motion in it's pro­per Orb or Circle, was very neer equal and un [...] ­form.

That it's apparent motion was unequal and irregular is manifest by it's Velocity or swiftnes one [Page 11] while, it's mediocrity another while, and it's tardi [...]y or slowness toward the latter end. The cause of which anomaly and inequality, was the Comet's Eccentricity. That the Comet's motion in it's proper orb or circle▪ was very neer equal and uniform, may be demonstrated by the equality of it's diurnal motion in equal distances from it's perige. For instance, I finde on the 5th of De­cember and on the 25th, the Comet was equally distant from it's Perige, and that then it's appa­rent motion was equal, viz. 2 degrees and a halfe in a day: and therefore it's true motion in re­ference to it's own proper center was very neer equal and regular.

XV. The Comet seemed to be in it's Perige, or neerest to the Earth, when it was in the belly of Canis major, which was sometime on the 18th of December.

The Perige is that point of the Cometical cir­cle which is neerest to the earth. The Apoge is the point farthest distant from the earth. That the Comet was in it's Perige at the time and in the place forementioned may be argued. 1 From the swiftness of it's apparent motion on that day. All the Planets are slow in their Apoge and swift in their Perige. This Comet was appre­hended to move the most swiftly on that day. [...]. from the Equality of it's apparent m [...]tion in equal distances from thence: An instance wherof [Page 12] I gave before. 3▪ Fro [...] the d [...]stance of the place assig [...]d, (viz. the middle of the belly of S [...]rius) to the place of the C [...]m [...]t's dis [...]ppearing· In the Cometical line the distance is about 90 [...]. Now according to the Theory and doctrine of Com [...] ▪ it was never observed that any Co­met from the point of it's swift [...]st motion▪ e­ver ran bey [...]nd the fourth part of a circle, which is 90 degrees. N. B. On the s [...]lfe same day ( [...]z. the 18th of December) the Sun was also in his Perige.

XVI. Sinc [...] December 5th, the Comet hath proceeded in it's proper curricle upon the celestial Sphere, 153. degrees: and I suppose in all, since it's first apparition, 180. degrees.

XVII. The cometical circle seemeth to include and encompass the Earth.

This may be Argued 1. From the length and [...] of the visible and apparent Arch of the [...]on [...]etual circle ▪ which was very neer to, if not a true s [...]micircl [...]. 2. From the Dur [...] ­ [...]ion and long [...] of it's Apparition, which was about three months.

XVIII. [...] real magnitude of the Comet was constan [...]y [...] and the same, but it's apparent [...] and Diverse.

At it's first appearance it seemed but sm [...]ll, at length it appeared far grea [...], sometime it seem­ed to be very neer halfe as big as the Moon: [Page 13] after that it decreased successively, till at last it appeared like a cloudy star. The Reason wher­of is evid [...]nt; at it's first appearance it was very high in the Heavens, and ther [...]fore it's diameter seemed less: afterwa [...]d it descend [...]d lower and neerer to the earth, and then it's [...] ­meter encreased at [...] went up [...] & was removed further from our sight, and then it's [...] together with the [...] was dimin [...]sh [...]d, until at last it disappeared and vanish [...]d out of sight.

XIX The [...]rue colour and spl [...]ndor of the C [...]met w [...]s alwayes one and the same, but it's apparent co­lour w [...] v [...]rious and diverse.

At first appearance it's colour was [...] and obscur [...]: afterward [...]right [...], at length it grew very obscur [...] and [...] l [...]ke a cloudy star. In the West Indies it appeared fiery, red and dreadfull.

XX The Coma or S [...]ream that came from the head of the Comet, wa [...] a [...]wayes cast into that part, which was diametrical [...]y [...]pposite to the sun.

When the Comet's irradiation was from the southe [...]st, it's streaming was toward the nor [...]h­west, when it's irradiation was from S.S E. it's streaming was toward N. N W. when it's ir [...] ­diation was from the South, it's streaming was toward the north, when it's irradiation was from S.S.W. it's streaming was toward N.N.E. when [Page 14] it's irradiation was from the S.W. it's streaming was toward N.E.

XXI. The Comet in respect of it's stream, hath been of a diverse figure according to the diverse as­pect of the Sun.

Comets in respect of their figure are distin­guished into Barbate, Caudate and Crinite. A Comet is barbate, when the stream like a beard, goes before the body of the Comet. Caudate, when the stream like a tail follows the body of ye Comet. Crinite when the stream goes right up int [...] [...]he Heavens and seems like a hai [...]y-lock to be wound up about the Comet's head. This Co­met, while it was Oriental, was Barb [...]t [...], the stream going before its body, like a beard. When the Come [...] became Occidental, it was Caudate, the stream following the Comet's body like a tail. But it could not be properly Crinite, in regard of the greatness of the Comet's southern latitude at the time of it's opposition with the Sun.

XXII. The stream hath appeared of a diverse height, breadth and extent, according to the diverse position of the Sun, and the Comet's distance from us.

The stream was not alwaies of the same height in the Heavens with the head of the Comet, but sometimes higher, and sometimes lower. Neither was the dilatation of the stream alwaies one and the same, but it was sometimes broader, and some­times [Page 15] nar [...]ower. The length and extent of the stream was also diverse: Dec: 8. It was apprehen­ded to be 38 degr. long. D [...]c. 17. 20 degr. Dec. 30. 15 d [...]gr. Jan. 6. 14 degr. I [...]n. 25. 7 degr Ian. 31. 3 d [...]gr.

XXIII. This Comet hath been vertical to all countries, ha [...] lye between 29 degrees of Southern Latitude and 15 degrees of Northern Lati [...]ude.

The Comet is said to be V [...]tical to any people, when the Body of the Comet passeth over their heads. This Comet was vertical to the chief Islands of the East Indies, as also to Guine [...] and to the most of the Southern part of Africa: likewise to Peru, Brasilia, Gui [...]na, C [...]stilia del oro, [...]ova Andaluzia, and to several of the Islands of the West Indie [...], as Trinidada, G [...]anada, Barbados, Ma [...]alin [...], D [...]minica and many other.

XXIV. The stream which came from the Co­met ha [...]h turned aboue and pointed toward most cou [...]ries and Kingdomes in the habitable World.

XXV. This Comet is not evaporated nor dis­solved, but it is ascended higher toward it's Apoge and [...]o departed out of ou [...] sight.

If the Comet be no vapour but a celestial plane­tick lumin [...]y, moving constantly in it's Eccentrick orb, and if the stream thereof be no real flame, but the irradiation of the Sun through the Co­met's head, it will necessarily follow that the Co­met is not consumed, dissipated or extinguished, but [Page 16] rather ascended toward it's Apoge, i. e. the farthest point distant from the Earth, and so being buried in the deep abyss of the Heavens, becomes inconspicuous to us.

XXVI. This Comet hath followed upon a notable Conjunction of the Superiour Planets, Saturn and Jupiter.

Astronomers observe, that Comets do many times follow a Conjunction of the Superior Planets. The last Year, October 10th, was a great Conjunction of Saturn and Iupiter in the 13th degr. of Sagittarius.

A Brief Theological Application of this strange and notable Appearance in the Heavens.

I. THE Holy Scriptures, which are the Au­thentick and unerring Canon of truth, teach us to look at Comets, as Portentous and Signal of great and notable Changes.

Joel 2.30, 31. I will shew wonders in the Heavens and in the Earth, Blood and Fire, and Pillars of Smoak. The Sun shall be [...]urned into Darkness, and the Moon into Blood before the g [...]eat and terrible day of the Lord come.

Luke 21.25. There shall be signes in the Sun, and in the Moon, and in the Stars.

Acts 2.19.20. I will shew wonders in Heaven above, and sig [...]s in the Earth beneath: Blood, and Fire, and Vapor of Smo [...]k. The Sun shall be turned into Darkness and the Moon into Blood before the great and notable day of the Lord come.

II. The Histories of former Ages, do abundantly [Page 17] testifie that Comets have been many times Herald [...] of wrath to a secure and impenitent World.

Take a few Instances.

A little before the Achaick Warr (as Seneca reports) there appeared a Comet fiery and ruddy, which cast a clear light, whereby the night was enlightened.

Anno Christi 56. There appeared a Comet. The same Year Claudius died, and bloody Nero succeeded, who slew his Moth [...]r, his Wife and his Master Seneca, and exercised a great deal of cruelty and wickedness.

Anno 323. There were diverse Comets which preceeded the Pestilent He [...]esie of Arius.

Anno. 337. A Comet appeared before the death of Constantine the great, and innumerable evils followed.

Anno 602. A great Comet appeared, which preceded, if not presaged the slaughter of Mauritius the Emperor, and the Supremacy of the Bishop of Rome.

Anno 675, & 676. There appeared a Co­met 3 moneths, at which time the Saracens greatly afflicted the Roman Empire.

Anno. 729 Two Comets appeared, and the same year a great Plague invaded the World.

Anno 814. A terrible Comet appeared before [Page 18] the death of Charles the great.

Anno 1066. A Comet appeared a long time to the whole World: the same Year England was many waies afflicted by William Duke of Norman [...]y, and at length subdued.

Anno 1618. There appeared a great Comet: the same year brake forth the Bloody Wa [...]s in G [...]rmany. Anno 1652. There appeared a Comet at the beginning of Mr. Cotto [...]s sick­ness, and disappeared a few daies after his death. The next year strange and notable changes of state happened in England.

'Tis true, some Comets have been thought to presage good to the World, as that in the dayes of Augustus before the birth of Christ. [I intend out that miracul [...]us St [...]r, which appeared to the Magi.] Another before the death of Nero: Another before the reformation by Wickliff [...]: Another before the reformation by Lut [...]e [...]: but most commonly they are observed to precede▪ if not portend great Calamities.

Anno 79 Upon a Comet followed horrible W [...]nds, an [...] and Pestilence. When some shew [...]d [...] this Comet, fearing it might por [...]end his death▪ he answered mer [...]ily that this Prod [...]gie noted not him, but the King of [...]. For saith he, [...], but I am b [...]ld. But not long after, Vespasian died.

[Page 19] III. The Commination of wrath according to Scripture, is to be understood after a conditional manner, i e. wi [...]h an implicite reservation for Gods altering a [...]d revoking his threatned dispensation upon repen [...]ance intervening.

Jer 18.7, 8. At what Instant I shall speak concerning a na [...]on and concerning a Kingdome, to pluck up and to pull down and to destroy it: if that nation against whom I have pronounced, turn from t [...]eir Evil, I will repent of the evil that I though [...] to do unto them.

Jer 36.3, 7. It may be the house of Judah will hear all the evil, which I purpose to do unto them, that they may re­turn every man fr [...]m his evil way, that I may forgive their Iniquity and their Sin. It may be they will present their sup­plication before the Lord, and will returne every one from his evil way: for gr [...]t [...]s the Anger and the Fury, which the Lord hath pron [...]un [...]ed against this People.

Jonah 3 10. And G [...]d saw their works that they turned from their evil w [...]y, and G [...]d repented of the Evil, that he had said [...] he would do unto them, and he did it not.

IV. This Blazing Star being in conjunction with diverse other awful Providences and Tokens of Wr [...]th, calls upon us to awake out of security, and to bring for [...]h fruits meet for Repentance.

A Few Instances of some late awful Providences.

1. Earth-quakes. About two years ago viz. Ian. 26, & 28· 1662, 63. The founda­tions of the Earth trembled, and some of our houses rock't like a cradle. 6, or 7 times did the Earth shake under us in the space of 2 or 3 dayes. It was then thought and said, that these Earth-quakes might portend the Lords shaking the foundations of our Churches and of our civil state.

[Page 20]2. The late removal by Death of some of our eminent Prophets and seers, who were as eyes unto us in the Wilderness, and the Charets of Israel and the Horse-men thereof. April. 5th, 1663, That burning and shining Light, who shone in the Church of Boston, and gave light to the whole Colony and Country. Mr. John Norton, a man eminently accomplished, was taken from us, and translated to an higher Orb. Of whom New-England was not worthy.

Iuly 20 1663. That bright and radiant Star, a Star of the first magnitude, Mr. Samuel Stone, the strength and glory of Connecticut, rested from his labours and sorrows, and fell a sleep sweetly and placidly in the Lord. A little before Him, Mr Iohn Miller and Mr. Samuel Newman, faithful, painful and affectionate Preachers of the Gospel, were also taken from us by death. Thus our Pillars are cut down, our strongest Stakes pluck't up, and our breaches not repaired. Is it a small thing in our eyes, yt our principal Congregations & Head-townes, should be so sadly bereaved, as they are at this day?

3. The sad Mildew and Blasting, where­by we have been greatly afflicted the last Sum­mer, and some of us the Summer before: our prin­cipal grain being turned into an husk & rotteness.

4. Severe Drought this last Summer, which burnt up th [...] Pastures and the latter growth.

[Page 21]5. Early Frosts, which smote our Indian Corn, and greatly impoverished our latter harvest.

Unto these and some other no less threatning Visitations▪ is superadded this strange and fearful Appearance in the Heavens, which is now se­conded by a new Appearance th [...]s Spring, con­comitant to the translation of our Honoured and Aged Governour, Mr. Joh [...] Endicot, from hence to a better World: By all which doubt­less the Lord calls upon New-England to awake and to repent.

To this End Consider.

1. What a jealous eye the Lord hath upon us, observing how we carry and behave our selves at such a time as this▪ Ier. 3.8. And I saw, when for all the causes, whereby backs [...]ding Israel [...]o [...]mitted Adultery, I had put her away, and given her a bill of Divorce: yet her Treacherous Sister Judah feared not, but went and played the H [...]lo [...] also.

2. What the Lord expects and looks for from a people so highly favoured and priviledged, and so awfully warned and threatned. Zeph. 3.7. I said surely thou wilt fear mee; thou wilt receive Instruction: so their dwelling place should not be cut off; howsoever I puni­shed them.

3. How sadly will the Lord Jesus expostulate with us, if we fall asleep in the hour of the Passion and Agony of the Gospel. Mat. 26.40. He cometh unto the Disciples and findeth them a sleep, and saith unto Peter, what could ye not watch with me one hour? each word is very Emphatical.

4. The danger of being surprized by temp­tation before we are aware. Lam. 1.9. She [Page 22] Remembred not her last end, therefore she c [...]me down wonder­fully: she had no comforter. Rev. 16.15. Behold I come as a thief. Bl [...]ed is he that watcheth and [...] his [...]arments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

5. The singular blessing reserved for the vigilant and penitent. H [...]t. 3.16. When I heard my b [...]lly trembled; my lips [...] voice: [...]ot­ten [...]ss entred into my bones: a [...]d I tre [...]bled in my selfe, that I might rest in the d [...]y of trouble. Luke 21.36. Watch ye therefore and pray alwaies, that ye may b [...] [...]ccounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.

To C [...]nclude: God forbid that any of us, should be [...] wandring Stars, Eccentrick [...]nd Erratick in our motions, as all Se­ducers and Impostors are: fo [...] whom is reserved the blackness of da [...]kness for ever. Jude, v.13. but the Lord grant that we may all bec [...]me fix­ed Stars in the new Jerusal [...]m, wh [...]ch cometh down from God, observing the Heavenly order prescribed in his holy word, and shining as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse genera­tion, clearly reflecting that pure and preci [...]us light, wherewith we are irradiated by the Sun of Righteousness: and then we m [...]y [...]ssure our­selves. Christ will still hold us in his right hand, and not suffer us to be cast down from Heaven, but enable us to fin [...]sh our course with joy, & at length translate us into the Kingdome of the Fa­ther, where we shall shine forth as the Sun, and as the brightness of the firmament, and as the Stars forever and ever. Amen.

FINIS.

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