B

در سیستان
april55
/
سالار عمه
Julep
1953
R55
WILLIAM L.CLEMENTS
LIBRARY OF
AMERICAN HISTORY
UNIVERSITY MICHIGAN




103 Zo
the preol trilho
Wie Themebli fervant
Joten Man

ne 9 1777
MR. CLARKS
S E R M O N
DELI V RED
APRIL NINETEENTH,
M, DCCLXXVI.

TAM
COM

The Fate of Blood-thirſty Oppreffors, and GOD's
tender Care of his diſtreſſed People.
A
S
E R Μ Ο Ν,
M N
PREACHED AT LEXINGTON,
APRIL 19, 1776.
To commemorate the MURDER, BLOOD-
SHED and Commencement of Hoftilities, be-
tween Great-Britain and America, in that Town,
by a Brigade of Troops of GEORGE III, under
Command of Lieutenant-Colonel SMITH,
on the Nineteenth of APRIL, 1775.
TO WHICH IS ADDID,
A BRIEF NARRATIVE of the principal
Tranſactions of that Day.
BY JONAS CLARK, A. M.
Pastor of the CHURCH in LEXINGTON.
3
Thoſe Things doth the Lord hate : A proud Look, a hying
Tongue, and Hands that shed innocent Blood. Pro. vi. 16, 17.
Quid non mortalia pectora cogis,
Auri lacra fames ?
Quis talia fando,
phymidonum, Dolopumve, aut duri miles Ulybei,
Temperet a lachrymis ?
VIR. ÆNET).
MASSACHUSETTS-STATE: BOSTON
PRINTED BY PO WARS AND WILLIS.
M, DCCLXXVI.


The fate of blood-thirſty oppreſors, and
5
GOD's care of his diſfreled people.
JOEL, III. 19, 20 and 21.
EGYPT ſhall be a deſolation, and EDOM ſhall be a den
folate wilderneſs, for the violence againſt the chil.
dren of Judah, becauſe they have ſhed INNO.
CENÍ BLOOD in their land. But Judah
Noall dwell for ever, and Jeruſalem from generation
to generation. For I will cleanſe their blood that
I have not cleanſed ; for the LORD dwelleth
in Zion.
N
N
a
EXT to the acknowledgement of
the exiſtence of a Deity, there is no
one principle of greater importance
in religion, than a realizing belief of
the divine government and providence,
as fuperintending the affairs of the univerſe, and in-
timately concerned in whatever happens to mankind,
both as nations and kingdoms, and as individuals.
Deeply to be impreſſed with a ſenſe of the divine
providence, to realize that God is Govornor among
the nations, that his government is wiſe and juſt, and
that all our times and changes are in his hands, and
at his diſpoſal, will have the happieſt tendency to
excite the moſtgrateful acknowledgements of his good-
neſs in proſperity, the moft cordial reſignation to his
paternal diſcipline in adverſity, and the moſt placid
compoſure and equanimity of mind in all the chang-
ing ſcenes of life. Inſpired with this divine principle,
we ſhall contemplate, with grateful wonder and de-
light,

6 The fate of blood-thirſty oppreffors, and
light, the goodneſs of God in proſperous events, and
devoutly acknowledge and adore his fovereign hand
in days of darkneſs and perplexity, and when the
greateſt difficulties preſs. This will be a ſource of
comfort and ſupport under private afflictions and trials,
and this ſhall encourage our hope in God and truſt in
his name, under public calamities and judgments.-
Yea, however dark and myſterious the ways of pro-
vidence may appear; yet nothing thall overwhelm
the mind, or deſtroy the truſt and hope of thoſe, that
realize the government of heaven,- that realize, that
an alwiſe God is feated on the throne, and that all
things are well appointed for his choſen people, for
them that fear him.
This principle and theſe ſentiments therefore,
being of ſo great uſe and importance in religion, un-
der the various diſpenſations of providence, one great
deſign of the preſent diſcourſe, is to rouſe and excite
us to a religious acknowledgment of the hand of God,
in thoſe diſtreſſing ſcenes of MURDER, BLOOD-
SHED and WAR, we are met to commemorate,
upon this folemn occaſion
' .
The paſſage before us, it is humbly conceived, is
well ſuited to confirm our faith, to excire our truſt,
and encourage our hope, under ſuch awful diſpenſa-
tions, as it points out the method of God's govern-
ment and the courſe of his providence towards the
enemies and oppreffors of his people, and the fate of
thoſe that ſhed innocent blood, and at the ſame time,
repreſents his peculiar care of his church and chofen,
and the aſſurance they have, when under oppreſſion,
of reſtoration and eſtabliſhment,--and that God him-
ſelf will plead their cauſe and both cleanſe and avenge
their innocent blood. Egypt ſhall be a deſolation,
and Edom ſhall be a defolate wilderneſs, for the vioa
lence againſt the children of Judah, becauſe they
have
&C

GOD's care of his diſtrefed people. 7
have ſhed INNOCENT BLOOD in their land.
But 7udah ſhall dwell forever, and Jeruſalem from
generation to generation. For I will cleanſe their
blood, that I have not cleanſed ; for the LORD
dwelleth in Zion."
It is not neceſſary to enquire as to the immediate
occaſion, or literal fulfilment of the prephecy before
us, with reſpect to the particular nations, or kingdoms
here mentioned. It is ſufficient to our preſent pur-
poſe to obſerve, that Egypt was early noted, in ſcrip-
ture hiſtory, for oppreſſing God's people, and cauſing
them to ferve with cruel bondage. Edom alſo is
mentioned as guilty of violence towards them, and
expreſſing a molt imbittered hatred and revenge
againſt them; and from the expreſſions in the text,
it is natural to ſuppoſe, that there had been fome, if
not many inſtances of their ſhedding innocent blood
in their land.* Ifrael, God's choſen people, had
often ſuffered violence, from both theſe ſtates : So
that we have good reaſon to ſuppoſe, that both Egypt
and Edom, in the language of fcripture prophecy, in
the text and other paſſages, may intend not Egypt or
Edom only, but (proverbially) in a more general
ſenſe, enemies, perſecutors or oppreſſors of God's
people, who violated their rights and liberties, religi-
ous and civil, and by the ſword of perſecution or op-
preſſion, fhed innocent blood in their land.
Prophecies, eſpecially thoſe that are, or may be,
of general uſe to the people of God, are but feldom
literal, either in predi&tion or fulfilment. They are
rather of uſe to foreſhew great and intereſting events,
as taking place in the world, in ſuch time and man-
ner, and upon ſuch perſons, ſocieties, nations, or
kingdoms, as ſhall diſplay the juſtice and equity of
divine government, and the peculiar care which
Heaven
* Vid. Pfal. cxxxvii. 7

8 The fate of blood-thirſty oppreſſors, and
Heaven takes of the church and people of God, for
their correction, inſtruction, preſervation or eſtab-
liſhment. Agreeably St. Peter ſpeaks ſtrongly for
this method of explaining and improving ſcripture
prophecies, where he ſays expreſsly, that “no pro-
phecy of the ſcripture is of any private interpretati-
on."* It is, therefore, rational to ſuppoſe, that
though prophecies may have ſpecial or immediate
reference to particular perſons, ſocieties, nations or
kingdoms, and to events in which they may be im-
mediately intereſted ; yet they may be fitly con-
fidered as having a further and more important in-
terpretation, which may be of general uſe for the di-
rection and edification of God's church and people,
in all ages, to the end. In this general ſenſe, there-
fore, you will permit me to conſider the prophecy
in the paſſage before us: and thus underſtood, it is
eaſy to ſee ſeveral things ſuggeſted in it, worthy our
moſt ſerious attention and religious improvement,
upon ſuch an occaſion as this.
In the firſt place, it is admitted, that for wiſe pur-
poſes, a juſt God may permit powerful enemies, or
oppreſſors, to injure, do violence unto and diſtreſs
his people, and to carry their meaſures of violence
and oppreſſion to fuch lengths among them, as to
Itrike at their life and ™ fhed innocent blood in their
land."
As God is the Sovereign of the world, and exer-
ciſes his government for the glory of his name, in the
good of the whole, ſo he hach a paternal concern
for the ſpecial benefit and improvement of his church
and people. All creatures are his fervants : and
God accompliſheth his deſigns and carries his coun-
fels to effect, by what means and inſtruments he pleaſes.
It is with him alone, who is wonderful in counſel
and
2 Pet. i. 20.

The fate of blood-thirſty oppreſors, and
9
and excellenc in working,” to bring good out of
evil. When God deſigns the re roof and correction
of hi: people, he can exerciſe this holy diſcipline in
various ways and by various means, as ſhall beſt an-
ſwer the purpoſes of his government.
This holy
diſcipline is accordingly exerciſed, ſometimes by the
immediate hand of providence: as in waſting ſick-
neſs parching drought, awful and deſolating earth-
quakes, or other judgments, which are immediately
from God himſelf. Or this may be done more im-
mediately, by the inſtrumentality of his creatures ;
and even the wicked, and thoſe that love the wages
of unrighteouſneſs, that delight in oppreſſion, waite
and ſpoil, or thirſt for innocent blood, may be im-
proved as the rod in his hand to corred, or puniſh the
fins of his people. With this view the oppreſſor is per-
mitted to injure, inſult, oppreſs and lay waſte in a land;
and to carry his meaſures to the ſhedding of inno-
Gent blood.
With the fame defign does a ſovereign
God give the enemy a commiſſion, in war, with fire
and ſword, to diſtreſs and deſtroy.
In ſuch public calamities, it is true, it often comes
to paſs, that as individuals, the innocent are involved
and ſuffer with che guilty; and ſometimes the in-
nocent alone. But however unjuſt, or cruel the op-
preſſor, and thoſe that thirſt for blood may be, in
contriving and carrying into exccution their wicked,
opprſſieve, or bloody deſigns, they are no other than
inltruments in providence and the rod in the hand of
the great Governor of the world, for the reproof and
correction of his people. Theſe things happen not
by accident, or chance, but by the direction, or per-
million of that God, who is righteous in all his ways
and holy in all his works. When Ifrael finned and
did evil in the fight of the LORD, it is ſaid, “the
anger of the LORD was hot againſt Iſrael, and he
B
delivered
e
2
2
1

I
GOD's care of his diſtreſſed people.
>
delivered them into the hands of ſpoilers that ſpoiled
them, and he fold them into the hands of their ene-
mies round about and they were greatly diſtreſſed."*
Hence alſo the Alyrian King is expreſsly called
the rod of God's anger," for the correction of his
people.+ And thus Egyp: and Edom, in the pro-
phecy before us, in committing violence upon the
children of Judah and in ſhedding iBnocent blood in
their land, are held up to view as the rod in God's
hand, for the correction, reproof and intruction of his
people. Agreeably this is the language of a juft and
faithful Gon, in ſuch diſpenſations," hear ye the
rod, and who hath appointed it. I
It matters not, therefore, who are the immediate
inſtruments of violence and oppreſſion, or by whoſe
hands the blood of innocent perſons is ſhed, or their
ſubſtance waſted and habitations deſtroyed ; nor yet
from what motives, or views ſuch acts of oppreſſion
and cruelty are perpetrated, with reſpect to the re-
ligious improvement, that God expects us, or any
people, to make of ſuch heavy diſpenſations. 'Tis
God, and his hand—'tis God and his providence,
which we are firſt of all concerned to notice, acknow-
ledge and improve. However unjuſt our ſufferings
may be from man; yet, when we realize the hand of
God, the great and wife Governor of the world, as
concerned herein, filence and ſubmiſſion is our indif.
penſible duty, and no murmer, or complaint ought
ever to be heard, but with reverence and humility it
becomes us to bow before the LORD, and adoring
his ſovereignty, aſcribe righteouſneſs to our God.
Neither the inſults of oppreſſors, nor the flames of
our once delightful habitations, nor even the inno-
cent blood of our brethren ſlain, ſhould move to a
murmuring word or an angry thought, againſt God,
his
* Jadg. ii. 14, 15.
+ Ifai. x. 5.
I Mic. vi.
9.

I he fate of blood-thirſty oppreſſors, and
II
his government, or providence.--" Shall we receive
good at the hand of God, and ſhall we not receive
evil ?"*---And“ ſhall not the Judge of all the earth
do right !”+ The more grievouſly we are fmitten,
the more deepły we are affected, the more carefully
fhould we endeavour to realize our dependence upon
God, the more religiouſly acknowledge his hard,
and the more earneſtly return to him that ſmites.
This is the leffon of inſtruction, which God expects
we ſhould learn, by ſuch bitter diſpenſations, and
this the improvement he looks for, in us and his peo-
ple, in order to the reſtoration of his favour and our
redemption from enemies and oppreſſors, who threaten
to lay waſte and deſtroy. May theſe things, then, be
deeply impreſſed on each of our hearts. ---But I pafs
Secondly, To obſerve the fate of oppreſſors, and
the ſentence of heaven against thoſe, that do violence
to God's people and ſhed innocent blood in their
land. Egypt shall be a deſolation, and Edom ſhall
be a deſolate wilderneſs, for the violence againſt the
children of Judah, becauſe they have shed innocent
blood in their land.
However juſt it may be in God to correct his peo-
ple, and whatever right is aſcribed to him of improve
ing the wicked, as the rod in his hand to correct, or
the ſword to pu iſh them; yet this alters not the
nature of their oppreſſive deſigns, neither does it
abate their guilt, or alleviate their crime, in theſe
meaſures of injuſtice, violence or cruelty, by which
the people of God are dit reſſed.
Thus God ſpeaks of the Aſſyrian king, a prince
noted in hiſtory for his avarice and ambition, cruelty
and oppreſſion, and in him, of the Alyrian ſtate,
whoſe charaéter was included in that of its king)
faying-O Allyrian, the rod of mine anger, and
"
the
• Job ii. 10. + Gen. xviii. 25
<

1 2
GOD's care of his diſtrefed people.
the ſtaff in their hand is mine indignation. I will ſend
him to an hypocritical nation, and againſt the people
of my wrath will I give him a charge to take the ſpoil,
and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the
mire of the ſtreets. Howbeit, he meaneth not ſo,
neither doth his heart think fo, but it is in his heart to
deſtroy. Wherefore it ſhall come to país, that when
the LORD hath performed his whole work upon
mount Zion, and on Jeruſalem, I will puniſh the
fruit of the flout heart of the king of Aſſyria, and the
glory of his high looks."* And ſo it came to paſs :
For this power, that with ſuch a mighty hand, and
for ſo long a time, oppreſſed God's people and other
nations, in God's due time, felt the weight of the
iron yoke, and received double for all the injuſtice,
oppreſſion and cruelty it had exerciſed towards others.
In this, and many other circumſtances, with which
hiſtory abounds, it is eaſy to ſee the fate of the ene-
mies of God's people and oppreſſors of mankind.
But we need not go from the text, for faustaction in
this matter. In the words of the prophecy before us,
we have the ſentence of heaven againſt the oppreſſors
of God's people and the doom of thoſe common
enemies of mankind, pronounced, and the reaſon
thereof alligned, in the cleareſt terms. Egypt ſhall
be a defolation, Edom ſhall be a deſolate wilderneſs,
for the violence againſt the children of Judah, ben
cauſe they have bed innocent blood in their land.
The LORD is a God, that loveth righteouſneſs
and hateth iniquity, in whatever ſhape, or character
it appears. Injuſtice, oppreſſion and violence (much
leſs the ſhedding of innocent blood) ſhall not paſs un-
noticed, by the juit Governor of the world. Sooner,
or later, a juſt recompence will be made
upon
fuch
workers of iniquity.-Yea, though hand join in hand,
in
* Iſai. %. 5.-12.

The fate of blood-thirſty oppreffors, and 13
:
in meaſures of oppreſſion and violence, againſt God's
people; and though their avarice, ambition, and lawa
leſs thirſt for power and domination, may carry them
on, 'till their ſteps ſhall be marked with innocent
blood; yet, certain it is, they ſhall not, finally, go
unpuniſhed. For a time, indeed, and but for a tine,
ſuch workers of unrighteouſneſs, ſuch deſtroyers of
mankind may practiſe and proſper ; but vengeance
ſlow, is vengeance fure.' Their ways are marked
before God. Their puniſhment and deſtruction are
ſealed in his preſence : And the time is haftning,
when deftru&ion, without remedy, ſhall be their
portion.
The truth of theſe ſentiments hath often been
verified in providence, and the proud princes and
the moſt powerful ſtates have been taught, by ſevere,
by fatal experience, that deſolation from the LORD
awaits the impiety of thoſe that do violence to his
people and ſhed innocent blood in their land.'
Here then we may ſee the light in which that peo-
ple, or nation, are to be conſidered, that walk in the
ways of oppreſſion, and that thirſt for and ſhed inno-
cent blood. Here we may alſo ſee the ruin to which
they are haftning, the awful judgments that await
them, and the great reaſon they have to fear the ſen-
tence of heaven, denounced againſt them, in the pro-
phecy before us, and its literal fulfilment upon them.
Which naturally leads in the laſt place.
Thirdly, To obſerve, in the prophecy before us,
the peculiar care GoD takes of his church and people,
and the aſſurance they have, even when actually
ſuffering violence and under the cruel hand of op-
preſſion, of redemption, reſtoration and eſtabliſhment;
and that God himſelf will plead their cauſe, and both
cleanſe and avenge their innocent blood. Nothing
can be more directly expreſſive of this ſentiment, or
8

14
GOD's care of his diſtreſſed people.
a firmer ground of aſſurance, for the confirmation of
the faith and hope of God's choſen people in the be.
lief of it, than the promiſe and prephecy, concerning
Judah and Jeruſalem in the text. While Egypt and
Edom, while the enemies and oppreſſtors of God's
people, are doomed to that deſolation, they fo juftly
deferve, the ſtrongeſt aſſurances are given, " that
Judah ſhall dwell forever, and Jeruſalem from ge-
neration to generation For I, faith God, will cleanſe
their blood, that I have not cleanſed : For the Lord
dwelleth in Zion.” The words are plain, and need
no comment. They ſpeak the language of fcripture,
fact and experience, for the confirmation of the faith
and hope of God's church and choſen, in days of per-
plexity and darkneſs and when actually under the in-
juſtice, violence and cruelty of inveterate enemies, or
blood thirſty oppreſſors.
Here are two things, for the inducement and con-
firmation of the faith and hope of God's church and
people, in ſuch times of darkneſs and diſtreſs, which
are well worthy ſerious notice and attention.
Firſt, God's word and promiſe, in which he aſſures
his people, that notwithſtanding the violence of their
enemies againſt them, and the diſtreſs and forrow their
oppreſſors may have cauſed them, by ſheddin innocent
blood among them ; yet they ſhall never avail to
overthrow, or deſtroy them ; but they ſhall aſſuredly
be redeemed and delivered out of their hands, and re-
flored and eſtabliſhed, as his church and people, in a
flouriſhing ſtate.
And then, ſecondly, To leave no doubt
their
minds, as to the fulfilment of this bleſſed promiſe, a
gracious God condeſcends to explain him'elf in the
cleareſt terms poſſible, and to ſatisfy them, that no-
thing ſhould fail of all that he had promiſed, he af-
fures them that he would take the work into his own
upon
hands,

The fate of blood-thirſty oppreffors, and
15
:
8
kands, and fee to the accompliſhment of it himſelf ;
that thus it might appear to them and to the world of
mankind, that the Lord was with them and dwelt n
the midſt of them. Judah ſhall dwell forever, and
Jeruſalem from generation to generation : For I will
cleanſe their blood, that I have not cleanſed; for the
Lord dwelleth in Zion.”_-Words well ſuited to chear
and comfort che finking ſpirits of God's afflicted, op-
preſſed people : and words which might rouſe the
faith, and give a ſpring to the hope of the moſt feeble
and faint-hearted, among God's people, in the depths
,
of diftreſs. For God is not a man that he ſhould
lie, nor the ſon of man that he ſhould repent.*
Hath he promiſed, and ſhall he not perform ?-
Hath he ſpoken, and ſhall he not bring it to paſs ??-
Blood is ſaid to be cleanſed, or avenged, when
juſtice hath taken place, and the murderer is puniſhed.
God may be faid to cleanſe the innocent blood, which
may have been ſhed among his people, by the ſword
of oppreſſors, or enemies, when in providence he un-
dertakes for them, avenges their blood upon them
that flew them, and reduces them to reaſon or ruin.
The ſword is an appeal to heaven, --when there-
fore, the arms of a people are eventually ſucceſsful,
or by the immedate interpoſition of providence, their
enemies and oppreſſors are fubdued or deſtroyed.
When a people are reinſtated in peace, upon equitable
terms, and eſtabliſhed in the enjoyment of all their
juſt rights and liberties, both civil and ſacred : then
may i be ſaid, that the Lord hath cleanſed their in-
nocent blood, and then will it be manifeſtly evident,
that their God is with them and dwelleth in the midſt
of them.
Now of this God hath given his people the ſtrongeſt
aſſurances, in the prophecy before us : and theſe
aſſurances
* Vid. 1. Sam. 15. 29.
a

GOD's care of his diſtreſſed people. 16
aſſurances are conformed by the word of God, to his
people, throughout the ſacred ſcriptures. So that,
though for their fins and the multitude of their
tranſgreſſions, a righteous God may juſtly afflict and
correct his people, by the hand of oppreſſors, and
permit their moſt important rights to be violated, their
ſubſtance deſtroyed, their habitations to be laid waſte,
or even the innocent blood of their brethren to be
wantonly ſhed in their land; yet ſtill he is their God,
in the midſt of them, and will readily appear for
their help, when they return from their evil ways,
acknowledge his hand and implore his mercy and
aliiſtance. This holy diſciple is no more than what
.
God hath given his people to expect, as a reproof of
their declenſions, and as a means of bringing them to
a ſenſe of their dependence upon him. Such dif-
penſations, are ſo far from being an evidence, that
God hath forſaken his people, given them up, or for-
gotten to be gracious, that they are rather to be con-
ſidered as demonſtrations of his paternal care and
faithfulneſs towards them. Agreeably, in his coven-
ant with his ſervant David and his houſe, this method
of conduct is expreſsly ftipulated, as a token of his
ſpecial care and faithfulneſs, and of the remembrance
of the covenant he had made. « If his children for-
fake my law, and walk not in my judgments :--Then
will I viſit their tranſgreſfion with the rod and their
iniquity with ſtripes. Nevertheleſs, my loving kind-
neſs will I not utterly take from him, nor ſuffer ny
faithfulneſs to fail. My covenant will I not break,
nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips."*
In ſuch viſitations, God evidently intends the beſt
good of his people ; not their deſtruction, but their
reformation : and if they ſee his hand, humble them-
ſelves under it and ſeek him arighe, God will not
fail
* Pfal. Ikxxix. 30. 31. 32.
and
33

GOD's care of his diſtreſſed people.
17
fail to remember his covenant and his promiſes for
them, and in his due time appear, in his power and
glory, for their relief.-Yea the bowels of his mercy
will be moved at their diſtreſſes, and his language
will be the ſame as unto his people of old, when un-
der the Egyptian yoke, they were cauſed to ſerve with
cruel bondagem. I have ſeen, I have ſeen the
affliction of my people which is in Egypt, and have
heard their groaning, and am come down to deliver
them.”* And to encourage his faints and people,
to truſt on his name and hope in his mercy, a gracious
God hath moſt explicitly promiſed them his preſence,
direction and aſſiſtance, in all their diſtreſſes, be they
ever fo numerous, ever ſo great. His language is
merciful, condeſcending and endearing--eſpecially
when by the prophet Iſaiah, he ſays to his afflicted
people—" When thou paſſeft through the waters, I
will be with thee ; and through the rivers, they ſhall
not overflow thee : When thou walkeſt through the
fire, thou ſhalt nor be burnt ; neither ſhall the flame
kindle upon thee. For I am the Lord thy God,
the holy One of Iſrael, thy Saviour.”+ From theſe
paſſages of facred writ, it appears, that as God in in-
finite wiſdom, fees fit to exerciſe his people with trials
and afflictions, and ſometimes to call them to paſs
through the depths of adverſity : fo he hath provided
for their ſupport, and given then the greateſt reaſon
to hope for his preſence and aſſiſtance, and the ſtrong-
eſt aſſurances, that they ſhall be carried through all,
and in the end rejoice in God, as the holy One of
Ifrael, their SAVIOUR.-In ſhort, nothing can be
more expreſſive of God's care of his people in diſtreſs,
and of the folid ground they have to hope for re-
demption and falvacion, in his way and time, which
are always the beſt.
С
We
† Ilai. xliii 2, 3.
* Aets vii. 34.

18
The fate of blood-thirſty oppreſors, and
We may add, that further to confirm our faith and
encourage our hope, in thoſe bleſſed aſſurances of
God's preſence with his people, even in their heavieſt
trials and greateſt perplexities, we might ſafely ap-
peal to the experience of his choſen, in every age,
from the beginning to the preſent time. This will
ſhow how eaſy it is, with an infinitely wiſe God, to
bring good out of evil, and by the over-ruling hand of
Providence, to cauſe the councils and meaſures of
perſecutors and oppreſſors, to haften the redemption
and eſtabliſhment of the injured and oppreſſed, as well
as to bring upon themſelves, that confufion and defo-
Jation they ſo juftly deſerve.—And this will alſo
prove, how truly applicable the words of the prophet
are, to God's chofen people in their diſtreſſes, in every
age, when ſpeaking of the large experience Iſrael
had had, of the tender love and faithful care of a
merciful God exerciſed towards them, he ſays, that,
« In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel
of his preſence ſaved them : In his love and in his
pity he redeerned them, and he bare them, and carried
them all the days of old. *"
Nothing is more evident from hiſtory and experi-
ence, than God's care of his people, and the wiſdom
of his providence, in cauſing the violence and oppref-
fion of their enemies, to operate for their advantage,
and promote their more ſpeedy deliverance. This
appears too plain, from various inſtances, to admit of
diſpute.
The children of Iſrael would not have been, jo
early, perſuaded to have left the gardens of Egypt or
the fertile fields of the land of Goſhen, and in the
face of every danger, attempted to free themſelves
from the Egyptian yoke, had not their burdens been
increaſed to an unreaſonable degree, by the violence
and
* Iſai. vi. 3. 9.

GOD's care of his diſtreſſed people. 19
and cruelty of thoſe that oppreſſed them, in that
houſe of bondage. And Pharoah and his armies
would never have met with that diſgraceful defeat,
and awful deſtruction, which overtook them in the
red lea, had they not been infatuated to purſue their
meaſures of oppreſſion and violence, when after it was
evident that their cauſe was deſperate, and that God
was againſt them.
Chriſtendom would never have been rouſed, from
that ſtate of ignorance, and darkneſs, and ſlavery it
was in--the proteſtant league would never been en-
tered into with ſuch firmneſs and reſolation, to ſhake
off the papal yoke, and redeem both church and ſtate
from the hierarchy of Rome, had not the enormities
and violence of that power, by which they had been
ſo long oppreſſed, roſe to an intolerable heighth, and
put them upon the expedient.*
The united ſtates of Holland would not have been
very eaſily induced, to have oppoſed the
Spain, when at the meridian of its ſtrength and glory,
much
power of
* The event of this bold attempt was happy. A juſt and
faithful God crowned the meaſures, of the confederate ſtates,
with ſucceſs, beyond their moſt fanguine expectations. The
church was reſcued from the darkneſs and error, in which it had
been involved for ſeveral hundred years before. A glorious re-
formation took place, which in a good meafure, reſtored the
chriſtian religion to its ancient purity and native fimplicitly, in
many principal ſtates and kingdoms in Europe. And a founda-
tion was laid for reſcuing the civil liberties of individuals, fo-
cieties, ſtates and kingdoms, as well as the common rights of
mankind, from the iron hand of tyranny, the good effects of
which was felt, by the proteſtant ſtates and kingdoms, for ſeve-
ral ages fucceeding, and are not totally loſt as to fome, even at
the preſent day, though more than two centuries fince. By
this important confederacy of the proteßant powers, in Europe, it
is evident, that, under providence, the power of the beaſt and
the falſe prophet received a ſhock which it hach never recovered,
--the papal power, both in church and ſtate, having been upon
the decline, from that time to this.

20
The fate of blood-thirſty oppreffors, and
much leſs to have attempted independence of that
kingdom, had they not been effe&tually convinced, by
a long feries of injuries and oppreſſion, and number-
lets violations of their moſt ſacred rights, that there
was no other remedy.*
Britons would never have reſiſted their kings, and
flown to arms, in defenee of their invaluable rights
and liberties, had they not felt the weight of the iron
rod
* It is worthy of remark, that when the Spaniſh court under
took the fubjugation of the Dutch provinces in the Netherlands,
Spain was in the moſt reſpectable itate, it had bee) for a long
time; having juſt concluded a victorious war, and being then
at peace with all the world. At the ſame time, Spain had the
beſt regulated army in E pe, commanded by the renowned
Duke of Alva, the moſt experienced General then upon the ſtage.
This wiſe, experienced and victorious General, with his veteran,
victorious troops, was ſent by the Monarch and court of Spain
(like Gage to Britain) upon the wholejome and pacific buſineſs of
ſupporung government in the Dutch provinces, and enforcing
obedience to what were called the laws of the kingdom, or the
mandates of their ſovereign. Accordingly, after renewed in-
juries and repeated inſults and cruelries, which rather invigorated
than diiheartned the free and truly noble fpirits of the Dutch, at
Jaft, it came to blood !-The conteft was, as might be expected,
long and bitter ! -- But, under every diſadvantage, but the
righteouſneſs of their cauſe, they roſe fuperior to their mighty
and numerous oppreffors; and heaven, at length, decided in
their favour, crowned their endeavours with deſired ſucceſs, and
gave and eſtabliſhed unto thein that freedom and independence, for
which they had ſo bravely fought and ſo freely bled. This free-
dom and independence, ſo dearly purch: fed, they well knew how
to prize and preſerve ; and by the ſmiles of heaven, upon the
wiſdom and policy of their government, they have now enjoyed
the blcflings thereof, with but little interruption from enemies
abroad, or factions ar home, for near two hundred years : And,
in proportion to the extent of their territories and the nuṁber of
inhabitanis, they are, at this very time, juftly eſteemed one of
the richeſt and moſt flouriſhing ſtates in Europe. Thus hach a
righteous God been pleaſed to plead their cauſe, and cleanſe and
avenge their innocent blood; and ſet them free from the oppreſ.
fors hand. Is not the cauſe of Americans cqually juſt ?---Is not
their God the fame?

GOD's care of his diſtrefed people.
2Σ
a
rod of oppreſſion and tyranny, and ſeen their danger
and the abſolute neceſſity of ſuch reſiſtance, to pre-
vent the total deprivation, of all they held dear and
ſacred, as Freemen, Chriſtians and a free People.-
Charles would not have loſt his kingdom, and
finally his life upon the Scaffold, by the hand of the
executioner ; nor James been obliged, in diſgrace, to
quit his throne and abdicate the government of the
kingdom, had it not been for their own violent coun-
fels and meaſures, to opprefs and enſlave the people,
whom they were called to govern and protect.
Our fathers would never have forfook their native
land, delightſome habitations and fair poſſeſſions, and
in the face of almoſt every danger and diſtreſs, ſought
a ſafe retreat, for the enjoyment of religious and
civil liberty, among favage beaſts and more ſavage
men in the inhoſpitable wilds of America ; had they
noc been drove from thence, by the violence and
cruelty of perſecutors and oppreſſors, in church and
ftate. The hierarchy of the church, by which they
looked upon the rights of conſcience infringed, and
the arbitrary meaſures of the ſtate, by which they
eſteemed their civil liberties abridged, if not groſsly
violated, rather than any views of worldly gain (as
hach been enviouſly hinted by ſome) were the prin-
cipal cauſes of their emigration, and the hope and ex-
pectation of deliverance therefrom, gave the ſpring to
the hazzardous undertaking.
And when heaven ſo far ſmiled upon their enter-
prize, as to give them footing in the land; and when,
after numerous hardſhips and dangers, toils and diſ-
treſſes, they had ſecured a poſſeſſion for themſelves
and pofterity, and obtained a confirmation of thoſe
civil and religious libertjes they had fought ; ftill re-
taining a filial affection towards their native country,
they ſeemed to have nothing more at heart than that
Americans

22
The fate of blood-thirſty oppreffors, and
Americans might be happy, in the enjoyment of their
juſt rights and liberties, as men and chriſtians, under
the protection of Britain ; and that Britain might be
flouriſhing and glorious, in receiving the profits of the
labour, trade and induſtry of Americans : And that
the connection of America with Britain, and her de
pendence, in this way, upon the Parent State, might
have been preſerved inviolate to the end of time.--
And it may be added, that there is no juſt ground to
ſuppoſe, that it would have ever entered the heart of
Americans, to have deſired a diſſolution of ſo happy a
connection with the Mother-Country, or to have fought
independence of Britain, had they not been urged,
and even forced upon ſuch an expedient, by meaſures
of oppreſſion and violence, and the ſhedding of inna-
cent blood.
But, alas --Ill-judged counſels ! Ill-fated mea.
ſures of Britain, and the Britiſh adminiſtration,
with reſpect to America, have broken in
upon
the
pleaſing ſcene, and fatally deſtroyed the happy prof-
pects of both Britain and America !
At the cloſe of the laſt war, we arrived at that
happy period, to which our anceſtors looked, with
earneſt expectation as the utmoſt of their wiſhes, as
the anſwer of their prayers, and the reward of all
their toils and ſufferings. The ſavages were ſubdu-
ed, thoſe reſtleſs neighbours, the Frenc were ſub-
jected, and this wide extended continent ſeemed to be
given us for a poſſeſſion : And we were ready to ſay,
there was none to make us afraid.'-But how un-
certain the moſt blooming proſpects ?—How vain-
how diſappointing the moſt rational, as well as raiſed
expectations, in this imperfect ſtate ?-Scarcely em-
erged from the dangers and fatigues of a long and
diſtreſſing war, we are unexpectedly involved in per-
plexities

GOD's care of his diſtrefed people. 23
plexities and anxieties of different kind, which by
degrees have increaſed, 'till they are become more
ſerious, dangerous and diſtreſſing, than any ever yet
felt, by God's people, in this once happy land.
Through the crafty inſinuations, falſe repreſenta-
tions and diabolical counſels, of the enemies of God's
people and the common rights of mankind, in Ame.
rica and Britain, acts of oppreſſion are made by
the Parliament of England, in which we are not
repreſented, which deeply affect our moſt valuable
priviledges. In open violation of our chartered
rights, theſe ads of unrighteouſneſs and oppreſſion, are
attempted to be carried into execution, in theſe colon
nies. After various threats of cercive meaſures, a
military force is ſent to inforce them.. An innocent,
loyal people are diſtreſſed, and every art, which wit
or malice could invent, is uſed to flatter or fright, to
divide or diſhearten, and finally ſubject us to the will
of a power, not known in our charters, or even in the
Britiſh conſtitution itfeif. And as one of the natural
conſequences of ſtanding armies being ſtationed in
populous cities, for ſuch execrable purpoſes, many
of the inhabitants of Bolton are inſulted. At length,
under pretence of ill-treatment, the ſtreets of that
once flouriſhing city, are ſtained with the innocent
blood of a number of our brethren, wançonly or
cruelly flain, by thoſe fons of oppreſſion and
violence !*
Upon the high reſentments of the people, in con-
ſequence of this horrid outrage and violence, there
was, for a ſhort time, a pauſe in their meaſures. --
For
* This refers to the horrid maſſacre, in Boſton, on the evening
of the 5th of March, 1770, when the guards, under the com-
mand of Capt. Preſton, fired upon the inhabitants, in King
freet, killed 5 perſons upon the ſpot, and wounded a number of
others, ſeveral of whom afterwards died of their wounds!

24
I be fate of blood-thirſty oppreſſors, and
For a moment the oppreſſors themſelves ſeemed to
be ſtruck with the horrid effects of their own iniqui-
tous proceedings, and ſtand aghaſt at the ſight of the
innocent blood they had ſhed ! Perhaps they were not,
at that time, ſo thoroughly hardened in fin, as they
have proved themſelves ſince !-But this pauſe ſeem-
ed to be, not to repent of their evil deeds, but rather
to collect themſelves, and deviſe fome meaſures more
effeétual: For ſo far from giving over the execrable
deſign, the plan of oppreſſion is renewed. New acts
are paſſed to diſtreſs and inſlave us. The luft of
domination appears no longer in diſguiſe, but with
open face.—The ſtarving Port-Bill comes forth-
Gage arrives with his forces by fea and land, to carry
it into execution, with vigour and ſeverity.And to
compleat the ſcene, and at once, to make thorough
work of oppreſſion and tyranny, immediately follow
the Bills, that ſubyert the conftitution, vacate our
charter, abridge us of the right of trial by juries of
the vicinity, in divers ſpecified capital caſes, and ex-
poſe us to be ſeized, contrary to the laws of the land,
and carried to England to be tried for our lives !
As alſo the Bill for eſtabliſhing the popiſh religion in
Canada, contrary to the faith of the crown and the
ſtatutes of the kingdom.
Add to theſe things, the people are treated, in
various inſtances, with indignity, ſeverity and even
cruelty. And, notwithſtanding every poſſible expréſ-
fion of a peaceful diſpoſition, in this people, conſiſt-
ent with a determined reſolution and chriſtian firm-
neſs, in defence of their rights and liberties, which
they held dearer than life, their property is frequently
and violently ſeized, and even their perſons and lives
are threatened. The inhabitants of Salem are
threatened with the ſword,* for peacefully meeting
to
* A detachment from the troops, then at Danvers, actually
marched,

GOD's care of his diſtreſſed people.
25
to conſult upon matters of importance to themſelves
and the public, as they had an undoubted right to do,
by the ſtanding laws of the colony. A number of
the moſt reſpectable inhabitants of that town, were
arreſted and threatened with impriſonment, by Geo
neral Cage's order, for calling the inhabitants toge-
ther, at the meeting aforeſaid. The province
ſtores of powder, which were depoſited at Medo
ford, were alſo clandeſtinely ſeized, by a large detach-
ment of the troops, and conveyed with all poſſible
diſpatch, to Boſton; as were, at the ſame time, alſo,
fome field-pieces at Cambridge Intrenchments
are throwing up, by Gage's army, and the town of
Boſton becomes a garriſon, and the inhabitants be
come priſoners, at the pleaſure of the troops And
notwithſtanding Gage's repeated profeſſions, of have
D
ing
anarched, by Gage's order, into the town of Salem, with orders
(as it was ſaid) to fire upon the inhabitants, if they refufed to
diſperſe...-But, as it happened, they had accompliſhed che affairs
upon which they met, before the troops arrived, and even before
they knew of their approach. This happily prevented the
troops the opportunity of executing their orders, and of ſhedding
of blood, for that time.
+ This ſeizure of the ſtores, &c. roaſed the people more than
any thing, that had happened before. Accordingly, the next
day, viz. Sept. 2, 1774, ſeveral thouſands, not of the rabble, as
miniſterial birelings have been diſpoſed to ſpeak ; but of the re-
ſpectable freeholders and free men of the adjacent towns, col-
lected at Cambridge ; and to ſhew their reſentment at ſuch hoftils
meaſures, and their determined reſolution never :o ſubmit to the
oppreſſive acts, without tumult or outrage, called Lieut. Governor
Oliver, and a nunaber more of the mandamus councellors before
them, and invited them to reſign their feats at the board, and
to declare, in a very folemn manner, that they never would hold
any office or poft, by virtue of faid acts. The gentlemen aj
plied to, complied with their propoſals, to general fatisfaction.
Whether this ftep, of the people, was prudent and juſtifiable,
or not; it ferved to diſcover their ſentiments of the acts, of which
they complained, and their determined reſolution to oppoſe
then : And this was the main thing aimed at, by the fteps they
tock, upon this occaſion.
7
S
e
g

26 The fate of blood-thirſty oppreffors, and
ing no deſign againſt the lives, or liberties, of the
people, every thing hath the appearance of hoftile
intentions, and of the near approach of blood shed
and war.*
Many inhabitants both of the town and country,
tre daily abuſed and inſulted, by the troops. The
devotion of God's people, in their worſhipping aſſem-
blies, is frequently interrupted, and mark of the ut-
mofi contempt are caft upon religion itſelf. Bodies
of troops from time to time march into the country,
wish a view (as was ſuppoſed) to alarm, terrify, or
awe che inhabitants to a ſubmillion. On the Sabbath,
a day held facred to God and religion, by chriſtians,
while God's people were in his houſe, engaged in de-
votion and che inſtituted ſervice of religion, a de-
tachment of theſe inſtruments of tyranny and op-
preſſion, clandeſtinely landed at Marblehead, and
making a quick march to Salem, attempt to ſeize
upon ſome cannon and other military ſtores depoſited
there to be ready for uſe, if wanted upon any impor-
tant emergency :- But, happily, they are diſappoint-
ed in their deſigns, by the ſpirit and reſolution of the
inhabitants, who ſpeedily collected upon that alarm-
ing occafon +
Αε
* Gen. Gage repeatedly declared, in his anſwers to the re-
monttances of the town of Boſton, the county of Worceker and
the Provincial Congreſs, thai he had no hoftile intentions, in any
of thele meaſures. With what truth and ſincerity, the General
made ſuch declarations, his after conduct fully determined.
† This unſucceſsful expedition was made on Lord's day,
Feb. 26, 1775. The party confined of about 200 or 300 men;
it was commanded by Lieut. Col. Lellie. "The veftels which
brought them to Marblehead, arrived in the barbour, on the
morning of the fabbath'; and the better to conceal their inten.
cions, lay quietly, at anchor, near to the wharves, with but very
few hands upon deck (the troops being kept cloſe) 'till the peo-
plo of the town were affembled for the ſervices of religion.-
While the inhabitants were thus engaged in their devotions to
God, the party landed and made a ſpeedy march to Salem.
Buc

GOD's care of his diftrefed people.
27
At length on the night of the eighteenth of April,
1775. the alarm is given of the hoſtile deſigns of the
froops.
The militia of this town are called
together, to conſult and prepare for whatever
might be neceſſary, or in their power, for their own,
and the common ſafety ; though without the leaft
deſign of commencing hoftilties, upon theſe avowed
enemies and oppreſfors of their country. In the
mean time, under cover of the darkneſs, a brigade of
theſe inftruments of violence and tyranny, make
their approach, and with a quick and filent march,
on the morning of the nineteenth, they enter this
town. And this is the place where the fatal feene
begins !They approach with the morning light ;
and more like murderers and cut-throats, than the
troops of a chriſtian king, without provocation, with-
а
out warning, when no war was proclaimed, they draw
the ſword of violence, upon the inhabitants of this
town, and with a cruelty and barbarity, which would
,
have made the moſt hardned ſavage bluſh, they fhed
INNOCENT BLOOD!-But, O my GOD!-!
How ſhall I ſpeak !-or how deſcribe the diſtreis,
the horror of that awful morn, that gloumy day!
Yonder a field can witneſs the innocent blood of our
brethren ſain !--And from thence does their blood
cry unto God for vengeance from the ground !
There the tender father bied, and there the beloved
fon! There the hoary head, and there the bloom.
ing
But all their precaution did not avail them for the accomplish-
ment of their enterprize. The eagle-eyes of a watchful and wary
people, juſtly jealous of every meaſure of their oppreffors, are
not eaſily evaded. Their molions were obſerved, and fach
timely notice given, thac fuch numbers were collected and fuch
meaſures taken, before they arrived, as effectually fruſtrated
their deſign and obliged them to return defeated and chagrned.
The field (not of battle) bar of murder and blo dbed,
where our men were fired upon by the troops.

The fate of blood thirſiy oppreffors, and
ing youth !And there the man in his full ſtrength,
with the man of years !-They bleed.--they die, not
by the ſword of an open enemy (with whom war is
proclaimed) in the field of battle; but by the hand of
choſe that delight in ſpoil, and lurk privily that they
may fed innocent blood ! But they bleed, they die,
not in their own cauſe only ; but in the cauſe of this
whole people-in the cauſe of God, their country
and poſterity.- 4 d they have not bled, they ſhall
not bleed in vain. Surely there is one that avengeth,
and that will plead the cauſe of the injured and op-
preſſed; and in his own way and time, will both cleanſe
and avenge their innocent blood. And the names of
Munioe, Parker, and others, that fell victims to the
tage of blood-thirſy oppreſſors, on that gloomy morn-
ing, ſhall be had in grateful remembrance, by the
people of this land, and tranſmitted to poſterity, with
honour and reſpect, throughout all generations.*
--But who ſhall comfort the diſtreſſed relatives,
the mourning widows, the fatherleſs children, the
weeping parents, or the afflicted friends ?-May the
confolations of that God, who hath hitherto ſupport-
ed chem, be ſtill their ſupport Upon him may they
ſtill depend, and from hiin and his grace may they
fill derive all needed ſupplies, in things ſpiritual and
temporal; and yet more and more experience the
faithfulneſs and cruth, the mercy and goodneſs, of the
God of al comfort.
May
* The perſons killed, in the morning, when hoftilities were
frit commer.ced, were, Meſlieurs Robert Munro, Jonas Parker,
Smuel Hadley, Jonathan Harrington, jun. Ifaac Muzzy, Caleb
Hirrington and John Brown, of Lexington; and one Porter,
Wounded, Jedediah Munro, Thomas Winſhip,
Na haniel Farmer, John Robbins Slomon Peirce, John Tidd,
Joſeph Comee, E enezer Munro jun. and Prince, a Negro, of
Lex ngton, and Jacob Bacon, of ww urn. Afernoon. Killed.
Fedediab Munro John Raymonds and Nathaniel Wyman. Wound-
ed, in purtuit of the enemy, when retreating, Francis Brown,
all of Lexing on.
of Woburn.

GOD's care of his diftreffed people. 29
May thoſe that were wounded, and have fince ex-
perienced the tender mercy of that God,“ who
woundeth, and healeth, and bindeth up," be deeply
impreſſed with a ſenſe of his diſtinguiſhing goodneſs,
that their lives were fpared, while others were taken;
and be perſuaded, more entirely than ever, to devote
them to God, his ſervice and glory
May all in this place, ſtill carefully remember,
notice and improve this awful difpenfation.- Particu-
Jarly, it concerns, not only thoſe whoſe ſubſtance
hath been plundered, and whoſe habitations have been
burnt, by theſe lawleſs invaders; but alſ) all, in ge-
neral, diligently and ſeriouſly to enquire, wherefore
it is, that a righteous God is contending with us, by
the fire and ſword of the oppreſſor :-And where-
fore it is that this awful ſcene, of blood-ſoed and war,
was opened in this place. May we ſtill humble our-
ſelves before God, under a ſenſe of the terrible things,
which in righteouſneſs he hath done in the midſt of us.
May we alſo be deeply impreſſed, with a moſt grate-
ful ſenſe of the goodneſs of God, in that ſo much
mercy was remembred in judgment; that fo few were
found among the wounded and pain, and fo few
habitations were conſumed by the fire of the enemy,
when ſo many were ſpared, that were equally expoſ-
ed. And may this day be remembred, to the glory
of God, and our own inſtruction and improvement,
ſo long as we live.
But ir is not by us alone, that this day is to be no.
riced. --This ever memorable day is full of importance
to all around to this whole land and nation; and
big with the fate of Great-Britain and America.-
From this remarkable day will an important ara beo
gin for both America and Britain. And from the
nineteenth of April, 1775, we may venture to pre-
diet, will be dated, in future hiſtory, THE LIBER-
TY

The fate of blood-thirſty oppreſſors, and
TY or SLAVERY of the AMERICAN WORLD,
according as a ſovereign God ſhall ſee fit to ſmile, or
frown upon the intereſting cauſe, in which we are
engaged.
How far the prophecy before us, may be applica-
ble, upon this folemn occaſion, and with what de
gree of truth, or probability, it may be predicted, in
confequence of the preſent unjuſt and unnatural war,
"That Great-Britain ſhall be a defolation, and
England be a defolate wilderneſs, for the vio-
lence againſt the children of America, becauſe they
kave ſhed INNOCENT BLOOD in their land:
But America Thall dwell forever, and this people
from generation to generation. And the LORD
himſelf will cleanſe their blood, that he hath not al.
ready cleanſed."'--How far (I ſay) this prophecy
пау be applicable, in the preſent intereſting conteſi,
and how far it may be accompliſhed in the iſſue there-
of, God only knows, and time only can diſcover,
But of this we are certain, if we humble ourſelves
under the mighty hand of God upon us, we ſhall be
exalted, in his due time;" and if we rightly improve
his dealings, " accept the puniſhment of our lips'
and righteouſly truſt in his name, we fhall ſee his
ſalvation.
From what hath already happened in the riſe and
progreſs, and even unto the preſent ſtate of this moſt
interelling confiiet, we have the greateſt reaſon to
hope for an happy iſſue, in the end. Though with
fire and ſword, our enemies and oppreſſors have en-
deavoured to lay waſte and deſtroy, and though they
have begun and caried on the war, fo far as their
power could enable them, with more than favage
cruelty and barbarity; yet, through the puculiar fa-
your of heaven, they have not been able to carry their
deſigns to effect; yea, in moft of their enterprizes,
they

The fate of blood-thirſiy oppreffors, &c. 31
they have been greatly diſappointed.-Not to ſay
defeated and diſgraced. ---Inſtead of awing the people
into fubmiflion, by thoſe meaſures of violence and
cruelty, with which they commenced hoſtilities againſt
us, as they undoubtedly expected, their ſpirits have
been rouſed and awakened thereby,-beyond what any
other means could have ever affected : and with a
union and firmneſs, exceeding the moſt fanguine ex-
pectations, they have armed to defend themſelves and
their country, and to revenge the injuries received
and the innocent blood of their brethren flain. And
a merciful God, in various inſtances, hath crowned
our arms with ſucceſs and victory. Not only the
acquiſitions at the weſtward, and the progreſs of our
army in Canada, but the preſervation and defence of
this colony; and above all, the unexpected evacuation
of the town of Boſton, which, at ſuch immenſe coſt,
they had fortified, and had ſo long in their poſſeſſion
---and their deſtroying the works of their own hands,
which with ſo much labour and expence, they had
erected; beſpeak the fpecial favour of heaven to this
injured and oppreſſed people ; and appear tob happy
omens of thoſe further ſucceſſes, wh ch are neceſſary
to compleat our deliverance, and render this land a
quier habitacion.
May that God, who is a God of righteouſneſs and
ſalvation, fill appear for us, go forth with our armies,
tread down our enemies, and cleanſe and avenge our
innocent blood. And my we be prepared, by a
.
general repentance and thorough reformation, for
his gracious and powerful interpofition in our behalf;
and then may we ſee the diſplays of his power and
glory for our ſalvation. Which God of 1.s infinite
mercy grant, for his mercy's fake in Chriſt Jefus,
A M E N.
,


( i
)
O
A NARRATIVE, &c
.
As it was not confitent with the limits of a ſingle diſcourſe, to give a
full accoant of the particulars of this moſt favage and murderous
affair ; the following plain and faithful narrative of facts, as
they appeared to us in this place, may be matter of latisfaction.
N the evening of the eighteenth of April, 1775, we received
two meſſages; the firſt verbal, the other by expreſs, in
fwriting, from the committee of ſafety, who were then fitting in the
weſterly part of Cambridge, directed to the Honorable JOHN
HANCOCK, Efq; (who, with the Honorable SAMUEL
ADAMS, Erq; was then providentially with us) informing,
that eight or nine officers of the king's troops were ſeen, juſt be-
fore night, palling the road towards Lexington, in a mufing, con-
templative poſture ; and it was ſuſpected they were out upon
fome evil deſign."
As both theſe gentlemen had been frequently and even pub-
licly, threatened, by the enemies of this people, both in England
and America, with the vengeance of the Britifh adminiſtration :
And as Mr. Hancock in particular had been, more than once,
perſonally inſulted, by fome officers of the troops, in Bolton ; it was
not without ſome juft grounds fuppoſed, that ander cover of the
darkneſs, Judden arreji, if not affalſination might be attempted,
by theſe inſtruments of tyranny !
To prevent any thing of this kind, ten or twelde men were
immediately collected, in arms, to guard my houſe, through the
night.
In the mean time, ſaid officers paſſed through this town, on
the road towards Concord : It was therefore thought expedient to
watch their motions, and if poſſible make fome diſcovery of their
intentions. Accordingly, about 10 o'clock in the evening,
three men, on horſes, were diſpatched for this purpoſe. As they
were peaceably paſſing the road towards Concord, in the borders of
Lincoln, they were fuddenly ſtopped by faid officers, who rode up
to them, and putting piftols to their breaſts and ſeizing their
horfes bridles, fwore, if they firred another fep, they ſhould be all
dead men !--The officers detained them feveral hours, as priſon-
€75, examined, ſearched, abufed and inſulted them ; and in
their balty return (ſuppoſing themſelves diſcovered) they lets
them in Lexington.--Said officers alſo took into cuſtody, abufed
and threatened with their lives ſeveral other perſons; ſome of whom
they met peaceably palling on the road, others even at the docrs
of their dwellings, without the leaſt provocation, on the part
of
the inhabitants, or ſo much as a queſtion aſked by them.
Between

(
)
2
we
Between the hours of twelve and one, on the morning of the
NINETEENTH OF APRIL, received
intelligence, by expreſs, from the Honorable JOSEPH
WARREN, Efq; at Boſton, " that a large body of the
king's troops (ſuppoſed to be a brigade of about 12,or 1500) were
embarked in boats from Boſton, and gone over to land on Lech-
mere's-Point (ſo called) in Cambridge : And that it was fhrewdly
ſuſpected, that they were ordered to ſeize and deſtroy the ſtores,
belonging to the colony, then depofsted ar Concord,” in confequence
of General Gage's unjuſtifiable ſeizure of the provincial magazine of
powder at Medford, and other colony ſtores in ſeveral other placce.
Upon this intelligence, as alſo upon information of the conduct
of the officers as above-mentioned, the militia of this town were
alarmed, and ordered to meet on the uſual place of parade ; not
wich any deſign of commencing hoftilities apon the king's troops,
but to conſult what might be done for our own and the
people's fafety: And alſo to be ready for whatever ſervice provi-
dence might call us out to, upon this alarming occaſion, in cafe
overt-acts of violence, or open hofilities ſhould be committed by
this mercenary band of armed and blood-thirſty oppreſors.
About the fame time, two perſons were ſent expreſs to Cam-
bridge, if poſſible, to gain intelligence of the motions of the
troops, and what rout they took.
The militia met according to order ; and waited the return
of the meſſengers, that they might order their meaſures as occa-
fion ſhould require. Between 3 and 4 o'clock, one of the ex-
.
preſſes returned, intorming, that there was no appearance of the
troops, on the roads, either from Cambridge or Charleſtown; and
that it was ſuppoſed that she movements in the army the evening
before, were only a feint to alarm the people. Upon this, there-
fore, the militia company were diſmifſed for the preſent, but with
orders to be within call of the drum, --waiting the return of the
other meſſenger, who was expected in about an hour, or ſooner,
if any diſcovery ſhould be made of the motions of che troops.--
But he was prevented by their filent and ſudden arrival at the
place where he was, waiting for intelligence. So that, after all
this precaution, we had no notice of their approach, 'till me
brigade was actually in the town, and upon a quick march within
about a mile and a quarter of the meeting horſe and place of parade.
However, the commanding officer thought beſt to call the
company together, ---not with any deſign of oppofing fo fuperior
a force, much leſs of commencing hoftilities; but only with a view
to determine what to do, when and where to meet, and to diſmiſs
and difperfe.
a
Accordingly, about half an hour after four o'clock, aların
were fired, and ike drums best to aims ; and the militia were col-
lecting
(1guns

3 )
lecting together.---Some, to the number of about 50, or 60, or
poffibly more, were on the parade, others were coming towards
it.--In the mean time, che troops, having thus ſtolen a march
upon us, and to prevent any intelligence of their approach, having
feized and keld priſoners ſeveral perſons whom they met unarmed
upon the road, ſeemed to come determined for MÚRDE R and
BLOODSHED; and that whether provoked to it, or not !---
When within about half a quarter of a mile of the meeting-houſe,
they halted, and the command was given to prime and load ;
which being done, they marched on 'till they came up to the eaſt
end of faid meeting-houſe, in fight of our militia (collecting as
aforeſaid) who were about 12, or 13 rods diftant.---Immediately
upon their appearing ro ſuddenly, and ſo nigh, Capt. Parker, who
commanded the militia company, ordered the men to diſperſe,
and take care of themſelves ; and not to fire.-- Upon this, our
men diſperſed ;---but, many of them, not ſo ſpeedily as they
might have done, not having the moſt diftant idea of ſuch brutal
barbarity and more than ſavage CRUELTY, from the troops
of a Britiſh KING, as they immediately experienced !--!-- For,
no ſooner did they come in fight of our company, but one of
them, fuppoſed to be an officer of rank, was heard to ſay to the
troops, * Damn them ; vee will bave them !"---Upon whick.
the troops ſhouted aloud, huzza'd, and ruſhed furiouſly towards
our men.---About the ſame time, three officers (ſuppoſed to be
Col. Smith, Major Pitcairn and another officer) advanced, og
horſe back, to the front of the body, and coming within 5 or
6 rods of the militia, one of them cried out, "ye villains, ye
Rebels, diſperſe ; Damn you, diſperſe !”...
---or words to this effect.
One of them (whether the ſame, or not, is not eaſily determined)
faid, “ Lay down your arms ; Damn you, why don't you lay down
your arms !". The ſecond of theſe officers, about this time,
fired a pictol towards the militia, as they were diſperſing ---The
foremoit, who was within a few yards of our men, brandiſhing
his ſword, and then pointing towards them, with a loud voice
ſaid, to the troops,
“ Fire !--By God, fire !"--which was in-
ftastly followed by a diſcharge of arms from the ſaid troops,
ſucceeded by a very heavy and cloſe fire upon our party, diſ-
perang, ſo long as any of them were within reach.--- Eigbt were
left dead upon the ground !" Ten were wounded. --The reſt of the
company, through divine goodneſs, were (to a miracle) preſerv-
ed unhurt in this murderous action !
As to the queſtion, Who fired frſt ?---if it can be a queſtion
with any ; we may obſerve, that though General Gage hath been
pleaſed to tell the world, in his account of this ſavage tranſaktion,
" that the troops were fired upon by the rebels out of the meeting-
boutes
* For the names of the killed and wounded, fee Sar. page 28, note.

{ 4 >
bouſe, and the neighbouring houſes, as well as by thoſe that were
were in the field; and that the troops only returned the fire, and
paſſed on their way to Concord ;"--- yet nothing can be more
certain than the contrary, and nothing more falſe, weak, or
wicked, than fuch a repreſentation.
To ſay nothing of the abſurdity of the fuppofition, that 50,
60, or even 70 men, ſhould, in the open field, commence haftilities
with 12, or 1500, of the beſt troops of Britain, * nor of the know
determination of this ſmall party of Americans, upon no conſide-
ration whatever, to begin the ſcene of blood +--A cloud of wit.
nelles, whoſe veracity cannot be juftly diſputed, upon oatb have
declared, in the moſt expreſs and poſitive terms, that the
Britiſh troops fired firſt : 1--And I think, we may ſafely add,
without the leaft reaſon or provocation.-- Nor was there oppor-
tunity given, for our men to have ſaved themſelves, either by
Jaying down their arms, or diſperſing, as directed, had they
been diſpoſed to ; as the command to fire upon them was given
almost at the ſame inftant, that they were ordered, by the Britifte
officers, to diſperſe, to lay down their arms, &c.
In ſhort, fo far from firing firſt upon the king's troops ; upon
the moſt careful enquiry, it appears, that but very few of our
people fired at all, and even they did not fire till after being
;
fired upon by the troops, they were wounded themſelves, or faw
others killed, or wounded by them, and looked upon it next to
impoflible for them to eſcape.
As to any fring from the meeting-houſe, as Gage repreſents ; it
is certain, that there were but four men in the meeting houſe,
when the troops came up: and they were then getting ſome am-
munition, from the town ſtock, and had not ſo much as loaded
their guns (except one, who never diſtharged it) when the troops
fired upon the militia. And as to the neighbouring houſes, it is
equally certain, that there was no firing from them, unleſs, after
the diſperſion of our men, fome, who had fled to them for
ſhelter, might fire from them upon the troops.
One circumſtance more, before the brigade quitted Lexington,
I beg leave to mention, as what may give a further ſpecimen of
the ſpirit and characler, of the officers and men, of this body of
troops.--After the militia company were diſperſed and the Gring
ceaſed,
1200, or 2500, was the number we then ſuppoſed the brigade to confift of:
though afterwards, by the beſt accounts, it appeared, that there were but about
800
from a moft intimate acquaintance with the ſentiments of the inhabitante
of this town, then collcéled in arms, I think I may boldly affert, that it was
their know a determination not to commerce hoſtilities, upon the king's troops ;
though they were equally determined to ftand by their rights to the laſt
See narrative and depoſitions, publiſhed by asthority,

( 5 )
:
ceaſed, the troops draw up and formed, in a body on the com-
mon,
fired a volley and gave three huzzas, by way of triumph,
and as expreſſive of the joy of VICTORY and glory of CON-
QUEST!-!-.Of this tranſa&ion, I was a witneſs, having, aç
that time, a fair view of their motions, and being at the diſtance
of not more than 70 or 80 rods from them.
Whether this ſtep was honorary to the detachment, or agrecable
to the rules of war---or how far it was expreflive of bravery,
beroiſm and true military glory, for 800 diſciplined troops of
Creat-Briain, without notice or provocation, to fall upon 60, or
70, undiſciplined Americans, who neither oppoſed nor moleſted
them, and murder come and diſperſe the reſt, and then to give the
floout and make the triumph of victory, is not for me to determine ;
but muſt be ſubmitted to the impartial world to judge. That
66 there is a God with whom is the power, and the glory, and
the victory," is certain : but whether he will ſet his ſeal to the
triumph, made upon this moſt peculiar occaſion, by following it
with further ſucceſſes, and finally giving up this people into the
hands of thoſe, that have thus cruelly commenced hoſtilities againſt
them, muſt be left to time to diſcover.---Bus to return from this
digreffion, ifit may be called a diſgreffion.
Having thus vanquiſhed the party in Lexington, the troops marched
on for Concord, to execute their orders, in deſtroying the ſtores
belonging to the colony, depoſited there. They met with no
interruption in their march to Concord. ---But by ſome means or
other, the people of Concord had notice of their approach and
deſigns, and were alarmed about break of day; and collecting
as foon, and as many as poſible, improved the time they had bee
fore the troops came upon them, to the beſt advantage, both for
concealing and ſecuring as many of the public ſtores as they
could, and in preparing for defence. --By the ſtop of the troops
at Lexington, many thouſands were ſaved to the colony, and
they were, in a great meaſure, fruſtrated in their deſign.
When the troops made their approach to the eaſterly part of
the town, the provincials of Concord and ſome neighbouring
towns, were collected and collecting in an advantageous poft, on
a hill, a little diſtance from the meeting-houſe, north of the road,
to the number of about 150, or 200: but finding the troops to
be more than three times as many, they wiſely retreated, firſt to
a hill about 8o rods further north, and then over the north-
bridge (ſo called) about a mile from the town : and there they
waited the coming of the militia of the towns adjacent, to cheir
affiftance.
In the mean time, the Britiſh detachment marched into the
center of the town. A party of about 200, was ordered to take
pofleffion of ſaid bridge, other parties were diſpatched to various
parts

( 6 )
parts of the town, in ſearch of public ſtores, while the remainder
were employed in ſeizing and deſtroying, whatever they could
find in the town-houſe, and other places, where ſtores had been
lodged.---But before they had accompliſhed their deſign, they
were interrupted by a diſcharge of arms, at ſaid bridge.
It ſeems, that of the party above-mentioned, as ordered to
take poffeffion of the bridge, ons half were marched on about
two miles, in ſearch of ſtores, at Col. Barret's and that part of
the town : while the other half, conſiſting of towards 100 men,
under Capt. Lawrie, were left to guard the bridge. The pro-
vincials, who were in fight of the bridge, obſerving the troops
attempting to take up the planks of ſaid bridge, thought it
neceſſary to diſlodge them, and gain pofeffion of the bridge.---
They accordingly marched, but with expreſs orders not to fire,
unleſs firſt fired upon by the king's troops. Upon their approach
towards the bridge, Capt. Lawrie's party fired upon them,
killed Capt. Davis and another man dead upon the ſpot, and
wounded ſeveral others. Upon this our militia ruſhed on, with
a ſpirit becoming free-born Americans, returned the fire upon the
enemy, killed 2, wounded ſeveral and drove them from the
bridge, and purſued them towards the town, 'till they were
covered by a reinforcement from the main body. The provin-
cials then took poſt on a hill, at ſome diſtance, north of the
town: and as their numbers were continually increaſing, they
were preparing to give the troops a proper diſcharge, on their
departure from the town.
In the mean time, the king's troops collected ; and having
dreſſed their wounded, deſtroyed what ſtores they could find,
and inſulted and plundered a number of the inhabitants, pre-
pared for a retreat.
" While at Concord, the troops diſabled two 24 pounders ;
deſtroyed their 2 carriages, and ſeven wheels for the ſame, with
their limbers. Sixteen wheels for braſs 3 pounders, and >
carriages with limber and wheels for two 4 pounders. They
threw into the river, wells, &c. about coo weight of ball : and
fove about 60 barrels of four ; but not having time to perfect
their work, one half of the flour was afterwards ſaved."*
The troops began a hafty retreat about the middle of the day:
and were no ſooner out of the toy, but they began to meet the
effects of the juft reſentments of this injured people.
vincials fired upon them from various quarters, and purſued
them (though without any military order) with a firmneſs and
intrepidity, beyond what could have been expected, on the first
onfet, and in ſuch a day of confuſion and diſtreſs !---The fire
was returned, for a time, with great fury, by she troops as they
retreated,
See Rev. Ms. Gordon's account.
The pro-

7. )
retreated, though (through divine goodneſs) with but little ex-
ecution.---This ſcene continued, with but little intermiffon,
till they returned to Lexington ; when it was evident, that,
having loft numbers in killed, wounded, and priſoners that fell
into our hands, they began to be, not only fatigued, but greatly
diſheartened. And it is ſuppoſed they muſt have foopſurren-
dered at diſcretion, had they not been reinforced.---Bur Lord
Percy's arrival with another brigade, of about 1000 men, and
2 field pieces, about half a mile from Lexington meeting-beuſe,
towards Cambridge, gave them a feaſonable reſpite.
The coming of the reinforcement, with the cannon, (which our
people were not ſo well acquainted with then, as they have been
fince) put the provincials alſo to a pauſe, for a time.--- But no
ſooner were the king's troops in motion, but que, men renewed the
purſuit with equal, and even greater ardor and intrepidity than
before, and the firing on both ſides continued, with but little in-
termiflion, to the cloſe of the day, when the troops entered
Charleſtown, where the provincials could not follow them, with-
out expoſing the worthy inhabitants of that truly patriotic towe,
to their rage and revenge.---That night and the next day, they
were conveyed in boats, over Charles-River to Boſton, glad to
feeure themſelves, under the cover of the ſhipping, and by
ftrengthning and perfecting the fortifications, at every part,
againſt the further attacks of a juftly incenſed people, who, up-
on intelligence of the murderous tranſactions of this fatal day, were
collecting in arms, round the town, in great numbers, and from
every quarter.
In the retreat of the king's troops from Concord to Lexington,
they ravaged and plundered, as they had opportunity, more or
leſs, in moſt of the houſes that were upon the road.---But after
they were joined by Piercy's brigade, in Lexington, it ſeemed as
if all the little remains of humanity had left them ; and rage and
revenge had taken the reins, and knew no bounds !-- Clothing,
furniture, proviſions, goods, plundered, broken, carried off, or deſiray-
2d!--Buildings (eſpecially dwelling houſes) abufed, defaced, battered,
hattered and almoſt ruined !-- And as if this had not been enough,
numbers of them doomed to the fames !--
Three dwelling houſes, two
Shops and a barn, were laid in aſhes, in Lexington! -- Many others
were ſet on fire, in this town, in Cambridge, &c. and must have
shared the ſame fate, had not the cloſe purſuit of the provincials pre-
vented, and the flames been ſeaſonably quenched ! --Add to all this ;
the unarmed, the aged and infim, zuho were unable to flee, are in-
humanly ſtabbed and murdered in their habitations !-- Yea, even won
men in child-bed, with their helpleſs babes in their arins, do not eſcape
iba
* Deacon Loring's houſe and barn, Mrs. Lydia Mulliken's houſe, and her
ſon's ſhop, and Mr. Joſhua Bond's houſe and shop.

( 8 )
the horrid alternative, of being either cruelly murdered in their bedio
burnt in their habitations, or turned into the ſtreets to periſha with
cold, nakedneſs and diſreſs*!-- But I forbear--words are too inſignifia
cant to expreſs, the horrid barbarities of that diffreſing day !--...!
Oar lofs, in the ſeveral actions of that day, was 49 killed,
34 wounded and 5 miſſing, who were taken priſoners, and have
ſince been exchanged, The enemy's loſs, according to the beſt
accounts, in killed, wounded and miſſing, about 300.
As the war was thus began with favage cruelty, in the aggrefr.
ſo it has been carried on with the ſame temper and ſpirit,
by the enemy in but too many inſtances. Witneſs the wantone
eruelty, diſcovered in burning Charleſtown, Norfolk, Falmouth, &c.
But as events which have taken place fince the ever memorable
nineteenth of April, 1775, do not properly come within the com á
paſs of this narrative, they muſt be left for ſome abler pen to
relate.
ors,
See dep. publiſhed by authority.
%« Quorura parts magna fui !"
VIR
3E R RA
T A.
line
ERMON, page 9, line 10, dele im. Page 13,
15
S . bia, ning
13, read diſcipline. Page 19, line 6, read ever. Page 20,
line 7, read defence. ib. Note, line 10, read Bofton. Page 23
line 1, read of a different. ib. line 14, read coercive. Page
25, line 13, read thrown. Page 30, line 24, read religiouſly.
ib. line 34, read peculiar. Page 31, line 7, read effe&ted.
复
​N
S:



Clark, Jonas
1976
ce

22 )
22
DD)
CCCCC
CCCC
((
COCO
COC
((((CT
(..
(c
((((((
(
CO
CC(((((
ICC
CA
CCCC
COCO
COS
)
( 11 C
COCO
(CCCC
CE
C
CEC
(
MX
>>
ECCO
333
CCCCC
(CCCC
CCCCCCCC
D
COCO
((((
(CO
(CCCC
co
COC
(CCCCCC
CE
OC
CODEC
COCO
CIRCO CE
B.
29
ECCO
CC
KO
.RO