Our fathers God, the hope of posterity : Some serious thoughts on the foundation, rise and growth of the settlements in New England; with a view to the edification of the present, and the instruction, and admonition of future generations. A discourse delivered at Dedham, on the day of publick thanksgiving, Nov. 23. 1738. Upon the conclusion of the first century, since a church of Christ was gathered in that place. By Samuel Dexter, V.D.M. [Four lines of Scripture texts].