Bad things happen to bad people

An interesting perspective from Carriden, West Lothian, in 1710.

​At Carriden Church, Sabbath Aprile 9th 1710
The which day the Session taking it into their serious consideratione the many abounding sins and iniquities of the land amongst persones of all ranks, but in particular the sins and iniquities that reigne and rage in this congregatione, breaking forth in adulteries, fornications, lieing, barbyteing, evill-speaking and calumniating, all which are weightie causes of God’s wrath against many in this place, the sad symptoms whereof many have been exposed unto, by being lately laid open to thee rage and crueltie of a wicked enemie, by whom they have suffered the loss of their goods. But which is more sad and bitter, that some persons both formerlie and within these few days have been suddenlie and surprisinglie lost in coall pits to the sad discomfort of all concerned. Upon all which, the Session thought it their duty to set apart a day of fasting and humiliation upon attempt of the forementioned sins, for which the Lord seems to wryte bitter things against us, and did appoint intimation to be given this day that Thursday next the 28th instant is the day appointed for this effect.

So when coal miners die in accidents, who do you blame? The mine owners for not worrying unduly about their workers' safety? No, blame the people for their sinful ways.

​Source: Carriden Kirk Session Minutes, CH2/61/2 p. 113.