IT is a Part and Duty of Spiritual Wisdom, as also an Evidence of a due Reverence of God, to take Notice of Extraordinary Occurrences in the Dispensations of his Providence; for they are instructive warnings, and of [Page 2] great importance in his Government of the World. In them the Voice of the Lord crieth unto the City, and the man of Wis­dom shall see his Name. And there is a Mark left on them, as profligate Persons, who will not see when his Hand is so lifted up. An Example of this Wisdom is given us here in our Blessed Saviour; who on the Report that was made unto him of some severe Providential Accidents, then newly fallen out, gives an Exposition of the Mind of God in them, with an Ap­plication of them, unto the present Duty of them that heard him, and Ours there­in

Some things may be observed in Ge­neral, to give Light into the Context, and the Design of our Saviour in this holy Discourse.

I. The Time when the Things mention­ed did fall out, and wherein our Saviour passed this judgement on them.

1. It was a Time of great Sin; of the abounding of all sorts of Sins: The Nation as such, in its Rulers and Rule; the Church as such, in its Officers, Or­der and VVorship; and the Generality of the People, in their Personal Capacities, [Page 3] were all overwhelmed in provoking Sins, Hypocrisie, Oppression, Cruelty, Supersti­tion, Vncleanness, Persecution, Impeni­tency, and Security, all proceeding from Unbelief, had filled the Land, and de­filed it. We have a sufficient Account of this State of things in the Story of the Gospel; so as that it needs no other Confirmation. Yea, so wicked were the People, and so corrupt the Church-State, and so impenitent were the Ge­nerality of them therein, that it suited the Rightousness and Holiness of God, to revenge on that Generation, not only their own Sins, but the Sins also of all wicked persecutors from the Foundation of the World; a thing which he doth not do but on high Provocations; Luke 11. 50. 51. That the Blood of all the Pro­phets, which was shed from the Founda­tion of the World, may be required of this Generation; from the Blood of Abel, unto the Blood of Zacharias, which perished be­tween the Altar and the Temple: Verily I say unto you, it shall be required of this Generation.

There is in this Commination an Ap­pearance of Severity, beyond the Rule established, Exod. 20. 5. There God de­clares, That as he is a jealous God, which [Page 4] Title he assumes to himself, with respect unto the highest Provocations, that he will visit the Iniquity of the Fathers on the Children to the third and fourth Gene­ration of them that hate him. But here the Vengeance and Punishment due unto the Sins of an hundred Generations, is threatned to be inflicted on that which was present.

Something in our passage may be spo­ken for the Vindication of Divine Ju­stice herein, seeing we may be more con­cerned in that Divine Commination than the most are aware.

1. The Case here is particular. That in the Commandmont respects the Com­mon Case of all false Worshippers, and their Posterity; but this respects Perse­cution unto Blood and Death of the true Worshippers of God. Now though God be very much provoked with the Sins of false Worshippers, yet he can either bear with them, or pass over their Sins with lesser Punishments, or at least for a long season; but when they come to Persecuti­on and the Blood of them who worship him in Spirit and in Truth, in his appointed season he will not spare them; their own, and the Iniquities of their Predecessors, shall be avenged on them which will be [Page 5] the end of the Antichristian Church-State, after all its present Triumph.

2. All those who from the beginning of the World suffered unto Blood, on the account of Religion, suffered in the Cause of Christ, for their Faith in him, and Confession of him, namely, as he was pro­mised unto the Church. Unto him and his Office did Abel, by Faith, bear Testi­mony in the Bloody Sacrifice that he of­fered. So it is said that Moses, in his danger for killing the Aegyptian, hare the Reproach of Christ, because he did it in Faith of the Promised Seed, which was Christ. They were therefore all slain in the Cause of Christ: And whereas this Generation was to slay Christ himself, and did so, they did therein approve of, and justifie all the Blood that was shed in the same Cause from the Foundation of the World; and made themselves justly lia­ble unto the Punishment due unto it. Hence our Saviour tels them. Matth. 23. 35. That They, the Men of that Gene­ration, slew Zechariah, who was actually slain many hundred years before.

3. Our Blessed Saviour mentions Abel, and Zechariah Particularly. This Zecha­riah, called the son of Barachias, was un­doubtedly the Zechariah mentioned 2 Chr. [Page 6] 24. 20, 21, 22. For concerning those two alone, it is observed, That the one dead, and the other dying, cryed for Vengeance. So God testifieth of the Blood of Abel, Gen. 4. 10. And Zechariah when he died, said, The Lord look upon it, and require it. Hence the Apostle affirms, That Abel be­ing dead, yet speaks, Heb 11. 4. that is, his Blood did so, it did so then, and it spake for Vengance, as he intimates, Ch. 12, 24. It did so before and until the Destruction of Hierusalem: For in the Rejection and absolute Destruction of that Apostatized Church and People, the Blood of all that suffered under the Old Testa­ment, was expiated; Abel's Blood cries no more; nor doth God look any more on the Blood of Zechariah, to require it.

But the same Voice and Cry is now con­tinued by another sort of Men; namely, those who have suffered in the Cause of Christ, since his Coming, according to the Promise, Rev. 6. 9. 10. And this Cry shall be continued until the appointed Time doth come for the utter Destruction of the Antichristian apostatized Church-State.

4. When a Sinfull Church or people have passed the utmost Bounds of Divine Pati­ence [Page 7] and Forbearance, they shall fall into such abominable crying Sins and Provoca­tions, as shall render the utmost Venge­ance beneath their Deserts. So Josephus affirms of this Generation, after they had rejected and slain the Lord Christ, that they fell into such an Hell of provoking Abominations, that if the Romans had not come and destroyed them, God would have sent Fire and Brimstone upon them from Heaven, as he did on Sodom.

And we may by the way, observe from hence.

It is a dangerous thing to live in the times of declining Churches, when they are hast­ning unto their fatal Period in Judgements; such as will inevitably befall them all and every one.

And it is so, for these three Rea­sons:

1. Because such Times are perillous through Temptations from the abounding of the Lusts of Men, in all Uncleanness and Wickedness. So the Apostle states it, 2. Tim. 3. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. If any think they are free from Danger, because as yet they feel no Evil, whilst the Lusts of Men pro­fessing Christian Religion, visibly and o­penly [Page 8] abound and rage in the World, they will be mistaken.

2. Though Destruction do not imme­diately befall them, yet when they have passed the time of Divine Patience, de­signing their Reformation; they shall pre­cipitate themselves into Bloody Abomina­tions as did the Church of the Jews.

3. Judgment shall at length overtake them, and God will revenge on them the Sins and Provocations, especially the Per­secutions and Blood of them that went be­fore them, and lead them into their Apo­stacy. So when he shall come to destroy Mystical Babylon, or the Antichristian Church-State, it is said, that in her was found the Blood of the Prophets, and of Saints, and of all that were slain upon the Earth, Rev. 18. 24. Even the Blood of Saints, that was shed by Pagan-Rome, shall be avenged on Antichristian Rome, after she hath espoused the Cause, and walked in the way of the other, justifying in her own Practice, what they had done,

II. It was a Time wherein Judgments were near approaching; so our Saviour him­self affirms it to have beeen, Luke 19. 42, 43, 44. Hadst thou known in this thy Day, They had now but a Day, and that now [Page 9] almost ready to expire, though they saw it not,) nor would beleive it. But the day of their desolation approached continually, and when the Apostle wrote his Epistle to the Hebrews, was making its entrance upon them Chap. 10. 25. ye see the day approaching, And we may hence learn That,

1. In the approaching of desolating Judg­ment on a sinfull provoking Church or Nati­on, God is pleased to give previous Intimati­ons of his displeasure, as well in the works of Providence, as by the Rule of his Word; such were those here so interpre­ted by our Saviour in such a Season.

This, I say, is the ordinary process of Divine Providence; and it may be no Nation, Heathen or Christian ever utterly perished without Divine Warnings of their approaching desolation: some indeed seem to be taken away with a sudden sur­prisal, as God threatneth, Psal. 58. 9, 10, 11.

But this is from their own security, and not for want of Warnings; so the Old World before the Flood, had warnings sufficient of their Destruction, by the Preaching of Noah, and the building of the Ark, by which he condemned the World, Heb. 11. 7. or left them unexcu­sable to divine Vengeance. Yet they took [Page 10] no notice of these things, but were supri­sed with the Flood, as if they had never heard or seen any thing that should give them warning of it, as our Saviour de­clares, Mat. 24. 38, 39. and when the time comes of the destruction of Mysti­cal-Babylon, she shall say in that very day wherein her Judgements come upon her, I sit as a Queen, and shall see no sorrow; not­withstanding all her warnings in the pou­ring out of the Vials of previous judg­ments, Rev. 18. 7, 8.

2. It is the height of security in such a time and season, either to neglect the consi­deration of extraordinary Providences, or to miss-interpret them as unto any thing, but Tokens of approaching Judgements, if not prevented.

Nothing can be questioned herein with­out an Arraignment of the Divine Wis­dom of our Lord Jesus Christ, in the In­terpretation and Application that he makes of these Accidents. No doubt but they were neglected and despised by the most, as common things; to take any great notice of such Occurrences, is esteemed Pusillanimity or Superstition. So it is by many at this day, wherein all things, as we shall see afterwards, are filled with To­kens of divine displeasure: But things will [Page 11] come shortly unto another account; in the mean time it is safe to follow this Divine Example, so as to find out sacred Warn­ings in such Providential Occurren­ces.

2. The Providential Accidents spoken of, are two, and of two sorts.

1. The first was that wherein the bloody Cruelty of men had an hand. The Galile­ans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. When this was done, on what occasion, and what was the number of the Persons so slain, the Scripture is silent. However it is certain that it was done at Hierusalem; for Sacrifices might not be offered any where else. Thither came the Galileans with their Sacrifices; that is either the Beasts which they brought to the Preists to offer for them; for they might not offer Sacrifices themselves, or the Paschal Lamb, which they might slay themselves.

Whil'st they were ingaged in this work Pilate the bloody Roman Governour, on what occasion or provocation is unknown, came upon them, and slew them in a cru­el manner, intimated in that Expression, that he mingled their Blood with their Sacri­fices. And this Providence is the more remarkable, in that it fell out whil'st they [Page 12] were ingaged in their Sacred Worship; which carries an Indication of Divine Se­verity. And it may be there was, as it is in the ruine of Mankind every day, occa­sion taken for it, from the difference that was between two wicked Governours, Pi­late and Herod, unto whose Jurisdiction these Galileans did belong, in whose blood Pilate thought to revenge himself on his Enemy. However they both combin'd at last in the killing of Christ, as others use to do in the World; and so made themselves Freinds, leaving their Example to their Successors.

2. The other was a meer Effect of di­vine Providence, the death of eighteen men by the fall of a Tower in Siloam; that is a place of Waters, and a running stream in Hierusalem it self. And our Lord Je­sus Christ declares herein, not only that all such Accidents are disposed by the Pro­vidence of God, but that he speaks in them for our Instruction.

Both these, as they were Warnings, as we shall see, so they were Figures of the approaching destruction of the City and People: for that in the first place is the perishing here intended, as is manifest in the ensuing Parable, wherein the Church-State of the Jews is compared unto a bar­ren [Page 13] Fig-tree, which was to be cut down and destroyed. And accordingly that de­struction did befall them, partly by the bloody Cruelty of the Romans, and partly by the fall and ruine of the Temple, Towers, and Walls of the City, both included in the VVord, likewise; ye shall likewise perish, or in like manner. But although they were of various kinds, and men might e­vade the consideration of them on several pretences; the one being nothing but the Tyrannical Fury of Pilate, the other only a somewhat unusual Accident, yet our Lord Jesus Christ finds out the hand and Councel of God in them both, and de­clares the same Language to be spoken in them both. Signs of the same event are doubled to shew the certainty of it, like Pharaohs Dreams.

And we may observe; That

1. All sorts of unusual Accidents, or Ef­fects of Providence in a season of Sin and approaching Judgements, are of the same In­dication, and ought to have the same Inter­pretation.

So is the same Application made of both these different Signs and Warnings by our Saviour; they have, saith he; the same Language, the same Signification. There was nothing at this time more har­dened [Page 14] the Jews unto their utter ruine, than the false Application they made of Provi­dential Signs and Warnings which were all multiplyed among them, as boding their good and deliverance, when they were all Tokens of their approaching ruine. For when such things are rejected as Warnings calling to Repentance and Reformation, as they were by them on a presumption that they were Signs of Gods appearance on their behalf, they became to be no­thing but certain Forcrunners of greater Judgements, and infallible Tokens of de­struction; and so they will be to them likewise by whom they are yet despised.

Secondly, God is pleased sometimes to give warnings of approaching Judgements, not only as unto the matter of them, that they shall be accompanied with severity; but also as unto the especial nature and manner of them; so was it with these two Signs of Blood by the Sword, and Death by the fall of the Tower, representing as in a Glass, that common calamity which was to befall the City and Nation. And I pray God that the prodigious Appearance of fiery-Meteors, like Swords, Armies, and Armes, with other things of the like nature may not be sent to point out the very kind and nature of the Judgments which are coming [Page 15] on England if not diverted; for as unto these Signs, not only the Scripture, but all Heathen-Stories, are filled with an Ac­count of them. Before the approach of desolating Judgements, Nature the common Parent of Mankind, did always put forth it self in irregular, unusual Actings, in fiery-Meteors, Comets, Earthquakes, strange Appearances in the Air, Voices heard, and the like.

The brute Elements tremble at the ap­proaches of God in his Judgement against the Inhabitants of the Earth; so the Pro­phet expresseth it, Hab. 3. 10. The Mountains saw the and they trembled, the overflowings of thee Water passed by, the deep uttered his voice, and lift up his hand on high.

They are as it were cast into a posture of trembling and Supplication. And Aschylus an Heathen Poet in Justin Mar­tyr,

When the dreadfull Eye of God ( in his Providence) is lifted up, all things tremble before it.

[Page 16] Thirdly, In the Interpretation and ap­plication made of these severe Accidents by our Saviour in his divine VVisdom, we may observe.

1. Especial Judgments in such a season, befalling in any, do not prove an especial Guilt, or provocation in them.

This our Saviour expresly denies, and that with respect unto both the Instances insisted on, and that distinctly, verse 2. v. 4. I do not hence absolutely establish a general Rule as unto all Times and Per­sons. For.

1. The observation is here confined and limited, unto such a Season as that un­der consideration; namely a time of pro­voking Sins in the generality of the Peo­ple, and approaching Judgments. In such a season no assignation of especial Guilt ought to be made on especial Cala­mitous Sufferings.

2. Some Persons may be guilty of such daring presumptous Sins, that if they are overtaken with especial Judgements in this VVorld, it is the height of Impiety not to own the especial revenging hand of God, in their destruction; such was the Death of Herod, Acts 12, 22, 23.

[Page 17] 2. Judgments on private men in such a season are warnings to the publick. This is intimated by our Saviour in this place; Namely, that God uses a Soveraignty here­in, by singling out whom he pleaseth to make them Examples unto others; this saith he, was the sole reason, as far as you are concerned to judge or know, why God brought these sore destructions upon them; namely, that by these Warnings he might call you to Repentance. Yet I judge God doth not ordinarily exercise his Soveraignty in this kind, unless it be when all have deserved to be destroyed; and then, as in the Sedition and Mutiny of Military Legions, they decimated them, or slew some for an example and terrour unto others; so God calls out of a guilty multitude whom he pleaseth, to make pre­vious Instances of approaching Judg­ments.

3. Those who first fall under Judgments, are not always the worst that Judgments shall befall, nor are the first Judgments usu­ally the most severe; so it is plain in these Instances. And because we have Instan­ces of this nature amongst us, we should consider how to make a right Judgment concerning them; and these three things we may safely determine.

[Page 18] 1. That those who suffered were Sinners also, These things were spoken on the burning of several Persons to death, in one of the late Fires in Lon­don. though they were not so only, or in an especial manner. This is necessary unto the vindication of the Justice of God.

2. That he who hath made them warnings unto us, might have made us warnings unto them; herein his Soveraignty and Mercy towards us, who escape, is manifest.

3. That we also have an hand in that Guilt, forerunning such Providences so far as there is any thing poenal in them. For such private previous Judgments are the effect of publick Provocations.

Fourthly, Here is a sure Rule, given us, of the Interpretation of severe Providences in such a season, as that here intended. Such I mean as we have had amongst us, in Plague, and Fire, and Blood; and such as we have the Signs and Tokens of at this time in Heaven and Earth. For three things we are here taught safely to con­clude concerning them,

1. That they are warnings from God. This our Saviour plainly declares in the Interpretation and Application of these two Instances.

2. That their Voice and Language is a [Page 19] Call to Repentance and Reformation: Except ye repent, &c.

3. VVhen they are neglected as warn­ings, calling to Repentance, they change their nature, and become certain Signs of approaching Destruction. And in the ob­servation of these Rules of Interpretati­on of Providential Severities, given us by our Saviour, we may be preserved from the excesses of neglecting on the one hand, what is contained in them; and of rash judging of Men or Causes on the o­ther.

These things being premised for the opening of the words, the Truth where­in we are instructed by them, appears to be this.

When a Land, a Nation, a City, a Church, is filled with sin, so as that God gives them Warnings or Indications of his displeasure by previous Judgments; or other extraordinary Signs, if they are not as Warnings complyed withal by Repentance and Reformation, they are Tokens of ap­proaching Judgments, that shall not be a­voided,

This is that sacred Truth which our Lord Jesus Christ doth here recommend [Page 20] to our Observation. It is the great Rule of Divine Providence, with the especial Seal of our Lord Christ annexed to it; I tell you Nay but unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish. When Warnings for In­struction are not received, they are To­kens of Destruction. This is a Truth which none almost deny, and none almost believe. Had it been believed, many de­solating Judgments in former Ages had been prevented, Nations and Cities should have abode in Prosperity, which are now sunk into Ruine, yea, into Hell. See Luke 19. 41, 42, 43, 44. Mat. 11. 23. And were it believed in the days wherein we live, it would be the means of saving a poor Nation from, otherwise inevi­table ruine. The State is so with us, that unless we repent, we shall perish. I do not prescribe unto the Soveraignty of God in his Providential Administrations. He can if he please, suffer all his Warnings to be despised, all his Calls neglected, yea scoffed at, and yet exercise Forbearance toward us, as unto a speedy execution of Judgment. But wo unto them with whom he so deals; for it hath only this end, that they may have a space to fill up the measure of their Iniquities, and so be sitted for eternal Destruction, Rom. 9. 22:

[Page 21] There is a threefold Issue and event of the State we have described.

1. When a sinfull Church or Nation so atend unto Gods Warnings in previous Judgments, and other Signs of his displea­sure, as to comply with them by Repen­tance and Reformation. This is a blessed Issue which will certainly divert all impen­dent judgments; as shall be afterwards de­clared.

2. When by reason of the neglect of them, and want of complyance with them, God doth bring distress and calamities up­on a People in general. This is a sad e­vent. But however, under it God doth often preserve a Seed and Remnant, which be­ing brought through the Fire, and thereby purged and purified, though but as a poor and afflicted People, yet they shall be pre­served as a Seed, and Reserve for a better State of the Church, see Zach. 13. 8, 9. Isai. 6. 11. 12, 13. Chap. 14. 6. Chap. 24. 13. Zeph. 3. 12. Ezek 5. 2, 12.

3. When God utterly forsakes a People, will regard them no more; but give them up unto Idolatry, False-Worship, and all sorts of Wickedness. VVhen he says, Why should you be stricken any more, you will revolt more and more. This is the sorest of Judgments. VVo unto them saith the [Page 22] Lord, when I depart from them, Hosea, 9. 12. Of such a People their shall be neither Hope nor Remnant, Ezek. 47. 11. VVho would not rather see a Nation suffering under some Judgments as the Effects of God's displeasure, for the neglect of his warnings, whereby it may be purged and purified, and restored, than to be left un­der Idolatry and all manner of VVickedness for ever.

But the way is here proposed for the a­voidance of these Evils. And these things will be more fully spoken unto after­wards.

I shall first give some Evidences of the Truth laid down, and then the reason of it, which will make way for what I prin­cipally intend.

I shall not insist on the especial kind of Warnings or Signs here mentioned, but only on the general nature of divine Warnings by the Word or otherwise, in such a season, as wherein an abounding of Sin is accompanied with great evidences of approaching Judgments.

1. According unto this rule was the dealing of God with the Old World, which is set forth unto us for an Example; see 1 Pet. 3. 20. with 2. 5.

The men of the Old World were a sinful [Page 23] provoking Generation. God gave them warning of his displeasure by the Preach­ing of Noah, and other ways; during his Ministry, the long suffering of God wait­ed for the Repentance and Reformation. For this was the end both of the Season, and of the Ministry granted unto them therein: But when it was not complyed withal, he brought the Flood on those ungod­ly men.

2. So he dealt with the Church under the Old-Testament. A Summary account is given of it; 2 Chron. 36. 15, 16, 17. After a contempt of all Gods previous warnings, with a neglect of Repentance and Reformation, the time came when there was no remedy, but the City and Temple must be destroyed, and the Peo­ple be partly slain, and partly carried into Captivity. Accordingly there is a gene­ral Rule established for all times and sea­sons, Prov, 29. 1.

3. Neither have his dealings been o­therwise with the Churches of the New Testament. All those of the first Planta­tion have been ruined and destroyed by the Sword of God's displeasure, for impe­nitency under divine Calls and Warn­ings.

[Page 24] 4. God gave an eminent instance here­of in the Ministry of Jeremiah the Pro­phet; he gives him the Law of his Pro­phecy, Chap. 18, 7, 8. At what Instant I shall speak concerning a Nation, and concern­ing a Kingdom, to plùck up, and to pull down, and to destroy it, if that Nation a­gainst whom I have pronounced, turn from their Evil, I will repent of the Evil that I thought to do unto them. Here is the whole of the Truth laid down represented unto us. The Nation and Kingdom especially intended, was that of the people and Church of the Jews. Concerning them it is supposed, that they were evil, that Sin abounded amongst them, In this State God gave them warning by the Ministry of Jeremiah as he did otherwise also. The voice of these warnings was that they should repent them of their Evil, and reform their ways. On a supposition whereof he promises to remove the Judg­ments which they had deserved, and which were impendent over them: upon their failure herein, he declares that fearfull de­solation should befall them, as it did after­wards, verse 16, 17. According to this Rule the Prophet persisted in his Ministry The Sum of his Sermon? was this; It is a time of great Sin and Provocation, these [Page 25] and these are your Sins; these are evident Tokens of God's Displeasure against you, and of the near approaching of desolating Judgments. In this State Repent, return and reform your ways, and you shall be deliver­ed: in case you do not, utter Destruction shall come upon you.

But the Princes, the Preists and general­ly all the People set themselves against him herein and would not believe his Word.

And by three things they countenanced themselves in their Unbelief and Impeni­tency, that they should be delivered, al­though they did not repent nor reform their VVays.

First, By their Priviledges; that they were the only Church and People of God; who had the Temple and his VVorship a­mongst them: as if he should say, The best reformed Church in the World. This they directly confront his Ministry withal, Chap 7, 3, 4. They fear none of his Threatnings, they despise his Counsel for their Safety, approve their ways and their doings, because they were the Church, and had the Temple for their Security.

Secondly, By their own Strengh for War, and their Defence against all their Enemies. They gloried in their Wis­dom, their Might, and their Riches; as he intimateth. Chap. 9. 23.

[Page 26] Thirdly, By the Help and Aid which they expected from others, especially from Aegypt. And herein they thought once that they had prevailed against him, and utterly disprov'd his Rule of Safety by Reformation only; for when the Chaldeans besieged the City, by whom the Judgments he had threaned them withal, were to be executed, Pharaoh the King of Egypt com­ing up against them, they departed from Jerusalem for fear of his Army. Ch. 27, 5, 11. Hereon, no doubt, they triumphed against him, and were satisfied that their own way for Deliverance, was better than that troublesome way of Repentance and Re­formation, which he prescrib'd unto them. But he knew from whom he had his Message, and that would be the Event of the false Hopes and Joys which they had entertained: So he tells them, verse 9, 10. Deceive not your selves, saying, the Chaldeans shall surely depart from us; for they shall not depart: For though you had smitten the whole Army of the Chaldeans, that fight against you, and their remained but wounded men amongst them, yet should they rise up every man in his Tent, and burn this City with fire. Which accordingly came to pass.

[Page 27] And so will it be with any other People, against all Pleas and pretences to the con­trary.

Let the Case be stated according as it is laid down in the Poposition, and explain­ed in the instance of Jeremiah.

Suppose a Church or People do abound with provoking Sins; that during the time of God's Patience towards them, and Warning of them, there are Signs and To­kens of his Displeasure, and of impendent Judgments; let them feed themselves so long as they please with hopes of Delive­rance and Safety, unless they comply with the Calls of God unto Repentance and Re­formation they will fall under desolating Judgments, or be utterly forsaken of God for ever.

The Grounds and Reasons of this Rule and Order in Divine Dispensations, are many, plain and obvious, which I shall not at large insist upon.

I shall only at present mention some of them, because those of the most Evidence and Importance will accrue afterwards un­to our Consideration.

1. This Rule of proceeding is suited un­to the Righteousness of God in the Govern­ment of the World, in the in-bred Light of [Page 28] the Minds of Men. This Notion. That Judgment or Divine Vengeance will overtake impenitent Sinners, who have been previously warned of their Sin, is that which we are not taught, which we do not learn from one another, which is not only the Voice of Divine Revelation, but that which is born with us, which is inseparable from our Nature; the Light and Conviction whereof, neither with respect unto our selves or others, we can avoid, this is the Voice of nature in Mankind Impeni­tent Sinners, incurable by Warnings, are the proper Objects of divine Displeasure. And the absolute impunity of such Persons, would be a great Temptation unto Athe­ism, as the suspension of deserved Judg­ments on provoking Sinners, is with some at this day. But ordinarily and finally God will not act contrary unto the inbred Notions of his Righteousness the Go­vernment of the World, which he him­self hath implanted in the Minds of Men. But as for the Times, Seasons and Ways of the Execution of his Judgments, he hath reserved them unto his own Sove­reignty.

2. It is needfull unto the Vindication of the Faithfulness of God in his Threatnings given out by Divine Revelation. By this [Page 29] he hath alwaies from the beginning of the VVorld, testified unto his own Holiness and Righteousness, whereof they are the most proper Expressions. Those first re­corded of them are in the Prophesie of E­noch, Jude 14, 15, And they have been since continued in all Ages. But whereas the Wisdom of God acting in Righteous­ness, hah been accompanied with Pati­ence and Forbearance, in the Accomplish­ment of these Threatnings, there have been, and yet are Mockers and Scoffers at these Divine Threatnings, as though they were a meer Noise, of no efficacy or sig­nification. So the Apostle declares the Thoughts of the Minds of Men prophane and ungodly, 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4. Wherefore there is a Condecency unto the Divine Ex­cellencies, that God in his own Way and Time should vindicate his Faithfulness in all his Threatnings.

3. God hereby manifests himself to be a God hearing Prayers, regarding the Cries of his poor and distressed VVitnesses in the VVorld. When the VVorld abounds in provoking Sins, especially in Blood and Persecution there is a conjunct Crie unto God, of those that have suffered, and those that do suffer, in Heaven and Earth, for Vengeance on obstinate impenitent [Page 30] Sinners. See Luke 18. 7, 8. with Rev. 6. 10. The Voices of all those, I say, who have suffered unto Death in foregoing Ages, for the Testimony of Jesus, and are now in Heaven, in a state of Expectan­cy of compleat Glory, with all those of them, whose Sighs and groans under their Oppressors, do at present ascend unto the Throne of God, have the sence in them by Divine Interpretation, that Punish­ment be inflicted on impenitent Sinners; as is plainly expressed by our Saviour in that Place of the Gospel, affirming that he will avenge his Elect speedily who cry un­to him Day and night. Herein God will vindicate his Glory, as the God that hears Prayers.

4. A sence of this Divine Truth, is a great and effectual Means of God's Rule in the Hearts of men in the World, setting Bounds to their Lusts, and restraining that superfluity of Wickedness and Villany, which would otherwise take away the di­stinction as to Sin, between the Earth and Hell. If men can at any time free them­selves from the Terrour and restraining Power of this Consideration, that Venge­ance is alwaies approaching towards impeni­tent Sinners, there is nothing so vile, so prophane, so flagitious, as that they [Page 31] would not wholly give up themselves unto it Eccles. 8. 11. Because Judgment is not speedily executed against an evil Work, the Hearts of the Sons of Men is wholly set in them to do evil. And God knows, that if Impunity in this World should alwaies accompany provoking Sinners, the Temp­tation would be too strong and powerful for the Faith of weak Believers, which he will therefore relieve by frequent in­stances of his Severity.

In a successive continuation of previous Judgments on impenitent sinners, there is an incontroulable Evidence given of the cer­tainty of that final Judgments which all Man­kind shall be called unto. So the Apostle proves it, and intimates that it is a foolish thing, the effect of obstinacy in Sin, if men do not learn the certain Determination and Approach of the Eternal Judgment, from the Drowning of the Old World, the Conflagration of Sodom, with the like In­stances of Divine Severity, 2. Pet. 2. 3.

My present Enquiry hereon, is, what is our own Concernment in these things, what are we for our own Good to learn by the Blessed Instruction given us by our Lord Je­sus Christ, in his Interpretation of the [Page 32] Providential Occurrences mentioned in the Text.

And this I shall manifest by an imparti­al Enquiry into the things ensuing.

1. When doth a Church, a Nation, a People, or City so abound in Sin, as to be immediately & directly concerned in his Divine Warning, and what in particular is the case of the Na­tion wherein we live, and our own therein?

2. Of what sort are those desolating Judgments which in one way & sence or ano­ther are impendent with respect unto such a Church or Nation, and consequently unto our selves at this season?

3. What warnings, Calls and Indications of Divine Displeasures, and the Approach of calamitous distresses doth God usually grant, and what he hath given, and is giv­ing unto us at present?

4. What is the Equity, and wherein it doth consist of thy Divine Constitution here at­tested by our Blessed Saviour, that in such a Case Repentance and Reformation, and no­thing else shall save and Deliver a Church, a People, a Nation from Ruine.

[Page 33] 5. Whereas this Rule is so holy, just and equal, whence is it that all sorts of Men are so unwilling to comply with it, even in the utmost Extremity, when all other Hopes do fail and perish; and whence is it so a­mongst our selves at this Day?

6. What is required unto that Reformati­on, which may save any Nation, this where­in we live, from desolating Calamities, when they are deserved?

7. From what Causes at present such a Re­formation may be expected, and by what means it may be begun and accomplished, so as to prevent our utter Ruine.

8. What is the Duty, what ought to be the frame of Mind in true Believers, what their Walk and Work in such a season; that in case all Means of Delivery do fail they may be found of Christ in Peace at his Coming; for it is but yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.

These things are necessary to be inqui­red into, that we may help to beat out the Paths of Truth and Peace, the only ways that lead unto our Deliverance. The Na­tion [Page 34] is filled with Complaints and Fears, mutual Charges on one party and another, as unto the Causes of our present Troubles and approaching dangers; various designs and contrivances, with vain hopes and ve­hement desires of this or that way or means of help and deliverance; cruel Hatreds and Animosities on differences in Religion, designing no less than the extir­pation of all that is Good therein, do abound in it, by all means rending it self in peices, wearying it self in the largeness of its ways, and yet says not there is no hope. But for the most part, the true Causes of all our Troubles and Dangers, with the only Remedy of them, are utterly neglected. The World is filled, yea, the better sort of men in it, with other designs, other discourses; we here rarely of these things from the Pulpits (which are filled with Animosities about Petty Interests, and private difference in the Approaches of publick ruine) nor in the Council of those who pretend to more VVisdom. Some shall think they shall do great things their VVisdom and Counsel; some by their Authority and Power, some by their Number, some by owning the best cause as they suppose, and with many such like no­tions are the Minds of men possessed. [Page 35] But the truth is, the Land abounds in Sin, God is angry, and risen out of his holy place, Judgment lyes at the Door, and in vain shall we seek for remedy or healing, any other way than that purposed. This therefore we shall enquire into.

The first thing supposed in the proposi­tion before laid down, was taken from the Circumstance of the time wherein, and with reference whereunto our Lord Jesus Christ delivered the Rule of the necessity of Repentance and Reformation, unto an escape from total Destruction; and this was a time when Sin greatly abounded in the Church an Nation. And this Suppositi­on is the foundation of the truth of the whole Assertion; for in other Cases it may not always hold. Our first enquiry therefore must be,

When a People or Nation is so filled with Sin, or when doth Sin so abound among them, as in conjunction with the things afterwards to be insisted on, to render their Salvation or Deliverance impossible without Repentance and Reformation? And it doth so;

1. When all sorts of Sin abound in it. I do not judge that every particular Sin, or kind of sinning that may be named, or may not be named, is required hereunto; [Page 36] nor is it so, that there should be the same outrage in publick Sins; for instance, in Blood and Oppression, as there hath been at some times, and in some places of the World, the dark places of the Earth being silled with Habitations of Cruelty; nor; is it so, that Sin doth reign at that height, and rage at that rate, as it did before the Flood, or in Sodom, or before the final de­struction of Hierusalem, or as it doth in the Kingdom of Antichrist; for in that case there is no room or place either for Repentance or Reformation; God hides from them the things that concern their peace, that they may be utterly and irreco­verably destroyed. But this I will grant is required hereunto; namely, that no known Sin that is commonly passant in the World, can be exempted from having a place in the publick Guilt of such a Church or Nation. If any such Sin be committed in the Roll of the Indictment, peace may yet dwell in the Land. It would be too long, and not to my purpose, to draw up a Cata­logue of Sins, from the highest Atheism through the vilest uncleaness, unto the lowest Oppression, that are found amongst us. I shall only say on the other hand, that I know no provoking sin condemned as such, in the Book of God, whereof instances [Page 37] may not be found in this Nation. Who dares make this a plea with God for it, namely, that yet it is free and innocent from such and such provoking Sins? Produce your Cause sayeth the Lord, bring forth your strong Reasons, sayeth the King of Jacob; let us stand up if we can, and plead for our selves herein. But the only way whereby we may come to plead with God in this mat­ter, is fully described, Isai. 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. 20. It must be Repentance and Reformation, laying a ground for plead­ing and arguing with God for pardon and Mercy, that must save this Nation if it be saved, and not a plea for exemption from Judgments on the account of our Innocen­cy. This is that which of all things God most abhorred in the People of old, and which all the Prophets testifyed against in them.

But yet to speak somewhat more Parti­cularly unto the first part of the Proposi­tion in reference unto our selves.

There are four Sins, or four sorts of Sins, or ways in sinning, which unless God pre­vent, will be the ruine of this Nation.

1. The first is Atheism, an abomination that these parts of the World were unac­quainted [Page 38] with all untill these latter Ages. I do▪ not speak concerning Speculative▪ or Opinionative Atheism, in them that deny the Being of God, or which is all one, his righteous Government of the World; for it will not avail any man to beleive that God is, unless withal he believe that he is the Rewarder of them that diligently seek him. Yet of this sort it is to be feared, that there, are many amongst us, yea some that make great Advantages of Religion, do live and talk as if they esteemed it all a Fa­ble. But I speak of that which is called Practical Atheism, when men live and act as if they were influenced by prevalent thoughts, that there is no God: such the Nation is replenished withal, and it exerts it self especially two ways.

1. In Cursed Oaths and blasphemous Ex­ecrations, whereby the highest contempt is cast on the Divine Name and Being. The most excellent Thuanus, giving an ac­count of the Parisian Massacre, with the horrible Desolations that ensued thereon, ascribes it in the first place unto the Anger of God, revenging the horrid Oaths and mon­strous Blasphemies, which from the Court, had spread themselves over all the Nation. Histor. Lib. 53: Nor is it otherwise among [Page 39] us at present, though not Generally a­mongst all, yet amongst many, and those unpunished.

2. Boldness, Confidence, and security in sinning. Many are neither ashamed nor afraid to act, avow, yea, and boast of the vilest of Sins, The awe that men have of the Knowledge, Conscience and Judgment of others, concerning their evil and filthy actions, is one means whereby God rules in the VVorld for the restraint of Sin. VVhen the yoke hereof, is utterly cast away, and men proclaim their Sins like Sodom, it is the height of Practical Atheism. Nor I think did it ever more abound in any age, than in that wherein we live.

2. The loss of the Power of that Religion whose outward Form we do retain. VVe are all Protestants, and will abide to be of the Protestant Religion; but wherein? in the Confession and all the Outward Forms of the Rule and Worship of the Church. But are men changed, renewed, converted to God by the Doctrine of this Religion? are they made Humble, Holy, Zealous, fruit­ful in good Works by it? have they experi­ence of the power of it in their own Souls in its transforming of them into the Image [Page 40] of God? Without these things it is of very little avail what Religion men profess. This is that which is of evil Abode to the Professors of the Protestant Religion at this day through the World. The Glory, the Power, the Efficacy of it, are, if not lost and dead, yet greatly decayed; and an outward Carcase of it, in Articles of Faith and Forms of worship, doth only abide. Hence have the Reformed Churches most of them a name to live, but are dead; living only on a traditional Knowledge, Principles of Education, Advantages and Interest, in all which the Roman Religion doth every way exceed them, and will carry the Victo­ry, when the Contest is reduced unto such Principles only. And unless God be plea­sed by some renewed Effusion of his Blessed Spirit from above, to revive, and re-intro­duce a Spirit of Life, Holiness, Zeal, readi­ness for the Cross, Conformity unto Christ, and Contempt of the World, in & among the Churches which profess the Protestant Re­ligion, he will ere long take away the hedg of his protecting Providence, which now for some Ages he hath kept about them, and leave them for a spoil unto their Enemies. So he threatneth to do in the like case, Isai. 5. 5, 6. such is the State described, 2 Tim. [...]. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

[Page 41] 3. Open Contempt and Reproach of the Spirit of God in all his Divine Operations, is another Sin of the same dreadfull Abode. Our Lord Jesus Christ tells us, that he who speaks against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this World, neither in the World to come, Mat. 12. 32. That is, those who persist in opposing or reproaching the holy Ghost, and his dis­pensation and Operations under the New Testament, shall not escape vengeance and punishment even in this World; for so it befell that Generation unto whom he spake. For continuing to do despight un­to the Spirit of Grace, wrath at length came upon them even in this World unto the utmost, which is the sense of the place. Now scarcely where the Name of Christ was known, did this Iniquity more abound, than it doth at this day amongst us, For not only is the Divine Person of the holy Spirit by some denied, and the substance of the preaching and writing of many is to oppose all his peculiar Operations but they are all made a Scoff, a Derision, and a Reproach openly and on all Occasions e­very day. Especially as he is a Spirit of Regeneration and Supplication, he is the ob­ject of Multiplyed sober Blasphemies. This Iniquity will be revenged.

[Page 42] 4. The abounding of Vncleanness, which having broken forth from a cor­rupt Fountain, hath overspread the Land like a Deluge, These Sins I say among others have such a Predominancy among us, as to threaten perishing without Repen­tance.

Secondly, It is required, that all sorts and degrees of Persons, are concerned in the Guilt of some of these provoking Sins. For Destruction is threatned unto all; you shall all likewise perish, all, not universally, pro singulis generum, but generally, pro gene­ribus singulorum. Therefore all must be some way guilty of them. And this they may be three ways.

1. Personally in their own Hearts, Lives and Practices, which includes a great mul­titude.

2. By not hindring and preventing these Sins in others, so far as their duty leads, and their power enables them unto. What number of Magistrates, of Ministers, of Parents, of Masters of Families are com­prized herein, is evident unto all, especi­ally Ministers, see Mal. 2, 7, 8. Jer. 23. 14, 15.

3. By not mourning for what they can­not [Page 43] help or remedy. For it is such alone as shall be exempted from publick Cala­mities, Ezek. 9. And this in some measure takes us in all. And the due Consideration hereof, is necessary, upon a double Ac­count.

1. It is so unto the Manifestation of the Glory of God, in publick Calamities and Desolations; when the Sword slays suddenly, and destroys the righteous with the wicked; one way or other, in one degree or ano­ther, we have all of us an excess unto the Guilt of those things whereby such Judg­ments are procured, Who can say he is innocent? who can complain of his share and interest in the Calamities that are coming upon us? who can plead that he ought to be exempted? There will be at last an eternal Discrimination of per­sons; but as unto Temporal Judgments, we must own the Righteousness of God, if we also fall under them.

And, 2. It is so, for the humbling of our Souls under a sense of Sin, which would better become some of us, than feeding on the Ashes of Reserves for Exemption in the Day of Distress.

Some may suppose that by reason of their Personal Freedom from those publick provoking Sins which abound in the Na­tion, [Page 44] that on one account or other, by one means or other, they shall be safe, as in some High Place. whence they may look down and behold others in Distress and Confusion. But it is to be feared their Mistake will serve only to increase their Surprizal and Sorrow.

But yet farther, even the Practice of pro­voking Sins, abounds among all sorts of Persons. I do not say that all In­dividuals amongst us, are guilty of them: for were it so, our Case were irreparable, like that of Sodom, when there were not ten righteous persons to be found in it, that is, such as were free from the Guilt of those Sins, whose Cry came up to Heaven; for then there would be no room for Re­pentance or Reformation. But whereas there are several sorts and degrees of per­sons, some high and some low, some Ru­lers, and some Ruled, some Rich, and some Poor, there is no Order, Sort, or Degree, in Court, City, Country, Church, or Commonwealth, that are free from provoking Sins: Individuals of all sorts may be so, but no entire sort is so; and this farther entitles a Nation unto the con­dition enquired after,

Thirdly, It is so, when the World is [Page 45] fully of such Sins as are its own, as are pro­per to it; and the Churches or Professors such as are peculiar unto them. If either of these were free from their several Provo­cations, there might be yet room for Pa­tience and Mercy. And these are di­stinct.

The Sins of the World are, the Lusts of the Flesh, the Lust of the eyes, and the Pride of Life. Sensuality, Luxury, Un­cleanness Covetousness, Ambition, Op­pression, and the like, with Security. In these things the Nation is fertil towards its own Ruine.

The Sins peculiar unto Churches and Pro­fessors, are intimated by our Blessed Sa­our, in his Charge on the Asian Churches Rev. 2, 3. Decays in Grace, Loss of Faith and Love. Barreness in good Works, Deadness, Formality, Coldness in profes­sion, Self-Pleasing, Pride, Hypocrisie, Want of Zeal for God, and Delight in him, Divisions among themselves, and Conformity unto the VVorld. And some of these things at present are so prevalent among us, that they can never be sufficient­ly bewailed.

It is no small Evidence that the Day of the Lord is nigh at hand, because the Virgins are all slumbring. And it is not [Page 46] unlikely that Judgment will begin at the House of God. All Flesh hath corrupted its ways; and therefore the End of all, as to its present Condition, is at hand.

Fourthly, It is so, when the Sins of a People are accompanied with the highest Aggravations that they are capable of in this World; and those arise from hence, when they are committed against Warnings, Mercies and Patience. These comprize the ways and means which God in his Goodness and Wisdom useth to reclaim and recall men from their Sins: And by whomsoever they are despised, they trea­sure up unto themselves wrath against the Day of wrath, and the Revelation of the righteous Judgments of God, Rom. 2. 4, 5. What can save a People by whom the on­ly Remedies of their Relief are despi­sed? What Warnings and Previous Judg­ments we have had in this Nation, shall be afterwards spoken unto. That there hath been no effect, no fruit of them, is evident unto all. Their Language is, Except ye repent ye shall perish. Who hath complied with the Calls of God here­in? What Reformation hath been enga­ged in on this account? Have we not turned a deaf ear to all the Calls of God? [Page 47] who hath mourned, who hath trembled, who hath sought for an Entrance into the Chambers of Providence in the Day of In­dignation? By some these Warnings have been despised and scoffed at, by some put off unto others, as their Concernment, not their own, by the most neglected, or turn­ed into matter of common Discourse, with­out laying them to heart.

And as for Mercies, the whole Earth hath been turned into a Stage for the con­sumption of them on the Lusts of Men. The Nation hath been soak'd with Show­ers of Mercies, enough to have made it very fruitful unto God; but through a vi­cious malignant Humor in the hearts of Men, there have been truly brought forth nothing but Pride, Vanity, Gallantry, Luxury, and Security in City and Coun­try every where. The Pestilent deceitful Art of Sin hath turned the Means of our Conversion unto God into instruments of Rebellion against God. How will England answer for abused Mercies in the Day of Visitation? And in all these things hath the Patience also of God been abused, which hath been extended unto us, be­yond all thoughts and Expectations. And yet Men of all sorts please themselves, as if that they were over this or that diffi­culty, [Page 48] all would be well again without any Return unto God.

Fifthly, These things render impendent Judgments inevitable without Repentance and Reformation, when they are committed in a Land of Light and Knowledge. Such the Land hath been, and wherein yet there is any defect therein, it is a part of the Sin and Punishment of the Nation. See Isa. 26. 10. From the Light that was in it, it might well be esteemed a Land of Upright­ness: But how hath it been rebelled a­gainst, hated, opposed, maligned and persecuted in all the Fruits of it, is rather for the sake of some to be bewailed, than declared.

And thus much may suffice to be spoken unto the first Supposition in our Propositi­on concerning the Sins of a Church, Na­tion or People, which unavoidably expose them unto desolating Judgments, when God gives Indication of their Approach, unless they are prevented by Repentance; and we have seen a little, and but a little of what is our Concernment herein.

2. Our Second Enquiry is, Of what sort those Judgments are, which in a time [Page 49] of great provocation, are to be looked on as impendent, and ready to seize on us. And they are of three sorts.

1. Such as are Absolute, Decretory, and Vniversal.

There is mention in the Scripture of Judgments Threatned, which God hath as it were repented him of, and changed the Actings of his Providence, that they should not be inflicted. See Amos 7, 3, 6. And there are Judgments threatned, which have been diverted by the Repentance of Men; as it was in the Case of Nineveh. But in this case, neither will God repent, nor shall man repent; but those judg­ments shall be universal and unavoidable: And of this sort we have three Instances recorded in Scripture, two are past, and one is yet for to come.

1. The first is that of the Old World: It is said. that upon their Provocations, God repented him that he had made Man, on the Earth; that is, he would deal with him as if he had done so, which must be by an universal Destruction. He would not repent of the Evil he had determined; but positively declared, that the End of all Flesh was come before him. Nor did Man [Page 50] repent; for as our Saviour testifies, they continued in their Security until the Day that Noah entred into the Ark, Matth. 24. Yet it may be observed, that after things were come to that pass, that there was no possibility of turning away the Judgment threatned, yet God exercised Forbearance towards them, and gave them the out­ward Means of Repentance and Reforma­tion, 1 Pet. 3. 20. They had amongst them the Ministry of Noah, a Preacher of Righteousness, and that continued for a long season in the Patience of God.

[And let none please themselves, that they have the outward means of the Mi­nistry continued unto them; for not with­standing that fruit of Gods Patience, their Destruction may be inevitable. For as God may grant unto them to satisfie his own Goodness, and Glorisie his Pati­ence, so unto them, it may be no other End, but the hardning of them in their Sin, and the Aggravation of their Sins, Isa. 6. 9. 10, 11, 12. And this Example of the Old World, is frequently proposed, and that to Christians, to Professors, to Churches, to deliver them from Security in a time of approaching Judgments.]

[Page 51] 2. The second Instance hereof was in the Judaical Church-State; the People, Nation, Temple, Worship, and all that was valuable among them. This Judgment also in its approach, was such, as with re­spect whereunto, God would not repent, and Man could not repent, although a day, a time and space of Repentance was granted unto them. So it is declared by our Lord Jesus Christ, Luke 19. 41. 42, 43, 44, They had a Day, it was theirs in a pecu­liar manner, a day of Patience and of the means of Conversion, in the Ministry of Christ and his Apostles. Yet saith he, the things of thy Peace are now hid from thee, so as that they must irrecoverably and e­ternally perish. So is their State described by the Apostle; 1 Thes. 2. 14. 15, 16.

But it may be said, if their Destruction was so absolutely determined, that it was im­possible it should be either longer suspen­ded or diverted. Unto what end did God grant them a Day, such a day of Grace and Patience which they could not make use of? I answer he did it for the Manifestation of the Glory of his Grace, Righteousness and Severity; and that these two ways.

[Page 52] 1. In the Calling, Conversion, and ga­thering of his Elect out of the Perishing multitude of them that were hardned. During the continuance of that day of Grace, and Patience among them, for a­bout the space of fourty year, all the Elect of that Generation were converted to God, and delivered from the Curse that came upon the Church and Nation. For although I will not say, but some of them might suffer, yea fall in the outward publick Ca­lamities of that season, yet they were all delivered from the Wrath of God in them, and saved eternally.

Hereof the Apostle gives an account, Rom. 11. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. It is therefore in a time of great Provocations, no certain Evidence, that inevitable publick Judg­ments are not approaching, because the Word, and other means of Grace, are ef­fectual to the Conversion of some amongst us; for God may hereby be gathering of his own unto himself, that way may be made for the pouring out of his Indignation on them that are hardned,

2. He did it that he might be an Aggra­vation of their Sin, and a space to fill up the measure of their Iniquity; to the Glo­ry of his severity in their Destruction; [Page 53] towards them that fell, Severity. They had time to contract all the guilt mentioned by the Apostle, 1 Thes. 2. 14, 15, 16. and were brought into the State and Condition described by the same Apostle; Heb. 10. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30. see Isaiah. 6, 10, 11. 12.

Of this Judgment and Destruction, that of the Old World was a Precedent and To­ken; which was despised by those obdurate Sinners, 2 Pet. 3. 5, 6, 7.

3. The third Instance of a Judgment of this nature which is yet to come, is in the Destruction of Antichrist, and the Idolatrous Kingdom of the great Adultress, and the persecuting Beast. With respect hereunto also, God will not repent, nor shall men do so; so that it is in­evitable. So is it declared, Rev. 18. 8. This God hath determined, and it shall be accomplished in its appointed Season; for strong is the Lord God who Judgeth them, and none shall deliver them out of his Hand; because of the improbability of it because of the great Power of Babylon, in its self, and in its Allyes, the Kings and Merchants of the Earth. The Omnipoten­cy of God is engaged to secure the Church of its Destruction; strong is the Lord God [Page 54] who judgeth her. She also hath her day, wherein she will not, wherein she shall not repent. When God begins to execute his Plagues against her, none that belong unto her will repent of any of their Abomina­tions, Rev. 9. 20. 21. and Chap. 16. 9, 11. Yet is there a day of Patience continu­ed unto this Idolatrous persecuting Church, partly that they may fill up the measure of their Iniquities; and partly that God may by the Word and means of Grace, gather out all his People from amongst them ac­cording unto his Calls; Rev. 8. 14. And our slowness in coming forth from them, is probably one means of prolonging the day of her desolation. And now the Lord Je­sus Christ seems to say unto his People, what the Angel said unto Lot, when he led him out of Sodom; Make hast to escape, for I cannot do any thing until you are escaped, Gen. 19. 22. And I hope the time is ap­proaching, wherein he will deal with his People as the Angel dealt with Lot, v. 16. They are apt to linger, and know not how to leave the outward Accommodation of the Babylonish State, nor clear themselves of innumerable Prejudices received there­in. But he being merciful unto them, will at length lay hold on them by the Word of his Power, and take them out of the [Page 55] City, in a compleat Relinquishment of that cursed State.

Now unto this sort of Judgments, there are two things concurring.

1. That there is a Determinate Decree concerning them.

That there is a a Judicial Obduration upon the People, whom they are determi­ned against, accompanying them; that no Calls to Repentance or Reformation shall be complyed withal, so as to divert them. I am satisied upon such Evidence as I shall give afterwards, that this is not the Con­dition of England; howbeit, we have cause enough to tremble at the severest of Divine Judgments.

Secondly, The second sort of Judgments are, such as are deservedly threatned, and determined, yet so as that no Judicial hard­ness doth absolutely go a long with them, to make utterly void the proceeding Day of Grace and Patience, and all Reformation impossible.

They cannot, they shall not be utterly remov'd by a total deliverance from them, but yet they may have many Alleviations, and Mitigations; and be sanctisied [Page 56] unto them whom they do befall; a full In­stance hereof we have in the Babylonish Captivity, as an Account is given us of it, 2 Kings 23. 25, 26, 27. Like unto him was there no king before him, that turned to the Lord with all his Heart, and with all his Soul, and with all his might, according to all the Law of Moses never after him arose there any like him. Notwithstanding, the Lord turned not from the fierceness of his wrath wherewith his Anger was kind [...]ed a­gainst Judah, because of all their Pro [...]cati­ons that Manasseh had provoked him withal. And the Lord said, I will removed Judah al­so out of my sight, as I have removed Isra­el, and will cast off this City Hierusalem which I have chosen, and the House of which I said, My Name shall be there.

God hath decreed and determined to cast off Judah and Jerusalem for their Sin, to bring a wasting Desolation upon them. When this Judgment was approaching, Jo­siah endeavours a through Reformation of all things in the Land, Religious, Civil, and Moral. Yet would not God revoke his Sentence of a great Calamity on the whole Nation. The secret Reason here­of was, that the Body of the people was Hypocritical in that Reformation, and [Page 57] quickly returned unto their former Abo­mination, ver, 3. 10. Judah hath not turn­ed to me with her whole heart, but feign­edly saith the Lord. See Chap. 4. 18. How­beit this Reformation of Josiah was ac­cepted with God, and had its influence in­to the Mitigation or Sanctification of the ensuing Desolation.

And this sort of Judgment is very dif­ferent from that before insisted on: For,

1. It is but Partial; there is a Rem­nant alwaies left among a People, that shall escape it. So was there in those days; there was an Escape of it, a Rem­nant, whom God delivered and preserved; which were as a Blessing in the Cluster, on the Account whereof, the whole was not utterly destroyed, This the Scripture ve­ry much insists on, Isai 65. 6, 7. Zech 3. 11, 12. Amos 9. 8, 9.

As it is not Total, so it is not Final; even in the severity of his Wrath God de­signed the Recovery of that People again in the appointed Season; giving Promises thereof unto them that feared him: And so it came to pass in the return of their Captivity. See the History hereof Jer. 31. [Page 58] 32. God may have, for our Sins, deter­mined a desolating Calamity on this Nati­on; yet if there be not a Judiciary hard­ness upon us, it may only be partial and recoverable, not as it was with Israel 1 Kings 14. 10. See Jer. 4. 27. Chap. 5. 18. Chap. 30. 31, 32.

3. It was sanctified and blessed unto them who were upright and sincere, and who endeavoured the removal of it by Refor­mation, though they suffered in the out­ward Calamity. The Good Figs, or those Typed by them, were carried into Capti­vity; but the dealing of God with them therein, was in Mercy, Jer. 24. 5. 6, 7. I will (saith God) set mine Eyes upon them for Good; I will build them up, and not pull them down; and I will give them an heart to know me, that I am the Lord, and they shall be my People, and I will be their God. Whatever was their outward Con­dition, those internal, Spiritual Mercies and Priviledges made it sweet and useful unto them; The third part was brought through the Fire, Zech 13. 8. 9.

4. God makes this sort of Judgment a Means fully to reclaim and reform them, as many of those who in general suffer un­der [Page 59] them. They are Gods Furnace, but not to burn; they purifie and cleanse as Silver is tried, and not burn up as Stubble is consumed: So was that Church by their Captivity, Purged from their Idols for ever. And many other Differences of the like Nature might be assigned.

And in the Consideration of this sort of Judgments lies our Concernment. Who knows but that God, for our horrible [...] and Contempt of the Gospel, with all the cursed Immoralities and Abominati­ons which have ensued thereon, and the cold dead frame of Professors under va­rious Means of Instruction, hath deter­mined to bring a wasting Calamity on this Nation, and that he will not turn away from the fierceness of this wrath, but it shall overtake us? If their be a jùdicial Hardness upon the Land, so as that there is no Repentance, no Reformation endeavour­ed in this Day of Patience and Forbear­ance which we yet enjoy, our Desolation will be total, unsanctified, irrevocable; and through another People may be raised up to profess the Gospel in the Land, yet shall we be unconcerned in the Mercy, So hath it been before in this Nation, and in all the Christian Nations of Europe. Wo [Page 60] unto us, if we thus betray the Land of our Nativity; if we thus give it up to be an Hissing and Astonishment. Hearken not unto vain words; this or that way we shall be delivered; it is the Day of our Trial, and who knows what will be the E­vening thereof? But on the other hand, although a publick Calamity should be de­termined irrevocably against us, if we use the Day of Forbearance unto the Ends of it, in Repentance and Returning unto God, we shall at length have all the Ad­vantages beforementioned: it will be but partial, it will be but for a time, it will be sanctified, it will purifie the Church, and restore it unto a more Glorious State than ever before.

3. There are judgments which are de­served, and threatned, but not decreed and determined, which may be absolutely di­verted and escaped. This sort of Judg­ments is frequently mentioned in the Scri­pture, and so also are frequent Deliveran­ces from them, by the Ways and Means of Gods appointment.

And concerning them, we may ob­serve,

[Page 61] 1. That this Threatnings of approaching Judgments, which yet may be averted, is a Declaration of the ordinary Rule of Di­vine Justice, according whereunto, a Na­tion, or People, without an interposition of So­vereign Mercy, ought to be destroyed.

God doth not threaten, he doth not give Warnings, Signs or Indications of ap­proaching Judgments, but when they are deserved, and may righteously be execu­ted; nor is there any known Rule of the Word, to give an Assurance of the con­trary. All that can be said, is, Who knows but that the Lord may repent and turn from the fierceness of his Wrath?

2. The threatnings of them is an Ordinance of God, to call us unto the Vse of such Means as whereby they may be prevented.

He foretells our Destruction, that we may not be destroyed; as it was in the Case of Nineveh. and this is the only Symptom whereby we find out and discern the Nature of threatned impendent Judg­ments. If the Consideration of them, be an Ordinance of God, stirring us up to the diligent Use of the Means whereby they may be prevented, the Design of God [Page 62] is, to give in Deliverance in the Issue. If it doth not, they are inevitable. God holds the Ballance yet in his hand, and we know not which way we incline. The best prognostication we can take, is from the frame of our own hearts,, under the Threatnings of them,

Here lies the Trial of this poor Land and Nation at this Day; Judgment is de­served, Judgment is threatned, Judgment is approaching, the Clouds are the Dust of his feet, If all sorts of Men turn not to God by Repentance, if we are not humbled for our contempt of the Gospel, and out­rage against it, if we leave not our pro­voking Sins, Evil will overtake us; and we shall not escape. And yet on the other hand, by a due Application unto him who holds the Ballance in his hand, Mercy may Glory against Justice, and we may have Deliverance.

Those great Men who suppose all things pervious unto their Wisdom, and Conque­rable by their Industry, who have a thou­sand flattering Contrivances, for the safe­ty of a Nation, cannot more despise these things, than I do all their Councels with­out them. And when they shall be at a [Page 63] loss, and shall find one Disappointment following on the Neck of another, those who attend unto the Advice of God in this Case, shall find rest and Peace in their own Souls. And as for them who scosf at these things, and say, Where is the Pro­mise of his Coming? (that is, in the way of Judgment) For since the Fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the Creation: there needs no regard unto God in these things; trouble us not with the Fooleries of your Repentance and Re­formation, God will laugh at their Cala­mity, &c. Prov. 1. 26. to the End.

This is the Second thing we were to insist on for the Clearing and Confirmation of the General Proposition before laid down.

III. Our third Enquiry is, What Eviden­ces we have at present, or what Warnings we have had of approaching Judgments? For this also belongs unto the indispensa­ble Necessity of Repentance and Reforma­tion, upon the approaching of Troubles. And they are the Ordinances of God unto that end; which, when they are despised, desolating Judgments will [...]nsue.

[Page 64] And we may unto this End, observe these things.

1. Ordinarily God doth not bring wast­ing, desolating Judgments on any People, Church or Nation, but that he gives them Warnings of their approach.

I say, he doth not Ordinarily do so; for he may, if he please, surprize a wic­ed, provoking Generation of men with the most dreadfull Destructions; as he did Sodom and Gomorrah of old: And very many dayly are so surprized, as unto their own Apprehensions; though really God had given them Signs of what was com­ing upon them, but they regarded them not, and so perished as in a moment. But ordinarily before he executes great and severe Judgments, he gives such Indicati­ons, Signs and warnings of their coming as that men should be forced to take notice of them, unless they be absolutely hard­ned and blinded. So he dealt with the Old World, in the Building of the Ark, and the Ministry of Noah: so he dealt with the Church under the Old Testament, in and by the Ministry of the Prophets; See Amos 3. 6, 7, 8. And so he hath done with [Page 65] all others, who have had any Knowledge of him or of his ways. They that are wise may discern these things, Hosea the last, Mat. 16. 3. Micah 6. 9. Dan. 12. 10. And in all Heathen Stories of the times that passed over them, we find Remarks of strange Indications of approaching Desolations. And he doth it for two Ends.

1. For the Satisfaction of his own Good­ness and Love to Mankind in the Exercise of Patience and Forbearance unto the ut­most, Hosea 6. 4. as also for the Mani­festation of the Glory of his Justice, when he comes to execute the severity of his Wrath. When men are surprised with publick Calamities, they shall not be able to say, would none tell us of their ap­proach, would none give us warning of them? had we been told of the terrour of the Lord in his Judgments, we would have turned from our Iniquities, that we might have escaped. In this case, it is usual with God in the Scripture to call Heaven and Earth to Witness against Men, that he did warn them by various means of what would befall them in the End. This is our principal reason why this weak, but sincere Testimony for God is published. And this shall be an Aggravation of their [Page 66] misery in the day of their distress, when they shall seriously reflect upon themselves as unto their Folly, Guilt, and Obstinacy, in despising the Warnings which they had received; which is a great part of the punishment of the Damned in Hell, Ezek. 39. 23, 24.

2. God doth it for the End under consi­deration; namely that they may be a means to call a poor guilty People unto that Repentance and Reformation, whereby impendent Judgments may be divert­ted

Secondly, There are five ways whereby God giveth Warning of the approach of de­solating Judgments, VVhen a Land is full of Sin.

1. He doth it by a lesser previous Judg­ments and Severities: So was it in the In­stances in the Text. The destruction of some by the Sword, and the fall of a Tow­er, was a Warning to the whole Nation of the approach of a publick Calamity, un­less they repented. As particular Instan­ces are given us hereof in the Scripture, so we have a general account of this Me­thod of Divine Providence, Amos 4. 1, [Page 67] 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. First God sent the Judgment of the Grashoppers, which eat up all the Grass of the Land, and so occa­sioned a Famine. This Judgment being not improved unto Repentance, he called to contend by Fire, which devoured the Great Deep, and did eat up a part, or con­sumed their Treasure, devouring a part of their Substance. But when this also was neglected, then came the Plumb-Line of a levelling Desolation.

2. He doth it by extraordinary and pre­ternatural Operations in the works of Na­ture: such as are Comets, or Blazing-Stars, Fiery Meteors, dreadfull Phantsins or Ap­pearances in the Air, Voices, Predictions of uncertain Original, mighty Winds, Earth­quakes, stopping the Course of Rivers, and the like. An Account of these things, as they were to fortel and fore-signify the fatal Destruction of Hierusalem, is given us by our Saviour; Luke 21. 25, 26. And the story of the Event in Josephus, is an admirable Exposition of this Prophecy of our Blessed Saviour; see Rev. 6. 13, 14. The Frame of Nature, is as it were cast into a trembling disorder, upon the ap­proaches of God in his wrath and Fury, and puts it self forth in extraordinary [Page 68] signs of its astonishment; trembling for the Inhabitants of the Earth, and calling on them to repent, before the wrath of the terrible one do seize upon them. So in the Scripture, the Seas, and Rivers, Mountains, and Hills are represented as mourning, shaking, trembling at the pre­sence of God; when he comes to execute his Judgments, see Hab, 3. 6. 7, 8, 10 He drove asunder the Nations, and the ever­lasting Mountains were scattered, the per­petual hils did bow; Was the Lord displea­sed against thy Rivers? Was thine Anger a­gainst thy Rivers? Was thy wrath against the Sea? The Mountains saw thee and they trembled: the overflowing of the Water pas­sed by: the deep uttered his voice, and lift up his hands on high.

The Mountains, Hills, Seas, Rivers, bowed, trembled, and lifted up their hands, as crying for compassion, see Psal. 97. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. By these Signs and Tokens in Heaven and Earth doth God give Warn­ings of his coming to judge the Inhabitants of the Earth. God doth not work these strange things in Heaven above, and the Earth beneath, that they should be gazed at only, and made a matter of talk; not that they should be Subjects of some mens [Page 69] Curiosity, and of the Scorn of others. There is a voice in them all, a voice of God, and it will be to their hurt by whom it is not heard and understood.

3. He doth the same constantly by the Light of his VVord. The general Rule of Gods ordinary Dispensations of Provi­dence is fully laid down in the Scripture. God hath magnified his VVord above all his Name: so as that no VVorks of Providence shall be unsuited to the Rule of the word, much less contrary to it, or inconsistent with it. And if we were wise to make Ap­plication of it unto present Affairs and Occasions, we should in most instances know in general what God is doing. Of old it was said, Surely the Lord God will do nothing, that is, in the way of Judg­ments, but he reveals his Secret to his Ser­vants the Prophets, Amos 3. 7. What they had by immediate Revelation, we may have in a measure by the Rule of the word, and the Declaration which God hath made therein, how he will deal with a sinful provoking People. So having threat­ned various sorts of Judgments, the Pro­phets adds, Search you out of the Book of the Lord, and read, no one of these shall fail, Isai. 34. 16. That this great means of Di­vine [Page 70] VVarnings may be usefull unto us, we are to consider,

1. VVhat are the stable Rules given in the Scripture concerning Sin, Repentance, Impenitence, and Judgments. Such Rules abound in it: And no dispensations of Providence shall interfer with them; God will no give such a Temptation unto Faith, that any of his works should be Contra­dictions unto his VVord. And if we will learn our present Condition from these Rules, it will be an Antidote against Secu­rity.

2. Consider the Instances recorded there­in of Gods dealings with sinfull provoking Nations and Churches, This God him­self directed the People of old unto, when they boasted of their Church-Priviledges, sending them to Shiloh, which he had de­stroyed. And when we find a Record in the Book of God concerning his severity towards any Nation in our Circumstances, it is our duty to beleive, that he will deal so with us also, in his time, unless we re­pent.

3. Always bear in Mind our Infallible Guidance as unto Gods final dealing with impenitent Sinners. This the whole Scripture constantly, equally, universally witnesses unto; that it shall be eternal De­struction: [Page 71] and this will preserve us from distracting Surprisals, when we find things fall out beyond our Expectation in a way of Severity.

4. Consider those Signs, Marks and To­kens of Approaching Judgments, which are set up in the VVorld; which, whoso doth wisely consider, he will not fail in his Prognostication of future Events. Among these, abounding in Sin with Security, in such Persons, Nations, Cities and Churches, as God is pleased by the Gospel to take near unto himself in a peculiar manner, is the most eminent. For those Signs are Buoys fixed to shew when we shall certainly make Shipwrack, if we approach unto them. VVhen these Rules are observed, when they are diligently attended unto, and com­plied withal, so as that we receive In­struction from them, I shall say with some confidence, that every Believer shall know what God is doing in a way of Judgment, so far as is necessary unto his Guidance in his own Duty, wherein he shall find accep­tance, and not provoke God in the neg­lect of it.

5. God hath appointed the Ministry of the word unto the same end. The prin­cipal End of the Ministery under the Gos­pel, [Page 72] is the Dispensation of the word of Reconciliation. But neither is yet this work of giving warning of approaching Judgments, exempted from that Office and Duty. Christ himself, in his Ministry preacheth here on this Subject. They are Watchmen and Overseers; and their Duty herein is graphically expressed, Ezek. 34. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. When God placeth any as a VVatchman for a People, one part of his Duty is to look diligently after the approach of Dangers and Evils; such I mean, as come on the account of Sin, and thereon to awaken and stir up the People to take care of themselves, that they be not destroyed. The Shepard is not only to provide good Pasture for his Sheep, but to keep them from danger. The Watch­man hearkned diligently, with much heed, and he cryed a Lyon, Isai. 21, 7, 8, Having made a discovery of approaching danger, he cries out to the People to warn them of it. But if the Watchmen are slothful, and sleepy, if they are dumb Dogs and cannot bark when Evil cometh, if they are light and treacherous Persons, blind Guides that have no vision; if they also are under a spirit of slumber and security, so as that the people are not warned by them of their danger; this is one of the most [Page 73] severe Tokens of wrath approaching. It is a great warning, when God takes away the Means of warning; when he says unto a People, I will warn you no more, by giv­ing them such watchmen as are neither faithful, nor able to warn them, and by taking away those that are.

6. God gives warnings hereof, by bring­ing a people into such a Posture, Condi­tion, and Circumstances, as do in their own Nature tend unto Ruine Such are cross Interests among themselves, incura­ble Divisions, contrary and unsteddy Counsels, weakness in Spirit and Cou­rage, mutual Distrusts, Effeminacy through Luxury, with one or other insuparable en­tanglement; which are the Ways and Means whereby Nations precipate them­selves into calamitous Condition. In ge­neral, as unto this previous warning of approaching Judgments, God threatens to send among a People who are tending to­wards Ruine, a Moth and an Hornet. The Moth he threatens Isai. 51. 8. Hosea 5. 12. Somewhat that shall eat up and devour the Strength and Sinews of the Counsels of a Nation, as a Moth devoureth a Garment. Whilst it lies still, it seems, it may be, to be sound and firm; hold it up to the Light, [Page 74] and it appears full of holes, and is easily torn with the Finger. So is it with a Na­tion; whatever outward Peace it seems to enjoy, when it is decaied in the VVis­dom and strength of its Counsels, it is easily torn in pieces. And in like manner he sends the Hornet unto the same end, Exod. 23. 28, Deut. 7. 20. that is, that which shall vex, disquiet and torment them, that they shall be ready every one to strike himself, or the next that he meet­eth withal; as many of these Hornets are at present among us.

These are some of the VVays whereby God warneth a People, Church or Nation of approaching Judgments.

It concerneth us now to enquire how it is, how it hath been with us, with refe­rence hereunto. And I say,

It is not necessary that God should use all these ways of Warning of a sinful People, of approaching Desolations, if not pre­vented by Repentance: It is enough un­to the Ends of this Dispensation of Di­vine VVisdom and Goodness, if he make use of some of them, or of any one of them in an eminent manner, Wherefore if any [Page 75] of them have been wanting among us, yet if we have had others of them, it is suffi­cient to render us excusable, if we re­pent not. But,

2, The Truth is, we have, upon the matter, had them all, and they have abound­ed amongst us

VVe have had the previous Judgments of Plague, Fire and War.

Some may say, they were desolating Judgments themselves; and so indeed they were: But whereas Sin still abound­eth, and no Reformation ensued upon them, in any Places, among any sort of Persons, they were but Warnings of what is yet to come, if not prevented. And their Language is, Except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.

We have had a Multiplication of Signs in the Heaven above, and in the Earth be­neath; such as all Mankind have ever e­steemed Forerunners of publick Calami­ties; and the more they are despised, the lowder is their Voice to the same purpose. God hath continued hitherto his Word a­mongst us, wherein the ordinary Rule of [Page 76] his Providence in these things is openly declared. And if those unto whom the Declaration of the Word of God in the Dispensation of it is committed, have not faithfully warned the People of their Danger, their Blood may be found at their Door. Herein at present lies our greatest streight; The Efficacy of all other Calls of God unto Repentance, depends much on the Application of them unto the Souls and Consciences of Men in the Preaching of the Word. But whilst by some this Work is despised, at least counted unnecessary; by some it is neglected utter­ly, and others by reason of their private Capacities, whereby they are disenabled to speak unto Magistrates, Cities, or the Community of the People, Think not themselves concern'd therein, it is almost wholly laid aside. For what will some say, doth this speaking unto a few in a Retirement signifie as unto a General Reformation of the People of the Land? But whereas we have all sinned in one mea­sure, Churches, and all sorts of more strict Professors of Religion, it is every ones Duty to be pressing these Warnings of God within his own Bounds and Pre­cincts And if each of us should prevail but with one, to return effectually to [Page 77] God, it will be accepted with him, who in such a season, seeks for a man to stand in the gap, to turn away his wrath; and will save a City for the sake for Ten, if they be found therein. Let us not pretend that the Repentance and Reformation called for, respects the publick enormous Sins of the Nation, in Atheism, Pro­phaneness, Sensuality, Luxury, Pride, Op­pression, Hatred of the Truth, Contempt of the Ministry of the Gospel, and the like; they do so indeed, but not only, they re­spect also the Decays in Faith, Love, Zeal, with Love of the World, Conformity unto it, Lukewarmness, that are found amongst the most eminent Professors of Religion. This is our present wound; here lies our weakness; namely, in the want of a quick, active, zealous Ministry, to call and stir up Magistrates and People to effectual Repentance and turning to God. Unless this be given unto us, I fear we cannot be saved. If it be otherwise, if we have a Ministry that really do attend unto their Duty in this Matter, I beg their pardon for other apprehensions; but then I shall think it the most pregnant Sign of ap­proaching Destruction; seeing it is appa­rent unto all, that their Endeavours have neither Fruit nor Success.

[Page 78] So far have we proceeded with our Proposition; Namely; That Sin abounds a­mongst us; That Judgments are approach­ing; That God hath given us manifold Warnings of their so doing.

4. That which in the next Place we are to speak unto is, the Equity of this Divine Constitution, that in the ordinary way of Gods Rule, and Dispensation of his Provi­dence Repentance and Reformation shall turn away impendent Judgments, and pro­cure unto a People a blessed Deliverance, and nothing else shall do it. Except you repent you shall perish.

That upon Repentance they shall be sa­ved and delivered, is intended in the same Rule. This is the unalterable Law of Di­vine Providence; this shall do it, and no­thing else shall so do. The VVisdom and Power of Men shall not do it; Fasting and Prayer, whilst we continue in our Sins, shall not do it. Repentance alone is made the Condition of Deliverance in this State of things.

Upon this Rule, did God vindicate the Equity of his Ways against Repining Isra­el, [Page 79] Ezek. 18. 29, 30, 31. Can any thing be more just and equal? Ruine and utter Desolation are ready to fall upon the whole People: This you have deserved by your Iniquities, and multiplied provo­cations. In strict Justice they ought imme­diately to come upon you: But my ways are equal; I will not deal with you in a way of strict Justice; I will do it in Equity, which is a meet Temperature of Justice and Mercy. And this I make evident unto you herein, in that, whilst the Execution of Judgment is only threatned and sus­pended, if you make unto your selves a new Heart and a new Spirit, in sincere Re­pentance, if you cast away all your Trans­gressions, by a thorough Reformation of your lives, Iniquity shall not be your Ru­ine. What can be more Just, righteous. and equal? Who can complain, if after all this, evil doth overtake you, and you shall not escape? The same he pleads a­gain, Chap. 33. 10, 11. as in many other Places.

That this Divine Constitution, namely, That Repentance and Reformation shall save a Church, People or Nation in the state before described, and that nothing else shall do so, however men may please [Page 80] and pride themselves in their own Imagi­nations, is equal, just and good, that it is meet it should be so, that it hath a con­decencie unto the Divine Excellencies, and the Rule of Righteousness in government, is evident for,

1. The Notion of this Rule is inbred in Mankind by Nature, as was mentioned before. There is no man, unless he be Athe­istically profligate, but when he apprehends that Evil and Ruine, especially as unto his Life, is ready to overtake him, & seize upon him, but he reflects on his Sins, and comes to some Resolutions of forsaking them for the future, so he may be at present deli­vered from his deplorable Condition. Now all this ariseth from these indelible Notions ingrafted on the Minds of Men; that all evil of Punishment is from God, that it is for Sin, that there is no way to avoid it but by Repentance and Reforma­tion: And those who will not improve this Natural Light, with respects unto the Publick, will be found, as it were, whe­ther they will or no, to comply with it, when it comes to be their own Case in par­ticular. Herein lies a thousand Testi­monies unto the Equity of this Divine Con­stitution.

[Page 81] 2. When this Rule is complied withal, when Repentance and Reformation do ensue upon Divine warnings, whereby Peace with God is in some measure attained; it will give men Trust and Confidence in him, with expectation of Divine Relief in their Distress, which is the most effectu­al Means for men to be instrumental unto their own Deliverance. And on the other side, when it is neglected, when Evil ap­proaches, Guilt and Terrour will haunt the Minds of men, and they shall not be able to entertain one thought of Divine Help, which will render them heartless, Helpless, Senceless, and betray them into Cowardise and Pusillanimity, however they may boast at present, If these two sorts are opposed, ten shall chase an hundred, and an hundred put a thousand to flight. And if any Nation do openly refuse a com­pliance with this Constitution, if God should send an other to invade them in a way of Judgment, they would melt away before them as Wax before the Fire. When Evils compass us about, and are ready to seize upon us, a Reduction on the neg­lect of this Rule, will disturb our Coun­sels, distract our Thoughts, distress our Minds, weaken our Confidence in God, [Page 82] and dishearten the stoutest of the Sons of Men, giving them up a Prey to their Ene­mies.

3. This Rule or Constitution hath an impression of all Divine Excellencies upon it; namely, of the Goodness, Patience, Wisdom, Righteousness and Holiness of God.

If when Judgments are approaching, and deserved, men could divert them by their Wisdom, Courage or Diligence, it would reflect Dishonour on God in the Government of the World; see Isa. 22. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11: But in this way of the De­liverance of any People, there is a Salvo for the Glory of, all the Divine Excellen­cies, as is manifested unto all.

When therefore in this state, impen­dent Judgments are not absolutely deter­mined, yet so deserved, as that upon a Supposition of continuance in those Sins whereby they are deserved, the Glory of Divine Justice cannot be vindicated in the absolute impunity; and whereas God hath now prepared all things, and made them ready for their execution, all Means and Instruments being girt unto the Work, his [Page 83] Sword is whetted, and his Arrows are fix­ed in the bow, he will first give Warning, then give Space and Time for Repentance, and requires no more for the laying aside of all his Preparations for Destruction, surely his Ways are equal, kind, and full of Mercy,

If Men will look for, if they will ex­pect Deliverance, without a complyance with these good, Holy, Just, Gracious, E­qual terms, they will find themselves in the issue wofully deceived. And if after all this, we in this Nation should be found in a neglect hereof, if the Nation should continue in its present frame, wherein, of all other means of Safety, this seems to be least thought of or regarded, what shall we plead for our selves? who shall pity us in the day of Distress? Most men now despise these, things, but can their hearts endure, or can their hands be strong in the Day that the Lord shall deal with them? But,

5. Whereas this Way, this Means of Deliverance is so just, so equal, so reason­able, manifesting it self to the Consciences and Reason of Mankind, owned by the very Heathens, and fully confirmed by Divine [Page 84] Revelation, our next Enquiry must be, Whence it is that there is such an unreadi­ness, such an unwillingness to comply with this Duty as there is? that so many diffi­culties are esteemed to be in it; so as that there is little hope it will be found among us in a prevalent degree?

If Men, especially such as are Great, and esteem themselves to be wise, are told that this is the way to save and deliver the Nation, they turn away in a wrath, as Naaman did, when the Prophet bid him Wash and be clean, when he would have ra­ther expected an Injunction of some He­roick Exploits: These are Thoughts for weak and pusillanimous Souls, who understand nothing of State-Affairs. But it will ere long appear who is wisest, God or Men. But an hard thing it is to prevail with any to think well of it, or to go a­bout it, or to judge that it is the only Balm for our Wounds.

To find out the Cause hereof, I shall breifly consider all sorts of Persons who are concerned to plant this healing Tree, whose Root is Repentance, and whose Fruit is Reformation of Life. And they are of three sorts.

[Page 85] 1. Magistrates. 2. Ministers. 3. The People themselves

Unless there be a Concurrence of the Endeavours of them all in their several Places and Duties, there will be no such publick Work of Repentance and Refor­mation wrought as is suited unto the turn­ing away of Publick Calamities. But yet though it be the express Duty of them all, though it be their Interest, though it cannot be omitted, but at their utmost peril, as un­to Temporal and Eternal Events, yet it is a marvellous hard and difficult work to pre­vail with any of them to engage vigo­rously in it. Some do not think it necessa­ry, some after conviction of its Necessi­ty, either know not how to go about it, or linger in its undetaking, or are quick­ly wearied; some wish it were Done, so as that they may not be at the Trouble of it.

Let us consider them Distinctly.

1. As unto Magistrates. When Jeho­shaphat set himself to reform the Church, or his Kingdom, to escape the Judgment that was denounced against them, he ap­pointed [Page 86] for Magistrates and Judges, men fearing God, and hating Covetousness: And his charge unto them was, Let the Fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it; thus shall you do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and with a perfect heart, 2 Chron. 19. 6. 9. Without this, there will be no publick Reformation; and therefore the first Difficulty of it ariseth from this sort of Persons, and that upon two Accounts.

First, That Magistrates themselves do live in Sin, and love it, and hate to be personally reformed; yea take delight in them that openly live in Sin also, which is the heigth of wickedness, Rom. 1. 32. When Magistrates are prophane Swear­ers, or Scoffers, at the Power of Religion, or Drunkards, or unclean Persons, or co­vetous Oppressors, a great Obstruction must needs be laid in the way of publick Repentance and Reformation ; neither doth this Difficulty at present arise meer­ly from their personal Sins and Miscarri­ages, but also from the want of Convicti­on, and a Sence of their Duty in their Places, with the Account which they must give thereof. For.

[Page 87] Secondly, They seem not to believe that the attempting of this Work is any part of their Duty, or that they are concerned therein: Let it therefore be never so rea­sonable, so Equal, so Important, so Ne­cessary unto the Deliverance and Salvation of any people, if those who should further it in the first place, do obstruct and hinder it, it will be attended with Difficulties. Ill Examples and Negligence have ruined this Nation.

Wherefore we may lay it down as an assured Truth, which the Text will con­firm;

That unless Magistrates, who have the visible Conduct of the People, are convin­ced, that it is their Duty to promote the Work of Repentance and Reformation, at this time, by their own Example, and in the Discharge of their Offices, the Case of this Nation is deplorable, and not to be relieved but by Sovereign Grace and Mercy: For what shall the People do, when they see their Guides, unto whose Pattern they conform themselves, utterly regardless of any such thing? This is one Means of the Difficulty which is found among us, of affecting the Minds [Page 88] of Men with this equal Constitution.

2. Those who are principally concern'd herein, are Ministers, or those who have the Administration of the Word and Ordinances of the Gospel committed un­to them. Unto these, is this Work given in charge, in an especial manner. They have the principal means of Repentance and Reformation committed to their ma­nagement. From them is the beginning and carrying on of this Work expected and required. Hereof, as unto their Sin­cerity and diligence, they must give an Account at the last Day. And if this Spring be stopped, whence should the refreshing VVaters of Repentance and Re­formation arise? But yet herein the prin­cipal Difficulty of the whole VVork doth consist: For.

First, some there are pretending unto this Office in whom lies no small part of the Evil that is to be Refomed. Persons who labour among the most forward to sill up the measure of the Iniquities of this Nation; such as whose Ignorance. Neg­ligence, Prophaneness and Debauchery, are in all their Effects transfused and com­municated unto all that are about them: [Page 89] Shall we expect that such persons will be instrumental in the Reforming of others, who hate to be reformed themselves? Jer. 23. 15. It was so of old. But,

Secondly, There are very few of this sort of Persons, who will be at the charge of carrying on this Work. They may quick­ly find what it will cost them; for unless they are Exemplary in it themselves, it is in vain once to attempt the pressing of it upon others. They cannot go about it, without great Retrenchings of that which they have esteemed their Liberty in the course of their Conversations. All Com­pliance with unreformed persons, for secu­lar Ends, all Conformity unto the course of the World, in Jolities, and Pride of Life, all Ostentation of Riches, Wealth and Power, all Self-seeking, and Self-pleasing, all Lightness, and carnal Confidences, must utterly be cast away: And not only so, but unless by uncessant Prayers and Suppli­cations, with Earnestness and Perseve­rance, they labour for fresh Annointings with the Spirit of Grace in their own Souls, that Faith and Love and Zeal for God, and Compassion for the Souls of Men, and Readiness for the Cross, may revive and flourish in them, they will not [Page 90] be usefull nor instrumental in this Work. And is it any wonder, that the most of them think it better to suffer things to go on at the present rate, than to venture at that which will cost them so dear in its pur­suit? The Truth is, I know very few, if any, who are meet and fit to engage in this Work in a visible eminent manner: those who have the best, almost the only opper­tunities for it, seem to be asleep.

Thirdly, Besides the Charge they must be at themselves, they perceive the Op­position they shall meet with all from others. They find that they shall not only disob­lige and provoke all sorts of Persons, and lose many of their usefull friends, but al­so expose themselves unto Obloquy, Scron Contempt and Reproach of all sorts. He is a lost man in this world, who with out re­spect of Persons, will engage seriously in this Work; every day he shall find one or other displeased, if not provoked. This neither they nor their Families can well bear withal. Indeed the hardest and most difficult Service that ever God called any of his Ministers unto, excepting only Je­sus Christ and his Apostles, hath been in the endeavouring the Reformation of back sliding or spiritually decay'd Churches. [Page 91] These are the two Witnesses which in all Ages have Prophesied in Sackcloth. Such was the Ministry of Elijah, which brought him unto that Conclusion, and an earnest longing to be delivered by Death from his Work and Ministry, 2 Kings 19. 4. So, was that of Jeremiah, in the like Season, whereof he so complains, Chap. 15. 10. John the Baptist in the same work, lost first his Liberty, then his Life. And in after-Ages Chrysostom, for the same Cause was hated by the Clergy, persecuted by the Court, and at length driven into Ba­nishment, where he died. Most men care not how little a share they have in such a Work as this, whose Reward will reach them according to the Proportion of their Engagement in it. All Churches, all Persons almost, would willingly be let a­lone in the Condition wherein they are: They that would press them unto due Re­for [...]ation, ever were, and ever will be looked on as their Troublers.

Hence then it is, that our Wound is in­curable. Few of this sort are convinced of the present Necessity of this Duty; they hope things are indifferently well with them and their Flocks, that they may endure their time well enough: Few are [Page 92] willing to undergo the Charge and Trouble of it, to put all their present Circumstan­ces into Disorder, few have received an Annointing for thee; many are able to dispute against any Attempts of it; and not a few have Expectations of strange Deliverances without it; what is left us in this Case, shall afterwards be decla­red.

3. It is difficult also on the Account of the People that are to be Reformed. It is hard to convince them of its Necessity; hard to perswade them to endeavour it; hard to get them to perservere in Attempts for it.

Some of the Reasons hereof we may breifly consider: As,

1. That Self-Justification and Approba­tion of themselves, which all sorts of persons, both by Nature, and by incura­ble Prejudices, are inclined unto, lie at the bottom of this fatal Negligence. VVhen they see all things amiss, they will grant that there is some Reformation ne­cessary; but that it is so for others, and not for them. Those that are worse than they (as there are but few who do not [Page 93] think on one pretence or other, that there are many worse than themselves) they sup­pose this Duty is necessary unto; but not unto them. And if there are none visibly so, yet they will make them and judge them so to be. But whilst men have a form of Godliness, though they deny the power thereof they will justifie themselves from all need of Reformation. Churches will do so, and all sorts of Professors of Reli­gion will do so; especially if they have any peculiar Notion or Practice, which they value themselves upon. So was it with the Jews of old, Jer. 7. 6, 7. and with the Pharisees in the Days of our Saviour, John 9. 40. It is so at this Day; and it is a rare thing to meet with any who will own themselves to stand in need of real labo­rious Reformation.

Hence it is that no Churches would ever Reform themselves, which have been the cause of all Division and Seperation, whereby some have been saved from a ge­neral Apostasie. They all approve them­selves in their State and Condition, which is come to that height in the Papal Church that they boast themselves infallible, and not capable of Reformation in any thing. I pray God secure others from the like Pre­sumption; [Page 94] it will be their Ruine by whom they are entertained; yet so it is at this Day. Most Churches think they need more Revenues, more Honour, more Freedom from Opposition, more Submission of all men unto them; but they almost abhor the Thoughts that they stand in need of any Reformation.

2. The Nature of the Work it self ren­ders it difficult; for it requires a general Change of the Course wherein men have been engaged; a thing as difficult, as to cause the Streams of a mighty River to change their Course, and run backward. Vicious habits must be subdued, Inclina­tions reveted in the Mind by long Practice, and Custom, be cast out, ways of Con­versation promoted and strengthened by all sorts of Circumstances changed; which render the Work unto some men impossi­ble. So the Prophet declares it, Jer. 13. 23. Can the Aethiopian change his Skin, or the Leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, who are accustomed to Evil. Men cannot easily unlearn what they have been so taught or accustomed unto. The mighty power of God on the Souls of Men, both as unto individual Persons, and whole Societies, is required unto this Change; [Page 95] So it may be wrought and not otherwise Isa. 11. 6, 7, 8, 9.

3. The Advantage which many make un­to themselves, by the present posture of things, and fear of Alterations by Refor­mation, is a Mountain in the way, a migh­ty Obstacle against entertaining serious Thoughts about it.

4. The Scripture most frequently casts the Cause hereof on mens Security in their Earthly Enjoyments. This keeps them safe from hearing Gods Calls, or ta­king notice of his warnings: And there­fore it is laid down, as the Cause and con­stant Forerunner of all desolating Judg­ments. It is at large insisted upon by our Saviour himself, Matth. 24. 3 [...], [...]8. [...] 17. 26.

Now this Security is like the Disease in the Body, which is commonly called the Scurvy; It is not any single Distemper or Disease, but a Complication or Concur­rence of many prevalent Distempers. Se­curity is not the Name of any one vicious Habit or Inclination of the Mind, but it is a concurrent complication of many▪ Spi­ritual Stupidity and Sloth, called a Spi [...]t [Page 96] of Slumber, Love of the world, carnal Wis­dom, Groundless hopes of Life, all Proceed­ing from Vnbelief, do concur in its Con­stitution. And if a Practice in a Course of Sin, have for some season ensued on these Principles, whereby Conscience comes to be seared, or is made senceless, the Case of those in whom it is, is for the most part remediless. And not a few of this sort are amongst us.

And many other Reasons there are, ren­dring this VVork full of Difficulty, though it be so necessary, so just and equal. As for those by whom all these things are de­spised, and even scoffed at, something shall be spoken afterwards unto them, or concerning them.

But yet this Consideration ought not to deter any from endeavouring the discharge of their own Duty herein: For as we have seen, it is indispensably necessary, that we and the Nation may be saved from desolating Judgments; so we shall see af­terwards how and by what means this Difficulty may be surmounted, and those Obstacles removed out of the way. How­ever, happy will they be, be they ever so few, never so Poor, never so unknown [Page 97] to the World, whom God shall find so do­ing, when he ariseth out of his Place to shake the Earth terribly

VI. I shall therefore in the next place, to bring all things nearer home, enquire, What is the Nature of that Repentance and Reformation which at this time God requires of us all, that we may not perish in his sore Displeasure.

After a Devastation made of the Trea­sure of the Roman Empire, by sundry Ty­rants successively, Vespasian coming to the Government, acquainted the Senate, that there was need of so many Millions of Mo­ney, that the Empire might stand; not that it might flourish and grow vigorus, whereunto much more was required; but that it might be preserved from Dissoluti­on and Ruine: And I shall propose not what is requisite, to render the Church of God in this Nation, orderly, beautiful, and vigorous, but only what is necessary, that it may stand and live, by a Delive­rance from Desolating Judgments. And,

1. The Repentance which in any Case, God requireth absolutely, is that which is internal, and real, in sincere Conversion un­to [Page 98] himself accompanied with Fruits meet for such Repentance. So is it declared, Ezek. 18. 30, 31 Therefore I will judge you, O House of Israel, every one according unto his ways, saith the Lord God: Repent and turn your selves from all your Trans­gressions, so Iniquity shall not be your Ruine. Cast away from you all your Transgressions, whereby you have Transgressed, and make you a new Heart, and a new Spirit, for why will you die, O House of Israel? A new Heart, and a new Spirit, or real internal Conversion unto God by the grace of the Covenant, is required in this Repentance, as the Renunciation and Relinquishment of all Iniquities, must be the Fruit of it. So also is it expressed, Isai. 1. 16, 17. Inter­nal purification of the heart, with the pra­ctice of universal Obedience, and absti­nence of all Sin, is that which God re­quires.

This is that Repentance which was the Subject of the Ministry of John the Bap­tist; on the neglect whereof, he threat­ned the People with final Excision; which accordingly not long after befell them, Mat. 3. 8, 9, 10. God doth not require a feigned Repentance, or that which is meerly out­ward [Page 99] and temporary: In this Case, see Joel 2. 12, 13. But,

2. Where there is Repentance and Reformation that are real in the Root or Cause of them, which is an effectual Con­viction of Sin, and Sense of ensuing, ap­proaching Judgments, giving testimony of Sincerity in its Fruits, by an Abstinence from open Provoking Sins, and the per­formance of known Duties, unto its Sin­cerity; in both which, a Sense and Re­verence of God is owned, though it be not in m [...]ny, in the most, it may be in few, absolutely sincere and holy, yet may it pre­vail to the turning away of threatned Judgments, at least for a season.

These things therefore are required un­to this Repentance.

1. A Real Conviction of Sin, in them that are called unto it, or do make Pro­fession of it. If this lie not in the Foun­dation, no expression of Repentance, no Profession of Reformation is of any value in the Sight of God: Yea, it is a Mock­ing of him, which is the highest Provo­cation. Men without this Conviction, may be driven to somewhat that looks like [Page 100] Repentance and Reformation; as the keep­ing of Days of Fasting or Humiliation, by outward Force or Compulsion of Law; but there is nothing in what they do, of what we enquire after. By such days and Ways they shall never save the Nation, Jerem. 3. 10.

2: A real Sence of Gods Displeasure, and the Approach of desolating Judgments. It is not enough that we have a Conviction and Sence of our own Sins, but we must have them also of the Sins of the Nation, whereby God is provoked to Anger; and Apprehensions of his Displeasure are to influence our Minds in all that we go about herein. Unless these abide and dwell in our Minds, unless they accompany us con­tinually in all our Ways and Occasions, rise and lie down with us, we shall not cordially engage in this Duty

3. Real Reformation is an Abstinence from all known Sin, and the avowed Fruits of a reformed Converstion are requi­red hereunto, Mat. 3. 10.

4. That it be persisted in, Hos. 6. 1.

[Page 101] On these Suppositions, that this Repen­tance is usefull unto the End proposed, is made fully evident in the Instances of Ni­neveh, and of Ahab, 1 Kings 21. 27, 28, 29. Ahab in his Repentance and Humiliation, manifested a deep Sense of the Guilt of Sin, and Divine Displeasure. Seest thou, saith God, to Elijah, how he humbleth him­self? It might easily be known and taken notice of. There is an Humiliation de­scribed by the Prophet Isaiah, Chap. 58. v, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. which God abhorreth, and which shall be profitable for nothing. Such have been the Humiliations among us for the most part: But although it be the Duty of every man, to endeavour that his Repentance and Reformation do consist in a sincere, internal, cordial Conversion unto God, which the Divine Calls do intend; without which, it will not be of advantage unto his own Soul, as unto his eternal Con­dition; yet as unto the turning away of Temporal Calamities, at least, as to the suspension of them, such a publick Repen­tance and Reformation as evidence them­selves in their Fruits, do proceed from a real Sense of Sin and Judgment, may be usefull and prevalent. In breif, the Re­pentance which God requireth, with respect [Page 102] to his Covenant, that the Souls of men may be saved, unto the Glory of his Grace by Jesus Christ, is eternal, spiritual, super­natural, whereby the whole Soul is renew­ed, changed and turned unto himself. But as God is the supream Governour of the World in Temporal things, with re­spect unto the Dispensation of his provi­dence in Mercies and Judgments, there may be a Repentance and Reformation, wherein his Glory is vindicated in a visible compliance with his Calls and Warnings, and an Acknowledgment of him in his righteous Judgments, which may be of Use unto the End proposed. Besides, where-ever there is a General Reformation of Life sincerely attempted, it is to be believed, that in many it is spiritual and saving.

3. The Repentance and Reformation required, must be suited unto the State and Condition of those who are called ther [...]unto. All are to consider what is amiss in them, as unto their own State and Condition, Isai. 55. 7. Let the wicked forsake his Way, and the unrigheous man his Thoughts, every one his own Way and Thoughts in their present Condition.

[Page 103] Wherefore the Persons intended in this Call, are of two sorts.

1. Such as are wicked, as unto their State and Condition, persons unconvert­ed, unregenerate, not born of God.

And as are sincere Believers, really converted unto God.

The Call of God is unto both sorts: Repentance and Reformation are required of them both: And they are so in a sui­tableness unto their different conditi­ons

In each of these sorts, there are various Degrees of Sin and Provocation. Some of the first sort are openly flagitious, pub­lick habitual Sinners, such as whose Sins go before-hand unto Judgment, as the Apo­stle speaks, 1 Tim. 5. 24. And some are more sober in their outward Conversation. The Call of God respects them all in their several degrees of sinning. Let the wicked man forsake his Ways, and the unrighteous man his Thoughts, those which are his own, which are proper to him. None doubts, unless it be themselves, that the first sort ought to reform themselves; the [Page 104] Generality of men cry out against them, and fear, that for their Sins, especially if they be Persons in high places, the Judg­ments of God will come upon the Land.

But if those of the other sort also, who are apt to justifie themselves, because they run not out unto the same Excess of Riot with them, do not apply themselves unto the Repentance and Reformation which are proper unto their State and Condition, the Will of God is not answered in his Warnings. Yet, it is the Impenitency of this sort of men, that is the most dange­rous Symptome at this day in the Nation. Their unshaken Security keeps all that tru­ly fear God in a trembling posture.

6. It is so with Churches peculiarly re­formed, and true Believers in them; as al­so all other true Beleivers, who walk more at large. They also are called unto Re­pentance and Reformation, and that ac­cording to their State, and their respe­ctive degrees therein: For some are more Guilty than others, in decays of Faith, Love, Zeal, Holiness and Fruitfulness in Obedience. with Conformity to the World. And if their should be a pub­lick Reformation in the Nation, as to out­ward [Page 105] provoking Sin; yet if these of this sort, do not reform themselves, according as their Condition doth require, the desi­red Deliverance would scarcely be obtain­ed. And wo be to such persons, if through their Neglect of their Duty, the whole Nation should be exposed to Ruine. Where­fore,

4. The Reformation called for, as the condition of escaping of impendent Judgments, must be Vniversal, at least General; amongst all sorts and Degrees, all Orders and Estates of Men. All sorts have sinned, all sorts are threatned; and therefore Repentance is required of all, if we would not perish. It is so of Magi­strates and Ministers, of Nobles and Com­mon People in City and Country; and that to be evidenced by its Fruits; so as that it may be said of us See you not how they humble themselves.

But if this be so, some may be apt to say, It seems if All do not set their Hearts and Hands unto this Work, if All sorts do not engage in it, there is no good effect to be hoped or looked for: But when shall we see any such thing? When shall we see the Generality of all sorts of men in [Page 106] this Nation cordially to go about this Work of Repentance and Reformation? as good therefore let it alone, as go about to attempt it.

I Answer, 1. If you cannot be content to perish with the impenitent and unreformed, you may chuse to do as they do: If you would avoid their Punishment, you must avoid their Sin, especially their refusal to turn on the Call of God.

2. Some must begin this Work, and be exemplary unto others. And blessed are they of the Lord, who shall receive the Grace and Honour so to do, Let us not then sit looking on others to see what they will do, but immediately engage un­to our own Duty.

3. The duty herein, of no one private Person, much less of whole Churches shall be lost, though the Nation should not be reformed in general. For,

1, They shall deliver their own Souls and if they be not saved (as I believe they would be in an eminent manner) from somewhat of the outward part of a pub­lick Calamity, yet they should be from all [Page 107] the Wrath and Displeasure of God in it.

2. A few, for ought I know, one man, may sometimes prevail with God, for the suspending, at least of Judgments threat­ned unto a whole Nation. And hereby,

3. They shall give unto others a far­ther Season of Repentance, which God can bless and make effectual unto them. There are therefore blessed Encouragements un­to all Churches, unto all individual per­sons to endeavour a compliance with the present Calls of God, though the Body of the People should not be gathered.

VII. Our next Enquiry is, Whence, or from what Causes such a Reformation may be expected, as may be useful unto the turning away of impendent Judgments? And these Causes are either supream, or Subordi­nate.

The Supream Cause hereof, must be the Sovereign Grace of God, in fresh Effu­sions of his Spirit on the Souls of Men, to turn them unto himself. Without this, all other ways and means of attaining it will be in vain. This is every where in the Scripture attested unto, as the only su­pream [Page 108] efficient Cause of the Conversion of Men unto God. And unto that State are things come to amongst us, that unless we are made partakers of it in a some­what more than ordinary manner, our Breaches cannot be healed; Whether we have Grounds or no to expect any such thing, shall be afterwards considered: At present there seems to be no other hopes of it, but only because it is a Sovereign Act of Divine Grace, which hath been exem­plified in the Church of old. There seems indeed rather as yet, to be a with­drawing drawing of the Communications of the Holy spirit in effectually prevalent Grace, on the part of God, and a contempt of them, on the part of Men: But Sovereign­ty can conquer all Obstacles. This way did God heal and recover his Church of old when all other Means, all Mercies, Afflictions and Judgments failed, Ezek. 36. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29. And it may at present be for a Lamentation, that this work of Grace is so disregarded by the most, so despised by many, and so little cried for by the Residue. But without it, in vain shall we use any other Remedies, we shall not be healed. It is not the best Projections of men for Reformation by this or that Order or State of things in [Page 109] Church or State, that without this, will be of advantage unto us.

The Subordinate Causes hereof, must be the diligent Discharge of their Duty, by Magistrates and Ministers.

I shall but name these things, that I give no place to Complaints or Indignation, though just and almost necessary. And,

First, As unto the Furtherance of it by Magistrates, it must consist in three Things.

1. By evidencing that the Promotion of it is their Interest. Unless it be understood so to be, whatever else they do in the Countenance of it, will be of no Use nor Advantage. For this is that which the Generality will conform unto, or comply with all. And if it be once under­stood, that Reformation is what they de­sire, what they design, what they place their cheif Interest in, as it was with Da­vid, Hezekiah, Josiah, and others, it will have an Influence on the People, not infe­riour unto what the Design of Jeroboam in pursuit of his corrupt Interest, had on the people of Israel, to sin, All other [Page 110] Means are dead, unless they are enlivened by an Evidence of Reality in the Minds of Magistrates, and an high Concernment in the prosperity of their Work. Let them make what Laws and Orders they please, appoint what outward Means they can de­vise, unless it be made uncontroulably evi­dent, that it is their Cordial Design, and what they place their Cheif Interest in, they will not be available. Add here­unto,

2. The due Execution of Laws against Flagitious Immoralities. And,

3. An encouraging Example in their own persons; without which, all things will grow worse and worse, whatever else be done. Men seem to be weary in some measure, of the dismal Effects of Sin; but they seem not to be weary of Sin. Un­to this weariness, they yet want Motives, Encouragements and Examples. And it is strange unto me, that in all our Fears and Dangers, in the Divisions of our Councels, and Confusions amongst all sorts of Men, under an high Profession of Zeal for the Protestant Religion, in the Nation, and the Preservation of it, that this only Expe­dient for our Relief and Safety lies wholly neglected,

[Page 111] As unto Ministers, the Faithful Discharge of his Duty in Preaching, Prayer, and Example is required hereunto. Should I stay to shew the necessity hereof at this season; as also what is required thereunto, what Care, what Diligence, what Watch­fulness, what Compassion, what Zeal, what Exercise of all Gospel-Grace, with the over-Neglect of these things among many, it would take up a Volume, rather than be­come a Place in this present Enquiry.

But I proceed unto that which is more our immediate Concernment. Where­fore,

VIII. What if all these Means do fail? what if all Expectations from them be in vain? What is incumbent on them in particu­lar, who are really sensible of these things; namely of the abounding of provoking Sins, and the near Approach of deserved Judg­ments?

That which I design herein, is to give some Directions, as unto what Frame of Heart ought to be found in us, and the Practice of what Duties we ought to be found in at such a Season as this is. It is no common, no easie thing to wait for the Lord in the way of his Judgments, Isai. 26, [Page 112] 8, 9. There is inward Soul-work night and day, as well as outward Duties requi­red unto it. That God may be Glorified in a due manner, that we may be found in Peace, whatever be the Event of things; that we may be usefull unto others; and in all serve the Will of God in our Gene­ration, are all expected from us in a way of Duty,

Unto this End, the ensuing Directions may be made use of.

2. Take heed of stout-heartedness, and a Contempt or neglect thereby of Divine Warn­ings. There is a Generation, who either really, or in pretence, are bold, fearless, stout-hearted, regardless of these things; they seem to provoke and dare God to do his utmost, all that he seems to threaten. So they speak, Isai. 5, 19. Let him make speed, and hasten his Work, that we may see it; and let the Counsel of the Holy One of Israel draw nigh, that we may know it. Here is much talk indeed of the Judgments of God, and of their near Approach; When shall we see them? why do not they come? when shall he bring forth his Work?

This hath been the great Controversie between the Church and the wicked World [Page 113] from the beginning of it. Those that tru­ly feared God, were always testifying that God would come, and take vengeance on them for their Impieties and Impenitency. But because these Judgments were not speedily executed, the sinful world did al­ways despise their warnings, and scoff at their Message, So Enoch the seventh from Adam, he Preached and Prophesied of these things; namely of the Coming of God to take vengeance of ungodly men, Jude 14, 15. And this Message was scoffed at, as is evident, because no Reformation en­sued thereon, until the Flood took them all away. So was it with Noah, and his Preaching; and so it hath been with all that fear God, in their several Generati­ons; and this was one especial thing that the Pagans laughed and mocked at the Pri­mitive Christians about; as is plain in Lu­cian's Philopatr. So the Apostle Peter gives us an Account both of what was past, and what would afterwards come to pass, 2 Pet. 3. 3, 4, 5, 6. unto the End.

And such as these abound amongst us: All the Warnings of God have been turned into Ridicule, previous Judgments despi­sed, and Sin it self made a Scoff of. But of all others, God most abhorreth this [Page 114] sort of Men. They are said to be far from Righteousness, Isai. 46. 12. Unto such he speaks in his Wrath, Hear ye despisers, wonder, and perish. Yea, the Scripture is full with the severest Threatnings against this sort of men; nor shall any in the ap­pointed season, drink deeper of the Cup of Gods Indignation. See Isai: 28, 14, 15. Deut. 29. 19. 20. Such secure Despisers, such Scoffers at approaching Judgments, such Deriders of the Signs and Tokens of them God will deal withal. And some there are, who it may be, not from the same Spirit of open Prophaneness, but out of Prejudices, corrupt Arguings, pretended Observations of things past, Disbelief of all they do not feel, and such like effects of long Security, do utterly scorn and scoff at all these things. They account it a matter of Weakness, Pusillanimity, or Su­perstition to concern themselves in these warnings of Providence, or the explication of them by the Word: but their Judg­ment sleepeth not. And it may be observ­ed, and will be found true, that when Judgments do really approach, of all sorts of men, they are the most cowardly, di­stracted, fearfull and void of Counsel: For when God begins to deal with them, their hearts cannot indure, nor their hands be [Page 115] strong, He smites through their loins, and filleth them with a Spirit of horrour and fear, that they shall tremble like the Leaves of the Forrest. In that day you may say unto them, as Zebul did to boasting Gaal, upon the Approach of Abimelech, his Enemy, Where is now thy Mouth wherewith thou saidst, Who is Abimelech? Where is now your Mouth and your Vauntings, with respect unto these Judgments of God? So Mi­caiah the Prophet told Zedekiah the false Prophet, in his Boasting and Confidence of Success, 1 Kin. 22. 25. With all thy confidence & boasting, thou shalt be one of the first that shall endeavour to fly and hide thy self. Yea, this sort of persons are commonly the most ridiculous and con­temptible, when real Danger overtakes them, of any sort of men in the world.

That which God requires of us in such a season, is called in Scripture Trembling; They that tremble at my word. This he regards, this he accepts, this he appro­veth of, Isai. 66. 2, 5. Jer. 5. 22. It is not a weakning, an astonishing, heartless con­sternation of Spirit that is intended; not such a Dread and Terrour as should ob­struct us in the chearfull performance of Duty, and preparation to comply with the will of God, Such is that mention­ed, [Page 116] Deut. 18, 66, 67. which is the most severe of judgments. But it is an awful Re­verence of the Greatness and Holiness of God, in the way of his Judgments, casting out all carnal Security, Self-confidence, and contempt of Divine warnings, so bringing the soul into a submissive compli­ance with the will of God in all things. But look well in the first place, that this Evil on no pretences do make any ap­proach unto you.

If one Evil seems to be diverted, do not say with Agag, surely the bitterness of Death is past; which will prove an en­trance into this evill Frame, and so grow regardless of your Duty: God expects other things from you. The Lion, saith he, hath roared, who will not fear? Amos 3. 8. There is the Voice of a Lion roar­ing for his Prey, in the present Divine Warnings: Take heed that you despise not that, which when it comes to pass, you can neither abide, nor avoid.

2. Take heed of a Frame of heart that is regardless of these things We have a sort of Men, who although they will not, they dare not openly, as others, despise Divine Warnings, yet they see all things [Page 117] in such a Light, as suffers them not to take Notice of any Concernment of their own in them, Psal. 28. 5. Jer. 36. 24. The Land is filled with Sin; it is true, but they are the Sins of other men, not theirs; There are Tokens and Signs of Gods Dis­pleasure in Heaven above, and the Earth beneath, but men are not agreed whether these things be of any signification or no; some say Yea, and some Nay; but they are new and strange, and so are meet to be the Subject of Discourse; previous Judgments have been upon us; they are but such Accidents as fall out frequently in the world. But the Divisions among our selves, and contrivances of our Adversaries, seem to threaten Ruine to the Nation; it may be so; but these things belong unto our Rulers; and Men are divided about this al­so; some say one thing, and some ano­ther: Some say there was a Plot, and some say there was none. In the mean time, they are filled with their own Occasi­ons, and will not be diverted from them, unto any serious regard of God in his pre­sent Dispensations; like the wild Ass in her occasion, who can turn her away? Jer. 1. 24. Of this Frame the Prophet com­plains, as that which God will surely a­venge, Isa. 26. 11. Lord, when thy Hand [Page 118] is lifted up, they will not see; but they shall see and be ashamed, for their Envy at the People; yea the Fire of thine Enemies shall devour them.

Others look on all things in another Light, and under another Notion; for whereas it is part of our Sin and Punish­ment in this Nation, an evident fruit of the Evil of our ways, that we are divided into Designing Parties the one seeking the Ruine of the other, they consider all Pro­vidences as relating unto such Differences. This gives them a zealous Concernment in them, and continued Talk about them; but the Will, Work and Design of God in them is not laid to heart.

Some are so well pleased with their pre­sent Advantages, in Promotions, Digni­ties and Wealth, as their Interest, that they cannot endure to think of these things. Whatever warnings are portend­ed of approaching Judgments, they look on them as the Threatnings of such as have ill will against them, and would have these things to portend their Trouble: Guilt makes them fearful and sensible: and they think it best to hide those things from themselves, which, if they are so, they cannot remedy.

[Page 119] To free us from this Miscarriage also this unanswerableness unto the Mind of God in his present Dispensation, we may consider,

1. That a deep consideration of , and En­quiry into the Mind of God in such a sea­son as we have described, is required of us in a way of Duty. It is our Sin to neglect it, and that attended with many Aggravati­ons. It is not a thing that we may attend unto or omit as it seems convenient; but it is required as a Duty of us, without which we cannot Glorifie God in a due man­ner.

He that is not daily exercised with pre­valent Thoughts about the present ways of God in the Approach of his Judgments, lives in such a Neglect of Duty, as will bring in a Negligence and Coldness in all other Duties whatsoever; for this is cer­tain, that when God calls unto any espe­cial Duty in an extraordinary way or man­ner, in any season, those by whom it is neglected, are really cold, formal, and negligent in all other ordinary Duties whatever. That Grace which will not be excited unto especiall Duties on extraor­dinary [Page 120] occasions, is very lifeless in all other things. This is the best Note to try, if not the Truth, yet the Power of Grace. When it is in its vigor and due exercise, it makes the Soul to be ready, inclinable and disposed unto all Intimations of the Di­vine Will and Pleasure; as speaks the Psalmist; Thou shalt guide me by thine Eye and lead me with thy counsel. He attended to each Look and Guidance of Divine Providence to company with it, when o­thers must be forced with strong Curbs and Bridles, like the Horse and Mule.

2. It is such a Duty, as whereunto re­al Wisdom and Diligence are required. We think it needfull to use our Wisdom about other things, our own Affairs: But in this it is most necessary. The Voice of the Lord crieth unto the City, the Man of Wisdom shall see thy Name; Micah 6. 9. Ordinary, slight and transient Thoughts will not answer this Duty. Such, all men that are sober cannot but have; and their Discourse is answerable thereunto. But Consideration with Diligence and Pru­dence is required of us: Let these Testi­monies be consulted to this purpose, Psal. 65. 9. Deut. 12. 10. Hos. 4. last. Psal. 107. 43. Prayer, Study and Meditation [Page 121] are all diligently to be engaged herein.

2. Take heed of vain Confidences. Men are apt in such seasons, to fix on one thing or other, wherewith they relieve and sup­port themselves. And there is not any thing that is more effectual to keep them off from this Duty, and the Frame of Spi­rit which is required in them. If you speak with any man almost, you may with a little heed discover wherein his Confi­dence doth lie, and what it is that he trusts unto. But saith the Prophet unto such persons, The Lord hath rejected thy Confi­dences, and thou shalt not prosper in them, Jer. 2. 37.

There are sundry sorts of vain Confi­dences wherewith men are apt to relieve their Minds in such a season, so as to coun­tenance themselves in their Security and a Neglect of this especial Duty. Two in particular I shall onely mention, as I do on­ly name the Heads of things, which might be much enlarged.

I. The first is some certain Priviledges, whereon they trust for an exemption from common Calamities: they are the Church, they are the People of God, they are sepa­rated [Page 122] from the world, and persecuted by it; and hence there is a secret Reserve in their Minds, that indeed they shall not be in trouble as other men. So was it with the Jews of old; when they were threat­ned with the Judgments of God for their Sins, and called thereon to Repentance, they justified themselves in their ways, and despised all Divine warnings, on a Confidence they had in their Church-Pri­viledges. They cried against the Prophet, The Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord are these, and no evil shall come nigh us, Jer. 7. 4. And in confidence hereof, namely, that they were the Church, and enjoyed the Privi­ledges belonging thereunto, and the so­lemn Worship of God therein, they gave themselves up unto all abominable Immo­ralities, under an Assurance of Impunity by their priviledges as the prophet up­braids them, v. 8. 9. Behold ye trust in lying words that cannot profit. Will you steal, murder, and commit Adultery, and swear falsly, and burn Incense unto Baal, and walk after other Gods whom ye know not; and say you shal be delivered? At this day all sorts of men claim a Refuge in their priviledges. Those who design the Ruine of the Nation, and of all true Re­ligion [Page 123] therein, do it with Confidence of Success from hence, That they are the Church, That the Temple of God is with them, That all the priviledges belonging unto the Church are theirs, and so are the Promises made unto it. And such is the infatuating Efficacy of their prejudicate peswasion herein, that it hath had two marvellous Effects; the one against the Light of Nature, and the other against the Fundamental Principals of Religion.

For first, Under the Influence of this confidence, they have engaged into as vile Immoralities as ever were perpetrated under the Sun. Murder, Persecution, As­sassinations, Dying in Falshoods, with a general Design to pursue the same ways unto the utmost, in the Destruction of multitudes of innocent persons; as they did formerly in Ireland. But what if they do all those Abominations? Yet they are the Church; the promises and priviledges of it are theirs, and all they do is accept­ed with God; a principal tending directly to the vilest Atheism.

Again, Although God in a marvellous, yea a miraculous manner, hath discover­ed and frustrated their Hellish Designs-and [Page 124] brought many of them into the Pit they digged for others, yet they will ac­cept of no Rebuke from God, but go on in an obstinate Presumption that they are the Church, and shall prevaile at last. And that Church which shall prevail by these Means, no doubt they are. Some indeed pretend highly to be the Church, but they lay claim, so far as I can find, to no other Advantages thereby, but Dignities and Promotions. And others also are apt to relieve themselves with this Confidence, that they are the People of God, and shall have an especial interest in Deliverance on that Account. And I say, far be it from me, to weaken any perswasion of Gods especial Regard of those that are truly his. God hath a peculiar People in the World, let the World scoss at it whilst they please, unto whom all the Promises of the Scrip­ture, and all the Priviledges of the Church do belong. These Promises they ought to mix with Faith, and plead before God continually and they shall be all accom­plished towards them in the way and time of Gods appointment. Nor do any sort of dissenting Professions, as they are cal­led, that I know of, appropriate this Right and Priviledge unto themselves, un­to the exclusion of others; but extend it [Page 125] to all who are sincere Believers. But this is that which I say concerning all sorts of men. That if an Apprehension or Perswa­sion, that they are the Church or People of God, do keep them off from that Duty of Repentance and Reformation, which God cals unto, it is a Confidence which God rejecteth, and in which they will not prosper. I desire to ask of any, Hath not the Church sinned? Have not Pro­sessors sinned? Are there not sins amongst us against the Lord our God, proper unto our State, and according to our Measure? If it be so, our being the People of God, any of us, if we are so, unless we repent, doth only, as unto these Providential Dis­pensations, expose us unto his just Severi­ty, for Judgment must begin at the House of God; it must begin at us. Take heed of this failing Reserve: I have observed much Security to arise from hence, and great Negligence of known Duties. If you are the People of God, you had the more need to tremble at his Judgments, and at the Tokens of his displeasure. Espe­cially ought it to be so with you at this Day, when God seems in a peculiar man­ner to be displeased with the Rivers, as the Prophet speaks, Hab. 3. 8. Those who should send forth streams of refesh­ment [Page 126] unto the Nation. To me at present all things appear in that condition, That there is no Reserve left as unto publick Judgments, but only in Sovereign Grace and Mercy, to be waited for in a way of Repentance and Reformation. As unto our priviledges, God speaks unto us, as he did to the people of old, concerning their Or­naments, Exod. 33. 5. Put them off, that I may know to do unto you. We are to lay aside our pleas and pretences, beta­king our selves to Sovereign Grace and Mercy alone.

2. Another Ground of vain confidence may be, an unjust Expectation of such an Accomplishment of Scripture-Promises, Pro­phesies and Predictions, as are not applicable unto our present Condition.

It is undeniable that there are such Pro­mises, prophesies and predictions concern­ing the Deliverance of the Church, the Ruine of its Adversaries, the Glory and Beauty of the Kingdom of Christ, as those intended. For although the most of that kind in the old Testament, are of a Spi­ritual Interpretation, and have their Ac­complishment in all the Elect in every Age, whatever be their outward State and Con­dition; [Page 127] yet that there are such also as con­cern the State of the Church in this World, and the Ruine of all its Antichristian Ene­mies, with Peace and Glory ensuing there­on, cannot be denied.

And concerning them, we may observe sundry things, that we may not abuse them into vain groundless Confidences in such a Season this as is.

1. That we ought to have a firm Faith of their Accomplishment in their proper Season. The Rule of them all is that of the Prophet; I the Lord will hasten it in his time, Isai. 60. 22. As it is also, Hab. 2. 2, 3. Though they seem to be prolong­ed and tarry beyond their proper season, yet they have their fixed and determinate time, beyond which they shall not tarry. And two things I would offer on this Oc­casion.

1. That we are not only to believe their Accomplishment, but to be in the Actual Exercise of Faith about it. For without this, we shall want a great supportment of patient long-suffering in every time of Trial. And by this Faith do we take in the Power and Comfort of things promi­sed [Page 128] things not actually enjoyed. For Faith is the Substance of things hoped for, Heb. 11 1. that which gives a previous subsistance in the Mind and Soul, as unto the benefit and comfort of them, of the things hoped for. And those whose Minds are exercised unto these things, do know what benefit they have by such a preception of them. They are carryed sometimes by a way of believing into Communion with them who lived in the Old World, as they had with us in the expectation of what we enjoy; and into the same kind of Communion with those who herafter shall enjoy the accom­plishment of those Promises which may be yet afar off.

2. This Faith ought to be most firm when all things seem to conspire in ren­dring the Accomplishment of such Promi­ses not only improbable, but also impossi­ble, as unto present outward Causes, as in the State of things at this day in the world. There are no visible or appearing means of the fulfilling any of them; yet the whole World is joyned in a conspiracy to defeat them; but true Faith riseth against those Oppositions, and is prevalent against them all.

For having God alone, his Power, Faith­fulness [Page 129] and Truth for its Objects, it values not the Opposition that men can make a­gainst them. That shall be done in this kind, which God is able to do, let men do what they please. God laughs all their proud Attempts to scorn, and so may the Virgin Daughter of Sion also.

2 It is our Duty to pray for the accom­plishment of all the Promises and Predictions that are on Record in the book of God concerning the Kingdom of Christ and his Church in this World. God will do these things, yet for all of them, he will be sought unto by the house of Israel. This hath been the Practice of Believers in all ages both under the Old Testament and the New, Prayer for the accomplishment of Promises, hath been the Life-breath of the Church in all Ages; and Faith hereby brings in great refreshment unto the Soul. And the greatest Evidence of its approach will be a plentiful effusion of the holy Spi­rit in the hearts of Believers, be they few or more at any time in the World, stirring them up and enabling them to pray effe­ctually and fervently for their accomplish­ment, as in the Example of Daniel, Chap. 9. 1, 2, 3. Wherefore,

[Page 130] 3. There are three things considerable in such Promises and Predictions.

1. The Grace and Mercy that is in them.

2. The suitableness of that Grace and Mercy unto the State of Believers at any time.

3. The Litteral Accomplishment of them in their outward Circumstance. The two former belong unto us at all times, and we may plead with God in Faith, for the Effects of them in all our Trials and Di­stresses.

With respect hereunto, it is, that the People of God have Faith in him against the World, with all their Enemies and Op­pressors, which they have been so re­proached withal, as the Lord Christ was with his Faith unto the same Purpose, Psal. 22. 8. When thing [...] seem to go evil with them, when they are shut up in the hands of their Enemies and Oppressors, as the Lord Christ was upon the Cross, the World is ready to approach them with their Confidence in God, and there own­ing themselves to be his People; but they [Page 131] faint not herein. However things may go for a season, they are secur'd of the Grace and Mercy which is the Promises, which are suited unto all their Wants, all that they can desire absolutely; yea, their full Deliverance, when it is best for them: But,

4. Remember, That as unto the Ap­plication of the Accomplishment of such Promises and Predictions in their outward Effects, unto certain Times and Seasons, many have been wofully mistaken, which hath been the Ground and occasion of very scandalous Miscarriages: The World hath scarce seen greater outrages of Sin and Wickedness that have been countenan­ced by this Pretence, that such or such a time was now come, and that therein such and such things were to be done by those who made such Interpretations and Appli­cations. For when such a Conceit befalls the Minds of men, it sets them loose from all Rules but their own Inclinations And many have from such Apprehensions fallen under sad and scandalous disappoint­ments. VVherefore,

Such an Expectation or Confidence of the Events of Promises, Prophesies, and [Page 132] Predictions, as hinders men from apply­ing their Minds throughly unto the pre­sent Duties that God calls for, is heedful­ly to be watched against. I have heard many arguing and pleading for the strengthening of such Confidences, but I never saw good effect of them; they please for the present, they profit not.

The Story of the Prophets Jeremiah and Hananiah, is applicable in this case, Jer. 28. And it is certain that before the Final Destruction of Hierusalem, that which principally hardened the People un­to their utter Ruine, so as they would hearken neither to the Voice of God nor man for their safety, was a Presumption they had, that at that time their Messiah would come and save them,

6. Few know of what sort Day of the Lord will be, which they desire long for an expect. We know how it proved unto the Church of the Jews, Mal. 3. 1. 2, A Day may be coming, which, although it may be a glorious Issue, yet it may consume all the Hopes that men have trea­sured up in their expectation of it. But I will not touch farther on these things: My Design is only to take us all off from [Page 133] such vain Confidences as may obstruct us in a diligent attendance unto those Duties, which God at this season calls us unto; which shall be declared immediately.

3. Some place their Confidence in se­cret Reserves which they have in them­selves, that however it go with others, yet they shall escape well enough. They are rich, and they intend to be wise: They intend not to be ingaged in any thing Ci­vil or Religious, that should prejudice them in their Possessions: whilst things pass at the cheap rate of talking, they will be like unto others; but when Trials come, they will make a safe Retreat. We have their character and their Doom, Jer. 28. 15, 17, 18.

4. A Fourth Direction for our Deport­ment in such a season is, That we diligently consider and search our own hearts, and ways, to find out and understand how it is between God and our Souls. This Direction is gi­ven us Lam. 3. 39. 40. Wherefore doth a living man complain, a man for the punish­ment of his Sins? Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. When Trials and Punishments draw nigh, or are upon us, it is not our Business nor Du­ty [Page 134]to lie complaining under them, but so to search and try our Ways, as to turn unto the Lord. This is the first word of the voice of God in approaching Judgments, Search your selves, try your hearts and your ways, try how it is with you. At such a season to pass by the consideration of our selves, of our State, of our VValk, of our Acti­ons, in an ordinary manner, or with slight or common thoughts, is to despise the Voice of God. God speaks aloud, the Voice of God cryeth unto the City; he doth so by the ways before-mentioned; he speaks articulately, distinctly, so as that a man of Wisdom may see his Name, and know his mind; he speaks unto us; and says, Search now your selves.

And in this Search, respect is to be had unto the things ensuing.

1. In general, Search into your State and Condition; try whether it be built on a good foundation; on the Rock by Faith; or on the Sand, by Profession only; whe­ther it will hold his Trial who will bring it to the Refiners fire; He shall slay the Hy­pocrite with the breath of his mouth. And many dreadfull Discoveries will be made of the false and rotten States of men when [Page 135]the Lords day of Trial shall come. This is one certain End of a fiery Trial; name­ly, to discover and consume the Profession of Hypocrites, as hath been done in part already.

2. With respect unto those Ways and Sins which are the peculiarly provoking sins of Churches and Professors; such as the Lord Christ testifieth his Displeasure a­gainst in them, and which may have as great an influence into the procurement of temporal Judgments, as the more flagiti­ous Sins of open Sinners: such are Decays in Love, Zeal and Fruits of Obedience, want of Delight, VVarmth and Life in the Ordi­nances of Gospel-VVorship: with Pride, Elation of Mind, Self-conceit, and Bar­renness in good VVorks. If we would know what are the Sins in Churches and Professors, that the Lord Christ is so dis­pleased with us, as to threaten his departing from them, we cannot better learn it, than in the Declaration of his Mind, which he makes unto the Churches of Asia, Rev 2 and 3. And these are the things which he chargeth on them: For persons under the Capacities of Church-Members and Professors, to content themselves with such a Search of their outward Actions [Page 136] and Duties, of all sorts, Religious, Mo­ral and Civil, as none may justly cast blame upon them, it know way answers the search that God calls them unto. How is it as unto the inward frame of the heart? What is the vigour and power of Faith and Love in you? how do they act them­selves; what is your real delight in the ways of God? Where is your Fruitfulness in works of Charity and Mercy? VVhere is your readiness to forgive your Enemies? Are there no Failings, no Decays in these things? Are there no Indispositions, Deadness and Coldness in Duties, grown upon you? How is it as unto constant Me­ditation on spiritual things, and the fixing your Affections on things that are above? VVith respect unto these things, ought we to search our selves diligently in such a Day as this is; and if we find our selves under Decays in them, let us know of a truth that God calls us unto Repentance or pain of his highest Displeasure.

For our parts, we cannot search into, we cannot judge the hearts of others, any other way but by the Application of the Word unto their Consciences. But I must needs say, That if mens outward Acti­ons be an Indication of the inward frame [Page 137] of their Minds, there is reason enough for the most of us to be jealous over our selves herein.

2. With respect unto your Callings, Circumstances and Inclinations, and the Sins that are peculiar unto them. There are Sins which are very apt to insinuate themselves into the Callings and Circum­stances of men, both of high and low de­gree, that do easily beset them; as Hard­ness, Oppression, Severity and Unmerci­fulness, in those that are great, and have large Possessions; and Deceit, Equivoca­tions, Over-reaching, in those of more ordinary Employments. I speak not of these at present: They are of the num­ber of those which go before-hand unto Judg­ment: But these things, namely, mens Callings, Circumstances and Inclination are apt to influence their Mind with vici­ous Habits, and to render their ways crook­ed. Pride of Life, Self-Conceit, negli­gence in holy Duties, Destempered Passions and Lusts, devouring Cares, carnal Fears, with other hurtful Evils, do spring from these things, if not watched against. In reference unto them therefore are we cal­led to search our selves in Day wherein God is pleading with us. With respect [Page 138] unto them ought we to be exceding jea­lous over our selves; for verily they have rendred the VVays and VValkings of the Generality of Professors a great provo­cation unto Christ Jesus.

4. In an especial manner with a respect unto Love of the World, and conformity thereunto. This is that which the Lord Jesus Christ will not alwaies bear withal in his Churches; for it lies in opposition un­to the whole work of Faith, and all the Precepts of the Gospel; It is not against this or that Command only, but it is a­gainst the whole Design of the Gospel, and the Grace administred therein.

Now at present concerning our outward Conformity unto the VVorld there needs no great Search to be made: it is open and evident unto all; so that as unto At­tire, Fashions, manner of ordinary Con­verse, Mispence of Time, Feastings of rich ones, and Jolities, there is little dif­ference left between Professors and the World, which God will not long bear with them in; especially not in those who have increased their wealth in, and grown into Conformity with the VVorld, whilst others under the same Profession, have [Page 139] been harrassed, imprisoned, impoverished and ruined by the VVorld. And as for in­ordinate Love unto the VVorld, I have spo­ken so often to it, treated so much of it, that I shall not here again insist upon it: I shall only say, that when men grow proud, high-minded, and value themselves ac­cording to the increase of their earthly Enjoyments, and think themselves wrong­ed if others do not also so value them, it is in vain for them to pretend that their hearts do not inordinately cleave unto the VVorld, and the things of it.

The Self-Searching is the first Duty we are at this season called unto; and if we are negligent or overly herein, we shall not answer the Mind and VVill of God in any one Duty or Instance of any other kind. VVe are therefore herein to call in God and Men unto our Aid and Assistance as also to stir up our selves unto it with Diligence and Perseverance. So the Psal­mist, lest, he should not be able to make a diligent effectual Examination of himself and his ways, cries unto God, to search and try him, that he might be known unto himself, especially with respect unto any evil way of Sin or wickedness, Psal. 139. 23, 24. So we ought to cry for fresh Com­munications [Page 140] of the Holy Spirit of God in his convincing Efficacy, to acquaint us throughly with our selves, and to deliver us from all self-deceivings in this matter. For when we go about this Search, a thou­sand Pretences and arguings will arise, to the Concealment or Countenance of Self and Sin, against a Discovery and Pursuit. Nothing can remove and scatter them, but the power of the Holy Spirit acting in his convincing Efficacy. The whole Deceit of the heart in such a season will be put forth, to hide, palliate, excuse and coun­tenance such Frames and actings as ought to be seized on and brought to Judgment. There is need of the Candle of the Lord to search the inward parts of the Belly, Prov. 20. 27. of Spiritual Light, to look into the secret recesses of the Mind and affecti­ons, to discover what is amiss in them. And there is need of Spiritual Strength, to cast down all the Srong holds and For­tifications of Sin, which will be all set up at such a time, and will not be demolished or scattered without powerfull actings of Grace. This therefore in the first place, we are to apply our selves unto, if we in­tend any Success in this work of Self-Exa­mination.

[Page 141] So also are we to pray, that the Word in the Preaching and Dispensation of it, may be effectual unto the same End, that we may find it quick and powerfull, Heb. 4. 12. that it may so judge the Secrets of our Hearts, 1. Cor. 14. 25. that we may fall down and judge our selves also. To hide our selves at such a season,, from the pow­er of the Word, is an open Evidence of a ruining Security.

This Work in the use of these Means, is to be called over and persisted in, if we design a Compliance with the present Calls of God, or an Endeavour to be found of him in Peace, when he cometh.

5. To be deeply humbled before the Lord for our own Sins, with a Relinquishment of them all thereon, is the principal part of our Duty in this Season. This the whole Scripture testifieth unto, speaking of these things. Without this, all that we do, or can do, signifies nothing as unto a compli­ance with the Calls of God. This is the End of the Search before insisted on. We are to find out, to know every one the Plague, the stroke, the Disease of his [Page 142] own Heart, so as to be humbled before the Lord for it.

And unto this Humiliation it is requi­red,

1. That it be internal and sincere. There is an Humiliation commonly expressing it self in the Observation of Days of Fast­ing and Prayer, which oftentimes is but the Hanging down of the Head like a Bulrush for a Day. However, it may be so carried sometimes, as to divert or prolong the Execution of threatned Judgments: But that which God requireth of us, is to be in the fixed Affections of the Heart. VVhen the Lord Christ comes to enjoyn Repent­ance and Reformation, he gives himself that Title, I am he that searcheth the Reins and Hearts, Rev. 2. 23. It is an internal hidden work, which he looks after in our Humiliation for Sin. So saith David in the same Case; Thou requirest Truth in the inward parts, Psal. 51. Truth or Sinceri­ty in the Affections, is that which God re­gards in our Humiliation; which answers the Charge in the Prophet, Rend your Hearts, and not your Garments: Inward Power, not outward Signs, are accepted with God in this Matter. Let us every [Page 143] one take it on our own Souls, every one charge his own Conscience in private with the performance of this Duty: God will bear no longer with Pretences; no out­ward Appearances or evanid Affections in a temporary Humiliation for a Day, though in the Observation of the most solemn Duties, required on such a Day, will answer the Mind of God herein. For

2. It must be extraordinary. Humilia­tion for our own Sins, is a Duty constantly incumbent on us. To walk humbly with God, is the principal thing that he requires of us in this world, Micah 6. 9. Hereof Self-Abasement in a sence of Sin is the Life and Soul, the Principle of all other Acts and Duties belonging thereunto. But when the Calls of God are extraordinary, as they are at this day, it is necessary that we attend hereunto in an extraordinary man­ner. Failing in the necessary degrees of a Duty, renders it ineffectual and unaccept­able. If as unto Times and Seasons, VVays, Means and Manner of this Duty, we do not apply our selves unto it with more than ordinary diligence, and with great intention of Mind, we sail in what is expected from us. To deal with God [Page 144] on extraordinary Occasions, in an ordinary frame of Spirit, is to despise him, or ar­gues at least no due Reverence of him in his Judgments, nor a due apprehensions of our own Concerns in them.

3. It is required that Humiliation for Sin be accompanied with a Relinquishment of Sin: He that confesseth his Sins, and forsaketh them, shall find Mercy. Confes­sion is grown a cheap and easie Labour, whether it be read out of a Book, or dis­charged by vertue of Spiritual Gifts. Hu­miliation may be pretended, when it is not; and expressed, when it is transitory, no way answering the Mind and Will of God. But the real Relinquishment of sinful frames, sinful ways, sinful neglects, can neither be pretended, nor represented better than it is. He that thinks he hath nothing to forsake, no evil way, no sinfull negligence, no frame of Heart, will be awakened to a better kowledge of himself, when it is too late. This we may therefore evidently try our selves by; what real Change hath there been in us, in compliance with the Calls of God? what have we relinquished in our ways, frames or actings? what vain thoughts are utterly excluded, whereunto we have given entertainment? what Passi­ons [Page 145] or Affections have been reduced into Order, which have exceeded their due Bounds and Measures? what vain Com­munication, formerly accustomed unto, hath been watched against and prevented? what Dissimulation in Love hath been cu­red or cast out? what irregular actings in our Persons, Families or Occasions of Life have been forsaken? An Enquiry into these things, will give us real, sensible Evi­dence, whether our Humillation for our own Sins be compliant with the present Calls of God.

6. Another Duty of the Season is, That we mourn for the Sins of others; of those especially in whom we are Providentially concerned; as Relations, Churches, the whole People of the Land of our Nativi­ty, with whom we are engaged by mani­fold Bonds and Means of Conjunction. It is well known that this sincere Mourning for the Sins of the Places and Times where­in we live, of the People and Churches whereunto we do belong, is eminently ap­proved of God, and a Token unto them­selves, in whom that sence is, of Delive­rance in a Day of Calamity, Ezek. 9. 4. 5, 6. To have Minds careless and regardless [Page 146] of the Sins of other Men, is a great Evi­dence of want of Sincerity in our Professi­on of the Detestation of Sin. Many Pre­tences there are of it; as that they will not hear us, we are not concerned in them; That they are wicked Enemies of God, and the worse they are, the more will their Destruction be hastened: By such Preten­ces do men deceive their Souls into a neg­lect of this Duty, yea, unto provoking Sin such as this is.

It is a Matter of Sorrow unto them that truly fear God, and have any Concern­ment in his Glory, or the Honour of Christ, that the whole VVorld, so far as we know, is filled with all abominable provoking Sins; it lies under a Deluge of Sin, as it lay of old under a Flood of Wa­ters only here and there appeareth an Ark, that is carried above it. Atheism, Anti Scripturism, Disbelief of Gospel-My­steries, Contempt of the Religion which they themselves profess; amongst all sorts of Christians, the Loss of all Publick Faith and Trust; with a Litter of unclean Lusts Ambition, Pride, Covetousness, in many who have the outward Conduct of the Church, have spread themselves over [Page 147] the face of the Earth. VVhen God thus deals with the World, when he gives it up unto this open profligate Excess which now abounds in it, it becomes unto all that truly fear him, a Place of Darkness and Sorrow, which calls for a mourning Frame of Heart.

It is so much more as unto the Land of our Nativity. From a Conjunction with this People in Blood, Language, Manners, Laws Civil Interests, Relations, arising form the common Law of Nativity, in a Place limited and bounded by Providence unto especial Ends, we cannot but have a great concernment in their Good or Evil. It is greater from hence, that the same true Religion hath been professed in the whole Nation, with innumerable Priviledges ac­companying it.

On these and the like Considerations, the whole Nation is laid under the same. Law of Providence for Good or evil.

In the Sin therefore of this People we are in a peculiar manner concerned; and shall be so in their Sufferings.

[Page 148] Whether Sin abound in the Land at pre­sent, we have already made Enquiry; and nothing, spoken before, shall be repeated. If we have not a sense of these Provoca­tions, if we endeavour not to affect our Hearts with them, and mourn over them, we are very remote from that frame which God calls unto.

And this Mourning for the Sins of o­thers from a double Spring.

Zeal for the Glory of God.

2. Compassion for the Souls of Men; yea, for the woful calamitous State and Condition which is coming upon them, even in this World.

Surely those who are true Believers can­not but be concerned in all the Concerns of the Glory of God. If in all our Afflicti­ons he is Afflicted, in all the sufferngs of his Glory, we ought to suffer. In the blessed Direction given us for our Prayers, as unto what we ought to pray for, that which in the first place is prescribed, as that which principally and eminently we ought to insist on, is the Glory of God in [Page 149] the Sanctification of his Name, the pro­gressive Coming of the Kingdom of Christ, and the Accomplishment of his VVill by the Obedience of men in the world. If we are sincere herein, if we are servent in these Supplications, is it nothing unto us, when all these things are quite contrary amongst us? when the Name of God is blasphemed, and all things whereon he hath placed his Name are derided; when the whole Internal Inter­est and Kingdom of Christ are opposed, and the outward Court of the Temple, given every where to be trodden down of the Gentiles? when all manner of Sins a­bound in opposition unto the Will and Commands of God; when the Earth is almost as unlike unto Heaven, as Hell it self; is their nothing to be mourned for herein? VVe are for the most part selfish, and so it may go well with our selves, according to the extent of our Re­lations and Circumstances, we are not greatly moved with what befals others. There is Evil enough herein; but shall we be moreover so minded towards Je­sus Christ, that whilst we are in safety, we care not though his Concernments are in the utmost hazard? Do we love [Page 150] the Name of God, the Ways of God, the Glory of God in his Kingdom and Rule, we cannot but be deeply affected with the suffering of them all in these Days.

The other Spring of this Mourning-Frame, is Compassion for the Souls of Sin­ners, and their Persons also in the Ap­proach of Calamitous Desolations.

I am hastening to an End, and cannot insist on these things: This only I shall say, He that can take a Prospect of the eternally miserable Condition of Multi­tudes among whom we live, and the ap­proaching Miseries, which, without Re­pentance and Reformation will not be a­voided, and not spend some Tears on them, hath a Heart like a Flint or Ada­mant, that is capable of no Impressi­on.

7. It is a Season wherein we are called to a diligent, heedfull Attendance unto the Duties of our Stations Places and Callings. Duties in our Church-Relati­ons, Duties in our Families; Duties in our Callings and manner of Conversation [Page 151] in the World. This is the Advice given by the Apostle, with respect unto such a season, 2 Pet. 3, 13, 14. Seeing that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of Persons ought ye to be, in all manner of Conversation and Godliness: Wherefore be diligent that you may be found of him in peace, without spot and blemish. Without a sacred Diligence in all these Duties, we cannot be found in peace of the Lord Christ when he comes to judge the world, and purifie his Church with a fiery Trial.

Negligence, Coldness and Sloth in these things are Tokens of approaching Judg­ments And of some of them at this day the Generality of Professors seem to be almost weary of, and to attend unto them in a very indifferent and overly manner. But we may know assuredly, that if we thrive not in our Diligence in these things, if the vigour of our Spirits in Watchfulness be not engaged in them, we are not compliant with the present Calls of God.

8. It is required of us that we cry earnestly, continually, with preserverance, for such an Effusion of the Holy Spirit from [Page 152] above, as may dispose and work the Inlia­bitants of the Land unto Repentance and Reformation.

That this is the only Way, the only Means of Releif, of a sanctified Delive­rance from Desolating Judgments. hath been declared. And this is the only Way which some of us have to help and assist the Nation in its Distress. Wherefore by a constant continuance in Supplication for such Fffusion of the Holy Spirit, we shall have a threefold Advantage.

1. We shall hereby discharge the Duty we owe unto the Land of our Nativity, in such a way as none can deny or hinder.

We owe a Duty unto it on all good Accounts, Moral, Political, Spiritual. We are, for the most of us, shut up from giving any other Assistance unto it, by Ad­vice, Counsel, or Action; this is that which none can hinder; wherein the poor­est may be as useful and serviceable as the Mighty. And if i [...] be diligently attended unto, it will be far above whatever can be contributed by Wisdom, Wealth or Strength unto the same End. For by [Page 153] this Means we shall be saved or perish.

2. It will preserve our own Hearts in the best frame for what we our selves may be called unto. He that is earnest and sin­cere in his Supplications for the Commu­nication of the Spirit unto others, shall not want blessed supplies of him in his own Soul: He will not withdraw from them, as unto themselves, who so esteem, prize and value his VVork towards others.

3. VVe shall hereby give Testimony unto God and his Grace, against the cursed Pro­phaneness of the world; who reject and despise this only Means of Relief and De­liverance: For when all other Remedies fail, if God will not utterly forsake a Church or People, he doth constantly as­sign this, as the only Means of their Safe­ty. See Jer. 31. 31, 32. 33. Ezek. 11. 17, 18, 19. Chap. 36. 25, 26, 27. This way the VVorld despiseth, regardeth not; wherefore we can in nothing give a great­er Testimony unto God, than by insisting on this way, with Faith and Patience, contemning the Reproaches of the world, on the Account of it.

[Page 154] 9. Let us labour our selves to be exem­plary in Reformation, thereby to promote it among others. Let us plead and exhort what we will, unless we give an Evidence in our own persons, of the necessity which we judge that there is of present Reforma­tion, we shall we be of little Use unto the Promotion of it.

Many Retrenchments of Liberty in Conversation may be made among the best of us; many Duties may be attended with more diligence; many Causes Of­fence avoided; many Evidences given of a deep sence of deserved Judgments, and of our Reverence of the Name of God therein; much Fruitfulness in Charity and good works be declared.

I have heard, that in the Country, where a man is looked on to be a wise man, and a good Husband, among his Neigh­bours, they will n [...]te the times of his Plowing, Sowing and manuring his Ground, and not undertake any thing, until they find him going before them in it, And if men are looked on in a peculiar manner as Professors of Religion at such a time as this, [Page 155] under Calls and Warnings from God for Repentance and Reformation, the Eyes of other men will be towards them, to see what they do on this Occasion. And if they find them as unto all outward Appear­ance, careless and negligent, they will judge themselves unconcerned, and abide in their Security. Wherefore, so far as I know, if such persons be not exemplary, not only in Repentance. But also in the Evidence and Demonstration of it, by its outward Fruits, they may be, and are the great Obstructers of the Reformation of the Cities, Towns and places wherein they do inhabit; nor can any contract the Guilt of a greater Sin. And if God should bring an overflowing Scourge on the Inhabitants of this Land, because they have not turned unto him at his Calls, it is most righteous that they should share in the Judgment also, who were an Occasion of their Continuance in Security; a Mat­ter we have all just Cause to tremble at.