The Cry of Sodom Inquired Into, Text

The Cry of Sodom Inquired Into · Text

p. 1The CRY of SODOM Enquired into.

GEN. XVIII. 20, 21.

And the Lord ſaid, Becauſe the cry of Sodom and G…morrah is great, and becauſe their ſin is very grievous; I will go down now; and ſee whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me: and if not, I will know.

BEhold the ſolemn Inquiſition which the Lord made concerning the abominable filthineſs of the Sodomites, which cried unto Heaven for vengeance. In the deſcription whereof obſerve,

1. The fearfull Aggravation of their wickedneſs. The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and their ſin is very grievous. Sodom and Gomorrah were ancient Cities in the Land of Canaan, ſituate in the Vale of Siddim, bordering upon the Tribe of Judah. There were two other Cities, which periſhed with them, viz. Admah and Zeboim, Deut: 29. 23. but Sodom and Gomorrah are onelyonly named in my Text, becauſe as they were the moſt notable and famous for eſtate and greatneſs, ſo they were the moſt notorious and infamous for ſin and lewdneſs. Ezek. 16. 46. Sodom and her daughters. The ſins of Sodom were many and great, but that which was the moſt grievous of all, was their abominable filthineſs in all manner of Ʋncle…nneſs. Ezek. 16. 49, 50. Behold, this was the iniquity of thy ſiſter Sodom, Pride, fulneſs of bread, and abundance of Idleneſs was in her and in her daughters, neither did ſhe ſtrengthen the hand of the poor and needy, and they were haughty, and committed abomination before me. This their wickedneſs cried unto Heaven for vengeance. A figurative expreſſion, holding forth the heinouſneſs and notoriouſneſs of their ſin and wickedneſs. It made a clamorous noiſe in the ears of the Lord, ſo that he could not reſt nor be quiet in Heaven by reaſon of the horrid cry of their horrible lewdneſs, which ſounded continually in his ears.

2. The Aſſertion and Vindication of Divine Juſtice and Equity in the p. 2Judicial proceſs againſt them. I will go down now, and ſee whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me: and if not, I will know. Theſe words are ſpoken after the manner of men, but are to be underſtood after the manner of God. Local deſcenſion is not compatible to the Omnipreſent, nor external information to the Omniſcient. The Lord is every-where preſent, and is not capable of any local motion; nevertheleſs he is ſaid to go down, in reſpect of the viſible form and manner, wherein he revealed himſelf at this time, appearing in the ſhape and likeneſs of a man. The Lord ſeeth the moſt ſecret wickedneſs, and knoweth our thoughts afar off, and needeth not to make any ſearch or enquiry: nevertheleſs, that he might clear up the Equity of his tremendous diſpenſation toward Sodom, and ſet an Example unto Civil Judges, to take exact cognizance of the Cauſe, and after accurate Examination to proceed to Sentence and Judgement; He condeſeendeth after the manner of men, to make Proof and Triall of the truth and weight of that horrid Cry, which came up to Heaven againſt the filthy Sodomites. I will ſee whether they have done altogether, foreign an fecerint conſummationem, whether they have made a full end, whether they have finiſhed their ſin, and filled up the meaſure of their iniquity; and if they have, I will proceed to execute V…ngeance upon them. Thus Abraham underſtood the Lords expreſſion, as appeareth by his Interceſſion, Wilt thou alſo deſtroy, &c. ver. 23.

Doct. Abominable Filthineſs and Uncleanneſs is a Crying Sin, and grievous Wickedneſs in the account of God; for which he maketh diligent Inquiſition, and executeth dreadfull Vengeance.

The Sodomites were extremely wicked, prodigiouſly unclean, monſtrouſly profuſe in all manner of lechery, obſcenity and laſciviouſneſs. Gen. 13. 13. The men of Sodom were wicked, and ſinners bef…re the Lord exceedingly: Wherefore the Lord viſited them with the Sword, and brought them into ſervitude and bondage to their Enemies, to whom they continued in ſubjection twelve years, Gen. 14. 1—4. During this time, righteous Lot coming and dwelling amongſt them, bare witneſs againſt their unclean and impious converſation, 2 Pet. 2. 7, 8▪ but theſe ſhameleſs Miſcreants, in ſtead of being bettered either by Afflict…on or Admonition, grew far worſe, and added Perfidiouſneſs and Rebellion to the reſt of their wickedneſs; wherefore the Lord whetted the Sword p. 3againſt them the ſecond time, overthrew their Armies, ſent the people into Captivity, and their goods became a prey to their Enemies, Gen. 14. 10, 11. Nevertheleſs, through the wonderful patience of God, they were reſcued by the hand of Abraham for Lots ſake, and the Lord ſpared them yet fifteen years longer. But in ſtead of being gained or reclaimed thereby, they increaſed and multiplied their wickedneſs, and filled up the meaſure of their ſin, growing ſo impudent and outragious in their Villany and Lewdneſs, that the Cry thereof went up to Heaven, and the Lord himſelf came down in the likeneſs and ſimilitude of a man, accompanied with two of his holy Angels, to make ſearch and diligent Inquiſition concerning their clamorous and crying Wickedneſs; and upon Triall, found it to be moſt prodigious. Witneſs their Beaſtly incivility and rage againſt thoſe Heavenly Gueſts, the two holy Angels, which lodged in the houſe of righteous Lot, Gen. 19. 4, 5. wherefore the Lord deſtroyed them with Fire and Brimſtone from Heaven, ver. 24, 25. and turned the whole Country into a ſtanding, ſtinking Lake.

Now that no man may plead ignorance, nor be able to ſay another day, that the Miniſtry did not acquaint them with the nature and heinouſneſs of this Tranſgreſſion, let us with holy modeſty, in the fear of God, enquire,

Queſt. 1. What is that Abominable Ʋncleanneſs, which crieth in the ears of the Lord of Hoſts, and haſtneth divine Vengeance?

Anſw. It is expreſſed by and comprehended under thoſe two terms, Fornication, and going after ſtrange fleſh, Jude ver. 7. Fornication being taken in a large ſenſe, comprehends not onelyonly Whoredome and Selfpollution, but alſo Adultery, Matt, 5. 32. and Inceſt, 1 Cor. 5. 1, Going after ſtrange fleſh, comprehends Sodomy and Beſtiality. Theſe are the ſeverall ſorts of Abominable Uncleanneſs, which cry for Vengeance.

1. Self-pollution, when a man practiſeth uncleanneſs, and commits filthineſs with his own body alone. This was the ſin of Onan the ſecond Son of Judah, who out of envy and malignity againſt his Brother deceaſed, leſt he ſhould raiſe up ſeed to him, abhorred the lawful uſe of the Marriage-bed, and moſt impurely defiled himſelf. Which fact of his, was ſo deteſtable in the ſight of God, that he ſlew him by his immediate hand, and ſuffered not ſuch a Villain to live upon the face of the earth, Gen. 38. 9, 10. Seducers are called f…lthy dreamers that defile the fleſh, Jude ver. 8. Some learned Interpreters underſtand it properly of their defiling their bodies by nocturnal Pollutions. This is a p. 4hatefull and an odious ſin, and uſually the fruit and puniſhment of impure thoughts and f…cies in the day-time. It ſeemeth that theſe Impoſtors were ſo addicted to laſciviouſneſs, (as our Engliſh Annotators obſerve) that they did not onelyonly practiſe it being awake, but alſo dreamed of it, and defiled themſelves in their ſleep. Yea, the truth is, their Spiritual dreams (which I think are proper…y intended) viz. their Erroneous and Heretical Opinions, were unclean ſpeculations, turnings the grace of God into laſciviouſneſs, ver. 4 foreign, into profu…neſs in Lux…ry and Uncleanneſs, and iſſued in all manner of carnal pollution….

2. Whoredome, the vi…iating of a ſingle woman. Deut. 23. 17. There ſhall be no Whore of the daughters of Iſrael. Lev. 19. 29. Do not proſt…r … thy daughter, to cauſe her to be a Whore, le…t the land fall to whoredome, and the land become full of wickedneſs. Epheſ. 5. 5. This ye know, no Whoremonger, nor unclean perſon—hath any inheritance in the kingdome of Chriſt. and of God.

3. Adultery, the violating of the Marriage-bed. This is a h…ino… …; yea, it is an iniquity to be puniſhed by the Judges. It is a fire that conſumeth to deſtruction, Job 91. 11, 12. The Adulterer and … Adultereſs ſhall ſurely be put to death, Lev. 20. 10. Whoremongers and Adulterers God will judge, Heb. 13. 4.

4. Inceſt, Uncle…nn…ſs committed by parties that are near of Kin, between whom there is Conſanguinity or Affi…ity, within the degrees prohibited by the Law of God. Lev. 18. 6. None of …ou ſhall approach to any that is near of Kin to him, to uncover thei… … Lord. This was the ſin of Re…ben, for which he was degraded from his Dignity, and deprived of his Birth-right, Gen. 49. 4. 1 Chron. 5. 1. Amnon, and Abſalom, and Herod the Te…rarch, made themſelves infamous by this kinde of wickedneſs. The Co…inthians were required by the Apoſtle to deliver the inceſtuous pe…ſon to Satan, Cor. 5 4, 5.

5. Sodomy, filthineſs committed between p…ties of … ſame Sex: when Males with Males, and Females with Females work wickedneſs. If a man lieth with mankinde, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they ſhall ſurely be put to death, their blood ſhall be upon them, Lev. 20. 13. This ſin raged amongſt the Sodomites, and to their perpetual Infamy▪ it is called Sodomy. Againſt this wickedneſs, no indignation is ſufficient. The Athenians pu… ſuch to death Theodoſius and Arc…dius adjudged ſuch to be Burnt. Amongſt the Romans, it was lawful for a man to kill him that made ſuch an aſſault upon him.

p. 56. Beſtiality, or Buggery, when any proſtitute themſelves to a Beaſt. This is an accurſed thing, Deut. 27. 21. Curſed be he that lieth with any manner of Beaſt: and all the people ſhall ſay, Amen. This is monſtrous and horrible Confuſion: it turneth a man into a bruit Beaſt. He that joyneth himſelf to a Beaſt, is one fleſh with a Beaſt. Livi… 18. 23. Neither ſhalt thou lie with any Beaſt, to defile thy ſelf therewith neither ſhall any woman ſtand before a Beaſt to lie down thereto: it is confuſion. This horrid wickedneſs pollutes the very Beaſt, and makes it more unclean and beaſtly then it was, and unworthy to live amongſt Beaſts, and therefore the Lord to ſhew his deteſtation of ſuch Villany, hath appointed the Beaſt it ſelf to be ſlain. Lev. 20. 15, 16. If a man li… with a Beaſt, he ſhall ſurely be put to death, and ye ſhall ſlay the Beaſt. And if a woman approach to any Beaſt, and lie down thereto, thou ſhalt kill the woman and the Beaſt: they ſhall ſurely be put to death, their blood ſhall be upon them.

All theſe Abominations reigned amongſt the ancient Inhabitants of Canaan, and cauſed their Land to vomit them out, Lev. 18. 24, 25. but the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were the moſt notorious therein: for they were all of them, both young and old addicted to ſuch lewdneſs, and went through all ſorts of uncleanneſs, giving themſelves over to fornication, and going after ſtrange fleſh, and attained to a prodigious height, and helliſh perfection therein; and therefore are ſet forth for an Example, ſuffering the Vengeance of eternal fire, Jude ver, 7.

Queſt. 2. Why is Carnall Ʋncleanneſs ſaid to be a Crying ſin, and gri…vous wickedneſs, for which God maketh diligent Inquiſition, and executeth dreadful Vengeance.

Reaſ. 1. Becauſe the ſin of Uncleanneſs is a bold and preſumptuous Violation of the holy Law and bleſſed Commandment of God. 1 Theſſ. 4. 3, 4, 5. This is the will of God, even your ſanctification, that ye ſhould abſtain from fornication: that every one of you ſhould know how to poſſeſs his veſſel in ſanctification and honour; not in the luſt of Concupiſcence, even as the Gentiles which know not God. Lev. 18. 24, 26, 30. D…file not you your ſelves in any of theſe things. Ye ſhall keep my ſtatutes and my judgements, and ſhall not commit any of theſe Abominations, &c. Lewd and filthy perſons thwart and croſs the Sacred and Soveraign Will of God, preferring their baſe luſts, and the ſatisfaction thereof, before Gods Royal Commandment, and obedience thereunto.

Reaſ. 2. Becauſe the ſin of Uncleanneſs is a moſt polluting and defiling ſin. It is moſt oppoſite to Holineſs, and is properly called p. 6Ʋncleanneſs, 1 Theſſ. 4. 7. It pollutes a mans perſon, Mat. 15. 19, 20. Out of the heart proceed Evil thoughts. Murthers, Adulteries, Fornications, &c. theſe are the things which defile a man. It pollutes the Body, and turns the Temple of the holy Ghoſt into an Hog-ſtie, and a Dogs Kennel. 1 Cor. 6▪ 18, 19. He that committeth fornication ſinneth againſt his own body. What, know ye not that your body is the Temple of the holy Ghoſt? 1 Cor. 3. 17. If any man defile the Temple of God, him ſhall God deſtroy. Such as wallow in the luſts of Uncleanneſs are Dogs and Swine: 2 Pet. 2. 22. The Dog is turned to his own vomit again, and the Sow that was waſhed to her wallowing in the mire. When Abner was charged with defiling Rizpah, he anſwereth, Am I a Dogs head? 2 Sam. 3. 8. The hire of a Where and the price of a Dog are put together, Deut. 23. 18. They are near of kin, even let them go together. It pollutes the Noble Faculties of the Soul, the Minde and the Conſcience, Tit. 1. 15. It blindes the Minde, darkens the Underſtanding, extinguiſheth the Light of Nature, and of Common Grace, and makes a man a fool; as Tamar ſaid to Amnon, 2 Sam. 13. 13. Thou ſhalt be as one of the fools in Iſrael. Solomon tells us that a young Wanton is a ſimple man, and void of underſtanding, and goeth after the ſtrange woman, as an Ox goeth to the ſlaughter, or as a fool to the correction of the Stocks, Prov. 7. 7, 22. This ſin beſots and infatuates the Heart, eſtrangeth it from God, and breeds an hatred and loathing of Piety and Honeſty. Whoredome, and wine, and new wine, take away the heart, Hoſ. 4. 11. The impure Gentiles, who gave themſelves over to laſtiviouſneſs, were alitnated from the life of God, Epheſ. 4. 17, 18, 19. Seducers, which creep into houſes, and lead captive ſilly women, laden with ſins, led away with divers luſts, are men of corrupt mindes, reprobate concerning the faith, 2 Tim. 3. 6, 8. This ſin makes men haughty and ſcornfull, ſo that they mock at Counſels and Warnings, and are enraged againſt wholſome Admonitions. The men of Sod…m ſaid to Lot, Stand back. This one fellow came in to ſo…ourn, and he will needs be a Judge. Now will we deal worſe with thee, then with them, Gen. 19. 9. Lot admoniſhed his Sons in Law to get out of that place, becauſe the Lord would deſtroy it; but he ſeemed to them, as one that mocked, ver. 14. This ſin pollutes a mans ſpeech, and makes his Communication rotten and unſavoury, Eph. 4. 29. It pollutes a mans Courſe and Converſation, and makes it filthy and loathſome, 2 P…t. 2. 7. It pollutes a mans Name, and makes it ſtink, Prov. 6. 33. A wound and diſhonour ſhall he get, and his reproach ſhall p. 7not be wiped away. 2 Sam. 13. 13. And I, whither ſhall I cauſe my ſhame to go? The unclean perſon is Burnt in the Hand, and Branded on the Forehead. Repentance it ſelf cannot ſo throughly heal this Wound, but ſome Scar will remain in this world: as is evident in the Hiſtory of Samſon, David, and Solomon. This ſin pollutes the Company, with whom ſuch converſe: They are ſpots and blemiſhes in Chriſtian Societies, 2 P…t. 2. 13. Yea, it pollutes and defiles the Land where it is committed, and cauſeth it to ſpue out its Inhabitants. The Earth groaneth under the burthen of ſuch horrible Enormities, and would willingly empty and caſt up its gorge: yea, the Lord viſiteth the Land with Sword, Famine and Peſtilence for ſuch Abominations, Lev. 18. 25. 27.

Reaſ. 3. Becauſe the ſin of Uncleanneſs is moſt diſhonourable and reproachful to the Name of God. Rom. 2. 22, 23, 24. Thou that ſ…eſt a man ſhould not commit Adultery, doſt thou commit Adultery? Thou that makeſt thy boaſt of the Law, through breaking the Law diſhonoureſt thou God? For the Name of God is blaſphemed amongſt the Gentiles, through you. What greater diſgrace or infamy can be caſt upon the Grace of God, then to turn it into laſeiviouſneſs? What a reproach is this, that the Sons of God are become fleſh, carnal, ſenſual, debauched; that the Members of Chriſt are made the Members of an Harlot; yea the members of a Beaſt: that the Temple of the holy Ghoſt is become a Stews, and Brothel-houſe, yea a Cage of unclean Birds, yea a very Hog-ſty! What horrid Profaneneſs, what helliſh Sacriledge is this!

Reaſ. 4. Becauſe the ſin of Uncleanneſs is moſt off…nſive and diſpleaſing to the holy Spirit of God. Gen. 6▪ 3. The Lord ſaid, My Spirit ſhall not alwayes ſtrive with man, becauſe he alſo is fleſh: and ver. 6. It repented the Lord that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart. Corrupt Communication grieves the holy Spirit of God, Epheſ. 4. 29▪ 30. They that are ſenſual, are deſtitute of the Spirit, Jude ver. 19. The ſtinking Lake of Sodom is not ſo unſavoury and loathſome to the Traveller that paſſeth by, as the lewd and filthy perſon is to the moſt holy God: Such are the abhorred of the Lord, Prov. 22. 14.

Reaſ. 5. Becauſe the ſin of Uncleanneſs provokes God to indignation, and augments his fierce wrath againſt vile ſinners. Jer. 5. 9. Shall I not viſit for theſe things? ſaith the Lord: and ſhall not my ſoul be avenged on ſuch a Nation as this? Epheſ. 5. 6. Becauſe of p. 8theſe things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of diſobedience. Where do the Gueſts of the ſtrange woman lodge? In ſuch a Tavern or Ordinary? nay, they lodge in the depths of Hell, Prov. 9. 18. Fornicators, Adulterers, unclean and eff…minate perſons, and Abuſers of themſelves with mankinde, have no inheritance in the Kingdome of God, but are ſhut out among the Dogs, and caſt into the Lake which burneth with fire and brimſtone: which is the ſecond death, 1 Cor. 69; 10. Gal. 5. 19, 21. Eph. 5. 5. Rev. 21. 8, 27. & 22. 15.

ƲSE I. Of Inſtruction. This may ſerve to Vindica…e the holy Name of God, and clear in Throne, in his dreadful Severity toward this vile and wicked Youth, in making him a Pattern and Monument of his fierce Wrath and Indignation. It may be ſome among us ſtand aſtoniſhed and amazed at this fearfull and tremendous hand of God, in making ſuch a Youth, a Childe of Religious Parents, and that in his tender years, ſuch a Dreadful Example of Divine Vengeance. I pray conſider,

1. The heinous and atrocious nature of his Sin and Tranſgreſſion. It is a Crying ſin; it makes a …lamorous noiſe in the ears of the holy God: it will not ſuffer God to reſt in Heaven. It doth not onelyonly trouble our Iſra…l, but it troubles and diſquiets the God of Iſrael. This his ſin is exceeding grievous in the ſight of God: it is an Abomination; it is Confuſion. It defiles the Land; the Earth groans under the burthen of ſuch Wickedneſs. You pity his Youth and tender years, but I pray pity the holy Law of God, which is ſhamefully violated; pity the glorious Name of God, which is horribly profaned; pity the Land, which is fearfully polluted and defiled.

2. Conſider the Equity of Gods ſevere Diſpenſation towards this vile Youth. The Lord hath proceeded ſlowly and leiſurely, and hath endured this wicked Youth with much long-ſuffering; untill his ſin grew to this prodigious height, and cried for Vengeance. For, (as he himſelf confeſſeth) he lived in Diſobedience to his Parents, in Lying, Stealing, Sabbath-breaking, and was wont to flee away from Catechiſm. He would not hearken to the Voice of God, and therefore he gave him up to his own hearts luſt. He was extremely addicted to Sloth and Idleneſs; which is a great breeder and cheriſher of U…cleanneſs. The ſtanding Pool gathers filth, and harbours Toads and filthy Vermine. Luſt is uſually warm and ſtirring p. 9in idle boſomes. He gave himſelf to Self-pollution, and o…her Sodomitical wickedneſs. He often attempted Buggery with ſeveral Beaſts, before God-left him to commit it: at laſt God gave him over to it, and he continued in the frequent practiſe thereof for ſeveral Moneths. Being at length, by the good hand of God, brought under the Yoke of Government and Serv…ce, (which might have bridled and reſtrained him from ſuch wickedneſ…) he violently brake away from his Maſter, and with an high hand boldly and impudently, like a childe of Belial, ſhook off that Yoke of God, caſting reproach and diſgrace upon his Maſter. Having now obtained a licentious liberty, he grew ſo impudent in his wickedneſs, as to commit this horrid Villany in the ſight of the Sun, and in the open field, even at Noon-day; proclaiming his ſin like Sodom. Though he be a Youth in reſpect of years, yet he is grown old in wickedneſs, and ripe for Vengeance. The Church cannot be cleanſed, untill this wicked perſon be put away from among us. Iſhmael ſtood in the ſame relation to the Church of God, was younger in years, yet being convict of a heinous Tranſgreſſion, though far inferiour to this before us, was caſt out, and that according to the Commandment of God, Gen. 21. 9▪ 10, 11, 12. If we will not pronounce ſuch a Villain Accurſed, we muſt be content to bear the Curſe our ſelves. The Land cannot be cleanſed, untill it hath ſpued out this U…clean Beaſt. The execution of Juſtice upon ſuch a notorious Malefactor, is the onelyonly way to turn away the wrath of God from us, and to conſecrate our ſelves to the Lord, and obtain his Bleſſing upon us. Numb. 25. 4.—Hang them up before the Lord againſt the Sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Iſrael. Exod. 32. 29. Conſecrate your ſelves to day to the Lord, even every man upon his Son, and upon his Brother, that he may beſtow upon you a bleſſing this day.

ƲSE II. Of Exhortation unto us all, To ſanctifie the Name of God in this tremendous Diſpenſation, in making ſuch an one amongſt us a Sign and an Example of Vengeance. When Nadab and Abibu were burnt with fire, for offering ſtrange fire before the Lord, M… ſes ſaid unto Aaron, This is that which the Lord ſpake, ſaying, I will be ſanctified in them that come nigh to me, and before all the people I will be glorified, Lev. 10. 3. This is the right interpretation and true improvement of ſuch ſignal and judicial Strokes, viz. To ſanctifie the Name of God according to his Word, and give him the p. 10honour and glory due unto his Name. Pſal. 9. 16. The Lord is known by the judgement which he executeth: the wicked is ſnared in the work of his own hands. Higgaion, Selah. This is a deep Meditation. Let us look upon this ſad and woful Example with diligent Obſervation; let it ſink down into our hearts, ponder and weigh it in the Cauſes, Circumſtances and Aggravations thereof. Let our thoughts dwell upon this laſting Monument of Divine Wrath. Content we not our ſelves with tranſient thoughts, in contemplating ſuch a permanent Sign and Example of Vengeance, left God loſe of that Honour and Glory which he expects from us, and we fail of that Spiritual fruit which we might and ought to reap thereby.

Queſt. How ſhould we ſanctifie the Name of God in this tremendous Diſpenſation?

Anſ. I. In general. Fear and Tremble before this holy Lord God. Iſa. 8. 13. Sanctifie the Lord of Hoſts himſelf, and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. The fearful Judgements of God executed upon the wicked, ought to ſtrike a holy fear and dread of God into the hearts of the Hearers and Spectators thereof. R. v. 15. 4. Who ſhall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorifie thy Name? For thou onelyonly art holy: for all Nations ſhall come and worſhip before th…e; for thy judgements are made manifeſt. This is that which the Lord expects and looks for. When the Enticer to Idolatry is ſtoned to death, the Lord ſaith, All Iſrael ſhall hear and fear, and ſhall do no more any ſuch wickedneſs, as this is, amongſt you, Deut. 13. 11. When the preſumptuous Contemner of the Sentence of the Supreme Council is put to death, the Lord ſaith, All the people ſhall hear and fear, and do no more preſumptuouſly, Deut. 17. 13. When the Falſe Witneſs is puniſhed according to his demerit, the Lord ſaith, Thoſe which remain ſhall hear and fear, and ſhall henceforth commit no more any ſuch evil among you, Deut. 19. 20. When the Stubborn and Rebellious Son is ſtoned to death, the Lord ſaith, All Iſrael ſhall hear and fear, Deut. 21. 21. When God cut off the Nations, made their Towers deſolate, laid their ſtreets waſte, and deſtroyed their Cities, the Lord ſaid to Judah, Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive inſtruction, Zeph. 3. 6, 7. It hath been the ancient manner, and commendable practiſe of the people of God, to tremble at the execution of Gods Judgements upon the wicked. When Pharaoh and all his hoſt were drowned in the Red Sea, Iſrael ſaw that great work which the Lord did upon the Egyptians; and the people feared the Lord, and believed p. 11the Lord, and his ſervant Moſes, Exod. 14. 31. Ananias and Sapphira, being convict of horrible Hypocriſie and D…ſſimulation, of …acrilegious Fraud, and prodigious Lying, and preſumptuous tempting of God, yea and of mutual Agreement and Conſpiracy therein, were ſmitten by Gods immediate hand, and fell down dead at the Apoſtles feet, and great fear came upon all the Church, and upon as many as heard theſe things, Acts 5. 11. Davids obſervation of the grievous miſchief that enſued upon the vile and vicious courſes of the wicked, how the Lord trod them down as the mire of the ſtreet, and put them away like droſs, and caſt them out to the dunghill, it made not onelyonly his Soul, but alſo his fl…ſh, even his whole man to tremble before God, and to be horribly afraid of the like ſins, leſt he or his ſhould incur the like Wrath and Vengeance: Pſal. 119. 120. My fleſh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy Judgements. And indeed there are many and weighty Reaſons, why the execution of Judgements upon the wicked, ſhould make ſuch awfull impreſſions upon the hearts of the Spectators. For,

1. There are ſins with the Spectators, as well as with the Sufferers, which deſerve the like Judgements, 2 Chron. 28. 10.—Are there not with you, even with you, ſins againſt the Lord your God? If we ranſack our own hearts, and ſearch and try our wayes, we ſhall finde ſuch ſins with us, as may juſtly provoke Divine Wrath and Vengeance. Our curſed Natures are propenſe and inclined to all manner of ſins. Every imagination of the thoughts of the heart of man is onelyonly evil continually, Gen. 6. 5. The heart is the Seed-plot of Murther, Adultery, Fornication, Laſciviouſneſs, and of all manner of iniquity, Mat. 15. 19, 20. The groſs and flagitious pract…ſes of the worſt of men, are but Comments upon our Nature. Who can ſay, I have made my heart clean? The holieſt man hath as vile and filthy a Nature, as the Sodomites, or the men of Gibeah. Yea, there are many actual ſins and tranſgreſſions with us, which if God ſhould enter into judgement with us, would bring heavy wrath upon us. In many things we all offend. There is not a juſt man upon earth, that doeth good and ſinneth not.

2. The holy and juſt God hateth ſin where-ever he ſeeth it, and is impartial in the execution of Juſtice. 1 Pet. 1. 17. If ye call on the Father, who without reſpect of perſons, judgeth according to every mans work, paſs the time of your ſojourning here in fear. The Judgements that light upon ſome, are teſtimonies of the jealouſie of God, and p. 12his ſeverity againſt all ſin. The Lord hates ſin now, as much as ever he did formerly. Whoredome, Adultery, Self-pollution and Sodomy, are as odious and abominable in his ſight now, as ever they were heretofore.

3. Gods End in inflicting remarkable Judgements upon ſome, is for Caution and Warning to all others. The Sodomites ſuffering the vengeance of eternal fi…e, are ſet forth for an Example, not of Imitation, but of Caution and Admonition, Jude ver. 7. 2 Pet. 2. 6. Lots wife looking back, became a Pillar of Salt, to ſeaſon aftergenerations, Luke 17. 32. Korah and his Company became a Sign, to warn all ſucceeding Ages to beware of Faction and Sedition, Numb. 26. 10. The deſtructive Calamities that befell the Iſraelites in the Wilderneſs, happened for Enſample, and are written for our Admonition, 1 Cor. 10. 6, 11. Chriſts Severity againſt J…zabel and her Paramours, is an Inſtruction to all the Churches, Rev 2. 22, 23. Behold, I will caſt her into a bed, and them that commit Adultery with her into great Tribulation, except they repent of their d…eds: and I will kill her Children with death; and all the Churches ſhall know that I am he which ſearcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you, according to your works.

4. Fearful Judgements do likewiſe abide all other impenitent ſinners, as well as thoſe that are made Examples. Except ye repent, ye ſhall all likewiſe periſh, Luke 13. 3, 5. The particle [likewiſe] is to be underſtood of the certainty, not of the ſimilitude of puniſhment. Perdition is the certain portion of every impenitent ſinner. Without Repentance there is no eſcaping the Wrath of the Almighty.

5. The fear and dread of the Majeſty of God, upon the ſight of the Miſchief that follows upon any ſinful and wicked courſe, will make men wiſe and wary. Smite a ſcorner, and the ſimple will beware, Prov. 19. 25. When the ſcorner is puniſhed, the ſimple is made wiſe, Prov. 21. 11. The fear of God will curb and reſtrain men from the like ſins. All Iſrael ſhall hear and fear, and ſhall do no more any ſuch wickedneſs, as this is, among you, Deut. 13. 11. A wiſe man feareth, and departeth from evil, Prov. 14. 16. The fear of God will reduce and recover ſuch as are fallen into the like Snares and Temptations. Jude ver. 23. Others ſave with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment ſpotted by the fleſh. Bold and preſumptuous ſinners cannot be ſaved, except they be made afraid of the Wrath and Vengeance of God. If lewd and filthy perſons p. 13be not ſcared and frighted out of their vile Haunts and laſ…ivious Courſes, by the Terrour of Wrath and Judgement, there is no hope of their Salvation.

All theſe Conſiderations are a ſufficient Conviction of our duty in reference to this ſad and woful Spectacle before us. Hath the Lord ſingled out one of our Cong…egation, Apprehended and Arr…igned him for his Abominable Lewdneſs, caſt him out of his Viſible Kingdome, delivered him into the hand of Satan, made him an Anathema; yea, and cut him off by the hand of Juſtice, and ſ…ept him away as dung and filth from the face of the earth? Let no man inſult over him, nor yet flatter himſelf in his ſins, but let us all learn to fear and tremble before the Lord, who walketh in the midſt of the golden Candleſticks, having his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet like fine braſs, and will have all the Church…s to know, that he ſtarcheth the reins and hearts, and rendreth unto every man according to his works. We have often heard the voice of the Word, and have neglect…d and deſpiſed it, now hearken to the Voice of the Rod, and of him that hath appointed it. Such Judgements as theſe have a voice, a loud voice, a clamorous voice, a dreadful voice, calling to all Iſrael, to Hear and fear, and do no more ſo wickedly. The denunciations of Wrath againſt vicious and unclean perſons, have for a long time ſounded daily in our ears, and have not been believed nor regarded by many: behold now the Execution of Vengeance upon this lewd and wicked Youth, whom God hath Hanged up before the Sun, and made a Sign and an Example, an Inſtruction and Aſtoniſhment to all New-England; which is as a Divine Seal annexed to all the former Comminations.

Is there any root of bitterneſs among us, that beareth gall and wormwood, who hath not onelyonly heard the words of the Curſe pronounced, but hath alſo ſeen the Curſe executed in this dreadful manner, and yet is not afraid to go on impenitently in the ſame ſins, even in Idleneſs, in Stubbornneſs, in Lying, in Steali…g, in Profaning the Lords-day, and in all manner of Carnal Uncleanneſs; but bleſſeth himſelf in his heart, and ſaith, I ſhall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of mine heart, and adde drunkenneſs to thirſt? I ſhall have peace, though I live in Selfpollution, in Fornication, in Sodomy and Beſtiality? Know, that your ſin is inexcuſable, and your deſtruction inevitable, The Lo…d will not ſpare you, but the anger of the Lord, and his jealouſie ſh…ll p. 14ſmoke againſt you, and all the Curſes that are written in this book, ſhall lie upon you, and the Lord ſhall blot out your name from under heaven, Deut. 29. 18, 19, 20. God ſhall wound the head of his enemies; and the hairy ſcalp of ſuch an one, as goeth on ſtill in his treſpaſſes, Pſa. 68. 21. When the ſight or report of Gods Judgements executed upon the wicked, doth not awe the heart, nor deter from the like ungodly practiſes, it is a great aggravation of ſin, and provocation of wrath. Jer. 3. 8. And I ſaw, when for all the cauſes whereby back-ſliding Iſrael committed Adult…ry, I had put her away, and given her a bill of divorce, yet her treacherous ſiſter Judah feared not, but went and pl…ye… the har lot alſo. For any to go on in the ſin of Uncleanneſs, after ſuch a ſolemn Warning as this, it is to ſin preſumptuouſly; it is to ſin in contempt of the Holmeſs of God, in contempt of the Jealouſie of God, in contempt of the fierce Wrath and Indignation of the Almighty. He that will ruſh into the Gulf, and caſt himſelf into the Wh…rlpool, where he hath ſeen his neighbour drowned before his eyes, he is a wilful Self-murtherer.

Go to now, ye wanton and laſ…ivious perſons, go on in your Frolicks and mad Pranks, take your ſwinge in your luſts and vicious courſes; He that is unclean, l…t him be unclean ſtill; he that is filthy, let him be filthy ſtill: He that is addicted to Self-pollution, let him continue herein ſtill; he that is a Fornicator, let him be a Fornicator ſtill; he that is a Sodomite, let him be a Sodomite ſtill; he that is a Beaſt, let him be a Beaſt ſtill. Make haſte, and fill up your meaſure: run through all ſorts of vile luſts; work all uncleanneſs with greedineſs. Juſtifie this poor Condemned Wretch in all his Villany: Be a Comfort to your lewd Predeceſſors, who are long ſince gone down to the loweſt Hell, and lie in the nether parts of the bottomleſs Pit. There are your Voluptuous Fathers, the renowned Epic…res that lived before the Flood: There is your L…bidinous Mother Jezab…l, with all her Paramours: There are your Filthy Siſters, S…dom and her Daughters: There are your wicked Brethren, Ouan, the unclean Son of Judah; Hophui and Phinehas, the Belial-ſons of Eli; Amnon and Abſolom, the Inceſtuous Sons of David: There are your V…nereous Kinſmen, the Nicolaitans, the Guoſticks, the Menandri…ns, and innumerable others. Haſten you after your lecherous K…ndred into the ſtinking Lake: ſit down with your Brethren and Siſters in the depths of Hell. As you have partaken with them in their ſordid Pleaſures, partake with them alſo in their p. 15Plagues and Torments. Let thy luſtful Body be everlaſting Fuell for the unquenchable fire: Let thy laſcivious Soul be eternal Food for the never-dying Worm. Let Indignation and Wrath, Tribulation and Anguiſh be thy portion world without end. Hell from beneath is moved to meet thee, and is ready to entertain thee. All your fellow-gueſts wait and long for your Company: Your judgement of a long time lingreth not, and your damnation ſlumbereth not. Shall it be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Judgement, then for thoſe that embrace not the Goſpel? How terrible and dreadful then ſhall be the Condemnation of ſuch, who notwithſtanding their Profeſſion of the Goſpel, juſtifie Sodom in all her Abominations?

II. In particular. Let me commend unto you theſe few Directions.

1. Let the awfull Apprehenſion of the Wrath of God, which hath lighted upon this Youth, be a Bridle to curb and reſtrain the reſt of our Youth, and all others, from indulging themſelves in any kinde of Carnal Uncleanneſs. God is mercifully willing to prevent the ruine of our lewd and vicious Youth, therefore hath he ſet before them this awfull Example for their Admonition and Caution. He hath cut off this rotten and putrid Member, th…t he might prev…nt the ſpreading of the Infection. In this tremendous Providence the Lord ſaith to all wanton and laſcivious perſons, as Abner ſaid to Aſahel, Turn aſide, leſt I ſmite thee to the ground. If after this ſolemn Warning, any ſhall refuſe to turn aſide from the eager purſuit of their vile Luſts, they are worthy to be ſmitten, not onelyonly to the ground, but even to the bottom of Hell. Wherefore in the fear of God, hearken to the Exhortation of the Apoſtle, 1 Pet. 2. 11. Dearly beloved, I beſeech you as ſtrangers and pilgrims, abſtain from fleſhly luſts, which war againſt the Soul. With youthful Luſts fight like the Parthi…ns, flying. 2 Tim. 2. 22. Flee youthful Luſts. This is an honourable Retreat, and a War-like Stratagem. Flee Fornication, 1 Cor. 6. 18. Is it ſafe ſtanding near to a deep and narrow Pit? A Whore is a deep ditch, and a ſtrange woman is a narrow pit, Prov. 23. 27, 28. He that is abhorred of the Lord falls into it, Prov. 22. 14. He that committeth Adultery with a woman, lacketh underſtanding: He that doeth it, deſtroyeth his own Soul, Prov. 6. 32. Abhor Self-pollution: the holy God deteſts and abhors it. The thing which Onan did, was evil in the ſight of the Lord, and therefore p. 16he ſlew him, Gen. 38. 10. Can any man be ſo blinde and ignorant as to queſtion whether it be a ſin, to practiſe Uncleanneſs with his own Body alone, wherein he maketh himſelf both Bawd, and Who…e, and Whoremaſter! Know aſſuredly, that it is an impious, loathſome and de…eſtable evil in Gods account, very offenſive and provoking to the eyes of his glory. This is that ſin which according to the opinion of many learned men, is properly called foreign, Ʋncleanneſs; I am ſure it is at leaſt comprehended under it, Col. 3. 5. and it brings the wrath of God upon them that practiſe it, ver. 6. who are thought to be thoſe whom the Apoſtle calls foreign, ſoft, or …ff…minate, and they have no inheritance in the Kingdome of God, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Deteſt and abominate the ſin of Sodomy. The Law of God is made for the Condemnation of ſuch as abuſe themſelves with man-kinde, 1 Tim. 1. 9, 10. 'Tis a fearful Judgement of God to be given up to this kinde of wickedneſs, Rom. 1. 24—28. 'Tis a Capital Crime, for which the parties guilty ought to be put to death, Lev. 20. 13. and except they repent, ſhall certainly be excluded from the Kingdome of God, 1 Cor. 6. 9. Tremble at the thoughts of that ho…rid and prodigious ſin, of mingling thy ſelf with a Beaſt; which is …bominable Confuſion in the ſight of God, Exod. 22. 19. Lev. 18. 23. & 20. 15, 16.

Take heed and beware of thoſe fond Conceits and Imaginations, whereby many are deceived, and led into the ſin of Uncleanneſs. 'Tis not without cauſe that the Apoſtle in his diſcourſes of this ſubject, ſo often inſerts that Caution, Be not deceived, 1 Cor. 6. 9. & 15. 33. Eph. 5. 6. All ſin is deceitful, but eſpecially the ſin of Ʋncleanneſs. It promiſeth Pleaſure, Secrecy, Impunity, and future Repentance: but all theſe flattering promiſes are meer deceits, lies and falſe-hoods.

Be not deceived with the bait of Carnal pleaſure and delight. How canſt thou take pleaſure in that, which is ſo diſpleaſing and offenſive to thy Maker and Saviour? Gen. 39. 9. How can I do this great wickedneſs, and ſin againſt God? Shall that be delightful and pleaſureable to thee, which is hateful and loathſome to the heart of God? This pleaſure is ſhort, it laſteth but for a ſeaſon, but it will be bitterneſs in the end. Prov. 5. 3, 4, 5. The lips of a ſtrange woman drop as an honey-comb, and her mouth is ſmoother then oyl: but her end is bitter as wormwood, ſharp as a two-edged ſword: Her feet go down to death; her ſteps take hold on hell. Chap. 9. 17, 18. Stoln waters are p. 17ſweet, and bread eaten in ſecret is pleaſant; but he knoweth not that the dead are there, and that her gueſts are in the depths of hell. Job 20. 12, 13, 14. Though wickedneſs be ſweet in his mouth, though he hide it under his tongue, though he ſpare it, and forſake it not, but keep it ſtill within his mouth; yet his meat in his bowels is turned, it is the gall of Aſps within him. Yea, the more pleaſure thou takeſt in ſin, the more to…ment and ſorrow ſhalt thou have hereafter, Rev. 18. 7.

Be not deceived with the hope of Secrecy. How canſt thou ſay, No eye ſeeth me, there is no witneſs? Doth not he ſee thy wayes, and count all thy ſteps! Job 31. 4. His eyes are upon the wayes of man, and he ſeeth all his goings, Job 34. 21. The wayes of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and he pondereth all his goings, Prov. 5. 21. The more ſecret thy wickedneſs is, the more God looks upon it with abhorrence. 2 Kings 17. 9. The children of Iſrael did ſecretly thoſe things that were not right againſt the Lord their God. Thoſe ſins which men commit in ſecret, make light of, forget, and caſt behinde their backs, thoſe the eye of God is alwayes upon, they ſtand before his face, he cannot look off from them, they ſtand in the light of his countenance. Pſal. 90. 8. Thou haſt ſet our iniquities before thee, our ſecret ſins in the light of thy countenance. Is there no witneſs? The Lord himſelf will be a witneſs, yea a ſwift witneſs againſt thee, Mal. 2. 14. & 3. 5.

Be not deceived with the hope of Impunity. Is not deſtruction to the wicked, and ſtrange puniſhment to the workers of iniquity? Job 31. 3. This ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean perſon, hath any inheritanc… in the Kingdome of Chriſt and of God, Epheſ. 5. 5. The Lord knoweth how to plague you; he watcheth a fit ſeaſon to be avenged on you: The longer he defers, the greater wrath ſhall be poured out at laſt, 2 Pet. 2. 9, 10. The Lord knoweth how to r…ſ…rve the …nj…ſt unto the day of Judgement to be puniſhed, but chiefly them that walk after the fleſh, in the luſt of uncleanneſs.

Be not deceived with the hope of future Repentance. No ſin hardens the heart more then the ſin of Ʋncleanneſs. It ſ…upiſies and infatuates, and makes reprobate to every good work, Hoſ. 4. 11. Tit. 1. 16. Impudent and impenitent ſinners are ſaid to have a Whores forehead, Jer. 3. 3. They are not aſhamed, neither can they bluſh, Jer. 6. 15. There are very few unclean perſons that ever ſavingly repent and turn to God: Prov. 2. 19. None that go unto her, return ag…in, neither take they hold of the paths of li…e.

p. 18If we would be preſerved from the ſin of Ʋncleanneſs, we muſt take heed and beware of the inlets, occaſions, incentives and provocations thereunto.

1. Beware of Pride: This was one of the ſins of Sodom, and it is a principal root of the ſin of Ʋncleanneſs. For Pride makes man d…ſpiſe the Commandment of God, and preſumptuouſly parley with temptations, and expoſe themſelves to ſnares. 2 Sam. 12. 9. Wherefore haſt thou d…ſed the Commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his ſight? Pride makes men haughty, ſcornful, ſo as to caſt off Inſtructions, Counſels, Admonitions, which might reſtrain them from ſuch wickedneſs. Gen. 19. 9. Stand back, &c. Pride makes men deſpiſe the Ordinance of Marriage, the remedy which God hath provided for the quenching of ſuch boyling and burning luſts. Pride breeds Jars and Breaches between married perſons, ſo as to take no complacency or delight in each other; hence they thirſt after ſtollen wa…ers. Pride is the object of Gods ſpecial hatred and abhorrency: Prov. 16. 5. Every one that is proud in heart, is an abomination to the Lord. Pride provokes the Lord to withdraw his grace and Spirit, and plunge them into this filthy puddle. God reſiſteth the p…oud, Jam. 4. 6. He that is abhorred of the Lord, ſhall fall into this deep pit, Prov. 22. 14.

2. Beware of Fulneſs of Bread, i. e. Gluttony and Drunkenneſs. This was another of the ſins of Sodom, and it is the very fodder and fuell of the ſin of Ʋncleanneſs. Jer. 5. 7, 8. When I had …ed them to the full, then they committed Adultery, and aſſembled themſelves by troops in the harlots houſes. They were as fed horſes in the morning: every one neighed after his neighbours wife. 2 Pet. 2. 13, 14. Sporting themſelves with their own deceivings, while they feaſt with you; having eyes full of Adult…ry, and that cannot ceaſe from ſin. The unclean Spirit findes no reſt in dry places, in ſober and temperate livers, but loves to wallow in the m…re of Riot and Intemperance. The ſenſual and voluptuous Epicure is a ſit Sty for the unclean Spirit to lodge in. Chriſt hath given us ſolemn warning to take heed of Exceſs: Luke 21. 34. Take heed to your ſelves, leſt any time your hearts be over-charged with ſurfetting, and drunk…nneſs, and cares of this life, and ſo that day come up…n you unawares. 'Tis a lamentable thing to ſee Chriſtians Belly-gods, Phil. 3. 18, 19.

3. Be…are of Sl…th and Idleneſs. This was another of Sodoms ſins, and it is the Nurſe and Foſterer of vile luſts. Stow b…l…ies are p. 19uſually evil beaſts, Tit. 1. 12. When men are ſluggiſh and ſlothful in the work which God calls them unto, the Devil will ſ…t them about his drudgery. The ſtanding waters pu…riſie, and grow corrupt and noiſome. The untilled ground is ſoon overgrown with ſtinking Weeds. The beginning of Davids fall, was …s …l…th: He gave himſelf to carnal eaſe and reſt, rolling himſelf upon his bed, when he ſhould have been in the Field, ſighting the Bat…els of the Lord; thereupon Satan aſſaulted him, and tempted him to uncleanneſs, 2 Sam. 11. 1, 2, 3. Of Idleneſs cometh no good. Lazineſs breeds Lewdneſs. No buſineſs, debauch…ry. By doing nothing, men learn to do evil. While the Oyſter opens its ſhell to the Sun, the Crab thruſteth in its Claws, and devoureth the Oyſter. Idle and ſlothful perſons are eaſily made a prey by Satan. Otia ſi tollas, &c. If you would eſcape the darts of Luſt, avoid Idleneſs and Sloth.

4. Beware of Diſobedience to Parents and Maſters in Families, and of …aſting off the Yoke of Government, which would check and reſtrain the Enormities of Youth. The younger Son, who would have his portion, and live at his own hand, grew riotous, debauched, devoured his ſubſtance with Harlots, L…ke 15. 12, 30. The Sons of Ell were Sons of Belial, they caſt off the yoke of government, and ſoon became Gluttons and Adulterers.

5. Beware of evil Company, the ſociety of vicious and laſcivious perſons. A little Leaven leaveneth the whole lump. A Companion of fools ſhall be deſtroyed, Prov. 13. 20. He that is a Companion of riotous men, ſhameth his father, Prov. 28. 7. Wiſe-hearted Joſeph fleeth his Miſtreſſes company; he would not ſo much as be with her alone in the room. 'Tis dangerous bringing our Corruptions and Temptations to an interview. Dinah out of curioſity goes abroad into the City, to ſee the daughters of the Land, to obſerve their Perſons, Habits, Faſhions and Behaviour, but ſhe is more curiouſly viewed, and is tak…n and defloured, G…n. 34. 1, 2. Iſraels ta…ling, and talking, and feaſting with a company of le…d women, brought more miſchief upon them, then all the Hoſt of Moab and Midi…, yea, then all the Enchantments of Balaam could do, N…mb. 25. 1, 2, 3. & 31. 16. One root of bitterneſs may defi…e many. The ſtrange woman increaſeth tranſgreſſors among men, Prov. 23. 28.

6. Beware of Irreligion and Profaneneſs. Iſrael would not hearken to Gods voice, nor be content with the Lord alone for their p. 20Portion; therefore he gave them over to their own hearts luſts: Pſal. 81. 11, 12. The Gentiles liked not to retain God in knowledge, but grew vain in their imaginations, repreſenting the true God by Images of Men and Beaſts; wherefore God gave them over to vile affections, and to a minde void of judgement, ſo that they ran mad into Sodomiticall wickedneſs, Rom. 1. 18, 21, 24, 28. If men grieve away the holy Spirit of God, it is juſt with God to let looſe the unclean Spirit, and give him a Commiſſion to haunt them. A profane perſon may eaſily be come a Fornicator, Heb. 12. 16. He that deſpiſeth the holy Ordinances and Spiritual Priviledges, preferring the ſatisfaction of his ſenſual Appetite, above Goſpel-mercies, may eaſily fall into the ſin of Uncleanneſs. The children of diſobedience, who cannot be perſwaded to embrace the Goſpel, and yield up themſelves in profeſſed ſubjection to Chriſt, they are uſually addicted to vile luſts, Col. 3. 5, 6. Eph. 5. 5, 6.

Secondly, Let the fear and dread of God move and provoke ſuch as are guilty of the ſin of Ʋncleanneſs, timouſly to Repent, and turn to God, leſt they alſo periſh. Luke 13. 3, 5. Except ye repent, ye ſhall all likewiſe periſh. If God hath not ſpared this lewd Youth, but made him an Example, how ſhall he ſpare thee, who art an old practitioner in Sodomitical wickedneſs? Do not linger nor defer thy Repentance, but haſten out of Sodom, and flee to the Mountains, leſt thou be conſumed in this iniquity. Call to minde all thy former lewdneſs, thine unclean Speculations, vile affections, unchaſte deſires, filthy jeſtings, diſhoneſt and vicious practiſes, and lament and bewail them with bitterneſs and anguiſh of Soul. Solomon having applied his heart wiſely to finde out his own wickedneſs, madneſs and folly, crieth out, I finde more bitter then death, the Woman, whoſe heart is ſnares and nets, and her hands as bands, Eccleſ. 7. 26. Is the heart of the holy God broken with thy whoriſh heart, and ſhall not thy whoriſh heart be broken? The onelyonly Sacrifice which God requires of thee, is a broken and contrite heart: none other will he accept at thine hand, Pſal. 51. 17. Imitable is the Example of that woman, in Luke 7. who had been infamous for Uncleanneſs, and became famous for Repentance. She ſtood at Jeſus feet behinde him weeping, and began to waſh his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kiſſed his fe…t, and anointed them with the Ointment, ver. 38. She findes more bitterneſs in her laſcivious Courſes, then ever ſhe found ſweetneſs. Her p. 21eyes had been formerly full of Adultery, now are they filled with the ſalt Tears of Repentance. Her hair ſhe was wont to plair, and adorn her ſelf therewith to pleaſe her Paramours, but now ſhe makes it a Towel to wipe the feet of Chriſt. Her lips which ſhe formerly uſed to unclean and whoriſh kiſſes, ſhe now applies to Chriſts feet. Her choice and precious Ointment, ſuch as formerly ſhe anointed her ſelf and her bed withall for her Lovers, ſhe pours out upon the feet of the Lord Jeſus. Lament and bewail the filthineſs of thy Heart and Nature, which is the Spring and Fountain, whence all the ſtreams of Ʋncleanneſs flow. Pſal. 51. 5. Behold, I was ſhapen in iniquity: and in ſin did my mother conceive me. Cry unto the Lord to purge and cleanſe thee from the guilt and filth of thy ſin. Pſal. 51. 7. Purge me with hyſop, and I ſhall be clean; waſh me, and I ſhall be whiter then the ſnow. Your ſin cries for Vengeance, do not you neglect to cry for Mercy. Waſh in the Fountain of Grace opened in the Goſpel: Zech. 13. 1. In that day there ſhall be a fountain opened to the houſe of David, and to the inhabitants of Jeruſalem, for ſin and for uncleanneſs. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Such were ſome of you: but ye are waſhed, but ye are ſanctified, but ye are juſtified in the Name of our Lord Jeſus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Joh. 1. 9. If we confeſs our ſins, he is faithful and juſt to forgive us our ſins, and to cleanſe us from all unrighteouſneſs. Labour through the grace and help of Chriſt, to mortifie thy luſts and crucifie the fleſh: Coloſſ. 3. 5. Mortifie your members which are upon the earth, Fornication, uncleanneſs, inordinate affection, evil concupiſcence. Rom. 8. 13. If ye through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the body, ye ſhall live. Take the Sword of the Spirit, and thruſt it into the bowels of thy luſts, and let out their heart blood. Deal with them as Samuel dealt with Agag, Hew them in pieces before the Lord. Hearken to the Counſel of the Lord Jeſus, Matth. 5. 29, 30. If thy right eye offend thee, pluck it out and caſt it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members ſhould periſh, and not that thy whole body ſhould be caſt into hell. And if thy right hand offend thee, cut it off and caſt it from thee: for it is profitable for thee that one of thy members ſhould periſh, and not that thy whole body ſhould be caſt into hell. If the eye or…nand be infected, infl…med and gangrened, the whole Body is in danger: The gangrened part muſt be cut off, or the whole Body will periſh. He that hath a la…civious eye, hath a Spiritual Gangrene in his eye; he that hath an unchaſte ear or hand, hath a Spiritual p. 22Gangrene in his ear or hand: either cut off the gangrened part, or Soul and Body ſhall be caſt into hell fire, where the worm die…h not, and the fire is not quenched. Indulgence to thy Luſts is cruelty to thy Soul: Thy life ſhall go for their life. What a madneſs is this, for the ſatisfaction of a vile luſt, to expoſe thy ſelf to everlaſting …orments? Oh! you purchaſe your pleaſures at a dear rate! you muſt ſuffer the vengeance of eternal fire. What, art thou a compleat Senſualiſt? Thou withholdeſt thy heart from no carnal joy, or fleſhly delight. Thou haſt two eyes, and two hands, and two feet; thou canſt not endure to maim and mangle the body of ſin, and render thy ſelf abſurd and ridiculous to the world: Verily, thou hadſt better go a Creeple to Heaven, then being a perfect Epicu…e to be caſt into Hell, into the fire that never ſhall be quenched, Mark 9. 43—48. If once thou haſt eſcaped out of Sodom, tremble to think of returning thither again. Joh. 8. 11. Jeſus ſaid unto her, Neither do I condemn thee, go and ſin no more. Nay, look not back, leſt thou become a Pillar of Salt. Remember Lots wife. A man that hath been ſick of a dangerous Diſeaſe, and is hopefully recovered, if he relapſe through careleſneſs, his condition is far more dangerous then at the firſt. 2 Pet. 2. 20. If after they have eſcaped the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jeſus Chriſt, they are again intangled therein and overcome, the latter end is worſe with them then the beginning. When the unclean Spirit is gone out of a man, he is reſtleſs untill he returneth again: he delighteth not ſo much to dwell any where, as in his old habitation; he is reſolved to aſſail and recover his former poſſeſſion: He is not afraid of the length of the ſiege, or the ſtrength of oppoſition, 'Tis no ſmall encouragement unto him, that he findeth his houſe empty, foreign, vacant, idle, unoccupied, ſwept and garniſhed, ſecure, living at eaſe, given to pleaſure, ſit and prepared to entertain ſuch a gueſt: now he aſſaults with greater force and fierceneſs then at his firſt entrance, and his latter poſſeſſion is far more dangerous and irrecoverable then his firſt, Mat. 12. 43, 44, 45.

Thirdly, Let the fear of God excite and quicken in all our hearts the love of Holineſs, and due care to preſerve and maintain the purity of our perſons. 2 Cor. 7. 1. Let us cleanſe our ſelves from all filthineſs of the fleſh and ſpirit, perfecting holineſs in the fear of God. The purity of our perſons is an excellent and honourable thing, and that which God commands and requires, 1 Theſſ. 4. 3, 4, 5, 7. p. 23yea it diſpoſeth and fitteth a man for the Preſence, Worſhip and Service of God, Matth. 5. 8. 2 Tim. 2. 21. Firſt, cleanſe the Fountain; Waſh thy heart from wickedneſs, Jer. 4. 14. Purifie your heart, Jam. 4. 8. Then, watch the motions of the heart, in its thoughts and affections, Prov. 4. 23. Job 31. 1. Look well to the doors and gates of the Senſes: Keep thine Eye from gazing upon ſuch objects as may be allu…ing and enſnaring, Matth. 5. 28. Stop thine Ears at filthy Jeſts, amorous Songs, corrupt communication. Abhor all laſcivious Touches, unchaſte Embracings. Reſtrain thine Appetite from exceſs in Meat and Drink, Prov. 23. 1, 2, 3, 31, 32, 33. Feed not, feaſt not without Fear, Jude ver. 12. Devote and conſecrate thy ſelf to the Lord. Prov. 23. 26. My ſon, give me thy heart, and … thine eyes behold my wayes. Hearken to the Word of God, and meditate thereon with delight continually: Prov. 2. 10, 11, 16. When wiſdome entreth into thy heart, and knowledge is pleaſant unto thy ſoul, diſcretion ſhall preſerve thee, underſtanding ſhall keep thee: to deliver thee from the ſtrange woman. Prov. 6. 23, 24. The Commandment is a lamp, and the Law is light, and Reproofs of inſtruction are the way of life, to keep thee from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of a ſtrange woman. Be frequent and fervent in Prayer: Pſal. 51. 10. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right Spirit within me. 1 Theſſ. 5. 23. The very God of peace ſanctifie you wholly; and I pray God your whole Spirit, and Soul, and Body be preſerved blameleſs unto the coming of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Let thy Speech be gracious and ſavoury, Eph. 4. 29. Col. 4. 6. Thy Behaviour modeſt and grave, Tit. 2. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. 1 Tim. 2. 9. Thy Converſation ordered aright, according to the direction of the Word of God, Pſal. 119. 9. Study how to pleaſe God, and be good and do good in his ſight, and he will preſerve thee from the ſnares and nets which the heart of the ſtrange woman hath made, and her hands ſpread to catch and entangle poor ſinners. Eccleſ. 7. 26. Whoſo pleaſeth God, ſhall eſcape from her.

Fourthly, In the fear of God let us carefully Watch over our Children, Servants, and all that are under our Care and Charge, leſt they be ſtained and defiled. Wherefore did the Lord acquaint Abraham with his Counſel and purpoſe concerning the deſtruction of the filthy So…omites? becauſe he knew that Abraham would charge his Children and Family to beware of the like wickedneſs, p. 24and Command them to live ſoberly, righteouſly and piouſly, Geneſ. 18. 17, 19. Holy Job was afraid leſt his Sons in the midſt of their mi…th and good Chear, had ſinned againſt God, and therefore ſent and called them, and ſanct fied them, and offered Sacrifices for them. Thus did Job continually, Job 1. 5. Great care and circumſpection is here to be uſed, for the prevention and timous eradication of any ro…t of bitterneſs that may trouble and defile us: H…b. 12. 15, 16. Looking diligently, l…ſt any man fail of the grace of God, l…ſt any root of bitterneſs ſpringing up, trouble you, and many be defi…ed: leſt there be any Fornicator, or profane perſon.

What Means are to be uſed?

1. Diligent Inſtruction. Prov. 22. 6. Train up a Childe in the way he ſhould go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Sow the Principles of Piety in tender years, 2 Tim. 3. 15.

2. Solemn Charges and Commands. Solomons father taught him, and ſaid unto him, Let thy heart retain my words: Keep my Commandments and live, get wiſdome, get underſtanding, forget it not, &c. Prov. 4. 3, 4, 5 His Mother alſo taught him Chaſtity and Temperance, and with holy Precepts fore-armed him againſt the vicious inclination of his Nature, Prov. 31. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Yea, King David gave him (as his Succeſſor in the Throne) a ſolemn Charge in the audience of all Iſrael, 1 Chron. 28. 9.

3. Serious Reproofs of Inſtruction: Prov. 6. 23, 24. Save them with fear. Fright and ſtartle them out of their lewd Courſes: Pluck them as brands out of the fire, Jude ver. 23.

4. Seaſonable Correction for their folly and lewdneſs. Prov. 22. 15. Fooliſhneſs is bound in the heart of a Childe: but the Rod of Correction ſhall drive it far from him. Eli's lenity and indulgence to his wicked Sons, brought inevitable ruine upon his houſe.

5. Faith and Prayer. Is thy Son haunted by an unclean Spirit? follow the Example of the father of the Lunatick; Bring thy Son to Chriſt, affectionately ſpread his afflicted and diſtreſſed condition before him: He is able to caſt out Satan, though he rage never ſo much, Luk… 9. 38, 39, 42. Is thy Daughter haunted by an unclean Spirit? Follow the Example of the Syrophaenician woman; Fall down at the feet of Chriſt, beſeech him to caſt forth the Devil out of thy Daughter, Mark 7. 25, 26. Be not offended nor diſcouraged by reaſon of any d…fficul…y, objection or temptation p. 25which the Lord exerciſeth you withall, but through the g…ace of Chriſt wreſtle through all by Faith and Prayer, you ſhall c…r…ainly ob…ain your requeſt, and that with advantage. There is a d…fference of evil Spirits, ſome are more wicked then others, Ma…. 12. 45. but the worſt kindes may be caſt out by …aſting and Prayer, Matth. 17. 21. Faith is the Inſtrument, under God, that exp…ls Satan out of his old poſſeſſion. Fervent Prayer quickens …a…th, and Religious Faſting is a ſpecial help and futherance to ſervent Prayer.

To conclude. Be pleaſed to account of this Doctrine, as of the Angels Meſſage to Lot, to ariſe and depart out of Sodom, leſt he ſhould be conſumed in the iniquity thereof; and look at theſe Inſtructions and Exhortations, as the Angels laying hold upon his hand, while he lingred, and upon the hand of his Wife and two Daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and bringing him forth out of that curſed City. 'Tis an Angelical Service to pluck poor ſinners out of the Snare of Laſciviouſneſs.

FINIS.

End of the text · Samuel Danforth, The Cry of Sodom Inquired Into (1674)