Samarias Downfall, Verse 5 · List of kings

Samarias Downfall · Verse 5 · List of kings

p. 114A CATALOGUE of the KINGS of ISRAEL.

1 Ieroboam reigned two and twenty years.

2 Nadab his Son succeeds him, hee reigned two years, and is slain.

3 Baasha of another stock succeeds him, and reigns four and twenty years.

4 Elah his Son succeeds him, and hee reigns two years, and is slain by Zimri.

5 Zimri of another stock reigns seven daies, and burnt himself.

6 Tibni of another stock reigns about four years, and dies (as it is conceived) a violent death.

7 Omri of another stock reigns twelve years.

8 Ahab his Son succeeds him, who reigned two and twenty years, and is slain by the Syrians.

9 Ahaziah his Son succeeds him, and reigned two years.

10 Iehoram, Ahaziahs Brother, and a second Son of Ahab, succeeds him, hee reigned twelve years, and is slain by Iehn.

11 Iehu of another stock reigned eight and twenty years.

12 Iehoahaz his Son succeeds him, and reigns seventeen years.

13 Iehoash, or Ioash his Son succeeds him, and reigns sixteen years.

14 Ieroboam (the second) his Son succeeds him, and reigns one and forty years.

15 Zachariah his Son (the last of Iehu's race) succeeds him, hee reigns six months, and is slain by Shallum.

16 Shallum of another stock reigns one month.

17 Menahem of another stock having slain Shallum, reigns ten years.

18 Pekahiah his Son succeeds him, hee reigns two years, and is killed by Pekah.

19 Pekah of another stock regins twenty years, and is slain by Hoshea.

p. 11520 Hoshea the last King of Isruel reigns nine years, and is carried into captivity with his people by Salmaneser King of Assyria.

1 Ieroboam their first King came in by Rebellion. Israel rebelled against the house of David, and chose Ieroboam for their King, 1 King. 12. 19. hence the Lord complains, that they set up Kings, viz. Ieroboam, and his successors, but not by him, Hos. 8. 4 they did it without asking his advice, or staying for his command; for though hee had decreed to rent the ten Tribes from Solomons race, yet because they did it not in an orderly way, but tumultuously, therefore hee calls it rebellion, and saith, that hee knew it not, viz. so as to approve of it; and though God had fore-told that Ieroboam should bee King, yet because hee came to the Crown with a proud, aspiring, rebellions disposition, hee is called a Rebel, 2 Chron. 13. 6, 7. This Ieroboam, the Son of Nebat (so called, to distinguish him from Ieroboam the second, the Son of Ioash, 2 King. 14. 23.) was Solomons servant, a valiant, active, subtil man, and so more fit to bee the head of a faction. Solomon hearing that the greatest part of his Kingdome was given to Ieroboam, hee was offended with him, and sought to kill him. Kings cannot endure corrivals. Upon this Ieroboam fled into Egypt, where (probably) hee learnt the Idolatry of the Calves, for the Egyptians were great Idolaters, 1 King. 11. 28, 40. No sooner is hee in the Throne, but hee sets up a new Religion in his new Kingdome; Hee begins ill, the very first step hee takes is out of the way; hee sets up two golden Calves, and draws all Israel to worship them. This crafty Achitophel fore-saw, that if the people should go up to Ierusalem, to worship there, the glory of the Temple might allure them, and the true Priests of the Lord would bee drawing them to adhere to their lawful Prince of the house of David, 1 King. 12. 27. hee therefore useth all means to keep them from having any thoughts of Ierusalem (though this fear was vain and needless, for hee had Gods promise, that if hee would cleave to him, and worship him onelyonly, that then hee would preserve the Kingdome to him and his posterity, 1 King. 12. 38.) To this end hee invents a more easie and plausible kind of worship, pretending that it was too much cost and pains for them p. 116to go thrice a year up to Ierusalem; they should have gods of their own at home, Two golden Calves, to represent God to their eyes. These hee sets up, one in Dan, E Longinquo posuit, solent homines qui pii videri volunt, dissita pi…cul fana, aut religionis gratia, aut novitatis studio frequente▪ invisere. Sanctius.a City in the North, and the other in Bethel, a City in the South. Hee sets not up Horses, or Rams, but Calves, as the Israelites in Egypt had done before him (though to their cost, Exod. 32. 4, &c.) The Idol Apis is worshipped by the Egyptians in the shape of an Oxe, or Calf, and it should seem Ieroboam here imitates them, and the rather peradventure (out of a politick device) to ingratiate himself with Shisac the King of Egypt, that hee might the sooner help him against Rehoboam; and as if this were not sufficient, instead of Gods Temple at Ierusalem, hee set up houses of pretended devotion, wherein hee appointed God to bee worshipped in his own Idolatrous fashion. Hee also ordeined new Priests, men that were of base condition, Nature could say, Homines viles non constituantur Sacerdotes propter honorem qui religioni & majestati divine dcbetur. Arist. Polit. l. 7. c. 9.and not of the Tribe of Levi (for the Levites had left him and his Calves, and went to Ierusalem, 2 Chron. 11. 13, 14.) men of his own party, and such as joyned with him in carrying on his state-design. Like Lettice, like lips;Decebat vilissimos homines, ut vilissimos haberent Sacerdotes. A Lapide. fit Chaplains for such Calves, or rather Devils, as they are called, 2 Chron. 11. 15.

Quest. But what saith the Lord to all this?

Answ. Why this became a sin to the house of Ieroboam, even to destroy it from the Earth, 1 King. 13. ult. It was a sin, a sin with a witness, a notorious, hainous, complicated sin, that had many other sins in the belly of it; it was a sin committed against great Light (for hee had the Prophets, Ahijah, Semaja and Iddo to instruct him) and against great Love, for the Lord had raised him from a servant to be King, and that over his own people Israel, and had instructed him what hee should do, and how hee should walk, that hee might prosper, yet hee most ungratefully forsakes the God of his mercies, to follow Calves, and Devils, contrary to the express command of God, that they should nor make any graven Image, to worship it. It was also against the Judgement of God on their Progenitors, whom they knew God had cut off for making such an Idol p. 117as the golden Calf. Besides, hee changed the time, the place, the manner of Gods worship, 1 King. 12. 32, 33. and to incourage the people the more in these exorbitant waies, hee himself usurps the Priests Office, and offers upon the Altar, which none but such as God had set apart for that work might do. Yet more, this sin was a scandal and ruine to all Israel, it drew them from God, and made the Lord to divorce them, Hos. 2. 2. Yea some of Iudah also were infected with this Idolatry, 2 King. 17. 19. and therefore Ieroboam is so often famed with that infamous Title, and branded to posterity, with a This is that Jeroboam, the Son of Nebat, that made Israel to sin. See more in B. Halls Contemplations. l. 18. p. 1175, &c. folio.This is hee, that by his Example, Precepts, and Power, drew the people from God. Hee was the first Author of this Idolatry, others were but Accessaries. This was that indelible sin which could never bee removed from him, nor his house, nor from Israel, till it brought them all into captivity.

OBSERVATIONS.

1 Idolatry rents a Kingdome in peeces.

Solomon fell to Idolatry, and now ten Tribes fall from his immediate Successor Rehoboam, his Son, to Ieroboam his Servant.

2 God is most true in his Threatnings.

Hee threatned to rend ten Tribes from Solomon, for his Idolatry, and here hee performs it, 1 King. 11. 31, 33, …5.

3 A mutinous body cannot long want a head.

If Israel cast off their true Soveraign, they will chuse a false one rather than fail. If they forsake Reh…boam the true heir,See my Comment on Psal. 82. 1.Ps 82:1 they will have a Ieroboam, though hee ruine them. Tyranny is better than Anarchy, and a bad Ruler better than none at all.

4 Carnal men are very industrious to get and keep the Kingdomes of this world.

How doth Ieroboam bestir himself here? Hee builds himself a Palace in Sechem, and plants a garrison in Penuel; hee invents a flesh-pleasing worship, false Priests, false Paths, and all to establish himself (as hee thought) the faster in the Throne.

p. 118Now, shall carnal men bee so industrious for earthly Kingdomes, and shall wee take no pains for a heavenly one? shall they labour thus for things that perish, and thus eagerly pursue what they cannot keep? and shall not wee labour for heavenly and enduring riches? shall the Kingdomes of the Earth suffer violence, and do the violent take them by force? and shall not the Kingdome of Heaven suffer violence, and wee bee more zealous for it?

5 The Visible Church in this world is subject to many changes.

One while it flourisheth, and anon it is clouded; one while it is famous, and anon it is infamous; now it is united under a Solomon, anon it is divided under a Rehoboam. The seven Churches of Asia, whose fame sounded thorow the world, are at this day a desolation. The Invisible Church, the Elect of God, shall never perish, they shall never fall totally and finally, because their seed abides in them: But a Visible Church may fall away utterly, and come to nothing. Shee that was visibly the Spouse of Christ, may become a harlot, as Rome hath done.

6 Great men, if they bee not good men, do abundance of hurt.

If Ieroboam the King bee an Idolater, hee will infect all his Successors, his Idolatry, like an incurable Leprosie, cleaved to all the nineteen Kings of Israel, and they drew all the people with them. Magnates sunt magnetes, Great mens actions are all examples, and their examples Laws; what men see, sinks deeper into them, than what they hear. Segnius irritant animos, &c.

One sinner (especially if in authority) destroies much good. It is the Rulers of a people that ofttimes make them to erre,Quales in Rep. Principes, tales reliquos solere …sse Cives, dixit Cicero. Isa. 3. 12. The more potent the sinner, the more mischief hee doth; they have greater power,V. My Comment on Psal. 82. 1.Ps 82:1 and more able instruments at hand to promote their sinful designs. Hence Ieroboam is never mentioned, but with a train after him. If a Ruler hearken to lyes, all his servants will bee wicked, they will do as the Master doth, and think they do well, Prov. 29. 1….

7 The Vulgar are very unstable.

p. 119No sooner are Ieroboams Calves up, but Israel is down upon their knees; Their worship follows immediately upon their erection. How suddenly do men follow the Religion of their Rulers, bee it what it will! Like beasts they follow their Leader, not considering which way they ought to go, but looking which way their Rulers go.

8 Ring-leaders in sin are abominable to God.

The Seduced, that follow in simplicity, are to bee pittied; but the Seducers, that wilfully mis-lead others, should bee severely punisht. How oft is Ieroboam branded with this ignominious Title to posterity, for drawing Israel into sin, with a This is that Ieroboam, V. my Comment on … Tim. 4. 10. Obs. 6. p. 426.the Son of Nebat, who made Israel sin. The memorial of such wicked ones shall rot, and bee as loathsome as dung upon the earth, 1 King. 14. 10.

9 Evil company is very infectious.

Israel sojourned in Egypt, and made one Calf; Ieroboam sojourned in Egypt, and hee sets up two. Ahaz going to Damascus, to the King of Assyria, the better to ingratiate himself with him, hee brings from thence a new-fashioned Altar, 2 King. 16. 10, 11, 12.See more in my Comment on 2 Tim 3. 5. p. 140.2 Tim 3:5 When people are mingled amongst the Heathen, then they learn their works, Psal. 106. 36.

10 Superstition is a sottish thing, Jer. 10. 8, 14.

It puts out the eye of Reason; before it makes men Idolaters, it unmans men. As the Syrians were first blinded, and then carried into the midst of Samaria: So are Idolaters first bereft of their wits and common sense, and then they fall to worship Calves, O Sanctas gentes quibus haec nascuntur in hort is Numina, Juven. Sat. 15. V. Mr. Clerks Mirrour, chap. 128. Edit ult.Stocks, Stones, Bones, Reliques, Cats, Dogs, Crocodiles, Hawks, Sun, Moon, Onions, Leeks. What more brutish than a Calf? none but hee who ascribes reason,No wonder if such bee brutish, who have made a Calf their God. help and divinity to such unreasonable things. Many think they worship God under such forms, but hee expresly tells them, they worship Devils, 2 Chron. 11. 15. So Deut. 32. 17. Psal. 106. 37. 1 Cor. 10. 20.

11 Superstition is lavish.

Ieroboam sets not up Iron, or Brazen, but Golden Calves; not doth hee onelyonly gild them over, but they must bee made of massie, molten Gold, cast into the fashion of Calves. The p. 120basest metal is too good for such gods, but the best of metals must make them, Exod. 32. 3. Ier. 10. 4, 9. Dan. 3. 1. Hosea 8. 4. Hab. 2. 19. Idolaters spare no cost about their Idols, They lavish gold out of the bag, and wastfully spend their treasure upon these worthless vanities, Isa. 46. 6. Exod. 32. 3. Ezek. 16. 33. Hos. 8. 4. They neglect, yea carve and cut their bodies to serve their Idols, Col. 2. 23. 1 King. 18. 28. and spend whole daies in their service, vers. 29. and which is more, they will offer their very children in sacrifice to them, Psal. 106. 37. Ezek. 16. 27.

12 Will-worship is no worship in Gods esteem.

Ieroboam here sets up a Temple, an Altar, Ceremonies, and Priests of his own devising, but God rejects them all, and tells them, that for all their Temple, they had forgotten him, and provok'd him to wrath with their abominations,Mr. Crostons Serm. on Joshua 22. 19. and Mr. Strongs 32. Serm. p. 471, 472.Josh 22:19 Hos. 8. 14. God cannot indure that men should set their Altars by his Altars, and their thresholds by his thresholds, Ezek. 43. 8. Idolaters think they do God good service, when all their service incenseth him, Ezek. 6. 9. Isa. 7. 11, to 16.

13 No mercies can work on wicked men.

Let favour be shewed to them, yet they will not learn righteousness. Isa. 26. 20. God raiseth Ieroboam from a servant to be King of Israel, sends the Prophet Abijah to tell him how hee should walk and prosper, 1 King. 14. 7. but he ungratefully forsakes the God of his mercies, and falls down to golden Calves, and worships them: One would think the more men had, the better they should bee, and the more wages they had, the more work they should do, but such is the corruption of our natures, that usually the more wee have, the worse wee bee; the higher in honour, the further from God. When Gods people are once become Lords, then they refuse to come near him,solus imperantiun…tatus in melius Vespatianus. Tacitus. Ier. 2. 31. Like Esops Hen the better shee was fed, the worse shee laid. Fulness breeds forgetfulness; when Ephraim was fed in a fat pasture, hee grows proud, and forgets God, Hos. 13. 6.

14 Wicked men are obstinate and incorrigible.

No judgement works on Jeroboam; let his hand wither, the Altar rend, his Armies bee routed, his plots defeated, the loss of his Kingdome, and utter destruction of him and his be foretold, yet hee is Jeroboam still, and persists in his wickedness p. 121after all this, 1 King. 13. 3, 4, 5, 33. Besides, hee could not bee ignorant how severely God punished the Israelites for the very same sin of worshipping the golden Calf. But wilful sinners are judgement proof, no plagues upon themselves, or others, can work upon them. It is this that aggravated Jeroboams sin, and made it out of measure sinful, that hee did not through infirmity, but wilfully hee sets up Idolatry, and therefore hee is said to devise a worship of his own head, the better to destroy the worship of God, and draw men from his Temple at Jerusalem, 1 King. 12. 28, 33. Now the more contrivement there is in sin, the worse it is, as wee see in David, David in ali is peccatis non ex mali animi instituto, sed sortuito & quodam casu vulous acceperat; negligentiae peccata erant, non mlignitatis. Theodoret.the kilsing of Vriah lyes as a blot upon him more than all his other sins, because there was more deliberation and contrivement in that, than in any of his other sins, 1 King. 15. 5.

15 The tolerating of such contemptible men, as are neither called, nor qualified for the work of the Ministry, to usurp the Ministry, is a God-provoking sin.

Ieroboam makes Priests of the lowest of the people, and this provokes the Lord to root up both him and his posterity, 1 King. 13. 33, 34.

16 Wicked men bring a curse on their posterity.

The poor children many times fare the worse for the fathers wickedness; not onelyonly is Ieroboam cut off, but all his posterity perish with him, 1 King. 15. 29, 30. [Of this see more before on vers. 16. Obs. 12.]

17 Carnal policy, is meer folly.

One grain of sincerity, and real honesty, will outweigh many mountains of shisting subtilty. It is hee onelyonly that walks uprightly, that walks surely. It is ill when Rulers are more careful of the State than of the Church, of civil policy, than the matters of God. When they dare not promote Religion for fear of troubling the State. God oft punisheth such selfishness with the loss of all. Ieroboam for politick respects, and self-ends, sets up Calves, as suiting better with his carnal projects, than the pure worship of God; hereby hee thought to get the hearts of the people, and settle p. 122the Crown faster on his head, and thereby hee lost all. His Calves deceived him, and cast him off, Hos. 8. 5 14. hee need not to have used such indirect courses, for hee had Gods hand for it, that hee should bee King, 1 King. 11. 31, 35, 37. But hee, like a Machiavellian, trusted more to his own policy, than to Gods promise, and hee prospered accordingly, for hee had war all his dayes, 1 King. 14. 30. And many of the Priests and people forsook him, and went to Ierusalem, and joyned with Iudah, where they might worship God in purity 2 Chron. 11. 13, 16. When men make Religion ftoop to their politick ends, and use it no further than it may either obtain, retain, or augment a Kingdome, such self-seekers, are self-destroyers, their end is miserable,Consilia callida prima specie laeta, tractatu dicra, eventu tristia. Liv. 1 King. 14. 9, 10, 11. Carnal plots and projects may bee kindled with hope, kept up with miserable shifts, but their end is doleful.

18 Idolatry brings war.

When men chuse New Gods, then war is in their gates, Iudg. 5. 8. If Ieroboam forsake God, and set up Idols, hee shall have war continually, 1 King. 14. 30. So had B…asha his Idolatrous Successor, 1 King. 15. 32.

19 It will not excuse wicked men in the day of wrath, to say, their Rulers lead them in wicked paths.

Such Ieroboams shall bee punisht, and Israel shall suffer with them, 1 King. 14. 15, 16. Wee may not follow great men, nor any men further than they follow Christ, unless wee mean to perish with them. [See more in my Comment on 2 Tim. 3. 9. Obs. 1. p. 190, 191.]

20 When the enemies of the Church are most high, then God cuts them off.

When Ieroboam is lifted up, trusting in his Idols, and in the multitude of his armies, hee sets upon Iudah both by force and fraud,Deus p…ape est, cum procul abesse videtur. intending to destroy him; but in the Mount the Lord appears, hee affrights the Israelites, and makes them fly, so that Iudah slew five hundred thousand of them, and the Lord struck Ieroboam that hee died, not an ordinary death, but hee died by a special hand of God, 2 Chron. 13. per totum. Wicked men shall not alwaies escape, their sin at last will finde them out.

p. 1232 Ieroboam being dead,Concerning. Chronological Doubts, I shall refer the Reader to Mr. Roberts his Key of the Bible on the first and second Book of Kings; my work is for Practicals. Nadab his Son succeeds him, both in the Throne, and in his sin; and therefore in the second year of his reign hee was slain, 1 King. 14. 20. & 15. 25, to 29.

Obs. 1 That wicked Parents many times have wicked children.

Usually, like Father, like Son, malus corvus, malum ovum. As they inherit their Fathers Lands, so many times their vices too. God often visits the sins of the Fathers upon their Children, because they are apt to imitate their sin, and to plead the example of their Ancestors, and Fore-fathers, especially in Idolatry, Ier. 11. 9, 10.

As a good man may have a wicked childe, but the promise is for him, that God will bee his God, and the God of his seed: So a wicked man may have a good son (as Ieroboam here hath a good Abijah, 1 King. 14. 13.) but the curse is due to him and his seed, hee hath no promise of such a blessing.

2 Wicked Rulers reign not long.

They have many temptations to wickedness,Dum patris exemplar potius quam divinam legem intuetur Nadab, & ipse sceleratus fuit, & quod scelerati solent reges, populum ad peccandum induxit, & aluit audaciam; quare non diu vixit. Sanctius. and have more opportunities to vent it, than inferiour persons have, and so are sooner ripe for ruine, as wee shall see in the following Kings.

3 Baasha having slain Nadab, gets into the Throne himself, and to make sure work, hee first cuts off all the house of Ieroboam (as the Lord had threatned) yet because hee had no command from God to do it, as Iehu had, nor was inwardly incited by his Spirit to do it, as Ehud was, but traiterously for base self-ends to get the Kingdome to himself, hee slew him, and therefore God chargeth him with murder, and saith, hee killed him,Exaltare de pulvere extremam significat conditionem illius qui ex pulvere excitari dicitur: In pulvere enim sedere dicuntur miseri, abjecti, sordidi, quique extrema naturae patiuntur incommoda. Sanctius. 1 King. 15. 7. yet God is said to raise Baasha from the dust, p. 124for though the treachery and murder was Baasha's, yet the power and disposing of the Kingdome was from God. In his daies lived the Prophet Iehu, Hanani, and Azariah; yet hee hath the common But and Blot put upon him, That hee also did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walkt in the way of Ieroboam, and made Israel sin, 1 King. 15. 29, 30, 33, 34. Hee overthrew the house of Ieroboam, and God over-threw his house, according to the Prophecy of Iehu, 1 King. 16. 1, 2, 3, 4. Hee reigned four and twenty years.

Obs. 1. God wants not instruments to punish wicked men.

If Ieroboams posterity must bee rooted up, hee hath a Baasha at hand ready to do it. Though this wicked man had ambitious ends of his own, yet hee doth Gods work, 1 King. 22. 20, 21. and fulfils his will; wicked men oft break the will of Gods Commandement,These permissive Acts of Providence are no warrant nor security for such Acts of Injustice. and yet fulfil the will of Gods Decree. They serve his purpose and providence Materially, when Formally and Intentionally they seek themselves. As Iosephs Brethren did in selling Ioseph; and the Babylonians, when they carried the Jews into captivity; and the Jews in crucifying Christ, Act. 4. 27, 28. Per accidens, they did Gods will, but perse, their own.

2 God often warns even wicked men before hee simte them.

God sends the Prophet Iehu here to tell Baasha of the evil that shall befall him before it comes.

3 Wicked men are ungrateful men.

Baasha here sins against God, who had exalted him from the dust, and raised him from a contemptible condition, to bee a Prince over Israel; But hee, instead of worshipping and acknowledging the God of his mercies, worships Calves. This sinning against mercy is often noted as a sad aggravation of sin.See my Comment on 2 Tim, 3. 2. p. 19 As in Saul, 1 Sam. 15. 17. In David, 2 Sam. 12. 7, 8. and Asa, 2 Chron. 16. 7, 8.

4 God is most true in his Threatnings.

Not one of them shall fall to the ground unfulfilled. God threatned to root up the house of Ieroboam, and now it is done; Hee threatned to root up Baasha's posterity, and it is done, 1 King. 16. 3, 11. As all the Promises of God are most true, and shall in due time bee fulfilled: so all his Threatnings are most true, and shall in their time bee fulfilled.

p. 1255 Idolatry brings judgement upon a mans posterity.

No sin sooner than this, as appears by the second Commandement. Ieroboam thought to have setled the Kingdome on his posterity, but his Idolatry roots up his family and the Kingdome is transferred to another stock. So true is that, Isa. 14. 20. The seed of evil doers shall never bee renowned. Bildad speaking of the calamities of the wicked, saith, They shall neither have Son nor Nephew amongst the people, Job 18. 19. Their fruit shall bee destroyed from the Earth, and their seed from amongst the children of men, Psal. 21. 10. & 37. 28. & 109. 13.

6 Parity in sin brings parity in punishment.

Baasha walks in Ieroboams steps, and meets with Ieroboams plagues; his house is ruined, as the house of Ieroboam was. Baasha cut off Ieroboams seed, and Zimri cuts off his, 1 King. 16. 3, 4, 9.

4 Baasha being dead, Elah the wicked Son of a wicked Father succeeds him. Hee reigns two years current, and is slain by his servant Zimri in the very act of drunkenness, 1 King. 16. 9.A Conque. rour that will securely injoy what hee hath wonn, must root up the former stock (say Politicians.) Hence Herod killed the Infants, to make all sure. and that there might none bee left to avenge his death, Zimri slaies all his house, friends and kindred, v. 11, 12. and this hee did presently, that hee might not bee prevented, as indeed he had been, for within few daies himself was burnt, v. 13.

Quest. But why was Elah thus punisht?

Answ. For the sins of his Father, and for his own sins wherewith hee made Israel to sin, v 13.

Obs. 1 God sometimes smites wicked men dead in the very act of their sin.

So hee did Elah here in his drunkenness; so hee did Am…, 2 Sam. 13. 28, 29.V. Mr. Clerks Mirrour. ch. 42. And Belshazzar, Dan. 5. 2, 30. When wicked men are most secure, then judgement is nearest; when men least dream of death, then it comes and arrests them, Luk. 12. 20.

It is infinite patience that the Lord bears with any of us. The Angels sinned but once, and they were cast out of Heaven. …dam sinned but once, and was cast out of Paradise; p. 126wee have multiplied transgressions, and yet behold wee live. Admire the riches of Gods patience, and let it lead us to repentance, else that God which slew Elah in the act of his sin, may also slay thee; hee that slew Zimri and Cozbi in the act of uncleaanness, if thou act such wickedness, may slay thee; hee that made the Earth to devour Corah, and his followers, for their opposing Moses and Aaron, will not alwaies bear with our revilers of Magistracy and Ministery.

Obs. 2 When wee rebel against God, then men rebel against us.

If Elah rise against his Lord and Master in Heaven, Zimri his servant shall rise against Elah his Lord and Master on Earth. So Ioash and Ammon two wicked Kings of Iudah, were slain by their own servants. All creatures are Gods servants; if their Lord bee against us, they are against us, if hee bee for us, they are for us. This is the reason why subjects are more seditious and rebellious in Popish and Heathenish Countries, it is because their Rulers rebel against God; and therefore God in his just judgement stirs up some to rebel against them.

3 Idols are vanities.

Elah provoked God to anger with his vanities, (vers. 13.) i. e. With his Idols. Idol-gods in Scripture are oft called Vain things, Tohu inanitas, & Elilim nihilitates. Isa. 2. 8. [Ezek. 30. 13.Isa 2:8Ezek 30:131 Sam. 12. 21. and Vanity, Deut. 32. 21. Jer. 8. 19. Isa. 41. 28. Nothing, 1 Cor. 8. 4. An Idol is something, Materially, It is not, Nihil negativum, but, Nihil privativum, there is no relation between God and it; or it is, Nihil essectivum, it can do nothing. Weems.it is wood, stone, brass, or gold, but Formally, it is nothing. They have nothing of a God in them, their Deity wholly consisteth in the Idolaters vain opinion, 2 They can neither do good nor evil, they can neither hurt nor help, and so are nothing, Psal. 115. 5. and Isa. 41. 23. and therefore the confidence that is placed in them is a vain confidence, and they that serve them, are bereft of true understanding, in which respect they are said to bee vain, 2 King. 17. 15.

5 Zimri having slain his Master,Perpetuam ignominiam brevissima fruitione bonorum cadu…orum emit. gate into his Throne. Hee had been but seven daies in it, when to save the Executioner a labour, hee burns himself with the Royal Palace, that neither hee nor it might fall into his enemies hands. This may p. 127bee counted in our daies Roman, but it is no Christian, nor commendable valour. When dangers beset us, wee should humble our selves before God, and beseech him, either to mitigate the affliction, or to give us strength to bear it, and then bee it what it will, wee may bid it welcome.

Obs. 1 Tyrants and Traitors usually reign not long.

Zimri's date is but seven daies. The Roman Emperours were cruel and tyrannical; of sixty three, Ad generum Cereis sine caede & vulnere pauci Descendunt Reges, ac sicca morte Tyranni. Juven. Saty. 10.onelyonly six of them died a natural death. As if they had been exalted to those seats for no other end (saith one) Nisi ut …itius interficerentur, Regna vi & scelere parta non sunt diuturna.that their daies might bee shortened. No violent thing is permanent; wee seldome see an old Tyrant; though for a time by fraud and force they may shift, yet in the end divine Justice findes them out.

2 Wicked men are Gods Rod.

And when it hath done Gods work, the Rod is burnt. So it was with Zimri here, God raised him up to cut off Baasha's stock, and when that is done, himself is cast into the fire.

3 No fortifications can preserve wicked men from destruction.Nulla impiis tuta latebra, cum malis ubique male sit. Em. Thesaurus.

Zimri gets into Tirzah, a fortified City, and then into the Kings Palace there, and there hee burns. Had wee all the power and policy of all the Princes and Politicians of the world for us, yet if God bee against us, these cannot help us, Prov. 31. 30. There is no wisdome nor counsel against the Lord.

4 Such as have been cruel to others, are oft-times cruel to themselves.

Zimri had slain his Master, and now hee slaies himself. Saul a bloody Persecutor, at last becomes his own Executioner,Sardanapalus effaeminatus victus in Regiam se recepit, ubi extructa pyra se & divitias s…as in incendium mittit, hoc solo imitatus vicum. Justin. l. 1. 1 Sam. 31. 4. So did Nero, Dioclesian, Sardanapalus, and others. Murderers, especially of their Relations, and Masters, seldome escape in this life, without some signal hand of divine Justice against them; Even Iesabel could say to Iehu, Zimri Tyrannus ambiens a…lam, invenit urnam, … ascondens in Regiam resil…it in Pyram. A Lapide.Had Zimri peace that slew his Master? 2 King. 9. 31. i. e. hee had no peace, nor did hee enjoy the benefit of his conspiracy, for hee was soon cut off.

p. 128The Question then will bee, Whether it bee unlawful for a man to kill him self by fire, water, sword, or halter, &c?

Answ. It is utterly unlawful, and that for these Reasons.

1 It is against the Law of God, which expresly forbids killing of others, much more of our selves.

2 It is against the Law of Nature, which teacheth every creature to love and preserve its own life.

3 It is against the Law of Nations, which sets a brand of infamy upon such as rob the Common-wealth of its subjects in this kinde. Achitophel and Iudas, with others, are branded to posterity for it.

4 Wee are not Lords of our lives,Sicut in h…c vitam non spont… nostra … ita rursus ex domicilio corporis quod tuendum nobis est assignatum, ejusdem jussu recedendum est qui nos in hoc cerpus induxit, tamdiu habitaturos donce jubeat emitti. Lactant. to dispose of them as wee please, but wee are all set in this world, as in an army, where every one must keep his station, till the great Lord general of us all shall call us thence.

[See more in Syms against Self-murder, Downams Warfare, l. 2. c. 2. p. 70, to 82. B. Halls CC. Dec. 2. c. 10. p. 150. Brochmand CC. Tom. 2. p. 130. Sayrus CC. p. 425. Basenbanum CC. in sextum Praecept. p. 213.]

5 Wicked men are dis-ingenuous men.See my Comment on 2 Tim. 3. 2. p. 69.2 Tim 3:2

They deal unworthily oft-times with those that advance them to honour. Elah had made Zimri Captain of half his Chariots, 1 King. 6. 9. and hee to requite the favour, kills his Lord and Master, and that cowardly, when hee was full of drink, and so unable to help himself; and cruelly, for dying in his drunkenness hee was a means to kill both body and soul.Si jus & sides violanda est, Regn… causa v…olanda …st. Men hardly care what they do, so they may get Kingdomes. swear and forswear, poison Fathers, slay Brothers, kill Masters, do any thing for a Crown. The Popes of …ome, what witchcraft and wicked practices did they not use to get the Popedome?

6 Wicked men may plot and project, but God disposeth.

Zimri cuts off all the house of Elah, even his kindred and p. 129all, that so hee might enjoy the Kingdome quietly without molestation; and when hee hath done all, hee misseth it, God gives it to another. Zimri beat the bush, but Omri caught the bird.

6 Tibni is chosen King by the people that sate at home, who disdained that the souldiers in the field should without the consent of the rest of the people, set up a King; they therefore would not submit to Omri, whom the souldiers made King, and the souldiers would not depart from their choice, thereupon they were divided, which division and contest lasted about four years, till Tibni died (as it is conceived) an untimely death, and then the souldiers being armed, and too strong for the people, set up Omri, 1 King. 16. 21, 22, 23.

Obs. It is no new thing to see States and Kingdomes divided.

The people are for Tibni, and the souldiers for Omri; one is for a King, another for a Council; one for a Protector, another for a Free-State; one for a Dictator, another for an Emperor, &c. So it was oft amongst the Romans, and so it is now amongst us.Romano imperio accidit ut milites non sequerentur suffragia Senatus in designando Imperatore, sed suo arbitrio plerumque utebantur. Mobile Vulgus, the Vulgar are alwaies like themselves, unstable as water.

7 Tibni being dead, Omri reigns quietly; hee buyes the Hill of Samaria, and builds a City thereon, which came to bee the Mettopolis of the Land, and the place of the Kings Court and residence; for Zimri having burnt the Royal Palace in Tirzah, Omri resides in Samaria, which was stronger than Tirzah, as appears by the three years siege which it endured. This wicked man being exalted to the Throne, walks in the steps of his wicked predecessors, and exceeds them in wickedness; for the Text tells us, That hee did worse than all that were before him, 1 King. 16. 25.

1 Because hee persisted in his Idolatry, notwithstanding all the judgements of God which hee had seen upon his predecessors.

2 Because hee did with more violence force and press the people to Idolatry; hence wee read of the Statutes of Omri, p. 130viz. concerning their Idolatrous worship of the golden Calves, Micah 6. 16.

Obs. 1 There is no stability in earthly things.

They are vain, uncertain, mutable. One while the Royal Court is in the City of Sechem, anon it is removed to Tirzah, and then to Iezreel, and at last Samaria is the Metropolis, 2 King. 8. 29.

2 The successors of wicked men many times exceed their predecessors in wickedness.

Omri here is worse than all that were before him. So the Scholars of Arminius and Socinus, have out-erred their Masters. The Anabaptists and Separatists of our times, are far more erronious than they were in Episcopal times. Errbrs in the first concoction, are not amended in the second. As good men do improve the choice notions of their predecessors to Gods honour: so wicked men do improve the corrupt principles and practices of their wicked predecessors to God dishonour.

3 Wicked men are obstinate in sin.

Nothing works upon them. Let Ieroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri bee plagued, both they and their posterity for their Idolatty, yet Omri stirs not, unless it bee to evil, but hee is Omri still, as Idolatrous, as vile, yea worse than ever.

8 Omri after twelve years reign, dies, and Ahab the wicked Son of a wicked Father succeeds him.Pessimi Patris, pessimus Filius. Hee reigns two and twenty years, and is a Non-such for wickedness.How hee exceeded all his predecessors in wickedness, in twelve particulars, see our large Annot, on 1 King. 16. 33.1 Kgs 16:33 All the Kings of Israel before him, and after him, were bad, but none so abominable as Ahab, who sold himself to do evil, 1 King. 16. 30, 31, 32, 33. A good man may bee Passively sold under sin against his will, as Paul complains hee was, Rom. 7. 14. But Ahab here Actively sold himself wittingly and wilfully, as a slave to the service of Satan, the lusts of the flesh, and the cursed plots of his wife. So that I cannot but wonder at a learned Commentator of our times, who makes Paul to bee like Ahab, that sold himself to wickedness, Rom. 7. 14.

No man had better Prophets in his daies to instruct him, p. 131(as Elijah, Elisha, Micah, and a hundred which Obadiah hid, by fifty in a cave, from his wives fury) nor more Miracles to convince him, nor more signal Victories and deliverances to endear him; yet this Ahab, thus blest, sets up Idolatry, stones Naboth, gets his Vineyard, persecutes the Prophets and people of God, counrenanceth eight hundred and fifty false Prophets; to Ieroboams Idolatry, hee adds the worship of Baal in the Mountain of Samaria, which was far worse than the Idolatry of Ieroboam, for though they had Idols, yet they pretended to worship the true God, but in this they worshipped Baal himself, as appears by that speech of Elijah, of Baal bee God, implying that they esteemed him so.

2 Ieroboam erected the golden Calves, to preserve the Kingdome to himself, but Ahab peaceably possest the Kingdome, yet desiberately hee sets up more Idols.

3 Hee knew the Zidonians were great worshippers of Baal, yet hee fears not to match with a Iesabel there, that stirred him up to a greater height of wickedness, 1 King. 21. 25. shee was a proud, cruel, cursed Idolatress, a fierce persecutor of Gods people, and a great promoter of the worship of Baal; hence St. Iohn calls that false Prophetess that seduced so many to uncleanness and Idolatry, Iesabel, Rev. 2. 20. And Iehu chargeth her with whoredome and witchcraft. This Ahab was slain in battel by the Syrians, the doggs lick his blood, and hee is buried in Samaria his chief City, and his posterity is cursed after him, 1 King. 21. 22, 23, 24.

Obs. 1 Wicked Parents many times have wicked children.

An Idolatrous Omri hath an Idolatrous Ahab. As I have shewed before.

2 Succeeding Idolaters oft-times exceed their predecessors in wickedness.

Ieroboam was naught, Omri worse, but Ahab worst of all, hee is a Non-such for wickedness; No King of Israel before him, nor after him, like him for wickedness.

3 Great sins seldome go alone.

Ahab here is first an Idolater, then an Oppressor, a Murderer, a Persecutor, &c. and what not? As there is a concatenation of virtues,V. Comment on 2 Tim▪ 3. 20 p. 21.2 Tim 3:20 2 Pet. 1. 5, 6, 7. So usually of vices. Great sins, like great men, have many followers, as I have proved at large elsewhere.

p. 1324 The best Preachers cannot work upon hardened sinners.

Ahab had Elijah a man of fire, fit for those cold times, one that had wrought many great Miracles, and boldly reproves him to his face for his wickedness; besides Elisha, and others, and yet hee is Ahab still. When once men are given up to hardness of heart, not all that Mount Sinah, Ne pergas quaerere quid sit co… durum, sinon expavisti, tuum est. Bernard.or Mount Sion can afford, not all the curses of the one, nor all the promises of the other, can do any good. Of all the plagues, therefore, take heed of the plague of a hard heart. On this side Hell there is not a sorer judgement, and therefore when the Church prayes for a direful curse upon her incurable enemies, it is this, Lam. 3. 65. Give them sorrow of heart, or as the margin reads it, Obstinacy and hardness of heart, thy curse upon them.

[See the danger of a hard heart, Mr. Marshals Serm. on Zach. 7. 12. Dyke on Scandals, p. 88. Bain Epist. 7. A Lapide on Exod. 7. 3. Sibbs Cordials, p. 14. Hierom 1. part. p. 457, and 462. Downams Guide, in fine, p. 8. and 72. H…okers Guide of Saints, p. 98.]

5 Wicked men sell themselves to do wickedly.

They are not Passively sold under sin against their wills, and the bent of their souls, as the regenerate are, Rom. 7. 14. But they Actively give up themselves unto it. As a servant is not, sui juris, at his own dispose, but is a living instrument to work for his Master: so a wicked man that hath given up himself a servant to sin, is not now himself, but hee must plod, contrive, and act for sin with all his might, though hee ruine himself by it, Rom. 6. 16. Thus it was with Ahab here, hee had not hired himself out to sin for a week, a month, a year, but hee had wholly sold himself as a slave for ever to the service of sin and Satan; so that hee could neither think, speak, or act any thing, but what had a tendency to sin. Hee was a King, and by his place hee should have ruled others,Tu servus servorum es, iis enim …upiditatibus quibus tu inservis, ego impero. but alass, hee was so enthralled to sin, that hee could not rule himself. Diogenes could upbraid Alexander for his lusts. I am the King (saith Diogenes) and thou art the slave, for I rule over those lusts that rule over thee.

p. 1336 Misery attends Idolatry.

Ahab sets up Baal, and God pulls down him. How can they expect Peace on Earth, that fight with Heaven? The Kingdome is now troubled, Samaria besieged, a famine in the Land, no dew nor rain for three years and a half; Ahab and Iesabel are slain, and Ahabs seventy Sons cut off. These, these are the fruits of Idolatry, and forsaking God. It is worth observing, what Tumults, Treasons, Treachery, King-killing, Wars, and changing of the Royal Lines there was throughout the reign of these Idolatrous Kings of Israel. Solomon, that first set up Idolatry, had three enemies upon him. 1 Hadad the Edomite. 2 Rezin King of Damascus. 3 Ieroboam his servant. So, when Ioram King of Iudah walked in the waies of Idolatrous Ahab, then Edom and Libnah revolt from him, 2 King. 8. 18, 20. But on the contrary, see what success and renown Iudah had, who was more faithful to God. They had nineteen Kings of Israel, all of the same stock, succeeding each other; whereas among the twenty Kings of Israel, there were ten several Kings, and they of several stocks, and they frequently destroyed each other to get into the Throne, and lived not long, whereas Asa, one of the good Kings of Iudah, out-lived Ieroboam, Nadab, Baasha, Elah, Zimri, Tibni, Omri, and some part of Ahabs time.

7 It is a fore judgement to have an evil Wife.

Ahab was wicked, but his Iesabel made him worse, 1 King. 21. 25. Hee was so awed by her, and such a slave to her, that what ever shee would have done (bee it never so vile) hee durst not but do it.Indignum facinus quod Ahab metu aliquo detentus non audebat, astu & ausu plusquam femineo concip…t & consicit Iesabel. Paroeus. Ahab wanted neither wit nor wickedness, and yet hee is in both a very novice to this Zidonian Dame. There needs no other Devil than Iesable, whether to project evil, or to act it;Sylla & Charybdis S…cula contorquens freta m…nus est timenda, nulla est serocior fera. Seneca in Heicule O…teo. shee chides the pusillanimity of her dejected Husband, and perswades him that his rule cannot bee free, unless it bee licentious, and that there should bee not bounds for soveraignty,V. B. Halls Contemplations, p. 1215. folio. but will. As our English Seneca excellently. As a good wife is a choice mercy, Prov. 19. 14. So an ill wife is a sore judgement. As a good wife will incite a man to goodness; so an evil one will bee provoking to wickedness. Solomon p. 134the wisest of men, how was hee besotted by his Idolatrous wives? into what sin and mifery did they draw him? 1 King. 11. 3, 7, 8, 9. And this helpt to ruine Iehoram, in that hee had the Daughter of Ahab to his Wife, Mulier est viscus toxicatum quo Diabolus aucupatur. August.2 King. 8. 18. As you love your souls, take heed of matching with an Idolatress; it is an abomination for Gods people so to do. Ezra 9. 14. Neh. 13. 6. Mal. 2. 11. Israel hath committed an abomination, why? what hath hee done? why, hee hath married the Daughter of a strange God. When Pompey would have ensnared Cato, by bestowing one of his Daughters on him, hee wisely answered,Contra Mulie res malas consulite sultis. A Lapide, in 1 Reg. 11. 4. & in Apocal. 2. 20. And Mr. Osburns Advice to a Son, ch. 2. p. 34, & 70.1 Kgs 11:4Rev 2:20 Se per mulieres capi non posse, Hee would not bee ensnared by women.

8 The God whom wee serve, is a bountious God.

There is no man shall serve him for nought, (what ever wicked men say to the contrary, Mal. 3. 14.) If Ahab, one of the wickedest men that ever lived, an Idolater, an Oppressor, a Murderer, a Persecutot, yet if this wicked man do but humble himself, though it bee but hypocritically, and onelyonly for fear of punishment, hee shall have a reward answerable to his service; the evils threatned shall bee deferred, and hee shall have a temporary deliverance answerable to his temposary humiliation. Wee should have thought, if so vile a wretch should have rent his flesh, torn off his hair, and wept rivers of tears, yet God should rather have killed him,V. D. Sandersons Serm. ad populum, on 1 King. 22. 29.1 Kgs 22:29 than spared him. But Gods thoughts are not like our thoughts; if the shadow can do so much, what will not the substance do? if God so far reward an unsound, what will hee not do for sincere service? Again, wee see here that grief is not alwaies a sign of grace; Ahab rends his cloaths, but not his heart; hee puts on sackcloath, but not amendment; hee walks softly, but not sincerely; worldly sorrow causeth death.Ambulabat demisso capite, hee went softly. i. e. Hee did not go so proudly up and down as formerly, but hee went softly and sadly, poorly and meanly. Happy is that grief which makes the soul holier.

9 Our God is a patient God.

p. 135Hee bears long with the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction; See more concerning A…ab, in B. Halls Contemplations, l. 19. Contempl: 1, 2, 3. mihi. p. 1209, &c.what man could have born two and twenty daies with Ahabs provocations? yet the Lord lets him reign two and twenty years.

The ninth King of Israel is Ahaziah, Ahabs Son, who reigned ill two years, walking in the waies of Ieroboam, Ahab, and Iesabel, and those waies were as bad as bad could bee, 1 King. 22. 52, 53. Hee rebels against God, and Moab rebels against him, in his sickness hee sleights the true God, and goes to Baal-zebub the God of Ekron, See more in B. Halls Contemplations. l. 19. p. 1221.for help, hee persecutes Elijah, and dies, 2 King. 1. 1, 2, 3, 9, 15, 17.

10 Iehoram, alias Ioram, a second Son of Ahab succeeds his Brother Ahaziah, who had no children. Evil hee was, yet not so evil as his Father and Mother, for hee pulls down the Image of Baal, 2 King. 3. 1, 2, 3. Yet there is a But and Blot upon him, vers. 3. But hee persisted in the waies of Ieroboam. Hee is wounded by the Syrians, and slain by Iehu, after hee had reigned twelve years, 2 King. 9. 24.

Obs. 1 Where there is but some goodness, and some reformation, God takes notice of it, and commends it.

Hee takes notice, nor onelyonly of mens vices, but also of their virtues; if Abijah the Son of Ieroboam have but some good in him, it shall bee recorded and rewarded, 1 King. 14. 13. Many, like flyes, pass over the sound flesh, and light upon that which is galled; or like Beetles, they flye over all the flowers in a field, and if there bee any dung in it, that they creep into: So it is with most, they pry into mens infirmities, but pass by their Graces. But Christ did commend the Churches for what was good in them, as well as reprove them for their failings, Rev. 2. 3. Christ takes notice, not onelyonly of the grown fruit, but of the green buds, and tender Grapes, even of the beginnings of Grace in young converts, Cant. 2. 13. Hypocrisie is sullen, sowre, and censorious, especially to young beginners; but true Grace is meek, merciful and tender. It is our duty to acknowledge Grace, where ever wee finde it, be it in Jew or Gentile, in rich or poor, old or young. Where ever wee finde but aliquid Christi, some seeds of piety, and the fear of the Lord, wee should love and cherish it. Hence p. 136Christ commends Natharael (that had but some seeds of Grace) for his sincerity, Iohn 1. 47. The Centurion, though a Gentile, yet Christ commends him for his Faith, Matth. 8. 10. Christ took notice of such as did improve their Talents, and calls them good and faithful, Matth. 25. 21, 23. And Christ testifies of Mary, that shee loved much, Luk. 7. 47. Sad then is the condition of those that are so blinded with malice, that they cannot see the graces of God in others, without indignation; like Cain, that hated his Brother, because hee was better than himself, 1 Iohn 3. 12. Or like Ioshua, that was envious at Eldad, and Madad, for prophesying in the Camp, Numb. 11. 29. Wee may not bear false witness against our neighbour, but must acknowledge the Grace of God in them to his praise. Our eye must not bee evil, because Gods eye is good. It is the Devils work to bee the slanderer and accuser of the Brethren; let him do his work himself, Iob 1. 9, 10. Rev. 12. 10. But let us imitate our Saviour, who hath a tender care, not onelyonly of his strong rooted Oaks, and bright burning Tapers, but also of his weak, bruised Reeds, and smoaking Flax, though as yet it flame not, Mat. 12. 20. Yea, where there is but civility and common good, Christ takes notice of it, and commends it; when the young man came to Christ, (though hee had no true grace) yet it is said, Christ loved him, Mark. 10. 21. Hee also took notice of that discreet answer of that Scribe, Mark. 14. 34. and said to him, Thou art not far from the Kingdome of God. This should incourage us to bee active for Christ, who covers our infirmities, takes notice of our services, and will reward them openly.

2 Hypocrites reform to halves.

Iehoram suppresseth the worship of Baal, but continues the Idolatry of the golden Calves. Herod will reform many things, but his Herodias hee will not part withall. It is said of Naaman the Syrian that hee was a valiant man, But hee was a Leper. So, many go far, have good gifts, make great shews, But they are covetous, But they are disobedient, and will not do Gods will, Ezek. 33. 31. These Buts spoil all. They must have their Reservations,V. Dyke on the Heart. p. 134, &c. their Dispensations, their Dalilahs, their beloved lusts, though they perish with them.

p. 13711 Iehu the Son of Nimshi (for now the line of succession is again changed) having slain Ioram the Son of Ahab, gets up into his Throne. Hee is anointed King by a young Prophet, at Elisha's command, 1 King. 19. 16. and 2 King. 9. 6. 2 Chron. 22. 7. The reason why hee onelyonly of all the Kings of Israel (since the division) was anointed with Oyl, was this, because his work was hard and extraordinary, and therefore the Lord, to make him the more couragious, and confident, assures him, by this visible sign, that hee had called him, and hee would keep him in his office. Hee being an active, valiant, politick man, Commander in Chief over the Army in the City of Ramoth Gilead, and so, highly esteemed amongst the Captains and souldiers, was raised by God to execute his vengeance on the house of Ahab. Having slain Ahaziah King of Iudah, 2 King 9. 27. Hee then cuts off Iesabel, 2 King. 9. 30, 33. Causeth the seventy Sons of Ahab to bee beheaded, 2 King. 10. 6. Slaies two and forty of Ahaziah the King of Iudahs Brethren, 2 King. 10. 13, 14. And destroies all the Idols, Priests, and Worshippers of Baal; down go all his Monuments, hee burns his Images, destroies the house of Baal, and makes it a draught-house, 2 King. 10. 25, 26, 27, 28. This was good service, and such as God had commanded and approved of, and therefore the Lord promiseth him a reward for his service, viz. that his posterity to the fourth Generation, should sit upon his Throne, 2 King. 10. 30. Yet this But lies on him as a blot, that hee countenanced and practised that part of Idolatry which consisted in the faise worship of the true God, brought in by Ieroboam, who set up the Golden Calves, 2 King. 10. 29. And for this God punisheth him. 1 In his own daies, God smote him in all the coasts of Israel, 2 King. 10. 32, 33. And because his heart was not sound in what he did, but hee sought himself,Homines facientes ea quae Deus praecepit & vult, tamen peccant, nisi & mado legitimo & fine faciant, i. e. Ex side & studio obediendi Deo causae enim impulsiva & finales faciunt actionum diseimina. Paraeus. and the setling of the Kingdome upon himself and his posterity, and did tollerate Idolatry, therefore God threatens to punish him in his posterity after his death, and to avenge the blood of Iezreel upon the house of Iehu, Hos. 1. 4.

p. 138Hee reigns eight and twenty years, and then leaves the Kingdome to his Son.

Obs. 1 God transfers Kingdomes from one family to another, as pleaseth him.

Hee takes it from Ioram, and gives it to Iehu his servant, 2 King. …. Wee may not therefore free and murmure at Gods dispensations, but must bee dumb and silent, since it is hee who is King of Kings that doth it. Hee pulls down one, and sets up another in the Throne, and none may say unto him, what dost thou? Dan. 2. 21. & 4. 35.

2 The hearts of men are in the hand of God, and hee turns them as pleaseth him.

If hee set up Iehu, hee will give him in, the hearts of the people. It is wonderful to see that a Captain should so suddenly, and so unanimously become King of Israel. 1 The souldiers, they proclaim him at the City of Ramoth. Gilead, 2 King. 9. 13. 2 Hee goes to Iezr…el, and it yeelds. 3 Hee bids throw down Iesabel, and the Eunuchs presently do it, 2 King. 9. 32, 33. 4 Hee summons Samaria, and it submits. 5 Hee calls for the heads of Ahabs seventy Sons, and they are given him; hee can but ask, and have; as it is said of Caesar, Veni, vidi, vic…- hee no sooner came, but hee overcame. Thus shall it bee done to those whom God will honour.

3 What ever God threatneth or promiseth, shall certainly come to pass.

They are all Yea, and Amen, true and infallible; Heaven and E… shall fail, before one jot or tittle of Gods word shall fail, … all bee fulfilled, Matth. 5. 18. God threatned vengeance on the house of Ahab, and see how it is fulfilled in every particular. 1 The Lord threatens, that where the doggs lickt Naloths blood, there they should lick the blood of Ahab; see this fulfilled, 1 King. 22. 38. 2 That the doggs should eat Iesabel in the field of Iezreel; see it fulfilled, 2 King. 9. 35, 36. 3 That God would cut off Ahabs posterity, for his Idolatry, and wee see Ioram, and the seventy sons of Ahab all cut off; whereupon Iehu calls on the people to consider the truth of Gods threatnings, 2 King. 10. 7, 10. God hath threatned many judgements against disobedient ones, Deut. 28. 16, &c. And there is not one of them, but first or last, will light upon the heads of those that go on still in their sins.

p. 1392 The Lord promised Iehu, that his children should sit upon his Throne to the fourth Generation, and wee see it punctually performed, for after him reigned his four Sons, Jehoash, Joash, Jeroboam, and Zechariah. The Kingdome continued in his family about an hundred years.

4 Though God for a time may defer the fulfilling of his threatnings and promises, yet in his due time (when men think hee hath forgot, and imagine that God is like to them, and approves of all their doings) hee will arise and fulfil what ever hee hath said.

Though hee seldome come at our time, yet hee never fails his own, Hab. 2. 3. Heb. 10. 37. Hee lets Ahab reign two and twenty years, suffers Jesabel to stone Naboth, to slay his Prophets, to persecute his people; I, but see what havock Jehu makes amongst them, and how God recompenseth his patience with the fierceness of his fury, and suffers not one word to fail that hee spoke against them by the Prophet Elijah.

Let us therefore firmly beleeve the Word of God, and let us not faint in a time of trouble, for then our strength is but small, Prov. 24. 10. And let us not envy the prosperity of wicked men, nor fret when they seem to carry all before them, for they shall soon bee cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb, Psal. 37. 1, 2.

5 When God hath great works to do in the world, and great changes to make, hee raiseth up Instruments fitted for the work, and gives them a spirit of activity, wisdome and counsel to effect it.

If God will have Ahab, Jesabel, and Baal down, hee hath a Jehu at hand ready to perform it; God can no sooner command, but Jehu executes, Hee shoots Joram, slaies Ahaziah, kills Jesabel, cuts off the house of Ahab, and conquers all before him. No doubt but many cursed and mis-called him for this great slaughter and change; but hee came to do Gods work, and will, and hee doth it strenuously and successfully, in despite of all opposition that lay in his way. So good it is to act for God in our places and callings.

6 Idolatry is attended with war and misery.

Jehu walks in Jeroboms Idolatry, and see what follows, 2 King 10. 31, 32, 33. In those daies the Lord began to cut Israel short, and Hazael smote them in all the coasts of Israel, hee burnt their Cities, killed their young men, slaies their children, p. 140… ripped up the women with childe, and then the Moabites distress them on the other side, 2 King. 1. 1. and 3. 5. and 13. 20.

7 Obs. Sin besots men that they cannot see the misery which is coming on them.

Iehu knew how Gods hand was upon Jeroboam and his posterity, and Baasha and his posterity, and Ahab and his posterity for their Idolatry; yea; and Jehu himself was an executioner of Gods wrath upon the house of Ahab for this sin, and yet hee lived and dyed an Idolater himself, and brought a curse on his posterity, as his predecessors had done on theirs. It is strange that men should punish others for illegal, exorbitant courses, and breach of priviledges, and yet themselves bee notoriously guilty of the same crimes.

The Devil, and the ambitious desire of a Kingdome, had so blinded them, that they walked in the very steps of those wicked Kings which they had but newly slain. Hence God in his just judgement made them executioners of his wrath one upon another. Baasha slayes Ieroboams posterity, and Zimri slayes his, &c. Thus it was amongst the Romans, Iulius Caesar roots up Pompey, Brutus and Cassius, Iulius; and Aug…tus roots up them. The Senate pursued Nero, Otho, Galba; Vitellius, Otho; Vespatian Vitellus; Domitian, Titus; Nerva and Trajan, Domitian. Tyrants seldome dye in peace.

8 Obs. Rulers must destroy all the Monuments of Idolatry.

It is not sufficient that they destroy Baal, but they must down with his Temples Images, Groves, Priests, and all his appurtenances; so doth Iohu here, and so did God command, Deut. 12. 2, 3.Perde…di perdetis, Destroying yee shall destroy, i. e. yee shall utterly destroy. It is an Hebraism. Yee shall utterly destroy all the places wherein the Nations served their gods, &c. Every word hath its weight, Yee shal destroy, utterly destroy, the places, all the places, where menserved Idols; you shall overhrow their Altars, break their Pillars, burn their Groves, hew down their Images, and abolish the very names of their gods. What can be more fully spoken? So Num. 33. 52. They must destroy, not one, but, all their Pictures, and pull down all their high places. When one demanded why in King Henry the eighths dayes they pilled down the Monasteries?Si nolis cicoias, 'ollenidos It was answered, That the very nests of such rooks must be pulled down, that they may build there no more.

p. 141Wee are to bless God for this, here in England, that in our dayes hee hath not onelyonly rooted up Idolatry, but hee hath cast out all the rags and remnants of it; there is not a hoof, not a cross, not a crucifix, not an Image left behinde. The greater is their sin then, that in these dayes of Reformation, have not onelyonly leaped out of the Surpless, but out of the Ministry, and out of the Church too. They have not onelyonly cast out the Font, but the Infant also. The Ceremonies are gone, and some are casting the substance after them. Set forms are gone, and now they would have no prayers at all. Oh the folly and madness of this licentious age! Do wee thus requite the Lord, O foolish and unwise! Is this the thanks wee give him for all his Ordinances, Mercies, and great deliverances, to separate from the Assemblies of his people, to contemn his Ordinances, the pledges of his love unto us, to vilifie his Ministers, and hate the paths of purity and peace? The Lord hath born long with this Athestical brood, but hee will not alwayes bear. The Lord will wound the head of these his enemies, and the hairy pates of such as walk on in such paths of libertinism and prophaneness.

9 The service that men do for God shall bee rewarded.

If Jehu cut off Ahabs posterity, destroy Baal and his worshipers, and execute Gods commands, though it be but hypocritically, yet it shall be rewarded with a temporal reward, answerable to his service, his sons shall sit upon his Throne to the fourth Generation, 2 King. 10. 30. Ahabs hypocritical humiliation obtained a reprival. The King of Babylon, though a Heathen, yet is rewarded by God for the service hee doth him, Ezek. 29. 18, 19. 20. yea and those wicked ones, Mal 1. 10. but especially such as serve him sincerely, shall bee rewarded fully, Numb. 14. 24. Rev. 14. 13. Hee never sayes to the seed of Jacob, seek my face, in vain, Isa. 45. 19. Wee cannot lose, though wee should lose all by serving him. Not onelyonly For, but In the very keeping of his Commandements there is great reward, Psal. 19. 11 All the good wee have done in secret, shall at last bee acknowledged and openly rewarded, even to a cup of cold water, Matth. 6. 6. and 10. 41, 42. Pharaohs Butler may forget the kindness of Joseph, and the Saints themselves may forget the good which they have done, but their God doth not, Mal. 3. 16. Matth. 25. 34. &c.

p. 14210 God may reward men for the matter of their service, yet punish them for the manner of doing it.

Iehu was commanded to destroy the house of Ahab, and God commends him for it, and rewards his service,To make Action morally good, there Circumstances must concur. 1 The man must bee Bonus. 2 Hee must do Bona. 3 Hee must do them Bene. for the act in it self was good; yet because Iehu did it hypocritically, and by halves, and though hee destroied Ahabs house, yet hee followed him in his Idolatry, and did cut off the posterity of Ahab for self-ends, viz. to settle the Kingdome on himself and his posterity the surer, and did not primarily look at Gods glory therein, therefore God calls it Murder, and threatens to avenge the blood of Ahab on the house of Iehu, Hosea 1. 4. Because hee did not Gods work for God, but for himself, to settle the Crown faster on his own head, and so did Gods work for base self-ends; his great care was to settle the State and Kingdome, and that hee did thorowly; but when hee came to reform the Church, that hee did haltingly, and halvingly. Hee destories the Priests and Idols of Baal, but not the Priests and Idols of Dan and Bethel; hee was not sincere in what hee did, hee pickt and chose his way, so as might best stand with his own politick interest; hee supprest one false way, and did tollerate another; and therefore the Lord puts a But upon him, 2 King. 10. 31. But Iehu took no heed to walk in the way of the Lord with all his heart, for hee departed not from the sins of Ieroboam, who made Israel to sin:V. Mr. Strong 31. Serm. on 2 King. 10. 31. Dike on Heart, ch. 37. p. 344. Mr. Wil. Shepheard, of Sincerity, ch. 5.2 Kgs 10:31 This But spoiled all. A man may do much, go far, and shew much zeal for God, as Iehu did here, and yet bee nothing. How fat an hypocrite may go, is abundantly shewed by others. The Papists boast much of their zeal, in converting the Indians, when they pervert them rather, and turn them from one kinde of Idolatty, to another, and under the Name of Christ, draw them to Antichrist, flaying and massacring those poor souls in a most inhumane,See Whites Way to the Church. Digres. 50. p. 358. barbarous manner, seeking their gold, rather than their good, as appears by History.

11 The better men are, the longer many times they live.

Iehu was one of the best Kings that ever Israel had since the Tribes were divided, and hee reigned longer than any King of Israel before him did, and but one after him that reigned longer, and that was Ieroboam the second, Iehu's grand childe, p. 143who reigned one and forty years, when Jehu reigned but eight and twenty. Piety hath the promise of long life, Prov. 22. 4. And if such as honour their natural Fathers, shall have their daies prolonged, how much more such as honour their heavenly Father?

12. Death spares none.

Jehu, valiant,See more in my Comment on psal. 82. 7. powerful, politick, active, successful Jehu dies. No priviledge nor prerogative can preserve men from the grave; Death is that great Leveller, which laies all in the dust; it is the way of all flesh, and therefore wee should prepare to meet it.

12 Jehoahaz, the Son of Jehu, succeeds his Father, both in his sin, and in the Throne; hee reigns seventeen years over Israel, and hath the usual brand set on him, which his predecessors had, viz. that hee did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, in following the sins of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin. This kindles Gods wrath against him, and makes it burn like fire, insomuch that the Lord delivered Israel into the hand of the Syrians, who opprest them very sorely, both in their persons and estates, and made them like the dust by threshing, i. e. very weak and contemptible (like corn which is too much thresht, which is broken and scattered about) leaving them but fifty horse-men, ten Charriots, and ten thousand foot-men, a poor Guard for a Kingdome, 2 King. 13. 3. 7. 22.

Quest. But what doth Jehoahaz do in this his deep distress?

Answ. Hee goeth to his prayers, as wicked men use to do, nevertill necessity and deep distress doth drive them. They make not prayer a duty, but a refuge; yet such is the goodness of the Lord, that seeing the deep distress his people were in, and the sad oppression they lay under, hee answers the prayers of this wicked man, and gave Israel a Saviour, and Deliverer, so that they dwelt quietly and securely as before.

Quest. But what was the ground of all this mercy?

Answ. Nothing but Gods free Grace; though they were most unworthy, yet the Lord was gracious to them, and had compassion on them because of his covenant, 2 King. 13. 23.

Obs. 1 Those that will not serve God, shall bee slaves to men.

p. 144Israel forsakes God, and God forsakes them, and delivers them into the hand of Hazael, and into the hand of Benhadad his Son, who oppressed and vexed Israel all their daies, 2 King. 13. 2, 3.

2 Even wicked men, when they are in deep distress, will pray.

Idolatrous Jehoahaz is brought very low, and now hee praies. The Heathenish Mariners can pray in a tempest,Qui …escit orare, discat navigare, yet how many that go to Sea, instead of praying, curse and swear? and call on Jonah so to do, Jonah 1, 5, 6. A wicked Pharaoh in time of trouble may begg the prayer of a Moses, and Saul of a Samuel. How many prophane persons amongst us, when they are sick, and dying, yet will send again and again for those Ministers to pray for them, whom they hated in their health? When the Devil was sick, &c. Wee read of four sorts in one Psalm that cried to the Lord in their trouble, viz. Travellers, sick-men, Sea-men, Captives, Psal. 107. So did Israel, Judg. 10. 10. Psal. 78. 34.

3 God hears the prayers of wicked men, and sometimes answers them, so as to deliver them from temporal distresses.

Many a time did Israel cry hypocritically to the Lord, onelyonly in their trouble, and hee delivered them out of their distress, Psal. 78. 34, to 39. So hee dealt with Ahab, 1 King. 21. 29. And Rehoboam, 2 Chron. 12. 7.

Wicked men may pray to God, as to a Creator, and hee may hear them, though they cannot pray to him as to a Father. Hee is a God of pitty and compassion, and the very distress and misery of the Creature Virtually, though not Vocally, cries unto him for mercy. Hee that hears the cry of the Ravens, cannot but hear the cry of his rational and more noble Creatures. This Reason is given in the Text, Vers. 4. Hee saw the oppression of Israel to bee great, and therefore hee heard and delivered them.

4 God usually suffers things to come to extremity, before hee deliver.

Israel is brought as low as the dust; great, doubtless, was the slaughter, when but fifty horse-men were left, and ten Charriots, and ten thousand foot, what are these to save a Kingdome? God could have prevented this, but for the greater manifestation of his wisdome,See my Comment on 2 Tim. 3. 9. p. 182.2 Tim 3:9 power and glory, hee oft deals thus with his people.

5 Magistrates are the Saviours of a people.

p. 145God gave Israel a Saviour, Vers. 5. i. e. Hee raised up Joash, the Son of Jehoahaz, who regained the Cities which his Father had lost, 2 King. 13. 25. and prevailed mightily against the Syrians, as did Jeroboam his Son, 2 King. 14. 27. Hence Magistrates in Scripture are oft called the Saviours and Deliverers of a people, Judg. 2. 16.See more in my Conment on Psal. 82. 1.Ps 82:1 and 3. 9. 2 King. 14. 27. Neh. 9. 27. Prov. 11. 14. Obad. 21. There is but one common Saviour of us all, and these are subordinate Saviours under him, as Moses, Gideon, Jeptha, Deborah, Barac, Joshua, David, &c. Wee should therefore love, honour, respect them, pray for them, pay to them, and defend them whom God hath raised for our defence. In their peace, lieth our peace, wee should therefore bee tender over them.

6 Nothing works on hardened sinners.

No judgements, nor mercies; Israel here is brought as low as the dust, God hears their prayers, gives them a Saviour, raiseth them out of the dust, and yet Israel is Israel still, as Idolatrous and forgetful of God as ever; and that foul But still lies as a blot upon them, 2 King. 13. 6. But they departed not from the sins of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin. Phryges Plagis, Prov.Phrygians (they say) are amended by blows, but no beating will mend these: So true is that of Solomon, let a sinful fool bee brayed never so long in the morter of affliction, yet his folly will not depart from him, Prov. 27. 22. You may beat him to death, before you can beat his folly out of him, Jer. 8. 28, 29.

Neither do mercies win them, Isa. 26. 10. Unless God set in with his Spirit, nothing works kindly upon our souls, but men will bee made more obstinate by judgements, and more loose by mercies. Besides, Elisha living in those times (no doubt) but hee had forewarned them of the evils approaching, and yet nothing works upon them.

7 The ground of all Gods goodness to his people is no merit of ours,See more in my Comment on 2 Tim. 4. 8. p. 408, 409.2 Tim 4:8 but onelyonly his own free grace and love, 2 King. 13. 23.

8 No might nor man-hood can save a sinful people from ruine.

King Jehoahaz here is said to bee a man of Might, and one that with abundance of courage and valour fought with the Syrians, yet still they prevailed against him: so that it was not want of courage, but want of conscience in him and his p. 146people that undid them. Their Idolatry was their worst enemy, and strengthned their enemies against them.

13 Jehoash or Joash succeedeth Jehoahaz his father, both in his dignity and iniquity. Hee reigned sixteen years, and hath the common But and brand put upon him that his Predecessors had, 2 King. 13. 10, 11, 12, 13. Hee obtained three great Victories against the Syrians, of which Elisha fore-told him. 2 King. 13. 17, 18, 19. and rescued many of the Cities of Israel from them, and thereupon is called their Saviour and Deliverer, 2 King. 13. 5, 25. Hee also prevailed against Amaziah King of Judah, and pillaged the Temple of Jerusalem, with the Kings house, 2 King. 14. 13. and which makes most for his praise, though hee were a King, yet hee goes to visit the sick Prophet Elisha, Hee sends not a servant with a How do you? but hee waits upon the poor Prophet in person, &c. V. Mr. Sam. Ainsworth his Sermon at Mr. Pernes Funeral, p. 1, 2, 3.weeps over him, and calls him, My Father, my Father, the Chariot of Israel, and the horsemen thereof. Such tender affection and reverence did this wicked King bear to this man of God, whom hee acknowledged to bee the Walls and Bulworks, the Ammunition and defence both of Church and State, who by his praying and preaching, did more for the defence and safety of Israel, than all their Armies could do.

1 Obs. It is dangerous following our fore-fathers in sin.

Iehoash doth so, and is punished for his pains. People are so besotted with the example of their Parents and Ancestors, especially if Idolaters, that they will after them what ever come of them, 2 King. 17. ult. which made the Lord to adde that commination to the end of the second Commandement, (which hee doth to no other Commandement) against those children which should walk in the steps of their Idolatrous fore-fathers,A me & a vobis recedant qui dicunt, nolumus esse meliores quam patres nostri, Bern. Ep. 93. and often forbids that sin, as fore-seeing our proneness to it, Ezek. 20. 18, 19, 20. Psal. 78. 8. Zach. 7. 4. and bids us to the Law, and not to Examples, Isa. 8. 20. If Ioash would have followed his Predecessors, hee should have set before him the example of Abraham, Optimum est majorum ve…tigia sequi, si recie praecesserunt. Cato.Isaac, and Iacob, and not of Ieroboam an Idolater that had mis-led so many into sin and misery. Wee may follow our fore-fathers so far as they followed Christ, and no further. But such is the bewitching power of Superstition, that when once it hath got possession p. 147and rooting in mens hearts, it is seldome ever rooted up again, but runs from generation to generation, till all bee cut off. Idolatry hath so many flesh-pleasing, pompous Rites and Ceremonies, such seeming sanctity and devotions, such splendor of Temples, Images, Organs, and other allurements as are very taking with carnal men; besides the fat Bishopricks, Denaries, Cardinal-ships and Kingdomes with which they intice many from Christ. This was that which made all these Kings of Israel keep up the worship of the Calves, that they might keep the people from going from them to Ierusalem.

2 Obs. Men may conquer others, and yet not conquer themselves.

Ioash here beats the Syrians three times, recovers many Cities from them, takes the King of Iudah prisoner, and yet himself is a prisoner to sin; hee pillageth Jerusalem, and the Devil pillageth him. Hee is called the Saviour of Israel, and yet himself was not saved from his iniquity; for hee lived and dyed an Idolater. So true is that of Solomon, Prov. 16. 32. Hee that can rule his own spirit, Fortior est qui se, quam qui fortissima vinc…t Maenia. Lucan.is better than hee that taketh a City. Alexander that could conquer others, yet Wine and Women conquered him.

3 There is none so wicked, but there is some good in them.

Joash here a wicked King, yet visits the Prophet in his sickness, sympathizeth with him, and weeps over him in his affliction, considering the great loss that the Church and State would receive by his death; hee gives him honourable Titles, savouring of much respect to him. How would some Atheistical Sectaries amongst us have railed at this King for calling the good Prophet Father, and stiling him, The Chariot of Israel, See Mr. Obad. Sedgwicks Ser. on 2 King. 2. 12. preached 1654.2 Kgs 2:12i. e. The Shield and Buckler, the best defence that Israel had. Those Sots and Satans, whom the Devil hath blinded, and strongly deluded, are not worthy of an Answer [yet if any would see them answered, let them peruse my Comment on 2 Tim. 3. 17. p. 296.] Wisdome is justified of her own children;Cum istius farinal hominibus non est operose disputandum, nam neque id merentur illorum dogmata quae difficult atem …ullam continent, neque ill is reddes magis convictos, sed polius arrogantiores, &c. Hornbeck summa Controvers. lib. 6 p. 386: Virtutem incolumem odimus, sublatam ex oculis colimus invidi. Horat. and though this ungrateful world vilifie Gods Ministers whilst living, yet when they are dead, they are ready to adore them.

p. 1484 There is no loss in shewing kindness to the Prophets of God.

The King comes to visit the Prophet in his sickness, and the Prophet by way of gratitude assures the King of a threefold victory, which hee should have against the Syrians, 2 King. 13. 25 &c. The Lord takes the kindness which wee shew to his Prophets, as done to himself. Hee that honours them, honours him whose Embassadors they are. Ebedmelech, that shewed kindness to Ieremy, hath his life given him for a prey, Ier. 39. 17, 18. Hee that receives a Prophet, in the name of a Prophet, and shews kindness to him upon that account, because hee is a Minister of Christ, shall have a Prophets reward, Mat. 10. 41. i. e. Hee shall have an eminent reward, fit for such a one as hath promoted Gods service in a high degree. Gaius lost nothing by such guests as Iohn, nor the Shunamite or Sareptan Widow by entertaining Prophets; of such Christ seems to say, as Paul did of Onesimus, if hee owe thee ought, put it on mine account, I will repay it.

5 Hee died,

The most potent, puissant, successful Conquerors of the world, are conquered by death. As I have shewed before.

14 Jeroboam the second succeeds his Father Joash, and reigns one and forty years; not one of his rank reigned so long; hee was one of the most prosperous, successful, and victorious of all the Kings of Israel, since the division of the ten Tribes. Hee recovered the antient borders of Israel from the Syrians, and made them tributary to himself. The ground of all this goodness is given, 2 King. 14. 23, 25, 26, 27, 28. The Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter, for there was none shut up or left, nor any helper left, therefore the Lord out of his wonted mercy raised up Jeroboam to bee a Saviour to them; Yet hee is stigmatized with the old brand that his predecessor had before him, v…z. That this New Jeroboam was a chip of the old block, for hee did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, and departed not from all the sins of old Jeroboam, the Son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, 2 King. 14. 24.

And that which aggravates his sin is this, 1 That hee sinned against great Light, for in his daies preached Jonah, Amos, Hosea, three very famous Prophets. 2 Against great p. 149Love, for the Lord sent Jonah to prophesie of victory, and good success unto him, 2 King. 14. 25. But since hee profited not by this Prophets Ministery, the Lord sends him to Niniveh the chief City of the great Empire of the Assyrians.

Obs. 1 When a Nation is in its most prosperous and flourishing condition, it may bee nearest ruine.

Israel never flourisht (since the division of the ten Tribes) under any King, as it did under this: Joash and Jehoahaz had done valiantly before, but Jeroboam excells them all. Under him the Kingdome flourisht▪ in riches, honours, victories, and great success. But after this its honour and power still decaied, till it was totally ruined. It was in this Kings reign, that Hosea fore-told the destruction of Samaria, Hos. 1. 1. And Amos fore-told the ruine of Jeroboam and his house, Amos 1. 2. and 7. 8, 9, 10, 11. Idolatrous Kingdomes cannot stand long; Babylon may think to sit as a Queen, but sorrows shall at last surprize her, and no worldly pomp or power shall bee able to keep off Gods judgements from her, Rev. 18. 7, 8. All Kingdomes have their rise and ruine, and when they bee at the height, then they decrease and moulder away, as wee see in the Assyrian, Babylonian, and Persian Monarchies; what vast Dominions had they? yet all are vanisht and come to nothing.

This should keep us humble in the midst of all creaturecomforts. Pigeons, when they fare best, are most fearful. In the highest prosperity remember that a change will come. Hence it is, that when ever the Lord gave Israel a mercy, hee presently adds a caution,Magni pectoris est inter secund… moderatio. Sen. Magnae felicitatis est a felicitate non …ixci. Clemangiis. that they forget not him the giver of it, Deut. 4. 1, 2, 6, 9. & 8. 11, 13, 13, 14. Hee hath made a good progress in the School of Christ, who hath learnt to use prosperity as well as adversity aright. Paul had learnt both these lessons, hee could bee abased, and hee could abound, Phil. 4. 12.

Object. Wee have arms and ammunition, and therefore wee need not fear.

Answ. The Lord takes off that, Hos. 1. 4, 5. Yet a little while, and I will cause the Kingdome of Israel to cease. i. e. I will put an end to that Kingdome, and utterly destroy it. But how doth that appear? Why, I will break the bow of Israel. The bow is here put for all war-like Instruments, q. d. I will p. 150destroy their ammunition, and bring all the strength of their war-like power to nought.

2 That God can make use of wicked Instruments for the saving of his people.

Ieroboam here a wicked man, yet becomes a Saviour to Israel; though hee intended self, yet God makes him a deliverer of his people. If God will help his Church, hee cannot want Instruments; The very Earth shall help the Woman, Rev. 12. 16. i. e. Wicked men, who are as vile as the Earth, shall yet bee assistant to the Church of God.

3 When a people have the best Preaching, they may bee nearest ruine.

Israel now had three extraordinary Prophets sent unto them, viz. Ionah, Amos, Hosea, three eminently holy, bold men, that spared not to tell them of their sins, as appears by their Prophecies; yet Prince and people contemning their warnings, and persisting in their sins, about thirty years after they were rooted up, and lead into captivity by the proud Assyrian; So it was with Ierusalem, it had the best Preachers not long before its ruine. There was Christ and his Apostles, but they contemning the Gospel,See Iosephus his History. 1. 7. c. 18. crucifying the Lord of glory, stoning his Prophets, and abusing his messengers; about forty years after it was sackt by Titus and Vespatian, and laid in the dust.

London was never so richly stored with pious, painful, learned Ministers of the Gospel, nor the Nation so richly furnisht with able and industrions Preachers, as at this day. But if City and Country go on to sleight and vilifie the faithful Ministers of Christ, as they have done of late; and instead of the power of Religion, rest content with a formal, hypocritical profession of it; a man that is no Prophet, nor Prophets Son, may easily fore-see judgement approaching. When the Sun shines hot test, harvest is at hand. The glorious sun-shine of the Gospel, ripens men apace, either for Heaven, or Hell. God will not bear so long with sinners now, as hee did in times of Ignorance, Act. 17. 30.

4 When Gods Messengers are not prized, hee removes them.

If Israel regard not Ionah's Ministery, God will send him from them to Niniveh, that populous City. When people are dead under lively Oracles, and barren under fruitful means, God will either remove that people from the Ministery, or p. 151the Ministery from them. Hee will not alwaies plow the Rocks, and sow the Sands, nor take pains with a people that shall bring forth nothing but briars and thorns; when a people bee rebellious, God either takes away his Prophets, or makes them dumb, Ezek. 3. 26.

Many blame Ministers in our daies for removing from place to place, and if they do it without just cause, so do I. But people must know, that there are many just causes of a Ministers removal from one place to another; some of which I shall set down,

As,

1 In case of Persecution.

2 In case of Corporal Weakness and Sickness.

3 Upon Improvement of Gifts.

4 When the Maintenance is Incompetent.

1 In case of Persecution, especially if it bee personal, and the Minister bee specially aimed at; then our Saviour tells us, that being persecuted in one City, they may fly to another, and reserve themselves for better times. This is granted by all sober men,V. Aug. Ep. 180. Aquinas 2. 2ae. Q. 185. art. 5. Pet. Martyr. D. Geo. Abbot, in Thesib. cap. 5. de fuga in persecutione & peste. p. 169. Et prae aliis …owles Past…r Evangelic. lib. 3. cap. 8. p. 204. and therefore I shall refer the Reader to the Margin for fuller satisfaction. Thus, when a Minister desires to spend himself for the good of a people, but they cannot endure sound Doctrine, 2. Tim. 4. 3. But lay snares for their Minister, and make a man an offender for a word, Isa. 29. 21. And think him too hot, too plain, too precise, and shall unanimously (for the opposition of one or two malicious wretches, should settle us rather) desire us to depart out of their coasts, then the case is clear, and wee may shake off the dust of our feet against such wilful contemners of the Gospel, Mat. 10. 14. Though a peoples present barrenness under his Ministery bee no just cause of his removal, yet when a people shall set themselves maliciously against a mans Ministery, it varies the case. God removed Lot from the Sodomites, when from day to day they vexed his righteous soul with their malicious wickedness.

2 In case of Sickness. Non mutat sedem, qui non mutat mentem, i. e. qui non avaritiae causa, aut dominationis, aut propria… voluntatis, vel delectationis su… migrat de civitate ad civitatem; sed causa necessitatis & utilitatis mutatu; Pelag. Epist.Some constitutions will not away with some Climats; a Minister may love a people, and they him, p. 152and yet for want of health and strength to go thorow with the work of his Ministery, hee may lawfully change places with one of a stronger constitution. The like may bee said for those who preach to a great Congregation, but by reason of weakness, their voice is so low, that half the people cannot hear them; in this case they may remove to a lesser Congregation, where they may bee better heard.

3 Upon Improvement of Abilities. A young man begins to exercise his gifts in some obscure Chapel, or little place; but by study and exercise his parts are improved, and hee fitted for some more eminent and publick place. In this case also a man may lawfully, and without offence remove. The Apostle would have him that used the office of a Deacon we…l, promoted to the Ministery, 1 Tim. 3. 13. A diligent man staies not long in a low place. Wee see it is thus in all callings, upon Improvement of Abilities. The Barrester is made a Reader, the Reader a Serjeant, the Serjeant a Judge, the Judge a chief Justice, &c. And why will not men allow of that in the Ministery which is approved of in all other professions?

It is a very safe way to have young mens gifts and lives tried and exercised in lesser. Congregations at first, and being found faithful in a little, then to make them Rulers over greater Congregations. It is a temptation to put a green head into a great place, when hee hath neither grace, gifts, nor gravity fit for the place. It either puffs them up, or makes them idle (if the means bee great) or else they are discouraged, and sink under the burden, being unable to grapple with the oppositions and contradictions of sinners, which are incident to such great places. They had need to bee solid, seasoned, substantial peeces, that have the weight of the building lying on them.

4 When the Maintenance is Incompetent. If a man have a great family to maintain, but the means is so small, that hee cannot maintain his family, nor go thorow the works of his Ministery, with that comfort and credit as becomes a Minister of the Gospel; in such a case also it is lawful to remove. Wee see it is fo in all callings; if a man cannot live in one Town, hee may lawfully remove to another. God would have the Ministers of the Gospel not to beg,V. S…l Terrae. cap. 9. but to live comfortably in their Ministery; and to bee maintained not like Swine-heards, p. 153but like the Ambassadors of Christ, with a competent, fixed, honourable maintenance. The Levites that had their Tythes taken from them, left their stations without blame, Neh. 13. 10.

5 Whereas many think that a Minister can remove at his pleasure from place to place, and get what place soever pleaseth him, they are much deceived; for God hath decreed and fore-appointed Ministers to their places before they are born. Hee hath decreed how long such a Minister shall abide in such a place, and how long in such a place, Act. 17. 26. and though wee are loath to remove, yet when providence calls, bee the means more or less, it matters not, wee must obey, Gen. 12. 1. 4. Act. 7. 3. 5. And if a Sparrow cannot fall to the ground, nor a hair from our heads, without a providence, much less can a Minister remove from one Congregation to another without a providence; so that the quarrelling Quakers, with the rest of that rout, who rail at us when wee justly remove from place to place, do not so much revile us, as the Lord, who is the disposer of us; he is the Potter, and we are the clay, hee may raise us, or ruine us, plant us, or transplant us, as hee sees good, and none may say unto him, What dost thou? It is not wee, but the Holy Ghost that sets us over our flocks, Act. 20. 28.

Quest. But why doth the Lord remove men from place to place, as hee did the Apostles sometimes, why doth hee not fixe them to one place?

Answ. The Lord is a free agent, and is not bound to give us a reason of his doings, it may satisfie us that it is his good pleasure to have it so, Psal. 39. 9. Matth. 11. 25, 26.

2 If nothing will satisfie you without a Reason, reasons enow may bee given.

1 Sometimes people hate and persecute their Ministers, and look upon them as a burden, not a blessing; it is fit such should bee eased, and made to know the worth of the mercy, by the wanting of it.

2 Sometimes people are barren under the means of grace, and do not value the Gospel according to its worth, it is just with God to remove it to those who will prize it better. When the Iews contemned the Gospel, the Apostle left them and went to the Gentiles, Act. 13. 46. The Kingdome of God p. 154shall bee taken from such, and bee given to those▪ that will bring forth the fruit of it.

3 As for the Apostles, there was great reason why they were not fixed to one place:

1 Because the Church was then in planting, but not planted.

2 They were to spread the Gospel over the world, and therefore were not confined to any fixed charge.

Caution. Yet to prevent scandal, these Cautions would bee remembred.

1 Because many are apt to cavil and cry, Ministers are covetous, and remove without a cause; let none remove rashly, ambitiously, self-seekingly, but judiciously, and piously, for the profit and edification of the Church; and the better to stop the mouthes of adversaries, it were well if in such cases men would not bee their own judges, but refer the hearing of the case, with all its circumstances, to the Presbytery, or for want of that, to some neighbour Ministers, who are able to judge and determine the case.

2 They must do what in them lyes to provide an able successour for the place they leave,See my Comment on 3▪ Tim. 4 12. that the Church bee not unprovided of a faithful Pastor.

3 If after all this, any shall bee found to make it their trade to remove from place to place, solely to get more means, and shall refuse to refer their cause to the hearing and determination of sober, pious, judicious Ministers, let them bear their shame for mee, I shall never plead for such.

By all that hath been said, wee may see,

1 That some offend in the Defect, whilst they hold it unlawful for a man upon any occasion to remove, whereas Christ who is the Lord of the harvest, hath not onelyonly power to call Ministers, but also to transfer them from one Church to another; See more Calvin Epi…t. 209. Chemnit. loc. com. P. 322 Heming de Pastore, p. 211. & prae aliis Bowls Past…r. Evange…ic. lib. 3 cap. 7.and therefore it is not in the power of any man absolutely to indent with any people to stay so long, or so long with them.

2 Others offend in the Excess, when upon every light occasion, without any urgent necessity, or benefit to the Church, they forsake their proper charge, and chaffer for Parishes as Horse-coursers do for horses; or as Seneca saith of sick men, Mutationibus …tur pro remediis, they think to cure their sick p. 155souls with changing of their seats, as the dropsie man thinks to cure his dropsie with change of drinks.

15 Zachariah son to Ieroboam, succeeds him, both in the Throne, and in his sin, and hath therefore the common brandset upon him, viz. That hee did that which was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his Fore-Fathers had done. Hee was so far from repenting of the wickedness of his fore-fathers, Iehu, Iehoahaz, Ioash, and Ieroboam, that hee justified them in their abominations, by walking in their sinful paths. This his obstinacy so incensed the Lord against him, that when hee had reigned but six months, hee cut him off by Shallum, who killed him openly; so wicked was hee, and so ill-beloved, that the people let him bee slain before them, they did not oppose, but rather approve of what was done, 2 King. 15. 8, 9, 10. This was the time of the Kingdome of Israels wane, things grew worse and worse with them, one judgement following in the neck of another, till they were quite destroyed; and one wicked King rising up as Gods executioner to do justice upon another, till all was over-thrown.

Obs. 1 God faithfully performs what ever hee promiseth.

God promiseth Iehu, that his seed should sit upon his Throne, to the fourth Generation, and see it here punctually performed; and if hee thus faithfully keep promise with his enemies, who daily provoke him by their ingratitude and Idolatry, what will hee not do for his people, who serve him sincerely? Hee that thus keeps touch with his enemies, will never fail his friends. Though for a time hee may hide himself, to try and exercise their graces, yet not one tittle of all that hee hath promised▪ shall fail.

2 God is faithful in fulfilling his Threatnings, though it bee long first.

The Lord threatned to avenge the blood of Iezreel upon the house of Iehu, Hos. 1. 4. and now about one hundred years after, Zachariah the last of Iehu's race, is slain. Though God defer long, yet hee comes at last; though his mill grinde slow, yet it is alwaies sure.

3 Still see how wicked Parents bring a curse upon their children.

Iehu's sin helps to cut off his Son Zachariah suddenly, for he reigned but six months.

p. 15616 Shallum, Male par…a, male pereunt Regna.a man of a new stock, having slain Zachariah, reigns in his stead one month; so quickly doth the hand of justice finde out bloody Usurpers, and retaliate their sins; for as hee slew Zachariah, so Menahem slaies him. As men mete to others, so usually God metes to them again, Mat. 7. 2.

17 Menahem slaies Shallum, and reigns ten years in his stead. 1 Hee was an obstinate Idolater, for hee walkt in the Idolatrous steps of his predecessors, whom God had punisht before him, and his own hands had been the executioner of Gods wrath upon one of them, 2 King. 15. 18.

2 Hee was cruel to all that submitted not to him. Hee came to Tiphsah, a City situate in the way to Tirzah, demands admit…ance, which being denied to him, an Usurper, in his wrath hee puts all to the sword, without distinction of old or young, male or female, and which adds to his cruelty, hee ript up the women with childe, 2 King. 15. 16. Now if Menahem do thus to those that withstand and oppose him, a Tyrant, wha… shall bee done …o Me…ahem, who opposed God, and seduced his people from him to Idols?

Quest, But why did the people oppose Menahem?

Answ. They knew him to bee a Tyrant, and bloody Usurper, and came to the Kingdome by murder, and therefore the people are not to bee blamed for shutting their gates against him, till they had better satisfaction about his ti…le to the Crown; and if Mena…em had been an ingenuous, valiant spirit indeed, hee would have loved them the better for their fidelity and constancy, supposing they would have been as faithful to him when hee had been setled amongst them; but men that are void of prudence, piety, and true valour, are satisfied with nothing but blood. None so cruel as the cowardly Tyrant, when hee conquers.

3 Hee was Tyrannical; Hee exacted by force no less than a thousand talents of silver, which was, three hundred seventy and five thousand pounds, to give to Pull, the King of Assyria, that so hee might settle the Kingdome faster on himself. Hee came to the Crown by Treason, Murder, and Usurpation, and having a guilty conscience, hee feared lest some might rise up against him, as hee had done against others, and therefore hee p. 157…abours by might and main to secure the Kingdome to himself. Usurpers fear shadows many times, Iudg. 9. 36. They fear, where there is no cause of fear.

This Menahem (saith Iosephus) was a Captain, and great Commander in King Zachariah's army, hee hearing that Shallum had slain his Master, came with the army, and destroi…s Shallum; as Omri destroyed Zimri, and succeeded him in the Throne.

Obs. 1▪ Tyrants and Traitors seldome live to bee old.

In the space of one year there are four Kings of Israel succeeding one another, viz. Ieroboam, Zachariah, Shallum and Menahem▪ Abimelech, an usurping Tyrant, reigns but three years,V. Mendoza, in 1 R…g. 4. 22. Sect. 16. p. 262. and then is killed by a woman. Iudg. 9. 22, 53. The Popes of Rome, how quickly were many of them cut off?B…i… …t n…e est, cum n…c D… ni…antur, nec j…e gera…tur, nec b…volentia t…neantur. Wolphius. Some reigned not a year, others not a quarter, othe…s a month, others a week, and some but a few daies. How many Popes did Queen Elizabeth out-live, though they curst her with Bell, Book, and Candle? So true is that of Solomon, Prov. 28. 2. For the transgressions of a Land, many are the Princes thereof. 1 There are many striving at the same time one against another for the Crown. Or, 2 There are many in a short time succeeding one another; such sudden changes are hurtful both to Prince and people, and are apt to raise tumults and insurrections, because a people are unacquainted with the men, and their manners. When people do wickedly, both they and their Kings do perish, 1 Sam. 12. 25.

2 Tyrants have more care of themselves, than of the people.

Good Rulers are men of publick spirits, they serve not themselves, but their Generation, Act. 13. 36.

But tyrannical Menahems tax and pole, fleece and slay, not for their peoples good, but to settle the Kingdome on themselves.

3 God wants not Rods to punish a perverse people.

When the Syrians have done with Israel, now hee raiseth up the Assyrians, who distressed them more than the former, till they were totally ruined, 2 King. 17. 6. When lesser Rods do not mend a people, then come greater; yea rather than fail, one wicked man shall bee executioner to another, p. 158as wee see in these wicked Kings.

4 See here how misery still attends Idolatry at the heels.

Menahem walkt in the Idolatrous waies of Ierob…am, and the King of Assyria presently falls on him. So 1 Chron. 5. 25, 26.

5 Idolaters are barbarous, bloody men.

Who ever saw an Idolater that was not cruel? Idolatrous Menahem, what cruelty doth hee exercise on all sorts and sexes? Hee kills his King, and now murders the people. Tyrants are like dropsie-men, the more blood they drink, the more thirsty they are. The cruelty of Papists in notoriously known to the world. Ask England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Savoy, Poland, and all Protestant Nations, and they will …ell you of many thousands that have been most inhumanly slain by that man of sin. No less than thirty thousand Protestants were slain at the Parisian Massac…e,See Mr. Whites Way to the Church. Digres. 50. p. 358. and Mr. Cl…rks Martyrology. 1572. in a months space. Go to the Indians, and they will tell you sad stories of the butchery and barbarous murders committed by the Papists there.

6 Idolaters usually are great oppressors.

They impose heavy burdens upon their people; so did Menahem here, and so did Solomon before him, when hee fell to Idolatry, and Rehoboam his Son adds to their burdens, 1 King. 12. 4, 11. It is just with God, when men will not serve him with gladness of heart, in the abundance of all things, and submit to his easie yoak, then to put an Iron yoak of oppression upon them, that they may know the difference between his service, and the service of Idols, Deut. 28. 47, 48. 2 Chron. 12. 8. Hos. 5. 11. Such as can so easily part with spirituals, shall lose their temporals. Those that will not have grace, shall not have riches long.

18 Pekahiah succeeds his Father, and therein is more happy than his Father, who gained the Kingdome by murder. Hee reigned two years, and did evil in the sight of the Lord, as his predecessors had done before him; and therefore hee hath the common brand set upon him, 2 King. 15. 22, 23, 24, 25. Pekah the son of Remaliah, a Captain of his own, conspires against him, and slaies him in his Royal Palace at Samaria. Argob and Arieh, with fifty of the Gileadites, are p. 159thought to bee Pekah's partners, who aided him in the murder of their soveraign. Others conceive they were on the Kings side, and slain with him. But the first opinion is conceived to bee most genuine.

Obs. 1 God many times visits the sins of the Fathers upon the children, especially when they walk in their steps.

Menahem killed his King, and now God raiseth up one to kill his Son. Thus wicked men that get riches and Kingdome for their children by indirect means, get a cu…se for them and bring them into many straights and miseries, which otherwise they might have avoided.

2 If God bee against us, no place can secure us.

Let Pekahiah get into Samaria, the City Royal, and bee guarded in his Palace there, yet God hath a Pekah that shall finde him out, and slay him in his own Palace, for his sin, and the sins of his bloody Father.

3 If wee take the fifty Gileadites for the Kings friends and assistants, then observe, That such as side with great men in their sins, must look to suffer with them.

No doubt but these Gileadites gloried, that they were admitted to bee Courtiers, and Assistant to the King, but as it proved, they had better have been Carters, for then they had not perisht, as they did. It is dangerous living in Prince… Courts;Procul a Iov…, procul a fulmin…. they live safely, who live privately; especially it is dangerous to have communion and fellowship with the wicked. Good Iehosaphat joyning with wicked Ahab against the Syrians, had like to have lost his life into the bargain. The Geese in the Fable that joyned with the Cranes in preying upon the fields, were killed for company.

19 Pekah having killed Pekahiah, reigns twenty years in his stead; Hee also did evil in the sig…t of the Lord, and hath the common brand, 2 King. 15. 27, 28. Hee was born of obscure Parents, his Father Remaliah was a private person, and therefore by way of contempt hee is called Remaliah's Son, and the tail of a fire-…rand, Isa. 7. 4. and 8. 6. Hee is punisht for his obstinacy and Idolatry.

I With the loss of … great part of his Kingdome; All the people of the Land of Napthali were lead into captivi…y by Tiglath-Pileser King of Assyria, 2 King. 15. 29. Two Tribes p. 160and a half beyond Iordan, with Napthali and Zebulun on this sid… Iordan, were now carried all away, and this was the beginning of Israels sorrow.

2 With the loss of his life. Hoshea conspired against him, and slew him, Vers. 30. Tyrants oft come to violent ends, and those that slay their Soveraigns, shall have some that will slay them. If Pekah kill Pekahiah, Hoshea shall kill him. As hee came to the Kingdome by murder, so by murder hee loseth it.

Obs. 1 Idolatry from …irst to last is still attended with misery.

Pek…h pe…sists in the Idolatrous steps of his predecessors, and now see how many Cities and Regions are lost, 2 King. 15. 29. Ijon and Abel-beth-maachah, and Ianoah, and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Gilead, and Galilee, and all the Land of Napthali; so that upon the point, five Tribes of Israel were lost. This was the first captivity of Israel.

2 The troubiers of Gods people many times are men of sordid and obscure Origin…ls.

Pekah here Rema…iahs Son, and the tail end of a brand, which retains not fire long, but after a little smoaking vanisheth, it is hee that molests Iudah the people of God, Isa. 7▪ 4, 5, 6. It was Alexander, a Smith, not a Gold-Smith, or a Silver-Smith, but a Copper-Smith, that molested Paul, 2 Tim. 4. 14. David complains that the abjects and dreggs of men gathered themselves against him, Psal. 35. 15, 16. and Iob complains of such, Iob 19. 18. and 30. 1.

20 Hoshea the last King of Israel, having slain Pekah, reigns nine years in his stead; and though hee were the last of all the Kings of Israel, yet hee also is branded for one that did evil in the sight of the Lord, though hee was not altogether so bad as the other Kings of Israel that were before him, 2 King. 17. 1, 2. Where there is any goodness, God takes notice of it, and commends it, as I have shewed before. This will appear, 1 In that hee did not worship Baal, nor serve the Host of Heaven, as s…me of his predecessors had done before him. Hee abandoned the grosser Idolatry of many of his Predecessors, and secondly, Hee suffered such of his subjects as would, to go up to worship in the Temple of Ierusalem, which the former p. 161Kings of Israel would not permit, but laid snares for them, Hos. 5. 1. But when Hezekiah proclaimed a Passeover, many of the ten▪ Tribes went up to keep it in Jerusalem, 2 Chron. 30. 11.

Yet see how judgement still attends upon Idolatry, Murder and Treachery.

1 Gods hand lies heavy upon King Hoshea himself, hee is subdued and made tributary to Salmaneser King of Assyria, 2 King. 17. 3. See the unconstancy of worldly honours, Hoshea to day a King, to morrow a prisoner; hence hee is called a bubble, or foam, that soon vanisheth, Hos. 10. 7.

2 Hee breaks Covenant with the King of Assyria, conspires against him, and seeks to So, the King of Egypt for aid, refusing to pay the annual Tribute which hee had covenanted to pay. Upon this Salmaneser shuts him up, and bindes him in prison,Rex ipse captus su…t, & vinculis addictus, nam licet Paulo ante, V. 4. in vincula dicatur esse conjectus, id tamen dictum est per Prolepsim, quae saepe ante suum tempus na…rationem anticipat. Sanctius. Vers. 4. This was done (saith Sanctius) after the City was taken, though by a Prolepsis it is mentioned before. This is the fruit of Treachery and Impatience; when men seek by indirect means to get out of troubles, they do but double them, and multiply sorrows to themselves.

3 This is not all, for judgement doth not onelyonly light on the King, but on his Kingdome also. Samaria the Metropolis, and chief City, is taken by Salmaneser King of Assyria, after three years siege, and the whole Kingdome overthrown. The Israelites are carried captive out of their own Land into Assyria, and a mixt people of forraign Nations are planted in their Land,Hee that would see more of these twenty Kings of I…rael, let him peruse Iosephus his History. Alsteeds Encyclopaed. Histor. l. 32. c. 17. p. 2039. who made up a Mongrel Religion, consisting of Paganism, and Judaism, fearing the Lord, and serving their Idols too, 2 King. 17. 33. ult.

Seeing all these twenty Kings of Israel were so wicked, wee may

Observe 1 That few great men are good men.

From the division of the ten Tribes, to the captivity of p. 162Israel, there was not one good King of Israel, that Kingdome remained Idolatrous, from first to last. There was a continued Series of Idolatry that did run thorow the whole race of their Rulers. They should have seen to their people that they had lived in godliness and honesty, and they were a means to lead them in paths of ungodliness and Idolatry; They sinned directly against their office, for God sets up Magistrates to rule for him, but these lead their people from him. All other creatures observe the word of Gods command, and fulfil the end of their Creation, and are therefore called Gods servants, Psal. 119. 9…. All are thy servants. The Sun, Moon, Stars, Plants, Brutes, all act in their Orbs, a…d Spheres, for their Creators praise; onelyonly man rebels against him.

2 All these Kings followed the example of a wicked Ieroboam, against the Rule.

3 They perisht not alone, but drew their subjects with them into perdition; yea Iudah was in part infected by them, 2 King. 17. 19.

4 They acted all this against the warnings of Gods Prophers, against signal mercies and judgements; all which serves to clear the justice of God in their total extirpation and ruine; wee may stand amazed at the stupendious patience of the Lord, who bare above two hundred years with such a succession of Idolaters, and evil doers; when if his patience had not been infinite, and every way like himself, hee would not have born two hundred daies with them.

Great places corrupt many, …carce ever better any. It is folly therefore, for any ambitiously to seek Kingship, and highplaces,Nescitis am…ci quid sit imperare, nam & gladii, & tela cervici…us nostr…s a nostris impendent, imm…nent hastae, undique spic…la, ipsi…stodes time…tur, ip…i comites …ormidantu…, non cibus provoluptate, non iter pro authoritate. Adde quod omnis …tas in impe…io repre…nditur; senex est quispiam? inhabilis videtur. Si juvenis, inest furor. Dixit Saturn…nus apud Flavium Vopiscum. from whence so many have broke their necks. We should rather pitty and pray for great men, than any way envy them, since they are exposed to so many dangers, and great tentations.

2 The end of wicked men is miserable.

What ever the good mans beginning may bee, bee it never so blustrous and rugged, yet his end is peace, Psal. 37. 37. On the contrary, let the wicked mans beginning bee never so p. 163pleasant and plausible, yet his end is sorrowful. A good man begins like a Tragedy, but ends like a Comedy; but a wicked man begins like a Comedy, and ends like a Tragedy. Of those twenty Kings of Israel, eight of them at least, if not nine, died violent and untimely deaths; the other twelve, though they died in outward peace, yet had they no true inward peace; how could they, when their Idolatries and spiritual whoredomes were so many? The higher men are, the more hurt they do, and so are neerer to judgement.

The Kings of Iudah, as they were generally better men, so they lived longer than the Kings of Israel did, and came not to such untimely ends, but few of them, viz. four, Ioash, Ioram, Ammon, and Iosiah. Besides, in the time of the twenty Kings of Israel, there were but eleven over Iudah; and of those, Asa by name reigned in the time of eight several Kings of Israel, and those of five several stocks; and Uzziah reigned in the time of six other Kings of Israel, of which, four were of other stocks. It will bee our wisdome to take heed of those rocks against which so many have ruined themselves, Sit aliorum perditio, tua cautio; Let us live by Rule, not by Example, and then peace will bee our portion, Gal. 6. 16. The godly Kings of Iudah, that kept purity of worship, and went hand in hand with the Prophets,See Mr. Strongs 31. S…rm. … Josh. 1. 8. p. 617.Josh 1:8 they flourisht, and were victorious. So good it is, to walk in Gods way, and keep to the Rule, Iosh. 1. 8. But the Kings of Israel had loss upon loss, and vexation upon vexation, by enemies within and without, till they lost Life, Land, and all. So ill it is, to walk in carnal by-paths against the Rule.

3 That Succession, Antiquity, Universality, are all but vain without Verity.

The Idolatrous Israelites here might have pleaded all these for their Idolatry, it doth not therefore follow that it was just and good.Ge…ebrard in C…r…nol. ad a… num 901. Cacolici non Catholici, Papae, Popae; Cardinales, carnales; Dominicani, Daemoniaci; Iesuitae, Iesuvitae, Riv…. Genebrard confesseth, that of fifty Popes in order succeeding one another, there was not one good. They were all Apostatical, not Apostolical.

4 Such as partake with wicked men in their sins, shall also bee partaker with them in their plagues.

p. 164Israel here follows their twenty Kings in Idolatry, and now they must follow them into captivity and ruine; if you would not partake of others plagues, bee sure not to partake with them in their sins, Rev. 18. 4.

HAving shewed before that Impudency in sinning is a forerunner of some judgement approaching; I shall now give you an instance of the Impudency, Anarchy, and Blasphemy of our times. The bare reciting of this sinful, sens…less Pamphlet, is confutation sufficient.

Here you may see what is the fruit of that New-light so much cried up by some; it teacheth men to disturb Congregations in Gods worship, to bring Pockets to Church, and openly to sow them on the Lords day, to rail on Gods Messengers, and call them lyars, to lay their Bastards at Gods Door, and father all their abominations on Gods Spirit. The Spirit moved, and the Lord (saith this deluded, hardened wretch) …tirred him up, and commanded him, &c. And shall not the Lord visit for these things? if Rulers will not, hee certainly will. These talk much of the Spirits leading them, but certainly it is an ill spirit that leads them; for God is the God of order, and not of confusion; his Spirit is the Spirit of Peace and Purity, and teacheth men to act according to the word, and not according to their own brain-sick delu…ions. As for his vain scrupulosity, in not daring to use the ordinary names of our months and daies, you may see this excellently confu…ed by the learned Dr. Reynold, in his Commentary on Haggai, Ser. 1. p. 8, 9, 10.

In the year 59, in the fourth month, the last day of the month, being the fifth day of the week,

THe presence of the Lord was felt within mee, and in his light hee let mee see what his pleasure was with mee; it was clearly shewed mee that I should go to the Steeple-house in Alderman…u…y, the first day of the week then following, and take with mee something to work, and do it in the Pulpit at their singing time.

At which sight I found much unwillingness in my self, yet sitting still with …rembling, there came upon mee a very great weight, pressing mee to obedience; yea a heavy burthen was felt, till I had consented to obey; I felt the weight to encrease; oh how hard my unwilling will was to yeeld, but the Lord strengthened mee, and having consented, I found a little ease, yea I did resolve in the power of the Lord to go on: I purposed to carry with mee a Pocket to sow.

So the first day morning being the third day of the fifth month after the eighth hour one of the Doors being open, I passed in, thinking to get into the Pulpit to hide my self there till their singing time, and then get up and work; The Sexton spying mee, took mee by the arm, said, friend, wee do not open yet, for it was their Communion day, as they call it: but the time I was in, I found that the Galleries were higher than the Pulpit, and I should have been discovered before their song began; I see the Clerk giving Tickets: so about the ninth hour their Doors were opened, I passed in as one of their own crowd, the throng came in very fast, I gat into one of the Galleries to spy if possible to get in the Pulpit some way, but I found none at that time, so they began to read, and I came down, and finding no way to get into the Pulpit, I came to the Table that is prepared so▪ that troop, I thought to get upon the Table to work, but the Table was set round with young men, and when they began their song, they laid on their hats upon the Table, so I standing still waiting on the Lord, having a great minde to do the Lords work, their song being up, my hat offended them, they took it off, and cast it away, and one of the young men gave it mee again, I put it on, and it offended again, in so much that Piercefall did perceive mee, who came violently, and took my hat off to fling it away, but I held it, then hee took mee by the hair of the head, and dragg'd mee out, and as one of their own company testified to his face that hee struck mee, but I cannot say that, but a lu…ty red hair'd man did strike mee, I supposed him to be an officer in that hateful place, but Piercefall after hee had dragged mee out by the hair, said, Sirrah, Do you not know William Duike, I said nay, for I did not know him; Sirrah, said hee, I put him in prison, and fined him …en pound, and you must bee served so too, and so charged the Con…table with mee, and went himself in again, and received the Sacrament for all this.

The Constable told mee that I might go away if I would, but in again I must not. So I stood a while, and finding in my self no constraint, I passed away towards More-fields, finding a little ease from the weight of the burden, being faithful to what might bee done at that time: but the sixth day of the week, being the eighth day of the month, sitting at work in my Shop but not on the Shop-board, the burden of the Lord came upon mee, and the light making manifest the same thing that was not yet done, must bee done, and the Lord would not discharge mee, but laid a necessity upon mee. I beholding this with trembling and fear, I did resolve in the power of the Lord not to eat nor drink, till I had performed the Lords requiring. So having purposed in heart, I greatly desired the Lords assistance; and it was shewed mee how to do it, and the Lord made way for mee.

So the first day of the week, being the tenth day of the fifth month, I waited opportunity till the singing time began, which when I heard, I passed in, but being fearful to bee taken with the hat again, and so lose my main business, for the Lord: I stept out again, but stayed not, I came in again, I lookt towards the Pulpit, and spied the Pue door open, that the Priest might pass up the Pulpit. So I waited, thinking that Edmund Calamy would go up the Pulpit, I intended to get in before him; for thought I, that boy that sits upon the stairs, will open the Pulpit door for the Priest, and I will get in before, but no Priest came, whereupon in the power of the Lord, I fixed my eye upon the Pulpit, and I spied an Iron hook, and I passed thorow the Pue up the stairs, and unhookt the door, and pulled twice, and gat it open, and I sate my self down upon the Cushin, and my feet upon the seat where the Priest when hee hath told out his lies doth sit down, and having my work ready, I pulled one or two stitches. The people lost their song, and some cried, pull him down, some, break his neck down, and a lusty fellow came up, and did intend to do mee a mischief, and rang my neck, as if hee would have wrung it in two. So I let go my hold, and hee flang mee down stairs, but the Lord preserved mee, and I felt no hurt; for having done that which the Lord required mee to do, I was full of peace; and it had been little to mee if they had there taken away, or killed the body. For I was full of joy, and they were full of wrath and madness; so they tore my Coat off, and my hat, and dragged mee out, and one took mee by the hair, and flung mee upon the ground, and some that was without said, why do yee use the man so? but I gate up again, then they dragged mee quite out into the street, and there held mee, and while they held mee, one came, and gave mee a violent kick on the shins, and said, hee could finde in his heart to knock mee down, hee made my shin bleed, and another kickt mee on the other shin, but did not much hurt, another said that I had been some notorious sinner heretofore, and now came to do something that might merit; Presently the Church-warden, as they call him, came out, and hee and the Bell-toller carried mee away to the Counter, till their Sermon was ended, as they call it, then they carried mee away to Pauls Yard, to stay for the Mayor, but the Serjeant said, hee would carry mee away to the Mayors house, and there stay mee till hee came in, so hee did: And all the way thorow Paternoster-Row as I went, the boyes kickt my heels, so then the Mayor came in, and they told him that I was at work in the Pulpit; then said hee to mee, Wherefore did you work there? I said, in obedience to the Lords commandement; hee said, It was a false spirit, and said hee, Where are your sureties? I said, The Lord was my surety; hee said, The Lord would not bear mee out in this thing; said hee to them, Carry him again to the Counter; so they carried mee back again, and there I was till the third day.

Now let all sober people judge whether I did this thing out of envy against either Priest or People.

Yea further, I say, the Lord God lay it not to their charge, who have said that I did it in malice, devilishness, and envy; it is the desire of my soul that they might bee saved,

And so do write my name, being a Prisoner for the Testimony of the Lord in the Common Gaol in Newgate, London, Committed the 1 5th. of the 5th. Month, 59. Solomon Eccles.

FINIS.