The Life of Faith in Times of Trial and Affliction, Consideration 22

The Life of Faith in Times of Trial and Affliction · Consideration 22

p. 413CONSIDERATION XXII. Judgement upon a Land, because of sin, sometime will not be held off by the prayer of God's people.

JEREM. 15: 1.

Then said the Lord unto me, though Moses and Samuel stood before me; yet my minde could not be toward this people: Cast them out of my sight, and let them go forth.

IN a time, when, because of publick and abounding sins, the Lord bringeth on Publick and General Calamities; especially such, as sweep away the Righteous with the Wicked, and that could not be prevented or held off by all the Prayers and Supplications of His people, how earnest so ever they have been therein; it may seem no small piece of difficulty, how a beleever shall win to any life; or to know what a life may be had, in a such a dismal day: It may therefore be of use to speak p. 414a little hereunto, especially seing this is very like to be the case of this Generation.

These words, and the like Passages, show us, that indeed there is a time, when God is so provoked by the sinnes of a people, that after much abused patience and long-suffering, He will not be intreated to hold off the stroke, that He is about to send, or hath threatned because of Provocations: Nor shall the eminentest of His favourites, & wrestlers, who sometime have prevailed as Princes with Him, be in case to stand in His way, and avert the blow, by all their Intreaties & earnest Supplications. God was about to bring on this people of Judah, the long threatned desolation, and did denounce the same by His Servant Ieremiah, saying Chap. 7: 14, 15. That He would do unto His house at Ierusalem, which was called by His name, and wherein they did trust, as He had done unto Shilo; and that He would cast them out of His sight, as He had cast out their Brethren, the whole seed of Ephraim. And that Ieremiah might understand the peremp…oriness of this denounciation, He addeth vers. 16. Therefore pray not thou for this people, neither lift up cry nor prayer for them; p. 415neither make intercession to me, for I will not hear thee. The Lord hereby signifying not so much His will, that Ieremiah should surcease, and pray no more in their behalf; as the peremptoriness of His purpose and resolution, to bring on the judgment, so that all his Interceeding and Interposeing should not avail: And this is againe renewed Chap 11: 14. Therefore pray not thou for this people; neither lift up a cry, or prayer for them; for I will not hear them, in the time, that they cry unto me, for th…ir trouble. As if He had said, The decree is now gone forth, neither shall they prevail for themselves, nor thou for them. Yet Compassionat Ieremiah could not get them forgotten in his prayers; but interceedeth earnestly with the Lord, in their behalf Ier. 14: 1. From the beginning to the 10. ver. Whereupon the Lord said unto him the third time vers. 11. pray not for this people …or their good. Ieremie againe vers. 19. to the end, notwithstanding of this, fell to the work of prayer, and did earnestly supplicat and interceed for them. But now the Lord tels him Chap. 15: 1. That Moses and Samuel should not prevail in their behalf; and therefore he may be the better satisfied, to hear that God would p. 416not grant his Petitions, put up for them.

The like we have said foure times over Ezek. 14: 14, 16, 18 20. Though these three men, Noah, Daniel and Iob, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls: and againe, Though those three men were in it, as I live saith the Lord God, they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, they only shall be delivered, but the land shall be desolate. The matter then, which we are to notice is manifest, to wit, That there is a time, when the sins of a people come to that height, that God will not spare, upon any humane Intercession: He will hear no Intreaty. That was an unalterable and inevitable sentence against the house of honest Eli. 1 Sam. 3: 14. And therefore I have sworne unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Elies house shall not be purged with sacrifice, nor offering for ever. When the Lord would beginne, He would also make an end, as it is said v. 12. So Esai. 22: v. 14. And it was revealed in mine eares by the Lord of hostes; surely this iniquitie shall not be purged from you till ye die. There is a time, when the end is come, and the Lord will judge a people, according to their wayes, and recompense upon them all their abominations; and His eye shall not spare, neither p. 417will He have pity: As Ezek. 7: 2. to 10. And the Lord will not againe passe by them any more Amos 7: vers 8. and 8. vers 2.

Such a time and dispensation, as this, cannot but be afflicting and grievous to all, that are concerned in such matters: And the Consideration of these particulars may manifest how sad it is, when the Lord is so provoked against a People, as no Intercessions of His most highly honoured Favourites, upon whose Intreaties, sometime He hath manifested wonderful condescensions of grace, will prevail to keep off the stroke; no not Moses and Samuel both together.

1. That the Lord hath done much at the Prayer and Intercession of these two in particular, here mentioned, Moses and Samuel: For Moses, see Exod. 32. where the Lord was so wroth and displeased at the Peoples turning aside so quickly out of the way, and making the golden Calf, that He said unto Moses vers 9, 10. I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stiff-necked People. Now therefore, let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: And yet upon the Intercession of Moses, saying Vers 11, 12, 13. p. 418Lord, why doth thy wrath wax hote against thy People, which thou hast brought forth out of the Land of Aegypt, with great power and with mighty hand &c. It is said Vers 14. That the Lord repented of the evil, which he thought to do unto his People. So againe Numb 14: v. 19, 20. See Psal. 99: vers 5. and 106: v. 23. In like manner, as to Samuel we see 1 Sam. 7. that when the Children of Israel were in great fear of the Philistines, they said to Samuel Vers 8. Cease not to cry unto the Lord our God, for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines. And upon this Samuel cried unto the Lord, for Israel, and the Lord heard him. See also Psalm 99: v. 6. Is it not sad, that the Lord, who sometime did so much upon the Intreaty of these Persons, is now so offended, that He would not regard their Intercessions, nor spare upon their request?

2. That the Lord hath frequently spared, and keeped a stroke off His People upon the interposing of others, as of Amos. Chap. 7: v. 2, 3, 5, 6. When he had prayed for the People, and had said, O Lord God, forgive, I beseech thee: by whom shall Iacob arise, for he is small? The Lord repented and said, It should not be. And againe the p. 419second time he prayed, and had the same return. So Nehemiah 9. and Daniel Ch. 9. and Asa 2 Chron. 14: v. 11. and Iehosaphat 2 Chron. 20. and others.

3. That the Lord hath sometimes forborne to strick, when even graceless Persons, and such, as had no interest in the special favour of God, have prayed and humbled themselves: as when He spared Ninivee, after that natural People had humbled themselves: And when that wicked man Ahab, that did evil in the sight of the Lord, above all that were before him 1 Kings 16: vers. 30, 33. rent his cloths, and put sack-cloth upon his flesh, and fasted and lay in sack-cloth, and went softly, the Lord delayed the stroke, and would not bring the evil upon his house, in his dayes 1 Kings 21: v. 27, 29. How sad must it then be, that He, who sometime hath turned from the fierceness of His anger, and held off the evil threatned upon the crying of graceless Persons, will not hear the earnest Intreaties of His greate…st Favourites?

4. This dispensation will also appear more sad and afflicting, if we confider what an high esteem the Lord hath for the Prayers and Intercessions of His worthies. Such p. 420an account hath He of them, that the expressions thereof are indeed rare and very remarkable. Let me alone, saith He unto Moses Exod. 32: v. 11. as if Moses had been stronger than He, and had bound up His hands; or as if God could do nothing without Moses's consent or permission. So said He to Iacob Gen. 32: v. 26. when He was wrestling with Him by prayer and supplication Hos. 12: v. 4. Let me go: as if He could not have gone without Iacobs good leave and permission: And Iacob is said to have prevailed with God, as a Prince; and hath therefore his name changed into Israel.

5. Adde to this end, the frequent promises made of the Lords hearing of such, in the behalf of others Gen. 20: 7. the Lord said to Abimelech, Restore the man his wife, for he is a Prophet, and be shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live. So Iob. 42: v. 8. The Lord directed Iobs Friends to set him a work to pray for them, with a promise of success. Go to my servant Iob, and offer up for yourselves a Burnt-offering; and my servant Iob shall pray for you; for him will I accept. How sad then must it be, when the Lord will not hear such. See also Iam. 5: v. 14, 15, 16.

p. 4216. Yea sometimes we read, that the Lord hath delivered, when there was no Intercessour Esai. 59: vers 16, 17. And He saw, that there was no Intercessour. Therefore his arme brought salvation unto Him, and His righteousness it sustained Him. Must not His anger then be great, when He will not pity, nor spare, even though His worthies, whom He highly honoureth, were standing before Him, and putting up Supplications, in the behalfe of a sinful People?

7. He hath said Psal. 50: vers 15.—Call upon me in the day of trouble, and I will deliver thee. Is it not then sad, when iniquity is come to such an height, that the Lord will not onelyonly not hear the People themselves, when they cry; but also He will not hear the beseechings and intreaties of such, as have most prevailed with Him, at other times?

8. As also if we consider, how unanswerable this appeareth to be unto the Title and Stile, which He hath gote, and the Consideration of which hath encouraged His servants to call upon Him: As Psal. 65: vers 2. O thou that hearest Prayer, unto thee shall all Flesh come, such a Dispensation, as this, cannot but be sad and grievous.

p. 422If it be enquired, when we may apprehend the time to be such, as wherein the Lord will hear no Intercessions, no Prayers, nor Intreaties of His greatest Favourites, in the behalf of a sinf…l People, against whom the Lord is coming in judgment? I answere, Though we may not be peremptour herein, knowing that the Lord sometimes taketh pleasure to Act, according to a Soveraignity of mercy; for the glory of His rich Grace and Compassion; and therefore must leave a latitude unto the Soveraignity of free Grace: Yet if we consider the condition of this People, of whom this is said; and see what iniquities they were guilty of, at this time, we apprehend such a thing may be feared, where the Lord is in the same, or in the like manner, provoked; and when He is coming in judgment against a people chargable with the same evils, it may be feared, that no prayer, no intercession of one or other, shall availe to hold off the judgment. Of these sins, whereof this People, for whom the Lord would hear no intercession, we shall mention some few, to the end we may be helped to understand better the language of Gods present Dispensations; and to search and see, p. 423whether there be cause or no, to fear, that judgment inevitable is to be the lo of this generation.

1. When sins, and rebellion against the Lord, come to an exceeding great height, and gross and palpable defection is begun and carried on by Court and Countrey; then the Lord is engaged to vindicat His Name and Justice, before the World; that all may see, He is no Patronizer of Wickedness, even in a People called by His Name. Thus it was in the dayes of Manasseh, who, with his Court, committed such hainous wickedness, as was never there before perpetrated, as may be seen 2 Kings 21: v. 1, to 10. 2 Chron. 33: 1, to 11. and wherein the whole land was involved: Wherefore the Lord threatned 2 Kings 21: v. 12, 13, 14, &c. to stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the House of Ahab; that is, that He would do with Jerusalem, as He hath done with Samaria, and the House of Ahab; and no more spare those, than He did these. And (which is very remarkable) this iniquity the Lord would not Pardon, notwithstanding that Manasseh himself gote mercy, & reformed several things before his death; and notwithstanding of a more universal p. 424and general Reformation, that was in the dayes of his Grand-child Josiah, that nonesuch King: For it is said 2. Kings 23: v. 25, 26, 27. And like unto him (i. e. Josiah) was there no King before him, that turned to the Lord withall his heart, and with all his soul, and withall his might, according to the Law of Moses; neither after him, arose there any like him. Notwithstanding (as it is added) the Lord turned not from the fierceness of His great wrath, wherewith His anger was kindled against Judah, because of all the Provocations that Manasseh had provoked Him with all. And the Lord said, I will remove Judah also out of my sight, &c. And in this same place Jer. 15. after the Lord had said Vers 1. that though Moses and Samuel stood before Him, his mind could not be towards them; but that He would cast them out of His sight, to the death, to the sword, to the Famine, and to the Captivity, Vers 2. to the Sword, to Dogs, to Fowls, and to Beasts Vers 3. He saith Vers 4. And I will cause them to be removed into all Kingdomes of the Earth, because of Manasseh, the Son of Hezeki…h King of Judah, for that which he did in Jerusalem.

2. When hainous iniquities, and sins become common and epidemick, in a land, infecting all ranks of Persons, young and p. 425old, rich and poor, Magistrat, Minister and common People; then an inevitable blow is to be feared: for so was it with this people, as we see Jer. 5: vers. 1. &c. hardly could there a man be found in Jerusalem to execute judgment, and to seek the truth: Neither was this scarcety to befound only among the poor and foolish people; but even among the great men; for they had altogether broken the yoke, and burst the bonds Vers 5. therefore followeth Vers 7. How shall I pardon thee for this? And againe Vers 9. Shall I not visite for these things? saith the Lord; and shall not my soul be avenged on such a Nation as this? So in the two last Verses of that Chapt. it is said, A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the Land. The Prophets prophesie falsely, and the Priests bear rule by their meanes, and my People love to have it so: and what will ye do i… the end thereof. Such Priest, such People were here; and what else but ruine could be expected? So Ierem. 6: vers 13. and 8: v. 10. it is said, that from the least of them, even unto the greatest of them, every one is given to covetousness; and from the Prophet even unto the Priest, every one dealeth falsly: Therefore is wrath threatned both upon old and young, and upon all the inhabitants of the land Vers 11, 12. p. 426See also Vers 28. They were all grievous revolters, brasse and iron, they were all corrupters. So is this plainly charged upon them Chap. 7: v. 18. The Children gather wood, and the Fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough▪ to make …kes to the Queen of Heaven. So that Man, Wife and Children, young and old, were conspiring in one, and with one shoulder carrying on this Defection and Apostasie from God. So Jerem. 11: v. 13, 14. For according to the number of thy cities, were thy Gods, O Judah; and according to the number of the Streets of Jerusalem, have they set up Alt…rs to that shamful thing, Altars to burn in…ense unto Baal. Thus was this sin become universal through the whole City Jerusalem, and through the whole Land of Judah: And what followeth hereupon? Therefore pray not thou for this People &c. The like we finde Micah. 3: vers. 11. The Heads did judge for reward, and the Priests did teach for hire, and the Prophets did divine for Money: And what followeth upon this? Therefore (Vers 12) shall Zion for your sakes be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem become heaps, and the mountaine of the house as …he high places of the forest; that is, Citie and Sanctuary shall be laid desolate. This p. 427same was laid to the charge of this People by Zephaniah, Ch. 3: ver. 3, 4. Her Princes within her are roaring lions, her judges evening Wolves, her Prophets light and treacherous Persons, her Priests have polluted the Sanctuary: So that both Church and State was corrupted: & therefore was woe denounced against her Vers 1. See also Micah 7: 2, to 6.

3. When Corruption in the Worship, and Ordinances of God, is admitted, fostered and continued in; and Superstition or Idolatrie is brought-in, then an inevitable stroke is to be feared: for God is a jealous God, and will not hold them guiltless that take His Name in vaine, but will visite the iniquities of the Fathers unto the third and fourth Generation of those that thus hate Him, and corrupt His Ordinances: This was also given as a cause of the destruction, that came on this People 2 Chron. 36: v. 14. They polluted the House of the Lord, which He had hallowed in Jerusalem. So Ezek. 5: vers 11. it was threatned. Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord God, surely, because thou hast defiled my Sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations; therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye sparer, p. 428neither will I have pity, See also the following Verses, where the dreadfulness of the blow is laid forth: yea saith he Vers 13. thus shall mine anger be accomplished, and I will cause my fury to rest upon them, and I will be comforted. And all is sealed in end Vers 17. with this, I the Lord have spoken it. So Ezek. 7: vers 20. As for the beauty of his Ornament, he set it in Majesty: But they made the Images of their Abominations, and of their detestable things therein. This was their sin, and what followeth? Therefore have I set it far from them, or made it unto them an unclean thing. And further in the following Verses, He threatneth, to give it into the hands of strangers for a prey, and to robbers, who shall defile it, &c. See likewise Chapt. 8. throughout, and Chap. 23▪ vers 38, 39▪ So Jerem. 9: vers 12, 13, &c. The Land was perishing, and was burnt up like a Wilderness, that none passeth thorow: And wherefore was this? Because (saith the Lord) they have forsaken my law, which I set before them, and have not obeyed my voice, neither walked therein; but have walked after the imagination of their own heart, and after Baalim, which their Fathers taught them &c.

p. 4294. When a land or Church maketh defection from God, apostatizeth, breaketh wedlock, renounceth their Covenant relation; then a sword is to be expected, wherewith the Lord shall avenge the quarrel of His Covenant Levit 26: 25. & there is ground to fear, that judgment shall inevitably overtake such sinners: For thus was it with this people of Judah Ier. 2: 9, 10. 11, 12, 13. So Ier. 4: 16, 17, 18. They had forsaken God, and rebelled against Him; and therefore came destruction upon destruction v. 28. and Ier. 11: 10. Because they brake God's Covenant, which He had made with their Fathers: Therefore v. 11. He threatned to bring evil upon them, which they should not be able to escape, and that He would not Hearken, though they should cry unto Him: And then followeth vers 14. Therefore pray not thou for this people &c. So Ier. 22: 6, 7. The Lord threatned to make them a wilderness, and Cities not inhabited, in so much, that Nations shall be astonished, and enquire what can be the cause of this? And the answere they shall receive is this v. 9. Because they …ave forsaken the Covenant of the Lord, their God, and w…rshipped other Gods & srved them. And in this same place p. 430Ier. 15: 6. it is said, Thou hast forsaken me, saith the Lord, thou art gone backward; therefore will I stretch out mine hand against thee, & destroy thee, I am weary with repenting. See what was threatned for breach of Covenant Ier. 34: v. 17, 18, 19, 20. The Lord said, He would proclame a liberty to the sword, to the pestilence, and to the famine, and would make them to be removed into all the Kingdomes of the earth, and give all ranks among them into the hands of their Enemies; and give their dead bodies to be meat unto the fowls of heaven, and to the beasts of the earth. We see Ezek. 16. how the Lord deduceth along process against them, and proveth them to have plaid the harlot, and that in a most impudent manner: And how therefore he saith, that He will judge her as a woman, that breaketh wedlock v. 38. & make his fury towards them to rest, and his jealousie shall depart, and He will be quiet vers. 42. and againe v. 59. He saith I will even deal with thee, as thou hast done, which hast despised the oath, in breaking the Covenant. See the like charged upon Israel, as the ground of their desolation. Hos. 4: 12, 13, 14. & 5: 4, 5, 6, 7. & 8: 1, 2, & 9: 1, 2, 3. & 13, 16.

p. 4315. When this Defection and Apostasie from God in the matter of Religion, is accompanied with gross immoralities, fearful sins against the Second table of the Law, which the very light of Nature condemneth; then may the guilty fear an unavoidable stroke, & a blow of justice, that shall not be evited; for the Lord will not have it said, or supposed by strangers, that He will bear with gross impieties in His own professed people, and suffer them to exceed the heathen in wickedness, without control, or punishment: We see this people of Judah, upon whom inevitable ruine was coming, were charged likewise with many gross and hainous impieties Ier. 5: 26, 27, 28, 29. There vvere among them wicked men, they did lay waite, as such as laid snares, they set a trap, they watched men, their houses were full of deceit; yea they did overpasse the deeds of the wicked; & thereupon it followeth v. 29 Shall I not visite for these things, saith the Lord? Shall not my soul be avenged of such a Nation, as this? So Ier. 9: 1. They were all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men, they bend their tongues for lies like bowes, they did proceed from evil to evil, they taught their tongues to speak p. 432lies, and deceived their Neighbours; they spoke peacably, but in heart they did lay wait: Therefore it is added v. 9. Shall I not visite them for these things? &c. So Jer. 21: 12. O house of David, thus sai…h the Lord, execute judgement in the morning, and deliver him that is spoiled out of the hand of the oppressour, l…st my fury go out like fire, and burn that none can quench it, because of the evil of your doings. These things were neglected by them; and therefore wrath came upon them, at length, and there was no remedie Jer. 22: 3, 4, 5, 6. And the Prophet Ezekiel hath the same charge against this people Chap. 5: 5, 6. They changed Gods judgments into wickedness, more than the Nations, and his statutes more than the Countreys: And therefore the Lord threatned v. 8, 9, 10. to execute judgment in the midst of them, and to do that unto them, which He had not done before, and the like whereof He would not do any more: He would bring on them an unexemplified stroke, and a stroke, that should not have a parallel. And againe Chap. 9: 9, 10. The iniquity of the house of Israel and of Judah is exceeding great, and the Land is full of blood, and the city full of perversness. And therefore it is added, mine eye shall not spare, p. 433neither will I have pity, but I will recompense their way upon their head. Therefore was it, that commission was given to the Lord's executioners to go thorow and slay Old and young, maids and little children and women; yea all, except the marked ones v. 5, 6. Se also Chap. 16: 46, 47, 48. Iudah corrupted her self more than Samarca, yea more than Sodom v. 49: 50, 41. And Chap 22: we have a large Catalogue of their sins, see v. 2, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12. And that as the provoking cause, drawing forth the sword, wherewith the Lord would cut off both the righteous and the wicked, mentioned Chap. 21: ver. 3.—14. And bringing-on the desolation and scattering, mentioned Chap. 22: 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22. Thus the Lord dealt also with Israel, because of their manifold iniquities, mentioned Hos. 4: 1, 2, 3. there was no truth, nor mercy, in the land, nor knowledge of God; but there was swearing, lying, killing, stealing, adultery and blood touching blood. See also Micah. 6: 10, 11, 12, 13.

6. When this defection, and course of sinning is long continued-in, and there is no wearying of this way, but rather a growing in this Apostasie; then such may p. 434fear, that at length the Lord will come, and will not spare, nor pity, nor passe by any more; for thus was it with this people of Iudah Ier. 16. there are sad judgments denounced against them, from the beginning to V. 10. And thereof the reason is given vers. 11, 12. - Because your fathers have forsaken me, and have walked after other goods &c. And ye have done worse than your fathers; for behold ye walk every one after the stubbornness of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me. And therefore destruction is threatned of new v. 13. Therefore will I cast you out of this land, into a land, that ye know not—where I will not shew you favour. So Ier. 32: 30, 31. For the Children of Israel, & the Children of Iudah have only done evil before me from their youth. And againe. This city hath been to me, as a Provocation of mine anger, and of my fury, from the day that they built it, even unto this day; that I should remove it from before my face. So the Prophet Ezekiel draweth up a long Libel of many Instances of their rebellion, continued in for many Generations, running in a constant line from Father to Son, from V. 3. to V. 33. and there we finde the sentence given out, As I live saith the Lord God, surely with a mighty p. 435hand, and with a stretched-out arme, and with fury poured-out, will I rule over you And Israel was charged with this same guilt, Hos. 10: ver. 9. O Israel, thou hast sinned from the dayes of Gibeah. See also Esa. 65: 7.

7. When People become bold and impudent in their sinful courses, then there is ground to fear a sad and inevitable stroke of Justice: For thus was it with this People of Iudah Ier. 3: 3.—Thou hadst a whores fore-head, thou refusedst to be ashamed. And againe Ier. 6: 15. Were they ashamed, when they had committed abomination? Nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: And what is added upon this? Therefore they shall fall among them, that fall; at the time, that I visite them, they shall be cast down, saith the Lord. So Chap. 8: v. 12. in these last mentioned places, the false Prophets would seem specially to be meaned; yet the circumstances will include others. When People provoke the Lord to anger continually, to his face, as it is Esai 65: 3. then they become a smoak in Gods nose, and a fire that burneth all the day, and they must expect a recompence from God, as Vers. 5, 6.

p. 4368. When People stand chargable with the abuse of many favours, received at the hands of God; which they have perverted, and mis-improven to the hardening of themselves in their wicked courses; then it is to be feared, that God will come at length, and be avenged on such a Generation of Perverters: This iniquity was also charged upon this People of Iudah by Jeremiah Chap. 2: 5, to 9. Their forgetting the old kindnesses of God, and abusing His favours, defiling His land, and making His heritage an abomination, is charged home Vers 7. Wherefore (saith the Lord Vers 9.) I will yet plead with you, and with your Childrens Children will I plead. So Chap. 11. after the Lord had said to Jeremie, Pray not for this People Vers 14. he addeth, as a provoking cause hereunto Vers 15, 16, 17. What hath my beloved to do, in mine house, she hath wrought lewdness with many, and the holy flesh is passed from thee, when thou dost evil, then thou rejoicest. The Lord called thy name a green Olive tree, faire and of goodly fruit. But there was no sutable walking; and therefore it followeth, with the noise of a great tumult, he hath kindled fire upon it, and the branches of it are broken: For the Lord of Hosts, that planted thee, hath pronounced p. 437evil against thee, &c. So Jer. 13. the Lord by a similitude of a girdle, showeth how he had caused the whole House of Israel to cleave unto Him, and the whole House of Iudah; that they might be unto Him, for a People, and for a Name, and for a Praise, and for a Glory: but they would not hear; and therefore he threatned to make them like unto the marred girdle; and so mar the pride of Iudah, and the great pride of Ierusalem, and make them good for nothing. See Vers 9, 10, 11. So Chap. 16: 18. he saith, And first, I will recompense their iniquity, and their sin double, because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance, with the carcases of their detestable and abominable things. Thus did they requite the kindness of God, in bestowing that land upon them, by defileing it with their sins; and therefore He threatneth to recompense their iniquity double. So doth the Prophet Ezekiel Chap. 16. make a large deduction of the favours and kindneses shown to that people, and give us also a large summe of their abusings and pervertings of these favours: And therefore is wrath denounced from Vers 36. and forward. This was likwise charged upon Ephraim or Israel, by p. 438Hosea Chap. 7: 13, 15.—they have transgressed against me, though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against me—though I have bound and strengthened their armes; yet they do imagine mischief against me. So Hos. 11: vers 1, 2, 3, 4. Esai. 1: vers 2.

9. When People become hardened in their sins, loving and delighting to wander out of the way, and glory in their wickedness, as resolving never to amend, and are therefore tushing at all threatnings, and contemning them; then is there great ground to fear an overturning blow, that no meanes shall avert: It was also laid to the charge of this people Ier. 14, 10. that they loved to wander, and did not refraine their feet: And what followeth upon this? Therefore the Lord doth not accept them; He will now remember their iniquity, and visite their sins. And then Vers 11. The Lord said unto him, pray not for this People for their good. Vers 12. When they fast, I will not hear their cry—but I will consume them by the Sword, by the Famine, and by the Pestilence. So the Prophet Ezekiel Ch. 24. seeth Ierusalem, in the likeness of a pot full of pieces; and she is called Vers 6. the pot, whose scum is therein, and is not p. 439gone out of it; she would cast away none of her abominations: and therefore the Lord said Vers 9. Wo to the bloudy City, I will even make the pile for fire great. Vers 10. Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burnt. Vers 11. Then set it empty upon the coals thereof, that the brasse of it may be hot, and may burn: and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, and that the soumme of it may be consumed. She would not put away her scum in time, and therefore the Lord will put an end to it in her destruction; and He will not be hindered; for it is added Vers 13, 14. In thy filthiness is leudness, because I have purged thee, and thou mast not purged; thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee, I the Lord have spoken it, it shall come to passe, and I will do it, I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent &c. The same was the sin of Israel, for saith Hosea Ch. 7: 10. And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face; and they do not return to the Lord their God, nor seek Him for all this. So Chap. 11: 7. And my People are bent to back sliding from me: though they called them to the most High, none at all would exalt Him. They hardened their necks, that they p. 440might not hear God's Words: Therefore the Lord said Ier. 19: 15. that He would bring upon Ierusalem., and upon the rest of the Towns, all the evil that He had pronounced against it. It was this same People, of which Zephaniah spaketh Chap. 1: 12. That were setled on their lees, and said in their heart, the Lord will not do good, neither will He do evil. Upon which, dreadful and desolating strokes are denounced, to the end of that Chapter.

10. When a People under their sins, turne brutish, sensual and senseless, regarding nothing that the Lord is either doing or saying, by His Servants or Dispensations; but following their pleasures; then an alarming and destroying stroke, that shall not be turned away, may be feared, according to that Esai. 22: v. 12, 13, 14. And in that day, did the Lord God of Hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth, and behold joy and gladness, slaying Oxen and killing Sheep, eating Flesh, and drinking Wine: Let us eat and drink, for to morrow we shall die. And it was revealed in mine eares by the Lord of Hosts; surely, this iniquity shall not be purged from you, till ye die, saith the Lord God of Hosts. The like we have p. 441pronounced by Amos Chap. 6: v. 1, &c against such, as are at ease in Zion, put far away the evil day, lye upon beds of yvory, & stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the Lambs out of the Flock, and the Calves out of the midst of the Stall; that chant to the sound of the viol, invent to themselves Instruments of musick, like David; that drink wine in bowls, & anoynt themselves with the chiefe oyntments; but they are not grieved for the Affliction of Ioseph. Now see what the Lord threatneth upon this account Ver. 7. and forward, confirming the same with an Oath Vers 8. to shew the immutability of this Counsel.

11. When People are so far from taking conviction, and making challenges welcome, and from humbling themselves before the Lord, in the sense of their iniquities; that they will justifie their owne wayes, and plead themselves innocent before God; Then, there being no more hop of their recovery, their case seemeth desperat, and they may expect a final blow: For this was also the sin of this People of Iudah; as we see Ier. 2: v. 23 How canst thou say, I am not polluted, I have not gone after Baalim? Therefore Vers 24. their monethmonth must come, wherein they p. 442shall be found and taken: So Vers 35. Yet thou sayest, because I am innocent, surely, his anger shall turn from me. What followeth? Behold I will plead with thee, because thou sayest, I have not sinned. So that the Lord is engaged so much the more, to plead His controversie against them; and make them and the world both see, by sad effects, how guilty they have been. Also we see how the Lord justifieth His procedour with this same People by Ezekiel Chap. 11. throughout: they would say, that all these calamities, which they did meet with, and were yet to meet with, came not on them for their own sins, but for their Fathers sins; their Fathers (said they) had eaten sowre grapes, and their teeth was set on edge; and therefore they concluded, that the way of the Lord was not equal: but the Lord, in that Chapter, is vindicating Himself, and evinceing that they were as guilty, as their Fathers, & did tread in their Fathers footsteps, approving all that their Fathers did; and therefore could not plead innocent. See likewise Ezek. 33: 11, to 20.

12. When People will go on in their wickedness, and shelter themselves under an outward Profession of Religion and Piety; then it is to be feared, that God p. 443shall vindicat His Name and His Glory, in the sight of the Nations, and make it appear that His outward worship and service shall be a scug to no profane Person: For this was also the sin of this People Jer. 7: 3, 4. Thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, amend your wayes and your doings, and I Will cause you to dwell in this place: Trust ye not in lying words, saying, the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord, the Temple of the Lord are these. Because they had the Temple among them, they thought all should be well, and they should never be ruined, do what they pleased: But the Lord, in the following Verses, manifesteth that all that should no more save them, than it saved Shiloh; and then addeth Vers 15, 16. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out all your Brethren, the whole Seed os Ephraim. Therefore pray not thou for this People &c. So saith the Lord by Esaias Ch. 1: 11, &c. To what purpose is the multitude of your Sacrifices &c. The Lord cared for none of these things, when their outward walk was not answerable to their profession; He would not hear their Prayers Vers 15. So Esai. 66: 3, 4. He thereupon threatened to choose their delusions, as they had chosen their p. 444own wayes, and that in which He delighted not. See also Amos 5: 21 to 23. Micah laith his to the charge of this same People. Chap. 3: 11. The heads thereof judge for reward, and the Priests thereof teach for hire, and the Prophets thereof divine for money: Yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord among us, none evil can come upon us, But what followeth upon this? Vers 12. Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountaine of the House, as the high places of the forest.

13. When iniquity aboundeth particucularly amongst Church-men, who should both by their doctrine & example have reclamed the people from their sinful courses; then the matter seemeth desperat, and God must be avenged on all together; Hence we see this same people charged with this Jer. 2: 8, 9. The Priests said not, where is the Lord? And they that handle the Law, knew me not: The Pastors also transgressed against me, and the Prophets Prophesied by Baal, & walked after things, that do not profite. Wherefore I will yet plead with you, saith the Lord, and with your Childrens Children will I plead. See also Ch. 6: 14, 15. and 8: 11, 12, 13. There was falshood among the Priests and the p. 445Prophets, and they healed thehurt of the daughter of Gods People slightly, saying Peace, Peace, when there is no Peace: And therefore followeth Vers 13. I will surely consume them &c. So Ezek. 22: 25, 26. There is a conspiracy of her Prophets, in the midst thereof—they have devoured souls, her Priests have violated my Law, and have profaned my Holy things &c. Therefore (as it followeth Vers 31.) have I poured out mine indignation upon them, I have consumed them with the fire of my wrath; their own way have I recompensed upon their heads, saith the Lord God. See also Hos. 4: v. 6, 7, 8, 9. and 9: vers 8.

14. When a People lay not God's controversie to heart, when He is pleading the same against them by lesser judgments; nor are taking warning thereby, but notwithstanding thereof are going on in their sins; then it is to be feared, that God shall once for all send a consuming stroke, that they shall not evite: for this was also the sin of this People, as we see Jer. 5: 3.—Thou hast stricken them, but they have not grieved; thou hast consumed them, but they have refused to receive correction: So Chap 2: 30. and 12: v. 11. Thus was it also with Israel Amos 4: v. 6. and forward to the end: several particular p. 446judgments are there mentioned, but they wrought them not up unto a returning to the Lord vers 6, 8, 10, 12. And then a nameless Judgment, or a Judgment without a parallel, a judgment that could not be expressed is threatned; and they are bidden prepare for it vers 12. Therefore thus will I do unto thee, O Israel; & because I willd o thus unto thee, prepare to meet thy God, O Israel. See Amos 7. where also several Judgments are mentioned, but the Lord made not yet a full end: But at length vers 8. He saith, I will not againe passe by them, any more: And so againe Chap. 8: 2. See likewise Zeph. 3: 7. Esai. 1: v: 5, 6, 7, 8.

15. When oppression & injustice rageth among a people, then is there just ground to fear such an overflowing blow; Violence was one of the sins, that brought▪ on the floud on the old world Gen. 6: 11, 14. And for this sin, was Ierusalem threatned with destruction Esai. 1: 21, 23, 24. How is the faithful city become an harlot?—they judg not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them. Therefore thus saith the Lord, the Lord of hosts, ah, I will ease me of mine adversaries, and avenge me of mine enemies. So Jer. 7: 6. they were oppressing p. 447the stranger▪ the fatherless and the widow, and shedding innocent blood: As also Jer. 22: 17 18. And therefore are sore judgments threatned against their King Iohojakim vers 18, 19. that he should be buried with the burial of an asse, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Ierusalem. We see what was threatned against Israel Amos 2: 6, 7, 8. For this sin, of selling the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of …hoes, for panting after the dust of the earth, on the head of the poor, turning aside the way of the meek, and laying themselves down upon cloths, laid in pledge, & drinking the wine of the condemned, in the house of their God. See also Amos 8: 4, 5, 6. where this sin of unrighteousnese and oppression is charged upon them; and then followeth vers 7. The Lord hath sworn by the excellency of Jacob, surely, I will never forget any of their works. 8. shall not the land …remble for this, & every one mourn that dwelleth therein? &c. So Mic. 2: 1, 2. the like sin is charged upon that people▪ and then it followeth V. 3. Therefore, thus saith the Lord, behold, against this family do I devise an evil, from which ye shall not remove your necks. And utter desolation is threatned v. 4, 5. And v. 10. It is said Arise p. 448ye, & depairt; for this is not your rest &c. See likewise Ch. 3: 1, 2, 3, 4. and againe v. 9, 10, 11, 12. Habbakuk also saw this sin in Judah Chap. 1: 2, 3, 4. Violence, Iniquity, Grievance, Spoiling, Strife and Contention, no Judgment, but wrong Judgment: Therefore v. 5, 6. &c. an incredible work of Judgment was to be wrought, and the Caldeans were to be sent against them. So was the like threatened by Zephaniah Ch. 1: 3, 7, 9. for the same sin and 3: v. 3. See Es. 5: 23. to the end.

16. When people will not follow Gods way, and turne at His reproof, but go on in their sin; and when evil cometh upon them, use carnal shifts to save themselves, and run to the arme of flesh; then it is to be feared, that God's anger shall breakout and burn without remedie: For this was also the sin of Iudah, they would not turn to God, but trust in Egypt and Assyria, in their strait Ier. 2: 8, 9, 36, 37. So Es. 8: 6, 7, 8. For as much as this people r… fuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and in Remaliah's Son: Now therefore behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river …rong and many, even the King of Assyria,—and he p. 449shall passe thorow Iudah, and shall overflow and go over &c. So Hos. 5: 13, v. 14. When Ephraim saw his sickness, & Iudah his wound; then went Ephraim to the Ass…rian—I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as an young Lion to the house of Iudah: I, I will tear and go away, I will take away, and none shall rescue. And againe Chap. 7: 11, 12. Ephraim also is like a silly dove, without heart; they call to Egypt, they go to Assyria. When they shall go, I will spread my net upon them; I will bring them down, as the fowls of the heaven: I will chastise them, as their congregation hath heard. And againe Ch. 8: 8, 9, 10▪ Israel is swallowed-up, now shall they be among the Gentiles, as a vessel wherein is no pleasure: for they are gone up to Assyria.

17. When people, settling on their lees, grow secure, and carnally confident, as afraid of nothing, as if they were without the reach of God's hand, and all hazard; then it is to be feared, that God shall make it appear, that He is stronger, than they: For this likewise was the sin of Iudah Ier. 21: 13, 14. Behold I am against thee, O Inhabitant of the valley, and rock of the plaine, saith the Lord, which say, who shall come down against us? or who shall enter into our habitations? But I will punish you according to the p. 450fruit of your doings—and I will kindle a fire, in the forest thereof, and it shall devoure all things round about. This was also charged on Israel by Amos Chap. 6: 13. Ye which rejoice in a thing of nought, which say, have we not taken to ourselves horns by our own strength? For which cause see what followeth Vers 14. But behold I will raise up against you a nation, O ouse of Israel, saith the Lord the God of Hosts, and they shall afflict you from the entering in of Hemath, unto the Ri…er of the Wilderness. The like we finde Amos, 9: 10▪ All the sinners of my People shall die by the Sword, which say, the evil shall not overtake, nor prevent us. See Ezek. 9: 9, 10.

18. When a People have followed these courses of sin, notwithstanding of many reiterated warnings and admonitions, given by the Lords Servants; then it is to be feared, that God shall wait upon them with warnings no longer, but shall once for all send a devouring stroke, that they shall not with all their cries get prevented, nor taken off them; according to that Prov. 29: 1. He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddainly be destroyed, and that without remedie. And that Prov. 1: 2…. to 31. Because I have called, and ye refuse… p. 451&c. I also will laugh at your calamity, and mock when your fear cometh; when your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirle winde—Then shall ye call upon me, but I will not answere &c. Thus was it with this People of Iudah, Jer. 7: 13. And now because ye have done all these works, saith the Lord, and I spoke unto you, riseing up early and speaking, but ye heard not; I called you, but ye answered not. Then it followeth Vers 14, 15. Therefore will I do unto this House—as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out of my sight, all your Brethren, The whole Seed of Ephraim: And then He addeth Vers 16. Therefore pray not thou for this People. The same sin is againe charged upon them Vers 25, 26, 27, 28. And then it followeth Vers 29. Cut off thine Hair, ô Jerusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation; for the Lord hath rejected and forsaken the generation of his wrath. So Jer. 25. vers 3. the Prophet tels them in the fourth Yeer of Je…ojakim, that he had spoken unto them 23. Year, viz. from the 13. Year of J…siah; but in all vaine: and Vers 4. that the Lord had sent unto them all his servants the Prophets; but all was in vaine Vers 7. Therefore sad judgments p. 452are threatened Vers 8, 9, 10, 11. even utter desolation, and slavery under the King of Babylon full 70 Years Vers 12. See also Ch. 29: 17, 18, 19. and 35: 17. This was Israels sin also Hos. 5: 2, and 6: 5, 6, 7. and 9: 17. My God will cast them away, because they did not hearken unto Him: And they shall be wanderers among the Nations.

19. When People not only will not take warning; but also tush at warnings; then may they fear, that God shall be avenged upon them; for thus was it with this People of Judah, Jer 5: 11, 12, 13. For the House of Israel and the House of J…dah have dealt very trecherously against me—They have belied the Lord, and said, It is not He, neither shall evil come upon us, neither shall we see sword, nor famine: And the Prophets shall become winde, and the word is not in them. Therefore is destruction by the Caldeans threatned, in the following Verses 14, 15, 16, 17. See also Ier. 6: 10, 11, 12. So Jer. 18: v. 12, 13. When the Lord threatned sad dayes to come upon them, all the use they made of it, was They said, there is no hop; but we will walk after our own devices, and we will every one do the imagination of his evil heart We know what that wicked King did with the p. 453roll of threatenings Ierem. 36. but see what followed thereupon Vers 30, 31. andanother roll is written with additions Vers 32.

20. When People turn so impudent in their wayes, and so fixed in their sinful courses, that there is no moving of them by all the warnings that can be used; nay, they become enraged at, and persecute such as do admonish them, or exhort them to amend; then the case seemeth to be desperat, and their destruction must come: for thus was it with Judah 2 Chron. 36: 15, 16: They mocked the Messengers of God, and misused His Prophets, until the Lord arose against his People, till there was no remedy. And what sufferings Jeremiah met with at their hands, for his faithfulness, his book telleth us Chapters 11, and 26, and 38. So was it with Israel Amos 5: 10. They hate him that rebuketh in the gate, & they abhore him, that speaketh uprightly. See also Amos 7: 10. to the end. Upon which followed Chapter 8: v. 2. the end is come upon my People Israel, I will not againe passe by them any more.

How much more may a People, or a generation, among whom not one, or two, or a few onelyonly of those sins are to be found; p. 544but all of them, fear, that such a stroke be coming, that no prayer or humane intercession shall avert? The Lord tels us by Ezekiel Ch. 14. that when He breaketh the staff of bread, and sendeth famine, on a land, because of their trespassing grievously, though these three Men Noah, Daniel and Job were in it, they should deliver but their own souls Vers 13, 14. And againe if He spoile the land by noisome beasts, though these three Men were in it, they should deliver neither Sons, nor Daughters &c. Vers 15, 16. So when He bringeth a Sword upon the Land v. 17, 18. or a Pestilence v. 19, 20. And then addeth v. 21. How much more, when I send my foure sore judgments upon Ierusalem, the Sword and Famine, and the noisome Beasts, and the Pestil…ce, to cu…t off from it man and beast? that is, how much more shall I go on and devoure? And how much less shall they think to escape upon the Petitions of Noah, Daniel and Iob, or upon the account of their relations to them. So, if upon one, or two or a few of the forementioned sins, we finde, that God will bring upon a land inevitable judgments, and will not be stopped, in the execution, by the intercessions of Moses and Samuel; how much more, p. 455may we suppose certainly and unavoidably shall judgment overtake a generation, that is guilty of all those twenty grievous iniquities?

From this matter all of us may learne these lessons.

1. To fear and tremble before this God; seing He is so just and seyere a judge and Governour, and seing it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

2. To beware of abusing His Patience: for howbeit it may endure for sometime; yet it will expire at length, as to its effects; and abused longanimity will end in unavoidable ruine, and in inevitable strokes of Iustice.

3. All, whether Lands or particular Persons, who know themselves guilty of the evils mentioned, as causes procuring such inevitable rodes, should hast to break off these courses, that will, no doubt, hasten-on irremediable destruction: It were best to get out of the way of the wrath of God in time.

If it be enquired, what the People of God are called to do, in such a day, when the place they live-in, is guilty of and continueing-in these grievous sins, and p. 456they can look for nothing but wrath to be poured-out; so that no Prayer, Fasting, or Supplication shall hold it off? For Answer, Let such minde those duties following,

▪ 1 Let them beware to seek great things for themfelves, Ier. 45. The Lord said to Baruch by the Prophet Ieremie vers 4, 5. Behold, that which I have built, will I break down; and that, which I have planted, will I pluck up, even this whole land: and seeke… thou great things for thy self? seek them not; for behold I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord. Whence we see, that it becometh not the People of God, to be too much minding themselves, and their own things, in such a day; but they ought to be very well satisfied, if the Lord give them their life for a prey: as He promised to Baruch.

2. They should stoup, and adore this God, who is just and righteous in all His wayes; they should be silent before Him, and put their mouth in the dust: no quarrelsome thoughts should have place or room, in their hearts. Hold thy Peace saith Zephaniah Ch. 1: 7.) at the p…esence of the Lord God, for the day of the Lord is at hand: For the Lord hath prepared a Sacrifice, He hath bid his p. 457guests &c. When the Lord is about to make a Sacrifice in a land, and to give the carcases of men to the fowls of the Heavens, and the beasts of the field; all flesh should be silent, and His People especially should quiet themselves, and hold their peace before Him, without murmuring, or venting any discontentment, at the matter.

3. They should observe the glory of the Lord, shineing forth, in that remarkable Act of Holy Justice; see His Majestie, Awfulness, Terrour, and just Severity, to the engaging of their hearts more unto Him, and to a glorying in Him. The black and dreadful day, that was to come upon Iudah, was mentioned, and several things held forth, to make it have a deeper impression Ier. 9: and v. 22. it was said, that even the carcases of men shall fall, as dung upon the open field: And then it is added v. 23. Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom &c. and Vers 24. But let him that glorieth, glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the Lord, which exercise loving kindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord. To tell us, that in such a day especially, the Lords People should be taking p. 458a right view of God, that they may understand and know Him to be Jehovah & one that exerciseth judgment and righteousness in the earth; and withall one, that even then, exerciseth loving kindness to His own; and a God that delighteth in these exercises; and that they should glory in Him, even in such a day, and delight in that wherein He delighteth.

4. They would do well to refuge themselves in time, in their chambers, and shut their doors about them, and hide themselves for a Little moment, until the indignation be over past: As it is Esai. 26: 20. This is the Counsel of the Lord unto His people, in a time, when the Lord cometh out of His place, to punish the inhabitants of the earth, for their iniquity. v. 21.

5. They should rest satisfied, though their prayers, in behalfe of the land, have not that success and fruite, that they could have wished; & that upon these grounds and considerations.

(1.) Out of that Dispensation, howbeit both black and terrible; yet God will get glory, both of his Truth and Veracity, in his threatnings, at which the wicked tushed, & would give no credite to them; p. 459which carriage could not but Afflict His people; it could not but grieve themto see those wicked ones carry so atheistically, as contemning all the Denounciations of wrath; but now when the day of execution is come, the Lord is seen to be a God of truth, and His people see then, whose word standeth, whether God's Word, or the word of those wicked sinners Ier. 44: 28. And of His justice in pursueing evil doers, who said, by their doings, that He had forsaken the earth, or that He was not a God, that judgeth in the earth. So also of His Holiness, and Purity: For then it's made manifest, that He is not, as they imagined, altogether such an one, as themselves; but that He hateth all the Workers of iniquity.

(2.) God will have a care of them, even then, and be a little sanctuary unto them Ezek. 11: v. 16. and cause all things work together for good to them Rom. 8: v. 28. He will set a mark upon such, as sigh and cry for all the abominations, that are done, that the men with the slaughter weapon may not come nigh unto them Ezek. 9.

(3.) He will return their prayers p. 460into their own bosome againe; so that they shall not fall to the ground Psalm 35. vers 15.

(4.) He will accept their prayer and intercession, as good service, off their Hand even though He think not good to grant the Particular, that they ask: And if they be accepted of Him, in that piece of service, it may suffice and satisfie.

6. They would do well to be sighing and crying for all the abominations, that are committed in the land; to be keeping themselves free of that guilt, mourning over the same, protesting against it, abhorring the same; that they may be preserved and protected in the day of God's contending, according to what we read Ezek. 9: 4, 6.

7. In the midst of all these desolations, and the effects of the Lords indignation, burning against a sinful generation, they are called to act faith, on God, as the true and faithful God, keeping mercy and covenant for ever, and to waite upon him, in faith, hoping and expecting with confidence, that He will carry on His work, and make His Kingdom come, and make all this contribute unto that end. We see p. 461what desolation Zephaniah is threatning against Ierusalem, and the rest of the Cities of Iudah for their great sins Cbap. 3. 1, to 7. And thereafter Vers 8. he inferreth and presseth on them, that would minde the duty of the day, a waiting in Faith and Hop upon the Lord, saying, Therefore waite ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day, that I rise up to the prey, &c. And then followeth Vers. 9, 10. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may call upon the Name of the Lord, to serve Him with one consent, from beyond the Rivers of Ethiopia, my suppliants, the Daughter of my dispersed, shall bring mine offering. They should wait in faith for the accomplishment of all the great and precious promises made to the Church, notwithstanding of all these sad interveening Dispensations. This was the resolution of the Prophet Esai Chap. 8. 17. in an evil day, when many should stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared and taken Vers 15. And I will (said he) wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the House of Iacob, and I will look for him.

But it will be said, what shall the righteous do, in the day, when God is so angrie at the whole Land, that He will cut off the righteous with the wicked, and to p. 462this end shall draw His Sword forth out of His Sheath against all Flesh, from the South to the North, as it is Ezek. 21: 3, 4, 5? For Answer, I grant such a dispensation may be expected, when all Flesh have corrupted their wayes, and even the righteous, who have not gone the length of others, in Defection and Apostasie, yet have not been valiant for the Lord, and for His oppressed truth, nor so faithful and zealous for the Lord of Hosts, in their Generation, as became them: It is then to be feared, that even many of them shall be sweeped away with the common calamity, as they have been in part tainted with the common sin, procuring it. And in that case, it is their part to minde these duties following.

1. To be preparing to meet the Lord, with ropes about their necks, acknowledging their sin, giving glory unto the Lord, as just and righteous, in proceeding thus against them with the rest: They should prepare to meet their God, thus coming in His holy displeasure, to glorifie His justice, as the Prophet adviseth Israel to do Amos 4: 12.

2. They should be busie to get their peace made with God in time, through p. 463Jesus Christ, that when God shall get glory on their carcases, in the sight of others, they may get their souls for a prey: They should be mourning as doves in the valleyes, every one for his iniquity, that their sin may be blotted out, and their souls washen in the bloud of Iesus.

3. They should be amending, through the help of the Lord, what hath been amisse, and seeking to Him, and seeking righteousness, & meekness, upon a may be of being hid, in the day of the Lords anger, this is the exhortation of Zephaniah Chap. 2: 3. Even to the Godly, Seek ye the Lord all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment, seek righteousness, seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid, in the day of the Lords anger.

4. If they should not be hid, but the judgment should overtake them, as well as others, then let them sweetly submit, and lye under the rod, and humble themselves under the mighty Hand of God, Iam. 4: 10. 1 Pet. 5: 6. and say, with good old Eli, when sad things were denounced against his house; and it was told him, that God would judge his house forever, and that the Lord had sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity thereof should not be purged with p. 464Sacrifice, nor offering for ever. It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good, 1 Sam. 3. 12, 13, 14, 18. He saw it was Jehovah, who could do no wrong; and therefore he was quiet, and acquiesced to all, that He would do, how sad so ever it was: He saw Him the righteous Governour and Iudge, and said, His holy Will be done.

5. They should accept of this punishment of their iniquity Levit. 26: ver. 41. giving Glory to Gods Iustice, and have a complacency (for so the word will import) in that stroke, as being a stroke of Iustice, and a stroke, whereby God will be glorified in His Iustice, Righteousness and holy Severity: Thus should they kisse the rod, and contentedly welcome the Sword of Justice, and kisse its point, when pierceing their heart, because of their sins.

6. Thus should they say with good Hezekiah, when sad things were denounced against his Family, Esai 39: vers 6, 7. Good is the Word of the Lord. Vers 8. It is Iehovah's Word, I have nothing to say against it; holy and righteous is He, and his Judgments are righteous, p. 465His Threatnings are good: And thus should they with the Church, Micah 7: vers 9. Bear the Indignation of the Lord, because they have finned against Him.

AMEN.