The Figless Fig Tree, Text (7 of 12)

The Figless Fig Tree · Text (7 of 12)

p. 251Sins of this nature are accompanied with horrible ingratitude againſt the God of Heaven; His mercy is undervalued, Reaſ. and eſteemed as of no worth; His favour is deſpiſed, and God p. 252more diſhonoured then by the ſins of ſimple ignorance. Now unkindneſſe from them of whom we have well deſerved is the more grievous:Pſal. 35.12. Deut. 32.6. Joh. 10.32.Ps 35:12Deut 32:6John 10:32 Man complaines of this, (…o dio David, Pſal. 35.12. and God complaines of this, Deut. 32.6. So did Chriſt, for which of my good Works do ye ſtone me? Joh. 10.32. (of which ſin we ha…e ſpoke largely before).

Seco…d…y, The more of the will is in any thing, the more is in the well or ill doing of it; now in ſinning againſt the means, there is much of the will in it, and ſo the more contempt and obſtinacy, yea,Jo…. 5 40. Mat. 23.37. Job 34.27. 1 Sam. 15.23.Matt 23:37Job 34:271 Sam 15:23 rebellion againſt God therein, He added rebellion to his ſin, Job 34.37. Now rebellion is as the ſin of witchcraft, as Samuel told Saul, 1 Sam. 15.23. (and of Witches we cry out, To the …re with them, burn them). The more willful any one is in ſinning, the more vile and ſinful he muſt needs be. Every ſin rolles the ſtone to the door of the Sepulchre, but willfulneſſe and ob…inacy is like the ſealing up of that ſtone before rolled, Math. 27. verſ. 66.Math. 27.60. 2 Sam. 12.11.Matt 27:602 Sam 12:11 It makes our ſins as reproachful as Abſolom's, who committed wickedneſs in the face of the Sun, 2 Sam. 12.11.

Thirdly, In ſinning againſt the means all excuſe is taken away from man, John 15.22. now they have no Cloak for their ſin; Such cannot plead.Joh 15.22.John 15:22 They knew not. Had they known, they would not have done it. Have they not heard, doth not Iſrael know ſaith the Apostle, Rom. 10.18, 19.Rom 10:18Rom 10:19Rom. 10.18, 19. yes verily, their ſound went into all the Earth, and their words unto the end of the World. No…e ſo deep in Hell as knowing-men, Luke 12.48. Did not I warne you ſaid Reuben to his Brethren,Luke 12.48. Gen. 42.21.Luke 12:48Gen 42:21 and you would not hear, Gen. 42.21. So will God ſay to ſuch as have ha… the means, and profit not; Did not I tell you, warn you, adviſe you, threaten you? but you have deſpiſ…d all my w…rnings; This preſſeth the o…ſcien…e with a h…avy weight of guiltineſs.

Fourthly, In reſpect of the proportion and correſpondence that the account is to bear with the receipt the ſin muſt be great: By how much the …re…te… the grace is,Amos 3.2.Amos 3:2 by ſo much ſtricter the account muſt be. Much g…ce recei…ed, asketh for much duty; an… g…eat du…y neglected, muſt needs be great ſin in the receiver; and the greater ſin the greater puniſhment:Luke 12.48.Luke 12:48 …o whom God gives much, of him he requires much; He requi…es a larger p. 253fruit, or a larger puniſhment. Let us now come to the Application of the Point.

Uſe 1 Hence we inferr, th…t the ſins of theſe Times, are greater then the ſins of the Ages that have bin before us. And in theſe times, ſome Places; and in theſe Places, ſome Perſons muſt needs ſtand guilty before God of more ſin then others, in regard of the means which they have enjoyed above others.

The ſins of the Jews were greater (caeteris paribus) then the ſins of the Gentiles, for in Jury was God known; Pſal. 147.19, 20.Ps 147:19Ps 147:20He hath not dealt ſo (ſaith David) with every other Nation, neither have they known his Judgments. And the ſins of the Chriſtian (if other Circumſtances be matches) are greater then the ſins of the Jews; ſins committed under the Law, were not ſo great in God's account, as thoſe which are committed under the Goſpel: we have greater means, and a clearer light,Iſa. 25.7. 2 Cor. 3.18.Isa 25:72 Cor 3:18 and a larger effuſion of the ſpirit then ordinarily they in thoſe dayes had; they had but an aſperſion of the Spirit, a ſprinkling of it; but on us (living under the Goſpel,) there hath bin a powring of it forth in a very large and plentiful meaſure;Acts 1.17.Acts 1:17 which greatly aggravates our ſins and will inhance the reckoning, Heb. 2.2, 3,Heb. 2.2, 3, 4.Heb 2:2Heb 2:3Heb 2:4 4.

And amongſt us that live under the Goſpel, the ſins of ſome muſt needs be greater, then the ſins of others: How did our forefathers (ſay ſome) who l…ved a hundered or two hundered years ago? I muſt tell you, That might be (and queſtionleſſe was) accepted in them that will not be in us; they lived but in the dawning of the day, in Compariſon of that light which we now injoy. A man in the beginning of a clear night, can count the S arrs that do appear; but after a while they appear ſo faſt, that he is confounded: So thoſe Starrs, I mean Godly and Faithful Preachers, in the Dayes of our forefathers were very few, and might eaſily be numbered; Such a painful Miniſter five miles or ten miles off (it might be not within twenty): but who are able to reckon up the number of thoſe ſhining Lamps, that our Heavens are now beſpangled withall?

And yet ſome P…c…s, ſome Congregations have enjoyed more meanes, …nd th…t a longer time then others; Faithfull preaching they have had for thirty, forty, ſixty years amongſt them ſucceſſively; and can we think that God expects no more p. 254from them, then he doth from thoſe, who have enjoyed the labours of a faithful Paſtor, but for ſome few years onelyonly? to whom much is given, of them much ſhall be required, where he hath given foreign, have ac…epts not foreign.

And (to come a little nearer, and cloſer with the point); Some Perſons ſtand …ore guilty before God of ſin then others; they have bin of a longer ſtanding in the School of Chriſt, read more, and heard more, and know more of God's will then others, and therefore muſt look, in caſe of diſobedience, to be beaten with more ſtripes then others. Beloved,

Sweet Oyntment cau…eth rank, and ſtrong bodies to ſmell worſe than they did before. And the Sun ſhining upon the Dunghill and heating it with its beams, cauſeth it to ſend forth the more loathſome …avour; So is it with a wicked heart it becomes more vile, for the ſweet favour of the Go pel; and their ſins more noyſome in the No…rils of Almighty God: Hence is it that Sathan is well content that we ſhall attend unto the means, and reſort to God's Houſe, Hear, Read, and Pray, &c. p ovided that we ſin againſt the meanes, in not profiting thereby; He knows full well, that ſuch ſins do preſſe the conſcience with more guiltineſſe, diſhonour God, diſcredit the Goſpel moſt; and (as a Taper in the hand of a Ghoſt) it cauſeth the ſinner to ſeem more gaſtly: Swearing, Lying, Killing, Stealing, Whoreing, and ſuch like; are not ſo foul, ſo loathſome, ſo gaſtly in any Nation under Heaven, as in the Engliſh Nation. Nor ſhall they be ſo ſeverely puniſhed by God in any Nation, as in Ours (as anon I ſhall ſhew). We have bin lifted up to Heaven a great deal higher, in regard of the means then any other Nation hath bin, and therefore muſt look to be thrown lower into Hell then any other,Ideo deteriores eſtis, quia metiores eſſe debetis. becauſe of our contempt. The Devil (ſaith one) will ſtand in Hell on tiptoe upon and Engliſh man's back, and if ever he hath a dainty bit, he will pick it from off the carkaſſes of ſuch, as live under plenty of means, and profit not thereby: And when ſuch ſhall plead for themſelves at the laſt Day before Chriſt their Judge, and ſay, Lord, We have often heard thee preach in our Synagogues, we have eat and drank in thy preſence we have bin frequent reſorters to thy Houſe, both upon Sun-Dayes and Week-Dayes; this ſhall but aggravate their p. 255wickedneſſe: True, will Chriſt ſay to ſuch (as being wicked yet thus plead,) Thou beganneſt the week with hearing two Sermons, and ye… didſt Couzen, Defraud, Oppreſſe, and Lye, Swear again and again, that very week when thou heardeſt thoſe two Sermons; And that very day when thou wenteſt to ſuch a Lecture, didſt hear a man of note and fame, that very day thou wert drunk, didſt act ſuch or ſuch a wickedneſſe &c. And canſt thou think that thou ſhalt fare the better for that? no ſurely, but as Galba anſwered that rich Guardian, who hoped to find the more favour for his wealth; So will God anſwer thee, in that reſpect, Thou ſhalt have this favour to have the higher and the whiter Croſſe: the like favour did Ahaſueroſh ſhew his Favorite Haman, Eſth. 7.9, 10.Esth 7:9Esth 7:10whom he hanged on the Gallowes that was 50 cubits high.

Uſe 2 Wherefore, ſee that you be adviſed to profit by the means that God affoardeth to you for your profitting: Be not like unto that ſullen Tree that we read of growing in India, which cloſeth it ſelf againſt the beams of the Sun; Nor like thoſe Fields which Pliny makes mention of, which are the dryer for the Rain, and moyſter for Duſt,Plin. l. 31. c. 4. (which cauſed Cicero jeſtingly to ſay that in that place Rain did cauſe duſt, and Sunſhine dirt). God expects better things from us; as I ſhall now more particularly ſhew you.

Firſt, He looks that we ſhould not onelyonly profit by the means, but that our profiting ſhould be anſwerable to the plenty of means affoarded whether they be Publiq…e or Private, Outward or Inward; Verbal or Real: The rain coming oft upon the ground muſt cauſe it to bring forth herbs, not one here,Heb 6.7.Heb 6:7 and another there; but, plenty of herbs for the Dreſſer, Heb. 6.7. According to the plenty of means he looks that our profiting ſhould appear to all. 1 Tim. 4.15.1 Tim. 4.15.1 Tim 4:15 There are many needleſſe and unprofitable enquires made concerning God's Ordinances; as whether Reading, be not Preaching, and to be preferred before it? and whether Prayer be not preferred to either? Each Ordinance hath its uſe and end, and is appointed for thy profit and benefit; and it is expected that thou ſhould profit by all, both by the one and the other, by thy Reading, Hearing, Praying, Singing, Communicating. Leave contending, and fall to profiting. Wherefore hath God furniſhed his Church with ſuch p. 256plenty of meanes, variety of gifts? but that we ſhould thereby be better edified,Fox. Mart. fol. 150. and bring forth abundantly? Bradford bitterly laments his own unprofitableneſſe, under the variety and plenty of means. Here in London (ſaith he) be ſuch, and ſo many godly and …earned Sermons, which theſe uncircumcized ears of mine do hear (at the leaſt thrice in a week) which were able to burſt any man's heart, to relent, to repent, to believe; to love, and …o fear that Gratious and Omnipotent Lord; but my Adamantine, obſtinate, moſt unkind and unthankful heart, hearing my Lord ſo ſweetly crying and calling unto me, now by His Law, now by his Goſpel, and now by all His Creatures, to come, to come, even to Hi… ſelf; I hide me with Adam, I play not onelyonly Samuel, running to Ely, but I play Jonas, running to the Sea; and there I ſleep upon the hatches, untill He pleaſe to raiſe up a Tempeſt; to turn, and look upon me as he did upon Peter, &c. Had he cauſe to Complain of his own unprofitableneſs under ſuch variety and plenty of means, What cauſe then have we to Complain thereof …t this Day?

Secondly, As our profiting muſt be anſwerable to the plenty and variety of means; ſo according to their Excellency. The better …oo… (we ſay) the better blood. Our Saviour aggravates the ſins of the Jews, ſhewing, that the ſins of the Ninevites were not ſo great as theirs,Math. 12.41.42.Matt 12:41Matt 12:42 in this reſpect, They repented upon the Preaching of Jonah, and now a greater then Jonah was there; at whoſe Preaching they repented not, Math. 12.41, 42. And the Queen of the South (whom the Ethiopian Chronicles call Mackeda) She ſhall riſe up in Judgment against them to condemn them, for that ſhe came out of a farr Country to hear the Wiſdom of Solomon, and that they having a greater then Solomon amongſt them, would not vouchſafe to ſtep out of their Doors to hear him. And this our Saviour took very ill (and well he might) that they ſet not as high a price upon Him and his Doctrine, as ſhe did upon Solomon and his wiſdom: Thou liveſt under the Miniſtery of ſuch or ſuch a man, whom thou confeſſeſt to be a powerful and ſoul-ſaving Teacher; thou heareſt him conſtantly, and conceiveſt him to be one of the ableſt Teachers in the Town, City, Country; Is thy profiting anſwerable? God expects that thou ſhouleſt be richer in Knowledge, Faith, Repentance, Patience, p. 257&c. than others that live not under ſuch excellent meanes as thou doſt, and thou haſt cauſe to bluſh for ſhame, to ſee Daniel and his Companions to be fatter, and look better with their pulſe, then thou doſt with all thy Dainty fare,Dan. 1.12, 15.Dan 1:12Dan 1:15 Dan. 1.22.15.

Thirdly, Our profiting muſt be anſwerable to the Time that we have enjoyed the meanes; The want of this St. Paul ſharply reproves in the Hebrews, when for the time ye ought to have bin Teachers, ye have need that one teach you again, Heb. 5.12.Heb 5:12which be the firſt Principles of the Oracles of God, and are become ſuch as have need of Milk and not ſtrong Meat; In regard of the Time that they had the meanes, they ought to have bin ſo well grounded in the Truth, as that they might have bin Inſtructers of others in the Myſteries of Salvation; and in that they were not ſo, their fault was the greater, and the more they had to anſwer for: Cicero expected an extraodinary meaſure of knowledge in his Son, for that he had heard and converſed with Cratippus, ſo long a time as a whole year: What think you, doth God expect from you who have lived many years under a ſettled Miniſtery? how well grounded ought you to be in your Religion? and yet Alas, how weak and ignorant are we? very Children in underſtanding:2 King. 4.10.2 Kgs 4:10 Had we enjoyed the means no otherwiſe then the Sunamite did, in tranſitu, as the Proohet paſſed by her Houſe, God would have looked for ſome return: But the Ark of God amongſt us hath not dwelt in Tents, and under Curtains, but a Houſe is prepared for it, where it hath abided and bin ſettled for many years, he hath given us means to be better & more skillful in the Myſteries of Salvation every day then other, to day then yeſterday; this year, then the laſt; He cannot, nor will He take it well; if like Children we ſhould be ever learning and never come to the Knowledge of the Truth. 2 Tim. 3.7.2 Tim 3:7Thus you hear what a profiting it is that God expects of us that live under the meanes; It muſt be anſwerable to the plenty of the meanes, to the excellency off the meanes; and proportionable to the time that we have enjoyed them.

Now that I may (if it be poſſible) ſettle this Doctrine upon your Conſciences; let me commend a few things unto your moſt ſerious thoughts.

p. 258Firſt, Know that God keeps a ſtrict account of all the meanes that he hath affoarded unto you for your good; He records the very time when He ſent His Servants unto a People, when they began to Preach, in what King's Reign, and how long they continued preaching unto a People, Iſa. 1.1. Hoſ. 1.1. Amos 1.1. It is upon Record how many Sermons they have Preached,Iſa. 1.1. Hoſ. 1.1. Amos. 1.1. John 4.54. 2 Cor. 13.1.Isa 1:1Hos 1:1Amos 11 John 4:542 Cor 13:1 as, John 4.54. This was the ſecond miracle that Christ did when He was come out of Judea into Galilee: So, 2. Cor. 13.1. This is the third time that I am coming unto you: Account is kept of what good is done at a Sermon, and how many profited thereby, Acts 2.41. and ſo likewiſe of how many Sermons are loſt;Acts 2.41.Acts 2:41 and not one converted (without all queſtion.)

Secondly, God keeps account (and that ſtrictly) as of the meanes; ſo of our ſeveral provocations in deſpiſing of thoſe meanes;Numb. 14.22. Gen. 31.41. Lev. 26.26. Job 19.1.3. Ainſworth in loc. Exod. 14.11, 12 Exod. 15.23, 24. Exod 16.2, & 16, 20, & 27, 28. Exod. 17.1, 2. Exod. 32.8. Numb. 11.1, & 11, 4, Numb. 14, 1, 2.Num 14:22Gen 31:41Lev 26:26Job 19:1Job 19:3Exod 14:11Exod 14:12Exod 15:23Exod 15:24Exod 16:2Exod 16:20Exod 27:28Exod 17:1Exod 17:2Exod 32:8Num 11:1Num 11:4Num 14:1Num 14:2 They have tempted me now theſe ten times, and have not hearkened to my Voyce (ſaith God, Numb. 14.22.) which number of Ten ſometimes is taken indefinitely, in Scripture, for many; As when Jacob told Laban that he had deceived him ten t…mes of his wages, that is, many times, and ſo elſewhere; But it is not to be ſo taken here, for if we peruſe the Scriptures, we ſhall find the ſeveral provocations to be numbred. The firſt was at the Red Sea, Exod. 14.11, 12. The ſecond at Marah, Exod. 15. 23, 24. A third in the Wilderneſſe of Sin, Exod. 16.2. A fourth about Mannah, in leaving it till the morning, contrary to God's Command, Exod. 16.20. A fifth about the ſame thing, in going out to gather it upon the Sabbath, Exod. 16.27, 28. A ſixth at Rephidim, Exod. 17.1, 2. A ſeventh at Horeb in making the golden Calf, Exod. 32.8. The eighth at Taberah, Numb. 11.1. The ninth at Kibroth Hattaavah, Numb. 11.4. The tenth at that time when God thus charged them by their rebellion in Pharon, Numb. 14.1, 2. Thus exact God is in keeping an account of our provocations, and that to good purpoſe; For,

God will produce the meanes to witneſſe againſt us if we profit not thereby; So, 1 King. 11.9. God was angry with Solomon on becauſe his heart was turned from the Lord God of Iſrael,1 King 11.9.1 Kgs 11:9 which had appeared unto him twice, ſaith the Text; So God will one day lay this to thy charge, I have ſpoken unto thee twice, p. 259yea, many times, of the ſame thing; I have wrote four Evangeliſts, that out of the mouth of thoſe four witneſſes you might believe; I have ſent unto you ſuch a Servant of mine, and ſuch another, yet all to no purpoſe: There is not a Sermon that you have heard, not an Example that you have ſeen, not a Croſſe that you have felt, not a Bleſſing that you have received; but ſhall teſtifie againſt you for your unprofitableneſſe. If a whole County ſhall come in againſt a man at the Aſſizes, you may well think that it will go hard with him.

Thirdly, The not profiting by the means, cauſeth God to deprive us of them, and take them from us, Iſa, 5.3,Iſa. 5.3. Amos 6.9, 11. Rev. 2.5. Jer, 7.12.Isa 5:3Amos 6:9Amos 6:11Rev 2:5 Amos 8. 9, 11, This God threatened to the Church of Epheſus, Rev. 2.5. I will remove thy Candleſtick from thee, and God made good his word. What God ſpeaks, Jer. 7.12. Go now to Shiloh, where I ſett my name at the first, and ſee what I did to it for the wickedneſs of my People Iſrael; So may I ſay, Go to thoſe ſeven Churches of Aſia, and tell me if their Candle be not out; their Candleſtick removed as God threatned? And when this cometh to paſſe, Loe it will come to paſſe (ſaith God, Ezek. 33.33.) then ſhall they know that a Prophet hath bin amongst them whom they diſreſpected.Ezek. 33.33.Ezek 33:33 When Gueſts begin to play with their meat, and blow over it; the Maſter of the Feaſt bids take away, and calls for a Voyder: When Servants, having a Candle allowed then to light them to their Lodging, let it burn out in waſte, ſitting, ſleeping, or chatting by the fire, the Maſter comes and ſnarcheth away their light, and leaves them to grope in the dark their way to bed. It was not for nothing that God would not that the ſtaves ſhould be plucked out of the Ark when it reſted;1 King. 8.8.1 Kgs 8:8 though they were thruſt in and hid, yet there they were to remain to let his People underſtand that if they did not walk worthy of that mercy, he could, yea would call for his Potters to remove it, 1 King. 8.2.

Fourthly, The not-profiting by the means▪ puts a man into a worſe condition then if he never had enjoyed the means (as was ſhewed you in the proof of the Doctrine, by Corazim, Bethſaida and Capernaum). It had bin better for ſuch that they had bin Sodomites and Gomorrheans: And the time will come that ſuch a one will wiſh, I would that I had bin a Sodomite or a Gomorrhean, p. 260rather then a Chriſtian; I would that I had bin an Indian a Pagan, a Turk, an Infidel, rather then an Engliſhman: Not that God ſhews leſſe mercy to us then to them, but in regard of our deſpiſing ſo great mercy: It will be worſe with us then with them,Heb. 2.2, 3. Dan. 9.11. 2 King. 1.19. Mat. 33.32.Heb 2:2Heb 2:3Dan 9:112 Kgs 1:19 Heb. 2.2, 3.

Fifthly, For this is a ſin that haſtens wrath, and encreaſeth vengeance, Dan. 9.11. It calls to Vengeance as the Captaine did to Eliſha, 2 King. 1.19. come down quickly. It fills up our meaſure the ſooner, Math. 23.32. The Old World was very ſinful, but it filled not up the meaſure, till it deſpiſed Noha's warning; nor was the meaſure of the Sodimotes filled, till they came to deſpi…e Lot. When once God's Prophets come to be ſcorned and derided, then the Veſſel becomes full, it can hold no more. Then the wrath of the Lord aroſe▪ up againſt His People, ſo that there was no remedy, 2 Chron. 36.15, 16.2 Chron. 36.15, 16.2 Chr 36:152 Chr 36:16

Sixthly, Nor is God ever ſo terrible or fierce againſt any in wrath, as againſt thoſe who have had the beſt means, and obſtinately deſpiſed them. The ſinners in Sion ſhall be afraid, Iſa. 33.14.Iſa. 33 14.Isa 33:14 they muſt expect devouring burning; Tribulation and anguiſh upon every ſoul that doth evil upon the Jew firſt, and alſo upon the Gentile; Rom. 2.9. And how, on the Jew firſt? not onelyonly for order of time,Rom. 2.9.Rom 2:9 but for greatneſſe of puniſhment. Who can read that threatning without aſtoniſhment,Jer. 7.13,—13.Jer 7:13 Jer. 7.13,—17 and again, verſ. 25.—28. God ſent his Servants, yea all his Servants to forewarn that People; Verſ. 25 they roſe early, gave them warning time enough to prevent danger; Verſ. 28 but when they rejected and deſpiſed all Propheſies and Warnings, then followes that final and fearful ſentence, verſ. 29. The Lord hath rejected and forſaken them: Verſ. 29 Them, whom? Why the Generation of his wrath, There is unſupportable horror in wrath, but in the generation of his wrath it is infinitely aggravated; As if they were a People upon whom God would exerciſe not ſome one act of his indignation, but multiply acts of his wrath on them, and that continually. It was a ſad Complaint which in that reſpect the Church makes, Lament. 1.12. never ſorrow like unto Her ſorrow. Oh!Lament. 1.12.Lam 1:12 that it may never happen to this Church of England to make the like Complaint. After the cleareſt flaſh of lightening, p. 261followeth the terribleſt clapp of thunder; Me thinks if theſe things were thought ſeriouſly upon, and laid to heart, they could not but work a greater care in us then formerly; to profit by the means of our good. But I forbear any further application of the point, give me onelyonly leave to acquaint you with what the Oracle foretold of the City Nyna; that it ſhould never be won till the River became an enemy unto itNyna. which afterwards came to paſſe; for through aboundance of rain the River ſo encreaſed that it overthrew the Walls thereof. I wiſh that what that Oracle foretold of Nyna may not be verified in us, in reſpect of plenty of means enjoyed; Plenty of means hath cauſed (through our corruption) a Deluge of Opinions, and that ſuch an Inundation of Hereſie and Schiſm, that (it is to be feared) if no ſluce be made to let out and draw thoſe waters, not onelyonly the Citty, but the Kingdom will be ruined; For if a Kingdom be devided againſt it ſelf, How can it ſtand? But of the Complaint enough: Come we now unto the ſentence denounced againſt this Tree, for its barrenneſſe.

Cut it down, Why Cumbers it the ground?Text.

Herein take notice, firſt, of the Severity of the ſentence, Cut it down: Secondly, of the Equity thereof, Why Cumbers it the ground?

Abſcinde cam, Cut it down.

Could He not as eaſily have done it, as ſpoke it? Yes, without queſtion; But,

It is God's uſual manner to ſpeak before He ſtrikes, to pronounce Judgment, before He Executes it: Doct. He doth premoniſh before He doth puniſh; and warn before He wound.

He ſeldom comes to that quick diſpatch, a word and a blow, but without a word to a blow, to an execution without warning, never.

At what inſtant I ſhall ſpeak concerning a Nation (ſaith God), and concerning a Kingdom to pluck up, and to pull down, Jer. 18.7, 9.Jer 18:7Jer 18:9and to deſtroy it. Jer. 18.7 9. Now therefore go ſpeak to the men of Judah, and to the Inhabitants of Jeruſalem, ſaying, Verſ. 11 Thus ſaith the Lord, &c. verſ. 11. So then, God will ſpeak unto a Nation, before He ſtrik… tha… Nation; and ſend His Servants to warn them, before He utterly deſtroy them. The Lord will roare p. 262from Zion before He teare, and utter His Voyce from Jeruſalem that the Inhabitants may be afraid, Amos 1.2, & 3, 8. His roaring is the warning given,Amos 1.2, & 3, 8.Amos 1:2Amos 3:8 before He come and ſeize upon the Prey; He will be heard threatning, before he befelt in executing of His Judgments.

I might be large and long in the proof of this, and bring many Inſtances for the confirmation of the Point, I ſhall trouble you onelyonly with a few.

Before God brought the flood on the Old World, He gave warning thereof, Firſt, He acquainted Noah with his purpoſe, Gen. 6.13, 14.Gen. 6.13, 14. Heb. 11.7.Gen 6:13Gen 6:14Heb 11:7 Heb. 11.7. and by him he warned the World in the building of the Ark; every blow that was given with Axe or Hammer in the making thereof, was a warning piece before the murtkering-piece was Diſcharged: His pains taken in the building of toat Ark to eſchew wrath, condemned the ſecurity of the World which would not be warned.

The cry of Sodom and Gomorrah was very great, and their ſins grievous; yet God would not deſtroy them before warning given; He ſends Lot amongſt them, who (without doubt) Preached daylie to them; not onelyonly by his regular and examplary life, but likewiſe by his perſwaſion to Repentance and Obedience: For that righteous man (ſaith St. Peter) dwelling amongſt them, in ſeeing and hearing,2 Per. 2.8. vexed his righteous ſoul from Day to Day with their unlawful deeds, 2. Per. 2.8. And the very night before their ru…ne, he admoniſhed them (as a Prophet); and adviſed them,Gen. 19.14.Gen 19:14 (as a Father); but both in vain, Gen. 19.14.

Pharaoh and his People (as unworthy as they were) yet they muſt have warning by Moſes and Aaron before the Land be Plagued,Exod. 6.29.Exod 6:29 Exod. 6.29. Ten ſeveral warnings they had, one after another, before they were utterly deſtroyed in the Red Sea.

In Corah's caſe, God ſeemed to be more quick, and to proceed a pace towards execution, the Earth opened Her mouth and ſwallowed them up quick, Numb. 16.31, 32.Num 16:31Num 16:32(ſaith the Text, Numb. 16.31, 32.) But God began not there; He firſt opened his mouth, and Moſes and Aaron theirs, and the Elders theirs; They had a Reprieve;Numb. 16.5, 14, 20, 24, 25, 32.Num 16:5Num 16:14Num 16:20Num 16:24Num 16:25Num 16:32 and after another Summons before Execution, (which followed upon their contumacy), Numb. 16.5, 14, 20.24.25, 32.

p. 263Ninevie ſhall be ſent unto, and have warning given them before their overthrow, yet forty Dayes and Ninevie ſhall be deſtroyed, Jon. 3.4, & 4, 10. And other Heathen Nations ſhall have all of them their warning, as Babylon, and Moab, and AEgypt, Jon. 3.4, & 4, 10. Iſa. 13.1, & 15, 1, & 17, 1, & 19, 1, & 21, 1, 11, 13, & 23, 1, & 30 6. 2 King. 17.6.Jonah 3:4Jonah 4:10Isa 13:1Isa 15:1Isa 17:1Isa 19:1Isa 21:1Isa 21:11Isa 21:13Isa 23:1Isa 30:62 Kgs 17:6and Damaſcus, and Ammon, and Edom; all muſt hear of their burthen before it come, Iſaiah is ſent to them with it, as we read, Iſa. 13.1, & 15, 1, & 17, 1, & 17, 1, & 19, 1, & 21, 1, 11, 13, & 23, 1, & 30, 6.

As for Iſrael and Judah, how often were they premoniſhed of that Captivity, which afterwards befell them under the Aſſyrians? 2 King. 17.6. God had teſtified againſt them long before by all his Prophets, and by all the Seers, as by Ahijah, Jehu Eliah, Michaja, El…ſha, Obadiah, Hoſea, Amos, Joel, &c. by all theſe he foretold them what ſhould befall them, albeit they would take no warning, 2 King. 17.14, 15, 16.2 King. 17.14, 15, 16.2 Kgs 17:142 Kgs 17:152 Kgs 17:16 And, before the Captivity of Judah, and deſtruction of Jeruſalem by the Babylonians, they were forewarned of it by Iſaiah Jeremiah Ezekiel, Micha, Zephanie, for the ſpace of threeſcore years to gether, even unto the very day that they were taken Captive, abeit they would not hearken, nor receive correction,Zeph. 2.3, 5. Zach. 7.12.Zeph 2:3Zeph 2:5Zech 7:12 nor draw near unto the Lord, Zeph. 2.3, 5. Zachar. 7.12.

And before the laſt and utter ſubverſion of the Jewiſh Nation how many warnings were given them? John Baptiſt tells them that the Axe was now laid to the very Root of the Tree, Mat. 3.10. So as utterly to deſtroy them,Mat. 3.10.Matt 3:10 and cut them off from being a People: Our Saviour himſelf (even with tears in his eyes) tells them what would betide them, Luke 19.42.Luke 19.42. Mat. 22.37, & 24, 2, 15,— 36.Luke 19:42Matt 22:37Matt 24:2Matt 24:15 In plain terms, He acquaints them with the manner of their deſtruction, and the grievouſneſſe of it: So, Math. 23.37. & 24, 2, 15,—26. Behold, (ſaith Chriſt) I have told you before, that being forewarned you may before-armed and prepared.

It was a Law eſtabliſhed in Iſrael, Reaſ. that when they came unto a City to fight againſt it, they ſhould firſt proclaim peace unto it, and if they made anſwer of Peace, and opened their Gates▪ then all thoſe that were found in that City, ſhould become Tributaries unto Iſrael, and ſerve them; but if in Caſe they would make no Peace, then they ſhould all be put to the Sword,Deut. 20.10. &c.Deut 20:10 and none of the men be ſpared, Deut. 20.10, 11, 12, 13. which Law p. 264is approved of by the very Heathen, and hath bin put in practiſe by moſt Nations: When Alexander beſiged any City, he would ſend his Herald to it with a burning Torch, and cauſed it to be proclaimed in that City, that if any man would repaire and ſubmit himſelt unto him within the Compaſſe of time, that the Torch continuing burning he ſhould be ſpared, and find mercy; otherwiſe, nothing but Fire and Sword was to be expected. The like we read of Tamerlane the warlike Scythian, when he came againſt any place, he firſt diſplayed a white Flagg, in token of mercy, if they accepted it, the ſecond day a red Flagg, threatening blood; the third day he cauſed a black Flagg to be hung forth, the Enſigne of Death; intimating unto them that now there was no mercy to be expected.Turk. Hiſt. p. 344. And the Turks at this day are of opinion that God would not proſper them in their aſſaults, except they firſt make ſome offer of Peace unto their enemies (how unreaſonable ſoever, it matters not): ſo they did at the laſt fatal ſiege of Conſtantinople. Now the Lord by this his practiſe doth give us to underſtand how well be approves of the Law which he had given to Iſrael, and that he who is the God of Nature, is not willing that the Courſe of Nature ſhould be perverted.

More particulary God doth this, Firſt, for his choſen People's ſake, that they being warned, may not be taken unprepared, but that their Faith and Obedience might be manifeſted in their believing and fearing of the Lord, and the tokens of his wrath,Heb. 11.7.Heb 11:7 Heb. 11.7. and that by their prayers and humiliations they might turn away God's wrath, from a Nation (if it be poſſible) (as Moſes did many times from Iſrael). Or, if not ſo, yet that they themſelves may find reſt in the day of trouble,Hab. 3.16.Hab 3:16 Hab. 3.16.

Secondly, In regard of the wicked, that if it be poſſible they may be brought to Repentance, and amendment of Life; and by his warnings fly from the wrath to come (as John the Baptiſt intimates to the Scribes and Phariſees (that generation of Vipers), Math. 3.7. But if in caſe they will take no warning,Math. 3.7.Matt 3:7 then that the mouth of wickedneſſe may be ſtopped, and ſinners left without excuſe; who are apt enough to ſay, Had we known or had warning of the danger,Pſal. 51.4.Ps 51:4 we would have prevented it. Solomon p. 265thus ſtopped the mouth of Shimei, Did not I proteſt unto thee, ſaying, Know for a certain that in the day that thou goeſt out, 2 King. 2.42.2 Kgs 2:42and walkeſt abroad any whither, that thou ſhalt ſurely dye? Why haſt thou not kept the Commandment that I charged thee? And ſo will God one day ſtop the mouths of all obdurate and impenitent Sinners, when they fall into the pit of deſtruction. Did not I warn you of this, long ſince? Did not I proteſt unto you, that if you willfully perſiſted in your diſobedience, you ſhould be deſtroyed? wherefore thy deſtruction is from thy ſelf, thy blood be upon thine own head.

Uſe 1 Behold therefore, and admire as the ſeverity of God in this Sentence, Cut it down, (of which anon);Rom. 11.22.Rom 11:22 ſo the goodneſſe of God in foretelling of it, that it may be prevented. His warnings are not ſet like lime-twiggs to catch us; but they are intended, as Jonathans arrowes were to David, for the preventing of future miſchief. An enemy that ſeeks our ruine, keeps cloſe his intentions, and is glad to take us at any advantage, and will ſteal upon us before we be aware (as the Pocher doth upon the Hare, whilſt ſhe ſits upon her form, and then knocks her on the head); Sathan never barks before he bites, never tells before he tempts; becauſe he deſires and endeavours the ruine of mankind: So it is with his Servants; Thus dealt Abſolon with his Brother Ammon, he ſpake neither good nor bad unto him, 2 Sam. 13.22.28.2 Sam 13:222 Sam 13:28but waited for an opportunity to ſlay him unawares, 2 Sam. 13.22, 28. And the King of Syria was offended that his ſecret Plots againſt the King of Iſrael, were diſcovered unto him, whom he deſired ſuddenly to ſurprize,2 King. 6.8.2 Kgs 6:8 2 King. 6.8. And ſuch was the project of Sanballat and Tobiah with other enemies of the Church, they ſhall not know, neither ſee (ſay they) till we come in the midſt amongſt them, and ſlay them, Neh. 4.11. God proceeds not thus with us,Neh. 4.11.Neh 4:11 His Battails are alwayes with the noyſe of Drum and Trumpet, He reveals his intentions to cut down and deſtroy, that he may not deſtroy; He warns before he ſtrikes, that we may by taking warning prevent the blow, and not be ſtricken by him. The Cannon firſt kills, and after that makes the Report; But the Cl…p of Thunder comes not before a flaſh of Lightning; the Lightening firſt invades the ſenſe, albeit the Thunder firſt breaks the Clouds, and makes way for it.

p. 266This indeed God need not do. The curſe denounced againſt all tranſgreſſors of his righteous Law is warning enough; but yet, that he may declare unto us the riches of his mercy, how ſlow he is to warth, Pſal. 103.Ps 103and ready to forgive, he doth this. The Father of mercies, God is often called in Scripture, becauſe mercy naturally proceeds from him; but we find him not ſtyled the Father of Revenge, Bernard. Lament. 2.23. Iſa. 28.21.Lam 2:23Isa 28:21becauſe that is unwillingly inflicted; So ſaith Jeremiah, He doth not afflict us willingly, nor grieve the Children of men; ſhewing-Mercy is his proper work. Judgment is his ſtrange work, Iſa. 28.21. Therefore when he comes in a way of Judgment againſt a People, he is ſaid to come forth out of his place, Mich. 1.3. then he is in the place that he delights in,Mich. 1.3. Mich. 7.18.Mic 1:3Mic 7:18 when he ſits upon his mercy Seat, Mich. 7.18.

Some threaten what they will do, and indeed would do it had they Power; but this is all they can do, to threaten that they will do it, 1 King. 19.2. 2 King. 18.1 Kgs 19:22 Kgs 18as did Jezabel, 1 King. 19.2. and Rabſhekah, 2 King. 18. But it is otherwiſe with God, he hath Vengeance in ſtore; the ſword is alwayes girded on his thigh; Albeit it be not alwayes drawen, yet it is not rivetted in; His hand can take hold of it and draw it forth, and then he will render vengeance on his enemies,Pſal. 45.3. Deut. 32.41, 42.Ps 45:3Deut 32:41Deut 32:42 and his ſword ſhall devour fleſh, Deut. 32.41, 42. But before it doth ſo, he will whet it, and make it glitter, (as Moſes there ſpeaks,) we may hear him whetting of that Sword, and ſee the glittering of it, before he ſmite with it; Nor doth he proceed ſo far, but in caſe that a People or Nation turn not from their evil wayes upon former warnings. If he turn not, he will whet his Sword▪ ſaith David, Pſal. 7.12.Ps 7:12Pſal. 7.12. Yea, he hath bent his how, and made it ready, he hath alſo prepared for him the Inſtruments of Death: The Bow ſhall be uſed before the Sword; other Judgments ſent before the Sword be put in Commiſſion to devour fleſh. Indeed an Arrow when it is let flye out of the Bow, comes ſo ſwiftly as that it is hardly diſcernable; (except we diſcern it at the firſt looſing and watch it all the while) but the bending of the bow doth not hurt us; it onelyonly forewarns us of the Arrow that is ready in the Quiver to be taken out and put into the Bow, to be let flye upon us for our ſins, which are the white that we our ſelves have ſet up; no ſooner do we take that down, but God unbends his Bow, and puts his Arrows again p. 267into his Quiver. I will bleſſe the Lord (ſaid David), who hath given me Counſel; ſo may we ſay,Pſal. 16.7.Ps 16:7 I will bleſſe God who hath given me warning: It is a great mercy, and deſerves all thankfull acknowledgment, and is as much as our lives are worth, had we the grace to make uſe of theſe warnings.

Uſe 2 But may it not be truly ſaid of us in this ſinful Land, as Solomon ſpeaks of evil men, they underſ…and not Judgment. God hath plyed us with warnings; but what was ſaid of Ephraim, Prov. 28.5.Prov 28:5may be ſaid of England, It hath a ſilly heart, Hoſ. 7.11. And the ſame Arguments that are brought to prove the one,Hoſ. 7.11.Hos 7:11 may confirme the other: Strangers have devoured his ſtrength, and he knoweth it not; yea, gray haires are here and there upon him, Verſ. 9 yet he knows it not, verſ. 9. their ſtrength failed them; the Prognoſtick ſignes of their approaching end was upon them, yet they were dull and ſtupid; they knew it not, they knew it not, their fault is redoubled. They knew it not, for that they would not know, although they might, for it was eaſie enough to be ſeen and known, had they not bin like a ſilly Dove without heart.

Never had any Nation more viſible ſignes of approaching Vengeance then our Engliſh Nation; nor was there ever any Nation that made leſſe uſe of them then this Nation hath done. Vengeance was wrote on the wall before Belſhazzar, Dan. 5.5.Dan 5:5but it was in an unknown Language, he could not read it; ſo are God's notifications and premonitions of his anger and hot diſpleaſure againſt us written upon the walls of our Pallaces, but they are as an unknown Language unto us; we will not read them ſo, as to underſtand the meaning.

The Jews famous Antiquary (Joſephus) tells us of ſeven ſeveral portentous prodigies,Joſeph. de Bello Ind. l. 7. c. 12. whereby God warned Jeruſalem of Her ruine a little before the deſtruction of it by Veſpaſian; Give me leave to acquaint you, or (rather) put you in mind of ſeven ſeveral wayes, whereby God hath given us warning of what hath befallen us, (and yet continues warning us of heavier Judgments that will certainly befal us, if our timely Repentance prevent not.)

Firſt, He hath warned us by the mouths of his Miniſters, whom he hath ſent abroad into all parts of the Kingdome, with his Subpoena's to ſummon us in; They have told us of our danger p. 268(both in Pulpit and Preſſe,) and cryed out with that Jeſus the Son of Ananus (of whom Joſephus ſpeaks,) who four years before the Romans came againſt Jeruſalem, went up and down the City, and eſpecially in the Temple, crying Wo, Wo, Wo, to Jeruſalem. They foretold us of what we have (in part) felt, and yet continue crying, One Wo is paſt, and two Woes more are yet to come. Indeed, they have not that Prophetical Spirit which the Servants of God in old time had, (for to them it was many times revealed what People ſhould be puniſhed; what kind of Judgment ſhould be inflicted; and at what time upon a People (ſaith Luther):Luther Praeſat. in Hoſ. Proph. yet they wiſely comparing things preſent with things paſt; and diligently obſerving what ſins thoſe are which uſually provoke God to ſmite with Sword, Famine, and Peſtilence, &c. conclude, not onelyonly in general that ſome heavy Plague will befal the Nation, but (in all probability) ſuch or ſuch a Plague as the Sword, Famine, or Peſtilence; forasmuch as thoſe ſins are moſt riſe in the Nation, which is uſually puniſhed with thoſe particular Judgments.

The ſins that bring the Sword upon a Nation are theſe, Ignorance of God and his wayes,Jer. 4.19, 20, 21, 22. Jer. 14.13, 17. 2 Chron. 36, 15, 16, 17. Jer. 9.23. — 17. Jer. 34 18. Jer, 15, 1, 2, 6. Iſa 3.16, 25. Lev. 26.26, —36.Jer 4:19Jer 4:20Jer 4:21Jer 4:22Jer 14:13Jer 14:172 Chr 36:152 Chr 36:162 Chr 36:17Jer 9:23Jer 34:18Isa 3:16Isa 3:25Lev 26:26 Jer. 4.19, 20, 21, 22. Propheſying lyes in the name of God and entertaining them, Jer. 14.13, 17. mocking and miſuſing the Meſſengers of God, and deſpiſing the Word that is brought us unto by them, 2 Chron. 36.15, 16, 17. Idolatry, Jer. 9.13, — 17, & 16, 4, 11, 12. Breach of Covenant, Jer. 34.18. Back-ſliding and forſaking of God, Jer. 15.1, 2, 6. Pride and haughtineſſe, Iſa. 3.16, 25. Incorrigibleneſſe under God's Judgments, Levi…. 26.26,—36. Theſe amongſt other ſins (whereof we are deeply guilty) and are threatned to be puniſhed with the Sword, (in a peculiar manner), did cauſe them to conclude that the Sword would be the Judgment that would fall upon us, which we have found true, and them therein to be true Prophets: And now perceiving no reformation to follow this heavy Judgment that hath befaln us, but ſtill thoſe ſins remain amongſt us, which the Sword was ſent to puniſh; and that other ſins appear, which the Sword hath brought with it that were not before (ſo rife) amongſt us, they muſt needs conclude that ſome heavier Judgment will betide us; (for it is nor God's way to ſuffer himſelf to be overmaſtered otherwiſe than by p. 269earneſt prayer and ſerious humiliation): He is juſt and will over come in Judgment.

Warnings of this kind, we have leightly ſet by: when we have told you what would follow your-ſinnful courſes, we have ſeemed to you to mock, and to be in jeſt, (as Lot ſeemed unto his Sons in Law to do); And you have bin ready to ſay to us, as that fantaſtical Muſitian ſaid unto his Neighbours, (who told him that his Houſe was on fire but he was ſo tranſported with his Raptures, as that he returned no other anſwer but this), Either hold your tongues or ſing in tune. When we give you warning as God hath ſtrictly commanded us to do,Ezek. 3.17.Ezek 3:17 Ezek 3.17. and tell you that God's wrath is kindled againſt you, and will break forth to your undoing, if it be not quenched, you are apt to imagine that we know not what we ſay, and becauſe thoſe Judgments threatned do not preſently befall you, you are ready to conceive that we have but deluded and affrighted you with needleſs fears.

It was thus with the ten Tribes, as we read, Jer. 23.33. God ſent his Prophets to them to forewarn them of thoſe Judgments which afterwards befel them;Jer. 23.33, —40. Ealightned and Explained.Jer 23:33 whoſe predictions and propheſies, and denunciations were uſually termed Burthens, and becauſe theſe Judgments denounced did not preſently fall upon them, they began to ſcoff and mock the Prophets when they came unto them, and to ſay in ſcorn; Now, Prophet, What is the burden of the Lord, what is the burden you now bring? Say unto them (ſaith the Lord), This is the burden of the Lord, I will even forſake you, that is, I will urterly caſt you off, and that you ſhall find to be burden enough. Would you have yet more weight upon you? why then, (as it is elegantly and emphatically added, verſ. 36.) every man's word ſhall be his burthen, that is, that which he ſaith, ſhall be that which ſhall be laid to his charge, his ſcorning, his idle queſtioning of the Prophet, What burden now? What Sword? What Famine? What Peſtilence? Is not all Quiet, all at Peace, all well with us, for all your crying (out of tune, out of ſeaſon) Wo, Wo? Well (ſaith God) your mocking and deriding of thoſe denunciations and forewarnings in the mouths of my Prophets ſhall be your burthen, and aggravate thoſe Judgments that ſhall befall you, and ſeeing you ſay this p. 270word, the burden of the Lord I have ſent unto you my Prophets, and charged them, ſaying, you ſhall not ſay any more unto them The burden of the Lord, verſ. 38. that is, they ſhall not beſtow any more ſuch care upon you, as to tell you that the Lord threatens you; And this is a heavier burden then the former. Gods preſence in anger, His frowning and threatning, yea, ſmiting and puniſhing is heavy, but God's abſence and dereliction is a farr heavier burden, for mark what follows, verſ. 39. Therefore Behold I even I will utterly forget you, and I will forſake you and that City that I gave you and your Fathers, and caſt you out of my preſence; and I will bring an everlasting reproach upon you, and a perpetual ſhame which ſhall not be forgotten. Now the Lord look in mercy upon us, and forgive us this ſin in deſpiſing theſe warnings which he hath given us, and doth daylie yet give us by the mouths of his faithful Miniſters.

Secondly, He hath warned us by himſelf more immediately by wonders from Heaven,Joel 2.30.Joel 2:30 Blood and Fire and Pillars of Smoak; ſtrange and fiery impreſſions in the Aire, our eyes have ſeen; Sometimes the Heavens have ſeemed to be of a light fire, and to burn over our heads;Brin…y his third part of the true watch. c. 3. p. 16. Sometimes hath appeared (as it were) a fiery Tent ſpread directly over us, with Pillars of horrible darkneſſe, Pillars of fire, and Pillars of Blood: Sundry prodigious Comets, and blazing Starrs have appeared, (of which, albeit ſome natural reaſon may be rendered, yet being extraordinary they do warn us of God's anger,Anno. 1618. 1652. and threaten Judgment.) By terrible Thunder and Lightning, the moſt High hath uttered his Voyce, and that a Mighty Voyce beating down, and conſuming therewith not onelyonly many Houſes and Villages,Pſal. 18.14, 29, 3.Ps 18:14Ps 18:29Ps 18:3 but ſome of his own Houſes and Temples, wherein his name is called upon, and even then whilſt People have preſented themſelves before him to ſerve him, and call upon his name; as if he would warn us to approach his preſence with more reverence and fear. And how often hath he made our Heavens as Braſſe in withholding the Clouds from watering the Earth, ſo that the graſſe withered, and the fruits were parched by reaſon of extream heat and drought?Serr. Fren. Hiſt. l. 1. p. 521. In the French Hiſtory we read of a year which the French termed the year of Rosted Vines: Such years we have had, which might be ſtyled years of parched corne.

p. 271Thirdly, As God hath given us warning from Heaven above, ſo from the Earth beneath, as by the quaking and ſhaking of it;Acts 2.29.Acts 2:29 which however Philoſophy imputes to the Aire ſhut up in the bowels of the Earth, yet we are taught to look higher, and apprehend it as a manifeſt ſigne of God's fierce wrath and anger,Prov. 18.7, 8, 9. Zach. 14.15.Prov 18:7Prov 18:8Prov 18:9Zech 14:15 Pſal. 18.7, 8, 9. Zach. 14.15. Warnings of this nature, England hath had many; In the year 1579 our Chronicles make mention of ſuch an Earth-quake here in England, as that it tolled the great Bell at Westminiſter, and threw down a piece of Dover Caſtle, and a part of Sutton Church in Kent: In the year 1601 there was another great Earth-quake that made St. Maries Bell in Cambridge to toll. And in the year 1626 March 27, there was another felt in ſome places very terrible. The like hath bin in ſome other places of latter years (as hath bin credibly reported). This quaking and ſhaking of the Earth, is to awaken and ſhake the Inhabitants thereof out of their ſecurity (if it be poſſible); and doth commonly precede, and go before the alteration of Religion (as hath bin by ſome obſerved).Tops on Joel. p. 253. Add hereunto the ſtrange ſinking of the ground in the year 1657 at Bickly in Cheſhire, (as not being able to bear the load of ſin that is committed upon it); And the monſtrous births that have bin brought forth of late years, both of Man and Beaſt; as warnings to repent of our monſtrous ſins.Luke 21.25.Luke 21:25 Diſtreſſe of Nations on Earth with perplexity, is made a prodigious ſigne of God's anger, and of approaching vengeance by our Saviour, Luke 21.25. And who can ſay that this Nation hath not bin thus warned?

Fourthly, As we have had extraordinary warnings from Heaven above, and from the Earth beneath; So from the waters under the Earth. The Sea roaring and ſwelling after an unwonted manner, (as if that ſigne were fulfilled, (likewiſe,) which our Saviour makes mention of in the former Text that we quoted, Luke 21.25.) The Inundations and breaking in of that unruly Creature into the firme Land,See the Reports of Englands floods. Anno. 1607. in divers parts of this Realm, to the overthrowing and breaking down of whole Towns and Villages, (to the number of 26 Pariſhes in one Shire.) The unwonted flux and reflux of it; The doubling of the Tides in the River of Thames (a thing not ordinary) yet twice or p. 272thrice happening within theſe few years. And not long before theſe bloody Warrs began, and within a while after that Comet which appeared 1618, there was a Book found in a Pike's belly, which was brought to the Univerſity of Cambridge, (a little before the Commencement); The fiſh being taken and opened, John Frith's Preparation to the Croſſe was in the maw of it; This we find related by a Reverend Divine, and one of great Note,Jer. Dyke his Serm. preached before the Houſe of Parliament Ap. 5. 1628. p. 22. Trop. in Math. 17. Verſ. 27. Mich. 6.9.Matt 17Mic 6:9 and that to the Commons Houſe of Parliament, in a Sermon that he Preached before them at a publique Faſt; And his Obſervation upon it is, That ſuch a Book ſhould in ſuch a manner, and to ſuch a place, and at ſuch a time be ſent, (when by reaſon of Peoples confluence out of all parts, notice might be given to all places of the Land), can be conſtrued for no leſſe then a divine warning, and to have this Voyce with it, England prepare for the Croſſe. And what may we think of the coming up of that fiſh of an extraordinary biggneſs (almoſt to the City of London,) there taken and killed this year 1658. Surely the ſending of this fiſh ſo near the City, hath a voyce to the City; The Lord give us wiſe hearts to hear it, and underſtand the meaning.

Fiftly, Our home-bred diviſions and diſtractions, civil Rents and garboyles; factions and fractions in Church and State; are no other then warnings of God's heavy diſpleaſure:Lament. 4.16. 1 King. 12.Lam 4:161 Kgs 12 The anger of the Lord hath divided them (ſaith Jeremiah, Lament. 4.16). In Rehoboams Reign diviſion amongſt Councellours, cauſed the rending of the Tribes (ten from two,) and that rending ruined all. So whilſt Iſrael was hot againſt Judah, and Judah againſt Iſrael, the King of Syria came and ſmote both; whilſt the Frogg and the Mouſe are fighting for the prey, the greedy Kite devours both it and them.

In the Church who ſees not, and ſeeing laments not (unleſſe they be ſuch as cry, Raze it, raze it, even to the ground). The difference in Judgment and Opinion that is amongſt us, which is carryed with ſuch heat, that (like briniſh lights) we ſpit fire in the faces of one another, and ſo (it may be feared) will continue, till we be extinct and go out in a ſtinch and ſmoak. In ſhort, not a City, not a Town of note, not a Village, ſcarce a Family (if any whitt numerous) that is not divided; the Husband againſt the Wife, the Wife againſt the Husband; Father againſt p. 273Child, and Child again… Father, &c. and can we look upon theſe diviſions without great thought of heart? doth is not cry aloud in our cars that a Kingdome a Church, a Family, divided againſt it ſelf cannot ſtand? Diviſion is a thick black Cloud that threatens …eſtruction; what is diviſible is corruptible, Omne Diviſible eſt corruptibile.is a dictate in Nature; And Religion teacheth that the Daughter of Diviſion is deſolation, (ſaith Nazianzene) and holds true in all States and Societies whatſoever.

Sixthly; Innovation, alteration, and change of a good Government for a worſe; either in Church or State,Iſa. 3.1.— 9. Explained. Verſ. 2.3.Isa 3:1 is a Teſtimony of God's heavy diſpleaſure; So we read, Iſa. 3.1,—9. I will take away from Jeruſalem the ſtay and the ſtaff; an… what he means there by ſtay and ſtaff he ſhews, verſ. 2.3. The m…ghty man, and the man of War, the Judge and the Prophet, and the Prudent, and the Antient, &c. (ſuch as are as ſtakes in the hedge, and keep it from reeling;) and ſhall ſubſtitute in their room, Children and Babes to Rule, as you have it, verſ. 4. that is, Verſ. 4 ſuch as are inept and unexperienced for Government; Then followes (as the effect of this) Oppreſſion and Sedition, one neighbour ſhall oppreſs another, every one his Brother, the Child ſhall behave himſelf proudly-againſt the Antient, and the Babe againſt the Hunourable, Verſ. 5 verſ 5. no reſpect ſhall be had of mens callings and conditions; every one ſhall ſeek to have Magiſtrates after their own hearts, and not after God's, and chooſe to themſelves Governours when they beſt fancy, thinking thereby to repair their ruins, and have their Liberties reſtored, Verſ. 6 verſ. 6. the turbulencies and diſcontentments of the People ſhall be ſuch, as that none ſhall be found either fit or willing to take upon them the adminiſtration of the Kingdome, and the Government of ſo head-ſtrong and ſeditions a people, verſ. 7. when it is thus with a Nation (and Oh that it were not ſo with ours! Verſ. 7) then this preſageth the fall of that People, and their ruine is at hand; Verſ. 8(as you have it, verſ. 8.) Jeruſalem is ruin'd, and Judah is fallen, becauſe their tongues and their doings are againſt the Lord to provoke the eyes of his glory.

I may not ſay that it is thus with us, but this I may ſay; Our preſent condition is as like it as if it were the ſame: God hath taken from us our chief ſtaff and ſtayes, our principal Go…ernours, p. 274graveſt Judges, wiſeſt Counſellours, ableſt Divines, (and that within theſe few years,) a ſad preſage that ſome great evil will befall us,Iſa. 57.1.Isa 57:1 Iſa. 57.1. God ſeldome beheads a State, but it is for Treaſon; The Heart Plotts it, the Hand Acts it, but it is the Head that payes for it. How weary were we growen of a good Monarchical Government, under which we proſpered, and flouriſhed for many years, (which indeed is the beſt forme of Government under Heaven). You weary (ſaid Themiſtocles to the Athenians) of receiving ſo many Benefits by one man? Indeed we were weary, and longed for a change; we had it, and were as ſoon weary of that we longed for, as Ammon was of his Siſter Thamar, after he had enjoyed his longing (or luſting rather). And now as Sampſon did by the jaw bone of the Aſſe;Judg. 15.17, 19.Judg 15:17Judg 15:19 which he flung away after he had ſlain therewith many of the Philiſtins, (he being a thirſt and ready to dye for want of water, upon Gods command returns to his jaw-bone again, and thence hath water to refreſh him) we are returned to that Government which we deſpiſed, from which, if ever we look for comfortable refreſhment, we muſt find it; and yet ſtill we are a diſcontented people, nothing will pleaſe us; and who can but look upon this as an evident token of God's heavy wrath and diſpleaſure againſt us? When Bees make a great humming noyſe, it is likely they will forſake their Hives, and are about to take their flight.

Seventhly and Laſtly, God hath warned us by many leſſer and lighter Judgments that have befallen us,1 Sam. 20.20.1 Sam 20:20 which are like to the lighting of Jonathan's arrows one beyond the other, and call upon us to provide with all ſpeed for our own ſafety. God dealeth with man herein after the manner of men, he uſually taketh a distreſs by gentle and fatherly corrections, before he takes out an Execution by greater Judgments. God was unto Ephraim as a moth in the Garment, and unto the Houſe of Judah as a worme in the Tree, (which cauſed rottenneſſe:) before he was to Ephraim as a Lyon, Hoſ. 5.12.14. Explained.Hos 5:12Hos 5:14and as a young Lyon to the Houſe of Judah, to teare and go away with the prey, Hoſ. 5.12, 14. The moth in the Garment; and the worme in the Timber are but ſmall Creatures, yet lingeringly, and by degrees they conſume and eat; the moth by eating now one thread, and then another in the Garment, prepares it (with much eaſe) to be rend and torn in pieces; and the p. 275worme in the Tree ſoon eats out the heart, it cauſeth it to rot, and prepares it to the fire: God by ſmaller and leſſer Judgments would be as a moth and a worme to that people; but when Ephraim ſhall ſee his ſickneſs, and Judah his wound, that is, when they ſhall perceive the weakneſſe of their Kingdom and decay of their State, if they make not the right uſe thereof, in repenting and returning to the Lord, but will truſt to their own Councels, and put their truſt in their own Confederacies, and go to Aſſyria, or King Jareb for ſuccour; I will then be (ſaith God) to Ephraim as a Lyon, and as a young Lyon to the Houſe of Judah, I will tear and go away, I will take away, and none ſhall reſcue; he will be terrible in his future Judgments, for making no better uſe of the former. And Amos to the ſame purpoſe,Amos 4.6, — 12. Explained.Amos 4:6 Cap. 4.6. I have given you cleanneſs of teeth in all your Cities, and want of bread in all your Places, yet you have not returned unto me ſaith the Lord: that is, I have endeavoured to reclaime you by afflictions, and therefore have ſent want and ſcarcity amongſt you; yet that did not amend you, then I added to your hunger, thirſt: I have withholden the rain from you, — ſo that two or three Cities wandered unto one City to drink water, but they were not ſatisfied, but yet you have not returned to me ſaith the Lord, verſ. 7.8. Then I ſmot you with blasting and mildew, your Gardens, and your Vineyards, and your Figg-Trees, and your Olive Trees did the Palmer worm devour. I puniſhed you in all theſe things wherein you took any delight, and might any way refreſh you, under that calamity which I layd upon you; and yet you have not returned unto me ſaith the Lord, verſ. 9. I have ſent among you the Peſtilence, after the manner of Aegygpt; a very noyſome and deadly Peſtilence, ſuch a one as I plagued the Land of Aegypt withall, ver. 10. this was a ſoarer Judgment then the former, yet they returned not to the Lord: God proceeds yet higher; I have overthrown ſome of you as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, that is, by the fire of the Aſſyrians, as Sodome and Gomorrah were deſtoyed by fire from Heaven; and thoſe of them of Samaria that were left out of the common deſtruction, were but as a brand ſnatcht out of the fire, miſerably burnt and ſcorched; yet you returned not unto me ſaith the Lord, verſ. 11. All this doing no good, therefore this will I do unto thee O Iſrael, verſ. 12. that is, I am reſolved p. 275to do this, that I have foreto…d by my Prophets; I will take you away with hooks, and your Poſterity with fiſhhooks, (as it was ſaid before, verſ. 2.) I will execute upon thee the ſevereſt of all my Vengean…es, and by the Aſſyrian ſnarch you out of your own Country, as the fiſh is caught up out of the water by the hock of the Angler: And thus God proceeded by degrees from the leſſe to the greater, with the ten Tribes, by one Judgment warning them of another.

And ſuch warnings have we had from time to time; eaſier afflictions were bittered amongſt us, before extreamity of miſchief ſeiſed on us: The moth and the Timber-worme were many years at work, before the Lyon roared and the young Lyon ſeiſed upon the prey. This Nation hath bin moth-eaten for divers years, Trading hath much decayed, (whereof great complaint hath bin a long time made) illegal Taxes and Impoſitions we have groaned under; Monopoliſts and corrupt Officers, (like moths and timber-worms) have eaten into our eſtates, &c. yet all this did us no good: God hath ſmote this Nation with ſcarcity and famine within theſe few years (albeit in a moderate way): It hath not bin like the ſcarcity that was in Aegypt, he hath ſeemed onelyonly to pick thoſe teeth that were furred and ſowled with exceſſe:2 King. 6.25.2 Kgs 6:25 we have not yet ſeen with our eyes an Aſſes head ſold for 80 pieces of ſilver, and a Cab of Dovesdung for 20 peices; nor have we heard of any Mother amongſt us that hath rewomb'd and reintomb'd, the fruit of her body for want of ſood; yet famine and ſcarcity hath …odd up and down this Kingdom upon her black Horſe with a paire of Ballances in her hand, Revel. 6.5.Rev 6:5ſometimes clad in a roab of immoderate rain and ſhowers, drowning our Lands proviſion; ſometimes bearing on her ſhoulders Heavens of Braſſe, and treading under her feet the Earth of Iron: ſometimes attended with Catterpillars innumerable, and other ſuch like Creatures to eat up, and devour, the fruit that the Earth brought forth for our ſuſtenance; ſo that we have ſowed much,Rev. 6.6. EalightenedRev 6:6 and brought forth little, we have ſeen a meaſure of wheate for a penny, and three meaſures of barley for a penny, Rev. 6.6. The penny was the Labourers hire allowed for his dayes work,Math. 20.9.Matt 20:9 Math. 20.9. and was as much as our twelve pence (as ſome think,) others conceive it to be leſſe; And the meaſure p. 277was ſo much as was allowed for a Servant every day for his maintenance: now it muſt needs go very hard with the poor Labourer, when, having wife and Children to maintain, the wages of his dayes labour would do no more then provide Bread for his own mouth; when he ſhall riſe early to eat the Bread of carefulneſſe, and yet at night, upon his returne from his ſoar labour,Stow Chro. of Eng. in the 5. year of the Conquer. 1069. & Hen. 3.18.1234. Edw. 2.9.1316. Hen. 6.18.1440. Hen. 8.18.1527. Rev. 6.8. Deut. 32.22, 23. Num. 16.46. 2 Sam. 24.1 1. Pſal. 78.50 Gen. 41.48, 56. Ruth 1.1. Pſ. 91.5, 6. B. B. Hall his Sermon of thanksgiving on Pſ. 68.19, 20.Rev 6:8Deut 32:22Deut 32:23Num 16:462 Sam 24:1Ps 78:50Gen 41:48Gen 41:56Ruth 1:1Ps 91:5Ps 91:6Ps 68:19Ps 68:20 have Bread to care for: Of ſuch a ſcarcety we have larely taſted; ye…, and ſomewhat wor…e then ſo: (a…beit the extremi…y of Famine, which our Chronicles mention England hath been afflicted withal, we have not lately taſted, albeit we have deſerved it;) God hath been very moderate therein, as if he had given that charge unto Famine, The Wine and the Oyl hurt thou not: And yet we have not returned unto God.

We being nothing bettered by this ſcourge; Pestilence hath iſſued forth upon his Pale horſe, killing with ſickneſſes and death, thouſands and ten thouſands in the ſtreets: A Judgment that alwaies manifeſts God's wrath and heavy indignation againſt a people, as appears, Deut. 32.22, 23. Numb. 16.46. 2 Sam. 24. 1. Pſal. 78.50. Store-houſes may ſerve againſt Famine, Gen. 41.48, 56. or another Country may preſerve us from it, Ruth 1.1. But in this contagion of the Peſtilence, at home our houſes ſtifle us; abroad, the aire infects us: it flyeth by night and killeth at noon day, Pſal. 91.5, 6. It leaves the very ſtreets of our Cities empty: Therefore (as the learned have well obſerved) tha… from that word in the Hebrew, which ſignifies the Plague, is derived another which ſignifies a Deſert, for that uſually where it comes, it turns the moſt populous City into a Deſert; what ſlaughter? what lamentation? what horrour was there in the Mother-City of this Kingdome the laſt morrality (not ſo long ſince but yet freſh in many of our memories)? More then twenty thouſand Families (ſayth my reverend Authour) ran from their houſes, as if they had been on fire over their heads, and ſought ſhelter in Zoar, and the mountaines: Then was there a voyce heard in Rama, lamentation and weeping, and great mourning; Mat. 3.18.Matt 3:18the Wiſe wringing her hand; the diſtracted Mother falling into a ſwound, whilſt ſhe kiſt the inſenſible cold lips of her breathleſſe Infant; poor deſolate Orphans, mourning the untimely loſſe of their Pa…e…ts: In one place Bells heavily tolling, and ringing out in p. 278another; nothing in a manner to be heard but groaning, and crying, and dying, and burying; and inſtead of the Tradeſman aſking you, What do you lack? The Veſpillo calls, Who is here dead? I ſhall need to ſay no more of this Subject, both City, and Country, know what kind of Judgment it is: They have marble boſomes that will not be ſhaken with theſe terrours, and yet it muſt be ſaid of England, as well as of Iſrael and Judah, For all this we returned not unto the Lord.

And now the Lord hath lately ſent forth another Purſivant, upon his redhorſe, Rev. 6.4.Rev 6:4(and he unbrideled) and hath given power to him to take peace from the earth and that they ſhould kill one another: & there hath been given to him a great ſword: And the Sword is the moſt deadly Arrow in all God's Quiver;Exek. 5.16 more terrible it is then either Famine, or Peſtilence; It is as the laſt billow or wave; when it comes, it overwhelmes all. There may be ſome help by Phyſick againſt the Plague; by Plenty againſt Famine; by neither againſt the Sword: Look what ſorrowes are in both the former, uſually attends this one; nor is either of the former, ſo great a devourer of humane fleſh,2 Sam. 24.15. 2 Chr. 13.17.2 Sam 24:152 Chr 13:17 as the ſword is: Seventy thouſand men, the Peſtilence did devour in three daies ſpace, 2 Sam. 24.15. but the Sword devoured five hundred thouſand choſen men in one day, 2 Chron, 13.17. No Famine ſo great, nor peſtilence ſo contagious; but ſome eſcape: But the Sword is ſo greedy, that (if God reſtrain it not) it will ſuffer not one to eſcape alive, as we read 2 Chron. 20.24.2 Chr. 20.24. Iſa. 34.5, 6 Explained.2 Chr 20:24Isa 34:5Isa 34:6 When God ſends this meſſenger abroad God is highly diſpleaſed indeed. Read Iſa. 34.5, 6, 7. My Sword ſhall be bathed in Heaven, it ſhall come down upon the people of my curſe to Judgment; that is, my Judgment decreed in heaven ſhall be fearfully execured, upon my known and profeſſed enemies, whom I have accurſed to an eternall condemnation; ye…, it ſhall be filled and made drunk with blood; their land ſhall be ſo ſoaked with it, as that the duſt of it ſhall be made fat with fatneſſe: A Slaughter, that ſi…ll be like an univerſal Sacrifice, the matter of which Sacrifice ſhall be, not onelyonly Lambs and Goats, which have no power to reſiſt, but the Unicorns and Bulls, the moſt Great and Potent Perſon…ges, they ſhall be expoſed to this bloody Oblation; ſo that the whole land ſhall be drenched in blood. This is an extraordinary warning of Vaſtation and Raine, if it be not p. 279prevented;Ezek. 14.17. Iſa. 9.18, 19, 20.Ezek 14:17Isa 9:18Isa 9:19Isa 9:20 but eſpecially if it be civill and intestine (the worſt of warrs). Inteſtine it is truly termed, for that it is, as a burning in the bowels and intrals; and Civill as unaptly, for of all warrs they are moſt unnaturall and uncivill: here the Father fights againſt the Child, and the Child againſt the Father; Brother againſt Brother, and one Friend againſt another. We read in Hiſtory, that when the Civill warrs were betwixt the Romans themſelves in the daies of Vitellius, (ſome being for him, others for Veſpaſian) that when the women brought the Vitellians victuals by night into the Camp, they not onelyonly refreſhed themſelvs, but their adverſaries, with meat and drink, and each man would call upon his adverſary by name, in a very friendly manner, and ſay Accipemi Commilito, ede, &c. Come my fellow-Souldier,Dio. in vit. Vitel. ear, I do not onelyonly offer thee my Sword, but bread; take again, and drink, that whither thou ſlay me, or I thee, we may dye the eaſier, &c. Thus they greeted over night, and the next day diſpatched each the other; They gave wounds, and took wounds (ſaith the Hiſtorian); they ſlew, and were ſlain: No warrs ſo unfriendly, friendly, as theſe are.

Nor is there any warr ſo cruell as warr of this nature; the hatred of Brethren is moſt bitter when they fall out. A Brother offended is harder to win than a ſtrong City (ſaith Solomon), and their contentions are as the barr of a Caſtle, Pro. 18.19 Explained.Prov 18:19Prov. 18.19. Kinſmen or Friends diſpleaſed, by any offence, or eſtranging themſelves upon injuries offered, reſiſt all intreaties of peace, and means of reconciliation, more ſtoutly and ſtifly then a defenced town doth the aſſaults of the weapon, or the embaſſies which intreat for peace; and there is many times as much yielding in the iron barrs of a ſtrong Caſtle, (when they are thruſt againſt.) as there is in the hearts of Brethren, when they are preſſed to peace, they are implacable; and when they come to joyn iſſue, moſt cruell and Tyger-like: You have an example hereof in the Iſraelites againſt the Benjaminites, Judg. 20.48. who,Jud. 20.48Judg 20:48 when they had conquered them, did not only kill every man they met withall, but they killed every Beast, and all that came to hand (ſaith the Text), alſo they ſet on fire all the Cities that they came to. The ſtrife betwixt Brethren concerning things of this World, is very fierce; but when it ariſeth about matters of Religion, then p. 280are their contentions moſt bitter and durable. The Perſians and Turks are both Mahometans, and yet diſagreeing about ſome … poynts, in the Interpretation of their Alchoran, the Perſians burn whatſoever Books they find of the Turkiſh Sect; and the Turks hold it more metitorious to kill one Perſian, Turk Hist.than Seventy Chriſtians. Theologicall hatteds (as one termeth them) are moſt bitter hatreds, and are carryed on (for the moſt part) with Cain like rage & bloody oppoſition: The higher the place is from whence a ſtone doth fall, the more dangerous is the b…ow; no wounds ſo mortall as that of a Thunder bolt: So of all other thoſe hatreds which make pretences unto Heaven, and which ariſe from Mo…ives of the higheſt nature, are ever moſt deſperate. Men think their Souls engaged in one Quarrell; their Fortunes onelyonly in another.Dr. Lawrence Ser. o…. 1 Cor. 1.12.1 Cor 1:12 He that drawes for Religion, ſtrikes with a Raſor; the other thruſts with a foile: When a Battail is fought by the Sword of the Lord and of Gideon, then it ever proceeds with greateſt cruelty. Inſurrection and Rebellion never prove ſo loud and dangerous as when Religion is pretended:Goodwins Annals p. 230. The firſt noiſe is for the liberty of the People, when that is but as the Out-works; but when the Soul is pretended, that is like the Maine fort. Thence it is, that the cauſe of Religion is the conſtant pretence of all diſcontented Perſons; And then, In nomine Domini, the wheels of all their rebellious actions are moved more forecibly; To the truth of this I ſuppoſe if you were called unto it, you cannot but ſubſcribe.

How happy had this Nation been, if we would have taken warning by thoſe leſſer Judgments that did forerun this? ſo ſhould we never have been able, by wofull experience, to confeſſe it to be true, (otherwiſe then by hear-ſay). But as flyes hovering about the Candle, will not be warned by the burning of one wing, but muſt needs ſacrifice their bodyes in thoſe flames. So it is with all obdurate ſinners; Pharaoh by one Plague, loſt the fruit of the Earth; by another, the fruit of his Cattell; by a third, the light of his eyes; by a fourth, the fruit of his loynes; even all the firſt borne of Aegypt: yet he would take no warning, but went on in his ſtubbornneſſe, whilſt his breath was left in his body. God forbid that we ſhould be like Pharaoh therein,Nah. 1.9.Nah 1:9 for then Affliction ſhall not riſe up a ſecond time, Nah. 1.9. p. 281And thus we have had ſeven remarkabe warnings, wherein we come but little ſhort of the warnings which Jeruſalem had, before her overthrow. Woe, Woe, unto us if we take none.

I ſhall ſpare to ſpeak of thoſe ſpeciall and particular Notifications of God's diſpleaſure, again… every particular Perſon of us; every loſſe, every croſſe, that befalls us, is a warning, and hath a voyce with it, Job 33.14. Pſal. 2.5. Mich. 6.9. the man of wiſdom will hear the rod and who hath appointed it; Job 33.14. Pſal. 2.5. Mich. 6.9.Job 33:14Ps 2:5Mic 6:9the Lord give us that wiſdome, that we may ſo do, and not ruſh on deſperately againſt the Angell's Sword, which ſtands in the way to ſtop us in our ſinfull courſes.

I ſhall end this Poynt, with putting you in mind of that which our Saviour ſpeaks to the Phariſees;Mat. 16.3.Matt 16:3 When the Sky is red and lowring, you ſay it will be fowle weather to day: Ye Hypocrites, you can diſcern the face of the Sky, but can you not diſcern the Signes of the times? Mr. Hild on Pſal. 51. Lect. 5.Ps 51Our Sky is yet red and lowring, and he is a ſenſleſſe and ſecure Hypocrite (ſaith a very judicious Divine) that doth not expect ſome great ſtorm and tempeſt. And how can we expect other, conſidering how little good uſe we have made of former warnings? God will not ceaſe perſuing men with his Judgments, one in the neck of another, till the Traytor's head be thrown over the Wall: nor can we imagine,2 Sam. 20.22.2 Sam 20:22 that the laſt blow will be lighter than the former: Heavier things will befall us than yet we have felt, it may be juſtly feared.

But can a heavier Judgment betide us, Queſt. than hath already? Have we not heard, that the Sword is the worſt of Plagues (eſpecially when it is in our own bowels) that can befall a People?

It is ſo, compared with any other, ſingly conſidered;Resp. but yet it may ſo happen, that all thoſe Horſemen, Famine, Pestilence, Sword, may en er upon us altogether, as they did upon the City of Jeruſalem; and will not that be worſe than what we have yet felt? This, this, is that Judgment that we have great cauſe to fear; They being threatned to be inflicted together, upon a people,Jer. 42.13, — 18. & 14.10, 11, 12.Jer 42:13 for thoſe very provocations that we are guilty of in a very high degree; as Diſobedience to God. Jer. 42.13.—18. Wandering from God Jer. 14.10, 11, 12. Not hearkning to his Word, p. 282Jer. 29.17, 18, 19.& 29.17, 18, 19. Lev… 26.24, …5, 26. 2 Sam. 24.2, 13. 1 C…. 21.12.Lev 26:24Lev 26:5Lev 26:262 Sam 24:22 Sam 24:132 Sam 24:1 Incorrigibleneſſe. Levi…. 26.24, 25, 26. Confidence in the Arm of fleſh, 2. Sam. 24.2, 13. 1 Chron. 21.12. Now the Lord in mercy awaken us, that we may prevent theſe miſeries, and the Severity of the Sentence in my Text, which now come to be ſpoken of.

Cut it down.]

A ſour and ſevere Sentence! There is nothing more terrible (ſaith Chryſoſtome) than this manner of ſpeaking. He threatneth not that he will come with a Hook to prune it, not that he will tred down the hedge that was about the Vineyard; but he threatens the Axe, which is more terrible: Had the boughes been doomed to have been rent, or lopped, and the leaves to be ſhaken off, and ſcattered, ſo that it might yield no ſhelter, nor ſhadow, to the Fowles of Heaven, or Beaſts of the field, (which was the Sentence paſt upon the Tree which Nebuchadnezar ſaw in his Viſion,Dan. 4.10, 11.Dan 4:10Dan 4:11 Dan. 4.10, 11, 12.) the doom had not been ſo dreadfull. The Tree that is pruned and lopped may yet ſtand; and that which is rent and torne may yet recover, and live to recompence its former deficiency,Job 14.7, 8, 9.Job 14:7Job 14:8Job 14:9 Job 14.7, 8, 9. But when it is ſtubbed, and cut up by the roots, down falls all, both Boughes and Body: Of ſuch a nature is the Judgment denounced againſt this Figg-Tree, [Cut it down.]

In which Sentence, take notice, Firſt, of the Act; Secondly, of the Object. The Act [Abſcinde, Cut down;] The Object [It] that is, the Figg-Tree before made mention of. From the Act obſerve we, that

Abſciſſion, and cutting down, is the doom of an Hypocriticall & barren Profeſſion. Doct.

And now alſo the Axe is layd to the root of the Trees, (ſaith John the Baptiſt,) therefore every Tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewen down, and caſt into the fire, Math. 3.10. Which ſpeech,Mat. 3.10.Matt 3:10 albeit ſpecially directed to the Sadduces and Phariſees, and concerned the Jewiſh State, which was the Tree that ſhould, be cut down by the Romans (as it afterwards was) by the very root; inſomuch that their Temple, their Ceremonies, their Laws, their Civill Power, their Common wealth, were utterly deſtroyed and overthrown: yet it is not to be reſtrained unto them only; but communi ratione, and in a general conſideration, it is intended p. 283againſt all evill and hypocriticall Profeſſors, all unfruitfull Chriſti…ns (whatſoever), ſuch as they were.

And leſt we might think that John the Baptiſt, whoſe Doctrine ſuited with the Garments he wore (which were rough and hairy), meant this onelyonly againſt that generation of Vipers which came unto his Miniſtry & were ſo ſeverely reproved by him, our bleſſed Saviour himſelf uſeth the ſame denunciation, Every Tree that bringeth not forth good fru…t is hewen down and caſt into the fire Math. 7.19. [Every Tree,] without exception of any,Mat. 7.19.Matt 7:19 [that bringeth not forth good fruit] not bad fruit onelyonly, [Is he wen down] not, ſhall be; it is at certain, as if it were already done. This the mouth of Truth it ſelf hath ſpoken. The Axe of God's vengeance ſhall do execution upon every barren and fruitleſſe Tree, ſtanding in the Vineyard of the Lord, be it never ſo high,Joh. 15.2. Heb. 6.8.John 15:2Heb 6:8 nor never ſo low, Tribulation and anguiſh ſhall be upon every Soul that lives in an Hypocritical and barren profeſſion, John 15.2. Heb. 6.8.

Something for Explication of the Poynt, before we come to the Application of it: Firſt, what is meant by this Cutting down, which the Text ſpeaks of: Secondly, what Inſtrument God uſeth in cutting down a barren Figg-Tree: Thirdly, the manner of God's proceeding in the cutting of it down, ſhall be ſhewed. For the Firſt,

This Cutting is nothing elſe but the fitting and preparing of it for future vengeance; As the Tree that is felled is fitted thereby and prepared for ſome uſe, either for building or burning; Rotten Trees and barren Trees (eſpecially ſuch as the Vine and Figg-Tree), are not (we know) for building, but for the fire; So Hypocritical and barren Profeſſours are prepared for deſtruction, Rom. 9.22. They are made meet and fitted before hand for it;Rom. 9.22Rom 9:22 which is done, par…ly in reſpect of their own ſin; and ſo they are of themſelves apta, fit for it, through the corruption of their own nature, and malice of Sathan, ſolliciting them to ſin, and inſpiring into them ſinful motions; and partly by God, who in juſt judgment for that pravity which is in them, rejects them, and juſtly hardens them for reſiſting of his Will, and ſo they are aptata, fitted for future vengeance.

p. 284The Means or Inſtrument which God uſeth in cutting down a barren Tree, is of two ſorts; Corporal or Spiritual, the Outward and Corporal Inſtrument is, his Judgments inflicted on mens Bodies or Eſtates. Theſe are of a cutting nature, as appears, Pſal. 75.10.Pſal. 75.10. 1 Sam. 2.31, 33. Iſa. 9.14. Jer. 25.37. Jer. 51.20.Ps 75:101 Sam 2:311 Sam 2:33Isa 9:14Jer 25:37Jer 51:20 The horns of the wicked (ſaith the Prophet) ſhall be out off; And God threatens Eli that he would cut off his arme▪ and the arme of his Fathers Houſe, 1 Sam. 2.31, 33. So, Iſa. 9.14. And, Jer. 25.37, And in this reſpect Babylon is ſaid to be God's Axe yea, His batta…l-Axe, (which is ſharp and deſtructive) for tha… he uſed them as his Inſtruments to puniſh his People.

The Inward and ſpiritual kind of cutting down, is by the Miniſtery of the Word;Hoſ. 6 5.Hos 6:5 of which we read, Hoſ. 6.5. &c. I have hewed th…m down by the Prophets, I have ſlain them by the words of my mouth. The word of God in the mouths of his Miniſters, is ſharp and cutting; It is a it were an Axe in Gods hand, as, Math. 3.10. Now is the Axe laid to the Root of the Tree. Where, by Axe is commonly underſtood John's Miniſtery, Mat. 3.10.Matt 3:10whereby thoſe who reſorted to him were ſo cut, as that thereby their Salvation or Damnation was furthered, (albeit ſome underſtand thereby not the Goſpel, but the Judgments that afterwards did befall that People; but better (in my opinion) they, who by Axe underſtood both);Paraeus Com. in Mat. 3.10. Eph. 6.17. Iſa. 49.2. Rev. 1.16. Heb. 4.12.Matt 3:10Eph 6:17Isa 49:2Rev 1:16Heb 4:12 So it is compared to a Sword, Epheſ. 6.17. to a ſharp Sword, Iſa. 49.2. to a Sword with two edges, Rev. 1.16. in reſpect (ſaith Auſtin) of the two Teſtaments: and it is ſaid to be ſharper then any two edged Sword, Heb. 4.12. it peirceth more ſpeedily and throughly, and is of a more cutting nature, for it peirceth even to the dividing aſunder of the Soul and Spirit, of the joynts and marrow, and is a diſcerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart, which no other Sword can do. David ſaid of Goliah's Sword None to it; 1 Sam. 21.9.1 Sam 21:9But, None to this may we truly ſay. What Sword under Heaven can cut like this? That the word doth cut is manifeſted by experience (as well as Scripture): hence it is that whilſt we are opening, and applying of the Scripture, ſome rage and fret at it. So the chief Prieſts and Councel, upon the Apoſtles Preaching were cut to the heart, Acts 5.33.Acts 5:33Acts 5.33. And St. Stephens hearers are ſaid to be cut to the heart, when they heard thoſe things which he taught, inſomuch that they gnaſhed upon p. 285him with their teeth, Acts 7.54. And we find dayſie, how men of corrupt mindes ſtorm and fret at that they hear delivered,Acts 7.54.Acts 7:54 when they find it come to the quick: It cuts the Swearer, the Adulterer, the Drunkard, the Oppreſſer, the Slanderer to the very heart, to bear their ſins diſcovered, and Gods Judgments denounced againſt them: And the good find it to be ſharp and cutting (as well as the bad); it hewes them, and ſquares them,1 Cor. 3.5. Eph. 2.20, 21, 22.1 Cor 3:5Eph 2:20Eph 2:21Eph 2:22 frames and faſhions them, that they may be made fit for God's Building, (which is the Church) and ſo become true Parts and Members of it; So thoſe that heard Peter, were pricked in their hears upon the hearing of his Doctrine; they were peirced as with ſo many Daggers, and not being able to endure the pain, the cryed out, Men and Brethren, what ſhall we do, Acts 2.37.Acts 2:37Acts. 2.37. This is the Spiritual or inward cutting of the Figg-Tree. In this Parabolical ſpeech God cutteth down both wayes; In referrence to the Eſtate and Poli…ie of the Jews, he threatens the cutting of them down by his Judgments, which afterwards befel… them: In reference to barren Chriſtians, it hath a more ſpiritual meaning according to that, John 15.2, 6. Every Branch that beareth not fruit, John 15.2, 6.John 15:2John 15:6He taketh away, that is, He cutteth off from Chriſt and from the Benefits of Chriſt, and ſo caſts him forth as a branch that is withered.

And that is the third thing to be conſidered, the manner of God's proceeding in the Abſciſſion or cutting down of a barren Figg-Tree, and that is Gradually by Degrees. A Tree is not felled by one blow, bu… by many blows it falls; So did the Jewiſh Nation and Synagogue; Firſt, Chriſt threatned them, and denounced many woes againſt them for their Hypocriſie,Math. 23. Luke 19.41. Mat. 21.18.Matt 23Luke 19:41Matt 21:18 Math. 23. He foretold their ruine, and by whom it ſhould be, Luke 19.41. Then He curſed them, and manifeſted that curſe that lay upon them, by the Figg-Tree which He ſpyed in the way, Math. 21.18. Then, at his Death, He ſmote them at the Root, ſo that the Tree withered at the heart, as the Diſciples obſerved in the Figg-Tree (before mentioned). After this the Apoſtles preached amongſt them; but being deſpiſed and perſecuted, they returned to the Gentiles, Acts 13.46. here the Tree was laid; Acts 13.46.Acts 13:46And forty years after the Aſcenſion the Romans came and deſtroyed the City, and bu…nt the Temple, here the Tree was dragged to the fire. And thus by Degrees was the Jewiſh Figg-Tree our down and deſtroyed.

p. 286If we conſider this Judgment in reference to all barren and unfruitful Chriſtians, now living under the Goſpel; our Saviour, John 15.6. doth excellently ſet it forth,Joh. 15.6.John 15:6 If a man abide not in me, that is, if he be onelyonly profeſſedly in me, and bears not fruit, or elſe revolts from me; He is caſt forth as a brauch and is withered; and men gather them and caſt them into the fire, and they are burned: Where, obſerve theſe degrees of a barren profeſſors ruine: Firſt, they are caſt out; Secondly, upon that they wither, Thirdly, upon their withering, they are gathered, or bound up together; Fourthly, upon their gathering they are caſt into the fire; Fifthly, being caſt into the fire they are burned up, and conſumed.

Firſt,Heb. 6.8.Heb 6:8 They are caſt out and rejected; This is it St. Paul ſpeaks of, Heb. 6.8. that which bears Thornes and Bryars is rejected; as the Husbandman gives over labouring a piece of barren ground, that will take no mending. This caſting forth is either by God or Men, God caſts ſuch forth two wayes, Firſt, Subtrahendo, by withholding the means that ſhould do ſuch a man good;Iſa. 5.5, 6. Amos 8.11. Hoſ. 4.14. Iſa. 1.5. Gen. 6.3.Isa 5:5Isa 5:6Amos 8:11Hos 4:14Isa 1:5Gen 6:3 whether Outward, as his Word and Ordinances, Iſa. 5.5, 6. Amos 8.11. Hoſ. 4.14. He will prune them no more, beſtow no more labour upon them; And, Iſa. 1.5. Why ſhould you be ſmitten any more? Or Inward withholding from them his ſpecial grace and favour; His Spirit ſhall no longer ſtrive with them, Gen. 6.3. that is, by thoſe checks and knocks which in former times they had, and which accompanyed the preachings and pains of my Servants which I have ſent unto them:Iſa 6.10. Math. 13.Isa 6:10Matt 13 So, Iſa. 6.10. Math. 13. applyed to them.

Secondly, Tradendo, by giving ſuch a one up, ſo that he will own him no more;Pſal. 81.12. Rom. 1.24. 2 Cor 4.4. Rev. 22.11.Ps 81:12Rom 1:242 Cor 4:4Rev 22:11 when God come to give a man up, either to himſelf (as, Pſal. 81.12. and, Rom. 1.24) or to Sathan to be farther blinded (as, 2 Cor. 4.4.) this is a Fearful kind of caſting forth; then God ſeems to ſay of ſuch a one. Abeat, per…at, profundant, perdat, let him go on and periſh; He that is filthy let him be more filthy; then it follows that a man will be filled with all manner of unrighteouſneſſe, Rom. 1.28, 29.Rom 1:28Rom 1:29(as the beggar is with Vermine). So, Rom. 1.28, 29. when the Fenſe is broken down, all Beaſts will come in, and every baſe luſt will be a Commoner in that …eart. Thus God caſts forth ſuch barren and unfruiful branches.

p. 287And as God caſts them forth, ſo they come to be cast out by men, even by the Church and Members of it; ſometimes more publiquely, as when a man falling into ſome groſſe and vitious courſe of life, is caſt out of the Viſible Church and delivered up to Sathan by the cenſure of excommunication, as, 1 Cor. 5.5. 1 Tim. 1.20. This is a ſoare cenſure,1 Cor. 5.5. 1 Tim. 1.20.1 Cor 5:51 Tim 1:20 and the ſoareſt that the Church can inflict (as formerly hath bin ſhewed you). Then man is left to be a lodge for Devils; Then luſts and all waſtful ſins enter into the heart, till ſuch a one be reſtored again by true Repentance.

Sometimes more ſecretly and privately, they are caſt ou… of the hearts of Gods people; and that two wayes, firſt, when they deſire not the acquaintance of ſuch a fruitleſſe and barren branch; They delight not in his company, but ſhun it rather, (as St. John did the company of Cerinthus in the Bath,1 Cor. 5.11. 2 Theſ. 3.14.1 Cor 5:112 Thess 3:14 or as one doth the company of an infected perſon; With ſuch a one eat not (ſaith the Apoſtle); have no company with him, that he may be aſhamed; This is a very ſad and uncomfortable kind of caſting forth (eſpecially if it be general).

Secondly When they are caſt out of their prayers: God locking up the hearts of his Children, ſo that they do not ſo much as remember them; or withdrawing the ſpirit of prayer from his Children, ſo as that they cannot heartily ſolicite God on their behalf, (albeit they are deſired); God ſeeming to ſay to his Children (as he ſaith by his Prophet, Hoſ. 4.4. Let none reprove them,Hoſ. 4.4.Hos 4:4 ſo) Let none pray for them.1 Sam. 16.1. Jer. 7.16.1 Sam 16:1Jer 7:16 Thus God forbad Samuel to pray for Saul, 1 Sam. 16.1. and ſo Jeremiah for the Jewes, Jer. 7.16. We have not the like Inhibition, nor may we forbear to pray for any particular perſon, (unleſſe we are ſure he hath finned againſt the Holy Ghoſt); yet God withholdeth the ſpirit of prayer many times; ſo that the godly cannot pray heartily for a diſſembling profeſſor. And this is the firſt degree of the barren Chriſtian's doom, whereby it is executed; the caſting of him forth both by God and Man.

The ſecond degree mentioned by our Saviour is withering and this muſt needs follow upon the former; for how can that branch but wither that receives no Life, or Sap, from Him that gives the life of ſap to all? So the ſtony ground,Luke 8.6.Luke 8:6 Luke 8.6. withered p. 288away becauſe it lacked moyſture. This withering is Three fold.

Firſt, They wither in their Judgments, whereas they had their minds in ſome meaſure enlightned to ſee and acknowledge the Truth of Religion, diſtaſte Errors, diſcern, acknowledge, and approve that which is the Truth in Jeſus Chriſt;Heb. 6.4.Heb 6:4 Now they fall away from that Truth they have profeſſed, unto another Goſpel, as did the Galathians, Gal. 1.6. and, with Hymenaeus and Phile…us, err concerning the Faith, Gal. 1.6. 2 Tim. 2.18.Gal 1:62 Tim 2:181 Tim. 2.18. They held the Truth concerning the Reſurrection; but they fell from that Truth, ſaying, the Reſurrection was paſt already, and ſo deſtroyed the Faith of many.

Secondly, They wither in their Affections, falling away from their first love, Rev. 2.4.Rev 2:4as did the Church of Epheſus. Rev. 2.4. and the Church of Galatia whom the Apoſtle upbraideth for that ſtrange coolneſſe in their affections to his Perſon and Miniſtery, whereas at the firſt their zeal was ſuch; as that they were willing to pull out their eyes to do Him ſervice,Gal. 4 15, 18.Gal 4:15Gal 4:18 Gal. 4.15, 18, They withered in reſpect of that zeal and fervency of ſpirit, for God and goodneſſe, that formerly they had; As old men that are withering, grow cold and chilly, and abate of their heat and vigour, which formerly they had in their ſtrength and youth; They have not that appetite to the word, nor delight in the ſociety of the Saints as in former times; They can well diſgeſt what formerly they could not, and content themſelves in an indifferent neutrality; and frame themſelves to ſuch a formality, as will beſt comply with the times, and no further.

Thirdly, They wither in their Practiſe, (as did the Galathians before mentioned, Chap. 3.3. they began in the ſpirit, but did end in the fleſh; Gal. 3.3.Gal 3:3they ran well for a time, but gave over obeying of the Truth,Gal. 5.7.Gal 5:7 Chap. 5.7) So is it with theſe; Their obedience falls off, (like leave… in Autumn,) and whereas formerly they ſeemed watchful of their wayes, conſ…ionable of their Duties, (Private and Pub…ique); now the Caſe is altered with them, they are not like the men that formerly they ſeemed to be. Such is their withering.

Thirdly, Being thus withered, they are collected and gathered together; men gather them ſaith our Saviour: There is a Two-fold p. 289gathering; One in this life, the other afterwards. In this life, theſe barr…n and unfruitful branches are gathered; and that firſt, by Sathan, Secondly, by his Inſtruments: ſo ſoon as ever God leaves, Sathan finds, and gathers ſuch hypocritical and unſound profeſſors into his fold, by his temptations; As the Lord of the ſoyl ſeazeth on all waſts and ſtrayes, and ſets his brand up-off them; ſo doth the God of this World; Thus the Devil entered into Judas after his receiving and eating of the ſop,Joh. 13.27.John 13:27 John 13.27. not as if he had not entred into him before, but (it may be) he had not branded him before. Now he took a further and ſtronger poſſeſſion of him, entering in with ſeven ſpirits worſe then himſelf.

And as they are gathered (immediately) by Sathans temptations, ſo likewiſe by his Agents and Inſtruments. The Scribes and Phariſees compaſſed both Sea and Land, Mat. 13.15.Matt 13:15Math. 23.15. to make one of their profeſſion; As the Jeſuits do at this day, and Sectaries; who gather up all ſuch as wither in their Judgments, and grow cold in their Affections. There are many falſe Spirits gone abroad into the World (ſaith St. John, 1 Joh. 4.1.1 John 4:11 Epist. 4.1.) Seducing Teachers, and Sect-Maſters; who privily bring in damnable hereſies (ſaith St. Peter, 2 Pet. 2.1.2 Pet 2:12 Epiſt. 2.1.) Theſe gather all withered branches into their ſnares and nets, and by fair ſpeech make Merchandize of their Souls, 2 Tim. 4.1. 2 Tim. 3.6.2 Tim 4:12 Tim 3:6(as the Apoſtle ſhews, 1 Tim. 4.1. 2 Tim. 3.6.) Thus they are gathered up in this life.

There is likewiſe a gathering of them up after this life; Both at the Day of Death, and at the Day of Judgment. At the Day of Death, Gather not up my ſoul (ſaith David) amongſt ſinners, nor my life with bloody men, Pſal. 26.9. So,Pſal. 26.9. Luke 16.28. Pſal. 9.17. Act. 5.6, 10.Ps 26:9Luke 16:28Ps 9:17Acts 5:6Acts 5:10 that there is a Penn or Fold for the Souls of the wicked, after they are delivered out of their Bodies, appears, Luke 16.28. Pſal. 9.17. And for their Bodyes; they ſhall be gathered together in the grave to their kindred, (worms and corruption): men gather them, and carry them to it, as, Acts 5.6, 10.

At the Day of Judgment there ſhall be a General and an Univerſal gathering; but that ſhall be made not by men, but by the Angels, Math. 13.30. The Tares muſt be gathered together and bound up in bundles, or faggots; Not all knit into One,Math. 13.30.Matt 13:30 but ſeverall faggots (as Auſtin expoundeth it). The Adulterer and p. 290his Adulte…eſſe ſhall make one faggot, the Thief and the Receiver another, Drunkards ſhall be bound up with Drunkards, and Lyars with Lyars, &c. Which binding up together is not onelyonly to aſſure them of all diſability any way to help themſelves, but for the further encreaſe of their torment; for as ſticks and ſtraw, being bound together, ſerve but to ſet one the other on fire, and encreaſe the flame; ſo will it be in this caſe, for they are thus gathered and bound not to be ſpared, but to be prepared for the fire; which is

The fourth degree of the barren Tree's miſery, And cast them into the fire. There is a gathering and binding up of the wheat, as well as of the tares; of fruitful Profeſſors, as well as of barren Chriſtians; but for ſeveral ends: the Wheat is gathered and bound to be Inned, and carryed into the Barne; but the Tares are for the flame and fire; the moſt terrible of all tortures, Math. 13.40. In this life they may be ſaid to be caſt into the fire,Math. 13.40. Pſal. 18.7, 8. Heb. 12.39. Iſa. 31.9. Lament. 2.4, & 4, 11. Nah. 1.10. Mat. 3.11.Matt 13:40Ps 18:7Ps 18:8Heb 12:39Isa 31:9Lam 2:4Lam 4:11Nah 1:10Matt 3:11 when they are caſt into the hot fire of affliction, or taken away by ſome ſoare and heavy Judgment; and ſo God's wrath is often compared to fire, Iſa. 31.9. Lament. 2.4, & 4, 11. and the wicked to ſtubble fully dry, which fire doth ſuddenly conſume, Nah. 1.10. But this fire is but Temporal: There is fire eternal and unquenchable, into which they ſhall be caſt, Math. 3.12. All that they ſuffer here is nothing to that which abides them at the laſt Day; in compariſon of which all other fires are but as painted fires, in reſpect of Violence and Durance.

The fifth degree is burning, Men caſt them into the fire, and they are burned. St. Paul ſpeaks of ſome that are caſt into the fire and ſo ſaved,1 Cor. 3.15.1 Cor 3:15 1 Cor. 3.15. He ſhall be ſaved as it were through fire: And David of ſuch, as through fire and water were brought into a wealthy place, Pſal. 66.12.Ps 66:12Pſal. 66.12. But this fire is of another nature; and into this fire they are caſt for another end; to burn and fry for ever in thoſe quenchleſſe flames. And this is the Cataſtrophe of the barren Figg-Tree's Tragedy, as you have it, Heb. 6.8.Heb. 6.8.Heb 6:8 And thus you have heard by what degrees God is pleaſed to cut ſuch Trees down, and bring them to utter deſtruction: Now we come to make ſome Application to our ſelves of what hath bin delivered.

p. 291Uſe 1 This that hath bin ſaid of the point, may informe us concerning the preſent eſtate and condition of this Nation; Never any people under heaven have abounded with that plenty of means (as hath bin before ſhewed); nor did ever any Nation bring forth leſſe fruit, that hath enjoyed the like means. What the Prophet Zephaniah ſaith of the Inhabitants of the Sea co…ſts, and the Region of Canaan, The word of the Lord is againſt you, Zeph. 2.5.Zeph 2:5may be ſaid to us; and that is more then if all the People of the World were againſt us. Better it were that Emperour, Pope, Spaine, France, were all againſt us, then that the word of the Lord ſhould be againſt us. And that it is apparently againſt us, for our barrenneſſe and ſinful abominations, hath bin ſhewed.1 Cor. 10.4, 5.1 Cor 10:41 Cor 10:5 There are certain ſpiritual weapons which God hath put into the hands of his Miniſters of the word, not onelyonly for the Building up of the Church, but likewiſe for the deſtroying and ſubverting of whatſoever, and whomſoever ſhall oppoſe the Kingdom of Chriſt, according to that which God ſpeaks to Jeremiah. 1.10.Jer. 1.10.Jer 1:10 I have this day ſet thee over the Nations, and over the Kingdoms to root out, and to pull down, and to deſtroy, and to throw down, to Build, and to Plant; that is, I have given thee a Commiſſion to deliver my meſſages, concerning the deſtroying and rooting out, the planting and eſtabliſhing of the Dominions and Soveraignties of the Nations on the Earth; And what his Prophets and Faithfull Servants do, by vertue of their Miniſterial function,Hoſ. 6.5.Hos 6:5 God will own as done by himſelf; their regular proceedings God will back and make good in due time; And theſe weapons which God hath put into the hands of his Miniſters, are in a readineſſe (ſaith the Apoſtle) to revenge all diſobedience, that is,1 Cor. 10.6. Enlightned.1 Cor 10:6 to take juſt vengeance upon all ſuch perſons, as after they have profeſſed the Goſpel of Chriſt, run out into flagitious courſes, and bring not forth fruit anſwerable to the profeſſion which they make of Chriſt; Nor may we doubt, but that Vengeance is every whitt as ready in God's hand, as in the Miniſter's mouth.Acts 5.5, 10.Acts 5:5Acts 5:10 Now who ſees not how buſie Gods Miniſters are in every Congregation with theſe weapons? Who hears not the blows that are given with their Axes and Hammers? the fearful denunciations and threatenings that are pronounced againſt this Land and Nation, for her filthy abominations, her deadneſſe, to tenneſſe, and barrenneſſe? p. 292Not a Miniſter that we hear but is chopping at the Root;2 Cor. 14.24. Ezek. 22.2. Pſal. 36.2.Ezek 22:2Ps 36:2 ſo that it may be truly ſaid, we are judged of all, and condemned of all; and ſo judged, as that we cannot chooſe but ſee our hollown…ſſe and rottenneſſe; yet we remain without remorſe, and bleſſe our ſelves in our wicked wayes, till our iniquity be found to be hateful; and found it will be, to be ſo, both by God and Men; when the Tree is laid, then the unſoundn…e of it will be ſeen (if not before) as was Jehoiakims doings, and that which was found in him: 2 Chron. 26.8.2 Chr 26:8that is, (ſay ſome) the marks and prints of his ſorceries, which was found in his Body after he was dead.

Nor hath the Miniſterial Axe onelyonly bin at work, (in hacking and hewing at the Root of this Engliſh Figg-Tree) for ſo long a time; But God himſelf hath taken the Axe into his own hand (as it is his uſual manner when his Miniſters can do little good with their Axe, or grow weary at their work): he hath hewed us with his Outward and Temporal Judgments, (as hath bin ſhewed you in the former doctrine); and needs muſt he be ſenſleſſe, and ſecure, that is not ſenſible hereof. For about whoſe ears do not the Chips flye? who hath not in one kind or other, felt them, and lyen groaning under them, yet the Figg-Tree ſtands, but it reels and totters ſhrewdly; it is in a conſuming, withering, and dying condition (to every diſcerning eye,) both in Judgment, Affection, and Practiſe.