A41644:171
God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances wherein is showed, that our deliverances, not answered with reformation, will be followed with sorest destruction / by Thomas Gouge.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Let us make a strict inquiry into our fins, commune with our hearts; let us ⟨p. 129⟩go the Circuit of our hearts and lives, and see the abominable sins to be condemned there. Let us read the Book of Conscience, and see what sins we there stand indicted for. As Letters wrote with the juice of Oranges, are not to be read but by the fire; Thus some have their sins written, and will not read them now; but shall at last read them by the fire of Hell. Lam. 3.40. Let us search and try our ways. Oh we are senseless of our sins; but aeger non sentiens periculosius laborat; a senseless sick man is most in danger. Oh open your eyes then, and see what disorders in heart, what wickedness in life! refuse not a sight of thy sins now; one day God will set them before thy eyes.
Disown not the Charges that are against thee, without reason. Let us no longer sew Fig-leaves on our sins. The impartial Judge of Heaven and Earth knows our crimes. Let us therefore return and say, Father I have sinned. Thus did those, Lam. 5.16. Woe be to us, we have sinned. David yielded the case to Nathan, I am the man: mayest thou not justly say, I am the man that have been nothing the better for deliverance; I am the man ⟨p. 130⟩or woman have gone on in Pride, Sensuality, without repentance, reformation? Defend not thy sins by excuses, but own them; be convinced without further demur, and condemn thy self as a guilty malefactor. Then let us pour out our tears, and open the Flood-gates of Godly sorrow; and if we would escape, let us be like those, Ezek. 7.16. Who were like Doves in the Valleys, mourning every one for their own iniquity. Oh that our proud hearts might yield to this work! Our dry eyes be filled with tears. Let us fill Gods bottle with our tears! What is weeping good for, but to testify our sorrow for sin? it cannot recover a dying friend, it may a dying Nation: it cannot stop the course of death, it may the coming of judgments. Open then the windows of Heaven, and break up the deeps, and let us make us a hearty weeping, as may prevent the heavy judgments our great sins are calling for.
Disown not the Charges that are against thee, without reason. Let us no longer sew Fig-leaves on our sins. The impartial Judge of Heaven and Earth knows our crimes. Let us therefore return and say, Father I have sinned. Thus did those, Lam. 5.16. Wo be to us, we have sinned. David yeilded the case to Nathan, I am the man: maist thou not justly say, I am the man that have been nothing the better for deliverance; I am the man ⟨p. 130⟩or woman have gone on in Pride, Sensuality, without repentance, reformation? Defend not thy sins by excuses, but own them; be convinced without further demur, and condemn thy self as a guilty malefactor. Then let us pour out our tears, and open the Flood-gates of Godly sorrow; and if we would escape, let us be like those, Ezek. 7.16. Who were like Doves in the Valleys, mourning every one for their own iniquity. Oh that our proud hearts might yeild to this work! Our dry eyes be filled with tears. Let us fill Gods bottle with our tears! What is weeping good for, but to testifie our sorrow for sin? it cannot recover a dying friend, it may a dying Nation: it cannot stop the course of death, it may the coming of judgments. Open then the windows of Heaven, and break up the deeps, and let us make us a hearty weeping, as may prevent the heavy judgments our great sins are calling for.
Then let us make a holy resolution, in the strength of the Almighty, to cease from our sins. Say as holy Job, Job 34.32. If I have done evil I will, do it no more. With holy indignation reject thy former villainies. Oh let our souls be ⟨p. 131⟩raised to a deserved hatred of these great iniquities, and let nothing content us, but the utter ruin of our ruining sins. Let us not be dismayed at the difficulty attending that blessed work: 'Tis hard to destroy sin, but will it not be harder to be damned for it? If it be hard to bear the launching of those ranker'd wounds, what will it be to bear the smart of the envenomed arrows of divine justice for ever? Know also, thou mayest do all things through Christ that strengthens thee; then carry thy sins with the solemnity of penitential tears, to their eternal funeral. And unless this reformation shall attend thy repentance, thou repentest with an absurd contradiction. Optima poenitentia est nova vita: The best repentance is a new life. This is the repentance our heinous sins require; and all this is to be done in a more than ordinary way, because of the greatness of our sins.
Then let us make a holy resolution, in the strength of the Almighty, to cease from our sins. Say as holy Iob, Job 34.32. If I have done evil I will, do it no more. With holy indignation reject thy former villanies. Oh let our souls be ⟨p. 131⟩raised to a deserved hatred of these great iniquities, and let nothing content us, but the utter ruine of our ruining sins. Let us not be dismai'd at the difficulty attending that blessed work: 'Tis hard to destroy sin, but will it not be harder to be damned for it? If it be hard to bear the launching of those ranker'd wounds, what will it be to bear the smart of the envenomed arrows of divine justice for ever? Know also, thou may'st do all things through Christ that strengthens thee; then carry thy sins with the solemnity of penitential tears, to their eternal funeral. And unless this reformaon shall attend thy repentance, thou repentest with an absurd contradiction. Optima poenitentia est nova vita: The best repentance is a new life. This is the repentance our hainous sins require; and all this is to be done in a more than ordinary way, because of the greatness of our sins.
3. If sins after deliverance are so great, hence▪ see how near judgments may be unto us, because the measure of our iniquities will be so suddenly •illed. The patience of H•aven will soon be worn out with these daring provocations. As we ⟨p. 132⟩are heaping up Sin, the Almighty is heaping up Wrath; and the greater sins, the sooner the treasures of wrath will be full. The more fuel we bring, the sooner the fire will be kindled to consume us. The Lord in his mercy is waiting to be gracious, backward to judgment; but such iniquities will soon waste his patience, and provoke his wrath.
We read, Gen. 15.16. that the Lord delayed punishment, because the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full. The measure of sin and wrath are often filling many years; and according as sins are aggravated, judgments approach faster or slower. Thus Joel 3.13. God calls for Sickles to be put in, because the harvest was ripe, the presses were full, and the fats did overflow. God will suffer sinners to stand till they are come to their full stature in sin, and then he cuts them down, and makes an end of them. Thus Christ speaks to the Scribes and Pharisees, Mat. 23.32. Fill ye up the measure of your Fathers. i. e. Ye will be filling up the measure of their sins, till the Lord comes and measures out judgment to you, according to the measure of your sins. Oh then what cause have we to fear, lest the Vials of ⟨p. 133⟩wrath should suddenly be poured out upon us! Is not the harvest of sin almost ripe? or will not these showers of mercy suddenly ripen it? And then the sickle must be put in; a bloody enemy let in among us, that shall cut us down as the reapers do the corn. Oh let us dread the approaches of vengeance under the increases of sin and wickedness! The measures of wrath have been long a filling; the iniquities of our fathers are laid up for us, and may be rewarded on our heads when the measure is full. We ripen apace for judgments now; destruction may be at the door ere we know.
We read, Gen. 15.16. that the Lord delayed punishment, because the iniquity of the Amorites was not yet full. The measure of sin and wrath are often filling many years; and according as sins are aggravated, judgments approach faster or slower. Thus Ioel 3.13. God calls for Sickles to be put in, because the harvest was ripe, the pressës were full, and the fats did overflow. God will suffer sinners to stand till they are come to their full stature in sin, and then he cuts them down, and makes an end of them. Thus Christ speaks to the Scribes and Pharisees,
May destruction come after deliverance? Then hence we may learn, that present impunity can be no evidence of our future safety. Mercies are not so inseparably entailed upon us, that justice cannot deprive us of them. Present prosperity may have a mournful ending in dismal ⟨p. 134⟩adversity. National, as personal salvation from present dangers, may end in destruction. The wings of our feathery confidence had need be clipped, when we fondly presume the Almighty to be ever bound to deliver such a people as we, because he hath once more graciously done it. 2 Pet. 2.9. God reserves the unjust to judgment. The bird that escapes the fowlers net for once, may be afterwards caught: we that are wonderfully preserved from the snares of hellish Plotters, may at last be made a prey, if we grow no more watchful. Our cloudy Heavens threaten new storms. The world is very full of great and unexpected mutations: The turnings of the wheels of Providence are very swift and various. We may now as suddenly be destroyed, as we have often been delivered. Jud. 5. After delivered, God destroyed those that believed not. The ship that evades the dangers of the Sea more than once, may be swallowed up in its Sands, or shattered by its Rocks at last.
May destruction come after deliverance? Then hence we may learn, that present impunity can be no evidence of our future safety. Mercies are not so inseparably entail'd upon us, that justice cannot deprive us of them. Present prosperity may have a mournful ending in dismal ⟨p. 134⟩adversity. National, as personal salvation from present dangers, may end in destruction. The wings of our feathery confidence had need be clipt, when we fondly presume the Almighty to be ever bound to deliver such a people as we, because he hath once more graciously done it. 2 Pet. 2.9. God reserves the unjust to judgment. The bird that escapes the fowlers net for once, may be afterwards caught: we that are wonderfully preserved from the snares of hellish Plotters, may at last be made a prey, if we grow no more watchful. Our cloudy Heavens threaten new storms. The world is very full of great and unexpected mutations: The turnings of the wheels of Providence are very swift and various. We may now as suddenly be destroy'd, as we have often been delivered. Iud. 5. After delivered, God destroyed those that believed not. The ship that evades the dangers of the Sea more than once, may be swallowed up in its Sands, or shattered by its Rocks at last.
The reprieved malefactor may justly expect his deserved execution, after a little space afforded for preparation. And in truth, the relief our offended God hath ⟨p. 135⟩given us, seems more like a Reprieve, than a Deliverance; and cause we have most seriously to fear, that ere long we shall experience that Justice can destroy, as Mercy can deliver. Our impunity is not from Gods impotency, but patience; and that may soon be expired. We have cause to dread that awakening word, Josh. 24.20. If ye forsake the Lord, then will he turn and do you hurt, after all the good he hath done you. Our not returning under good, will make him turn to do us harm. Proceeding in sin will interrupt the course of mercies, and introduce successions of judgments. You may be surprised with sudden miseries, in the midst of your feigned safety. God will not always draw with cords of love. Hos. 11.3.4, 5. I drew them with cords of a man, with bonds of love; that is, I dealt with them in the most gracious manners, striving to draw their rebellious hearts into subjection; but since I cannot prevail, v. 5 They shall not go down to Egypt, they shall have no shelter there, but the Assyrian shall be their King, and the sword shall abide in their cities, and devour his branches. Thus may the dealings of God be changed, and cords of love ⟨p. 136⟩be turned to chastising rods, to lash the backs of stubborn fools. We cannot ensure the continuance of mercies, but by our compliance with the designs of God by them. That which was spoken to Ephraim, may fall upon us, Hos. 9.11. As for Ephraim, his glory shall flee away like a bird. We imagine we have mercies sure as a bird in the cage: but as the door being opened the bird flies away, so mercies will take their wings, and be gone from a sinful people. Trust not then to your present freedom, you may be enslaved; flatter not your selves in hopes of perpetual deliverance, destruction may come at last.
The reprieved malefactor may justly expect his deserved execution, after a little space afforded for preparation. And in truth, the relief our offended God hath ⟨p. 135⟩
3. Will this persistence in sin hasten such certain and miserable ruin! Then see what reason there is to shake off our pleasing but hurtful security, admitting some fearful thoughts, and affecting our hearts with apprehensions of our eminent danger. Unwilling we are to admit of such Truths near our decoying hearts, which may affect us with fear or grief: But 'tis far from the nature of wisdom to flatter our selves into ruin; or to fancy our selves secure in a glorious Paradise, till we be miserable in a desolate wilderness. ⟨p. 137⟩Three things, says Luther, will undo a Nation; Oblivion of Mercies, Politic contrivances, and Carnal Security. Well will it be, if these prove not our ruin at last.
3. Will this persistence in sin hasten such certain and miserable ruine! Then see what reason there is to shake off our pleasing but hurtful security, admitting some fearful thoughts, and affecting our hearts with apprehensions of our eminent danger. Unwilling we are to admit of such Truths near our decoying hearts, which may affect us with fear or grief: But 'tis far from the nature of wisdom to flatter our selves into ruine; or to fancy our selves secure in a glorious Paradise, till we be miserable in a desolate wilderness. ⟨p. 137⟩Three things, says Luther, will undo a Nation; Oblivion of Mercies, Politick contrivances, and Carnal Security. Well will it be, if these prove not our ruine at last.
Oh what a fearless Age do we live in? we sleep on pillows stuffed with the fire of divine vengeance: We cry, Peace, Peace, and destruction is coming. How do we stupefy our Senses, fear our Consciences, lock up our Understandings, to keep out all fears in the midst of most dreadful dangers? What stupefying Opiums hath the Devil persuaded us to swallow, that makes us so mindless of approaching miseries? How do we fortify our selves with most fond presumptions against the threats of vengeance denounced from Heaven? Can fancied safety deliver our Nation from Enemies, when we have nothing else to secure us? Can empty boastings of conceited ability to defend our selves, prevent the assaults of Enemies, or deliver our Land from the ruin designed? Will security in sin be sufficient guard to preserve us from all Conspiracies? can neither God nor man do us any harm, whilst we imagine our selves out of danger? Oh nos miserrimos! Oh miserable ⟨p. 138⟩England! how do we surfeit with mercies, and wax sick with the kindness of Heaven, and yet say, It shall be well with us? How do we wound our selves, when the Lord is healing; and destroy our selves, when the Lord is delivering, and yet say. The Lord will go on to deliver? What Prosperity do we promise our selves, whilst God is threatening our ruin? What Halcyon-days do we vainly expect, though Miseries are ready to seize us? Oh the dreadful Dooms that are threatened to so stupid a people in the Word of the Lord! Oh the sad Calamities have come upon a people in this condition!
Oh what a fearless Age do we live in? we sleep on pillows stuft with the fire of divine vengeance: We cry, Peace, Peace, and destruction is coming. How do we stupifie our Senses, fear our Consciences, lock up our Understandings, to keep out all fears in the midst of most dreadful dangers? What stupifying Opiums hath the Devil perswaded us to swallow, that makes us so mindless of approaching miseries? How do we fortifie our selves with most fond presumptions against the threats of vengeance denounc'd from Heaven? Can fancyed safety deliver our Nation from Enemies, when we have nothing else to secure us? Can empty boastings of conceited ability to defend our selves, prevent the assaults of Enemies, or deliver our Land from the ruine designed? Will security in sin be sufficient guard to preserve us from all Conspiracies? can neither God nor man do us any harm, whilst we imagine our selves out of danger? Oh nos miserrimos! Oh miserable ⟨p. 138⟩
Is not this the posture our Enemies so greatly desire to find us in? What is their work, but to lull us asleep, and then to be butchering of us? What is the great contrivance at this day of the Papists, and such as affect them, but to suppress our fears by cheating devices? knowing our deepest security will be their greatest advantage. They know, our Throats will lye open to be cut by their cruel hands, when once we have emptied our hearts of solicitous thoughts of destruction. Hence, hence it is, instruments ⟨p. 139⟩are active to inform us deceitfully, that we are sufficiently provided against them: for this they instruct theirs and the Devils Martyrs to obtrude on the world the highest Protestations of Innocency: For this they strain their throats to swallow renouncing Oaths, which they will as certainly keep as ever they intended, which I fear was not at all. Hence they force themselves to a Parish-Church, that we may certainly think they cannot belong to the Romish Mother; and that we may fancy, they cannot go thence to contrive our miserable ruin. Oh then if this be their plot, how have they got us by it? How do we please our enemies, and promote their designs, by our sinful Security? But shall we not fear the Hammer and Nail will cleave our Pates, when Sisera-like we are drolled into sleep with a Lordly Dish of Butter and Honey? You may certainly believe this stupefying Opium will be like the poison of Asps at last.
Is not this the posture our Enemies so greatly desire to finde us in? What is their work, but to lull us asleep, and then to be butchering of us? What is the great contrivance at this day of the Papists, and such as affect them, but to suppress our fears by cheating devices? knowing our deepest security will be their greatest advantage. They know, our Throats will lye open to be cut by their cruel hands, when once we have emptied our hearts of sollicitous thoughts of destruction. Hence, hence it is, instruments ⟨p. 139⟩are active to inform us deceitfully, that we are sufficiently provided against them: for this they instruct theirs and the Devils Martyrs to obtrude on the world the highest Protestations of Innocency: For this they strain their throats to swallow renouncing Oaths, which they will as certainly keep as ever they intended, which I fear was not at all. Hence they force themselves to a Parish-Church, that we may certainly think they cannot belong to the Romish Mother; and that we may fancy, they cannot go thence to contrive our miserable ruine. Oh then if this be their plot, how have they got us by it? How do we please our enemies, and promote their designs, by our sinful Security? But shall we not fear the Hammer and Nail will cleave our Pates, when Sisera-like we are droll'd into sleep with a Lordly Dish of Butter and Honey? You may certainly believe this stupifying Opium will be like the poyson of Asps at last.
Is not this the Posture most have been in, when Judgments came upon them? What was there but careless and senseless doings, when that dreadful Deluge surprised the world of old? Mat. 24.37, 38. ⟨p. 140⟩How unexpected was the ruin of Sodom and Gomorrah? How incredulous were the Jews of their sad Captivities, and of their utter Desolation at last? Observe we but the frame of persons when Judgments have been rained from Heaven upon them, and we shall find they were fearless of any storms, and conceitedly secure from any miseries. When the Massacre broke forth in Paris, the cruel butchering was acted in Ireland, the ruining Persecutions and Distresses fell upon Germany, they were all involved in Lethargical Distempers, besotted with fatal Security. This is the time the beasts of prey have ever gone out to glut themselves with fattening blood. This hath been the season ever selected to manage the overthrow of Kingdoms. Yet examples do not warn us, but we foolishly seem resolved to gratify our enemies with a suitable season to ruin us. Is not this the posture that God hath severely threatened in his Word, to which he will ever be faithful? Isai. 22.13, 14. In that day the Lord of Hosts called to mourning and weeping, and behold joy and gladness: and it was revealed in my ears — Surely this Iniquity shall not be purged from you till you ⟨p. 141⟩die. Nothing urges Justice more to confound a people with floods of Vengeance, than Epicurean stupidity under awakening Alarums. Hath not the Lord threatened, Prov. 29.1. He that being often reproved, and still hardens his neck, shall be destroyed suddenly, and that without remedy? Why then do we flatter our selves, and cry Peace, peace? Shall we say as those? Zeph. 1.12. The Lord will do neither good nor evil. Will not God then say, as v.13. Therefore your goods shall become a booty, and your houses a desolation? Whatever may be the foundation our Security is builded upon, so long as provoking Sins are heaping up Wrath, Security doth but hasten our Misery. 'Tis possible we are incredulous that Judgments can ever destroy a People renowned in Profession as we; but since our Profession is but as Samuel's mantle, under which are shrouded most devilish sins, or as a carpet cast over the mouth of Hell, it can never be a shelter for us, but stirs up the Lord to vengeance. Outside-Holiness and mocking Formality renders our condition the worse.
Micah 3.11, 12. They leaned upon God in ways of sin, and said, Is not the Lord among us? do we not profess him, ⟨p. 142⟩and worship him? Therefore shall Zion for your sakes be ploughed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountains of the House of the Lord, as the high places of the forrest. The Ark of the Lord could not save the Israelites sinning; Zion will be no shelter for Hypocrites. 'Tis in vain to flatter our selves with conceits of safety in an outward show of Godliness; that hay and straw can be no fence from the ruining flames of Divine Vengeance.
Micah 3.11, 12. They leaned upon God in ways of sin, and said, Is not the Lord among us? do we not profess him, ⟨p. 142⟩and worship him? Therefore shall Zion for your sakes be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountains of the House of the Lord, as the high places of the forrest. The Ark of the Lord could not save the Israelites sinning; Zion will be no shelter for Hypocrites. 'Tis in vain to flatter our selves with conceits of safety in an outward shew of Godliness; that hay and straw can be no fence from the ruining flames of Divine Vengeance.
Awake then from brutish security, and fall to work to prevent the threatened ruin, by repentance and amendment. Fancy not your selves beyond the reach of judgments, but tremble in your selves, that you may have rest in the day of trouble. Make the Almighty your friend, that he may not be a terror in the day of Evil. Be afraid of all his judgments, For if you will not learn to fear that great and dreadful Name, the Lord thy God, then will he make thy plagues wonderful, Deut. 28.38. Is not destruction coming after deliverance? Are not dreadful days approaching to us? Consider these few particulars following, and you will see what cause we have to shake off security, and ⟨p. 143⟩prepare our selves to meet the Lord in ways of judgments, who have so long enjoyed the shines of mercy.
Awake then from brutish security, and fall to work to prevent the threatned ruine, by repentance and amendment. Fancy not your selves beyond the reach of judgments, but tremble in your selves, that you may have rest in the day of trouble. Make the Almighty your friend, that he may not be a terrour in the day of Evil. Be afraid of all his judgments, For if you will not learn to fear that great and dreadful Name, the Lord thy God, then will he make thy plagues wonderful, Deut. 28.38. Is not destruction coming after deliverance? Are not dreadful days approaching to us? Consider these few particulars following, and you will see what cause we have to shake off security, and ⟨p. 143⟩prepare our selves to meet the Lord in ways of judgments, who have so long enjoy'd the shines of mercy.
1. May we not justly fear our ungrateful carriage towards God, will hasten his formidable departure from us? Unkindness shown to friends coming to us, will certainly discourage them from abiding with us. The happiness of a Nation consists above all, in the fruition of the favourable presence of God; and if by a regardless carriage, or displeasing behaviour, we provoke him to depart, our sudden ruin will be the consequence of his deserting of us. Hos. 9.12. Woe also to them when I depart from them. There is that absolute necessity of the presence of the Lord with a people, to conduct them by his Counsel, to protect them by his Power, to succeed them by his blessing in use of saving means, to deliver them in unconquerable dangers, that if he withdraws it from them, none of these things can be done by another hand. Hence the Lord, unwilling to ruin Jerusalem, with bowels of compassion cries out, Jer. 6.8. Be instructed, O Jerusalem, lest my soul depart from thee, and thy land becomes desolate and not inhabited. The soul of a man is the ⟨p. 144⟩vivific principle, on the separation of which from the body, there ensues a death; all strength, counsel, beauty, leaves the body. Thus when the Lord departs, the soul of a Nation is gone, and then the Nation is only a mouldering heap, and as a lifeless carcass. We certainly loose all good, when the presence of God is withdrawn from us. If we by our sins make the Almighty go away, he for our sins will take away all kind of Mercies from us. Deut. 3.1.17. I will forsake them. The regardless Atheists of our age will say, Let him go, and what then? Oh, says the Lord. Then shall ye be devoured, and many evils and troubles shall come upon you; so that they shall say in that day, Are not these evils come upon us, because the Lord is not amongst us?
1. May we not justly fear our ungrateful carriage towards God, will hasten his formidable departure from us? Unkindness shown to friends coming to us, will certainly discourage them from abiding with us. The happiness of a Nation consists above all, in the fruition of the favourable presence of God; and if by a regardless carriage, or displeasing behavior, we provoke him to depart, our sudden ruine will be the consequence of his deserting of us.
Now may we not fear God will depart from a people that behave themselves so unkindly as we at this day? We slight his presence, abuse his kindness; can we think to be blest with his presence long? We read, Hos. 8.3. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good. The Hebr. is only, [Greek or Hebrew] repulit à see bonum, i. e. [Greek or Hebrew], beneficium, or [Greek or Hebrew], Praeter quem non est bonum. So Rivet, Grotius, and others: ⟨p. 145⟩that is, Israel hath driven from it God the only good, hath made its kind Benefactor go away. Oh have we not done thus? have we not been driving God away from us; as weary of his Ordinances, tired with Gospel-proffers, nauseating Mercies, and despising Deliverances? How can we think God, can walk with us any longer, when we walk so frowardly and contrary to him? Amos 3.3. How can two walk together, unless they be agreed? thereby God shows them how impossible it was for him to continue in ways of mercy to them, since they refused to walk with him in ways of duty; which is the sweet harmony God expected from them: says the Lord, You would have me to walk with you, and bless you, yet ye depart from me, and blaspheme my Name. How can I longer walk with you? Thus the Lord threatens a people, Lev. 26.21. If ye walk contrary to me, I will walk contrary to you. v. 24. I will bring seven times more Plagues upon you, according to your sins. Oh how perversely have we walked! How contrary is Disobedience to Deliverance, Sinning to Salvation, Cursing to Blessing! and may not God justly leave us ⟨p. 146⟩to ruin, and suffer our destruction who deal thus unanswerably with him?
Now may we not fear God will depart from a people that behave themselves so unkindly as we at this day? We slight his presence, abuse his kindness; can we think to be blest with his presence long? We read, Hos. 8.3. Israel hath cast off the thing that is good. The Hebr. is only, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉 repulit à se bonum, i. e. , beneficium, or , Praeter quem non est bonum. So Rivet, Grotius, and others:
Is not this the Posture most have been in, when Judgments came upon them? What was there but careless and senseless doings, when that dreadful Deluge surpriz'd the world of old? Mat. 24.37, 38. ⟨p. 140⟩How unexpected was the ruine of Sodome and Gomorrha? How incredulous were the Jews of their sad Captivities, and of their utter Desolation at last? Observe we but the frame of persons when Judgments have been rained from Heaven upon them, and we shall finde they were fearless of any storms, and conceitedly secure from any miseries. When the Massacre broke forth in Paris, the cruel butchering was acted in Ireland, the ruining Persecutions and Distresses fell upon Germany, they were all involv'd in Lethargical Distempers, besotted with fatal Security. This is the time the beasts of prey have ever gone out to glut themselves with fatning blood. This hath been the season ever selected to manage the overthrow of Kingdoms. Yet examples do not warn us, but we foolishly seem resolv'd to gratifie our enemies with a suitable season to ruine us. Is not this the posture that God hath severely threatned in his Word, to which he will ever be faithful? Isai. 22.13, 14. In that day the Lord of Hosts called to mourning and weeping, and behold joy and gladness: and it was revealed in my ears — Surely this Iniquity shall not be purged from you till you ⟨p. 141⟩die. Nothing urges Justice more to confound a people with floods of Vengeance, than Epicurean stupidity under awakening Alarums. Hath not the Lord threatned, Prov. 29.1. He that being often reproved, and still hardens his neck, shall be destroyed suddenly, and that without remedy? Why then do we flatter our selves, and cry Peace, peace? Shall we say as those? Zeph. 1.12. The Lord will do neither good nor evil. Will not God then say, as v.13. Therefore your goods shall become a booty, and your houses a desolation? Whatever may be the foundation our Security is builded upon, so long as provoking Sins are heaping up Wrath, Security doth but hasten our Misery. 'Tis possible we are incredulous that Judgments can ever destroy a People renowned in Profession as we; but since our Profession is but as Samuel's mantle, under which are shrouded most devilish sins, or as a carpet cast over the mouth of Hell, it can never be a shelter for us, but stirs up the Lord to vengeance. Outside-Holiness and mocking Formality renders our condition the worse.
