A41644:178
God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances
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.God's call to England, for thankfulness after gracious deliverances wherein is shewed, 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.
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