God's terrible voice in the city

1. The first sin of London is slighting of the Gospel. The Gospel in England hath above this hundred years shined forth out of the clouds of Popery and Antichristianism, which before did over-spread the Land; and in no place of England hath the Gospel been preached with greater power and purity than in London; and what entertainment hath it found? hath it been valued according to its worth and excellency? hath it been received as if it had come down from the God of Heaven, expressing his love and good-will towards the children of Men, as if it had brought such good news and tidings, as salvation by Jesus Christ?

1. THe first sin of London is slighting of the Gospel. The Gospel in England hath above this hundred years shined forth out of the clouds of Popery and Antichristianisme, which before did over-spread the Land; and in no place of England hath the Gospel been preached with greater power and purity than in London; and what entertainment hath it found? hath it been valued according to its worth and excellency? hath it been received as if it had come down from the God of Heaven, expressing his love and good-will towards the children of Men, as if it had brought such good newes and tidings, as salvation by Jesus Christ?

Read the elogium which the Apostle Peter gives of the salvation made known by the Gospel, 1 Pet. 1. 10, 11, 12. Of which salvation the Prophets have enquired, and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that should come unto you: searching what, or what manner of time the spirit of Christ which was in them, did signify when it testified before-hand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow: unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you, by them that have preached the Gospel unto you, with the holy Ghost sent down from Heaven, which things the Angels desire ⟨p. 89⟩to look into. The Prophets of old did enquire and search, but did not so clearly understand the Gospel, as now it is revealed, our Saviour tells his Disciples,