The peril of the times displayed. Or The danger of mens taking up with…

4. Hence they that would prevent the danger, must do what in them lieth, to put away the sins that have exposed their people thereunto. They that would keep off threatened Judgments, must thrust out the sin that hath exposed them thereto; the cause must be removed, if the effect be either prevented or made to cease: all the other courses that men can take, let them seem to be never so probable, will never avail, whiles this is neglected. Sin will blow up the strongest Fortifications, and turn the edge of the best tempered weapons, take away the vigour of the most courageous spirits, and turn the most mature counsels into foolishness. Jehu spake the truth to him who demanded, is it peace? 2 King. 9.22. What peace so long as ⟨p. 85⟩the Whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel, and her Witchcrafts are so many? we are told, in Prov 21.30. there is no wisdom, nor understanding, nor counsel against the Lord. Now all these counsels are against him, by which men devise to fortify against the threatenings of God, and resolve still to retain these sins, for which he brings his Judgments upon a revolting people. God himself therefore makes such a demand of them, Jer. 5.7. how shall I pardon thee for this? &c. and this is the direction which he giveth them, as that which is alone like to succeed; viz. to put away their sins, and return to their God again; this is the best prudence, because there is a promise of good made unto it, whereas all other courses are threatened, whiles this is neglected; Jer. 7.3, 5. Amend your ways and your doings, and I will cause you to dwell in this place, &c. Hence there a•e none that can do any kindness to such a people, but those who thus do: hereupon God so upbraids those Pastors, Jer. 23.22 if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to have heard my words, then they should have turned them from their evil ways.

4. Hence they that would prevent the danger, must do what in them lieth, to put away the sins that have exposed their people thereunto. They that would keep off threatned Judgments, must thrust out the sin that hath exposed them thereto; the cause must be removed, if the effect be either prevented or made to cease: all the other courses that men can take, let them seem to be never so probable, will never avail, whiles this is neglected. Sin will blow up the strongest Fortifications, and turn the edge of the best tempered weapons, take away the vigour of the most couragious spirits, and turn the most mature counsels into foolishness. Jehu spake the truth to him who demanded, is it peace?