Vers. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, which, in like manner as they did, committed, and followed strange flesh, are set forth for an example, and suffer the vengeance of eternal fire.Vers. 7. Euen as Sodome and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, which, in like manner as they did, committed, and followed strange flesh, are set foorth for an example, and suffer the vengeance of eternall fire.

Vers. 7. Even as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities about them, which, in like manner as they did, committed, and followed strange flesh, are set forth for an example, and suffer the vengeance of eternal fire.

Vers. 7. Euen as Sodome and Gomorrha, and the cities about them, which, in like manner as they did, committed, and followed strange flesh, are set foorth for an example, and suffer the vengeance of eternall fire.

IN this verse is laid down the third and last example, proving the first part of the former reason, and it is the first part of a similitude. The words [Even as] signifying that the holy Ghost here instituteth a comparison, the former part or proposition whereof is in this verse, and the reddition or second part in the two next following. In the example consider three things: first, the people who were destroyed. Secondly, the sin for which they were destroyed. Thirdly, the destruction or punishment it self. First, the people destroyed were Sodom and Gomorrah, and the rest of the cities about them; which cities are named, Deut. 29.23. Admah and Z•b• im: the reason of whose destruction is noted by the Apostle; because they followed the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah: They sinned in like manner; so as they being found in the same sins, they were wrapped up in the same judgements. Here first mark that the holy Ghost mentioneth not the persons who were destroyed, but their Cities, to signify an universal destruction, an utter ruin, and a total overthrow of them; the which heaping up of so many words, expressing the same thing, giveth us likewise to understand that place in 2. Pet. 2.6. he turned their cities into ashes, condemned them, and overthrew them. Whence we may note that there is a difference between the people of God, & those who will not be obedient to his word, these meet with utter destruction. Gods people may be destroyed indeed, but not utterly: for we must always believe the Catholic Church upon earth. Elijah in his time could not behold it; but yet there were 7000. reserved from that general apostasy of those days. When the Lord visiteth his own house in judgement, his manner is to leave some remnants whom he saveth, lest their destruction should be like this of Sodom and Gomorrah. So Isaiah acknowledgeth: