Londons looking backe to Ierusalem, or, Gods iudgements vpon others, are to be obserued by vs

IEREMIE 7.12 .

But go yee now unto my place which was in Shiloh ; where I set my name at the first : and see what I did unto it for the wickednesse of my people Jsrael .

SVCH is the lenity and long animitie of Almighty God , that before he proceedes to the punishment of sinners hee gives them many warnings ; before he sends the storme shall not now profit you that are wicked , but you and your temple shall be destroyed . The temple is not more excellent than another place ; but for the Arke and the Alter : indeed it is somewhat more adorned , but all the excellency and sanctity lie in them . And were not these as well in Shiloh ? yet notwithstanding it was ruinated . So that it is but a folly in you to wax proud of these things , as if their sanctity without your sanctity could save you from the wrath to come . Therefore , for the abating of your pride and the rectifying of of your confidence , Go ye to my place &c.

Which text , though at first sight , seemes not shoot . Yea , he doth often shew us his bow , but takes neither string , nor shaft into his hand . Thou hast shewed the people hard things , Psal. 60.3 . Shewed , not imposed : he shewes his bow , before hee shootes ; and his rod , before he layes it on . So true is that speech of the Church , Lam. 3.33 . The Lord doth not afflict willingly , nor grieve the children of men . Search the rolles of holy writ , and there yee shall observe him , sometimes grieving for sinne , sometimes complaining of it , somtimes threatning of it , sometime proposing to us the execution of his iudgements upon others for such and such sinnes : as here to Ierusalem , that shee might see her miserable condition & fall to speedy deprecation , to her and her inhabitants , he propoundeth Shiloh , as a spectacle of his justice , and that for those sinnes of which Ierusalem was as deepely guilty as ever Shiloh was . Ite ad locum meum in Silo , &c.

The chuse but set a sudden stop and period to their prosperity : yet did they trust for safety in the outward badges of their religion , and especially in their Temple , saying , The Temple of the Lord , &c. The temple of the Lord is holy & glorious & reverenced of all : how is it possible that any should destroy the temple of the Lord , or vanquish the citty in which that temple is ? Oh , saith Ieremie , trust yee not in such lying words : for the holines of the place doth little availe a people , if they themselves be not holy in their lives . For proofe of which goe but unto Shiloh : the holinesse of the place in Shiloh ( where at first the holy Tabernacle staid for a long time , & the Ark before which the name of God was invocated , and the worship of sacrifices administred ) did nothing profit the people of Israel , when they gave themselves to wickednesse , but together with them that place was reiected of the Lord : so the temple of Salomon shall not now profit you that are wicked , but you and your temple shall be destroyed . The temple is not more excellent than another place ; but for the Arke and the Alter : indeed it is somewhat more adorned , but all the excellency and sanctity lie in them . And were not these as well in Shiloh ? yet notwithstanding it was ruinated . So that it is but a folly in you to wax proud of these things , as if their sanctity without your sanctity could save you from the wrath to come . Therefore , for the abating of your pride and the rectifying of of your confidence , Go ye to my place &c.

Which text , though at first sight , seemes not to meddle with matters present now , of neere home , but past and farre off , matters of another Meridian , aloofe from us as farre as Shiloh , or Ierusalem ; concerning not Christians , but Iewes , mentioning not our wickednesse but theirs , the wickednesse of the People Israel : Yet as the Sunne , though it rise in the East , sets in the West , by that time the Text hath gone its circuit , it may come to set farre from where it rose : as Nathan though he began with a parrable of two men and a sheep , yet brought it about in the end to , Thou art the man .

In our Text there is a journey prescribed , yea a double journey , the one corporall , Go ; that respects the body : the other spirituall , see ; that respects the minde . Or if you like it better , here is a direction to a double action , Go and see .

1. Ite , go yee : and that is amplified by two circumstances , the time and the place : besides which yee may adde the consideration of the persons , Yee , Go yee . And 1. the persons are the inhabitants of Ierusalem . 2. the time is now , go presently , for delay breeds danger . And 3. for the place it hath a double description :

1. Nominall , it is Shiloh .

2. Reall , it is the place where God did set his name at the first .

1 What that place was possessively . In which latter are diverse particulars to bee observed . 1. proprietary or owner of it , God ; my place , saith the Lord ; which shewes the glory of it : for that must needs be glorious which is the place of God , 1 King . 8.11 . the King of glory , But the whole world is Gods as well as Shiloh was : true , but this is his in speciall respects , set down in the next passage , expressing the reason , why Shiloh was so glorious . it was a priveledged place , for 1. God did set his name there : and not onely so , but 2. 2 What that place was positively . he set it there at the first . Ther 's the glory of the place , the sanctity and previledge of the place , and the antiquity of each . Go yee now &c. ther 's the first act .

The second followeth , Videte , See : not onely Go , Ioh. 1.46 . but Go and see , as Philip to Nathaniell , Come and see : When yee are come to Shiloh , bee not idle there , but open your eyes and see , imploy your mindes and consider , What I did unto it for the wickednesse , &c.

1. Observe what was done unto it , the calamity that befell it :

2. Who was the Authour of that calamity , I , saith the Lord :

3. What was the impulsive cause that provoked the Lord to inflict that calamity , Wickednesse .

4. Whose wickednesse it was that could so farre provoke him as to reiect his owne place Shiloh , the wickednesse of his owne people Israel : Where wickednesse raigneth , God will not spare that place , though it be Shiloh , nor that people though it be Israel , Go yee now &c.

I will handle the text two wayes . First , Exegetically or Paraphrastically , by way of explication : then Diadactically or Doctrinally , by way of instruction . And I begin with the first act , Ite , Go yee .

Men for the most part are like the snaile , alwayes carrying her house on her backe . Commonly we love a sedentary life , and are loath to leave our cushion , unwilling to disease our selves , Vtinam hoc esset laborare , said he that lay along and stretcht himself . As the slothful man is Socors , that is , Sine corde , without a heart ; wanting affection and courage to doe what he knowes : so is he Piger , that is Pede aeger ; he lackes a foote to convey him to any honest imployment . Like those secure ones overwhelmed in the generall deluge , he can sit still , and laugh and sing , till the water stop his wind and he be drowned . But wisdome is not gotten by sitting at home in Hemicyclo , in an halfe mooned chaire , or by lurking in a corner : as Solon Socrates , Caesar , Plato , Cicero , & other Pagans knew well , who , to purchase wisdome , exposed themselves to the tempests of forraigne climates . And God himselfe , that they might learne wisedome , doth here send the Iewes out of their own Citty . Ite , Go yee . So long as you containe your selves within the narrow compasse of your domesticall seate , like sheepe in a pinfold , yee stand gazing upon the beauty of your city , the outward splender of your temple , and admiring at those goodly gifts , with which it is inriched , not admitting the least thought of a change . Let me therefore councell you no longer to shroud your selves in your city , but measure a few steps , Go out of your owne place and take notice how things passe abroad , Goe .

2. And Go yee ; yee the inhabitants of Ierusalem , yee that stand so much upon your outward prerogatives , that looke for safety in my sanctuary , be your sinnes never so many . Yee are the fittest schollers to take out that lesson which I am about to teach , but out of your owne schoole . Therefore Go yee , Yee that sleepe in the chaire of security , supposing there is nothing good but that which yee know , no house comodious but your owne , no aire to live in but where yee breath , no life like that which yee leade in darknesse and ignorance , Go yee . Go from your chaire or bed , where yee sleepe in security ; go from your sensuall pleasures , bewitching pastimes , brutish pashion , beastly companions ; Go from your customarie coldnesse and stupiditie , Go from your self-conceited oppinions and imaginations , it is to you that are secure that I doe here direct my speech , lifting up my voice like a trumpet , & row sing you up from that sleeping stoole of yours . Therefore Go yee , yee your selves personally , stand not to the report of others , but go your selves unto the place , and see with your owne eyes What I did unto it .

3. And Go now too : make no delay , Now is the onely sure part of our time , that which is past , is come and gone : that which is to come may peradventure never come . Till to morrow , till this evening , till an houre hence wee have no assurance . Now therefore ; or , if not Now , as neere Now , with as little distance from it as may be , Go yee to my place .

4. My place , that the next , be not extravagant , straggle not to those places to which your owne lusts invite you , that is to follow Iudas , who went to his own place : Act. 1. go not on neither in the way that ye have begun but go whether I direct you ; ad locum meum , to my place ; to go thither will bee worth your labour indeed . So that this license of travell is limited and bounded , as you see . Some there are that love travel as their life , so they may be gadding , they care not to what place it bee : they dare breath in the poysonous ayre of Italy , and touch the very pommell of the Chaire of pestilence : So the Devill playes the Marshall and takes them up , because they straggle abroad without a warrant or pasport . We can never have comfort in any travell or journey , except it be so bounded as this in our text . Go yee , saith the Lord , ad locum meum , to my place .

5. My place which was : was , and is not : God sometimes calles them his people which were not his people ; Rom. 9.25 . and that his place which was not his place : and on the otherside sometime they which were his people cease to be his people , and that which was his place ceaseth to be his place . My place which was : was , and is not .

6. Was at Shiloh : that s the next , God sends them not out of their own coasts into a forraigne country , as he did Abraham , nor yet to a remote place in their owne country ; Go , saith he , to Shiloh , that s not farre , yee have the name of the place and cannot misse it , nay , ye cannot but know it , it being but six miles distant from your Metropolis , Ierusalem .

This Shiloh was once my place , Deut. 12.5 , 6. that which I chose for my selfe , above all other places . For the understanding of which reade , Iosh. 18.1 . There yee shall find that after the Cananites were subdued unto the Israellites , and a place to bee appointed , where the people might meet for divine service , God put it into their hearts to make choice of Shiloh . 1. Because of the beauty and glory of it , Iosephus , speaking of this matter , saith : Lib. 5. c. 1. Antiquit. they placed the sacred Tabernacle in the Citty of Shiloh , and sets downe this as the reason of ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . For it seemed to be a meet place by reason of the beauty of the same , where the Arke might remaine , till such time as their affaires of State permitted them to build a Temple . Secondly , Because of the convenience of it for the whole people to meet there , being scituate aboute the midst of the land of promise , as I said not aboue sixe miles distant from Ierusalem , Ezek. 5.5 . which was even in the midst , the navell of the land , as Iosephus termes it * * To which some apply that text . Ezek. 38.12 . . Thirdly , because it did belong to Ephraim , which was more warlike then the other tribes , a a Psal. 78.9 . and so more able to defend the place of Gods worshippe . Fourthly , principally , because their captaine Ioshuah was of b b Iosh. 19.49 , 50 , 51. & Num. 13.8 . Ephraim , he who assembled them to determine of the place : and where hee dwelt and had decreed their solemne meetings , there they perswaded themselves upon good ground , that the observation of the Law and sacred rites would bee more exact . For these reasons , and especially by the direction of God , who had made choice of that place , they set up the Tabernacle of the Congregation at Shiloh , appointed that as a fixed seat for the Tabernacle , which before had beene in continuall motion ; and for the Arke which was within it , that all the Iewes might repaire unto it in their chiefe solemnities , being to worship God with the oblation of their Sacrifices and first fruits , as wee reade of Elkanah , 1 Sam. 1.3 . He went up out of his City yearely , to worship and to Sacrifice unto the Lord in Shiloh . In this respect Shiloh was the place of God , my place , saith the Lord , the place where I did set my name , that is , * * Calvin in loc. Vbi volui arcam residere , where I made my Ark to dwell ( for * * 2 Sam. 6.2 . the Arke is called by the name of God , and the Hebrew word imports a fixed residence : ) my place , the place where I appointed my worship and the use of my ordinances , by which I am made knowne unto you , as a man is made knowne by his name . And which is yet more , I did not onely set my name there , but did set it there at the first , In principio , before your Temple was built , nay , before it was known that mount Sion should be the place where I would have a Temple built , then was Shiloh my place , consecrated to my service . All this considered , First , the propinquity of the place , it is Shiloh , and that s but six miles distant from your Citty : Secondly , the glory of the place , together with the sanctity of it , that it is my place , that which I made choice of above all other places in the world , there to set my name , to settle my Ark & Tabernacle & divine worship . Thirdly , the antiquity of the place and priviledges of it , that I did set my name there at the first , long before the Temple of Ierusalem was thought on ; I say , all this considered , it will bee worth your labour to follow my councell in this , Goe yee now &c.

But to goe thither , is not all , that were soone done ; to an Ite you must adde a Videte , Go and see , as the King of Israel said to his servants , 2 Kings 7.14 . Your feete , your ankles , your locomotive faculty , were given you to goe ; the spheares of your eyes , these lights , this sharpnes of sight , were given you to see : you are neither lame , nor blinde , therefore Ite & videte , Goe and see . The Philosopher * * Arist. lib. de sensu et sensato c. 2. concludes against the Platonists , that the fight drawes most after the Element of water ; for * * Arist. de Gener & Corrupt l. 2. c. 2. as water is hardly kept within his owne , or without the limits of his neighbour Elements : so the sight , denied by nature to see it selfe , is never satisfied * * Prov. 27.20 . with gazing upon other creatures , The eye is not satisfied with seeing , Eccles. 1.8 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a volubitatè Scapula And there is not more volubillity * * Prov. 27.20 . in the eye , then curiosity in the minde , of man , to behold strange and uncouth sights . If such obiects be neere , no lockes can hold us , we must out to see . Then what needs such a precept as this in our Text , Ite & videte , Goe and see ? Yes : for it is not barely to see , to cast their eyes where they list themselves , but to fixe them upon that obiect to which God directs them . See , saith he , what I did unto Shiloh , for &c.

Marke the calamity which befell that place , which is in situation so neere you , in antiquity beyond you , in glory and sanctity sometimes equall to that Temple wherein yee trust . The calamity of it is recorded . 1 Sam. 4. Where yee shall reade , that the Israelites being smitten by the Philistims and in great distresse , they sent for the Arke out of Shiloh , trusting that the Arke ( being a pledge of Gods presence and assistance ) might then save them out of the hands of their enemies , as if their sinnes were not of force to sever the power of God from the Arke , and to make a divorce between the truth and the figure . Well , the Arke is brought , and in it the Law written in tables , but it had beene better if they had had the Law written in their hearts , when the Arke came into the campe , all Israel shouted with a great shout , so that the earth rang againe . Her 's great joy , but to little purpose ; they triumph before the victory and without the victory ; for they triumph without God , Calvin . Hom. 17. in lib 1. Sam. nay against God do they erect their trophees of triumph , not being reconciled unto him by faith and repentance . The vanity of their triumph may appeare by the issue of the battell : for at the presence of the Arke they received a greater overthrow then before . The slaughter was very great , for there fell of Israel 3 0000. footemen , Their young men were consumed and their Priests slaine : yea , the Arke it selfe , the pledge of Gods favour and succour , the strength and glory of Israel was taken by the enemies . And ( as S. Ierome * * apud Sanctium in Ier. 7 . 1● . Sic etiam Pellican . ibid. observes ) the place , where Shiloh was , is utterly ruinated and made desolate . Howsoever , Shiloh forfeited her Charter , and lost her former priviledges * * Christophor a Castro . ibid. 1 Sam. 7.1 . the residence of the Arke . For after the Philistimes had brought it to Bethshemesh , it was fetcht to Kiriath-jearim , and so carried from place to place , but never more to Shiloh ; where it had continued from the dayes of Ioshuah to the death of Eli , 369. yeares , Ghisler in Ier. 7 12. according to the Chronologie of the Hebrewes , or 351. according to the Computation of other Authors . This was the calamity which befell Shiloh , it ceased for ever to be the place of Gods worship : which came not to passe by chance , but by the Divine providence . See , saith the Lord , what I did unto it . The Philistims were but my instruments in this worke ; I , the chiefe Agent . Non vires ferri , Anson . Epigr. 5. sed ferientis agunt . I did it .

And yet I did it not out of any hatred , but in my iustice ; not because I desired their woe , but because I was provoked by their sinne , even the Wickednesse of my people Israel . My people , for so were they in Shiloh as well as you in Ierusalem , My people , not onely as all by right of possession , but as you by the right of confederation and the grace of acceptation . But such is the righteousnes of my nature , such the purity , of mine eyes , that I cannot with approbation behold sinne , no , Amos 3.2 . not in mine owne people . If they , whome I have so much honored as to be my people , will so dishoner me as to commit wickednes against me , I cannot but glorifie my selfe by doing iustice upon them . Then consider this ye that now professe your selves to be my people , and glory so much in the beautie of your temple , Goe yee now &c. Hitherto be it spoken of the words exegetically : I now come to handle them Doctrinally . And now taske your wits and your memories and keepe pace with me ; for within the compasse of the time I shall runne over these five observations , all of them naturally deduced , not tyranously inforced from the words .

1. Where God doth set his name , that s the peculier place of God .

2. The holinesse of the place cannot protect a people , except there be holinesse in the persons , who inhabit that place .

3. It is God who inflicts iudgement upon a place or people . See , saith he , what I did .

4. It is the wickednesse of a people which provokes him to judgement , I did it , saith he , for the wickednesse of my people .

5. The judgements of God inflicted upon others are to be observed by us : especially , if they be such as light upon his owne place and people . And this is the maine point which the text drives at . For to this end doth the Lord send them of Ierusalem to schoole ( as it were ) unto Shiloh : Go ye now &c.

Observa . 8.1 1. Where God doth set his name , or place his worship and ordinances , that 's the peculier place of God . My place , saith the Lord here ; and My house , Ier. 11.15 . thy house , saith the Saints * * Psal. 84.5 . & 42.4 . ; his banqueting * * Cant. 2.4 . Psal. 11.4 . & 74.7 . & 26.8 . 2 Chron. 6.41 . house saith the Spouse ; his holy Temple , saith * * Cant. 2.4 . Psal. 11.4 . & 74.7 . & 26.8 . 2 Chron. 6.41 . David , the dwelling place of his name , the place where his honour dwelleth . Reason . For God that is present in every place , is more especially present in that place ; and God that doth protect us in every place , doth more especially protect us in that place ; and God that gives blessings in every place , gives a more especial blessing in that place . First , I say , God , who is present in every place , is more especially present in that place , where he doth set his name , 2 Chron. 6 4 1. or settle his worship and ordinances : that 's his dwelling place , and his resting place . He is in every place , but doth not dwell or rest in every place . The Lord is in his holy Temple , the Lords throne is in heaven , Psal. 11.4 . Hee is so in his Temple , as he is in heaven : that which heauen is above , is his Temple beneath , in heauen & so in his Temple , he is present after a speciall manner ; in heauen is his glorious presence , in his Temple on earth his gracious presence ; his * * Psal. 27.4 . beauty , and * * Exod. 40.34 . his glory too in some sort ; his face and countenance . When shall I come & appeare before God ? Psal. 42.2 . Hebr. Before the face of God : for the face , countenance and speciall presence of God is in his holy Temple . When Caine departed from the family of Adam , which was then the onely place where God was worshipped , it is said he went out from the presence of the Lord . Gen. 4.16 . because where he is worshipped , ther 's his speciall presence , where Christ promiseth in those words , Where two or three are gathered together in my name , I will bee there in the midst among them . There , how ? not onely so as I am every where , but in a more singular manner ; I will be there by the presence of my grace and assistance of my spirit . In the time of the Law God was worshiped before the Arke , and the Ark was called by the name of the Lord , 2 Sam. 6.2 . and when the Arke removed , they spake to it as to the Lord ; Rise up , Lord , and let thine enemies be scattered , Num 10.34 . The reason was , because the Arke was a signe to the people of Gods presence among them . So now are our Churches , wherein God is worshipped .

2. As there is Gods gracious presence , so there is his gracious Protection , and therefore the place where he is worshipped , is his peculiar place . It is like those Cities of refuge , which God appointed among the Israelites , whither he that had offended might fly for safety . The walls of Salomons Temple were carved round about with figures of Cherubims , 1 King . 6.29 . and palme trees , and open flowers within and without . The palme trees and flowers , did type out the Saints ( that grow up like palme-trees in the house of God ) together with the variety of their gifts : the Cherubims signified the Angels , by whose Ministery God protects his people , and that in a speciall manner when they are in his house . Psal. 27.5 . & 91.1 . That is Gods pavilion , wherin he hideth his children ; the secret place and the shadow of the Almighty , that is , the defense ( or as it is in the Greeke translation ) The protection of the Almighty when the incestuous person was cast out of the Church of Corinth , 1 Cor. 5.5 . 1 Tim. 1 20. it is laid , he was delivered up to Satan , * * Calvin . & P. Matyr in 1 Cor. 5.5 . the like is spoken of Hymeneus and Alexander * * Calvin . & P. Matyr in 1 Cor. 5.5 . : to Satan , that is , to the tyrannie of Satan * * Calvin . & P. Matyr in 1 Cor. 5.5 . to the power of the evill er of the evill Angells : they wanted the protection of God and his good Angells , and so doe all those that are excluded the Church . The first Adam was placed in Paradise that hee might dresse and keepe it : so ( saith Bernard * * Bern. In dedicatione Eccles. Ier. 6. ) is the second Adam in his Church , which is a Paradise , or garden of delight , to defend and keepe it .

3. Where God is worshipped , ther 's his speciall blessing , that attends his ordinances . Blessed are they that dwell in thy house , they goe from strength to strength , So Psal. 65.4 . the Lord will give them grace and glory : grace , by the meanes of grace here , and glory hereafter . Psal. 84.4 . &c. When God promiseth to give speciall blessings , he promiseth to give them in his house and within his walls . Isay . 56.5 , 7. Contrariwise , when God threatens to withdraw his blessings from a people , he excludes them his house . * * Hos. 9.4.15 Now if Gods speciall presence , and speciall protection , and speciall blessing be there , where hee is worshipped , then that must needes bee the peculiar place of God .

What terror should this strike to the hearts of those , that offer any violence to this place , Vse . the peculiar place of God ? Will a Prince suffer his pallace to be demolished or battered ? no more will God suffer any , without speciall punishment , to wrong his Church , which is his pallace , his pavilion , his dwelling place , and his resting place . If any man destroy the Temple of God , him will God destroy . 1 Cor. 3.17 . But who are they , that be culpable in this kind ? Not onely open enemies that by devastation lay it wast , but also secret enemies that undermine it , by Schismes and Sacriledge .

1. Schismaticks , Such as as make rents in the Church , dividing themselues from the vnitie of it , and scorning the authoritie of it , doe offer great violence to the peculiar place of God . Nam proditores quidem siunt , quicunque in hoc Domini castrum in●micos eius introducere moliuntur , quales sunt vtique detractores Deo odibiles , qui discordias seminant , nutriunt scandala inter fratres . Sicut enim in pace factus est locus Domini , sic in discordia locu diabolo fieri manifestum est &c Bern. in de dicatione Eccles. Ier. 3. They betray it into the hands of the enemies , and instead of Gods house , they make it speluneam daemomorum , a denne of Divells , saith Bernard , Nil dissociabile firmum est . * * Prudent . Psychom . S. Bern. in de dicat . Eccles. Ier. 1. A Kingdome divided against it selfe cannot stand . Stones of one building that jarre one with another , will ruine the whole house . Sola conjunctio facit domum * * Ia. Ier. 2. . It is vnion that makes a house : wood and stones disvnited cannot doe it . Let those violent and turbulent spirits consider and thinke on this , by whome division and discord is fomented in the house of God : they goe about to ruinate this house , and to drive God himselfe away from it . For ( as Bernard noteth ) he will not abide in such a Kingdome where there is division , nor in such a house which is neere to desolation . To these factious spirits I propound for an example Corah and his accomplices , so severely punished for this sinne : because they had made a Schisme in the Church , God made a Schisme in the earth , the ground clave asunder , the earth opened her mouth and swallowed them up . Num. 16.31 .

But not onely by Schisme , by Sacriledge also is violence offered to the peculiar place of God : when the goods of the Church ; things sacred and sequestred from common use , are alienated and taken away by the felonious hands of sacrilegious catchpolles . A sinne too common amongst us : the region of it being white , and ready for harvest , and calling for a sickle from heaven to cut it downe . As * * Epist. 1● . Anno 1088. cited by D. Tillest● in his Animadversions upon Selden . Ivo Carnotensis once complained , so may every Godly man at this day : Multa inordinata video in domo Dei , quae me torquent ; maxime quod apud nos , qui altari non serviunt , de altari vivunt . I see many things out of order in Gods house , which doe perplexe me ; especially this , that they doe live of the alter , who doe not serve at the Altar ; Church-locusts , whose lips no lettice likes but sacred Manna : and they in the the meane time that serve at the Alter , may starve at the alter . I cannot here passe by the words of a Reverend Bishop of this See ; D. King in his Lectures on Ionas . Time was religion did eate up pollicie , and the Church devoured the commonwealth , but now pollicie eates up religion , and the Commonwealth devoures the Church . Men are profest Polititians ; let the Commonwealth florish , and what care they for the Church ? Now Munus offerendi is turned into Munus auferendi ; and old Oblation is turned into Ablation . Our Gentiles ( Heathens I had almost said ) doe breake into Gods house , and like bold theeves doe ransacke and pillage it , and with more then heathenish petulancie trample underfoote the Ministers of the Gospel . We need not with that order of popish Priests , pul on ourselves a voluntarie beggery , for Gentlemen have enforced us to it of necessity . We may now cease studying of sermons , and study for bread to put in our mouthes : like the Iewes under the oppression of Pharaoh , when we should make bricke , we are forced to gather straw ; when we should worke in our vocation , wee must looke out for sustenance , wee must set our heads and our hands to worke together , we must be Orators and Arators , Preachers and Plow-men , teachers and tent-makers : as if wee had the extraordinary dispensation of Preaching which S. Paul had , when he laboured with his hands and lived by his worke . Dionysius tooke from an Image a golden covering , pretending that it was too hot for summer , and too cold for winter , and gave one of wooll , saying , that that was fit both for summer and winter . So deale the sacrilegious persons of this age , cursed Impropriators , corrupt Patrons , Barterers and purloyners of holy things , all those that under pretence and colour of Law , custome , composition , prescription , doe cut short the Minister of his proper portion ; they take from the Minister his gold , which ( say they ) would make him proud , idle , covetous ; Cicero pro Ros●io Amarino . and give him wooll , that will make him humble and laborious . Yet can they themselves ( without pride sure ) weare gold on their spurres , who will not indure a Minister to have gold in his purse . The Orator tells the grave Iudges and Senators in the Guild hall at Rome of a fellow called Fimbria , intolerably audacious , who stabbing Quintus Scaeuola at the funerals of Caius Marius , boasted of the favour that he shewed unto him , Quòd non totum telum corpore suo receperit , that he had not thrust his dagger up to the hiles in his body . This fellow hath scattered his broode among us , there being too many that have beene spawned of him ; who having seized upon a great part of the Churches Patrimonie , think it no smal kindnes they have shewd us , that they have not shred us of altogether , God is beholden to them for letting his house stand ; though for the maintenance of his house and of his worship in his house , they have beene so bold with him , as either to share halfe , or leave him none . Now as the Eagle in the Fable , that was shot flying in the ayre , did much lament , when shee saw her selfe to be shot with an arrow that was feathered with a plume of her owne wing : so may Religion mourne , when shee sees her selfe thus wronged , by such as will seeme most to bee of her owne side . They pretend purging , but intend pilling : they * * D. Pridcaup ser● on Rev. 2.4 . are sweeping Gods house and prying into every corner , not to restore the groat that is lost , but to take away the penny that is left . To whom I may speake in the words of Damasus : Quâ fronte , Damas Decre● . 3. quâ conscientià oblationes vultis accipere ? With what face or conscience can yee receive tythes and oblations , that discharge no part of the Ministeriall function in Gods house ? You say , that they were taken from idle drones and fatte bursten-bellied Monkes and Fryers . But why are they now detained and kept backe from laborious & painfull Pastors ? The foundations are cast downe : but what have the righteous done ? Psal. 11.3 . The foundations of the Church which should support religion , tenths and maintenance , are cast downe , because of supersticious abusers ; but what have the righteous done , that these things should be taken from them ? but alas why should I touch that sore which is all dead flesh ? you may say to me , as on did to Luther , when he began to preach against the Popes Supremacie and tyrannie , you had as good hold your peace . This wickednesse is so powerfull that you will never be able to prevaile against it . Get you to your study , and say , Lord have mercy on us and procure your selfe no ill will . But be it good will , or be it ill will , wee come hither to speake the truth : and for Sions sake I will not hold my peace . Who knowes whether the Lord may be pleased to open the heart of one Lydia , Act. 16.14 . to attend to the things which are spoken ? Consider then the danger of this sinne : Prou. 20.25 . It is a snare to a man to devoure holy things . As the feathers of an Eagle , laid with the feathers of other birds , are said to consume them : so holy things , the goods of the Church , mingled with private mens patrimonies , do devoure them . Male parta , male dilabuntur : which may be observed by the Crane in Embleme , that having swallowed a wrongfull prey , Au●●us Gelius N●tt . Alloc . l. 3. c. 9. could not digest it . When Scipio robbed the Temple of Tholossa , there was not a man that carried away any of the gold , who ever prospered after it . That gold was not more fatall to the followers of Scipio , than the stollen goods of the Church have beene unfortunate to the Gentrie of our land . They have proved gangreenes to their whole estate , and as knot-grasse to dogges , which being eaten keepes them from thriving : so that in the end these robbers , or their posterity prove beggers . Aug. ad Macedon . Epist. 54. Dum. alienum rapis , a diabolo raperis , et quamd in id detines , a diabolo detineris : retines aurum , & prodis coelum : iniuste detines rem alienam , & iuste amittis haereditatem tu am : iniustum lucrum , sed iustum damnum : lucrum in arca , sed damnum in coscicutia : percat mundi lucrum , per quod fit animae damnum . But that 's not the worst : remember that of S. Augustine Multi in hac vita manducant quod postea apud in feros digerunt Many devoure that in this life , which they shall digest in hell . And againe , Si in ignem mittitur , qui non dedit rem propriam , vbi mittendus qui in vasit alienam ? &c. If hee bee decreed to the fire , which gave not his owne : whither is he to be sent that hath robd another ? whilst thou snatchest from another , the Devill snatcheth away thee : and so long as thou withholdest it , the Devill withholdeth thee : thou retainest gold , & loseth thine inheritance : an unjust gaine but a Iust losse . Lucre in thy coffer , but condemnation in thy conscience : a mischeife on that money that brings destruction to the soule . If this bee to ingrosse the portion and possession of the Lord , if this be to rob the house of God , who dares lay sacrilegious hands upon it ? Oh meddle not with that which is consecrated to God : as Pilates wife sent her husband word , haue thou nothing to doe with that just man : Matth. 27.17 . so , have thou nothing to doe with Gods portion : doe not forage his Church defraud his Ministers , this is to rob God himselfe . Mal. 3.10 . Will a man rob God ? yet ye have robbed me . But yee say , wherein have wee robbed thee , yee make your selves ignorant , as if yee knew not that yee had robbed me in my tythes and offerings . Yee are cursed with a curse , for yee haue robbed me , even this whole nation : yee haue joined your selues in one to rob mee of my portion , thinking the commonnesse of the offence to bee every mans particular justification therefore yee are heavily accursed . Enough to terrifie those sacrilegious pioners of Gods house , that say with them , Psal. 83.12 . Let us take to our selues the houses of God in possession . But I have spoken sufficiently touching this kinde of violence , offered to the peculiar place of God . I passe now to another .

Further , they are here to bee taxed , who carry themselves irreverently in the place of Gods worship , which is the peculiar place of God , not a Barbers shop , nor an Apothecaries house , nor a common court , but the place of Angells and Archangels , the Kingdome of God , yea heaven it selfe * * Chrysost. in 1 Cor. Hom. 36. . Many by their indecent behaviour doe so vilifie this place , as if it were the worst of all others , worse then their owne houses , as S. Chrysostome * * Ibid. complained in his time : for ther 's order observed , but in the Church ( saith he ) is such disorder , such confusion , such laughing , and sleering , and nodding , and whispering , such a stirre and noise , that there is little or no difference made betweene the Church and an alehouse ; nay betweene the Church and a Play-house , nay , betweene the Church and a brothelhouse , no difference made at all . I would to God this our irreverence were not a just occasion to the Romanists to scandalize our religion . S. Paul , 1 Cor. 14. 24. exhorts us so to carrie our selves in the Church , that if an unbeleever come in , he may say , God is there , and God is in us , and may be drawne to joyne with us in the worship of God . But if such a one should come into some of our Congregations , and observe the carriage of many , he will well say , what Lord do this people serve , that are so irreverent ? Mal. 1.10 . The Lord said to the Iewes in the like case , I have no pleasure in you , neither will I accept an offering at your hand : and v. 6. he tells them , that they despised his name and made his table contemptible . It is our sinne at this day . Wee make his table contemptible , his throne contemptible , his house contemptible , his word contemptible , and all contemptible , by our indecent behaviour in the place of his worship . Therefore I say in this case , as the Prophet did to them in the like , Mal. 1.9 . I pray you beseech God that he will be gracious unto us : Beseech him with broken and bleeding hearts to be gracious unto us in the pardoning of this sinne . Mac. 1.9 . Mac. 2.3 . Mac. 2.15 . Remember how Antiochus was punished for prophaning the house of God ; so Heliodorus , Nicanor , Belshazzar ; Dan. 5. when Christ was in his humiliation he whipt out such , shewing by that base punishment that they are not sonns , but slaves : and will hee not then punish these now , being so highly exalted ? When King Ahashuerosh conceived that Haman would have forced Queene Ester , hee tooke it the worse because it was in his house , Est. 7.8 . Will he force the Queene before mee in the house ? A man of the poorest condition cannot abide to see his house abused : and shall God indure to see his abused ? He cannot , he wil not : therfore beware of that . Let it ever be our care , when we enter in to the house of God , where Father , Sonne , and Holy Ghost behold us , to doe nothing any way unbeseeming that place .

To conclude this point : If the place where God is worshipt be his peculiar place , let us think upon the glory of this place , this land , I meane ) this Kingdome wherein we live . Here is the place where God doth set his name , settle his worship and ordinances , as once he did in Shiloh , and afterward at Ierusalem . Israel and England , though they lye in a divers climate , may bee said right Parallels ; not in Cosmographicall , but in Theologicall respects . Nay , we doe herein farre transcend them : they had onely a drop to refresh themselves , we have the whole streames of Gods mercies poured upon us : they had only the green blade of corne , we have the plentifull increase as in the time of harvest ; they had the shadow , wee the substance ; they had a glympse of the Sunne , wee have him in the full strength : they had the Paschall lambe to expiate sinnes typically ; wee have the lambe of God to take them away really . Ioh. 1.29 . Gal. 4. They were Alphabetarij and Abecedarij , young beginners , learning their A B C under the tutorship of the law : but to us the Gospel is given , wherin our saving health is spread before our beleeving eyes , without any shadow cast over the beauty of it . We behold as in a mirrour the glory of the Lord with open face , 2 Cor. 3.18 . we feed upon the true Manna , and drinke of the water of life freely . Oh let us thankefully imbrace our transcendent happinesse .

Plato was thankefull to nature ( as wee reade in Lactant. ) 1. For that he was borne a man , Lactant. l. 3 divin . Iust. c. 19 not a beast . 2. A man , not a woman . 3. A Greecian , not a Barbarian . 4. An Athenian , not a Theban ; and finally , that he was borne in the time of Socrates . But much more thankefull should wee be to the God of nature , for that we are borne , not Pagans , but Christians ; and in such a place as England , where heaven stands open , which to other parts is barred on the outside , with ignorance or misbeliefe . England is the place of Gods worship , therefore the peculiar place of God ; so that we may say , as it is in the Psalme , Psal. 46.7 . The Lord of hosts is with us , the God of Iacob is our refuge : wee have his speciall presence , his speciall protection , his speciall blessing ; and that so long as ever wee continue to serve him in holinesse and righteousnesse , not one minute longer . 2. Observat . For the holinesse of the place cannot protect a people , except there be holinesse in the persons who inhabit that place : which is the second point , that falls next into our consideration .

Shiloh was a holy place , glorious for sanctity and for the antiquity of that sanctity : yet because the inhabitants of it were not holy , both they and it were exposed to the fury of the enemy . Ioan. Papp●… in Ier. 7.12 . Though God in the old Testament would be worshipped o●●ly in that place , where himselfe had set the memory of his name : yet did hee not so tye the memory of his name to any certaine place , but that for the impiety of the people , he changed the place of his Tabernacle and Temple

In the new Test . ( because the Gospell was to be published through the whole world ) that distinction of places is taken away ; the time is now come , when neither in the mountaine of Samaria , nor yet at Ierusalem , Iohn 4. men shall worship God by any such tye . Now every place is so long ( no longer ) the Temple and habitation of God , as there shall be found in it true faith and holynesse of life . But where these cease , where superstition and heresie doe corrupt faith , and wickednesse succeeds in the roome of holinesse , Matt. 21.43 . there the like judgement is to be feared which befel Shiloh ; that God will remove his kingdome of grace from such a place or people , and give it to a Nation that will bring forth the fruites of it . Ierusalem might goe to Shiloh , and England may goe to Ierusalem , to learne this lesson , that the holinesse of a place cannot protect a people , except &c. Consider Ierusalem , the City of the great King , the throne of God , the place of holy worship and perfit joy : tell her turrets and marke well her bulwarkes , carry in your mindes the Idaea of her gloryes , Ioseph . de bello Iudaico . l. 7. ca. 7 , 8 , 9 , 14 , 17. how shee was great among the provinces , princesse among the nations , the joy of the whole earth ; and then on a sodaine behold her Temple and houses burning , the smoake of the fire waving in the ayre , and hiding the light of the sunne , the flame rising up to heaven , as if they would ascend as high as their sinnes had erst done ; her old and young , rich and poore , high and low , matrons , virgins , mothers , infants , Princes and Priests , Prophets and Nazarites , famished , fettered , scattered , consumed . Heer 's a maister peece of Gods justice for sinne : Ierusalem once so glorious is now become a heap of stones , that holy citie , yea , that whole country is now become a ploughed field , layd wast under the feete of Pagans ; And the place of divine Oratory become a den of Dragons . Ghiesler in Ier. 7.12 . Go from Ierusalem to the Churches of Corinth , Galatia , Philippi , Ephesus , Smyrna , Nice , Laodicea , Antiochia , to all the Easterne and * African Churches , sometime glorious Sanctuaries of the most high , consecrated to his service : when the inhabitants thereof became polluted , they were rejected of the Lord , who discarded their Idols and gave their land to be inhabited by Zijm and Ochim , Turkes and Infidels . The more gloriously the sun and summer have apparrelled a tree , the more we admire the blasting ; but when God hath planted a people in his owne holy ground , ( as he did Adam in Paradise , Israel in Shiloh and Ierusalem ) watered it with the dewes of grace , shined on it with the beames of mercy , spent much care and cost upon it ; if this people brings forth no fruit or bad fruit , no marvaile , if there goes out a curse , Never fruit grow on thee more ; no marvaile ; if God bestow no more care nor cost upon it , but suffers it to be laid wast : as he sometimes threatned to do to his Vineyard , Isay 5.5 . I will take away the hedge thereof , I will breake downe the wall thereof , I will lay it waste . I , saith the Lord . For such alterations and subversions , are not to be ascribed to fortune , destinie , starrs , planets or the like , but to God himselfe , which is our next point .

3. Observat . It is God who inflicts judgement upon a place , or people . See , saith he , what I did , Goe yee now &c. It was he that forsooke the Tabernacle at Shiloh , he that delivered his strength into captivity , and his glory into the enemies hands : hee gave his people over unto the sword , and was wroth with his inheritance , &c. Psal. 78.60.61 . It was hee that gave the sword a charge against Ashkelon , Ier 47 9 Ie●●6 . ●5 . Ier. ●0 . 25 . Ier. 19.3 . that swept away the valiant men of Egypt , that opened his Armorie and brought forth weapons of indignation to smite Babilon ; it is he that thus threatens Ierusalem , Ièr. 18.11 . I frame evill against you , and devise a devise against you . I will bring evill upon this place , the which whosoever heareth , his eares shall tingle . Whatsoever calamities befall us , publique or private , they are from God : Hee is the Authour of all our Tragedies , and hath written out for us , and appoynted to us , the severall parts , which we are to act in them .

The more to blame then are those impatient Spirits , that in the case of calamity are sicke of the fret , not looking up to the hand of God , but fretting at the men and the meanes by which God doth afflict them : like the Ethiopians , who detest the Sunne , because it scorcheth them with immoderate heate ; or like curst mastives , that breake their teeth in gnawing those iron chaines , wherewith their Master ties them , and in biting the staffe with which he beates them , as if a staffe could smite , or a chaine bind , without an hand to use it It will be more laudable for us to imitate the Saints , Psal. 44.9 . Iob 1.21 . Chrysost. in 1. Ep. ad Thess. who in every calamity did owne the hand of God . The Lord hath given , saith Iob ; the Lord hath taken away , &c. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. What doest thou say , the Lord hath taken away ? the theefe had taken away , the Sabeans had taken away his oxen , the Chaldeans had taken away his Camells : true , yet Iob complaines not of them , but lookes up to the hand of God . So should wee in the like case . Doth the plague come ? looke up to God : doth the sword come ? looke up to God : doth dearth come , poverty , ignominie , or any other calamity ? Act it upon God . 2. Sam. 14 19. As David inquired of the woman of Tekoah , if the hand of Ioab was not with her in the close plea , and artificiall atonement which shee made for Absalom ; in all our distresses let us inquire , if there bee not the hand of God in them , and inquiring we shall finde it so : which when we have done , let us with patience resigne up our selves into his hands , saying , ( as the Church , Mic. 7.9 . ) I will beare the indignat●on of the Lord , because I have sinned against him . 4. Observ . For it is our sinne which kindleth the indignation of God , and provokes him to judgement , which is our next poynt . See what I did unto it for the wickednesse of my people Israel .

Wickednesse was that cloud , in which all the stormes that fell on Shiloh were ingendred . It lyes in the power of sinne and wickednesse , to make the most fruitfull land barren , and the most blessed place accursed : A truth that may well passe for current , and being coyned in the mint of Gods word , Psal. 107.34 . God turnes a fruitfull land into barrennesse , for the wickednesse of the inhabitants that dwell therein , Aug. Civitatis eversio , morum , non murorum casus . The ruine of a city , is not so soone wrought by the weaknesse of the walls , as by the lewdnesse of their lives that are the inhabitants . Were the walls of a city stronger then those of Babylon , the sinnes within would hurle downe the walls without . Hos. 13.9 . Intra muros hostis : thy perdition is of thy selfe ô Israel . The Heathen Historian * * Abundant voluptates desiderium per luxum atque libidinem pereundi perdendique omnia invexere . Liv. Heylin . observed , that Rome began to loose all , when sinne abounded most amongst all , Romes vtter overthrowing was nothing else but their vices abounding and sinnes overflowing .

An English Gentlemen at their expulsion out of France , was demanded by a French Cavalier when they would returne againe : his answer was feeling and pithie , When your sinnes ( quoth he ) are greater than ours . He knew well that for sins Kingdomes are translated from one people to another , and that a land spues out her inhabitants for the iniquity of them that dwell therein . * * A. Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 3. ●9 . In A Gellius , mention is made of the horse of Sejanus , called Sejus , this horse , a goodly horse to looke on , but whosoever owned it , was stil unfortunate . Such a thing is sinne , unfortunate to all : whatsover person or nation doth harbour it , can never prosper . S. Cyprian writes thus to Demetrian and others , who imputed to Christian religion pestilence , sword , famine , and all the evills which then fell out in the world : Yee are discontented to see God displeased , yee are angry that God is thus angry , as if yee could deserve from him any good by living ill , as if all these evills of punishment were not lesse than the evills of your sinnes . * * Hos. 2.14 . God of himselfe is gracious , mercifull , slow to anger and of great kindnesse , not willing to punish , except he be provoked : but if we provoke him by sinne , we are sure to feele the punishment . Looke into Paradise , looke into hell , looke into heaven , looke upon earth , and every where yee shall meete examples to confirme this .

1. Look into Paradise , Gen. 3. where God placed our first parents , and inriched them with all sorts of blessings ; so soone as they fell into disobedience and did eate of the forbidden fruit , they were cast out : and as the sentence was gone out of Gods mouth , so the sword of justice , 2 Es●● 7. ●● . followes to execute , they must die and all their posterity . All must die in them , since all have sinned in them .

Secondly , looke into hell , see the unmercifulnesse of Dives punished , according to the rule of justice . Desideravit guttam , qui non dedit micam , Aug. Luk. 16. He begg'd a drop of water and could not have it , because he denied a crumme of bread before , when Lazarus begg'd it .

Thirdly , 2. Pet. 2.4 . Looke into heaven and see sinne punished there : God spared not the Angels that sinned , not those glorious inhabitants of heaven , but cast them downe to hell . And art thou better or dearer than the Angels ?

Fourthly , looke upon earth , and see there innumerable punishments , both personall and nationall , inflicted for sinne . Every story is a Chronicle of this truth , and the whole world but the practise . Gen. 7.11 . For sinne God sluced out flouds from the sea and opened the windowes of heaven , taking away the retentive power from the clouds , that they might powre downe unmeasurably to drowne the old world ; for sinne he rained down fire from heaven to consume Sodom , and opened the jawes of the earth to swallow Corah : Num. 16.31 . for sin he sent Ierusalem into captivity , Ier. 40.2 . Ier. 33.15 . Ier. 30.15 . and suffered Shiloh to be msde desolate , Goe yee now , &c.

See what I did unto it : consider how I deprived it of my mercies , and made it a spectacle of my justice . So true is that , Ier. 2.3 . Evill shall come upon sinners . The evill of sinne , is but an earnest laid downe for the evill of punishment . If sinne be the herald going before , punishment will bee the attendant , and follow after . When disobedience hath playd her part , then vengeance comes upon the stage . Should I turne over every leafe of sacred writ , and search all Fathers , and all writers divine and humane , by innumerable testimonies , I should evince this truth , that sinne hales on punishment . It is so sure a concomitant of sinne , that oftentimes the word which signifies sinne , is translated punishment * * Zach. 14.19 : as if sinne and punishment were termini convertibiles , Raro antecedentem scelestum Descruit pede poena claudo . in a manner all one . Haply it is sometimes punished slowly , but alwayes surely . For a while it may with a boldned face out brave vertue , and so flourish as if vice were the onely favourite of heaven : but , if wee have time for observation , we shall see it halting on a crutch , and blushing for shame . It winds about men , like a subtile river , ( seeming onely to runne on his course ) doth yet search as it runnes , gliding so slily by , as if it scarcely toucht the bank , yet stil eats something in it . * * Plut. de sc●● numinis ultione . Isiodor Peleusiot lib. 1. Epist. 6. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : Gods justice is like a mill : it may be late , ere it doth grinde a man for sinne , but when once it begins to doe it , it grinds him to powder . On whomsoever this stone shall fall , it will grind him to powder * * Mat. 21.44 . . Gods patience being abused , is turned into fury ; and then horrendum est , &c. It is a fearefull thing to fall into the hands of the loving God : Heb. 10.31 . Aquinas * * Aquin. sum . p. 3. q. 86. art. 4. ( not amisse ) gives this reason why men must be punished for sinne : The disorder of sinne ( saith hee ) cannot be reduced to the order of justice , but by punishment : for it is just that he , who , more than hee ought , hath followed his will , should suffer something against his will . This may bee the way to reforme him to Gods will . Though the anvile being beaten upon doth waxe harder , yet being put into the fire it becomes soft : so sinners may be softned by punishment , that are hardned by mercies .

Secondly , if God should never punish sinne , wicked men would thinke God altogether like themselvs , & conclude him a pertaker in their sins Psal. 50.21 . An ill tempered body , the more it is fed with good nourishment , the worse it is : so an ill tempered soule , with the untempered mortar of sinne , becomes worse for the mercy and lenity of God .

Thirdly , if God should never punish sinne , wicked men would set at nought al his ministers , and conclude them false Prophets in denouncing judgements that never come upon them . Ier. 5.12 , S Chrysostome in Epist. ad Rom Hom 25. 13 , 14. Therefore ( saith Chrysostome ) doth God punish many in this world , that because they will not believe ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) the words of commination , they may believe ( 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ) the deeds of execution .

Fourthly , when sinne is ripened , God is much provoked , and it is then an easing of him to punish sinne . Ah , I will ease me of mine adversaries and avenge me on mine enemies , Isay 1.24 . Till he is thus eased , he is by our sinnes pressed under us , as a cart that is full of sheaves , Amos 2.13 . Our sinnes disturbe God in the highest heaven , they cry unto him for vengeance , as the sinnes of Sodom did , Gen. 18. And if our sinnes cry , shall not he ( that made the eare ) heare ? justice is his nature , and it is a righteous thing with him to recompense sinne with punishment , 2 Thess 1.6 . Vpon those words of the Lord , ( Ier 4.3 , 4. S●w not among thornes , lest my fury come forth like fire , and burne that none can quench it , because of the wickednesse of your doings : Ghist . in loc. ) It is observed by some , that sinnes are as thornes , which doe easily kindle the fire of Gods wrath . His wrath * * Id. in Ier. 15.14 . is otherwise as a fire covered with embers ; his divine love , I meane , ( which is as warme embers ) doth cover his wrath : but our sinnes , as a violent wind , doe blow away those embers ; and then his wrath appeares , then his fury breakes forth like fire , and burnes that none can quench it .

I want time to handle the last observation , therefore joyntly to apply this with the precedent points : Yee have heard , first , that it is God , who inflicts judgement . Secondly , that he doth it not except he be provoked by wickednesse ; and if he be so provoked , hee will doe it . Thirdly , and that to his owne place and people .

Behold here how wee may come to lose all our prerogatives , Churches , Cities , prosperity , Application . safety , peace , Gospell , and what not ? by running the courses of wickednesse . Who can number the blessings we have enjoyed ? The world can tell that of all the trees in the garden wee are the Vine ; amongst all flowers , wee are the lillie ; 2 Esdr. 5.23 amongst all fowles , we are the dove ; amongst all cities , wee have Shiloh and Ierusalem . Vpon us God hath with a full hand powred those blessings , which he hath but sprinkled upon others : temporall , I meane , as well as spirituall blessings . All other countries are in some things defective ; Sands Trav. l. 4. but England , like a provident parent , doth minister unto us whatsoever is usefull ; foraigne additions but onely tending to vanity and luxury . The summer burnes us not , nor doth the winter benumme us . Wee may sit and sing under our owne fig-trees , — Penitus toto divisos orbe Britannos . Vir. and drinke the wine of our owne vineyeards . As in situation , so in felicity , our beloved Isle is wholly disioyned from all the world . They that have travelled the Belgicke Provinces , can witnesse the miserable footsteps of warre , Eccl. ● . and the tyrannie of desolation : Churches and Cities have no more monuments , but the ruined foundations , to testifie that they were . Whereas peace is within our wals , and prosperity within our Palaces . Our artificers may sing in their shops , husbandmen may cheerfully follow the plough , and students peaceably apply their bookes . We heare not the murthering pieces about our eares , we see not our Churches & houses flaming over our heads ; we feare not rapes and outragious violences to be offered to our wives , our daughters , our matrones , and our virgins . We feele not the rifling of our houses , the ransacking of our temples , the spoyling of our goods , nor the miserable insolency of our insulting enemies . We see not the wife breathing out her life in the armes of her husband ; nor the tender babe , snatcht from the mothers breasts , either bleeding dead on the pavement , or sprawling on the merciles pikes . We see not the high way strewed with breathlesse carkasses , nor our streets swimming with blood . We cannot judge of the terrors of warre , but by report and heare-say . Though God hath tossed our neighbour-nations , and made them like a wheele , and as the stubble before the winde ; yet this Iland , or Britaine , our deare Country , hath stood like the Center , with unmooved firmenesse . Oh how happy might we be , if our iniquity did not envie our prosperity , nor our wickednesse make way to our wretchednesse ? Whether it come to passe , Ex Daemonis injuria , vel Ex hominis incuria , from the Divels malice , or mans neglect , so it is , that for so many talents of Gods blessings , we give him not a dramme of service . Nay , we give him the worst of all things , who hath given us the best of all things . For his blessings heapen , and shaken , and thrust together , we give him iniquities pressed downe , and yet running over . As Archimedes tombe was over-growne with thornes , Cic. Tusculan . quaest. lib. 5. when Cicero came to visit it : so is our land with heapes of vices . From the Cedar to the shrubbe , from the Eagle to the wren , from the highest to the lowest , from the yongest to the oldest ; we have all corrupted our wayes . Sin was woont to love privacy , as if she walked in feare , like one in danger of an Arrest : but now she dares shew her face without blushing . Though the heavens blush at the view , and the earth sweat at the burden of so vile sinners , and the Prophets proclaime open shame and confusion against them : yet they neither shrinke at the shame , nor feele the horror , nor feare the revenge . Now may we see the truth of that Praemonition , 2. Tim. 3.1 . In the last dayes perillous times shall come . The times are now so perillous , that it is scarce safe to be an honest man . Vertue , like Ioseph for his goodnesse , is brought to the stockes and yrons . Looke upon this Angle of the world ; for so , we thinke ANGLIA signifies : how doth it swarme with all abominations ? with oppression , extortion , prophanenes , uncleannes , unmercifulnesse , envie , malice , pride , fraude , briberie , luxurie , and the rest ? for to name all particulars is impossible . We neede rather teares to bewaile them than a tongue to report them . And , if the whole land be so full of sin , shall we thinke this City free ? Nay , this is the Pontificall seat of sinne , where she is never non-resident . As many lines meet at the Center : so all sins by a generall confluence to this place . * * Holinshed Chron. Ann. 1. of Q. Mary . Grimstone State of the Empire . p. 566 The word of Stephen Gardiner , L. Chancelor , to Sr. Thomas White , L. Major in the star Chamber . My L. take heed to your charge , the Citie of London is a whirlpoole , and a sinke of evill rumors , there they be bred , and from thence spread into all parts of this Realme . There is a common Proverbe in Germany , that the Country of Suabe alone is able to furnish all Germany with strumpets , Franconia with rogues and beggers , Bohemia with heretickes , Bavaria with theeves , Westphalia with perjurers and false witnesses , and the Marquisat of the Rhine with gluttons . I would to God , that London alone could not furnish all England with all these ; with strumpets , rogues , beggers , heretickes , theeves , false witnesses , gluttons ; and with any others , that are audacious in sinne . Our wickednesse is such , and so much , that it is all , if the idolatry of Rome , or the blasphemy of Turkey , can go beyond it . Rev. 3.1 . I know there are a few names in Sardis , that have not defiled their garments ; some amongst us , that make conscience of their waies : but what are these in comparison of the rest ? How many ignorant are there , to one that hath sound knowledge ? how many swearers , to one that feares an oath ? how many oppressors , adulterers and hypocrites to one truly religious ? As Ierusalem justified Sodom , so we may well justifie Ierusalem ; abounding in all damnable abominations .

What then can we expect but that God should stint the influence of his favour toward us , withdraw from us all his blessings , powre upon us the full vials of his wrath , and make us a spectacle of his justice , as he did Shiloh and Ierusalem ?

Wee are now by reason our sinnes , circled round with imminent dangers , destruction with saile-stretcht wings hovers o're our heads , and a cloud of mischiefe is ready to breake upon us . Not to mention other particulars , materiall in this kind , the glory of our nation hath of late bin eclypsed , the lively lustre whereof was ere while so resplendent , that it dazled the eyes of all such as were neere or about us ; God hath not gone out with our armies , but hath suffred our enemies to prevaile ; our young men and our strong men of the highest ranke have fallen by the sword . So that , as fluttering birds fly wondering about the Owle , our friends have wondred , our foes rejoiced at our ill successe ; hissing and clapping their hands , to see our glory swallowed up . Whence this but from our sinnes * * Indeed wee doe commonly impute it unto other causes , but wee forget our sinnes , which are the principall . ?

Besides , the massacring Angell , that harbinger of death , doth againe visite our land ; God for our sinnes doth now send the pestilence home to our dores , this his pursevant rides circuit in our City , Country , and Vniversity ; and catcheth men as with a snare , perhaps when they most hast from him , and will not be rid away , so long as our sinnes invite him to tarty . Our sins are the cart-ropes that hale downe the plague and all other judgements upon us ; they are the enemies that ring our knelles and proclaime our funerals ; they are the thicke clouds which hinder the Sun-shine of our prosperity ; they are the false strumpets that make a divorce between Gods mercy and our safety ; they are the traitors that forfeit into Gods hands all those priviledges , which we have hitherto injoied . And shal we still twist these cart-ropes and strengthen the hands of these enemies ? shall wee still increase these clouds , and foster these strumpets and traitors ? Nay , rather let us bethink our selves of some remedy against that misery which is like to fall upon us . ENGLAND hath now for her sinnes ( as it were ) many swords drawne out against her , and shal she provide no buckler ? Her owne brood is ready to bite out her belly , to put out her candle , to shake her foundations , and shall we not looke about us ?

Where are you , yee deputies of Moses , yee sonnes of the Highest , into whose hands God hath put a sword of authority , for no other purpose but to strike at sinne ? Will yee suffer it to rust in the sheath , or hold it in your hand and never strike ? Will yee , like Iehojakim , sit beaking your selves before the fire of ease and rest , and wholly neglect the discharge of that high place to which God hath called you ? Or will yee for a bribe sell your connivence ( and withall your conscience ) where yee should give your punishment ? Hos. 5.7 . & 6. ● 12. Will yee turne righteousnes into wormwood , judgement into gall , and the fruit of rightousnesse into hemlocke ?

Mistake me not , I aime at no particular person ; and I trust you will not condemne the poore swallowes for chattering and using their voice , agreably to nature . Bessus * * Plut. de sera numinis ultione . surmised they cried against him , that he had kil'd his Father . If the speech meet with any of you in particular , it is not in my intent , but in the event . Nor do I lay the fault upon Magistrats in generall , that all sorts of sinnes are so rise amongst us . Yet ( to speake truth ) when I consider how powerfully the Ministers of this land , especially , they of this City , do labour to beate downe sinne , I begin to thinke there is some want of courage or diligence in the Magistrate : & that he himselfe is persuaded , that if hee would doe his best , many disorders might be repressed . The unhappy Cynicke , Diogenes . when he saw the boy play the idle packe , went and beat his master . So when we see the forenamed sinnes fly about , as fiery serpents , we must blame the Magistrate , and say with the Prophet , Psal. 58.1 Is it true ? do yee judge the thing that is right and execute with an upright hart ? Do not our lawes strike at many disorders that are common amongst us ? Have we no law against rash swearing ? God bee thanked , we have : but wher 's the execution ? Have we no law against Sabbath breaking ? yes against that too . Yet is it openly prophaned . The reformation of these two ( to omit many others ) I would commend to this Honorable Bench , but that mee thinkes I heare my friends telling me , what Sadolet said to Erasmus . Erasmus would proove that worshipping of images might well be abolished . I grant ( quoth Sadolet ) thy opinion is good : but this should not be handled because it will not bee granted . Sir Francis Bacon Apotheg . 29. When Lycurgus was to reforme and alter the state of Sparta , in the consultation , one advised , that it should be reduced to an absolute popular equality . But Lycurgus said to him ; Sir , begin it in your owne house . If the Magistrate would begin to reforme things amisse in his owne house , there were hope of amendement . It is not my practise to scan Magistrates , nor to rake into their actions : but this I have heard from some of your owne Bench , that by reason of your solemne meetings , and feastings this day at the house of the Magistrate , the day is scarcely so well sanctified there as it ought to be . I know not whether it be so or not , let them looke to it whom it doth concerne . Howsoever , the counsell of a reverend Bishop of our Church , Babington on exod. c. 1● . in such a case , is not to be misliked . So ought we to dresse meate upon holy dayes , that ever we have a care of the salvation of them that dresse it : who being created and redeemed as we our selves be , ought not so evermore to be kept at this service , as that never they may heare the word , receive the Sacrament , and praise God in the congregation with his people . For that should bee to eate the flesh of them , and to drinke the blood of them most cruelly , yea , to bury them in our bellies : 2 Sam. 23.16 . and for our bodies to destroy their souls for ever . Rather remember Davids refusall to drinke the water that was bought so deare ; and provide so that the one being done , the other may not be left undone . I know well , that Magistrats are called Gods , because they represent his Majesty and magnificence on earth , in which respect much is to be granted them : but yet ( by your leave ) such should remember , that the neerer they are to heaven in greatnesse , the neerer they should be unto it in goodnesse ; that as God hath honored them , so they should honor him . I take not upon me to prescribe in this case , yet me thinkes some other day as well as this , might serve the turne for solemne feasts , if custome were not more prevalent than conscience . * * Magis nos docere debet judicium veritatis , quam prae ● iudicium consuetudinis . Aug. in psal. 105 , Therefore among your manifold consultations , I beseech you to thinke upon the redresse of this , and withall of the publicque and grosse prophanation of this day .

But I must crave pardon , for I feare that through prolixity I have transgressed , whilst the zeale of Gods glory hath inlarged my discourse against the transgressions of the time .

Yet may I with leave straine my discourse one pegge higher : and I will promise not to be over-bold with your patience .

There is a sinne , too much practised in this City , Deut. 25.15 , Pro. 11.1 . which ( the Scripture saith ) is an abomination to the Lord ; and it should be so to his Vicegerent , the Magistrate . I meane fraud , in selling by false balance , unjusts weights and measures ; and in cunning conveyances , in weighing or meating ; such as cheat the buyer . They say , there are som who in stead of Troy weights use Venice weights , which are very deceitful & not warranted by law : Silk-men . they say , that amongst * Grocers , Bakers , Colemeaters , Victuallers and divers others , there is much fraud used in this kind and to the great detriment of his majesties subjects . I am not a shamed to name these things in this place , when they require reformation . There are laws ( no doubt ) enacted against this injustice : but these laws without execution are but a dead letter . It is in you ( Right Honorable ) to put life into these laws , as Elisha did into the Shunamites sonne , and to set them upon their feet : it is in you , to take away these exactions from Gods people , and to maintaine the true weight and balance . There is another disorder , which had almost slipt my memory ; they say , that the provision , which the Country brings in to serve the City , cannot be bought by housholders but at a deere rate and at the second hand ; the hands ( I meane ) of regrators and hucksters that forestall the market . Shall these things passe uncontrolled , unpunished , unreformed ? God forbid . The mentioning of these particulars , some may thinke not so fit in a sermon . But the care is taken , let them thinke what they please ; I am sure this exaction and injustice doth displease God . The poore people already smart for it , and ( if it be not punished ) the whole land may smart for it . No question , you know many other particulars , in this , and other kinds , which require speedy reformation : therefore set your selves to the worke . Let it be your care ( Right Honorable ) to punish these and all others sinnes : doe something this yeere , that may cause you to be had in remembrance hereafter . Be not unmercifull to your Country , whilst you are over-mercifull to offenders , but punish offenders and strike at the root of sin , for sinne striketh at the root , & shaketh the foundation of our land .

In briefe , let inferiours as well as superiours , every one in his severall place put his hand to this worke . Every one that loves his nation , that favours religion , that wisheth the continuance of the Gospell , desires speace and prosperity unto our kingdom , let him consecrat his hands to pull down the kingdome of sin . Downe wih it , downe with it , even to the ground . So long as sinne reigneth , our kingdome cannot flourish : but the sinewes of our state will shrinke , our policy will be no better than lunacy , and our glory bee turned into ignominy . It is not our profession of the Gospel , nor any other prerogative , that can in this case defend us . Did not God punish Shiloh his owne place : and Israel his owne people ? Did hee not permit the Chaldeans to destroy the Temple built by Salomon ; the Romans to overthrow the second Temple ; the Turks to overthrow the Christian Churches in Asia and Europe , Sir Walter Raleigh Hist. of the world l. 2. c. 15 § 1. when the people became wicked ? The Trojans beleeved , that while their Palladium , or the Image of Minerva , was kept in Troy , the City should never bee overturned ; the Christians in the last fatall battell against Saladine did carry into the field , as they were made beleeve , the very crosse wheron Christ died , and yet they lost the battell , their bodies , and the wood : as the Israelites did the Arke , when they fetched it into the camp , from Shiloh . Therfore trust not to the signe , but to the substance of Gods worship ; it is not the profession , but the practise of religion , Eccl. 7.10 . that can gard us . Look we therfore to that , and this wee cannot doe , except we abandon our sinnes . Therefore abandon your sinnes , cast away from you all your transgressions whereby yee have transgressed , pull those Scorpions out of your bosomes , weed these nettles out of the garden of your hearts , spue out this gall of bitternesse , break off these bonds of iniquity . Say not thou ( if thou wouldest chop Logicke with God ) what is the cause that the former dayes were better than these ? Theophrastus makes it the character of a pratler , * * 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Theophrast . Charact. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . to find fault with the present times , and to say men are now worse than before . We all cry out , the dayes are evill , while wee helpe to make them worse . All complaine all censure , none amend . The Scribe points to the Publican , the proud gallant points to the miserable churle ; the well conceited hypocrite blames the dissolute , & the dissolute layes the fault on the hypocrite , that the dayes are evill . But if every one would mend one , the times would then be better . Therefore let every one begin at home . It was the proud Pharisee that broke his neighbours head , the poore Publican smote his owne bosome . Luk. 18.11 .

To conclude all : God hath highly advanced us into his favour , he hath honored this nation of ours above all the nations in the world ; for shame let not us out-sinne all the nations in the world ; for , if we out-act them in sinne , we must out-suffer them in punishment . For our sins past let us seriously humble our selves , and by faith lay hold on Christ , that they may be pardoned : and for time to come let vs implore the assistance of Gods Spirit , that we may be able by his power to mortifie our sinnes . So shall that cloud of judgement be dissolved , which hangs over our heads ; so shall that fire of wrath bee quenched , which is already kindled , so shall that sword of vengeance be put againe into his sheath which is already drawne out , but hath not striken home , so shall Gods blessings fall downe upon us , like gracious showers ; spirituall , temporall , eternall blessings ; personall and nationall blessings ; whole miriads of blessings . Happy , ô happy , are the people that are in such a case : blessed , ò blessed is that people , that have the Lord for their God . This blessednesse we begge at thy hands ô blessed Father , and that for the sake of our blessed Saviour Iesus Christ , to whom with thine owne Majesty and blessed Spirit , bee ascribed all honor and glory , now and evermore .

FJNJS .