A warning for Israel in a sermon preached at Christ-Church, in Dublin, the 30. of October, 1625. By Henry Leslie, one of his Majesties chaplaines in ordinary.

A WARNING FOR JSRAEL . HOSHA 14. VERS. 2.

O Israel , returne unto the Lord thy God ; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie .

IT is the ordinary method of the Prophets , first to threaten , and then to comfort ; first to denounce Gods judgements , and after to promise mercie and forgivenesse : And accordingly the Prophet Hosea in this 14. Chapter ( which is a breviary , and compend of the whole prophecie ) begins with a threatning in the former verse , Samaria shall become desolate ; for shee hath rebelled against her God : they shall fall by the sword , their Infants shall bee dashed into peeces , and their women with childe shall bee ript up . And after in the fift verse , there followeth a promise : I will heale their rebellion , I will love them freely , for mine anger is turned away from him . What can bee the cause of such a suddaine change ? Iudgement is presently turned into mercie : and the reason is , because the threatnings , and the promises of God in Scripture are conditionall . The threatning in the former verse is conditionall ; Samariashall bee desolate ( namely ) unlesse she repent . The promise likewise vers. 5. is conditionall ; I will heale their rebellion ( namely ) if so be they doe repent : and therefore between the threatning and the promise , there is interlaced an exhortation to repentance , O Israel , returne unto the Lord thy God , for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity .

Where consider with me , first the exhortation it selfe , [ O Israel returne unto the Lord ] & then the arguments to inforce this exhortation , which are two ; one taken from Gods mercy . [ Hee is thy God ] another taken from their owne misery [ for thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie . ] Againe in the exhortation , consider first , the people exhorted , [ O Israel ] & then the dutie required ; [ Returne unto the Lord . ] O Israel returne unto the Lord they God , for thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie .

The people exhorted , is Israel , whereby wee may understand , eyther the ten Tribes who made defection from the house of David , following after Ieroboam , against whom the judgement is denounced in the former verse : under the name of Samaria , because Samaria was the Metropolitan Citie of that kingdome : or else by Israel wee may understand that Israel which was in the land of Iudah ▪ for these two Tribes of Iudah and Benjamin are often called Israel by a Synecdoche . If by Israel we understand the tenne Tribes , against whom the judgement was threatned , then it ministers unto us these two instructions . First , that Gods threatnings in Scripture are conditionall , for in the former verse , desolation is threatned against Israel , and yet heere he exhorts Israel to repentance , that so shee might prevent that desolation . Now unlesse in the threatning Samaria shal be desolate , there were understood this condition , except she repent ; the subsequent exhortation were in vaine : and indeede it is a certaine rule set downe by God himselfe , When I have spoken against a nation to destroy them , and to reote them out : If they repent of their sinnes , I will repent of the evill I thought to bring upon them : & againe , If the wicked will returne from all his sins , he shall surely live & shall not die . Hence it is that God many times seemes to repeale his sentence , according to that of Gregory . Nevit Deus aliquando mutare sētētiam , sed numquam nouit mutare consilium , he changes his sentence , not his purpose : It was Gods sentence against Nineveh , Yet fortie dayes , Ionah , 3 4. & Nineveh shall be destroyed . It was Gods sentence to Hezekiah , Put thine house in order , for thou shalt die , and not live : Isai. 38 1. and yet neyther of these came to passe at that time . Doth this argue any inconstancie in God , or want of power that hee could not performe what hee had spoken ? No , Numb. 23 19. God forbid ; God is not as man that he should lye , neyther as the sonne of man that he should repent : Hath he said , and shall he not doe it ? Hath he spoken , and shall he not accomplish it ? I am the Lord and change not ; Mal. 3.6 . My counsell shall stand , and my will shal be done , Isa. 46.10 . But the reason is , because all the threatnings of God are conditionall , although the condition be not expressed . God said to Abimelech , Thou shalt die , because of the woman which thou hast taken , Gen. 20.3 . This would seeme an absolute sentence ; yet was it onely conditionall , for God saith unto him againe vers. 7. Deliver the man his wife , if not , thou shalt die . Thus the condition sometimes is expressed , and alwaies is to be understood , according to that generall rule , Ierem. 18.7.8 . So fortie dayes and Nineveh shall be destroyed , the condition is to be understood , except they repent . Hezekiah shall die : The condition is understood , unlesse hee sue unto God by prayer for a prorogation of his life . Now the condition being performed , the sentence was voyde . So heere , Samaria shall be desolate , a condition must be understood , unlesse shee repent ; otherwise , to what purpose were this exhortation , O Israel , returne .

Secondly , hence we learne that God gives warning before he punish . Samaria must become desolate , but first the Lord must send vnto them , and forewarne them by the mouth of a Prophet , of that desolation , exhorting them to prevent it by repentance ; that so they might be without all excuse . He gave warning to the old world by his servant Noah , a preacher of righteousnesse ; to Sodome by Lot ; to the Iewes by the Prophets that lived before the captivitie : Ierem 35.15 . Hee sent unto them all his servants the Prophets rising up earely , and saying , returne now every man from his evill way , & amend your works . Finally , hee gave warning to Ierusalem before her destruction by his owne Sonne , protesting of his desire to reclayme them . Ierusalem , Ierusalem ; How often would I have gathered thy children , as the Henne gathereth her chickins under her wings , and yee would not ? Behold your habitation shal be left desolate . So he gives us watning at this time of an evill to come upon us . Isa 221 12. Even , In this day dath the Lord God of heastes , call to weeping , and mourning , to baldenesse , and girding with sackcloth . There is a threefold call to give us warning ; one occasionall , our sinnes ; another reall , Gods judgements already begun ; a third vocall , the admonitions of Gods faithfull servants . Gods wrath in Scripture is compared to fire : and as a fire is knowne , eyther by the smoake ( as a signe alwayes accompanying fire ) or by the flames breaking forth , or by the relation of others : So may Gods wrath now be knowne by such three things . First , by the great sinnes of the land as a signe , or rather cause of Gods wrath , and a most certaine fore-runner , and fore warner of a future destruction . For it is a generall rule sufficiently proved both by Scripture and experience , that wheresoever sin doth raigne , there Gods wrath is imminent ; but sinne raigneth in this land ( I dare say , in no place more ) without controlment . Wee have exceeded , not onely Israel , but also Sodome & Gomorrah , in all their abominations . Now , Ierem. 5 9. Shall I not visit for these things saith the Lord ? Or shall not my soule be avenged on such a nation as this ? Yea sure , hee must visit ; If oppression and sactiledge ; If Idolatrie and want of the knowledge of God ; If incest and innocent bloud ; If briberie and extortion ; If neglect of the widdow and fatherlesse ; If oathes and perjurie ; If drunkenesse and gluttony ; If pride , avarice and ambition ; If fraud and robbery ; If prophanation of the Sabboth , and contempt of Gods word , worship and servants : Finally , If all these , committed commonly in everie place , openly in the sight of the Sunne , and safely without punishment , can draw downe the judgements of God upon a nation , then how shall it be possible for us to escape ? Thus our sinnes give us warning of Gods judgements . Secondly , the flames of this fire doe already breake out , and these beginnings of Gods judgements give us warning of a greater destruction , for when God takes a people in hand for to schoole them , he will eyther mend them , or end them : and therefore he begins with milde chastisments ( but if these doe not prevaile ) he proceedes to sharper corrections . In the 5. Chap. of Hosea vers. 12. he threatneth a gentle correction : I will be unto Ephraim as a Moath , Hos. 5.12 . & unto the house of Iudah as a rettennesse . But this did no good , they were not affected with the slow gnawing of a small moath : therefore hee threatneth a heavier judgement . vers. 14. Hos 5.14 . I will be unto Ephraim as a Lyon , and as a young Lyon to the house of Iudah . And Levit. 26. hee threatneth severall plagues against the transgressors of his law : first sickenesse , vers. 16. then famine : vers. 19.20 . after that , destruction of their Cattle , vers. 22. and after that , the sword vers. 25. and lastly the pestilence ibid: And after each judgement he addeth ; And if yee will not yet for all this obey mee , but walke stubburnely against mee , I will bring seven times more plagues upon you . So now the Lord hath begun these yeares past to visit us with famine , with death and mortalitie ; these are but the beginnings of evill : and unlesse we repent , he hath heavier judgements in store for us , he will even take his three stringed whippe in his hand , which will pierce our skinne , were it never so thicke . This is the second warning Thirdly , there is yet a third , by the voyce of the Prophets , calling unto you , that unlesse yee repent , yee shall die in your sinnes . We have not now Prophets immediately inspired by the holy Spirit to foretell things to come , these were for the infancie of the Church , now the Church being built , God will have it governed by ordinary Pastors : but we have Prophets for expounding of the Law , that can foretell you of Gods judgements , by infallible consequence out of Gods word , and by application of these threatnings which they finde in the Law against impenitent sinners after this manner : Who so persevere in sinnes , & harden their hearts against all admonitions , shal be overtaken with Gods judgements : but this people persevere in their sinnes , &c. Thus ought wee to binde your sinnes upon your consciences , and if we doe not , your bloud will be required at our hands . Yee know what charge God gave vnto Ezechiel , Sonne of man I have made thee a watchman unto the house of Israel : Ezech. 3 17. therefore heare the word at my mouth , and give them warning from me : When I shall say unto the wicked thou shalt surely die , and thou givest not him warning , the same wicked man shall die in his iniquitie ; but his bloud will I require at thine hand . But if thou warne the wicked , and he turne not from his wickednesse , he shall die in his iniquitie , but thou hast delivered thy soule . The same charge lyeth upon these whom God now hath made watchmen unto the house of Israel : for Chap. 33.2 . the same dutie is required from ordinarie Ministers who receive their calling from men . Ezech. 33 23. If the people of the land take a man from among them , and set him for their watchman , if when he seeth the sword come upon the land , he blow the Trumpet and warne the people , then hee that will not be warned his bloud shall be upon his owne head , &c. But as in the dayes of Ieremie there were lying Prophets , that prophecied peace , when destruction was at hand ; saying , Jerem. 23.11 . that God would breake the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar , within the space of two yeares , Ierem 8.11 and so heale the hurt of the people with sweete wordes : So there are at this time that love to preach Placentia , and make Sermons , as the Poet did his fables , Populo ut placerent : Sowing pillowes under the elbowes of the wicked . The occasion is , because they seeke great things for themselves , therefore doe they studie to please men : for they see that Zedekiah will be beleeved , when Micajah will be sent to prison , 1. King . 22. and fed with the bread of affliction : 1 rem . 20.1.2 . and Pashur will be a governour in the house of the Lord , when the Prophet Ieremiah by his authoritie shall be put in the stockes . 2 Tim. 4 3. For these are the times foretold by the Apostle , wherein the itching eares of men cannot abide wholsome doctrine , but They hate him that rebuketh in the gate , Amos 5.10 . and they abhorre him that speaketh uprightly : as Achab hated Micajah , because he prophecied evill , that is , he faithfully warned him of that judgement which afterward came upon him . Wee are come to such an height of iniquitie , as Israel was when shee could not indure the the rebukes of eyther Priest or Prophet . Hoj. 4.4 Let none rebuke nor reprove another ( saith the Lord ) for this people are as they that rebuke the Priest . And by the Prophet Isaiah , They say unto the Seers , see not ; Isai. 39.10 . and to the Prophets , prophecie not unto us right things , but speake flattering things unto us . And Micah . 2.11 . If a man will say , I will prophecie unto thee of Wine & of strong drinke ( that is , if hee will tell them pleasant tales ) hee shall even be the Prophet of this people . But it behooveth us whom the Lord hath made watchmen over his Ierusalem , if we will deliver our owne soules , and be free from the bloud of all men , to blow the Trumpet , and give warning to the wicked . Let us remember that caveat which the Lord gave unto Baruch . Ierem. 45.4 . Behold that which I have built , will I destroy , and that which I have planted , will I plucke up , even this whole land , and seckest thou great things for thyselfe ? Seeke them not . I●b 32 22. And solet us say with Elihu , I know not to give flattering titles unto man ; for in so doing my maker should take me away suddainely . 1 King 22.14 . Let us resolve with Micajah , As the Lord liveth , whatsoever the Lord saith unto me , that will I speake . Although Zedekiah doesmite mee on the cheeke and Amaziah informe against mee to Ieroboam , and others diswade mee from prophecying at Bethel , because it is the Kings Court : yet for Sions sake I will not hold my peace , but I will lift up my voyce like a Trumpet , and shew the people their sinnes , and forewarne them of Gods judgements , crying , Samaria shall be desolate , and therefore O Israel returne unto the Lord .

Againe , if by Israel , wee understand them of the land of Iudah , then yee shall observe from hence ; That the corrections of other men , should be our instructions ; the judgements of God upon others , should waken us up , and make us looke about us , to see whether or not we be in the like danger . If our neighbours house be on fire , it is time to looke to our owne : If Samaria become desolate , then let that Israel which is in the land of Iudah take heede , least , as they have beene partaker with her , in her sinnes , so they doe also receive of her plagues . Now I can tell you that Samaria is become desolate : The wrath of God in a great measure hath seased upon our neighbor Nations , that they may take up the same lamentation that Ieremie did , The sword devoureth abroad , Lament. 1.20 . and death is at home . Even that famous Citie of London is now become a fearefull spectacle of Gods judgements : God hath met with her in the Moneth of her affliction . Men women and Children , fall downe in the streeres , smitten , not with the sword of the Assirians , that were sent against Samaria , but by the sword of the destroying Angell , that slew the Assirians : in a word , there is nothing but desolation in her streetes , Rachel mourning for her children , & cannot be comforted . O Lord . What have they deserved which wee have not ? Were they more vile and abominable then wee ? No , Luke . 13.4 . Thinke not that those eighteene upon whom the Tower of Siloam fell , and slew them , were greater sinners then others : I tell you , nay ; but except yee amend your liues , yee shall all likewise perish . What ( I pray you ) are the sinnes for which it hath pleased God to enter into judgement with our neighbour Nation ? Is it the pride and prodigalitie of England ? Is it their drunkennesse , and gluttonie ? Is it their luxurie and uncleannesse ? Is it their oathes and oppression ? Or finally , Is it their contempt of Gods word and formall hypocrisie ? Looke upon your selves with unpartiall eyes , and yee will finde , that wee have justified our sister Samaria in all her abominations , that the Lord may justly take up against us the same complaint he doth against Iudah , Ierem. 3.8 . Ierem. 3.8 . When backesliding Israel committed adulterie , and I had put her away , and given her a Bill of divorce , yet her treacherous sister Iudah feared not , but went and played the harlot also . What will follow hereupon , but as is Isai. 10.12 . Shall I not , Isal. 10 . 1● . as I have done unto Samaria and her Idoles , so doe to Ierusalem and her Idols ? But let the Kingdome of England rather be Iudah , and this ( where wee live ) Samaria : and so the application will suite better . For yee know , Iudah was the first and the mother kingdome , so is England to us : Samaria was farre more corrupt in Religion then Iudah , having onely a shew of truth , Ioseph . antiq. l. b. lib. 11. cap. 8. in Circumcision , Temple , Priest , Books of Moses : so is this Kingdome where we live . The Samaritanes were a mixt people of Iewes and Gentiles ; so are wee heere . 2 King . 17.33 . The Samaritanes had a mixt worship ; for in Samaria both the God of Israel , and the Gods of the Nations were worshipped : Ioseph . antiq. lib. 9. cap. ult . and would to God it were not so heere . Is there not in everie Towne , Village , and Corner of the Kingdome , a mount Gerizim , whereupon they bragge their Fathers to have worshipped ? Iohn , 1 , 20 Is there not a succession of Priests sacrificing upon everie mountaine , and under everie greene Tree ? and ( least thus succession should fayle for want of issue , because they have no wives of their owne . ) Is there not a continuall supply every day from Rome ? And finally , Are there not many Relickes of Saints , and holy Wels , of more worth ( if yee will beleeve them ) then Iacobs Well in Samaria ? Iohn 4 , 12. Ioseph , antiq , lib , 11 , cap , ● , Besides , Samaria was a receptacle for all fugitive persons who were not suffered to live at Ierusalem , for strange wives , or for other crimes , for which cause their Temple was called Templum transgressorum : And what better is this of ours ? Doe not all sort of malectors flie hither as unto a Citie of refuge , who dare not live at home , some for strange wives , some for bloud , some for thest , and the best for debt ; Ioseph , antiq. lib ● , cap , vii , making this land a verie denne of theeves ? Lastly , Iosephus reports that the Samaritanes , whensoever the Iewes were in prosperitie , would be accounted Iewes ; but when the Iewes were oppressed by their enemies , then they did disclaime all affinitie with Iewes , as having their progenie from Assiria , and joyned with their enemies : and , Is it not to be feared that we have such fayned friends among us , that now professe themselves subjects to our Kings Majestie , none better , nor more desirous of the peace of the Kingdome ; who yet if the Assirians should come against us , would prove our most dangerous enemies ? If the Pope have their hearts , the Spaniard will have their service . In all these respects may this Kingdome be called Samaria . Well then , Hath God begun to visit Iudah ? What shall become of Samaria ? 1 , Pet , 4 , ●● and if judgement begin at Gods owne house What shall the end bee of them which obey not the Gospell ? If this bee done to the greene Tree , What shall become of the drie wood ? If God spare not the naturall branches , How will he spare us who are but wilde Olives ? Remember what God faith to the Iewes who sojourned in the land of Egypt , when Nebuchadnezzar had subdued Iudah , because they were not affected with the evill that was to come upon their mother nation , Ierem. Chap. 44. Vers , 3 , Yee have seene all the evill that I have brought upon Ierusalem , and upon all the Cities of Iudah , how they are desolate because of their wickednesse — yet they ( namely that remaine in the land of Egipt ) are not humbled unto this day , 10 neyther have they feared — therefore thus saith the Lord of heastes , 11 I will set my face against you — and I will visit them that dwell in the land of Egipt , as I have visited Ierusalem , 13 by the sword , by the famine , and by the pestilence . Now our case is just as theirs was . Wee sojourne here in a land of darkenesse , like Egipt , and wee have seene what evill the Lord hath brought upon our mother nation , because of their sinnes , yet are not wee humbled unto this day , neyther have wee feared : What remayneth then ? But that God visit us , as hee hath done them ? Therefore learne from the correction of your neighbours to returne unto the Lord in time , and make your peace with God . The punishments of the Iewes , are our ensamples ( saith the Apostle ) to the intent that Wee should not lust after evill things , 1 , Cor , 10 , 6 as they also lusted . The judgements of God upon our neighbours , should be unto us as those arrowes whereby Ionathan forewarned David of the Kings displeasure : he shot not at him , but over and beyond him ; yet David understood thereby that the King was angrie , and made hast to be gone ; so may wee perceive by these darts that come from heaven , and fall not upon us but neere unto us , that Gods wrath is kindled against us ; and therefore wee shall doe well , to get up as David did , and make hast to flie from the face of an angrie God , hiding our selves in the holes of that rocke CHRIST IESVS , who is a propitiation for our sinnes , Proverb . 22,3 Salomon saith , A prudent man seeth the plague and hideth himselfe . He seeth it in the Oracles of the Prophets , in the sinnes of the people , especially when it is begun upon others , and he hideth himselfe , that is , he prevents it by repentance , hee makes his peace with God , he hides himselfe under the mantle of Christs righteousnesse ; hee gets the dore-postes of his heart to be sprinkled with the bloud of that immaculate Lambe , that so hee may bee safe from the hand of a destroying Angell in the day of the fiercenesse of Gods wrath . God graunt unto us all this wisedome to foresee the plague , and hide our selves ; for behold I give you warning , Samaria is become desolate , therefore let Israel returne .

From the people exhorted , I come to the dutie required , which is , to returne unto the Lord . This phrase Returne , is a Metaphor drawen from travellers , who having lost their way , must come backe againe and returne into the right way . Beloved , wee all are ( or should be ) travellers to heaven , where out home is ; but we have strayed out of the way , and gone a quite contrarie course : wee are prodigall children that have departed from our fathers house , and gone into a farre countrie : wee are lost sheepe that have straied from the fold . Isal. 53.6 . All we like sheepe have gone astray ; wee have turned every one to his one way . Wee have strayed out of Gods pastures , into Sathans inclosures ; therefore wee must turne backe againe , and set our faces towards God , upon whom wee have turned out backes . The word is not simply to turne from one thing to another , but to returne , namely , to that which wee was before : implying three things . First , that once they were with the Lord . Secondly , that they had gone away from him . Thirdly , that they must come home to him againe . This is true of all men . Wee were once with God , for being created after his image , wee had fellowship with God , and God with us . But wee did fall away from God , and became his enemies ; for sinne turnes and averts a mans soule from God , according to that of the Prophet , Your iniquities have separated betweene you , and your God : Isai. 5● . 2 . and your sinnes have hid his face from you : And now unlesse wee would perish , it behooveth us to returne againe to him . But in a speciall manner this agreeth to the people of Israel . They were Gods people , not onely by creation , but by particular adoption . The Lord did chuse them above all the people of the earth , to set his love upon them ; they were a holy people , a royall Nation , a chosen generation , to the Lord their God : hee dealt not so with everie Nation , as with them ; for he gave his Lawes unto Iacob , and his testimonies to Israel . To them were committed the Oracles of God ; to them did appertaine the adoption , and the glorie , and the covenants , and the giving of the Law , and the service of God , and the promises , of them were the Fathers , and of them concerning the flesh , CHRIST came . Yet such was their ungratitude , that they did kicke up their heeles against the Lord their Master and Maker ; they went away from him a whoring after their owne inventions : They committed Idolatrie upon everie mountaine , and under everie greene Tree . Ierem. 3.6 . Ierem. 2.13 . In a word , they forsooke the Lord the fountaine of living waters , and digged unto themselves Cisterns that could hold no water . And now here God by his judgements doth call them to returne againe unto him . O Israel , returne .

Heere ( before I proceede any further ) observe with mee , That humiliation goeth alwayes before grace , the sense and apprehension of our owne wandring from God , is the onely way and meanes to bring us to God . Notitia peccati , initium salutis . The right understanding and true acknowledgement of our owne miserie , is the first steppe to salvation : for if Israel must returne to the Lord , then she must be possessed with an opinion of her owne wandring from the Lord , shee must see that shee hath gone astray , and that there is no true comfort to be found in those pathes of sinne , in which shee walked . For , How can a man frame himselfe to enter into a right course , till hee bee fully resolved and perswaded within himselfe , that hee hath beene mistaken in his former course of life ? So the prodigall sonne ( a true patterne of a penitent sinner ) never seekes to his father , till that hee came to himselfe , Luke . ●● . then hee saw his error , and resolved to returne to his father . The Prophet Chap. 5.15 . bringeth in God , coupling these two together , Till they acknowledge their offence ; and seeke my face : because wee must first acknowledge our offence , before wee can seeke Gods face , the full stomacke of a Pharisee will never thirst to drinke of the cup of salvation : Luke 1.53 . onely the hungrie and the thirstie ; therefore God filleth the hungrie with good things , and sendeth away the full emptie : You see who they are that CHRIST calleth to bee eased of their sinnes ; even the wearie and laden , Math. 11 28. Come unto mee yee that are wearie and laden : that is , yee , who finde your consciences to be laden with the burden of the Law , and the burden of sinne and are so weary of these burdens , that they are grievous to you to beare . Such also bee they whom hee calleth sinners , and sicke . Matth. 9.12.13 . The whole neede not a Physitian , but the sicke , I am not come to call the righteous , but sinners to repentance . What ? Is there any whole ? Is there any righteous ? No , indeed , all are sinners , all are sicke : but hee calleth onely those sinners and sicke , who feele and acknowledge themselves to be such : as for the rest whose eyes are not opened to see the miserable estate wherein they stand by nature , he termes them righteous , and whole . Such are they whom he calleth lost , Matth. 15.24 . Luke 19.10 . I am sent but unto the lost sheepe , that is , unto such as are lost in their owne opinion : It is onely those whom hee seeketh and saveth , as is well set forth in the Parables , of the lost Sheepe , lost Groate , and lost Childe , Luke , 15 , Matth. 5 3. Such also are they who are called poore : Blessed are the poore in spirit , namely these who finde themselves to abound with many inward wants : finally they are called fatherlesse . In the fourth verse of this Chap. With thee the fatherlesse findeth mercie , as if hee should say , when as a man is brought to the straights of a poore desolate shiftlesse Orphan , then is he a subject fit for mercie . So , that if wee would returne unto the Lord , first wee must see our straying from the Lord : If wee would seeke Gods face , first wee must acknowledge knowledge our offence : If wee would have God to fill us with good things , first wee must bee hungrie , even emptied of our evill liquor : If wee would have CHRIST to refresh us with rivers of water , and flagons of wine ; then wee must be thirstie , that is , pained through the sense of our want of spirituall drinke : If wee would have CHRIST to ease us of our burdens , first wee must bee wearie of them , that is , wee must feele our burdens to lye heavie upon us , and be grieved with the sense of them : If wee would have the Saviour to save us , wee must bee sinners , that is , humbled with the sight and sense of our sinnes . If wee would have that great Physitian to cure us , wee must first be sicke , that is , sensible of our disease , for he will not cure any of us , till first hee have launced our wounds unto the very bottome : If wee would have the good Sheepheard to finde us , wee must bee lost in our selves , even out of all hope of salvation in respect of anie thing that is in us . Finally , If wee would have the God of mercie to shew mercie unto us , then first wee must be fatherlesse , that is , hopelesse and helpelesse in our selves . For hee is the God that resisteth the proud , Jam. s. 5. but giveth grace to the humble . Hereby then may a man judge of himselfe , whether or no , hee bee in the way of salvation . Didst thou never see thy wofull miserie , and the wretched estate wherein thou art by reason of sinne , how thou hast turned thy backe upon God , and art out of his favour ? Then hast thou just cause to suspect thy selfe , that thou hast not yet entred at the straight gate , to walke towards the Lord ; for as there can be no birth without the paines of the travaile going before : so neyther any true conversion , without some terrours of the Law , and straits of conscience . The Infant that hath beene layd onely nine Moneths , in the wombe of the mother , is not delivered without paine , suppose shee conceived it with pleasure : and Thinkest thou to part with sinne , which in thee was conceived with thee , and which since , so often thou hast nourished with pleasure , and not to prove the dolours of the second birth ? No , not assuredly ; there is the humbled soule , the wounded conscience , the contrite spirit , the broken heart , the mourning weede , the melting eye , the pale countenance , the voyce of lamentation ; these are the dolours of the second birth , which wee meete with so soone as wee begin to returne to the Lord . On the other part , Hast thou found in thy selfe these inward wrestlings and humiliations ? Hast thou groaned under the burden of thy sinne , and under the burden of Gods wrath ? Hast thou felt the terrours of God fighting against thee , and the invenomed arrowes of the Almightie sticking fast in thy ribbes ? Then may thou conceive good hope that thou art in the way of salvation . If thou bee possessed with an opinion of thine owne wandring from the Lord ; If thou be convicted that thou hast strayed from him : Then it is like thou wilt seeke to returne . Therefore doth God oftentimes call upon men to consider their wayes , to call their lives to account , that so they may see how farre their soule is averted from God . Know thy sinnes , O Ierusalem , Iere. 3.13 . The like speech is used by the Prophet Zephanie , Fan your selves oh my people . Yea , Zeph 2● . the Prophet Ieremie doth oftentimes put us in minde of this dutie , Oh let us search and trie our wayes , Lam. 3 20. and turne unto the Lord . First wee must search our wayes , to finde out our owne wandrings , and then returne unto the Lord .

And that yee may understand what is the dutie here required ( because this word Returne doth expresse a change , not of place , but of qualities ) I will shew unto you . First from whence , Secondly to whom , Thirdly how wee must turne . As for the first wee must returne from our sinnes : This is expressed Isai 55.7 . Let the wicked forsake his way in and the unrighteous his owne imaginations , and returne unto the Lord . Let the wicked forsake his wayes , there is Terminus à quo . This turning from sinne is called Mortification , and it contaynes five things . First , a sense and sorrow for sinne . Secondly , a hatred and detestation of sinne . Thirdly , a purpose in minde to leave sinne . Fourthly , an inclination in will to doe the same . Fiftly , an indeavour in life and conversation to forsake sinne altogether . This must hee doe , that will returne unto the Lord : First hee must bee cast downe with a deepe sight and sense of his sinne , Psalm . 38.18 . saying with David , I agnize my sinne , Psal. 119.128 . and am sorry for mine iniquite . He must hate and abhorre sinne , as the greatest evill in the world , saying with the same Prophet , Doe I not hate everie evill way . He must resolve with himselfe never to commit any sinne . This must bee also the desire of his heart , and the indeavour of his whole life . Otherwise , hee cannot returne unto the Lord , for God will not take a wicked man by the hand , nor have fellowship with the throne of iniquitie .

Againe . To whom must wee turne ? To the Lord , according to that Ierem. 4.1 . O Israel , if thou returne , returne unto me , saith the Lord ; not to any other , not to my Angels , not to my Saints , not to my Martyres , not to my Mother ; but to my owne selfe . In the 7. Chap vers. 16. this people is accused that They did returne , but not to the most high . They had some beginning of repentance , but it fayled by the way , and brought them not so farre as home to the Lord. They were like a deceitfull bow , for , after all their aymes and offers of turning to the Lord ; they started back , and returned not to the Lord , but to their Idols , they returned to their sinnes as a Dogge to his vomite . It is not enough then to cease from sinne , but withall wee must turne unto the Lord ; that is , wee must turne our hearts upward to heaven , setting our affections on things that are above ; wee must fixe our eye upon God , and make towards him with the foote , walking in the way of his Commandements , that all men may see that wee are not of this world , but that our conversation is in heaven . This turning to the Lord , is called a rising to newnesse of life , and it hath three parts . First , a resolution in the minde . Secondly , a lust in the will . Thirdly , an indeavour in life and conversation to obey God . Iosh 24.15 . Psal. 119.106 . Every man ought to resolve as Ioshua ; I and myne house will serve the Lord . And as David , I have sworne , and I will performe it , Aeh , 13 1● . Act , 11 . 2● . that I will keepe thy righteous judgements . This must bee his desire also , as it was Pauls , hee desired to live honestly . Hereunto Barnabas exhorted the Antiochians that with their heart they would cleave unto the Lord . And finally hereunto must wee indeavour our selves throughout the whole course of our life . So did the blessed Apostle Act. 24.16 . Psal. 119.6 . Herein I indeavour my selfe to have alway a cleare conscience towards God and towards Men. And David , I have a respect to all thy commandements . Whosoever hath these , is turned from sinne unto the Lord .

The manner how wee must returne , Ioel 2.12 . is expressed by the Prophet Ioel. Turne unto me with all your heart , and with fasting , weeping , and mourning . Whence yee may observe foure properties of our conversion . First , wee must turne with the heart , therefore our conversion must be voluntarie : there is a reformation which is not voluntarie , but rather against the will when a man turnes not from sinne , but sinne turnes from him : because eyther hee cannot practise it for want of strength , or dare not for feare of punishment . Such a man may seeme to turne from sinne , but it is not with his heart . Wee must turne with the heart , even so willingly , that it be our chiefe delight to use all meanes for to set forward this worke : for nothing is done well , but that which is done with the will . Secondly , wee must turne , not onely with our heart , but with all our heart , therefore our conversion must be sincere : for as in Scripture the Phrases of a double heart , 1 Chron. 12.33 . a devided heart , Hos. 10.2 . A heart and a heart , Psal. 12. a are used to signifie hypocrisie : So this phrase , With all the heart , doth signifie sinceritie . Then wee must turne unto the Lord with all our heart , that is to say , sincerly , and not for shew onely : wee must draw neere unto God , not onely with the lips , Psalm . 51.6 . but with the heart also : for Hee loveth trueth in the inward affections . In this sense it is said of David , that hee followed God with all his heart , 1. King . 14.8 . And of Iosiah , that Hee turned to the Lord with all his heart , and with all his soule , and with all his might . 2. King . 23.25 . And of the people in the time of King Asa , that the oath which they made before the Lord , was With all their heart , 2. Chron. 15.15 . But Ierem. 3.10 . The Lord accuseth his people for want of this sinceritie , Her rebellious sister Iudah , hath not returned unto me with her whole heart , but faynedly . Thirdly , wee must turne with all our heart , therefore our conversion must be a thorow change of the whole man , of the whole life ; though it be imperfect in degrees , yet it must be perfect in regard of parts . Wee must not halt betweene God and Baal : Wee cannot serve both God and Mammon : God will not be content with a part of the heart ; he will eyther have all , or none . It is said of Iehu , that he did not walke in the Law of the Lord , with his whole heart , for why ? Albeit hee obeyed God in some things , cutting off the house of Achab , Yet hee departed not from the sinne of Ieroboam , 2. King . 10.31 . And so there be many that give but the halfe turne , like to Agrippa who was ( not altogether , but ) almost perswaded to become a Christian. Some turning their wordes , not their deeds , as our verball professors . And others againe turning from many sinnes , and yet ( with Herod ) remaine unturned from one speciall beloved sinne . These be but false turnings : our conversion must bee a thorow change , wee must turne with all our hearts . Finally , wee must turne not onely with all our hearts , but also with fasting , weeping , and mourning : therefore our conversion must not be inward onely ; but it must bee expressed outwardly in these things , wherein consists the practise of humiliation , namely , fasting , &c. And that especially in the time of any great affliction , such as this was when the Prophet Ioel had foretold the people of the comming of the Chaldeans . Esther when shee heard of the intended destruction of the Iewes , appointed a fast . Esth. 4 10. Nehem. 1.4 . 2. Chr●n. 20 3 , 2. Sam. 1.12 . Iudg 20 , 26. Ion. 3. So did Nehemiah when hee heard of the desolation of Ierusalem , and Iehosaphat when the Moabites came up against him : and David when Saul and Ionathan were slaine : and the Israelites when they were overthrowne by the Benjamites : and the Ninivites when destruction was threatened against them . And have wee not just cause to doe the like at this time ? If wee consider our grievous sinnes , and the judgements of God which hang over our heads , together with the troublesome estate of Gods Church in other places . Even this last may minister unto us sufficient matter of griefe , though our owne private estate were never so peaceable . Godly Nehemiah being placed in the honourable service of Artashashte , was not so much comforted at his owne good estate , as grieved at the desolation of Ierusalem : Nekem 1.4 . 1 King 19.4 . 1. Sam. 4 19. Decay of Religion and increase of Idolatrie , made Elijah wearie of his life : The Arke of God captivated , and the glory departed from Israel , drave all comfort out of the heart of Phineas wife . These ( and many moe examples ) teach us , That the affliction of Ioseph should bee the matter of our griefe . Cast now but an eye upon the ruefull face of Christendome ; and yee will finde that it is time to Hang up our Harpes upon the Willowes , Psal. 137 2. I●●● 2 15. and ( as the Prophet cals us ) to blow the Trumpet in Sion , and to sanctifie a fast : turning unto the Lord , with all our hearts , and with fasting , weeping , and mourning .

But heere yee may aske mee the question , Whether or not it be in our power to returne unto the Lord , since wee are exhorted thereunto ? Answere , No , without a speciall grace given us from above . The Scripture everie where hath disabled us , pronouncing a man by nature to be the Childe of wrath , Ephes. 2.3 . A transoressor from the wombe , Isai. 48.8 . Dead in sinnes and trespasses , Ephes. 2.1 . Coloss. 2.13 . Wee are not onely sicke with sinne , or wounded by sinne , or halfe dead , but starke dead , bereft of all spirituall life , sense , and motion . And therefore in our selves wee are of no strength , Rom. 5.6 . For our minde is darke , Ephes. 5.8 . Not perceiving the things of the spirit , 1. Cor. 2 , 14. Our will perverse , Gen. 6.5 . Ierem. 17.9 . The affections rebellious , Tit. 3.3 . Rom. 3.12 . And wee are so confirmed in this naturall corruption , that wee can no more doe good , then an Ethiopian can change his skinne , or a Leopard his spots , Ierem 13.23 . or , Then an evill Tree can bring foorth good fruite , Matth. 7.18 . So that faith is Gods gift , Ephes 2.8 . Phil. 1.29 . So is repentance , 2. Tim. 2.25 . So is the knowledge of heavenly mysteries , Matth. 13.11 . In a word , every thing that is good in us , is from Gods speciall grace , For wee are not sufficient of our selves to thinke any thing as of our selves : but our sufficiencie is of God , 2. Corinth 3.5 . It is God that worketh in you both to will and to doe , Phil. 2.13 . For who maketh thee to differ from another ? And what hast thou , that thou didst not receive ? 1. Cor. 4.7 . As if hee should say , thou differs much from others , who are not as yet converted ; but it is not thy selfe that hath made this separation , by the right use of thy owne free will , embracing that grace , which was equally offered unto them : but it is God that wrought more powerfully in thee , then in them : For God doth not onely beseech us , by the Ministery of reconciliation ; but also Hee powres upon us the spirit of grace , Zach. 12.10 . Hee sheds on us abundantly the holy spirit , Tit. 3.6 . He workes powerfully in us , Ephes-3 . vers. 20. So 2. Thes. 1.11 . Hee is said to worke faith with power , and Ephes. 1.19 . It is called the exceeding greatnesse of his power , and the working of his mightie power ; and Colos. 2.12 . This power in the conversion of a sinner , is equalled to that whereby God raised up CHRIST from the dead . Our Saviour himselfe ( to expresse this powerfull working ) cals our conversion a drawing , No man can come to mee , except the father draw him , Iohn 6.44 . Hee doth indeede draw us ; for of our selves wee are enemies to our owne salvation , and doe nothing else , but resist the holy Ghost in the Ministerie of the Word : yet hee who is able to doe exceeding abundantly , above all that wee aske or thinke , overcommeth this resistence in the will of man , and of unwilling , makes us willing : 1. Cor. 15.10 . This is his Grace which never is in vaine ; for all that the father giveth mee , shall come to mee , saith CHRIST , Iohn 6.37 . It is also called a boring of the care , Psal. 40.6 . An opening of the heart , Act. 16.14 . The Circumcision of the heart , Deut. 30.6 . And further to signifie not onely Gods powerfull working in our conversion ; but also our owne inabilitie to bring any helpe to this worke , it is called a new creation , Psalm . 51.10 . 2 Cor. 5.17 . Ephes3 . 10. Iohn 3.3 Iam. 1 18 Ephes 2.1 John , ● . 2● a regeneration , a vivification and resurrection from the dead . A man cannot create himselfe , nor beget himselfe , no6r quicken himselfe when bee is dead , Nay , hee cannot so much as bring anie helpe to these workes , but is meerely patient : So is hee in his conversion to God . Finally the worke of our conversion is called a renovation of the heart , Ezech. 36.26 . I will give you a new heart , and put a new spirit within you , I will take away the stonie heart , and give you a heart of flesh , and I will put my spirit within you , and cause you to walke in my Statutes . This is a promulgation of the Covenant of Grace ; where yee may perceive the difference betweene this new Covenant , and the old . In the covenant of workes God required obedience to his law , and wee were unable to performe it . In the covenant of Grace , God requires faith and repentance , and wee are as unable to performe that Wherein then is the difference ? Even in this , that the first covenant had no such power annexed to it , to worke in us , that which it required from us ; but in the new covenant , that condition which God requireth from us , hee worketh in us . Hee cals us to returne , and hee turnes us . But then ( will a Papist say ) To what purpose are these exhortations ? Doth God commaund us that which is impossible ? And are his admonitions in vaine ? I answer . First , God commaunds us many things which are impossible , Rom. 8.3 . not absolutely , but as the Apostle speaketh , In asmuch as the Law is weake , because of the flesh : For once God gave us a power to doe whatsoever hee commaunded , and wee by our fall have lost this power ; yet hath not God lost his right to demaund that debt of obedience , which his creature oweth unto him : So that the Commandements of God in this state of corruption are the measure of our debt , not of our strength ; they shew us what wee should doe , not what wee can doe . Secondly , neyther are these exhortations in vaine ; for God doth not regenerate us by sudden enthusiasmes ; but by ordinary meanes : and these exhortations are the meanes , without which ordinarily no man is , or can bee converted : Wee are begotten by the word of trueth . Iam. 1.18 . Through the Gospell , 1. Cor. 4.15 . Of the incorruptible seede of the word , 1. Pet. 1.23 . Now no man will say that it is in vaine to use ordinarie meanes , as to take meate for to nourish our bodies , Physicke to recover our health , to cast seede in the ground , for to bring foorth fruite , though the event bee not in our power , but in Gods hands : So neyther can these exhortations to repentance be in vaine , though it bee not in our power to returne unto the Lord . Thirdly , these exhortations serve to humble us with a sight of our owne inabilitie , and also to direct us what things wee are to aske of God by prayer : according to that of S. Augustine , Deus jubet aliqua , De gratia & 〈◊〉 arbit. cap. 16. quae non possumus ; ut noverimus quid ab illo petere debeamus . God commaunds us some things which are not in our power , that wee might know what things wee have to aske of him by prayer . For when I heare that I am commaunded to returne unto the Lord , and yet looking upon mine owne strength , I finde no such power in my selfe ; this must make mee goe out of my selfe , and flie unto the throne of Grace , crying ( with the Spouse of CHRIST ) Draw mee , and I will runne after thee , Cant. 1.3 . and ( with Ephraim ) Convert mee , and I shal be converted , Ierem. 2●,18 Psalm . 51 , 13. and with David ) create in me a cleane heart , and with the Disciples , Lord increase our faith ; S. August . and with that holy Father , Domine , da , quod jubes , & jube quod vis , Give mee a power to doe that which thou commaunds , and then commaund mee to doe what thou wilt . Finally , this precept is given unto us , because there is something in our power to doe , we can use the meanes , as goe to Church , and heare the word : Besides after that God in the first moment of our uprising , hath revived the heart , and given life to the dead will ; then , acti agimus , Wee are no longer passive , but coworkers with God , Ierem. 31.19 . After I was converted , I repented ( saith Ephraim ) Hence as our conversion is ascribed to God , as the first and sole Author , so it is ascribed to our selves as instruments of God apprehending his grace , and working forward with it . God is said to give faith , and wee are said to beleeve : God is said to give repentance , and wee are said to repent : God is said to turne us , and wee are said to turne unto the Lord .

From the exhortation , I come to the arguments : Indeede there is not a word in all the exhortation but it contaynes in it an argument to invite them to repentance . First , O Israel , Thou that art Gods owne people , What shame is it for thee to turne thy backe upon God ? Secondly , Returne , thou hast gone astray , therefore come backe againe into the right way . Thirdly , unto the Lord , hee is IEHOVAH , the fountaine of all goodnesse , that hath right unto thee by creation , by redemption , by covenant , by many other obligations : therefore returne unto him . Fourthly , he is thy God , and therefore if thou wilt returne unto him , hee will receive thee . Fiftly , Thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie , therefore continue no longer in that course which hath procured thy fall , least thou perish ; but returne unto the Lord , that he may rayse thee up . But the two last are the chiefe motives , one whereof is taken from Gods mercie , hee is thy God : another from their owne miscrie ; Thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie .

First , hee is thy God , thine by creation , thine by redemption , thine by adoption , thine by contract and covenant ; for this is the covenant which hee made with Abraham thy father : I will bee a God unto thee , Genes. 7.7 . and to thy seede after thee . Therefore thou may assure thy selfe , thy sinne is pardonable , if thou wilt returne unto him , hee will imbrace thee in the armes of his mercie . Hence obserue that the exhortations to repentance in Scripture , are founded commonly upon the mercie of God , as Isai . Chap. 55.7 . Let the wicked for sake his way , and the unrighteous his owne imaginations , and returne unto the Lord , and he will have mercie upon him , and to our God , for hee will abundantly pardon . In the Latin , it is , Multus ad ignoscendum : Whereupon ( saith Bernard . ) In hoc multo , nihil deest , ubi est omnipotens misericordia , & misericors omnipotentia : Hee can pardon , for his mercie is omnipotent ; and hee will pardon , for his omnipotencie is mercifull . Hos. 6.1 . Come ( say the repenting Israelits ) let us returne unto the Lord ; for hee hath torne , and hee will heale us , hee hath smitten , and hee will bind us up . Ioel 2.13 . Turne unto the Lord your God for he is gracious , and mercifull , slow to anger , and of great kindenesse , and repenteth him of the evill . And Ierem. 3. There bee many the like exhortations , all upon this ground , vers. 12. Thou disobedient Israel returne , and I will not let my wrath fall upon you for I am mercifull , and will not alway keepe mine anger . Againe , vers. 14. O yee disobedient Children , turne againe , for I am your Lord . And after vers. 22. O yee disobedient children returne , and I will heale your rebellions . This is the argument used by the preacher of repentance , Mat●h . 35 Repent for the kingdome of heaven is at hand , in which CHRIST is readie to dispense mercie , and forgivenesse to the repenting sinner . So here , O Israel returne unto the Lord , for he is thy God , not , hee is a great , or a just , or a wise , or a powerfull God ; but hee is thy God ; grounding his exhortation upon Gods mercie . The reason is , because a sinner apprehending nothing but rigour and severitie in God , will never come in and submit himselfe . Psalm . 130.4 No , There is mercie with thee O Lord that thou mayst bee feared . It is not the consideration of Gods greatnesse , nor of his power , nor of his justice , nor of his wisedome , that can make the heart of a sinner relent toward him ; but it is the consideration of his mercie : when looking upon the mercy of God , and merits of CHRIST , I get some hope and inckling of pardon , then will I come in , creeping and crouching before God ; as the Syrians to Achab , with ropes about their neckes , because they had heard that the Kings of Israel were mercifull . The thundering out of the threatnings and judgements of the Law , will awake a secure heart ; but nothing will affect a mans minde , and even melt his soule to make him returne unto the Lord , but the due knowledge and consideration of the unspeakeable riches of Gods mercie : The remembrance of his fathers house , made the heart of the prodigall to relent ; So will the consideration of Gods mercies worke upon our heart , if once our hearts be inflamed with the sense of Gods love towards us , Oh then the working of our bowels ! the stirring of our affections ! the melting and relenting of our repenting hearts ! then will wee lament after the Lord , 1 , Sam , 7 , 2 and grieve that ever wee have so grieved so good and gracious a God . Therefore you see the wicked , that get a sight of their sinnes , because they have not a sight of Gods mercie , they runne away from God , as Adam , they are swallowed up of dispaire as Cain , and never seeke after that mercie which they know not : But the Godly with the sight of their sinnes , having a sense of Gods mercie , and a sight of Gods face reconciled to them in IESVS CHRIST , How doe they seeke after that mercie with a longing desire ? Out of the deepes with David , and out of the belly of Hell with Ionas , they call upon God . Even when wounded by God , they goe to him to bee healed , as the repenting Israelites , Hos , 6 , ● , Come let us returne unto the Lord , for hee hath wounded , and hee will heale us : and these converts that sought for ease of him that pricked them , Men and brethren what shall wee doe ? Act , 2 37. So that there is nothing in God so forceable to drive a man to repentace , as the consideration of Gods mercie . As Tully said when hee pleaded before Caesar for the life and libertie of Ligarius : O Caesar , none of thy vertues is more gracious , or more admirable , then thy mercie : Men come neare to God in nothing so much as in saving the afflicted : Thy fortune hath nothing greater then that thou hast power , thy nature nothing better then that thou hast will to shew mercie , and to save others . So may I say among all the properties of the divine nature , there is none more admirable or more gracious then his mercie . It is not his power , it is not his wisedome , it is not his justice wherein wee rejoyce ; but it is his mercie : If there were not mercie in God , I should dispaire , there is so much miserie in mee , Rom , 12 , 1 ▪ therefore I beseech you brethren by the mercies of God : I will not adjure you by the threatnings , but I beseech you by the mercies of God , Knowing that the goodnesse of God leadeth you to repentance ; Rom , 2 , 4 , hee is thy God , and therefore O Israel returne unto him .

The other argument is taken from their sense of miserie , Thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie . Our fals in Scripture , Iam , 3 , 2 , doe sometimes signifie our sinnes , In many things wee fall all ( saith the Apostle Iames ) and sometimes our afflictions , as in that place of Salomon , The just man falleth seven times a day : Prunb , 24 , 16 , so heere it signifieth affliction , Thou hast fallen , namely into danger and destruction ; thou art afflicted , therefore returne . Where wee may observe , That our fals are many times an occasion of our risings , and afflictions are of excellent use to turne us to God : for this is the motive which the Prophet useth . Thou art fallen , therefore returne . And hardly could hee use a better ; for affliction is a most effectuall meanes to make our hearts relent and resolve into the teares of unsayned repentance , Iob , 33.16 , according to that of Elihu , God openeth the eares of men by their corrections , which hee had sealed , that hee might cause man to turne away from his purpose . So the Lord taught Miriam by leprosie to forgoe her murmuring . Hee awakened Ionas out of his securitie , by casting him into the Sea . Hee cured Zachary of infidelitie , by striking him with dumbenesse . Hee diverted Saul from his evill course by blindnesse . Thus Manasses ( who forgat God in his prosperitie ) did seeke unto him in adversitie ; the Heathen Marriners did pray unto God in a storme ; and the Ninevits did humble themselves by fasting and prayer when destruction was threatened against them ; Gen , 42 , 21 , when the brethren of Ioseph were distressed in Egipt , they did remember the injurie they had done to their brother ; when the prodigall sonne was pinched with want , Luk 15 , 18 , then did hee resolve to returne to his father : but especially this may bee seene in the Iewish Church . For , though in their prosperitie ( as the Lord himselfe observeth ) They turned their backe yet in their trouble ; Ierem , 2 , 27 , they said ; Arise and helpe us . Isai , 26 , 16 , This is observed also by the Prophet Isaiah , Psalm 78 , 34. Lord in trouble have they visited thee , they powred out a prayer when thy chastisment was upon them . And David to the same purpose . When hee slew them , they sought him : Yea ( speaking of the manifold kindes of miserie wherewith the faithfull are exercised ) hee maketh this the foote of his song , Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble , Psalm , 81 , 7 , Psalm , 107 , 6 , and hee delivered them . Apollonius writes of certaine people that could see nothing in the day , but all in the night : In like manner wee are so blinded with the bright sunne-shine of prosperitie , that wee cannot see those things which concerne our peace ; but when the winter night of miserie comes , then schola Crucis , schola lucis . Wee are all branches of the Vine , and therefore wee must bee pruned and cut with the knife of affliction that wee may bring forth fruite : and this is the last meanes which God ordinarily useth to convert obstinate sinners : when nothing can prevaile with us , then doth hee visite our iniquities with the rod , and our sinnes with scourges ; and hee is so confident that this will drive vs to repentance , that in the fift Chapter of this prophesie , vers. 15. ( having threatened to withdraw all the testimonies of his love , and favour from his people , I will goe , and returne to my place , till they acknowledge their offence , and seeke my face ) Hee addes , In their affliction they will seeke me carely : which was accordingly verified in the event ; for in the next words they call one another after this manner , Come let us returne unto the Lord , for he hath wounded us , &c. And surely this is a strange thing , that affliction should make men turne to him that smiteth them ; it would seeme that such dealing should rather terrific them , and make them runne away from God . Adam when hee saw God to bee angrie , fled from his presence , and this is naturall to everie creature to love it selfe , and to flie from that which is hurtfull unto it : strike a dogge , and hee will flic from you . Iudg , 14 , 14 , Therefore that yee may conceive this riddle , how sweere comes out of sower : yee shall understand , that afflictions being considered in their owne nature , are the fruites of sinne , the evils of punishment , the testimonies of Gods wrath , the curses of the Law , and the first flashes of hels fire : Therefore when afflictions follow their kinde , they bring forth nothing but evill fruite , such as impatiencie , malice against the instruments , murmuring against God , the use of unlawfull meanes , 2 Chron 2● , 22 , and finally dispaire , as in Pharao , Saul , Ierobeam , Achaz , of whom it is said , that in the time of his tribulation hee did yet trespasse more against the Lord . But whensoever afflictions doe drive a man to repentance , it is not properly of themselves that they produce so good an effect , but by accident , as they are so disposed by the infinite wisedome , power , and goodnesse of God , to whom onely it is proper to worke by contraries : hee brings light out of darkenesse , good out of evill ; by sinne hee condemned sinne ; by death hee destroyed death ; by the foolishnesse of preaching , hee makes us wise : hee casts us downe that hee may rayse us up ; hee workes joy out of feare , heaven out of hell : and by the Crosse which naturally doth banish a man from God , hee makes us returne to him ; hee causeth this birth and fruite of sinne to kill the mother that brought it forth , this temporarie punishment to become a fatherly chastisment , whereby wee are preserved from the everlasting punishment of hels fire ; these testimonies of his wrath , to become signes of his love , and seales of his adoption ; and these curses of the Law , and flashes of hell , to become Evangelicall blessings , and an ordinarie way whereby wee may travell toward his heavenly kingdome . And therefore afflictions are fitly compared to the fire , which purifieth the gold , and consumeth the straw , and to the winde , which purgeth the Wheate , and bloweth away the Chaffe : and finally to the red Sea , which was to the Israelites a way , to the Egiptians a grave . Now since afflictions produce so divers effects : wee must labour to have our afflictions so sanctified , as that wee may bee bettered by them . To this effect , First when wee are under anie Crosse , wee must labour after tender hearts , that wee may bee affected with griefe and paine : for there is not a greater enemie to our profitting by afflictions , then that senselesse indolencie , Ierem. 5 , ● . whereby men are not affected with Gods judgements , like those Israelites , of whom the Prophet saith , Thou hast stricken them , but they have not sorrowed : For , when afflictions being added to our sinnes , as a double waight cannot bruse our hearts , and presse out of them sighes and groanes ; it is not likely that sinne alone will worke in them sorrow and remorse , but on the other part , if wee bee sensible of our afflictions , then this worldly sorrow will make way for godly sorrow , as a Needle doth for the threade . Secondly , let us remember that all the afflictions which doe befall us come from God : This is another lett that hindereth many from profitting by afflictions , even their blindnesse , whereby they ascribe all their calamities wholy to secondarie causes , and inferior meanes , Amos , 3 , 6 , and never looke up to the hand of God striking them , which is the chiefe cause ; for there is no evill in the Citie which the Lord hath not done . Thirdly , let us looke backe into our former courses , and see what wee have done against God ; for hee would not strike us without a cause : by this examination wee will come to a sight and sense of our sinnes : wee will finde that wee have gone astray from God , and have fallen because of our iniquitie . Finally , with the sense of our sinnes , let us strive to get a sight of Gods mercie revealed in the Gospell , remembring that hee is our God : so will we desire to returne to him .

But the Prophet would not onely make them sensible of their fall , but also of their sinne ; therefore he illustrates this argument from the cause , Thou hast fallen by thine iniquitie , or because of thine iniquity . Here observe , That iniquitie procures a fall , so that if wee have fallen , then we have committed iniquitie ; & if we commit iniquitie , wee shall assuredly fall . I say , If wee have fallen , we may accuse our iniquities which is the deserving cause of all our afflictionss ▪ The Apostle tels us , Rom , 5 , 12 , that by sinne death entred into the world , and if it had not beene for sinne , death ( whereby wee are to understand every thing that is penall and huttfull to the creature ) could never have found an entrie . Lam , 1 , 39 So the Church in the Lamentations , Wherefore is the living man sorrowfull ? Psalm , 107 , 17 , Man suffereth for his sinne : And the Psalmist , Fooles by reason of their transgressions , and because of their iniquities are afflicted . Prouerb , 13 , 21 , Salomon maketh affliction to bee ( as it were ) the shadow of sinne which doth alway attend it , Affliction followeth sinners , Proverb , 22 , 8 , and as our fals convince us to have committed iniquitie ; so our iniquities forewarne us of a fall : For he that soweth iniquitie shall reape affliction . This doctrine is sufficiently proved by Scripture , reason and experience . God threatened Adam , that at what time hee did eate of the forbidden Tree , hee should die . Everie sinne unto man is the forbidden Tree , if wee meddle with it , wee shall finde no better fruite upon it then Adam found : the bitter fruite of death , growes upon the pleasant Tree of sinne : It is the sentence of the law , Rom , 6 , 23. Cursed is everie man that abideth not in all things that are written in the booke of the Law . Iam , 1 , 1● . This is confirmed by the Apostle Paul , saying , The reward of sinne is death . And Iames , Sinne when it is finished , bringeth forth death . Hee saith not , that every sinne bringeth foorth death , but onely sinne when it is finished , or perfected , that is come to an height : for God in his mercie forgiveth sinnes not finished , or at least hee tolerateth them , till they come to perfection , that the sinner may bee without all excuse : but in his justice , hee judgeth and condemneth sinnes consummate by hardnesse of heart , and impenitencie , as hee sheweth himselfe , Amos 1.3 . For three transgressions of Damascus , and for foure , I will not turne away the punishment thereof , &c. As if hee had said , if Damascus had sinned onely once in persecuting of my Church , I would turne away my judgments : but they have sinned often , To three transgressions , they have added foure , they have threshed Gilead , with threshing instruments of Iron , and for so many transgressions I will not turne away their punishment . Againe of sinne finished it is not said , that it deserveth death , which is common to all sinne ; but that it bringeth forth death , where the word 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 signifieth to bee delivered of that which hath beene conceived . So that sinne when once it commeth to perfection , is with childe of death , and must needes bee delivered . When Gods patience is abused , it will become futie , when the cup of Gods wrath is full , it must of necessitie runne over ; when the measure of our iniquities is fulfilled , then must God powre forth the vials of his wrath : Psalm , 5 , 5 And great reason there is why it must bee so , if wee consider the justice of God , the nature of sinne , and the trueth of Gods threatning . The justice of God is such , that hee hateth sinne ; 2 , Thes , 2 , 6 and therefore will hee punish it . The foolish shall not stand in thy sight , ( saith David ) for thou hatest all them that worke iniquitie , reasoning from the nature of God ; Rom , 2 , 32 God hateth iniquitie , therefore hee will punish it . And the Apostle , It is a just thing with God , Genes , 18 , 20 to recompence tribulation to them that trouble you . This is the justice of God ( which even the Gentils knew ) that they who commit such things are worthie of death . Againe the nature of sinne is to crie , The cry of Sodome is great : It crieth , citing us before the Tribunall of God , as guiltie of lease Majestie ; it cryeth unto the heavens for vengeance ; provoking God to revenge , and not suffering him to rest in heaven till hee hath inflicted punishment . Finally Gods truth is such that none of his threatenings can fall to the ground ; but hee hath threatened a fall to iniquitie , and according to his threatening , hath hee executed his wrath upon impenitent sinners ▪ When the earth was filled with violence , Genes , 6 , 13 then God sent the floud upon the olde world . When the crie of Sodome waxed great before God , then sent hee Angels to destroy it . Genes 19 15. Gen. 15.16 1. King 21 20. When the iniquitie of the Amorites was full , then were they cast forth . When Achab sold himselfe to worke evill in the sight of the Lord , then did the Lord bring evill upon him : When Ierusalem filled up the measure of their fathers , Math , 23 , 32 , then they could not escape the damnation of hell . When the sinnes of Babell are come to that height , Revel. 18 , 5. that they reach unto the heaven , then will the Lord remember her iniquities . Goe and enquire , what is become of those famous Churches planted by the Apostles , of Corinth , Ephesus , Galatia , &c. Are they not fallen by their iniquitie ? What is become of Gods owne people , the Iewes ? They are fallen , and that by their iniquitie ( as the Lord himselfe declareth ) Isaiah , 50.1 . Jerem. 49. 12. Behold for your iniquities are yee sold , and because of your transgressions is your Mother forsaken . Now if God spared not them : How will hee spare us ? I may say unto you ( as the Lord doth to Idumea ) Behold they whose judgement was not to drinke of the cup , ( that is , they that were mine owne people , and had not so much deserved punishment as thou ) have assuredly drunken , and art thou hee that shall goe unpunished , thou shalt not goe unpunished , but thou shalt surely drinke of it . If once our iniquities are come to the height , then wee shall fall as they have fallen . Now sinnes of a Nation are finished , and come to the height , when they are generall , when they are not punished , and when they are persevered in , men continuing in their sinnes without repentance . First ( I say ) when they are generall ; for so long as there bee onely some wicked men in a kingdome , their sinnes are personall , and cannot bring the judgements of God upon the whole land ; for tenne righteous men God would have spared Sodome : Genes. 6.12 . but if sinne become generall , That all flesh hath corrupted his way upon the earth : Genes. 19.4 , then will the deluge bee universall likewise . If all the men of Sodome , from the young to the old , even all the people from all quarters , conspire to commit filthinesse : then shall the whole Citie be overthrowne . Sinne was come to this height in Israel ; Isaiah , 1 , 5 , for ( saith Isaiah ) The whole head is sicke , & the whole heart heavie . From the sole of the foote unto the head , there is nothing whole therein , but wounds and swelling , and sores full of corruption . A conspiracie ( saith the Lord himselfe ) is found among the men of Iudah , and among the inhabitants of Ierusalem , Ierem. 11.9 . For why ? The children of Israel , and the children of Iudah did evill , even they , their Kings , their Princes , their Priests , and their Prophets , the men of Iudah , and the inhabitants of Ierusalem , Ierem. 32.32 . In so much that the Lord saith to the Prophet : Runne to and fro by the streetes of Ierusalem , and behold now , and know , and enquire in the open places thereof , if yee can finde a man , or if there bee any that executeth judgement , and seeketh the truth , and I will spare it , Ierem. 5.1 . This generall revolt from God , is expressed by this Prophet in the fourth Chapter : The Lord hath a controversie with the land , because there is no trueth , nor mercie , nor knowledge of God in the land , &c. This was a generall , and so a nationall sinne : therefore is the punishment generall upon the Nation likewise . vers. 3. The land shall mourne , and everie one that dwelleth therein shall bee cut off . Secondly , The sinnes of a Nation are come to an height , when they are not punished by the Magistrate , but all goe on in their courses without controlment . Numb. 25 ● When Phinehas smote the adulterous persons , hee turned Gods anger away from the children of Israel , and caused the plague to cease : but where there is not a Phinehas to draw the sword for the punishment of vice , there the guilt of these sinnes lye upon the land , and draw downe the judgements of God upon a Nation . In this case was Israel before her captivitie ; for this is expressed as a cause of their destruction : They execute no judgement , Ierem. 5.28 . Isaiah , 1.23 . But ( as Isaiah speaketh ) Their Princes were rebellious and companions of theeves ; everie one loved gifts , Chapt. 3. v. 4.11 , Chapt. 5. vers. 25. and followed after rewards . Children were their Princes , and women had rule over them ; they did justifie the wicked for reward . A third degree of perfection in sinne is perseverance . When men continue in sinne without repentance , hardening their hearts against all admonitions . Israel was come to this height also : For the Lord sent unto them all his servants the Prophets , rising up earely , and saying , Ierem. 35.15 . returne now every man from his evill way , and amend your workes : — but they would not incline their eare , nor obey ; and thereupon came their fall : for it followeth in the Text. vers. 17. Therefore thus saith the Lord of hostes , behold I will bring upon Iudah , and upon all the inhabitants of Ierusalem , all the evill that I have pronounced against them , because I have spoken unto them , but they would not heare . Now let us examine our selves , and see whether wee bee come to such an height of iniquitie , and I doubt we shall finde , First that sinne raigneth universally , like an Epidemicall disease that possesseth the whole bodie of the land . There is in great men , facriledge and oppression ; in officers , briberie , extortion , and wresting of justice : In the cleargie , ignorance , lazinesse , and covetousnesse : In tradesmen , fraude and deceite : In every corner Idolatrie , robberie , and shedding of bloud : and What house is free from adulterie , drunkennesse , and swearing ? Next , doe but consider whether these ( and many moe sinnes ) bee committed safely , without punishment . Oppression and sacriledge , have greatnesse for their patron : injustice , briberie , and extortion , finde Lawyers to pleade their cause : Idolatrie is but a sinne of tolleration : De gubern . Dei lib , 5. incest and usurie are veniall in poore men , and venall in the rich : pride , swearing , drunkennesse , and gluttonie , are commendable because common , as Salvianus complayned in his time , In hoc scelus res devoluta , ut nisi quis malus fuerit , salvus esse non possit . In plaine English , except a man be thus wicked , hee cannot bee reputed a good fellow . Finally robberie & parricide , doe sometimes finde pardon And lastly , Doe wee not persevere in these sinnes , and fall away more and more , hardening out hearts against all admonitions ? How then can wee escape a fall ? Yea , have wee not fallen alreadie ? Consider but the estate of the reformed Churches , how in their infancie , when they were destitute of worldly power , and all Princes and Potentates enemies unto them ; yet then they did stand , maugre Antichrist and all his associats ; Gods protection was a wall of defence about them , that the furie of their enemies could not come neere them ; and now when they were growne great in the eyes of the world , and Kings were become their nursing fathers , and Queenes their nursing mothers , to protect Religion with the sword : yet How hath the Lord humbled them , and made them to fall before their enemies ? 2. Chron. 1.5.2 The reason hereof wee finde in that speech of Azariah the Prophet , to King Asa , The Lord is with you , while yee are with him : but if yee for sake him , he will forsake you : At first wee was with the Lord , and then hee was with us : but when we did forsake the Lord , & fall from our first love , and zeale of our profession ; then did he breake downe the hedges , Psalm . 80. 12 and let in the wilde Bore out of the wood , and the wilde beast out of the forrest to destroy this Vine which he had planted , Lament. 3.42 , that wee may lament with Ieremie : Wee have sinned , and have rebelled , therefore thou hast not spared . Thus hath God made us to fall : but unlesse wee returne unto him , there is yet a greater fall to come . The same God that made Nebuchadnezzar a scourge to his people ; can send the Spaniards to scourge us . Cedreu . hist. pag , 512. When Phocas had built a mighty wall about his Pallace , for his securitie , in the night hee heard a voyce : O King though thou build as high as the clouds , yet the Citie will easily be taken , the sin within will marre all . So let us never make so much preparation for our defence : Str● . 57. yet unlesse we take a course with our sinnes , they will betray us into the hands of our enemies : For , ( saith Ambrose , ) Graviores sunt inimici , mores pravi , quam hostes infesti . Our sinnes , are enemies more to be feared then armed men . If God be with us , Who can bee against us ? If wee stand against God , Who can withstand him ?

Now to shut up all in a word : It is plaine that wee have gone astray as farre as Israel did ; for , what is the vanitie after which wee have not gone a whoring ? and now our iniquities are come to that height , Ion. 3 8. 9. that they forewarne us of a fall : Therefore let every man turne from his evill way , and from the wickednesse in their hand . Who can tell if God will turne & repent and turne away from his fierce wrath , that wee perish not ? Yea , I can tell , that if wee repent , hee will turne away his wrath ; Isaiah , 55 , 6. for he desireth not the death of a sinner , and even now when the Axe is layd to the roote of the Tree , Hos. 2.7 . hee cals us to repentance . Therefore seeke the Lord while hee may bee found , call upon him while hee is neere ; take up the resolution of repenting Israel , I will goe and returne to my first husband ; for then it was better with me then now : follow the counsell of the Prophet , in the words following my Text. Take with you words , and turne to the Lord , say unto him , Take away all iniquitie , and receive us gratiously , so will wee render the calves of our lips . Ashur shall not save us , wee will not ride upon horses , neyther will wee say any more to the worke of our hands , yee are our Gods ; for in thee the fatherlesse findeth mercie . Hee is our God , and therefore if wee seeke him , hee will bee found of us ; and as hee hath wounded us , so hee will heale us ; hee will even give us beautie for ashes , and the oyle of gladnesse for the spirit of heavinesse , and make the bones which he hath broken to rejoyce . To this God , even our God , &c.

FINIS .