Abrahams sute for Sodome a sermon preached at Pauls Cr[o]sse the 25 of August, 1611 / by Robert Milles, preacher of Gedny fenne, and Sutton St. Edmonds in Holland Lincolneshire.

Abrahams sute for Sodome . GENESIS 18.32 .

I will not destroy it for tennes sake .

RIght Honourable , right Worshipfull , and blessed beloued : Ignis non melius quam igne , & amor amore accenditur : As the flame is continued by fire , so friendship by reciprocall amity , saith Ambrose . And this was seene and obserued in GOD himselfe , 1 Ioh. 4.10 . the first friend and louer of mankinde , towards his seruant Abraham the father of the faithfull . For as God did manifest his professed loue by manifold promises to him , and daily conference with him ; So Abraham againe repaied God ( lege talionis as it were ) for requitall , obedience , sacrifice , praise , and praiers , so that both their affections mutually were reuiued and preserued by such friendly meanes , euen as fire is maintained by fuell . Among sundrie signes of Gods fauour toward Abraham , God was neuer more familiar with him then in this Dialogue , and neighbourly parlce , betwixt them two in behalfe of the Sodomites . For when God purposed in his secret and sacred wisdome to destroy the Citie of Sodome , ( whose sinnes cried for vengeance from heauen ) hee first after the manner of men paused on the matter , and was loath to doe it , before hee had taken the aduise of a friend , or before he made Abraham ( whom the Apostle tearmeth Gods friend ) priuie to his purpose : Iam. 2.23 . Shall I hide from Abraham that which I doe ? Vers. 17.

Heereupon Abraham assured of Gods loue , began to argue , and to reason the case with God , and often crauing pardon for his boldnesse , hee told the Lord , that it stood not with his iustice and credit ( who is high Lord chiefe Iustice of the whole world ) to destroy the righteous with the wicked : and there fore desired him if there could be found fifty good men in the Citie , to spare it for their sake : which God of his mercy , wherewith hee alwaies tempereth his iudgements , fauourably granted , and easily yeelded vnto . Abraham , straightway goeth with a priuie search through the Citie of Sodom , and at last after much labour lost , hee returned to God with a non est inuentus : and then after the manner of courtly Petitioners , Qui timidè rogat , negare docet : Hee that asketh faintly teacheth how to bee denied flatly , as Seneca speaketh . Abraham proceeded further , and still ( vnder correction for his presumption ) hee obtained from God a writte ad melius inquirendum , and then hee falleth from fifty to fiue and fortie , then to forty , so to thirty , nay , to twenty : and at last remembring , that God would not the death of a sinner , Ezek. 18.23 . he vrgeth him with his promise , and now the sixt time he praieth the Lord to spare Sodom , if it shall affoord but tenne righteous persons . And in these words God setteth downe his rest , and finall resolution , and bids Abraham take it for an answere , and so content himselfe : I will not destroy it for tens sake . So that my discourse at this time for your fairing ( right Honourable , right Worshipfull , and blessed Brethren ) may bee called Abrahams sute for Sodom , wherein for methode and memory sake I will tie my selfe to three parties , which shall stand in stead of three parts .

First , in God his slownesse , in executing iudgement , and punishing sinne .

Secondly , in Abraham , the sympathie , and compassion of the godly for their brethren .

Thirdly , in Sodome , wherein ten righteous persons coulde not be found , the small number of the faithfull , and fewnes of good men in the Church .

Among all the names of God in the whole and holie Scripture , Drut . 32.6 . Esay 63.16 . Malac. 1.6 . Matth. 23.9 . 2. Cor. 6.18 . 1. Pet. 1.17 . there is one more familiar , comfortable , and delightsome to his children , then all the rest , and that is the name of Father , which he most commonly practiseth in nature . For as affectionate fathers , and indulgent parents in correcting their children giue an admonition before hand , ( rebuke goes before the rod , and a warning before the whipping : ) So it pleaseth our heauenly Father in executing due punishment for our sinnes , to giue vs a caueat before his capias , and alwaies to warne vs , before he wound vs . Gen. 6. Thus did hee deale fatherly with the first world , to whom he graunted aboue an hundred yeeres , space for repentance , whilst that Noah , ( whom the Apostle calleth 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 the herauld or Preacher of righteousnesse ) was composing the Arke for securitie of the worlds remainder . 2. Pet. 2.5 . Thus dealt God with populous Niniuie , and would not suffer sleepy-headed Ionas to rest , Iona. 3.1 . vntill he had proclaimed his embassage in the streetes . Thus did the Messiah Christ shew himselfe a father to Ierusalem , Mat. 23.37 . who would often haue gathered them together , and saued them , but they would nor . Yea , thus long did God forbeare the Citie of Sodom , and daily forewarned them by rightcous Lot , 2. Pet. 2.7 . whose soule was continually grieued at their vncleanenes , and duly presaged their ouerthrow . It is memorable of Bias a Iudge of Greece , that he neuer gaue sentence of death vpon any on the bench but hee sorrowed , and shed teares . And such a tender-harted Iudge is God himselfe in punishing sinners , as that nothing grieueth him more , then to condemne a sinner , or to cast away a man by death : which the Prophet considering , saide , God punisheth not with his heart . Lanent . 3.32 And the Wiseman laieth forth Gods vnwillingnesse to correct , as plainely , Sapient . 12.12 . Thou chastnest them measurably that goe wrong , and warnest them by putting them in rememberance of the thing wherein they haue offended , that leauing wickednesse , they may beleeue in thee . The sweetest lesson , 2. Sam. 23.1 . that euer Dauid . Israels sweet Singer either felt or sung at any time voluntary on his Harpe and ten-stringed instrument , Psal. 16.15.103.8 . it was of Gods mercy , all his descant was of Gods patience , and the foote and burthen of all his Psalmes is nothig else but of Gods long-suffering , the kindenesse of the Lord : his mercy is ouer all his workes , and the mercy of the Lord endureth for euer .

Yea , further to shew you how loath and vnwilling God is in punishing sinne , the Prophet resembleth the Lord to an Archer , Psal. 7.12 . which bendeth his bow , vnlocketh his quiuer , and rubbeth beth his shafts before hee shoot . And to a man of warre , which stretcheth himselfe , flourisheth with his weapons , trauazeth his ground , and whetteth his sword before he strike . Theodosius the Emperour was so mercifull , as that hee alwaies gaue tenne daies liberty to the enemy for deliberation , before hee would shew anie extremitie . And as kind a Captaine was he , who in besieging any City first vsed to display a white ensigne , next day a blacke banner , and at last ( if they would not yeeld ) red colours in signe of blood , fire and sword . O Blessed beloued , and Christian Citizens , farre more pittifull is the Lord of hoasts towards sinners , long suffering , great in mercy , and repenting for euill , Icel . 2.13 . as the Prophet speaketh : and Hee is the God of Peace , and not of dissention ; 1. Cor. 14.33 . and such is his lenitie in iudgement , as hee is loth to plucke his hand out of his bosome , first offring composition , and a peaceable truce to the sinfull , and alwaies soundeth a friendly parlee of mercy , before his fearefull alarum of iudgement ; and hence the Apostle truely calleth him , The God of patience and consolation . Rom. 15.5 . Cant. 1.3 . Hugo vpon these words , Trahe me , Draw mee , saith , That God draweth men vnto himselfe , Aut terrendo minis , caedendo flagellis , aut blandiendo beneficijs , i Either by terrifying vs by menaces , ●ourging vs by iudgements , or wooing vs by benefits ; so that GOD neglecteth no oportunitie , and vseth all meanes possible to reclaime sinners , and to winsoules . And herewith he sometimes vpbraided I srael : 〈◊〉 11.4 . I led them with cords of a man , Zach. 11.7 . euen with bonds of loue . The Prophet Zacharie in laying forth Gods delay in execution of his iudgements , secondeth him , whether the Prophet bringeth in God in the person , habit & shape of a Shepheard , which leadeth his flocke with two seuerall staues , of sundry names , and diuers properties : Nognam , and Chobelim , iucunditatem , & dissipantes , and as our translation hath it , Bewty , and Bonds . So that Gods chiefe staffe is Bewty , enamuled with rich iewels of mercie , and set with pretious pearles of blessings , Num. 17.8 . fairer then Aarons rodde flourishing with blossomes , and loaden with ripe almonds . And this sheepehooke God first holdeth vp in signe of mercy , and fauour , and pitie towards sinners , and heereunto alludeth the Kingly Prophet and Propheticall Sheepheard , Psal. 80.1 . Pascens I sraelausculta , ducens tanquam pecus Ioseph . Thou which feedest Israel heare , leading Ioseph as a Sheepe . Now when this staffe of Beauty beares no sway , nor that we will not be ruled by this goulden Scepter of Beauty , then God breaketh it in his furie , as Moses did the Tables of stone , Exed . 32.19 . and betaketh him to his other staffe Bondes ; and this is grieuous , It is a fearefull thing to fall into the hands of the Lord . Heb. 10.31 . And all this is nothing else but to manifest , how God delighteth in mercy , and how loth hee is at all times to execute iudgement . Thus God heere dealt with Sodom , who would not in any wise destroy it , if among manie thousands hee coulde haue had but his tithe , ten righteous persons , I will not destroy it for tens sake .

But what shall I stand to display the patience , longanimitie , and suffering forbearance of the Lord towards the first age , Niniuy , Ierusalem , or Sodom ? Haue these places tasted , and seene the goodnes of the Lord aboue all others ? Shall wee with the hartburning Israelites murmure and complaine : Exed . 17.7 . Num Dominus in medio , an non ? Haue not wee tasted , nay , haue not we surfeited of the Lords mercie , and long suffering ? O blessed beloued and Christian Citizens , euen this our Israel wherein we liue , this Canaan , which we inhabit , God in his patience and compassion hath had as vigilant an eye ouer it , Deut. 11.12 . as euer he had ouer the holy land from the beginning of the yeare vnto the end thereof , and in respect of that fauourable aspect , wherewith God hath alwaies , beheld , and vpheld this Land , and this people . I may say of it , as Syluius doth of Rhodes , Semper in sole sita est Rhodos , The glorious sunne-shine of Gods loue , the comfortable beames of his blessings , and the forcea●●e reflection of his mercies haue continually beene transplendent through this region , and haue ouershadowed this land , as the Cherubins the Mercy-seate , as with this Iland , Exed . 25.28 . Psal. 147 . 2● Hee hath not dealt so with euery nation .

Nay , euen this new Hierusalem , this 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the whole world , Lament. 1.1 . great among Nations , and Princesse among Prouinces , no place more then this Citie , hath in all treasons , conspiracies , insurrections , plagues , and other iudgements beene so much forborne , gently forewarned and measurably punished , that when the Lord God had as iust a quarrell against it , as euer hee had against Sodome , yet hee neuer destroied it , so that this people may sing with the Prophet this encomiasticke of Gods mercy , It is the Lond mercy , Iere. 3.22 . that we are not consumed , because his compassions faile not . And all this while that I speake of nothing else but the mercie of God , this is a doctrine I know , That maketh vp the mouth of a worldling : O this sweete loue-song of Gods long suffering , is a fit of musicke fitting a carelesse carnalist , and to a dissolute liuer it is like Mercuries still pipe , which plaied Argus his hundred eies asleepe at once . Yea , the whole world now adaies dreames on mercie , loueth to heare of mercie , hopeth of mercie , presumeth on mercie , wholly groundeth on mercie , and hereby abuse all Gods mercie , and because God is so patient , and mercifull , they presume thereof , and make too holde with God , tempting and prouoking him by continuall breach of his law , according to that of the Wiseman , Because ill workes are not presentlie punished , men fearelesse commit mischiefe . Thus Adam not seeing Euah presently to die , stood a long time in a quandarie , & inter precem mulieris & praeceptum creatoris , as Bernard speaketh , betwixt his Wifes demaund , and his Creators commaund , at last thinking GODS word winde , Iere. 17.15 . resolued , and did eate . Thus Israel gibed and iested at Gods threatnings by his Prophets : a ich debar Ichoua , iabo na , where is the word of the Lord ? let it come now . Thus the Psalmist inferreth the prophane abuses of Gods mercie : Quomodo sciuit Deus ? Psal. 73.11 . Est scientia in excelso ? i. How came God to the knowledge of this ? Is there knowledge in him aboue ? And this contempt of Gods iudgements thundered out of his word , and this abuse of Gods forbearance in not destroying stroying , it was that crie which pearced the heauens from Sodome .

Now then to dash the mirth of Mercy-men ( which are the merry-men of the world ) and to tell them what they are to hold vnto , for their presumption of mercy , abuse of Gods patience , and delay of repentance : who , though they liue neuer so dissolutely , as though there were neither Heauen nor Hell , God , nor Diucll , yet if they may haue but one houre to repent , they aske no more , they are safe , and assure themselues of saluation , if on their death-beds they haue but strength and libertie to breath out a poore peccaui , and crie GOD mercie : Vox Diaboli non hominis , The voice of a Diuell , not of a man . Of all spirituall graces , and giftes of God , Repentance is the greatest , which he daily offereth , and when hee seeth both his mercie and repentance to bee skorned , and grow in contempt , that we still liue in sinne , neuer leaue sinne , vntill wee bee readie to die in sinne : what mercie can such a wretch expect at his death , who hath abused Gods mercie all his life ? And what kinde of repentance call ye that , when , if hee might haue liued anie longer , would neuer haue dreamed of repentance ? Exed . 16.28 . It falleth out with Gods mercie , as with Manna , which God commaunded to be gathered early in the morning , and reserued too long became corrupt . So the true and heauenly Manna , the Mercie of God , it is sweetest , when it is gathered and apprehended in the golden morning of a mans youth , but when it is sought in the euening , Eccle. 12.1 . in a mans dotage , and at a mans death , when a man is weakest , and not able to employ either hand , eye , eare , or tongue , Psal. 135.17 . like an Idole . O this is a dangerous gathering of Manna , and an vnseasonable seeking of mercy , and to such Augustine giueth a cold comfort : Maledictus , qui offert florem iuuentutis suae Diabolo , & faecem senectutis Deo reseruat . i. Cursed is he , who offereth the prime of his youth to the Diuell , and reserueth the corrupt dregs of his ould age for God . Gregory vpon the watches mentioned inthe Gospell , saith , Matth. 24.25 . that there bee three watches in a mans whole life , wherein it behoueth him to bee carefull , and as a wakefull and warie watch-man to keepe his watch . The first is Childhood , the second Youth , and the last Olde age : So that he which remissely passeth ouer his Childhood , let him be more carefull of his watch in Youth : and if he passe his Youth ouer his head dissolutely , let him in any case looke to his last watch of Olde age . Nam quos diù , vt conuertantur , tolerat ; non conuersos duriùs damnat . i. Those whom God suffereth long in hope of their conuersion , hee condemneth more grieuously not being conuerted : And therefore the holy Ghost giueth a short day , Hodiè si vocem eius audierîtis , Psal. 95.7 . To day if ye will heare his voice .

This is the cause , why many and most rich men make bad and vncomfortable ends , and die so disquietly , Luke 2.29 . Gen. 49.33 . that with olde Simeon , they depart not in peace , and with Iacob , they plucke not their feete vp into the bed , for that , as Bion speaeth , a dissolute life maketh a desperate end . And surely for further veritie herein , I could yet neuer obserue in my priuate experience , ( which hath beene somewhat more then ordinarie in these cases ) that a worldly man , the man of earth , Psal. 10.20 . a morrow repenter , or a mercymocker , who in his life hath chiefely followed the world , and the pleasures and proffits thereof , euer made good end , or desired to be dissolued , but like Tantalus in hell ( Auido fugaces captantem ore cibos ) tortured , not to taste of meate , readie to fall in his mouth . Such at their endes , when they purposed to repent , had no minde , no ioy , nor power to repent , and when they presumed of mercy , they perished in misery : which the Wiseman in his obseruance complaineth of , and lamenteth : O Mors , quàm amara est tui memoria homini pacificè viuenti in his , Eccle. 41.1 . quae sunt cius ? O Death , how bitter is thy sting to a man that liueth securely in his substance ? So then for this point of delaying or rather decaying repentance , and abuse of mercy , I am of Bernards minde , that among infinite delaiers hardly one is saued and of Hieromes opinion , that such liuers seldome or neuer make a good ende . Let then such as liue desperately without feare of iudgement , and yet die presumptuous of mercy , bee packing with this mittimus , made by the prudent Counsellor , Say not , Eccle. 9.6 . the mercy of the Lord is great , hee shall put away the multitude of my sinnes : For mercy and wrath make haste with him , and his indignation shall rest vpon sinners : and as it followeth in the seuenth verse , Put not off from day to day , for suddenly shall his wrath breake foorth , and when thou art without care and secure , thou shalt be destroied .

Let Sodomes destruction then become our instruction , and let it be a fearefull Foelix quem faciunt , vnto all those that feare not iudgements threatned , abuse mercy offered , and deferre repentance till the last cast .

Iulius Caesar , the founder of your Milo , and tower of Shechem ( Christian Citizens ) gaue the Snaile in his Ensigne , with this Motto , Lentè festinandum , Softly and fafely : And Gods poesy , although it be Tardus ad iram , Slow to wrath : and that with Qu. Fabius the Romane , Cunctando restituit rem , although God be long in comming , and flow in doing , and march faire and easie in punishing sinne , yet at last , when God can forbeare no longer , nor endure our indignities , nor brooke our contempt of his honourable mercies , 2. Reg. 9.20 . then like Iehu the soone of Nimshi , he marcheth furiouslie , and at once hee payeth vs home for all : Icre . 10.24 . and against this let euery good man pray , O Lord correct me , but with iudgement , not in thine anger , least thou bring me to nothing .

Furthermore , it resteth yet , ( and that appertinentlie ) to consider , why God especiallie singled out Sodome , and chiefly bent his force against it , and wherein Sodome sinned aboue all other places besides , in so much that Sodome is famous , or rather infamous in the course of Scripture . First , the people are said to bee Cattaim ladonai meod , valdè , peccatores coram domino : Gen. 13.13 . and againe , Deut. 32.32 . The Iewes vine is like the vine of Sodome and Gomorrah : and againe , They declare their sinnes , as Sodome : Esay 39. and againe , The iniquitie of my daughter Ierusalem is greater then Sodome : Lamen. 3.6 . and againe , Contemners of the Gospell shall haue easier iudgement , then Sodome : Matth. 10.15 . and againe , Sodom and the Cities there about were wicked , 2. Pet. 2.6 . Jude 7. and made examples for vngodly liuers . Let vs then take a glaunce , if not a suruay of Sodoms sinnes , and see what they were , for which God destroied them .

The Spirit of God maketh no long beaderowle of them , but abstracteth them , and like soure Coach-horses which draw the Chariot of iniquitie , yoaketh them thus . Ezekiel 16.49 . Pride , Fulnesse of bread , Idlenesse , Contempt of the poore , this was the iniquitie of thy Sister Sodom . What , were heere all Sodoms sinnes , and all that God could obiect against it , or charge Sodome withall ? Vnder this number of foure , their manifolde sinnes are inferred , as For three transgressious of Damascus , and for foure , For three transgressions of Tyrus , Amos 1.3 . and for foure : For three transgressions of Moab , and for foure , whereby a multitude is meant . And as Leah called her first childe Gad Bagad , a companie commeth , Gen. 30.11 . presaging her increase of issue , so these foure mother sinnes and capitall vices of Sodom had many fellowes , many followers and partners , like trait'rous Absalon and Achitophel , 2. Sam. 15.12 . which by their flattery drew many mens hearts after them .

The first sinne of Sodome like to Pharaohs desperate fore-horse , Exed . 14.23 . which set first foote in the Sea , it is Pride , which alwaies loueth superioritie and prioritie . If there were seauenty times seauen deadly sinnes , Pride would be first . Pride affecteth principalitie . Pride will haue the highest roome , and Pride is heere placed first , as Vriah by Dauid in the forefront of the battell . 2. Sam. 11.15 . And worthily hath Pride preheminence , for it was the first sinne which vsurped heauen , intruded it selfe into Paradise , and hath now like conquering Alexander ouer-runne the whole world . Superbia in caelo nata est , sed velut immemor , qua via cecidit , illàc nunquam redire potuit , Pride , saith Hugo , was bread in heauen , but could neuer yet call to minde which way it fell , nor finde the way thither againe . And the Wiseman saith more , Eccle. 10.3 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 i. Pride is the beginning of sinne . Since the fall of our great beldame Euah , Pride is held the womans sinne . and posted off to her , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as to the weakest vessell . If therefore women would see themselues and their pride in a glasse , 1. Pet. 3.7 . I referre them to the Prophets Cristall , ( it may bee called the womans Chapter ) where God threatneth , and crieth out against all the new-fangled toies , Esay 3.16 . infinite fashions , and disguised garments of that sexe , whereby their Pride , as the Tauerne by the Yuy-bush is descried for Sodomiticall . And for proud men otherwise in heart , which will be aut Caesares , aut nulli , commaunders , or no body ; like to Saul , higher then any of the people by head and shoulders : 1. Sam. 9.2 . the Apostle stoppeth their mouths strangely , God resisteth the proud . 1 ames 4.6 . To this purpose it is memorable how the ancient Romains portraitured Pride like the Diuell , with a triple Crowne on his head . On the first was ingrauen Transcendo : on the second Non obedio : on the third , Perturbo . A proud man first aimeth at a high place of authority , then hee makes lawes and keepes none , but liueth as hee listeth , and at last perturbat omnia Dauus , there is no quiet , no peace , where hee dwels , nothing but trouble and discontent . They that neuer saw a Pope , beholde this picture , and you shall hardly know whether hee bee a Sodomite or a Deuill . In a word , I will say no more of a proud man , then Innocentius will sweare for mee , Omnis ferè vitiosus diligit sibi similem , solus superbus odit superbum : Whereas among other sinnes the drunkard loues his fellow , the theefe his partner , and the adulterer his consort : yet one proud man ( if two bee neighbours ) neuer brooketh the other , but like Eteocles and Polynices smoke , their breath is odious pro & contrà . So that this proude sinne , and sinne of pride , it brought with it enuie , malice , hatred , wrath , discord , sutes , quarrels , and breach of brotherly loue .

The second sinne of Sodome , is Fulnesse of Bread , a sin , whereof God gaue Israel warning aforehand , that when they should come into the promised land of Canaan ; Deut. 6.11 and there had glutted themselues , and were full , then beware , lest thou forget thy Lord , &c.

This was Baltazars sinne who at his riotous banquet , in excesse of wine , amongst his Princes , wiues and concubines ; forgat the Lord so farre , Dan. 5.6 . as Gods finger chalked his follie on the walles . In this fulnesse sinned churlish Nabal , 1. Sam. 25.11 . in forgetfulnesse of poore Dauid and his tired followers . And in this fulnes perished the giuttonous belly-god in the Gospell , who would rather choake with the crust , Luke 16.21 . then hungerbitten Lazarus should haue the crummes .

O I feare me , Blessed Brethren that wee haue in these daies many Sodomites , boone companions , and sensual good fellowes , quite drowned and ouerwhelmed in this sinne of fulnesse of bread and drinke . These are those beasts , 1. Cor. 15.32 . with whome the Apostle encountred at Ephesus after the manner of men , whose chiefe schoole point was this , Let vs eate and drinke , for to morrow wee shall die . Against these gormandizing Epicures God grieueth , and denounceth a woe , that eate the lambes of the flocke , and calues out of the stall , drinke wine in bowles , and annoint themselues very costly , But no man saith he is sorry for the affliction of Ioseph . Amos 6.6 .

And let mee the vnworthy messenger of God aggrauate my Lord and maisters complaint and continue with homelie Amos a iust exclamation against luxurious drinkers , and insatiable spunges , who see , that a great and small cup can be but filled to the brimme : and yet they themselues enforce their owne vessels , and carcases to ouerflow , and with the superfluity of their fulnesse drown themselues not onely in drinke , but in a flood of wickednes . O what an horrible shame is it in Israell , when through simple snuffes of strong drinke , and pure wine , many floures of chambers , and pauements in houses are more moist & slippery , then the channels in your streets ? Is not this also a sin of Sodom , when the surfeiting reuersion of fatte trenchers shall bee cast vnder the table to dogges ? Christ who for our sakes often was an hungred neuer did it , vtterly misliked it , and expressely forbad it , and Diues his dogges chose rather to feede on Lazarus his soares , Matth. 7.6 . Luke : 16.21 . then of such sinfull diet . Right honorable , right worshipfull , and Religious Citizens , Acts 26.2 . I will confesse with the Apostle , and thinke my selfe happy , that I speake this day before them , who haue knowledge of Customes and lawes , and therefore I beseech you to heare me patiently . Among all politicall lawes of the Persians , ( which till this day are famous for their certainty , there neuer was anie more profitable either to Gods Church , or the common wealth , then that of King Ahashuerosh , obserued specially in his owne Court for order of drinking , Ester . 1.8 . when none might compell another to drinke , but at euery mans pleasure vnder paine of displeasure . And not vnworthy is Plato reported for diuine , who forgat not this among his constitutions , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , no man to drinke to another . But wee like swilling and swelling Sodomites , drinke till our bellies breake in the midst , as Iudas did : Act. 1.18 . drinke with Bohemoth , that can draw vp Iordan into his mouth , Iob. 40.18 . taketh it with his eies , and thrusteth his nose thorow , whatsoeuer meeteth him , and ten times worse then beasts that drinke for necessitie , we by onely drinking , metamorphize our selues into beasts . As excellently , as truly said hee , Nos coelum terraemiseemus , We mingle heauen and earth together , that is , the herbes and fruits of the earth , all variety of fish in the waters , all the fowles of the aire , all the strong wines , odours , and spicerie procreate by the fire wee congest , and heape into a dunghill bellie , and all little ynough , and thus we sinne with our Sister Sodome in fulnesse . Heere then ( to shut vp this point ) the diuine meditation of abstinent Augustine , Illud ante omnia rogo , & per tremendum diem iudicij vos adiuro , &c. Brethren , saith he , I intreate you one thing aboue all the rest , and thereunto I adiure you by the dreadfull day of iudgement , that as often as yee feast one another , ye would banish one custome out of your banquets , euen as the Diuels poison , namely , when as men meete , they vse to drinke either voluntary , or vrged , grandi menura , sine mensura , i. in great measure , without measure : because this vse hath hitherto remained by tradition from Pagans and the Heathen , and therefore beseemeth not a seruant of Iesus Christ . And this sinne of fulnesse it ingendred riot , drunkennesse , whoredome , and forgetfulnesse both of God and man .

Next , followeth Idlenesse , scelere ante alios immanior omnes , as bad as the worst , and worse then the rest . That Idlenesse is no small sinne , obserue from the Creation , and ye shall find , that the Creator placed not Adam in Eden as an idle suruayer , to stand gazing , or to walke vp and downe till hee was weary but ad colendum , & custodiendum , to till it , Gene. 2.15 . and keepe it . And so farre did God disallow idlenesse in the common-wealth of Israel , as hee by an edict and prohibition forbad idle begging . In the Primitiue Church , Deut. 15.2 . this was a great matter , which Paul sound fault withall among his charge , Wee heare , that there are which walke among you inordinately , 2. Thes. 3.12 . and worke not at all : Them , that are such , wee commaund and exhort you by the Lord Iesus Christ , that they worke with quietnesse , and eate their owne bread : and to cut off such rotten members , he setteth downe a penaltie , Hee which will not worke let him not eate . Blessed beloued , I cannot iustly complaine of this Ierusalem , nor make your Citie Sister to Sodome , ( God forbid ) for idlenesse , so might I incurre Scandalum magnatum , and for my Vae vobis purchase a Coram nobis , this place being an open enemy to idlenesse , and farre from Sodome in this sinne especially . Why ? heere are the aduenturous Merchants of Tyre and Sidon , which bring gould from Ophir , and Merchandize from Arabia . Heere is the curious hand of Hiram daily busied in expert worke of brasse . Here ye may heare melodious Iubal praysing God earely and late on the musicall instrument . Heere you may see the industrious labour of Tubal Cain in his yron worke . Heere is painefull Iabal , father of such as dwell in Tents , and buy Cattell . Heere dwelleth laborious Ioseph , skilfull in Architecture . Heere liue Solomons prouident and prudent Ants , which in Summer make prouision for winter . And heere be Pistrina socordiae , houses of correction for idlenesse , and as strict suruaying Magistrates for punishment of idlenesse , as euer was hard-hearted Pharaoh contrary to the Israelites .

Notwithstanding Longae sunt Regum manus , that Magistrates haue long armes , and manie yeeres : yet latet anguis in herba , when Moses was on the Mount , Exod. 32.19 . Israel plaid the wanton : and euen in this Citie ( though not in the heart ) yet in close backe wings and obscure angles thereof , there be many nests full of idle birds , which the carefull Magistrate seldome findeth out . Ignauum fucos pecus à praesepibus arcent , There is in the regiment of Bees an intrusiue and troublesome Droane , which eateth vp the sweete hony , for which the poore painefull creatures haue laboured for long before . And in the curious Bee-hiue of this commonwealth there are foure sort of idle Bees , much like the foure Sects of Philosophers , which sometimes flourished in Athens , the Academicke , Epicure , Peripatetique , and the Stoike . The first were greatly giuen to studie and contemplation , and these are your idle gamesters , who are all night in speculation , deuising new tricks , and inuenting strange conueyance by Cards and Dice , which next day they put in practise . God saith , Gent. 3.19 . In the sweate of thy face thou shalt eate thy bread , and these idle Bees liue by the sweate of other mens browes , onely by playing . 1. Sam. 17.49 . Dauid with one smooth stone out of his bag discomfited the whole hoast of the Philistines : And this idle Gamester with a blinde bone out o● his iugling boxe , with the actiuity of a Polupragmaticall finger , can in one howre vndoe many a hopefull heire : I had almost saide , many an honest Tradesman . Of the second Philosopher the Epicure , I spake before in fulnesse of bread , and therefore I leaue him to his pleasure , which is his Summum bonum . The third is the Peripateticke , who vsed to dispute walking , and in this order are Cunny-catchers , who like the Diuell are alwaies compassing the Earth , and still going vp and downe seeking whome they may deuoure . Iob. 2.2 . 1. Pet. 5.8 . These cunning Philosophers walke from Inne to Inne , from East to West , from Towrehill to Tyburne , ( and there I leaue them ) and with Sathan can turne themselues into an Angell of light , full of good words , and with Iudas embrace a man with a courtly boonecongee , and at parting cut a mans throate , and empouerish many a plaine dealing countrey guest with cousenage in copartnership .

The fourth idle Bee , or sect of Philosophers is the Stoike , who vsed to keepe their acts and disputations standing . And these I call your mimicall Comaedians , and apish actors , who with Thraso thunder out sesquipedalia verba , a heape of inkehorne tearmes to the tenour of a poore Colliar , and with a ridiculous Tu quoque moue many a foole to laugh at their owne follies . And further the licentious Poet and Player together are growne to such impudencie , as with shamelesse Shemei , they teach Nobilitie , Knighthood , graue Matrons & ciuill citizens , and like Countrey dogs snatch at euerie passengers heeles . Yea , Playes are growne now adaies into such high request ( Horresco referens ) as that some prophane persons affirme , they can learne as much both for example and edifying at a Play , as at a Sermon . O tempora , O mores , O times , O manners , tremble thou Earth , blush yee Heauens , and speake O head , if euer any Sodomite vttered such blasphemie within thy gates . Did the diuell euer speake thus impiously in this conflict with the Archangell ? Iude 9. To compare a Iasciuious Stage to this sacred Pulpet and oracle of trueth ? To compare a silken counterfeit to a Prophet , to Gods Angell , to his Minister , to the distributer of Gods heauenly mysteries ? And to compare the idle and scurrile inuention of an illiterate bricklayer , to the holy , pure , and powersull word of God , which is the foode of our soules to eternall saluation ? Lord , forgiue them , they know not what they say .

So that this Sodomitic all fin of idlenesse is hatched vnder her wings another broode neglect of Gods word , disobedience to authority , theft , and the very nurserie of sinne . Now I come to the last and least sinne of Sodome , Contempt of the poore , this commeth behinde all the rest , ashamed to shew it selfe , as the theese hanging backe from the barre . The infinite number of poore soules in this our yron age , their hard lodging at our barred gates , their continuall clamors in our stopped eares , and their slender reliefe from our shut hands , are able to make me to fill this Sanctuary and holy place with nothing else but Echoes of Charitie : Charitie seemeth to bee so hard among vs , as thogh it were neuer heard of amongst vs . Exod. 17.6 . But as Moses with one stroke of his rod enforced water from the flintie rocke , so my desire is , that the hearts and soules of the vncharitable , mooued at this instant with my light touch of Charity , may hereafter extend and powre foorth fresh springs and streames of liberalitie . Of all good works which wee doe in this life ( and they are not many ) there is none more acceptable to the Almighty then workes of mercy , whereunto Christ comfortably to encourage vs in our charitable course , promiseth out of his free mercy an immortall Kingdome for reward . Matth. 25.3 . Come yee blessed . And if rich men would aske me the high way to heauen , I would answere them as the sonne of God did the young man , Math. 19.21 . Goe and sell , and giue to the poore .

In speaking of Contempt of the poore , this sinne of Sodome , I beseech you in a short exhortation onely ( right Honourable , right Worshipfull , and beloued in the Lord ) not to heare me , but the word of God , for I dare say with Iob , I am full of matter , Iob 32.18 . and the spirit within mee compelleth me . Demetrius King of Macedon , in the siege of Rhodes , especially tendred and preserued the picture of Protogenes . And to rich men , such as contemne the poore , I present for their fayring an image or picture to carrie with them into the Countrey , not to be hung in their Hals , or painted in their Parlors only , Iere. 17.1 . but to be imprinted with a pen of yron , or the point of a diamond in the table of their hearts : and this picture it is the embleme or portraiture of Charity , to put them in remembrance of the poore , Matth. 13.9 . and Let him that hath an eare to heare , heare .

A naked Child , with a merrie Countenance , couered in a clowd , with a bloudie hart in the right hand , giuing hony to a Bee without wings . Now as Sampson said to his guests , Vnlesse yee had ploughed with my heifer yee could not haue found out my riddle : So this mysterie must haue an interpreter , and the meaning is this . Charity is figured a Child , because the charitable ought to bee humble , and curteous as a Child . Mat. 18.2 . Chariy is pictured naked , for that Charity seeketh not her owne . 1. Cor. 13.5 . Charity looketh merily with a pleasant countenance . 2. Cor. 9.7 . God loueth a cheerefull giuer . Charitie is couered with a clowd : Almes , Matth. 6.2 . and workes of mercie ought to bee done priuately without vaine-glorie , or ostentation . Charity holdeth a bloodie heart in the right hand . A good man is mercifull and lendeth , Psal. 112.5 . and his heart alwaies goeth and agreeth with his hand . Charity offereth hony to a Bee without wings , that is , relieueth and helpeth such poore , as for want of wings , for want of some limme , or member of their body , impotencie and infirmitie cannot labour for honie , cannot worke for their liuing . And such a practitioner in Charitie was that good and iust man Iob , as himselfe ( to the shame of our worldlings ) confesseth : Iob. 29.12 . I deliuered the poore that cried , and fatherlesse , and him that had none to helpe him : I was eyes to the blinde , and feete to the lame . O I feare me , that wee haue many that beholde pictures , looke one Caesars picture their coyne : but few that looke on , or like this picture of Charitie , Prou. 22.9 . or haue a good eie , that be charitable to the poore . Leuit. 16. The Leuiticall Priest entred once a yeare into the holiest place : and the Romanes noted such as once yearely entred not into their Templum Misericordiae . Thus deale our rich Cormorants in exercising Charitie , they once by the yeare perhaps respect the poore ; nay , once in their liues ; like the Swine , which is profitable at his death , or with the Mole , which seeth onely at her end , they at their deaths thinke they purchase heauen by a halfepenie dole , or a Christmas dinner . O blessed Brethren , and Christian Countrimen , to wooe you from contempt of the poore , ( for there is no comparison betwixt this charitable Citie , and the hard Countrey . ) Remember this one thing , Manas pauperis est gazophylacium Christi , & quicquid pauper accipit , Christus acceptat . i. The poore mans hand is Christs treasurie , and looke , what the poore receiueth , Christ accepteth . Is the poore mans hand Christes treasurie ? Is the poore mans boxe his Exchequer ? O I feare me , Christ hath a poore stocke , an emptie Chest full of thankes in the one end , and stuffed with God helpe thee in the other , but not a pennie to supplie necessitie . Iames 2.16 .

Besides , and beyond all this to stirre yee vp to Charitie , and to draw you from Sodoms sinne , contempt of the poore : I remember , that the Apostle specifieth three christian vertues or sisters , 1. Cor. 13.13 . which all at once came downe from heauen to get themselues husbands on earth among the sonnes of GOD Faith , Gene. 6.2 . Hope and Charitie . The elder sister Faith , sought her husband a great while , & found none to her liking , vntill at last shee met and marched with Abraham , by whom shee had many children , and since that time hee is called the Father of the faithfull . Rom. 4.16 . Hope the younger sister went somewhat longer vnsped , many cast an eie on Hope , and fed their fancies by Hope , but none could away to liue onely in Hope . At last comes Dauid , and hee without feare , distrust , or delay , contracteth himselfe , and marrieth with Hope : and shee proued so sweete a spouse , and comfortable a wife vnto him , and so faithfull a helper in all his troubles , persecutions and miseries , as hee onely receiued comfort by her : yet my soule keepe thou silence vnto God , for my hope is in him . Psal 62.5.65.5.146.5 . And againe , O thou the hope of all the ends of the earth : And againe , Blessed is hee , whose hope is in the Lord his God . And againe , Psal. 142.5 . I hope to see the Lord in the Land of the liuing . But for the yongest sister Charitie , who was fairest but poorest , who had the best proportion and worst portion , shee wandreth still vp and downe and findeth none that either minde her , or shee hath a minde vnto . This poore soule , Charitie is yet on her pilgrimage , shee trauelleth from land to land , from nation to nation , from house to house , from doore to doore , and no man entertaineth Charitie , haec quia pauper erat . If Charitie come to the great and Noblemans gate , a grimme Porter presently terrifieth her . If shee come to the Merchants doore , either a minsing maide , or a surly Seruingman rebukes her . If shee chance to rap at the Porch of the Countrey Gentlemans manner-house , the Dawes from the Chimney toppe make her answere , Solitudo ante ostium , there is cold cheare , when nobody keepeth house . If Charitie knocke at the Clergies dore , O shee troubleth Sir Iohn at his Booke , with her Pater noster , and so the prouerbe is verified , No pennie , No Pater noster . If shee stumble on the Lawyers threshold , he giueth her something to couer her nakednesse , and sendeth her away with a statute lace for a largis . If shee trie farther the Physitions hospitality , he perhaps tendering her health least shee should surfeit , purgeth Charitie with a bitter pill of contempt , or a spoonefull of diet drinke with God helpe . And thus in all estates , and conditions of people , Charitie is contemned and excluded : Charity is reiected and abhorred ; and no maruaile then , if Charity be cold , when neither winter nor summer , in court or countrie , citie or village , any man vouchsafeth Charity one nights lodging . O Lord , lay not this sinne , Contempt of the poore to the charge of rich men . And this sinne it brought couetousnesse , oppression , vsury , iniustice , extortion , fraud and iniury , and where the poore is not releeued , God is little beleeued .

What shall wee say then ? Shall we accuse Sodome , and excuse our selues ? Were the Citizens of Sodome greater sinners then we ? I must answere with the Messiah , I say nay , except yee repent , Luke 13.3 . ye shall all perish . For let vs weigh their sinnes and ours in an equall ballance , and iumpe both of them together vpon the weights , and trie which is heauiest ; and cast them vp all in a grosse summe , and see , which are most in number . What shall I speake of oathes , blasphemies , and swearing in Faires , and Shops in bargaining ; yea , among Children in the streetes who can sooner and more readily sweare by the name of God , then they can tell their owne names . Are not wee as bad as Sodome ?

What shall I speake of profaning the Lords Saboath , by idle walking in fields , and drinking in obscure corners , whilst the food of our soules is in distributing ? Is not this a sinne of Sodome ? For lust and secret whoredome , Prou. 30.20 . like Salomons harlot wiping our lips , as though all were well : Gene. 38.18 . Wee with Iudah difcry our selues and filthinesse by our signet , cloake , and staffe : nay , the horrible and namelesse sinne of Sodome hath poisoned some . And are we inferiour to Sodom ? For falshood , deceit , flattery , dissimulation , crueltie , and vsurie , wee can boldly say with Iob. Our iniquitie is sealed vp in bagges : Iob. 14.17 . and this age goeth farre beyond Sodome . Name me anie sinne , Gen. 31.19 . yea Idolatry , and you shall finde many Labans with his woodden gods , close Papists at their beades , and many illiterate Leuites playing the morrow Masse Priests in Micah his house for ten sickels of siluer by the yeare , Iud. 17.10 . a suite of apparell , meate and drinke : such are iugling Iesuites , and secret Seminaries , inueigling simple soules for their penny-father Pope : O this is at least a sinne of Sodome , and a damnable sinne of the whore of Babylon , Psal. 38.4 . the Church of Rome . So that if Dauid said of his sinnes , That they were gone ouer his head , and a burthen too heauie for him to beare , 40.12 . and moe in number then the haires of his head : O what shall we say of our sinnes ? euen with Iob. 9.20 . If I should iustifie my selfe , mine owne mouth shall condemne mee . And if God for foure sinnes thus handled Sodome by fire , O how shall hee deale with Villages and Country Townes ( sic magnis componere parua solebam ) wherein many moe sinnes , and more grieuous sinnes daily raigne , then euer did in Sodome . And surely , that God is thus forbearing , wee must acknowledge his loue and long suffering , and say with thankefull Iacob , Wee are not worthie of the least of all thy mercies . Gene. 32.10 . And now I come at last , though long , to the second part and partie of my diuision , namely in Abraham , the sympathie and feeling compassion of the faithfull for their afflicted and sinfull brethren .

It is saide of Hippocrates twinnes , that they alwaies looked each on the other , and in action imitated one another , which affection ought to be in all Christians one towards another , Rom. 12.13 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 to laugh with them that laugh , and weepe with them that weepe .

And surely , this affection and tender heart hath alwaies beene in Gods seruants ( as wee may obserue ) for Gods people , their sinnes , and punishment . Thus zealous Moises , when hee saw the people dauncing about the golden calfe , brake forth for griefe in sorrow of his soule for their sinne : Exod. 32.31 . Either spare them O Lord , or race mee out of the booke which thou hast written . Thus Samuel mourned for Sauls reiection . 1. Sam. 15 35. Thus the Prophet foreseeing in the spirit Gods iudgements hanging ouer the people for sinne , Esay 24.16 . cried out Razi li , razi li , O li: bogedim bagedu , vbeged , bogedim , bagedu , that is , My secret , my secret , woe is me : The transgressours haue offended , the transgressours haue grieuously offended . Thus was Ieremie grieued in his spirit for Israel : Iere. 8.21 . I am sore vexed for the hurt of the daughter of my people . And againe , Iere. 9.1 . O that mine head were full of waters , and mine eies a fountaine of teares , to weepe day and night for the slaine . This compassion was in his brother Prophet , Ezekiel 9.8 . Ah Lord God , wilt thou destroy all the residue of Israel , in powring out thy wrath vpon Ierusalem ? And as pitifullie complaineth Daniel , Dan. 9.16 . O Lord , according to all thy righteousnesse , I beseech thee , let thine anger , and thy wrath be turned away . Am. 7.2 . Neither was the Thecoite Heards-man behind them in commiseration , Spare I beseech thee , for who shall raise vp Iacob , for hee is small ? and so the Lord repented for this . Ion. 4.5 . Thus also Ionah solitarie in his cell and booth without the Citie-gate mourned for Niniuie . Marke 3.5 . Yea , this liuely feeling of our brethrens infirmities was in Christ hiselfe , who sorrowed for the hard heart of the Synagogue , and prophecying the desolation of Ierusalem , Luke 19.41 . he wept ouer it . And in his Maisters steps walked the Apostle Paul , who wished himselfe to be seperated from Christ , Rom. 9.3 . for his brethren his kinsemen according to the flesh . And lastly in this place , righteous Lot , 2. Pet. 2.8 . who sate at the gate of Sodom , was inwardly vexed for the Citizens sinnes , and punishments menaced by God for the same .

Take this then ( blessed Brethren ) for a manifest signe of the childe of God , and a true marke of a good man , to be sory for his brethren , and to grieue at their punishment for sinne . But where shall wee single out amongst the sonnes of Adam a compassionate Abraham ? an humble suiter for Sodome ? or a man sorrowing for sinne in another ? Hagar indeed mourned for Ismael , Iacob for Ioseph : Ioseph for Beniamin , the Israelitish virgins for Iephthaes daughter , Marie for Lazarus , and we for the deceasse and departure of our friends , & hinc illae lachrymae . But if wee see our brother , neighbour , or familiar , to be a vitious liuer , wedded to wickednesse , and sunke in sinne , we salue it vp with Humanum est , so that now adaies sinne in young men is nothing but a tricke of youth , and in ould men an infirmitie of age , and heere is all the reckoning wee make of sinne . Cato the graue Senator of Rome was obserued neuer to laugh , but once , and that was , when he espied out of his casement an Asse eating thistles , that the sencelesse beast should take pleasure in pricks , which should haue been spurres vnto him to take paines . So we , seeing our brethren eating vp sinne as bread , and drinking iniquitie as water , rather laugh with Democritus at their follies , then with Heraclytus lament their faults . Shall I speake plainely ? Those , that make a Maygame of sinne in others , laughing at a drunkard in the channell , applauding a swaggerer in his blasphemies , and as Dauid saith , Psal. 50.28 . running with a theefe , and taking part with the adulterer : they are brethren to cursed Cham , Gen. 9.22 . who seeing his aged father in a drunken fitte , blabbed it to his brethren in derision and contempt , when rather he should haue concealed it and sorrowed for it .

The Elephant , as naturall Historie testifieth , if he meete a wounded person wandring in the wildernesse , safely conducteth him therein : and the like is fathered on the Dolphine , who , when Arion was cast into the Sea , speedily conueyed him to the shore . I could wish , that after the president of our father Abraham in this place towards sinfull Sodome , we were either Elephants or Dolphins in sparke of good nature one to another , when rather wee seeme Lions and Dogs : to pity one another , to sorrow for anothers sinne , and to pray one for another . The neighbourly Samaritane , Luke 10.34 . to the poore passenger may teach vs this lesson : his wounds resemble afflicted finners : his descension from Ierusalem to Iericho , his fallng from the Church of God , his spoiling by theeues , sinners ouerthrow by Sathan : The Priest and Leuite , which went aloofe , Sunt mali Ecclesiae ministri , saith Lyra , Curantes tantum de leuatione pecuniae , non sanatione culpae . Like our Romish Priests , which ease a man of his money , but neuer heale his sin , or helpe his soule . Now the good straunger , Infundens oleum misericordiae & vinum iustitiae : It is any good man mooued in pittie and piety at a sinners wretched estate , who powreth in the oile of commiseration , and wine of rightcousnes , and vseth all meanes possible to reclaime him , and cure his infirmities .

To this purpose tendeth the counsell of the Apostle : Beare yea one anothers burden . And as Christ stretched forth his hand , Gal. 6.2 . and caught fast hold on Peter , when hee was ready through weaknes to sinkeon the sea : So ought wee towards our sinfull brethren , ouerwhelmed with the waues of wickednesse , to haue compassion on them , to lament their desperate condition : and by our good aduise and counsell , and comfort out of the word of God to saue their soules : and this is to shew our selues with Abraham heere , to be the children of Abraham .

Saint Augustine greatly approueth this worke , and thus perswadeth vnto it : Piaest illa tristitia alienis vitijs ingemiscere , non adhaerere : contristari , non implicari : dolore contrahi , non attraht . This is godly sorrow indeede to pittie mens sinnes , not to be polluted by them : to sorow for them , not to sinke in them : to be withdrawne in dolour , not drawne vnto them by delight . And when I consider , how backward we are in this point of Christianitie , to haue a patheticall feeling and liuely touch of a sinfull mans miserie , and an inward griefe for iudgements due for their sinnes : Then I remember Saint Bernard his complaint in his time for such defect of dnetie among men : Cadit asinus , & est qui subleuet : per it anima , & non est , qui curet , First the Asse falleth into the ditch , and hee findeth a helper by and by : but the sinfull soule perisheth , and no man taketh care . And herein we are like the base minded Gergesenes , who had more care ouer their swine , Matth. 8.25 . then their soules . O blessed brethren and Christian Citizens , this one sin want of compassion and brotherly affection hath possessed head and taile , better and worse , and all conditions and callings . Esa. 9.15 . O where shall wee find a lamenter of sinne , a reprehender of sinne , a mourner for iudgement , executed for sinne , a reclaimer of sinners , or with Abraham a pitifull petitioner to God for sinfull Sodome ? The indulgent parent ioyeth in his lewde children , and applaudeth his prodigall Absalon , as olde Eli did his sonnes , and thinketh all well without any contradiction or correction of their sins , The pampering mother glorieth in her proude darling , delighteth in her pride , and maintaineth her in all lasciuiousnes , as Herodias did her dauncing tripped Salomon , and findeth no fault in sinning . Looke further among all sortes of men , and see how remisse euery man is in this point , to reclaime his neighbour , to reprehend his brother , or to rebuke a sinfull person . Yea , this sinne of flattering men in sinne is now adaies gone so far , and hath infected so many : as it is sometimes found in the house of Leui , and in the Schooles of the Prophets , and against this God crieth out in high discontent : Ierem. 8.11 . From the Prophet to the Priest euery man dealeth falsely , for they haue healed the hurt of the daughter of my people with sweet words , saying Shalom , Shalom , Veen Shalom , Peace , peace , and there is no peace . And surely ( blessed beloued ) as it is odious in the sight of God : so it is hatefull to euery good man , when a mealy mouth Minister shall superficially and nicely glaunce ouer sinne , as men walke onice . When Ministers ( who ought to bee Boanerges the sonnes of thunder , as Christ called Iames and Iohn , ) Marke 3.17 . when they , I say , shall either feare with smoothing Zidkijah to speake the truth , 1. King . 22.24 . or forbeare with white-liuered Amaziah to rip vp the bowell of sinne : Am. 7.13 . I make no better of such temporizers , then of forsworne and vnconscionable Country Church-wardens , who praesent Omnia benè , when all the parish is out of square . Iob vtterly misliked this , Iob 32.22 . I may not giue titles to man , least my maker take me away suddenly . And the Apostle was afraid thereof , If I should please men , Galy . 10. I were not the seruant of Christ .

Let vs all then ( Blessed brethren ) imitate the life of our faithfull father Abraham : let vs with him sorrow and grieue for our sinfull brethren : let vs with Abraham pray for Sodom : and let vs after the example of Abraham entreat God , and labour him by continuall praiers to be mercifull to sinners . And herein we shall performe that excellent worke commended by the sonne of wisedome Solomon : Pro. 11.30 . Lekak Nepashoth Kakam , i. He is wise , that winneth Soules . To fold vp this part in a narrow plaite , and to winde vp in a word : there is no such manifest signe of true loue , and godly friendship among men , as one to finde fault with another for sinne , and to rebuke a friend for his inordinate life . And therefore howsoeuer Scipio distasted Bias in opinion , Ama , tanquam osurus : I take his meaning thus , that wee ought so to loue a friend , as therewithall we should hate his bad conditions , & embrace the man , but hate his manners : and this is the priuate duty of one towards another , and a Christian office , which ought to bee found in the heritage of Iacob . And among many morall praecepts and ciuill Lawes established by God himselfe in the common wealth of Israell , this was enacted for one : Leuit. 19.17 . Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart , but thou shalt plainely rebuke thy neighbour , and suffer not sinne vpon him . And the Apostle hath a worthy saying . Acknowledge your faults one to another , Iames 5.16 . and pray one for another , that ye may be healed : For the praier of the righteous auaileth much , if it be feruent . Salomon shutteth it vp thus : Pro. 27.5 . Open rebuke is better then secret loue . But more plaine is the holy Ghost by the Prophet : Shubu , Vehashebu , Returne , Eze. 13.30 . and cause others to returne : and that man , which returneth himselfe to the Lord , and with him maketh others to returne : hee mav sit downe and say with ould Iacob ioyfull of Iosephs life . Rab , I haue ynough . Gen. 45.25 .

Thus at last I come to the last part , namely , in Sodome , wherein ten righteous persons could not bee found ) the small number of the elect , and fewnesse of good and faithfull men in the Church . The estate and condition of the Church of God is elegantly set foorth by the princely Preacher of Israel Solomon : Eccle. 9.14 . A little Citie and few men in it &c. This small City with few men in it representeth the Church militant on earth , which is daily assaulted by the strong man vp in armes Sathan , Luke 11.21 . and was deliuered by the pollicy of the poore wiseman Iesus Christ , Colos. 2.3 . and yet none is thank full for his paines , hardly one to tenne , as it fell out among the leapers . So that whereas Babylon is said to bee a great City , Luke 17.17 . and Niniuy to bee very spatious ; Dan. 4.28 . forty and odde miles about : Iob. 1.2 . yet the Church of God is but a little one , and as it is small , so there be but a few therein . This was apparent in all ages , that most in the world were badde , and that the Kingdome of Sathan alwaies exceeded Gods . At the deluge the wickednesse of man was great , and the whole world corrupt , and there were onely eight , that found grace in the sight of the Lord . Iust Ioseph in Aegypt , tanquam Rosa inter spinas , as a rate rose among a world of thornes . Iob in the land of Huz , a blacke Swanne , to keepe himselfe vpright in an heathen Nation . Nicodemus the night-walker , with Ioseph of Arimathea , and a small handfull of others in the whole Synagogue of the Iewes . And in this City of Sodom ( besides Lot and his houshould ) God apposed citie and suburbs with the number of tenne . The Arke of Noah praefigured this paucity and defect of the faithfull , and of such as should bee saued in the Church , when the number of vncleane beasts exceeded the number of the cleane . And euen in these daies , when the whole world swarmeth with multitudes of people , and men surpasse in number the moates in the sunne , and sands on the shore . If GOD should looke from heauen , Psalm. 14.3 . or come in progresse to iudgement , hee shall finde but a few good , hardly fifty in a Citty , tenne in a Corporation three in a village , two in a house good : nay , I feare mee greatly we would send him away discontent , as from Sodome , for want of ten righteous persons , and cut him short of his tith . It is no meruaile then , if God call his Church a Vineyard , Isay 5. Psalm. 80.8 . which is but a small spot , and a little plot in respect of the slender quantity of vines , which it containeth and euill quality of grapes , which it affordeth .

The ancient Hebrewes giue an ingenious and exquisite reason , why the great name of God 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is written almost in all nations and tongues , onely with foure letters . The Iewes call him Iehouah , the Grecians 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the Latinists Deus , the Aegyptians Thewt , the Persians Syros , the Arabians Alla , the French Dieu , the Germans Gott : to import , that in the foure parts of the world both to the Iew and Gentile , his name is known , and that God hath his Church euery where : and if not tenne , as in Sodome , yet can hee find some , which bee his , although they bee of no note or account in the world : Rom. 11.5 . There is a remnant through the election of Grace . This was that comfortable answere , which God gaue to iealous Elijah , when hee was out of all heart for the small number of Gods Children . I can find seuen thousand in Israell , 1. Kings . 9.18 . that neuer bent knee to Baal , or kissed him with their mouth ; So likewise the seede , Matth. 13.8 . that was sowne in foure seuerall grounds , the fourth part of it tooke root and fructified : 1. Cor. 3.6 . and wheresoeuer Paul planteth , or Apollo watereth , all labour is not lost , in some God will giue increase , and among an heape of hearers God hath a secret number , which are his . The Apostle Paul affirmeth , that not onely a small number are elect : but hee sheweth also , of what manner they be , which are of Gods Church . Not many wise and mighty after the flesh are called , but poore and vile , and things which are not . And Herome considering this , said : Eplchecula pauper cula Ecclesin , The Church consisteth of the simplest sort meauest men .

Now then as in the ouerthrow of Sodome , Lot secured himselfe in the little Citie , Bela or Zoar for his sanctuary , Gen. 19.20 . and so escaped Gods vengeance and punishment : So ( right Honourable , right Worshipfull and blessed Brethren ) . 2 Thess. 2.1 . I beseech and exhort you by the comming of our Lord Iesus , and by our assembling vnto him , that your conuersation bee holie , and in godlinesse : that whensoeuer the Lord shall threaten storme and tempest vpon sinners , of fire and brimstome , as on Sodom : we may bee assured of little Zoor for our refuge and receptacle , that Gods Church may bee our defence : that we be sure , we be not onely of Israel , Rom. 9.6 . but Israel , members of the Church , and in the small number of Gods elect . This was the daily praier and meditation of Nazianze .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Quaere ratem Noae , vt mortis discrimina vitem .

So that without this Arke of Gods Church there is no safety in this life , nor saluation in the next .

Non Deus huic Pater est , cui non Ecclesia mater .

Among all the heauenly and powerfull wordes which proceeded from the Mcssiah , there is none in my minde more motine , or stirring to make a man mindfull of himselfe , then this ; Many are called , but few are chosen . Mat. 20.16 . And verily a right bad man , if he well and rightly consider this point , the small number of the elect , and those that shall be saued : it will make him cry out with Balaam ; Let my soule die the death of the righteous , Num. 23.10 . and let my last end bee like his . Praeclara rara , choise things are most rare , as we may obserue in nature . Of ordinary stones there are store , but pretious stones are scan : vnprofitable herbes grow euery where , but g●aine and flowers more sparingly : and in the Church there bee many , but few which are Gods , many vessels , but few of honor : & therefore our Sauiour encourageth his handfull and small company : Luke 12.32 . Feare not little flocke There is one speech vtterd by the Apostle , which as often as I thinke on , so oft doe I feare , and tremble : Rom. 9.28 . The Lord will make a short count on the Earth . Where there is a small flocke , a short count will serue the turne . A Bill of few parcels is soone summed : And the complete number both of the elect and castawaies being knowne before hand to the Lord : the audit at the day of iudgement will bee very short , and hee will make a quicke dispatch at the generall Assise of the glorious Resurrection when he shall giue sentence of life and death .

Fathers , Men , and Brethren , and all yee , ( that heare mee this day ) there is none here present , but he assureth himselfe , that his name is registred in the Booke of life : eueric man hopeth to be saued : Saluation is the golden Bell , for which we all runne : Saluation is the marke , whereat wee all aime : and euerie man hath one foot ( as hee thinkes ) alreadie in Heauen . To encourage all , and to exanimate none in their course , a man may easily resolue himselfe , whether he be in the right way , or no : in the high way towards Heauen , and so consequently know also , if hee bee in the number of the elect , by that direction and rule taught by our Saufour : Mate . 7.13 . Enter in at the straight gate , for it is the wide gate and broadway , that leadeth to destruction , and many there bee , which goe in thereat : Because the gate is straight , and the way narrow , that leadeth vnto life , and few there he that finde it . Heere are proposed two waies , and two gates , which all the world walke in and enter in at , the wide gate and broad way , the narrow way , and straight gate . The first is the broad cart-way , and wide staring gate , which leadeth to Hell , and a blind man may hit it , and many goe thither . The other is a little foot-path scarce beaten , and a straight portall to Heauen , and a farre traueller often misseth it , and this is found of very few . Note as Saint Paul said to his , so I to you , 2. Cor. 13.5 . Proue and examine your selues , which of these two waies ye walke in , and which of these two dores ye looke within : and then shall it be seene , whether yee bee in the number of most and worst , or in the number of fewest and best , and whether yee shall be saued or damned .

Doest thou walke in the old way , which is the good way ? Ier. 6.16 . Art thou strict and precise in fasting and praying ? Ephes. 6.14 . Art thou straight girt about with verity , Apoc. 1.13 . and the goulden girdle of continencie ? Psal. 119. Doest thou narrowlie keepe thy feete from euery euill way , that thou maiest obserue the word ? Doest thou not follow a multitude to doe euill , Exod. 23.2 . nor the world by the broad way , and wide gate ? Iosu. 20.13 . Doest thou set downe thy rest with Iosuah , I and my house will serue the Lord ? O this is a signe , that thou art the childe of God , and booked among the number of the elect , and that thou art s●aled for the seruant of God in thy forehead among the Tribes of the children of Israel . The more I consider this point , that the whole City of Sodome could not affoord tenne righteous persons , and how small a number there is in Gods Church predestinated to saluation : when I thinke , that the huge Monarchy of Sathan farre exceedes the little Aristocratie of God : how at the last day Hell shall be thrunged and crowded full of repronates , and heauen empty in comparison , and few saued : So long am I bound hand and foote from sinning , and sinne all this while hath no power to raigne in my morniall body , and this was the heauenly vow and diuine meditation of Anselmus : Si hinepeccatum , & illina infernum habereus , ac vni corum necessriò immergi deberem : priùs me in infernum demergerem , antequam peccatum committerem . If ( saith he ) Hell were on one side , and Sinne on the other , and that perforce I must into one of them : I would first , runne headlong into Hel , before that I would meddle with sinne . O sanctified soule ! O mortified breast ! how farre doe wee digresse from this reuerent aduertisment , of this blessed Saint ?

To temper all my speech by the time , I will make my conclusion an exhorration , drawne out of Christs Sermon concerning his second comming to iudgement : Luke 17.34 . wherein hee warneth vs to be watchfull and carefull , and not secure or dissolute , as in the daies of Noah . For ( saith he ) two shall bee in one bed , the one receiued , the other left : two in the field , one receiued , and his fellow forsaken : And seeing at the comming of the Sonne of man in his glorie there shall bee a seperation , Matt. 25.32 . either on the right hand for sheepe , or on the left hand for goates : Let vs all I beseech you , striue and endeauour to be numbred among those that shall bee receiued : and that wee may be counted sheepe of the Lords hand and people of his pasture , like Iacobs coloured sheepe : Gen. 20 41. Cant. 1.7 . let vs get vs forth by the tents of the shepheards .

First , therefore as yee haue heard ( Blessed Beloued ) of the longanimity , long-suffering and patience of the Lord in executing iudgement , and punishing sinne in his forbearance of Sodome , with which hee would in no wise haue dealt rigorously : Let vs all bee warned heereby , how wee abuse Gods goodnesse and clemency , by praesumption of mercy , delay of repentance , and contempt of his menaces : Let vs not despise the riches of his bountifulnesse , Rom. 2.4 . but know that the bountifulnesse of God leadeth thee to repentance .

Secondly , in Abraham , who became an humble suter to God for Sodome : Let vs as the children of Abraham , when wee see our brethren sunke in sinne , loose in life , and that they haue sold themselues to worke wickednesse ( as it was said of Achab : ) Let vs sorrow for them , 1. King 21. pray to God for them , and vse all meanes to conuert them : and let vs with the mercifull father make merry at the returne of our prodigall brother , Luke 16.10 . and with the blessed Angels reioyce at the conuersion of a sinner .

Lastly , in that the whole Citie of Sodome , was stalled with tenne good men , and could not yeeld them to God , let populous Cities and great places make sure , that there may alwaies bee found among them a righteous Lot , and aboue the number of tenne , yea rather tenne thousand recorded in the writing of the house of Israel . And let priuate families , and euerie houshold take heede , that when the Lord shall come at his generall visitation through our streetes , and passe along by our houses , that then the postes of our dores bee sound sprinkled with the blood of the ●ambe , that so God may stalke vs , and that the plague of destruction may passe ouer our heads . Yea , let vs all with faithfull Rahab display out of our windowes a redde carnation ribbin died in the blood of Iesus Christ , that God may thereby know vs , and haue mercy on vs at his comming to dissolue the World . That then wee may bee taken vp from the tents of Keder , and out of this vale of miserie , to bee infranchized Cittizens in the holie Citie of new and true Ierusalem , where ( as Augustine speaketh ) the King is verity , Law is Charity , Dignity is Aequitie , Peace Felicity , Life aeternity .

Graunt ( deare Father ) wee beseech thee , these and 〈◊〉 other things necessary both for our bodies and soules in this life and the next , euen for thy Sonne Iesus Christ his sake our Sauiour , to whom with thee and the holy Ghost in Trinitie , bee all power , praise , glory , thanksgiuing , and dominion in vnity now and for euer . Amen .

FINIS .