saving good For Motive 1. Let us consider the awfulness of the Judgement it self this is none of those ordinary dispensations of Gods Providence which are frequent and usual in the world to be sure not among us it is no common sickness and calamity and yet if it had been no more it had been our duty to have wisely considered it and given attention to the voice of it but it is extraordinary and stupendious it is not usuall for God to give Satan such liberty and power so to rack and torture so to hurry and perplex poor creatures and therefore something is in special to be learned by us when God thus leaves the common track and comes in so unwonted a way of Judgement 2. Consider how nearly we are related unto it above other in the Land there is a voice in it to the whole Land but in a more especial manner to poor 〈◊〉 it is not a Judgement afar off but it is near us yea among us God hath in his wisdome singled out this poor Town out of all others in this Wilderness to dispense such an amazing Providence in and therefore let us make a more near and special use of it Let us look upon our selves to be set up as a 〈◊〉 upon a Hill by this Providence and let those that hear what hath been done among us hear also of the good effects and reformation it hath wrought among us 3. Consider what advantage we have above others to be affected with it others indeed may hear of it relations may be carried from one place to another and that may affect yet not so much as when it is seen Why we may say as Job I have heard of thee with the hearing of the ear but now mine eye sees thee Reports may be carried various and that may wound a great part of the credit of it abroad in the world as not knowing how or where to fasten their belief however when never so truly reported it cannot carry the life of the thing with it but we have seen yea seen such things as one would think might melt or break an heart of stone we may carry about with us every day the very pourtraicture of those Hellish and Diabolicall Cruelties those strange Gestures those dreadful Voices and therefore if we be not awed and affected by it who should 4. Consider how said it will be for us if we be not awed and affected with this Judgement if we learn nothing by it Oh how much will God have against us above others the nearer he hath come to us and the more we are concerned in it and the louder the Cry hath been to us wiâ—l all have their particular weight to increase our condemnation God will lay every circumstance to our charge and as he hath singularly revealed his minde to us in it so he will have a singular provocation by it Oh! little do we know how much this providence slighted and misimproved will adde to the weight of our sins and increase of our woes Let it then be a solemn lesson to teach us Righteousness For Direction First Let us all in general learn something by it let it afford us some practical conclusions which may be for our use and benefit to instruct and teach us in wayes of Righteousness namely 1. Learn by it that Satan is busie in places of Gospel light to seduce and draw away Souls from attending the means of grace The Light of the Gospel doth not clear and free places from Satan or his bold Temptations these infernal Spirits of darkness will come thither and there endeavour to raise mists and fogs to seduce souls and therefore let us learn not to live securely under the enjoyment of the Gospel of grace but to spend our time of sojourning herâ— in holy fear 2. That there is no place free no not the House of God from Satans Temptations when thou art in Gods House and thy bodily presence to attend the Ordinances the dispensing of the Gospel Satan will come thither as he often did to this poor creature he will do all he can to steal away thy minde and meditation he will begin a parly with thee that shall last as long as the Sermon and thou shalt go away without receiving one word of instruction Oh how can he please thy fancy and delude thy soul and therefore let it awaken thee to be careful to keep thy foot when thou comest to the house of God if thou wouldest not offer the sacrifice of fools Eccles 5. 1. The feet of the soul are the Affections learn to be more watchful over them to keep them from wandring lest Satan meet and make a prey of them and so stâ—al away the seed of the Word from thee 3. That discontent layes us exceeding open to the assaults of Satan and gives him more then ordinary advantage to make discoveries of himself to us little do we know how we do as it were invite the Devil by it In any Government discontented persons are fittest for Traytors to work upon by discontent we discover a weariness of Gods Government and therefore Satan is emboldened by it to come yea to make his Apparitions and strike in to the drawing over of poor creatures to enter a Covenant of Rebellion with him and a wonder it is if any at such a time escape Learn we therefore to be more watchfull over our own hearts beware how we give any way to secret uprisings against the Providence of God 4. That this world would be a sad place to live in if it were not for Gods over-ruling Providence Oh how busie is the Devil that great Adversary of Souls and how full is he of Cruelty did not God restrain his rage he would soon make poor Mortals incapable of living here below By the Claw you may judge of the Lion We finde in Jobs case he goes to the outside of his Commission and here you have a lively spectacle of his venome and spight Oh then let it awaken us to see by whom we are every day preserved and protected from the rage of Devils God onely Alas what were we in the hands of these infernal Powers if Gods Omnipotency did not restrain them Let this make God more glorious in our eyes 5. That there is no safety but under the wings of the Lord Jesus Christ he onely is the strong man that can secure us from the possession of Satan Satan rules and reigns in this world and you see how much power he holds over the children of disobedience And therefore learn hence both to bless God for Christ Jesus who came into the world to destroy the works of the Devil had he not come to set up his Kingdome in this world the Devil would have reigned Lord and King in all Souls he onely is able to dispossess the strength and uncastle the Powers of Hell as also to fly under the wings of this Redeemer for safeguard that we may be freed from these
in forgetfulness came afresh into his memory 3. Hence they are to put the creature into fear of the same wrath and terror as Scholars when they see their Master take the rod in hand to punish offendors every one presently considers what his faults have been and if he have been tardy he stands quivering and quaking fearfully expecting when his time and turn will come to be called forth 4. Now the soul is put upon the study and consideration how to prevent and escape severe and like plagues now he be-thinks himself of making his peace of coming and seeking a pardon for fear least by obstinacy he bring himself to ruine 5. Now the creature is alarm'd to Repentance he had calls before but those he regarded not but now he sees there is no longer delaying and playing with the threatnings of God and now if ever is the soul in a likely way to be reclaimed Use Of counsel and exhortation to us in the words of the Text go to Shiloh c. In the prosecution of which use I shall 1. Bring you to Shiloh and shew you what God did to it and for what 2. Draw some useful instructions from the consideration of Shiloh and press them in a few words of counsel I. Then go to Shiloh and here consider 1. What Shiloh was 2. What were their sins 3. Gods judgments on it 1. What Shiloh was we have it in the words of the Text in two things 1. It was Gods place i. e. a peculiar place which he had chosen to himself his chief place 2. It was the place where God set his name at the first i. e. It was the first Tent or Tabernacle where God set up his Ordinances and called his name upon it after he had given to his people Israel possession of the land of Canaan as we shall find in Joshua 18. 1. here it was that after the Arke had been unsettled for 40 years and upward in the wilderness God first chose it a fixed place here was God worshiped first-after he had granted a settlement to his people Israel The Tabernacle was a Testimony of Gods presence with his people hither the Tribes came up to worship here it was that God manifested his great glory by this it was that God declared Israel to be a peculiar people to himself so that Shiloh was not only a part of Godâ— dwelling place for so were all the Tribes nor only a habitation of Gods people for so were all other Cities Towns and Villages where Israel dwelt but it was the place of Gods manifesting himself to his peole his especial habitation 2. What was the wickedness of Shiloh for the Lord shews that it was for that that he did that to it which he had done Text now we shall see the sin of Shâ—loh if we look into 1 Sam. 2. 12. c. which was the sin of the Priests in contemning the Ordinances of God giving an evil example to the people and enriching themselves in a way of abuse of Gods Institutions and thereby discouraging the people from serving of God and of Eli in bearing with the wickedness and not severely punishing the sin of his sons which God interprets as a preferring them before him ver 21. c. and Psal 78. 41. to 60. where their horrible ingratitude in forgetting Gods mercies and woful-Idolatry is declared this was Israels sin the Priests and people were polluted and defiled and alienated from God there was a continuance of Ordinances and sacrifice but both abuse of Ordinances and Idolatry both in profession and practise 3. The judgments of God upon his people Israel and upon Shiloh in particular we shall find recorded in scripture what God did to it for that is the thing which God would have in especial be minded look into 1 Sam. 4. 10. 11 where you shall find the judgment denounced and more amply we shall read of the execution of it in Psal 78. 59. to 68. where we have described unto us the effects of their sins â— In alienating of Gods affections from them turning of his former love into hatred ver 59. God had formerly loved Israel they were to him a choice people tender as the apple of ones eye tenderly taken care for and fostered by him protected from evils dandled in the lap of his providence and singularly respected by him as we shall find amply related to us in Deut. 32. 7 c. But now his heart was hardned against them and his former love turned into abhorrence and detestation 2. The consequents following upon this or the tokens whereby God signified and expressed his displeasure unto them which are 1. God departed and forsook them even his own house not only the other Cities of Israel but even his own tent at Shiloh ver 60. 2. When God had left them all miseries followed ver 61. c. their crown was taken from their head and their enemies which formerly were tributary to them now lord it over them yea an universal deluge of miseries came upon them as you may there read Thus you see Shiloh once chosen by God where he set up his Ordinances made his name to dwell and shone forth in his wonderful glory forsaken by God and buryed in its own ruines altogether disowned and refused as a place of abhorrence and contempt 3. Let us consider what we may learn at Shiloh observe here even from the consideration of this example 1. That God hath no where on earth so engaged himself and his presence but that sin may drive him away where was his name greater then at Shiloh there was the Tabernacle there was the Priests and Levites serving there were daily morning and evening sacrifices thither came the tribes yearly to appear before God there were the seals of Gods Covenant yet is Shiloh deserted and destroyed Ierusalem may also witness this truth the once dwelling place of God where the Temple was the place whereof God had said this is my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it Psal 132. 14. but now behold it deserted and twice made the subject of Gods fury and not so much as the ruines of it left to testifie what it was a stone not to be found upon a stone hence therefore learn we not to promise our selves security if we be found in the ways of sin whatsoever engagement and covenant God may seem to stand bound in unto us God knows how to keep up his glory in the world though we be ruinated he can keep up a Church in the world though we be left desolate the stones of the field if he but speak the word shall rise up children of Abraham the remotest ends of the earth shall come in and the children of the Kingdom shall be thrust out let not this therefore be your rest 2. That Sion affords no more security to sinners then Sodom Shiloh is as dangerous a place to sin in as any in the world if a people in
this Providence teach both Parents and Children Here is something for both First Let it be a teaching Providence to you that are Parents do you learn Lessons of Righteousness by it 1. Let it affect you with the dangerous case and state of your poor Childrens Souls here you may see how open they are by nature to Satans temptations how they every day go in danger of those sly and subtile assaults of this politick enemy of their Souls let this lye near your hearts 2. Hence let this teach you to be careful in Educating them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord which is the onely way and means to prevent this adversary If you have hitherto been remiss learn now to be more careful and vigilant about it let it be a quickning providence to rouse you up from this neglect by teaching you the great weight of the duty even of as much moment as the precious lives of their poor souls 3. Let it teach you to begin with them betimes do not defer instructing of them too long you see Satan will set upon them early he will not delay long before he comes and useth his endeavours to draw your Childrens souls away after him and therefore if you would prevent him do not you delay but be dropping in instruction as they are able and as soon as they are able to understand any thing 4. Whithersoever they go bear a holy jealousie over them lest they should offend God and provoke him to leave them to the Devil you cannot be alwayes with them nor constantly have them under your eye but where-ever they be be sure let your hearts go along with them have a righteous fear concerning them you see Satan is ready to take all occasions to insinuate himself into them and therefore for ought you know they may have the Devil in their company let that direct your souls to heaven for them that God would look to them and preserve them Job offers Sacrifice for his Children when met in lawful recreation lest they had sinned and cursed God in their hearts Job 1. 5. 5. Be more watchful over them hereafter then you have been heretofore have a care of letting them have their swingâ— to go and come where and when they please and especially in the night be sure take an account of their business and hold your Parental Authority over them keep them within their bounds you had better bear their hard thoughts of you now then see them made vassals of Satan and left up to Gods Judgements If your Children resist or contemn your Authority the Will of God is that you should not bear with them nor spare them it is a great deal better they should live in Bridewell under restraint then in your Families at their liberty 6. See to your own lives that they be exemplary to your Children if you teach them never so carefully yet if you unteach them again by your vain conversation before them its little the better think how much advantage you put into Satans hands against your Children to draw them into sin by your example he knows well enough what a taking argument this is with Children 7. Rest not satisfied but be constant and earnest with God for your Children till you see Christ formed in them as knowing that till then they are in Satans Kingdome and under his Jurisdiction Oh what bowels of affection what earnest requests might this providence arm us withall how strong might it make us with God for our Children O pity them in a state of unregeneracy Christless souls are naked souls and therefore lye open to the enemy cease not therefore night nor day begging for them See in this providence their danger and let it quicken you to importunacy Secondly Children do you learn something hence also 1. Learn to hearken to the loving and wholesom Counsels of your Parents and not to slight or despise their Admonitions and Reproofs You see here how open you are to Satans assaults and if you will not hear God speaking to you by your Parents it is just with God to leave you to the Devil to hear him know it when your Parents speak to you and advise you for your good God speaks to you by them and if your eye despise them God may suffer these infernal Ravens and Eagles to pick it out and â—at it One would think this Monument might make you fear and tremble 2. Learn hence not to trust to your Parents Covenant or to think that you shall be saved by their Faith or by it secured from Satan it is true you may fare the better by them and for them but if you rest upon their godliness for your security you are deceived you may be the natural Children of godly Parents and yet the spiritual Children of the Devil Joh. 8. 43 44. Know it it is not enough to be the Children of godly Parents unless you do inherit their graces seek therefore that or else Satan hath you at his beck 3. Rest not upon your Parents Prayers think it not enough that your godly Parents pray for you to God and therefore you are safe true Parents Prayers are a great benefit to Children but if they be trusted to they will prove a meer delusion Abraham prayes for Ishmael but he prayes not for himself God may answer your Parents Prayers in another way they shall not lose them but yet if you rest there they may but increase your woes Let this therefore call upon you to make your own peace 4. Learn to obey your Parents in all their lawful Commands and that in obedience unto God acknowledge their authority and jurisdiction over you and though they restrain you from that which you may think to be a lawful liberty yet be obedient in all things lawful for though the thing be a matter indifferent yet if you disobey and displease your Parents in it be sure you lay your selves open to Satan III. Let it teach both the Regenerate and Vnregenerate First You that are Regenerated and brought home to God you may learn something here 1. Let this providence teach you to magnifie Gods grace that hath taken you out of Satans Kingdome and translated you into the Kingdome of his own Son When-ever we see any left by God and in any wayes in the hand of Satan and under his power how should it fill us with God-glorifying thoughts at the consideration of his wonderfull love to us Now is a time to consider who made the difference between two pieces of the same clay to remember how opposite we were to any saving good what pains God took with us what perswasions he used and how contumeliously we often handled his Spirit to consider that if his love had not carried him against our hatred had not he pitied us when we did not could not pity our selves we had yet to this day been under the dominion of Hell 2. Let it awaken you to walk worthy of your vocation you