the Lord may no more speake unto us after that manner Exod. 20.20 or in such terrible sort but rather by our actions say with those godlesse men When will the day of the Lord come Let it make haste that wee may see it Isa 5.19 c. which doth evidently demonstrate unto us that as yet we are in the number of those stubborne ones for whom the Lord hath many fearfull plagues in store And as our fearlesse carriages so our untameable actions notwithstanding of Gods judgements threatned and executed doe testifie to our faces that we are as yet a stubborne and rebellious people even surpassing men and places of extreme wickednesse Idolatrous Ahab a Tyrant and a brazen-fac'd Varlet at the denouncing of judgements against him by Elijah at the length humbled himselfe in sackcloath and ashes 1 King 21.25 26 27. Ionah 1.2 3.5 6 7 c. and became some what like a repentant Nineveh a wicked city and a place of all manner of heathenish Idolatry pride and oppression c. yet at the preaching of Jonah repented and no doubt but for a while they somewhat amended of their former courses But we have not onely plagues denounced and threatned against us but for our abominations executed upon us and yet have not we left our evill wayes nay not so much as humbled our selves for them but still look as high as ever and oppresse and tyrannize over the poore and guinde their faces by extortions and squeeze them like spunges to fill our owne bottles and proudly presume upon our owne wayes to follow them at our pleasure without controllment but in very deed such deeds as these will proclaime us wicked and will cry loud unto the Lord to cause him arise to heare the sighings and teares of the needy Psal 12.5 and come down in wrath upon us to deliver them and in the meane time while we retaine them unrepented of we may assure our selves that by them we are liable to other of Gods judgements which he hath in readinesse to powre downe upon us when he pleaseth Againe â—â—uly it is a token of small amendment when men after they have been corrected still proudly and undecently carry themselves towards the people of God and such as desire to live blamelesse amidst a crooked and froward generation I wish by examination wee could finde none such among us but there stands need of no candles to sâ—arch in corners for them seeing they are assoone to be found as flyes in Summer for daily wee may hear them railing upon nick-naming scornefully using and deriding such whose care exceeds the common sort in religious performances and what is this but a mocking of God himselfe and shamefully making it appeare that yet our hearts are estranged from the truth and that our love is yet far short of what the Lord requires towards himselfe or people for while we thus despise our brethren whom we do see how can we love our God whom we see not Alas 1 Iohn 4.20 it iâ—â—â— câ—â—â—pity that the forme corrections which we have had have wrought no more love in us or how ever have no better reformed us but that as yet we should make mocking stocks of those whom God loves O me thinkes the woefull effects that followed Ishmaels mocking of holy Isua should have deter'd us from this sin Gen. 21.9 much more when we had both his example and Gods judgements to affright us but still I say it hath not but as much bitternesse and hate is against them as ever as little love or affection to them as ever as much striving to defame them as ever as much mocking them for their holy performances as ever therefore assuredly thiâ— sin among the rest will be a further provocation to cause the Lords wrath to arise to send some other plagues besides those we have already felt upon us And if we looke againe upon our wayes by unpartiall examination we shall finde unthankfulnesse for our deliverances which God hath wrought for us among the rest of our sins which can never escape without further punishment the Lord hath in some good measure caus'd our enemies to fall from among us and hath let us see our desires upon them in a word the limbs of Antichrist are cut off and brought into subjection as much or more with us then in any place of the Kingdome yet we forget to rejoyce with an holy joy Rev. 18.20 because God hath avenged us of them or to ascribe or render salvation and glory and honour and power unto the Lord our God whose judgements are true and righteous Chap. 19.1 2 and who hath judged the great Whore and her adherents and hath avenged the bloud of his servants at her hands this wee have so fane neglected to doe that some among us are sorry it is done and few I feare esteeme of it as such a blessing as indeed it is which cannot chuse but be very displeasant to God who alwayes expects at the least thankfulnesse from those for whom he workes deliverances and ever takes notice how they doe show their thankfulnesse and if they neglect he will punish their ingratitude with other punishments Thus the Lord made a promise to David and his seed he promised that the enemy should not exact upon him c. and that he would beat dawne his foes before his face and plague those that hated him Psal 89.22 Yet saith he if his children forsake my Laws and walke not in my judgement Ver. 23. c. then will I punish their transgressions with the rod and their iniquity with stripes And that which the Lord promised there in favour Ver. 32. wee may justly expect to be performed aganist us in wrath even because we forget to render to the Lord due thankfulnesse c. that he will come upon us with other plagues to visit our neglect severely for nothing more certaine then that such a sinne at one time or other shall be punished Moreover we are to know that it is no small provocation to cause the Lord bring upon us other judgments when as now while we have time and fit opportunity without interruption or hinderance we doe not reforme those abuses in Church and State which have so long been displeasant to God and offensive to good people and for to have liberty to doe which we have so long stood ingaged in military affaires I am loath to give the least occasion of wrangling to those who hatefully and scoffingly aske what we have been doing all this time and for what did we fight c. because that Reformation which we have so long expected is not perfected But this I must needs say that I much marvell that so many needfull things which might in these parts that are freed from all apposites that are able to resist be performed are so long left undone to let passe many things and instance in one whose neglect it is
I know not but me thinkes the Churches affaires among us go very slowly forward one maine cause of our former miseries was the want and negligence of Pastours many places whose stipends were sufficient to have maintained able Ministers have through the covetousnesse of men formerly in authority beene deprived of all teaching which hath occasioned great inconveniencies And still this is no whit amended for those in authority can be content to looke over these things vvithout reforming them nay even to take the in-comes of such places and yet never looke to provide any to teach the people a fearfull neglect for I dare say untill people be better instructed vve shall finde our desires longer in performing then vve expect and if this be the vvay to instruct the ignorant it is a nevv one vvhich none of the faithfull ever knevv of and I beleeve good Nehemiah vvould have scorn'd to have done it for his chiefest care vvas to provide teachers for the people Neh. 13.10 11. and maintenance for them and for that contended vvith the Rulers and vvhy should not the like be done by us vvho pretend Reformation Besides the sloathfulnesse of Pastours vvould be looked too that they be not idle and negligent as formerly they vvere this vvas Josiahs care 2 Chron. 35. to stirre up the Priests and Levitee to the worke and this ought to be the care of men in authority but as yet it hath been carelesly neglected vvhich makes so many Ministers as yet continue in their former sloathfulnesse So likevvise hovv many prophane or ill-affected Ministers are removed have vve not still drunkards câ—rders swearers and all manner of levvd livers and scandalous persons in the Ministry though they vvallovv in impiety and by their lives and conversations might shame even honest Heathen men though by them the people can learne nothing except all manner of sinne and vvickednesse though their doings are so evill that they vvere more fit to be cast out from hearing then be set in the place of Teachers yet even such as these are still in the Ministry uncast out nay unreproved Againe those that have had a great stroake in raising these Tumults vvho have beene great sticklers in unholding the Popish Army vvho have adventered estates and lives vvith the adverse party I meane Malignants and Papists against the Gospell of Jesus Christ and those vvho have stood for it these are not onely admitted to have their liberty among us but to enter our Pulpits againe to sovv sedition among the people vvithout restraint or rebuke And as in restraining of these so in neglect of Church Discipline and the keyes for the correction of manners we are as greatly to blame every mans will is his law which makes our Assemblies full of disorders and scandalizeth our profession not a little and truely now when we have this opportunity nay and have bound our selves in a Covenant to doe it and still neglect it I know not what to thinke but truly we may justly feare that such doings will bring upon us other miseries besides these which we have already undergone for how can we but thinke that now when according to our desires the Lord hath granted us opportunity to reforme what is amisse or displeasant to him and yet we doe it not that againe he will send upon us such woefull times that if we would we cannot I wish it may not be so but I assure you we may have cause to feare it * To this adde our breach of our Covenant which we have so solemnly taken almost I thinke I may say altogether in every point the fearefulnes of which may appear by these and the like places Isa 24.1 to the 13. 33 8 9. See the Addition to the faithfull Scout Moreover with these sins already named we may put in our prophanation of the Lords-Day as a sin which unrepented of will bring other of Gods judgements upon us it is the opinion of many good men in this Kingdome that the prophanation of that Day hath beene one of the chiefest causes of our miseries and indeed to prevent this I see our Nehemiahs hath taken care * In the Directory for publike Worship Neh. 13.17.18 Si unquam futurum sit ut haec Domini nostri in externo ministerio suo praesentia auferatur id accidat propier mundi istam ingratituaâ—uem Rol in Joh. p. 579 Isa 30.9 10 11 12 13 14. but that as yet hath taken small effect among us for we as much prophane it as ever even in times of greatest liberty by drinking playing revelling riding talking of earthly affaires and doing our owne pleasures upon it c. To these parts I le say no more then Nehemiah did to the inhabitants of Jerusalem What evill thing is this that you doe and prophane the Sabbath day did not you fathers thus and our God brought all this evill upon us and upon this part of the Countrey yet ye will bring more wrath upon us by prophaning the Sabbath And as the prophaning the Sabbath so the contemning of the Word preached will help to bring forward more wrath upon us we do not secretly whisper but even openly speake against the Ministers of the Gospell despising them that are sent of the Lord and the Word preached by them carelesly refusing to heare it as if it nought concerned us hence come our seldome Lectures dayes of humiliation or Thankesgivings our sloathfulnesse at Sermons and desires to have them over c. these do testifie we contemn Gods Word and our security and loathing to heare of any thing against our pleasures proclaime that we desire not the knowledge of the Lord or any thing that may bee good for us but rather that our teachers should sooth us up in our vilde courses and speake unto us smooth things and prophecie unto us deceits c. like those stubborne and rebellious Jewes whom Isaiah speakes of against whom for that sin very fearefull judgements are threatned and without doubt this now will provoke the Lord against us for there is scarcely any sin which doth so much displease him as to have his Word and Messengers despised as I could show by many examples of his wrath executed upon divers places for this sin but I have writ of this at large in another Treatise * Called Brittaines Hicrophanta Part. 4. Chap. 21. which I purpose God assisting me to send abroad when I have a fitting time to it therefore I refer you Neither are we free from Pride which alwayes cryes loud for vengeanee for pride alwayes goes not long before destruction and the efoâ—e what wee may expect let any judge Pro. 16.18 who still carry our selves as haughtily as ever especially in those places who as yet have not felt the rage of the enemy men and women of all sorts doe there behave themselves so prou lly towards their neighbours Isa 3.16 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 as if it were pleasant
to the Lord to behold their actions the women of Jerusalem were never more haughty then ours are still compare their ornaments with the fashion of our Countrey and see if we doe not surpasse them in all manner of bravery fearfull were the judgements that the Lord threatned against them and let us not be high-minded but feare for he that is alwayes the same hath the like or worse still in store for us Againe the consideration of which may make us to tremble we are not as yet convinced for our oathes and vaine idle and wicked swearing and blaspheming and taking the Lords Name in vaine walke the streetes and without listening you may heare most horrid oathes and curses on every side and do we thinke the Lords Word is in vaine who saith He will not hold those guiltlesse that take his name in vaine And who knowes but for swearing formerly our Land was caus'd to mourne Ieâ— 23.10 and if still we continue in the same sâ—n we must needs looke for the same or the like punishment but many thinke they take not Gods name in vaine when they sweare by their faith troth by light or by bread c. but let not such deceive themselves for the◠〈…〉 God 's name in vaine and fearfully too as our Saviour tells us Mat. 5.34 35. Iam. 5.12 See Mr. Boltons Treatise call'd the Saents solfe-inriching examination Pag. 245 Ier. 5.7 Deus ostendit se quadem necessitate constringi ut tam severas poenas exigat de Iudeis c. Cal. praelect in Ier for they should not sweare at all neither by heaven nor by earth nor by Jerusalem nor by their heads c. for all these oathes are displeasant to God yea and to sweare by false gods or idolatrous things as the Masse c. is more abominable and displeasant to him and a sin which he will hardly pardon without inflicting punishments upon the offenders How shall saith the Lord I pardon thee for this thy children hath forsaken me and sworne by them that are no Gods as if he should have said There is a necessity laid upon me to punish you for should I not I should suffer my glory to be exposed to be a laughing stock to all men c. and therefore while thus we sin we may fear every moment some plague or other to be sent upon us To conclude in few words because it were too much to name all these sins that as yet are practised among us if we make but a slender search we may finde us in these parts guilty of so many crying abominations and so little true humiliation wrought in any among us that if the Lord hath variety of judgements to send among wicked and ungodly men we may conclude and thinke with our selves that he hath them in store for us for we are as yet of that number and cannot say we are free from those sinnes for which the Lord doth alwayes send sharpe and fearfull plagues CHAP. IIII. We cannot expect any Peace or Tranquillity or to be free from Gods judgements or plagues as long as we continue in our sinnes Objections answered many fearefull plagues discovered YOu have heard in what a slate and condition we are how that as yet it cannot be said that by the former corrections we have had we have any thing at all amended our wayes or humbled our selves before the Lord and that therefore we may thinke of our selves no better then to be in the number of wicked men for whom the Lord hath variety of judgements in store and not without cause may we thinke so seeing it is in vaine for wicked men to expect peace because the Spirit of God hath proclaimed openly that there is no peace to the wicked true it is it is the nature of wicked men to perswade themselves of peace though they walke according to the imaginations of their wicked wayes but that arises out of a false and ungrounded conceit that God will spare them because of some gracious promises which he hath made unto his people which presumptuously and falsly they apply unto themselves but the Lord observing this hypocrisie to be in men Deut. 29.19 denounces very fearfull judgements against them for it and saith That if there shall he such a man Ver. 20. that shall blesse himselfe in his iniquity and thinke he shall have peace though he walke c. He will not spare such a man but his anger and jealousie shall smoake against him and all the curses that are written in the bocke of the Law shall come against him and lie on him and his name shall be blotted out from under heaven Observe the place I beseech you for it concernâ— all men that are buried in security as I feare too many in these parts are who blesse themselves oftner in their iniquity then they doe God for his benefits and puts farre from them the evill day as if for ever they should enjoy peace never looking into their owne wayes or perceiving that sin hath been is and will be the cause of their disquietnesse and misery nay they so behave themselves as if God were bound to continue this peace unto them or how ever as if there could be no warre or further trouble and because there is no appearance of danger therefore they feed themselves with foolish hopes of perpetuall tranquillity as if all judgements threatned against sinners were but in jest or as if men might goe on in their folly without controlment and in their sins without punishment But I would have such to consider what they doe and be not too presumptuous or secure for in a day when perhaps they little dreame of it will Gods judgements thunder about their eares to their terrour for sin cannot escape unpunished by one judgement or another Iob. 37.12 if men will not obey the Lord They shall perish by the sword and dye without knowledge saith Elibu but I know our people are fearelesse because as they suppose all danger is past nay but that will not serve to deliver them for so long as they sin so long may they expect punishments Isa 1.20 If they refuse and rebell they shall be devoured by the sword for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it saith the Prophet Ezek. 38.22 Psal 91.5 â— Ier. 14.18 But what though the feare of the sword should be gone yet be hath pestilence to plead against men withall which walketh in darknesse and is an arrow that hilleth at nome-day Nay and if they shall escape both sword and pestilence yet he hath famine that killeth many thousands where it enters and if they by any meanes escape all these he hath still in store feare pit and share if they seeke to fly from the feare Ier. 48.43 44 they shall fall into the pit and if they get out of the pit they shall be taken in the snare while they thinke to escape one judgement they run into * Incidit
give us over to Popery hardnesse of heart Mat. 13.15 Acts 28.27.28 Luk. 3.20 Roma 21 24 26. Act. 19.9 or into a reprobate sence unnaturall uncleannesse bestiality open tyranny or to fall into Sects or Heresies c. for which these and the like crying sins he often punisheth the forenamed sins as by those places of Scripture in the Margent may appeare Againe let us not thinke that we shall escape punishment continuing in our sins seeing God may and many times doth punish men in and by those wayes and means which they take to be the comfortablest wherin they can walke as in and by their pleasures preferments wealth beauty c. yea making peace it selfe a plague and prosperity a a snare to catch them to their destruction for as one observes it is a plague to many that they are not plagued even the want of punishment is their punishment I know it is a thing desired of many to be rich and most men wish they may never be worse hurt but even wealth very oft pâ—oves no lesse hurtfull then the most fearfull plagues that ever are sent this the Apostle very well observes Those that will be rich saith he fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish and hurtfull lusts 1 Tim. 6.10 which drowne * budizousi In profundum objiciunt men in destruction and perditionâ— they suck in so much pleasure by them that they forget all other happinesse while in the meane time they are insnared by Sathan to their destruction which surely is a punishment greater then any earthly sufferings the consideration of this Pro. 30.8 9. caus'd Agur to pray so fervently that he should not be made rich for he feared wealth would exalt him cause him to forget his Maker and the Philosopher thought to make his enemies rich was the greatest displeasure he could do them indeed very oft abundance of wealth proves a great deale of trouble to the possessours of it Who would be in so much care trouble and perplexity as with rich men in these dayes of danger for in their height of pleasures feares of danger perplex them and they scarcely can take rest because of continuall molestation that so one need wish their enemy no more trouble then to be rich for they may be assured that by that meanes they shall not be without vexation Mat. 19.23 But besides the vexation riches bringeth with them on earth Defipile est stare in alta dignitate carere cogitationibus elatis Stella de contemptu mundi lib. 1. ca. 13 See Mal. 2.2 Psal 69.22 they are in danger to deprive them of those celestiall pleasures which as far surpasse those earthly vanities as heaven doth hell And what vexations doe often come by preferment and honour even when men have their whole desire in injoyment of pleasures and dignities they most commonly are either inwardly vexed or their envyed happinesse dâ—th procure unavoydable misery which likewise by God are inflicted as punishments upon them though it may be not perceived and therefore the more fearfull To be briefe who knowes but even this small time of tranquillity which now we enjoy may be made a plague unto us for if the Lord do by it give us over to security and carelesnesse we shall presently be in a very deplorable condition and yet not to be pitied because we shall not know wherein we stand need of pity thus may we be severely plagued Eccles 7.2 3. even with judgements wounding us deeply in and by the same meanes which we take to be our onely comforts and the lesse that any take notice of this the more is the plague upon him Miserius inihil est misâ—rose non miserente for sencelesnes of Gods judgments is the greatest judgement of all and how much more a man thinkes himselfe happy though he sinne and yet enjoyes all temporall pleasures so much the mo e miserable is he Let every one that reads this consider of it and observe and mark how the case is with him whether or no he perceive or finde any of these secret judgements creeping in upon him and while there is time let us all beware we doe not provoke God to send them upon us and above all let us observe how sin decreases or increases if we see men rather growing more bold in sinne eâ—ery day more then other other let us then assure our selves the plague of God is against us and just cause we may have to feare Isa 22.14 that such iniquities shall not be purged till we die Or if we see men every day more then other given over to security and pleasures and carelesse of threatnings denounced against them by the Ministers and servants of God let us then likewise feare that the Lords hand is stretched out against us But if we see none of these secret judgements nor open plagues but that we still live under Gods protection in peace and tranquillity yet let us not grow bolder in sinne See Psal 69.22 23 24 25 27 28. Let us take heed that none of those or such like judgements fall upon us but alwayes call to mind this point and feare to offend and in the midst of prosperity beseech the Lord that our table may not become a snareunto us but that we may so be delivered from curses that Gods blessings may be upon us and all we have at all times in all places upon all occasions this if we doe we shall enjoy with increase our already begun peace but continuing in sin may cause us to expect nothing but wrath for there is no peace to the wicked CHAP. V. Wee may not onely feare that God hath Judgements in store for us but that wrath in some sort shall shortly be powred downe upon us OUr unmatched security causes me to stand upon this Point longer then otherwayes I would and makes me breake order and method that if by any meanes it may this my Scout may be faithfull to give an alarm to all sorts of men that they may be stirr'd up either to prevent by unfained repentance or to prepare against further danger Let it not seeme strange to any that I more then any should be thus fearfull of that of which as yet there seems no likelihood of appearance or that I should continually strike upon this string for truly me thinkes they are either blinde or quite fearlesse or carelesse what come that see not as well as I still clouds of wrath hanging over us ready againe to dissolve into showers it pities me that so few see it or feare it and those who doe see it or at least feare it should no better take notice of it or so little take care to prevent it or prepare against it and therefore to put them in minde that forget and instruct those who know not or consider not and to let all men know the ground of my feares in this Chapter as freely as I
all this considered may serve to beat down those presumptuous vain thoughts of safety because of strong holds or any other temporall defence whatever But let us suppose that Walled Townes may free men from the stroake of War if it should be so that God should no more send the sword against those places that have already escaped have they for that cause to boast themselves in their iniquity or to presume upon freedom from punishment nay let them not doe so for God hath not his quiver so poorly furnished that he hath but one arrow or his armory so empty that he hath but one judgement but he hath many other which may by him be inflicted upon them although they escape the judgement of War how many places are consumed by fire which have escaped the ruine attending on War and seeing these things are daily heard of except they make a sanctified use of these examples they themselves are in danger to be made examples to others therefore let them take heed of security and vaine confidence in the arme of flesh seeing they know not what is reserved for them it may be when God hath given the cup of his fury to others to drink up that he will give the dregs to them to suck out most commonly those whom he long spares and on whom he hath bestowed the greatest favours those I say suffer the sorest when his judgements are once let loose against them however while men continue in their sins even the least creature is ready if commanded by God to rise up in armes against us and the least plague is sufficient punishment if but sent by God therefore let none desire againe to see the day of the Lords vengeance for it will be a gloomy day a day of darknesse and not light a day of sorrow and griefe to all that see it and feele it A fearfull thing it is to fall into the hands of God if he be provoked to wrath men may be withstood but who is able to withstand or stand before the Lord when he is angry little therefore doe they know what they doe who in a boasting manner vaunt of their strength as if they were not at all to be medled with when alas they are weak and easie to be throwne downe while they harbour within them their sins for they undermine their foundations weaken their strength and layes them open to all the miseries that fly abroad they unfortifie more then they can build up and make all the means and indeavours which are used to prevent dangers instruments to further what they should prevent they bring back againe the troubles past they cry aloud for vengeance to be poured down upon those who delight in them and at the last cause the most famousest places to be destroyed with utter destruction and overthrow Consider of this you that have been saved by your strong hold as hitherto and if you would not have your houses destroyed your wives ravished your daughters defloured your estates wasted the fire of God to consume you the pestilence to cut you off terrour to affright you in any of your habitations then repent and bewaile your sins and take warning by what you have already seen and by what you heare others doe feele and so iniquity shall not be your ruine which otherwayes will make your famous places as much disrespected as now admired and bring downe their glory Micah 6.16 and make them as a by-word and an hissing to all the earth for God will have a controversie with you Terra Sodomitica o lim tam fructibus quam substantia civitatum fortunata nuncautem omnis exust a at que habitatorum impietate fulminibus conflagrasse memoratur Josep de bellis Judaicis lib. 5. cap. 5. Luke 13.3 and will not show pity towards you as long as you harbour such a guest as he hates and will not show favour too or pity viz. Sin Thinke not to be spared for any splendour or outward beauty Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them were scituate in pleasant and fruitfull places yet for their sins were destroyed for the famousnesse of places is not regarded by God as long as within they are full of ravening and wickednesse we daily see how the sword and other of Gods judgements devoures as well one place as another and without partiality lies full low as well the lofty pallace as the humble cottage populous cities are spared no more then peoplelesse villages what therefore can more men to thinke of immunity To concludes me thinke that Doctrine laid downe so plainly without exception by him who being Truth it selfe cannot die viz. Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish should be a sufficient warning to all men to stir them up from sin and security for if men would but seriously ruminate upon it there could no objection or thought arise concerning hope of freedom from punishment which the very repeating it over would not answer and beat back how and by what meanes it is not fet downe that men may be prepared at all times and upon all occasions but if they continue in their sins without repentance that they shall perish nothing more certaine who then can say we shall escape who can promise safety to himselfe and Countrey let none cry peace when there is no peace nor let any hearken to a voyce of peace so long as the cry of sin is so loud for my part I wish this Countrey peace and I wish that all places that have not suffered may still enjoy peace and those that are free from sufferings may continue free but as yet I dare not promise to them that peace I wish them I dare not say the Lord hath said you shall no more heare the sound of the trumpet the alarme of War c. or if I could yet durst I not say the Lord had no more judgements in store for you I say I dare not say it for neither I nor any have assurance of it but rather the contrary because of the abounding of sinne in every place why should I flatter any to make them think they were in an happy condition when they are miserable why should I nuzzle men in security or make them put far from them the evill day when it may be neare at hand what I have said and will say is to stir up men from security and therefore feare the Lord for he hath still judgements in store to punish if men by their sins offend and provoke him CHAP. VIII Because God hath variety of Judgements it behooves aâ— men to prepare at all times to suffer Videntur omnia repentina graviora Tuscul Quest lib. 3. Multa sunt incommoda in vita quae sapientes commodorum compensatione leniunt Cie Sent. lib. 1. num 14. THat is alwayes the sharpest and hardest to be borne that comes suddenly before men be aware sudden falls unforeseene and feared breed great confusions and miserable events
when on the contrary men by timely foresight and preparation may either prevent or so provide that they may make the matter easie to be borne although it seeme intolerable and surely well may that man be accounted negligent of his owne safety who knowing dangers approaching fits not himselfe either to prevent or beare them and in such a case may we be said to be in these parts we heare of sundry sorts of judgements that the Lord hath in store and that there is no hiding or escaping from them therefore should we either looke out by some meanes how to prevent them or else prepare against them to suffer and undergoe them patiently Istuc est sapere non modo quodant te pedes est videre sed etiam illa quae futura sunt prospicere Terent. least comming suddenly before we be provided they be more fearfull and more intolerable And truly they doe greatly bewray their folly and carelesnesse who doe not in time doe this seeing wise men looke to provide against future dangers because they know not how soon a change may be contrary to their expectation and alwayes in things uncertaine speciall care ought to be had to provide against the worst now I say our case is uncertaine we can have no sure hold of that peace which we now enjoy true it is one storme is over but still clouds appeare and for ought we know may dissolve into showers of wrath before we be aware it were to be wished we would follow the examples of those of Pharaohs servants who feared the Lord that when the judgement of haile was denounced forthwith got home their cattle that were in the field and so had them preserved Quod possit accidere diu cogitare oporteat haec cogitatio una maxima omnes molestias extenuit diluit Cic. Tusc Quest lib. 3. when those who beleeved not had their cattle all destroyed with the tempest for why may it not thus happen to us yea it may to our discomfort therefore let us watch and be prepared far better it will be to say when afflictions come with holy * Job 3.25 Job That which we feared is come upon us â—hen to say that which we never thought is come upon us for when a thing is long feared when it doth come it is no more then was expected and so patiently undergone but when it is not feared the suddennesse of it makes it grievous An approaching enemy doth nothing dismay a well-armed and ordered army which with expectation stands ready for an assault when on the contrary a sudden assault made upon an army in disorder strikes not onely terrour at the first but at last brings confusion and overthrow A man cloathing himselfe against a storme feares not although it come when another deceived by the seeming fairnesse of the day not carrying his cloake fares hardly in a storm it is even thus by men unprepared when jugdements come if they have provided then the approaching of them doe nothing dismay them but if not then how hardly will they seeme though but momentary What is said of death that the remembrance of it is grievous Eccles 41.1 and bitter to a man that is in rest in his possâ—ssions may be truely said of the judgements of the Lord to men in security and unprepared the very thought of them are grievous how much more to undergoe them How hard would it goe now with many suddenly before they were aware to be set upon by losse of goods friends children or such things as are neare and dear unto them and yet how soon this may be none knowes Jobs miseries came all upon him at once at such a time when he little expected for it was upon a day of Feasting if therefore he had not been well prepared and furnished with patience it would have gone very hard with him and yet seeing he had formerly feared such a thing and so did as it were expect it when it came he could be as well content to praise the Lord for it as for better contrary to his mind was his unstable wife who would have had him to have cursed God and contrary were these spoken of in the Revelations who in the time of affliction through impatience bite their tongues and blaspheme God verifying that saying of the Wiseman Pro. 19.3 The foolishnesse of man perverteth his way and his heart fretteth against the Lord. These having not provided patience how murmuringly they undergoe the Lords afflictions now let any judge whether Jobs patience be not more seemly then such impatience and by that consider whether it be not better to prepare then to live in security and that chiefly when they know not what may befall them Or if men will not yet prepare to suffer by other mens examples yet let them follow the counsell of the Holy Ghost who exhorts them to prepare against all evills Seeing it is so that I will come against thee Amos 4.12 c. therefore saiâ—h he prepare to mâ—eâ— thy God O Israel So I say because God hath so many severall sorts of judgements that none knowes how or when he will come against them therefore let them prepare to meet him and be alwayes ready that at what time or after what manner soever he doe come he may not finde them in security or unprepared this is that which our Saviour would have men to do when so often he exhorts them to watch if they do not watch he tells them Mat. 25.13 Rev. 3.3 That he will come as a thiefe and they shall not know what houre he will be upon them Thus he came upon the old world in Noahs dayes they were exhorted by Noah to prepare against the deluge every knock as one observes which he gave in making the Arke putâ—ing them in minde of it but they scorned to follow his counsell and so before ever they knew the flâ—ud came and swept them all away And the Lord saith that at such as will not take warning to prepare against his judgements he will laugh when destruction comes upon them he will be so farre from pitying them that the sight of their misery shall be pleasant unto him nay and not only so but he will mocke them as formerly they mocked his couâ—sels Pro. 1.26 when feare commeth upon them that they cannot escape and experience teacheth us that to be mocked at in the time of misery is grievous and yet more precious will the misery be when though they call upon the Lord he will not heare them Ver. 28. but turne his eare from them and refuse to answer and this he hath threatned wherefore then should any thing hinder us from carefull preparation against the Lords comming If the Souldier to keep himselfe from the hands of the enemy will watch and ward night and day and stand upon his guard c. how much more should we watch and prepare least misery comming upon us we be rejected
have every day a piece so greatly was he beloved of God that even when all the City was in want and he hated of all in the City yet was he provided for now these and the like examples of Gods kindnesse towards his people in such distresse may imbolden us to suffer with patience seeing God is the same he was and as carefull over his people as ever formerly and will assuredly relieve those that are in distresse if they doe but truly confide in him Suppose two men were to goe to prison or to such a place where they were sure to finde want of all things the one he knowes of a friend that will relieve him in necessity and therefore he with better heart and more comfort enters the undelightfull place the other he knowâ— of none that will at all help be his want never so extreem and therefore sorrowfully enters and with bitter griefe undergoes such unwelcome wants It is even thus with Gods people and ungodly men with men that have faith and unbeleeving persons those who trust in the Lord they feare not to heare of famine they know of a friend who will one way or other relieve them 1 King 17.6 the ravens shall feede them if men will not or cannot in prison they shall have bread when men that have liberty shall want pulse shall make them fat and faire Dan. 1.15 when others shall idye because they cannot undergoe hardnesse one handfull of meale shall hold out to preserve them when full barnes shall waste and be empty in a word 2 Kin. 17.14 Psal 34 1â— they know that God will provide for them and therefore they feare not but considently and constantly relye upon him On the contrary wicked and unbeleeving men in time of dearth know of no succour 2 King 6.27 if the Barne floore or the Wine-presse faile them they are at a stand they know not which way to turne themselves and so the very thought of famine terrifies them and to undergoe it seemes intolerable therefore I say let us put our confidence in God and consider what favour other of Gods servants have had in such distresses and let that worke in us an assurance of Gods favour towards us and then having that assurance we shall be ready to undergoe with patience this or the like calamity Againe if none of these forenamed judgements do molest us but that the Lord hath decreed that we shall be destroyed by Forraine Foes let us pray night and day to the Lord to keep them from us or led Captives from our own land to strange places 1 Pet. 1.11 c. to prepare to suffer this patiently os paroimois c. Vita nostra eleganter dicitur paroimia id est Peregrinatio nam Deus nobis hic Domicilium non habitandi sed commorandi de dit let us remember that we are but strangers and pilgrims here on earth we no continuing * Heb. 13.14 city here we are not now at home but even while here we live we are in a strange Countrey where onely for a while we must abide to endure afflictions that we may have algreater desire to be fetched home to that city above which is the mother of us all have we any more to doe then holy men before us have had and they counted the time which they spent upon earth but as a pilgrimage and themselves as strangers in the earth what assurance or title soever they had of or to what they did possesse therefore we are no more now to strangers all places are alike they can be as well content in one place as another Gen 47.7 12.10 Heb. 11.13 should it not then be so with us although we should be driven or carried away our God is in all places and to him we may have free accesse in all places seeing in every place those that lift up pure hearts and hands to God Sapiens ubicunque est perigrinatur are accepted his watchfull eye of providence lookes upon us in all places and he is ready to assist all that call upon him with necessaries therefore what need we care whither we be carried if God have so decreed that it shall be so for let us not doubt but he will provide for our safety even in greatest extremity Psal 90.1 let us not feare but he that gave Jeremiah favour in the sight of his enemies Jer. 40.4 so that in a time of generall captivity he had free liberty â—o goe whither he would and likewise Gen. 39.4 Dan. 2.48 caus'd Jeseph and Daniel to finde such favour in strange landâ— that they were advanced to places of trust and dignity and in the time of the greatest bondage blessed his people with all manner of blessings in a strange land Exod. 1.7 but the same God will provide for us likewise if we put our trust and confidence in him as they did for the Lord hath alwayes a speciall care over his servants chiefly in the time of dangers so that how ever it goe with the wicked it shall goe well with them To be briefe let us take the words speken to Ebedmelech as spoken to us and that may cause us stand firme against all approaching danger Jer. 39.16 17 18. But yet perhaps it may seem an hard thing to be borne with patience to many to see strangers enjoy their labours lands houses and what was theirs and they themselves either be as slaves to them or forced to fly for their owne safety or carried by force to places where there is no hope of safety This indeed may seeme hard to flesh and bloud therefore let all men as I before shewed endeavour to draw their love and delight from them and withall consider that of all we do possesse we are but tenants at will and shall we not be as well content to suffer the Lord to doe what he pleaseth with his as that our temporall Landlords should dispose of theirs as they please it is nothing to us to whom an owner of land lets or gives it why therefore should we repine at what the Lord doth The earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof he may therefore dispose of it as he pleaseth which thing seriously considered of should teach us to lay our hands upon our mouthes and not murmure though all we had we taken from us and given to others But againe if it should be so leâ— us consider to further and procure in us patience to endure it that we are not alone in such a condition but even the dearest of Gods children have been in the like Abraham Gen. 15.13 the Father of the faithfull had a Land promised to his seed for an inheritance but it was possessed by strangers foure hundred years before they enjoyed it nay in the most of that time they suffered hard and cruell bondage in Egypt David by the Lord was chosen King of Israel but he lived in exile
through Gods especiall favour towards us and the infaligable endeavours and unmatched valour of those against it that which so long had been an occasion of misery and mischiefe to the whole Countrey was surrendred and yeelded into the hands of our Commanders to be kept for the Countreys safety Since which time praised be God we have lived in comparison of our neighbours round about us in peace and tranquillity without the least feare of danger not being molested or troubled by unruly guests or affrighted by horrid Massachres nor disquieted in our houses by night or day not having our houses spoyled our corn destroyed our horses or cattle violently taken from us or molested with any other miseries that goe along with War but have all things so in peace as if it were generally proclaimed in our Kingdome And nor onely we enjoy this favour but now when in many places where the Sword hath played its part the plague of Pestilence followes consuming those the sword hath left wee still in these parts are freed from any contagious or infectious disease but enjoy freely our health wealth and liberty in a larger measure then any almost could expect in these troublesome times into which we are fallen All which favours we must acknowledge we receive from the Lord of his free mercy towards us and not for any amendment of life or humiliation that is seene in any of us more then our neighbours for truely I may speake it to our shame the corrections we have had have wrought very little humiliation in us for our formers * 2 Kings 13.3 4 5 6 7. Our câ—se is like theirs as they did so doe we wayes and now since his anger hath been removed we are turned againe to our old by as and have betaken our selves to our beds of security sleeping without feare in our sins putting the evill day far from us and resting our selves assured of peace by thinking no other miseries can come upon us any more quite forgetting to ascribe unto the Lord due thankfulnesse for his favours or to render unto him the praises due unto his Name Nay in stead of this we dare God even to his face again to punish us and even presume upon his favour dreaming of nor dreading any further evill that he hath to send against us I wish it were not thus with us but alas who is he though but halfe sighted in spiritual matters that sees not this and yet who is there that seeks a remedy Who would not be loath to feele the judgement of War againe upon us and yet who goes the right way to prevent it True it is indeed Isâ— 22.8 9 10.11 like the Jewes we prepare our weapons and build up our walls and uses all meanes that earnall policy can invent to save us but we never looke to doe what God commands hee calls for weeping and mourning baldnesse and girding with sackcloath But behold among us joy and gladnesse 12 13 killing oxen and slaying sheep c. Is this the way to enjoy peace Can we expect to have Gods favour shining upon us and doe thus Nay let us not deceive our selves this iniquity shall not be purged away till we dye if we thus hold on in our courses For what though no danger to our thinking is neere shall we therefore conclude that wee are free from danger as if God had no other judgements then those we have already felt or if he had not he is the same God he was and and therefore as able to bring them back again as he was at the first to bring them Oh Brethren let us take heed that wee perswade not our selves of peace and yet walke according to the imagination of our wicked hearts for then Gods wrath will flye out against us in a fearfull manner and the greater his favours have been towards us if we have not made good use of them the greater will his judgements be when they come And truely I say wee may justly feare that the Lord hath not yet done with us but that he hath a controversie still with us and one way or other will bring upon us some fearful jugdement Now therefore that security may not too far get into the hearts of men or other miseries or judgements come upon this Countrey before it have warning I have thought good to take a little paines to write and adventure to divulge this ensuing Treatise wherein you may see that the Lord hath more plagues then War to inflict upon rebellious and stubborne people and from that have laid downe many things which tend to stirre up men to repentance or to prepare against future Judgements To you deare Countrey-men I send it because first undertaken for your causes in hope that it may be to meanes to row seâ—up your dulnesse from that security which too much possesseth you It is not for any vain glorious end or to gaine applause in the world that I have writ it for there is no thing in it either for matter or manner that will relish with the worlds appetite But as I am assured in my selfe that I aâ—de at nothing more then Gods glory and you my Countrey-mens welfare so with more boldnesse doe I send it abroad as it is never doubting but that it will not onely finde friends but be kindly accepted of among honest-hearted and religious people for the censures or respects of Malignants wicked and godlesse men I regard not But if there shall be any who in stead of taking warning by this alarme sent abroad by me shall let loose their tongues against me to defame me with any manner of malicious idle or wicked speeches their words shall no further vex me then that they no more respect their owne safety in refusing warning because given by me for I have formerly taken notice of and yet doe see tempora et ingenia hominum ad invidiam proniora quam ad aequitatem and therefore have put on a resolution to undergoe what false imputations or slanders soever shall be raised of me without grieving or vexing my selfe for it But if this shall but work that for which I send it into the world it will rejoyce me exceedingly and cause me to thinke all my labour not onely well but happily bestowed and I shall be further incouraged to goe on in my Studies for the furtherance of my Countreys welfare Accept of it loving Countrey-men though not as a worke of eloquence and learning yet as a worke needfull as the case now stands with us and as a worke which in token of my good affection I dedicate unto you let it not I beseech you be in vaine unto you but as God hath hitherto graciously wrought for your deliverance from your enemies and hath been and is so favourable unto you that you enjoy such great tranquillity so likewise account it as a favour that now when security possesseth you he raises up still some to put you in minde of
watchfulnesse and endeavour to answer his expectation who lookes now to finde and have some fruit from you whom so carefully he hath not onely suffered to stand but even manur'd about If he finde none take heed what follows he hath more judgements then one and knowes how to make this part that now flourisheth an astonishment and by-word to all the earth But I doubt not but as God hath hitherto been mercifull unto us in sparing us so likewise he will open our eyes to behold our sinnes with repenting hearts for them and raise us up from security that still he may delight to dwell among us That he may be thus mercifull unto us shall be my daily prayer and to stirre men up thus to meet him shall be my constant endeavour leaving the successe to God W. M. From my Study in Skipsey February 16. 1645. To the Reader concerning the occasion of writing this Booke ONce did I thinke to have with-held my Pen From writing ought to be for publike view Because I see mens labours with disdaine Rejected are receiving not their due Yet must I write although not having hope Then other men to be rejected more But in meere love to all men to lie ope What danger still this Countrey hangeth o're It may be that my words will counted be As idle as some mens before me were And those perhaps that blinded doe not see Will for my love my harmlesse musings jeere But let them do 't if they but some men rowse I le blame them not although they stir not thosâ—â— I see ' cause God in mercy towards this part A while hath stay'd his hand remov'd the Sword And doth as yet the Pestilence divert Which now in many places flyes abroad And suffers us if we with them compare In many places for to live in peace To heare of onely not to feele the Warre Which totally upon the Land doth ceaze That we in stead of giving thankes to God For his removall of the Plagues away And for correcting us with easie rod When otheâ—s beare the burthen of the day Goe on in sinne grow carelesse and secure Forget the troubles which our neighbours ' dure In truth I see and cannot hold my tongue Oppressions mighty still on every side Those men the first in doing all men wrong In whom the power of righting doth reside Yea some there are who should our wrongs redresse Who heavie burthens daily on men throw And with injustide poore men doe oppresse And boldly doe worke mischiefe by a Law Under pretence of publike good the State Is rob'd by some to serve their private ends And open Foes our Cause doth not defeate So much as those who seeme to be our friends Which makes some feare that some among us are Who meane more falsly then they let appeare Nor they alone our Ministers who should Be as our guides and leaders even they To cleave to their old courses still are bold And so to Reformation stop the way Yea still they stand for Superstitious Rites And betwixt God and Antichrist doe halt And still cry up to blinde the peoples sight Those Orders that apparent are in fault Like the Ephesians they doe stand for still Their old Diana to increase their gaine The Altars and the Groves on every hill By Arguments they stiffly would maintaine And like that flattering * Amaziah Amos 7.10 Priest of Bethel make Betwixt the Prince and people great debate Nay some of those who would Reformers seeme And ' gainst men backward in the worke doe cry These either of themselves too highly deeme Or else continue still in vanity As covetous as ever they remaine As carelesse still for ought but their owne ends Striving those whom they hate for to defame Mens ruine wishing rather then amends Walking before men so disorderly That many take offences at their wayes Too much addict to singularity Gods glory seeking not so much as praise Too busie factious rending Churches peace Denying that to which themselves they prease What honest heart doth now not grieve to heare The strange confusions that are us among What base impostors still there doth appeare The Countrey truth and Gospell still to wrong How few there are now zealous for Gods Cause But still Lukewarme and carelesse how things goe How many are there who are great in showes Who meerly for themselves their paines bestow Who for the publike Cause doth purely sight But have their actions mixt with private ends Or who doth stand so for his Countreys right As to oppose those who its freedome rends All looke for gaine all doe themselves respect Gods glory and the Publike they neglect Nay and not onely so but men doe strive To vex us more new mischiefes they invent Themselves of Gods good favour they deprive And move him daily unto punishment Where is our mourning where 's humility What sins are yet repented of or left Who sees not pride oppression bribery With covetousnesse adultery and theft With prophanation of the Sabbath Day And still contemning of Gods Ordinance Seeking how one another may betray Their covetous desires to advance In every place sin still a bounds yet none Smites on his thigh or cryes what have I done Where are our dayes of Fasting when doe we One day among so many separate To seeke our God by true humility His plagues to turne away from Church and State When have we one Thankesgiving for this favour Of peace and plenty which we now enjoy Even in this time when as the Armies savour On every side our brethren do annoy We lie secure we nought respect this love Nor once acknowledge that it is from God We still within our wonted courses move Nor feares nor dreames of any future rod. We nought respect our brethrens miseries Nor pity take on their calamities For all our sins we still our selves perswade To live in peace without ' en danger more No threatning still doth make us once affraid Though we have found true what 's threatned heretofore Our confidence is in our Armies strong That they will from us keep all dangers cleare No plagues that may arise our selves among Or other dangers we no whit doe feare We thinke it is not possible that we In these our parts should suffer any way Because far from us now 's the Enemy Thus put we far from us the evill day And by our deep security doe dare The Lord againe to bring upon us War But doe we thinke thus to escape his wrath And live in sin without controll at all Thinke we it is not true the Scripture saith Which threatens wrath ' gainst men that thus doe fall Let us not thus deceive our selves our God Hath as much power still as he had before Thinke not fond people that he wants a rod To punish those who doe despise his power He still hath plagues in store though none we see His armory as yet not empty is Though now we doe enjoy tranquillity H'ath plagues to
Lord and that he only brought downe and subdued their enemies under them c. and yet they forget to acknowledge the Lords power and strength and to exâ—oll it and show it forth to all about c. such a people may justly expect other judgements then formerly they felt See Deut. 4.32 33 â—4 35 39 Againe he doth bring forth such strange plagues and such variety of c. that all the â—aâ—th may feare before him whose power is so mighty Eccles 3.14 that no creature is able to resist it For it is very usuall that when men after punishments be inflicted will not yet feare the glorious and fearefull Name Jehovah Deut. 28.58 59 ver 61. Lam. 1.12 See Ezek. 5. ver 5. to the end then the Lord will make the plagues of such people wonderfull even such as none before them ever felt and such as are not written in the Booke of the Law thus the Jewes were punished as the Lamenting Prophet complaines they felt that sorrow which none before them ever felt God punished them more severely then ever he did any before them their miseries were un-utterable and all this was because they feared not the Lord though formerly he had sent many judgements to call them to repentance such indignation he hath against those that no betteâ— take notice of his power to feare his great and excellent Name to humble themselves under his mighty hand and to tremble at his judgements when they are abroad in the world Now againe consider this and if you see any place or people who have heen corrected with heavy and sharpe afflictions and yet now that they are removed they feare not the Lord but goe as boldly on in their sins as formerly they did then may you conclude that he will againe be upon that people with more fearful and strange plagues then ever yet they felt And as he multiplieth plagues c. to cause men to fear before him so to beat downe the swelling pride of wicked Tyrants who vaunt and boast themselves of their strength and power against the Almighty Isa 37. ver 29. to 36. as did Senacharib with whom the Lord met after an unusuall manner and cut downe his pride at once to his shame if hee had not thus cut him short hee would have continued in his blasphemous opinion that the God of Israel could not deliver his people from his hand but I say to disappoint these proud boastings of his he brought downe his high lookes in a moment and sent him away without doing any harme to his people Morever he doth thus use variety of judgements and manner of workings to comfort his owne people who otherwayes because of many exigences they are brought into would not know which way to turne themselves to looke for safety for many times his Church and people are so beset about with enemies and cruell tyrants that there is not the least hope of deliverance left unto them to mans thinking but only that they trust in the Lord knowing that he is both able and knowes how to deliver them notwithstanding of all their foes In this distresse were the Israelites at the Red Sea which way to betake themselves they knew not to the sight of man there was no hope of safety for them Exod. 14.13 yet Moses who knew that God had more wayes then one to destroy their enemies and deliver them comforts them and bids them that they should not feare but that they should stand still and see the salvation of God For saith he The Lord shall fight for you Ver. 14. and you shall hold your peâ—ce And yet though he thus comforted them it is very likely that Moses himselfe at that instant knew not how the Lord would deliver them for while hee spake to them he cryed unto the Lord for deliverance Ver. 14. truâ—ting on his power for their safety and accordingly otherwayes then they expected God did shew forth his mighty poweâ— and destroyed their enemies with a judgement never before showne upon any people In such a case was Jehoshaphâ—â— when the children of Moah and Ammâ—n and others besides them raised an Army against him he was in such a condition that he had no might at all to withstand them all that he and his people could doe was to lift up their eyes to heaven weake strength to make resistance to such an army 2 Cro. 20.12 to any mans thinking knowing that the Lord was able and knew how to worke their deliverance though they knew not and so did God work for them and sent a Spirit of disâ—nity among their enemies whereby they destroyed one another 2 Chro. 20.23 24 25. and left no other service for them to perform then to gather the spoile so graciously working for their good by such meanes as they thought not of And not onely to comfort his people but to keep them in awfull reverence towards him for the dearest of Gods children would go neâ—r to forget him if he did not sometimes put them in minde of their duties by correcting them by sundry sorts of corrections Deut. 8.2 thus he dealt with the Israelites in the wildernesse they were afflicted with hunger and had no other bread but what the Lord gave them from Heaven Ver. 3. that they might know that man lived not by bread alone but by every word that proceeded out of the mouth of the Lord. Ver. 15. And hee led them through the by-pathes of the wildernesse into places where they knew not which way to take or whither to goe Ver. 16. and deprived them of water and affrighted them with fiery serpents c. and all this he did to humble them and to prove them and to keepe them in obedience to him who other wayes perhaps would have forgotten him and have attributed all to their own power and strength for this all men are prone to do and therefore doth he alwayes exercise them in afflictions that they may be ever more ready to under goe patiently what ever they shall endure and may in what state soever they bâ— learne to be content and that they may continâ—â—lly watch because they know not either in what houre or in what manner hee will send afflictions upon them Againe he uses variety of punishments that none may through any policy know which way to escape his hand man who is alwayes carefull to free himselfe from that whiâ—hiâ—e thinkes is troublesome See Gen 11.3 4 5 6 7 8 to this purpose invents many wayes and meanes to provide for his owne safety nature being alwayeâ— sâ—â—â—ions to preserve it self and therefore we see how to sedâ—â—â— themselves against the stratagems of War men have 〈◊〉 meanes whereby they remaine safe in the midst of â—angerâ— and sâ—â—e though the instruments of death surround them And likewise to â—ee themselves from infection by contagious diseases they have their cordiall preservatives pâ—esumes c. whâ—r by they
can walke without feare or danger where death cuts downe on every side of them so that I say If the Lord used not many sorts of plagues men would sâ—eke to hide themselves from him though they can never doâ— it or to devise meanes to keepe themselves from danger and so to escape punishment but the Lord prevents their escaping by his variety of punishments which he hath in store that they cannot â—ell how to prevent them because they know not how they will come or what they will be for all the policy or devises that any can devise cannot free them from Gods hand when he will punish seeing hee hath not some few but many and them so strange that none knowes how to shun them they can finde no evasion but hee will meet with them by one plague or other if by their doings they have provoked him Lastly we must know that God uses variety of judgements c. that so it may be knowne that he hath an hand in all judgements that are sent upon the earth for if sometimes strangeâ— and unusuall things were not heard or seene Isa 42.9 43.12 13. if the Lord did not punish sometimes after one manner sometimes after another men would â—â—lye the Lord and say it were not he that sends judgements abroad in the world but they wâ—hâ—d ascribe it to Faâ—e Fortune c as if the Lord had forsaken the earth and suffered all things to run at randome without disposing or guiding or if no destruction came upon the enemies of his people but by chance or that he were impotent and could doe nothing but as iâ— happened according to the course of times c. Thus the Syrians thought for they would not beleeve that the God of Israel could doe any thing for his peoples safety in any place but on the hills 1 Kin. 20.23 they thought if they got the Israelites into the valleys there they should have them out of Gods protection or power Ver. 28. and there they should vanquish them not considering that their former overthrows was from and by the Lord and therefore to let them know their destruction was from him hee show'd himselfe as well a God in the valleys as on the hills and delivered all that multitude into the hands of his people And as the Syrians were thus incredulous or heedlesse that judgements came or were sent from God and therefore stood need to bee awakened so are many even as yet in the same disease and therefore the Lord sends such judgements and plagues sometimes that all men may know that no plagues can come from or by any but from and by his command and shewes by the variety that is in the world that he alone is he that creates evill and hath his armory stor'd with all sorts of punishments that he will at any time use CHAP. III. â—eeing the Lord hath many sorts of Judgements men ought to examine their estates how they stand before God whether they 〈◊〉 expect peace or dangers A discoâ—â—ty of many sâ—mâ—es in these parts found out by a slâ—â—â—â—â— examination YOu have heard now the Lord is stor'd with variety of Judgements either to inflict upon his enemies or to comfort this peoples or to deliveâ— them from dangers or the Tyranny of the wicked It behoves us therefore all in these and all oâ—heâ— pâ—â—ts that are by Gods especiall favour in some good measure freed from the misery of War to examinie our estaâ—es that we may know what we may expect from the Lord wheâ—her againe more plagues to punish us or a further freedome from troubles For to being us into a sure and certaine knowledge of this we are to take notice of what was delivered in the precedent Chapter which hath showne why and when the Lord uses variety of judgâ—ments against a people and if by examination we finde our selves in some reasonable measure to have answered Gods expectation by taking warning by former judgements and aâ—cribing the glory power and Majesty the unto him and in feaâ—ing his greatnesse accordingly as he desires and submiâ—â—ing our selves under his mighty hand with reverence and humility not stubbornely exalting our selves against his judgements but thankfully imbracing what he shall send we may then hope that our God will no more reiterate his judgements upon us but in time more perfect this happy begun worke of our enjoying of peace and that we shall be a selected peculiar people in whom he will â—ake delight and who shal be as a brand pluckt from the fiâ—e or as a remnant whom he will save to declare the dangers from which we have been delivered to all the world to his praise But if on the contrary by due and unpartiall examination we find that as yet Gods former corrections have not wrought those effects fore mentioned in us but we that still remaine presumptuous stiffe necked c. then we may have cause to feare that though the feare of Warre be removed from us yet it is but to make us more unexcusable before God but that still we shall have sent upon us other punishments that we little as yet feare or dreame of Now therefore let it not be offensive to any if I a little examine our estate and by searching our doings show what we may expect And in very truth when I look over our people and see what security carelesnesse and presumption possesseth them how they blesse themselves in their iniquity and put far from them â—he evill day it causes me to feare that us yet there is not wrought that humility or reformation in any among us as God requires in those whom he will establish in peace For as yet for ought I can perceive the fearfull name of the Lord is not feared among us as it ought to be nor his mighty power and strength feared as it ought to be if they were the judgements that our brethren now suffer should as much make us â—fraid as though wee our selves did beate them the Lion hath roared who can but fear or who is there but should feare Amos 3.8 yet hee roares but who doth feare the voyce of the Lord was so fearfull to Adâ—â— that when he had sinned when he call'd he hid himselfe Gen. 3.10 and for shame durst not appear for he was affraid because he was naked When the Lord descended downe upon Mount Sinai though it were for their good yeâ— his dreadfull Majesty made them so affraid that they neither durst approach nigh unto him nor heare him yet the Lord Exod. 20.18 19. as I said hath roared among us and hath call'd upon us by his terrible voyce of War and not onely so but descended downe in judgements upon us and by fearfull and terrible sights hath spoken unto us to prove us that wee may feare before him and not sin â—ound yet for all this we feare not not come in humility trembling before our God or show that we have any desire that
us I know againe Objection what men possest by security will object viz. That there is no appearance of evill towards us one way or other therefore what need we feare Now I would have all men Answer such men especially to confider how void of understanding they are to thinke that because no plagues are in sight therefore God hath none in store we cannot see into Gods armory what is within it or if we could we neither know nor can know how he will bestow them and therefore how can wee thinke our selves secure especially seeing most commonly when men thinke themselves furthest from danger then it is neerest at hand Gen. 19.23 That very morning that Sodome and Gomorrah were destroyed the Sunne shone cleare upon them But grant there be no danger apparent nor feare of any nor likelihood of fear yet have we forgotten that the Lord can create evill Raro antecedentem scelestum deseruit pede poena claudo Hor. lib. 3. Od. 2. Ioh. 23.14 15 even send such plagues as never before were heard of and this is certaine sin seldome goes unpunished even on earth one way or other though perhaps Gods punishments are not perceived by many there are who are sicke of Gods wrath and yet know not so much for as he calls many times upon men when they little take notice of it so likewise doth he punish and that severely and fearefully when they little * Isa 47.11 know it or take notice of it for he doth not alwayes punish alike or openly not alwayes generally but sometimes partieularly as a Towne in a Countrey a Family in a Towne or a person in a Family and them perhaps with judgements not apparent to all men but with more private though fierce enough as with terrour of conscience with inward vexation of minde c. and these inward plagues are the fearfullest of all Pro. 18.14 and the most troublesome For the spirit of a man will sustaine his infirmities but a wound spirit who can beare saith Solomon it is far more troublesome then any corporall punishment that can be inflicted because Impii poenas luunt non tam judiciis quam augore conscientiae fraudisque cruciatâ—â— Cic. sev p. 127 a spotlesse conscience is a faithfull comforter in time of distresse having on its side a witnesse clearing the party before him before whom alone he stands guilty that however he appeare to man yet to God before whose tribunall all must appeare he is accounted not as an enemy but as a sonne one acceptable in the sight of the Judge and so by the enjoyment of patience not feeling that fiercenesse in temporall afflictions that others do which are not so provided Sua quenquo fraus suus error maxime vexat suum quenque seelus agitat aamentiaque afficit suae malae cogitationes conscientiaque animi maxime torrent hae sunt impiis assiduae domesticaeque furiae quae dies notesque poâ—nes a sceleratissimis repetunt Externa ista omnia leviter nec in longum nos tangunt interna sunt quae angunt Just lipsi dae Constant lib. 2. cap. 14 when on the contrary if conscience accuse of sinne and misdemeanours committed against the supernall Judge it is not onely an accuser but a judge and a condemning judge which condemination pronounced in that inward judicature worketh and produceth horrours and feares past beliefe of any but the woefull sufferers in such torments for the curing of which maladies no remedies can be applied all outward and temporall comforts being but as fuell heap'd on to the end to asswage the fury of a fierce fire which rather will encrease the flame for from the greater enjoyment of earthly comforts conscience in its unpartiall judgement takes a further occasion to condemne aggravating the condemnation and consequently the horrour by how much the neglect hath been of doing well by the helps of these comforts which at any time they have enjoyed by which meanes no joy can extirpate that inward griefe no comfort dispell that sorrow no carelesnesse expell that call nor no temporall blessing exceede that plague in so much that many have accounted it to be the next a kin and the nearest by comparison to the torments of Hell yea some have not sticked to say that it alone was Hell such a fearfull plague is this internall feare and terrour of conscience which God layes upon many which is not seen or perceived outwardly to other men I cannot so largely speake of this as I would but if God spare me life and grant me leasure it may be I may henceforth upon some other occasion handle it more at large But to our matter againe we must likewise know that as the Lord thus secretly punisheth from the worlds view so sometimes as I partly touched before when the party punished regards not Deus justissimo judicio punit peccata Peccatis Piscator in Rom. 1. Ob. 25. and that is fearfull for his case is more dangerous thus it falls out when God punisheth sin by sin small sins by greater as in justice he oft doth when men will not be reclaimed from their evill wayes by any meanes as neither by chastisements nor favours then gives he them up to their owne hearts lusts even to drinke up iniquity as a fish doth drinke up water to heap up by that meanes wrath against the day of wrath and so to run themselves into such deep pits of despaire that they cannot returne thus fast binding themselves in the snare of Satan hiding themselves in the puddle of sin further from Gods favour every day more then other and yet thorow the delight which long custome in sinning breeds in them they plague themselves willingly and thinke they can enjoy no greater happinesse when as God knoweth their case is not onely dangerous but their misery great the plague upon them as destructive to them as all the plagues sent by God were to Egypt and they the more to be accounted miserable and plagued because they know not themselves to be so from such a plague the Lord deliver us for it is observed that a greater or more fearfull threatning cannot be pronounced then when the Lord saith He that is unjust let him be unjust still and he that is filthy let him be filthy still Rev. 22.11 For when God leaves him what can man doe if he prevent him not into what courses will he run Oh therefore let us beware least we so highly provoke the Lord Hosca 9.12 as to cause him to say so unto us or cause him to give us over to such sins as to make his sore displeasure to arise against us to our destruction Let us repent betime of our ignorance infidelity contempt of Gods Word uncharitablenesse towards ouâ— brethren dis-unities and contentions pride drunkennesse gluttony prophanation of the Sabbath halting betwixt two opinions inconstancy in Religion Lukewarmnesse Superstitious observations of Dayes Meats c least God
places visited to other places free as if God could not as well send plagues to those places to which they flee for refuge as to them from which they departed but yet thus will men drowned in security flatter themselves with hope of immunity from dangers against all likelihood for if the judgements of War Pestilence c. be sent upon any place for sin as without question they are when one place is smitten another may tremble seeing it is in the same fault and knowes not how soone it may be in the same condition and the flying of men from a place visited to any other as yet free may be a meanes to lessen the punishment of the place in distresse and bring is upon the place that was free Tâ—cium in pectore isto circum feras fontem fomi temque tui mali Iust lipsi de Constan lib. 1. cap. 2. Iob. 34.21 22 seeing sin is removed from one place to another by the removing of such and so Gods wrath and vengeance will follow them as Joab followed Sheba into what place soever they enter for be sure their sinne that is punishment due to sin shall finde them out Cain cannot fly from his tormenting conscience no more can any marked out to destruction escape whithersoever they enter or betake themselves The mountaines cannot cover them nor the bottome of the sea hide them from those plagues that God hath appointed therefore whither should they fly But what if they doe fly Doth it not often befall such as if they should fly from a lion and a beare should meet them Amos 5.19 or goe into a house for safety and a serpent should bite them Yea God threatens such things against those who provide no otherwayes to suffer then by flight Isa 30.7 15 16. He cryes to all men that their strength is to sit still and that in returning and rest they shall bee saved but men by their action say no But we will flee upon horses and ride upon the swift therefore saith God shall ye flee and those that pursue you shall be swift one thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one c. An example of this we have in Zedichiah Jer. 38.17 who could not be perswaded to abide in Jerusalem to abide there what God had appointed for him to suffer but he would escape and flee away from danger and so he thought he should be safe but that his flight was his utter overthrow for while he thought to escape he run himselfe into dangers that he could not avoyde and farre worse then that he should have undergone if he had submitted himselfe into the hands of the Caldeans Ier. 39.4 5 6 Thus it befalls many men even at this instant in this our Kingdome they flee from one judgement Mors fugacem persequitur virum Hor. li 3. od 2. and meete with other more grievous how many are there who flying from the feare of War into other places there feele the misery of War in the oxtreamest manner and how many flying the Countrey into strong Holds are there in distresse and misery by famine or pestilence or some other disease from which they cannot escape finding true by experience that which was threatned against wicked people that while they escape from one misery another should take hold on them which seeing by woefull experience I say many feele let all that reads this be as wise as learne to get courage to stand in affliction without flying away from that which they can have small hope to escape and the rather because they heare of and see Gods judgements so various and withall so terrible that when they may thinke themselves safest then they may be in greatest danger Againe let such consider from whom they seek to hide themselves it is from the Lord now who can fly from his presence Psal 24.1 The earth is the Lords and the fulnesse thereof it cannot hide them at the command of him the sea shall cast up and deliver her dead in it therefore they cannot be safe in a word The Lord fills heaven and earth where then is roome for any to remaine from his presence Ier. 23.24 or from his judgements seeing he hath as is before said in eve-very place some thing to arrest them and bâ—ing them before him But if by flying such could save themselves from all trouble and outward affliction yet in so doing they provide the worst for themselves for the Wiseman that had experience of all estates and conditions saith It is better to be in the house of mourning Eccles 7 2. then in the house of laughter It is better to suffer affliction then otherwayes for many times great dangers come unto the soule by continuall pleasures Tribulatio prodest animae prosperitus vero spiritum bonum exâ—â—â—guit Stella de contem mundi lib. 2. ca. 31 and much good by affliction for while men stay encompassed about by calamities it causes them to looke up towards heaven for aid and assistance of the Almighty and strengthens in them their faith patience and other graces yea and teacheth them love brotherly kindnesse and pity towards their brethren and chaseth out of their thoughts all desire of pleasure or â—oâ—ght in sinning and workes in them care to please God 〈◊〉 to offend him c. in a word Ne fugias infirmitates tâ—ibulationes quae conducunt ad salutem animae admitte adversitates si modo velis sanari Stella de contem mundi li. 2 ca. 23 it is not to be expressed what good afflictions or staying where afflictions are may work unto men when on the contrary when men are escapeâ—â— as they thinke from danger 〈◊〉 manner of evill 〈◊〉 in upon them and so are they plâ—â—ged in the depth of pleasures that it is hard for them ever to escape out again for most commonly such forget all love pity or fellow-feeling of their brethren â—â—lamities which in time dangerously hardens their heaâ—â— and workes in them by little and little a contempt of their brethren in distresse and by and by such an high conceit of their owne happinesse that they are rocked asleep in the cradle of sâ—cusity untill they become sencelesse of their sâ—â—ules danger to their everlasting destruction If these things were seriously pondered surely it could not chuse but worke in men a resolution to stand against all dangers and make them even rejoyce to be accounted worthy to suffer and to thinke themselves the most happy when in the worlds eyes they seeme to be most miserable Moreover in flying from Gods judgements they doe not onely rob themselves of that which is good but they show their folly in thinking themselves wiser then God he is the best physician both of soule and body and he sends afflictions to places no doubt but for their good seeing that all things worke together for good of those that fear him men in flying refuse that which God
4 5 6 7 8 9. yet the Lord threatned to set a plumbe line in the midst of them and then he would not passe by them any more so though there be some places which may escape this War I mean the miseries of it in the extreamest manner yet still let them feare for their sins retained a time will come when God will not passe by them any more What shall I say more let me beseech all in all places who as yet by Gods speciall favour towards them have not undergone these heavy burthens of sufferings which many of their brethren have suffered that they would consider the great kindnesse they thus long have enjoyed and endeavour to frame themselves to be unfainedly thankfull to the Lord for the same and strive to get themselves affected with a fellow-feeling of their brethrens calamities and miseries that with sorrow of heart they may grieve for them as their owne and with all manner of humble intercessions desire the Lord to remove his hand from these parts that are afflicted and still for his mercies sake divert and turne away the judgements that are on the Land from them that as hitherto they have so still they may enjoy his favour and if it shall please him to bring any other correction upon them that he would so stir them up to be prepared at all times that they may not murmur but take patiently all manner of afflictions and be made more ready to obey him calling upon them in what manner soever he speake unto them and withall while they enjoy this rest when their brethren are in troubles let them strive so to take warning by their sufferings that they doe what God calls for by afflictions the works of repentance and good works one towards another even so and as well as if they were afflicted this doing wil witnesse to themselves and the world that they are lowly and obedient children who tremble at the sight of the rod and therefore the Lord doth to them as in mercy he did to Iosiah for his tender-heartednesse even spare them that they may enjoy peace in their dayes the consideration of which may adde inward comfort to their outward tranquillity 2 Kiâ—g 22.18 19 20. and assure them that they are a peculiar people to the Lord. But on the contrary if this peace and immunity from punishments work in stead of repentance c. vaine security pride and an increase of evills and impieties they then may have cause to feare and all other may thinke without breach of charity that because they are suffered to have their swinge in pleasures and earthly contentments God hates them and that they are bastards and not sons Heb. 12.8 even men who are allotted to most fearfull punishments to their destruction I might goe on but so much shall suffice to have spoken concerning those who as yet have not suffered the miseries of this War Now to such as have by the strength of the Holds wherein they have remained been safe and free from those troubles which many of their brethren have undergone let this word of exhortation come and be acceptable beware of growing proud by your deliverance or to a cribe that to the instrument which is due to the Author think not because you were delivered that your strength preserved you but give glory to God and praise him for it was he that delivered you and likewise take heed you doe not againe provoke him to wrath for though you as yet have escaped though formerly your enemies durst not or could not meddle with you yet I say grow not secure for if he once send your foes against you though your holds seeme invincible Ezek. 28.8.9 yet will he deliver them and you both into your enemies hands if he but once say Sword goe against such a place it cannot be still untill it hath made it desolate therefore it is a dangerous thing to have God as an enemy to fight against a place for why he hath many wayes and meanes to bring down strong Fortifications yea the strongest that can be made Strong was the fort of Sion when it was held by the Jebusites against David they were so confident * Sam. 4.6 7 Willet ibid. Quest 6. takes that to be the meaning of the words of its strength that they thought the blinde the lame were sufficient to keep it against all Davids force for they thought David could not come thither yet notwithstanding of its strength it was delivered into Davids hands and the Lord tells the Inhabitants of Jerusalem which place while it was in prosperity all the Kings of the earth durst not looke at that though there should remain but wounded men of the Caldeans Army * Psal 48.5 6. Ier. 37.10 Isa 10.4 yet should they take it and burn it with fire so strong are weak armies sent and set a work by God against any place all the policy in the world cannot disappoint what God that is infinite in wisdome shall determine to be done upon a place for as many wayes as men have to build up so many and far more hath the Lord to pull downe Of mighty strength surely was populous No Nahum 3 8 9 that was scituate amongst the rivers that had the waters round about it whose Rampart was the sea and her walls was from the sea Ethiopia and Egypt was her strength and it was infinite c. Yet was she carried away Ver. 10. shee went into captivity her children were dashed in pieces at the tops of all the streets and they cast lots for her honourable men and all her great men were bound in chaines Now where among all those strong Holdâ— and Castles which hitherto have withstood the force of the enemy is there one stronger then populous No which you hear was thus destroyed why then should any place or people presume upon their strength or think they can feele no trouble because of it Alas you see there is no resistance where God will have his judgements to enter how strong soever your workes have been formerly if Gods wrath be against you they shall be but like Fig-trees with the first ripe figs Nahum 3.12 if they be shaken they shall even fall c. Observe the place even the strongest workes when the Lord shall shake them shall be but as ripe figs which the least touch causeth to fall downe moreover that none may put any confidence in men for their number or strength though Workes fall the Prophet tells them Ver. 13 14 15 c. That their people shall be as drunkenmen and as women and the gates shall be set wide open to their enemies and their bars shall be burned with fire Read the places in the Margent there you may see at large described how weak all strong holds are Obâ—d 3 4 5 6 c. Isa 26.5 6 27.10 to save men from the fierce anger of the Lord so that I say
oppressed because of Religion or not suffered to enjoy the liberty of our consciences or communion and fellowship with God in his publike Ordinances c. let us likewise know this is no new thing was not David so who by reason of the cruelty of his enemâ—es who by their actions did what they could to cause him serve other gods 1 Sum. 26.19 as he complaines was debarred from the Temple were not the Christians so who in the time of the before named Iulian were forbidden to use liberal Arts or Sciences to the end that they might be kept in ignorance Where not our Forefathers thus used by the Papists and were not we of late thus our selves therefore as God upheld and comforted them and us formerly and wrought graciously for them and us to deliver us both from such Tyranfly so still he will doe the same in due â—ime though againe we be brought into the like condition But yet further to comfort us in or against such tyrannicall exactions and oppressions let us know and with comfort consider Mat. 10 28. that the cruel lest oppressours can but at most kill the body our better part cannot not by them be touched But I have spoken of this before Lastly let us not feare but that God in his due time will ease us from oppression The red of the wicked shall not alwayes lye upon the backes of the godly Psal 125.3 Tyrants shall not alwayes oppresse and have their wills upon the people of God but to deliver them he will either raise up Saviours as he did in the time of the Judges or else he will take them away as he did Senacharib and such Tyrants as he or else change their hearts from hating to love his people let us not God hath many wayes and meanes to destroy his enemies and such is he pleas'd to account those who are enemies to his Church and people onely Let us waite on the Lord and we shall not be ashamed Isa 49.23 God never yet forsook those that put their trust in him nor ever were there any so oppressed by Tyrants at any time as that they found not comfort in the midst of their greatest sufferings Let these and the like considerations arme us patiently to endure all manner of afflictions and to this end let them not onely be read but put in practice that we may be fitted for fiery tryalls and sharper sufferings then as yet we have felt if it shall so please God to deale with us And yet know this that all we doe will be to no purpose except Gods blessings be upon our endeavours seeing therefore Iamer 1.17 preparation against and patience to endure afflictions are both Gods gifts let us aske them of him even desire him to measure unto us such a measure of his patience as wee may not murmure under afflictions but be willing to submit our wills to his will in all things whatever thus doing no doubt but we shall finde the Lord extending his mercy unto us either to keep judgements from us or else with them to strengthen us that we shall be as willing and able to undergoe afflictions as any other of Gods mercies and favours CHAP. X. The conclusion of the Booke with a short Exhortation to all sorts of men A short repetition of what hath been formerly spoken of I Have already showne now the the Lord hath a Chap. 1. variety of Judgements to inflict upon wicked and rebellious sinners and likewise why and when he useth b Chap. 2. them and that we as we now c Chap. 3. be have our selves are in that number for whom he hath them in store and therefore d Chap. 4. may expect without speedy repentance other Judgements but no constant peace or tranquillity and the rather e Chap. 5. because by many apparant signes there is some judgement emergent and ready to be cast downe upon us Then f Chap. 6. have I showne their folly and the weake ground they stand on who hope of safety by flying from places visited and then I have given g Chap. 7. particular warning to those places who either have not as yet folt the misery of war or thinke by reason of their strâ—ngth they cannot that they presume not or grow proud because God hath other Judgements besides war to bring down their state and glory and after that thus I have warned all men and places I h Chap. 8. exhort them to be prepared at all times and upon all occasions because they know neither the day nor the houre or in what Judgement the Lord will come and because none should have any excuse and to help those that are willing I have briefly showed how to be prepared i Chap. 9. against what dangers soever doe come Further I might have gone and inlarged the work a great deale more both in speaking more largely of what I have touched and in adding many things which very fitly might here have been spoken of but as my chiefest aime was to stir up men from security so my desire was to write that which I conceived might tend the most to that purpose and therefore purposely took liberty rather to stray from the rules of method then to leave undone what I desired therefore my desire is that the Readers would not so much respect the manner of writing as the matter contained in it for the matter is good and needfull to be considered though perhaps not so elegantly performed as might have been done by one of better paâ—s but however how much the matter here spoken of is needfull and may be usefull for the Readers so much respect let it finde although it may come faâ—re short of what may be expected from such a Subject All that I aime at and desire is that this may stir up all sorts of men to feare the Lords sacred Majesty who is so stored with variety of Judgements and therefore to conclude let me exhort all estates and degrees to stand in awe and sin not to kisse the Son least he be angry and so they perish from the right way to break off their sins by repentance and iniquity by mercy that there may be an healing of their errours and that Gods wrath may be taken away and no other misery be sent to worke desolation in the Kingdome for be they well assured that though this judgement of War under which the Land now groanes should be taken away yet while the same or such like abominations remaine for which formerly the Land was punished they cannot expect peace or freedome from all afflictions But more particularly First let me exhort all those who beare good will and affections towards the Parliaments Cause that they beware of pride security vaine glory and presumption because their Party prospers let them take heed of living in sin be it what it will and yet think themselves safe because their present foes goe to wrack for
with delight then shall even this mercy become one way or other a judgement unto them either by hardning their hearts to their destruction or by it to take away all occasion of excuse that so way may be made either to bring some other judgements upon them or else Warre againe in a more fearfull manner which God in his greaâ— mercy divert Amen AN ADDITION TO THE FAITHFULL SCOUT HAving long since finished the foregoing Treatise being hindred by some occasions from publishing of it then now since I brought it to the Presse it pleas'd God to dispose of our Affaires in these Northerne parts that Feares have taken hold of many that which I in the foregoing Treatise give warning of that in some sort seemes to be approaching Now therefore seeing I have begun to give warning although I have neither â—easure nor meanes to doe what I would and these actions were fitter Subjects for more learned pens yet I will say something to the Kingdom concerning these second Northerne Expeditions for though the eye of my judgement be but dim me thinkes to me they are as a Prospect-glasse whereby I see things as yet far off which have some reference not onely to this part but to the whole Kingdome and that concerning no meane matter but the welfare or woe of the Kingdom either an happy conclusion by a settled Peace or a bloudy confusion by a new waged War For my part as I never did so now I doe not much fear the Disloyalty of our Brethren but yet what God may do by them for the correction of us for sin I know not our abominations may so far incense him against us that he may make our dearest and most faithfull friends our deadly enemies and raise another Spirit of disunity among us and cause us to scourge one another untill we be destroyed one by another As to set Ephraim against Manasseh and Manasseh against Ephraim and they both against Judab untill a finall desolution overthrow us Isa 9.22 without recovery I know there are Jealousies and Feares in the Kingdome of our Brethren the Scots least they should revolt from that constancy which was supposed to be in them what I thinke concerning this matter I shall briefly declare and because I cannot expresse it better use the Words of one Writing upon the same Matter and these they are That If they be faithlesse Mr. Withers Vox Pacifica Cant. 2. pag. 57. and we shall be true God shal with shame vengeance send them home If we unfaithfully our Vowes pursue Possessors of out Land they shall become In spight of all our Policies and Power Here they shall settle whither they were set To doe the work of God who will take care For to requite the kindnesse we forget But if without hypocrisies and guiles We Brethren-like shall strengthen one another In setting up his Throne within these Isles By and in whom we seeme now knit together Both shall thereby that happinesse enjoy Which all the Powers on earth shall not destroy God hath been pleas'd to make way to bring in many blessings by their meanes to this Nation and likewise to correct many in these parts severely by them they being as a two-edged sword have cut both wayes destroying our enemies and correcting our friends if wee have but thankful hearts for the blessings we have received by them and with all take warning by those sufferings we have undergone by their being among us we need not feare bu all will be well that God will perfect the begun work and settle us in peace to our everlasting joy But on the contrary if wee either ascribe the honour due to God to them or murmure for those corrections which have been sent upon us or forget them and grow proud and secure now they are over we may by these doings greatly provoke the Lords wrath against us even perhaps to make them Instruments to consume at the least sharply to correct us We and they are entred into a Solemne League and Covenant binding our selves one to another as much as lies in us not onely to continue but to increase brotherly love and amity betwixt the Nations this Covenant is no triviall thing seeing it was taken so solemnely before the Lord of heaven and earth whom we call'd to witnesse with our hearts our reall intentions herein Let us take heede that in businesses of such weight we mocke not God beware least we breake it upon any pretence what ever for if it were contrary to Gods Word or needlesse why were we so bold as to attempt it if it were and be agreeable to the Word of God how dare we neglect it or how dare any thinke it a piece of piety not to take it as too many doe yet indeed better it is not to take it Eccles 5â—5 then not to make conscience of keeping it when it is taken as alas to our great shame and I feare woe at last many thousands have done among us which will be a strong provocation to move the Lord against us for the breach of this will be an aggravation to all our other sins for as much as we entred into this Covenant to the end to keep us from sin and yet notwithstanding of it continues in sin if we doe it without repentance we may justly expect God will raise up some as I said before perhaps those that are joyned in Covenant with us to revenge the dishonour done unto him by our mocking him for if we wilfully breake our Covenant why may not he justly breake the unity betwixt us Oh therefore if ever we desire to see the Kingdomes continue In a firme and irrefragable unity let us both repent unfainedly and that speedily of our breach of Covenant and likewise for the time to come endeavour to be more carefull and more zealous to keep it then heretofore we have been Me thinkes the bitter malicious and wicked taunts of our bloud-thirsty enemies should be sufficient to cause us to beware how we doe any thing which in the least manner may tend to breake this unity doe we not yet see how by the occasion onely of these supposed feares which scarcely can be said to be reall jealousies they seem to gather heart and in a scoffing manner can say See now the trustinesse of your Brethren in whom you put so much confidences c. Oh! what cause of rejoycing would it be to the enemies of the Truth to see the knot of amity broken betwixt us how ardently they long after it what base wicked and untrue slanders are raised if it be possible to effect it the Divell all his instruments bestir themselves to bring it to passe it is now their maine designe yea of both the open enemy and the secret Papist and Schismatick for if the unity hold they know there is small hope for them to prevaile there is no better way to keep it undissolvable then to keep our selves close to God by walking in the
and scorned by the Lord our God And the rather we ought to doe so because we are so continually warned there is not one day wherein we hear not of some affliction oâ— misery which in one place or other our brethren doe suffer all which are as so many exhortations to stir us up to duty of preparation shall God give us so many warnings and shall we still be carelesse shall he let us see so many objects of his fierce wrath and shall we not feare shall the lion roare â—ound about us and yet we not tremble shall he let us see how hardly afflictions goe with other places for want of due preparation and shall not we prepare let us beware of this otherwayes our miseries shall be greater and so harder to bee borne then ever hitherto by any have beene suffered For alwayes it is ordinary not to pity those who might have prevented by their owne industry what through their negligence comes upon them so for us who have time to fly unto the Lord before the flouds of great water encompasse us if we do not in the time of affliction what pity can we expect therefore that our neighbours round about us may not have cause to laugh at our folly let us prepare to meet our God either by repentance to prevent or else by patience to endure what it shall please him to inflict upon us this will not onely be usefull and great comfort to our selves but pleasant to God and exemplary to our neighbours to stir them up to doe the like and likewise of great joy to the people of God and our brethren who will rejoyce to see us with patience undergoe the Lords afflictions thus rejoyced the Apostle Paul that the Hebrewes could with such patience under goe the spoyling of their goods Heb. 10.34 c and this would be of excceding great comfort to all those whose eyes are now upon us to see how vve vvould behave our selves in afflictions and let us the rather remember to doe this because there is no hope of escaping when once the flouds of afflictions doe encompasse us God will not be entreated to spare us after the time of mercy be once over and we shall finde patience if not formerly sought for hard to obtaine in the midst of misery let this therefore stir us up to prepare if nothing else will that we may with Eli say It is the Lord let him due what seemeth him good and vvith patient Job though the Lord kill us yet will we trust in him that come vvhat vvill nothing may be able to separate us from God but that vve may cleave close to him in the midst of affliction and make a sanctified uâ—e of all his corrections to our comfort in this and the world to come CHAP. IX How to prepare against particular affliction as Warre Pestilence c. to undeâ—gâ—e them patiently WHat afflictions the Lord may lay upon us we know not no how soone we know not therefore as I have before said it stands us in hand to prepare our selves for all conditions and because perhaps some would and cannot others can and will not to instruct the one and leave the other without excuse I will breifly lay down how and after what manner men may prepare themselves for all estates and conditions whatever And first to undergo patiently the burthen and misery of warre which for ought we know the Lord may againe bring upon us It is necessary that we repent us of and forsake all our sins which formely have Insium et tenaâ—em propositi virum non civium ardor prava jubentium nâ—n vultus instantis tyranai mâ—â—â—e quatit sâ—lidâ—â— c. Hâ—râ— lib. 3. Od. 3. or againe may provoke the Lords wrath against us and alwayes remember that this must be a principall generall rule in preparing against all other afflictions that so though our enemies should rise in a tumult against us yet they may not be aided against us by the Lord as set a worke by him to punish and destroy us but onely fatherly to chastice us and we being reconciled unto God through Christ haveing that inward peace of conscience may by such corrections be rather made better then worse for an outward war is never grievous to a man that hath inward peace as long as men are reconciled to God and at peace with him an earthly enemy may hardly entreat them but cannot utterly dismay them for they fear not them that can but onely kill the body but him that can cast both soule and body into hell So I say if we doe but truely repent what afflictions soever come they will not be as punishments to take * Psa 1 19.12 vengeance on us for sin but as fatherly chastisements to warn us from sin which will not seem intolerable and hard but light and easie to be borne and instead of making us murmure against God we shall say with holy * There is in afflictions vindicta divina castigatio paterua Vindicta divina est poena qua Deus ulciscetur peccata improborum eos destruet Castigatio paterna est poena qun Deus electos proprer peccata corripit ut cos ad resipiscentiam excitat corrigat cautiores tardioresque ad peccandum in postâ—rum reddat utquesiceos â—rudiat ne cum hoc mundo condemnentur Afflictions to the godly are not timoriai but paideiai not Revengements but Inftructions Polan Sintag lib. 6. cap. 4. pag. 340. col 2. Calvin Instit lib. 3. cap. 4. Sect. 31 32.33 34. Where you may reade of this at large David It is good for us that we have been afflicted when on the contrary the judgement of Warre comming upon men in their sins and so at enmity with God will be a heavy judgment and so will cause them to fret and repine and murmure against God to the further hardning of their hearts to their destruction for they are so farre from being amended by afflictions or taking any profit by them that rather by such beginnings they are prepared for hell which at length abideth for them saith Master * Instit lib. 3. cap. 4. sect 32. Calvin Secondly if men will be prepared against War c. let them get themselves disingaged from earthly pleasures profits c. for while their hearts are set upon such things they never can without a great deale of grief and inward trouble think of the comming of such times wherein they must loose them all a man with patience will never undergoe any hardship as long as he hath any way to free himselfe from it nor can one ever thinke of affliction as long as he hath all delights about him and to such as have placed their delights in temporall transitory things will the besome of destruction which sweeps all away seeme trouble some Isa 14.23 how hard would it goe with a man whose delight is in wealth and worldly riches to have them before