cost and charge and use of means, she was no∣thing bettered, but rather grew worse, Mar. 5. 25, 26. so under Gods Judgements it is with most wicked men, in respect of their spiritual state, they are nothing bettered, but rather grow worse. And this appears,
First, Because in time of Judgment they are not separated from their dross▪ Ezek. 24.13. In thy fil∣thiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee (i. e. God used purging Judgments) and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. God hath been purging our houses, but many have not been purging their hearts, but retain their heart-filthiness stil, and their life-wickedness stil: If God in Judgement say to such, You shall not be purged; their case is irrecoverably miserable.
Secondly, Because they are not more serious in Religion than they were before; either they omit it wholly as before, or are as dull and formal as they were before.
Thirdly, Because they are not brought nearer unto God, but are rather removed (were it pos∣sible) at a further distance from God than be∣fore. And the Reasons of this are,
- 1. Because, When Gods hand is lifted up, they will not see, Isa. 26.11. they look more to se∣cond Causes than to God.
- 2. Because they search not after the sins that provoked God to so great indignation.
- 3. Because, if they do see their drunkenness and whoredoms, and Sabbath-breaking, yet they will not be humbled for them, nor forsake them.